Some random political discourse after studying too much political econs...
I cannot help but feel energized and excited about the upcoming Singapore election. Never mind that I do not get a chance to vote; I’m perfectly fine not to wake up at 7am to go to a polling station. What interests me is the current debate and salvo fired among the incumbent and the opposition parties. So far, I am quite impressed with WP’s Ms Slyvia Lim’s speech that was printed in the Sunday Times and the manner in which she dealt with the media. This stark against the fact that none of the new PAP members had made any impressive remarks or made any intelligent discourse thus far. But aiyah… She wants to run in Aljunied GRC… Got Mr George Yeo leh…
Though issues such as security, terrorism, future competitiveness are important issues to the nation’s well-being in the coming years, there are some issues closer to my heart at this very moment (yes, starting to feel like a serious entry).
Firstly, the status of education in Singapore. The syllabuses are in a mess as educators try to tinkle with what to teach, how to teach and when to teach certain topics. It does not help when syllabus changed so frequently and the kids have to adapt constantly to the changes. SAT? A hot examination in the past but almost non-existent now. There are tremendous pressures on the kids to get into “good” schools right from the start because the probability of them succeeding in life is viewed to be higher. They will go on to 6 yrs direct A-levels intake, then to university and a good life. What about those that did not go to a “good” school? Say good luck to them and hope that things turn out well for them? (I was from a neighborhood school) I would think that the removal of the “good” tag is important. Pool all the better teachers together and distribute them evenly to all the schools. If all the good teachers are attracted to teach in a “good” school, of course it will create an elitist environment.
Secondly, the cost of medical healthcare in Singapore. The older folks are not as financially savvy as most of us when they are in their youth. Investment planning? What is that? Equity-linked funds? They would rather cook more bowls of noodles to feed their children. The medical cost that they are facing is tremendous. Because of relatively shallow pocket, the older folks tend to congregate at the cheaper wards and I can tell you it’s a sad and heart wrenching sight to see 6 old folks in an open air ward that is connected to other wards with 6 old folks each. Ok this might be getting personal: My grandma was warded and had a pacer placed near her heart due to weak heart beats. When I visited her some time back, she gave me the feeling that she is just sitting there waiting to die. She kept telling me in hokkien: “Go home eat la. Po Po (grandma) old liao. Nothing to see. Waiting to die only”. Haiz… Anyway, why is it that no one is bringing up the issue of healthcare costs? Why is it no one is questioning the conduciveness of the wards in aiding recovery? Why no one is questioning why is there no actions taken to alleviate the long waiting hours at polyclinics (I waited for 6 hours to change the dressing on my fractured ankle)? Why no hospitals in the West (other than NUH)? Is it because the west side always walkover?
Vent finish liao. Back to studying how rubber industry affected South East Asia in the past. Talk about relevancy of syllabus.
Though issues such as security, terrorism, future competitiveness are important issues to the nation’s well-being in the coming years, there are some issues closer to my heart at this very moment (yes, starting to feel like a serious entry).
Firstly, the status of education in Singapore. The syllabuses are in a mess as educators try to tinkle with what to teach, how to teach and when to teach certain topics. It does not help when syllabus changed so frequently and the kids have to adapt constantly to the changes. SAT? A hot examination in the past but almost non-existent now. There are tremendous pressures on the kids to get into “good” schools right from the start because the probability of them succeeding in life is viewed to be higher. They will go on to 6 yrs direct A-levels intake, then to university and a good life. What about those that did not go to a “good” school? Say good luck to them and hope that things turn out well for them? (I was from a neighborhood school) I would think that the removal of the “good” tag is important. Pool all the better teachers together and distribute them evenly to all the schools. If all the good teachers are attracted to teach in a “good” school, of course it will create an elitist environment.
Secondly, the cost of medical healthcare in Singapore. The older folks are not as financially savvy as most of us when they are in their youth. Investment planning? What is that? Equity-linked funds? They would rather cook more bowls of noodles to feed their children. The medical cost that they are facing is tremendous. Because of relatively shallow pocket, the older folks tend to congregate at the cheaper wards and I can tell you it’s a sad and heart wrenching sight to see 6 old folks in an open air ward that is connected to other wards with 6 old folks each. Ok this might be getting personal: My grandma was warded and had a pacer placed near her heart due to weak heart beats. When I visited her some time back, she gave me the feeling that she is just sitting there waiting to die. She kept telling me in hokkien: “Go home eat la. Po Po (grandma) old liao. Nothing to see. Waiting to die only”. Haiz… Anyway, why is it that no one is bringing up the issue of healthcare costs? Why is it no one is questioning the conduciveness of the wards in aiding recovery? Why no one is questioning why is there no actions taken to alleviate the long waiting hours at polyclinics (I waited for 6 hours to change the dressing on my fractured ankle)? Why no hospitals in the West (other than NUH)? Is it because the west side always walkover?
Vent finish liao. Back to studying how rubber industry affected South East Asia in the past. Talk about relevancy of syllabus.