— E.E. Cummings
Goodbye for now
comment?
comment?
Wednesday, 16 April 2014 @ 01:12
As we are
approaching the end of the semester, I would like to take some time to reflect
on my journey with Mr Gareth in this module, ES1102. Through the 10 weeks of
classes we have learned about the different forms of Grammar to help us with
our globalization essay.
I feel that
the essay has given me a gauge of the improvements that I have made throughout
the semester. After completing the essay, consultations were held individually
for every student so that we could receive feedback to correct our essays. This
is an excellent way to facilitate our learning as it helps us to identify,
understand and rectify the mistakes that we have made. Unlike the past when my
secondary school English teachers would only focus on comprehension techniques
and provide little feedback on essay writing, Mr Gareth makes the effort to
facilitate guided learning.
Personally,
I enjoy how Mr Gareth would point out our mistakes and relate them to the
Singapore context so that it is easily understood and remembered. An example
would be using the word “her” instead of “it” to describe Singapore in the
globalization essay. Mistakes like these are common and are being made subconsciously
as our culture practices the use of them from a young age.
However,
after realizing the common mistakes that I tend to make in my essays, I have
become more aware of them when I write. On top of that, I feel that these
mistakes can be avoided if more time were allocated for drafting, writing and
editing/proof reading the essay. Having said
so, I will keep these important pointers that I have learned in mind and apply
them during the final examination, as well as in future essay writing
assignments. To conclude, this journey
had been a fruitful and beneficial one for me.
[EDITED] The end time is near.
comment?
comment?
Tuesday, 11 March 2014 @ 16:21
Globalization
and technological advancements has said to bring a newly integrated future to
the human population. However globalization might serve only the greater good
as not all may benefit equally. In his TED talk, Goldin (2009) mentioned that
it is crucial to highlight this danger and to realize the plausible ways to
mitigate this global trend. The
epitome of globalization is reflected through the collapse in biodiversity,
climate change, financial crises and inequality (Goldin, 2009). Of these,
Inequality is a global trend which is reflected in various ways across
countries and regions. It has caused a great divide between the haves, the
have-nots and everyone in between. This major effect of globalization has its
impact around the world, and its implications on economics, politics, society
and culture (Stiglitz, 2013).
An
analysis of inequality in today’s world revealed that people are being divided
along the line of social justice and economic performance (Stiglitz, 2013). In
order to cope with the widening gap, countries like Singapore have introduced
measures prioritizing social and economic equity. While democratic countries
such as the Nordic countries, have also proof the possibilities of achieving
growth with equality.
As
mentioned, there are many possible contributing factors causing inequality.
Income disparity amongst people is a problem that is widely faced across
borders. Inequality has risen in the industrialized world, causing the incomes
of skilled workers to rise rapidly as opposed to lowly-skilled labor. While
technological revolutions emphasize automation and an accelerated production
process (Braeuninger, 2008). Hence, upward mobility is crucial to ones’
survival. In order to break this
self-sustaining cycle of inequality, Stiglitz introduced the Singapore model
that all countries could learn from (2013). These measures were targeted at
individuals to be independent and responsible for their needs. Therefore, the
government mandated social welfare accounts for individuals to contribute to.
This ensures that their education, health care, housing and retirement benefits
are being managed.
Furthermore,
to ensure a balance between the rich and the poor, the distribution of pretax
income was altered to meet the needs of the underprivileged. Large emphasis is
placed on providing citizens with adequate education so that the nation will be
able to advance. With these measures implemented, Singapore has become one of
Asia’s economic “tigers” (Stiglitz, 2013). Singapore has achieved rapid growth
from the day of its independence, surpassing many of its counterparts.
Singapore’s growth is 5.5 times faster since 1980 when compared to superpowers
such as the United States (Stiglitz, 2013). The successes of the measures are also
reflected in the extended life expectancy rate of the nation. However, this is
made possible in a country like Singapore as it practices authoritarianism.
Hence, it is being critiqued for imposing limitations on civil liberties and
harsh criminal penalties, and having insufficient multiparty competition and a
judiciary that is not fully independent (Stiglitz, 2013). Therefore, to
continue its successes, Singapore should recognize these flaws to achieve an
open democratic society where greater equality of opportunity is present. As
every country has its unique measures to cope with inequality, the Singapore
model is one of the few which would contribute to great success if implemented
with the right methods.
Democracy
is important in promoting economic growth and greater equality. The Nordic
countries have shown an excellent example of how an open democratic system can
contribute to an impressive achievement of growth with equity. Despite adopting
slightly differing measures, each has successfully achieved the goal of
maintaining equality in their country. Based on the United Nations Development
Program’s inequality-adjusted Human Development Index, the Northern European
countries stand towards the top in contrast to the United States which is
ranked 16 (Stiglitz, 2013). Although
economic forces are global, democracy in this case has proved that it is the
driving factor behind these global economic trends. The Nordic countries have adopted
a political system where the voice of ordinary citizens is fairly represented,
where political traditions reinforce openness and transparency, where money
does not dominate political decision-making and government activities are
transparent (Stiglitz, 2013). Hence, its success is attributed to a
strong democratic society where political decisions are not profit driven. On
the other hand, countries with higher levels of economic inequality therefore
yield a higher level of political inequality. The way governments rule their
nations will be reflected in their values and impact the kinds of measures that
they implement for their citizens.
In conclusion, inequality is a persistent issue that arises from globalization. Its impact transcends nations which has result in a great divide between the rich and the poor for many generations. People are being divided economically and socially. As these effects are detrimental and will be brought to the future, it is crucial to be aware and to implement measures to mitigate them. Many countries have proved the possibilities of maintaining a balance between growth and equality. However, these successes are attributed to a broad economic model which cultivates individuals to provide for themselves and to adopt an open democracy where political decisions are not profit driven. Hence, in this rapid globalizing age, the future of our world depends largely on governmental policies and its citizens.
In conclusion, inequality is a persistent issue that arises from globalization. Its impact transcends nations which has result in a great divide between the rich and the poor for many generations. People are being divided economically and socially. As these effects are detrimental and will be brought to the future, it is crucial to be aware and to implement measures to mitigate them. Many countries have proved the possibilities of maintaining a balance between growth and equality. However, these successes are attributed to a broad economic model which cultivates individuals to provide for themselves and to adopt an open democracy where political decisions are not profit driven. Hence, in this rapid globalizing age, the future of our world depends largely on governmental policies and its citizens.
______________________________________________________________________
Braeuninger, D. (2008, February). Has globalisation deepened inequality? Retrieved from
http://yaleglobal.yale.edu/content/has-globalization-deepened-inequality
Stiglitz, J. E, (2013). Singapore’s Lessons for an Unequal America. Retrieved from
Braeuninger, D. (2008, February). Has globalisation deepened inequality? Retrieved from
http://yaleglobal.yale.edu/content/has-globalization-deepened-inequality
Goldin,
I. (2009, July). Navigating our global future [Video file]. Retrieved from
http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/en/ian_goldin_navigating_our_global_future.htmlStiglitz, J. E, (2013). Singapore’s Lessons for an Unequal America. Retrieved from
Malaysia Oh Malaysia..
comment?
comment?
Thursday, 13 February 2014 @ 15:49
In De Lotbinière’s article, Malaysia drops English language teaching, the ideas presented by the author focus on the differing views of abandoning PPSMI as it was under-achieving its desired objectives. However, contrary to Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s pro nationalistic ideas, English is undoubtedly the global language in communication and the business world. Therefore, Malaysia falls behind their South-east Asian competitors as they have failed to recognise the importance of mastering English. Furthermore, the sudden conversion of classes to be taught in English without a strong foundation is a recipe for disaster. Lotbinière presented a strong perspective against the dropping of the curriculum and highlights the essence of learning English in his article.
De Lotbinière reports about the decision to abandon PPSMI due to the negative outcomes reflected in students’ under-achievements in the national exams. With Bahasa Malay being the dominant language, critics feared that the PPSMI threatened students’ grasp of their own language and culture. This is precisely the reason it failed as the narrow mindedness of the nationalists did not consider the economic benefits that would give them a global edge.
Furthermore, the failure to integrate English due to the lack of competent teachers has floundered students’ understanding and motivation to master the language. Therefore, should this not be addressed, the chain effect between teachers and students would be detrimental to future generations of students. As Khoo Kay Kim, emeritus professor at the University of Malaya’s history department commented, “the education system requires very competent teachers”. However, qualified teachers are only part of the equation which must be coupled with the students’ desire to learn and achieve success.
On the other hand, the proposed solution mentioned in the article is simply a means to an end of keeping English in the curriculum. By doing so, they are side lining the importance of mastering the language which takes them back to where they began. Perhaps, the success of Singapore’s multi-lingual society is arguably what Malaysia can model upon.
Building up the right education system would take years to achieve. However, Malaysia would be able to emerge successfully from their counterparts by embracing English to their education system. Hence, they will have to start adopting measures to keep up with the ever-changing world or face a high risk of being left behind.
Pam mae Saesneg yn bwysig?
comment?
comment?
Sunday, 9 February 2014 @ 22:43
Just like what is stated in the title, why is English important?
To me, the use of English is widely seen across the world. In Singapore, it is compulsory for everyone to learn two languages, English and our own mother tongue. Our education stresses the importance of being able to speak, write and use English to communicate with others effectively.
The schools in Singapore practice the use of English as a primary language to teach students. Hence having a good command of writing and speaking the language would definitely give one an edge.
Personally, being able to write in English is important as writing essays at the university level is very common. Students are required to write essays which able to reflect their critical thinking during examinations, assignments and group projects.
Furthermore, as a communication student I aspire to work in the advertising industry when I graduate. Therefore, English writing will come in handy for me especially for copy writing and pitching. Hence, I look forward to applying everything that I have practised to good use.
A couple of things to note
comment?
comment?
@ 22:22
Hey there!
I am Joleen and I graduated from Temasek Polytechnic with a diploma in Marketing.
I have two older siblings named Benjamin and Samantha (who are non-identical twins).
In my free time I would practice the piano (actually this part isn't ture, I've never played the piano, but I hope to one day) with my sister. My sister is currently studying in Singapore Management University (SMU) and here I am at National University of Singapore (NUS) majoring in Communications and New Media.
Coming back to my interests, I am also interested in martial arts. I used to represent my school and compete in Judo competitions. This is a really short and sweet introduction of myself and it has been nice introducing myself to you (:
