NUS Modules
The LSM modules seems ok so far. I had a lot more time to actually read up the notes before and after lectures, and as a result I feel more confident. But then I won't know until the first CA results are out.
I am glad I dropped NM1101E for ACC1002X. I find financial accounting interesting and a useful tool which would help one make better financial decisions.
SSS1207 slightly disappointed me. LSM1103 was a much better and interesting module to take to gain exposure to biodiversity. I suspect this is because the large class size for SSS makes it hard for the lecturers to customize the experience and plan field trips.
NUS Condom Saga
https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/condoms-be-back-shelves-nus-pharmacy
This saga started when after a post on
NUS confessions informing that the Utown guardian stall sells condom, seems to trigger the NUS administration to order Guardian to withdraw them from sales. Before Guardian, there is no sales of condom on campus anywhere.
Yes premarital sex should be discouraged, but premarital sex in itself is nothing wrong if consensual. The problem is unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease. But like it or not, no amount of education will change everyone's mind, and there is also the need to respect individual freedom. It is an open secret, sex happens on campus anyway. So what's the prudent thing to do? At least make the tools to enable safe sex available. If we wish to reduce unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease, banning condom is simply not the way to go. I am glad that NUS have since clarified that it does not ban condom sales on campus, but nevertheless discourage premarital sex.
Population White Paper
Yes, our country is facing aging population, just as many other nations do. Yes, this is a real challenge but i disagree with the solutions proposed.
Discontent 1:
When the initial 6.9million figure was released, and an uproar ensued, the government quickly clarified that 6.9 is a planning hypothetical figure, not a target, and even amended the motion. And I think that some have rightly called out on the government on it."What do you mean by planning figure? You mean the government has no control on the population increase? (our current population growth comes from immigration, which is controlled!) And.. if the government has no intention of allowing a population of 6.9, then isn't this white paper a wasteful paper exercise?"
Discontent 2:
The white paper inaccurately and insultingly classified nurses, and a few other profession as low-skilled. But to its credit, a minister apologized and later corrected the footnote.
Discontent 3:
the argument that we should not discriminate against New Singaporeans, and that since Singapore started out with an immigrant society what's the big fuss with more immigrants? There is a false dichotomy here: we are either a globalized and open country that liberally allows immigration, or a xenophobic closed and isolated hermit country. I agree having a some immigration keeps our society vibrant, and I appreciate the cultural, expertise and ideas exchange that takes place. However, I really think the current levels of immigration is already stretching our ability to integrate them, and for them to integrate with us. Every 1 in 2 is simply too much! Having a scoring and quota system to select new citizens would also help allay concerns about it's transparency.
Discontent 4:
The best way to help our lower income citizen is to raise overall GDP. Unfortunately, if the increase in GDP has to be brought about by immigration, doesn't that further depress their job and pay prospects?
Discontent 5:
Our economy will grind to a halt, restructuring our economy will be painful, jobs will be lost, MNCs will leave us. Precisely! that's why deal with it now! Immigration doesn't solve the problem, because immigrants will one day age too!
Discontent 6:
Land reclamation, use up more reserve land, build higher and smaller flats. Environmental degradation, no more
Chek Jawa, higher population density, less free space.
Discontent 7:
Strategies to address low birth rate is not discussed much, instead used as a justification for more immigration. Immigration is at best a stop gap measure, but if even the existing immigrants have low birth rates, there will always a be a need to further have more immigrants. Making the citizens unhappy only makes the decision to emigrate easier.
Discontent 8:
A drastic change in immigration policy will affect our standing and reputation, and coupled with improving economy in our potential immigrant's home country, less and less of them will be willing to immigrate. When we eventually decide to re-allow immigration, there may not be many of them available anymore. Precisely! That makes immigration as a solution even more unsustainable isn't it? Eventually, we wouldn't be able to simply import new immigrants too.
Bright side: In my opinion, there's a bright side to this entire episode though. This policy discussion really really shaken a lot of otherwise apathetic Singaporeans. Even my classmates and family members who have previously sworn off involvement and to not talk about politics, found it necessary to read up and follow up on the discussions. There really is much at stake, and too important to ignore.
We can agree to not talk about politics.
But politicians will still have to talk about you and your future... so you better at least know what they are talking about.
