E-learn assignments

Artical 1

The COE price had grown so high that it can cost more than a car. Families are greatly affeccted if they plan to buy a car or upgrade the one they own. However the high price does not indicate that the market is on hold. The COE pricing system work on bidding. It means many people wanted to buy a new car buy the allowence for the month is fixed, so they have to bid to be able to buy a car.
Although the price maybe high for the moment but the number of the cars sold remains the same. With this I shall say that the economy is recovering and more people want to a car. However the price of the COE will not fall to normal so quickly as people who can not affort current month's COE price will wait til the next month and bid again and hope they have lesser competitors to bid with.
The COE price will fall back but will not be so quickly until all those biders gotten their car. Overall I shall say COE is a great tool by the Government to control the number of new cars on the road and give Singapore an efficient traffic system.

Artical 2

1. Keeping gang violence at bay

There are more and more gang-related case coming up these days and it catches over attention why is this happening. Singaporeans are now involved in citizens-on-patrol programmes and youth-engagement programmes. However I think this is not good enough as many of the gang members were teanagers who supposed to be schooling at their ages. So I think more educational attention to them in year 2011 is the key to reduce gang viloence cases. Schools should educate their students more on not to involved in gangs and how to avoid such cases.

2. Overcrowding train woes to be eased.

All developing and developed cities face the same problem - traffic. Singapore can not avoid it either. The train system is a great convenience to Singaporeans but the overcrowding problem has spoil the experiance. This problems can be easily solved by having more MRT lines to all people travel stright to where they want to than all going to the same interchange and crowd the train. The transit company can also upgrade their trains to computer control than human driving it. This will increase the efficiency of the train to make less error and delay the passengers and make the train crowded.

3. Orchard road floods.

The climate change has affected us directly by having more rainfalls and flood our Orchard road. Redesigning the drain system is has too much work to be done and we can not afford it. However floods in Orchard road may not be too much rainfall that the drain system can not handle but the lack of efficiency of the system. many drains were blocked by waste trashes and tree branches and leafs. By cleaning the them regularly from the drain I believe the system in Orchard road can still do the job.

4. More babies and weddings expected.

The economy is recovering and the Government's policy to ask people to hav more children is working. New couples now can affort more babies as they are making more money. This is a good news for the Government as it is putting the aging population problem in relax. However it means the Government have to work extra hard to maintain the current situation or one day we will face the aging populaiton problem again.



Done by: Yang Xin Yu

Article 1.

In my opinion, i feel that with the help of High Certificates Of Entitlement (COE), this helps singapore roads to be less clustered with cars and also helps with the traffic. Singapore has been producing too many cars, hence resulting in heavy traffics in our small island. The number of cars are too many such that the roads in singapore seems to be smaller. The roads are now more prominent to traffic jams due to the immense number of cars on the roads now a days. Having a high COE results in lesser people purchasing cars, hence allowing the ease of the roads because less cars are purchased. Accidents are also less prone than if there are no high COE. As having a low COE would cause more people to purchase cards, hence allowing more cars on the road which are more prone in causing accidents. Having more cars on road also means contributing more poisonous gases to the ozone layer and causing global warming. Although having High COE may be a bad thing to most of the people who wants to buy a car, but to me, i think it is a blessing in disguise.

Article 2.

1. Keeping gang violence at bay.

Singapore has been a very dangerous these days due to the numerous number of slashing case. Where did the once safe and green environment Singapore went to? This may due to the lack of supervision of the police around the neighborhood. Hope that 2011 will be better year than 2010 where its a year that no one will want to remember due to a very serious slashing case of daren ng which bought a lot of grieve to a lot of people.

2. Overcrowding train woes to be eased.

Overcrowding trains have cause singaporeans to be more aggressive, as there are more videos uploaded on youtube showing how singaporeans scold each other on public transport. Overcrowded transportation may cause people to be more annoyed with each other due to the consistence of annoyance of pushing and touching inadvertently. So lets hope that 2011 will be a better year with more frequent arrival of public transports to ease the overcrowding.

3. Orchard road floods.

In the year of 2010 there are many floods that took place in orchard road due to the immense frequent pouring of rain. However, measure are taken and platforms are made higher to prevent flooding. 2011 seems to be a better start as no floods have been reported around orchard road although it has been raining for days already.

4. More babies and weddings expected.

2011 year seems to be an auspicious year for many chinese. Many weddings are babies are expected and this is something good happening in this year. This can help in aging population and also, these babies are nurtured to contribute more to the country in the future. Hence i think it is a good omen for this start of 2011.

JERANNE LOW JIAYING.

E-learn assignment

Article 1 - Rising COE price led to car purchases on hold

From the article, high and rising COE price has led to car purchases on hold. People are in a dilemma if they should get a new car. With this high COE price, people are reluctant to purchase a new car for this period of time untill the price drops. Because of the poor economic, people scrimp and save, but with this implement of high COE price, it has disrupted most people's plans of getting a new car. Thus, potential buyers might think twice of buying a new car now.

Quoted from the article, "Car prices are currently cheaper than COE prices, so fewer people would be inclined to buy brand-new cars."

Who would want to buy a brand new car if car prices are cheaper than COE price. Most people would rather stick to using their old cars than to get a new one obviously!

Hence in conclusion, I feel that it is a wise choice to wait till COE price drops to get a new car.

**************************

ARTICLE 2 -Look forward to 2011

Let's embrace 2011! And welcome it with a smile. Based on this article, the government is making an effort in relieving some problems that are happening to our soceity and our world today. But it also everyone's effort to make it a better world. Let me choose the 4 most important factor that I think we should focus on out of the 10 that are mentioned in the article.

1. KEEPING GANG VIOLENCE AT BAY
With regards to the uprising recent news of gang members slashing cases, the government is making an effort to put a stop to all this. More residents are now involved in citizens-on-patrol programmes, and youth-engagement programmes have raised awareness among residents in Housing Board estates. But citizens like us should also do a part. We can help to lookout for any gang activities that are happening around in our neighbourhood area and also avoid ourselves from becoming a victim of them.

2. OVERCROWDED TRAIN WOES TO BE EASED
Many people has been complaining about the overcrowded trains and are not very pleased with it. The government have tried to relieve this problem by contructing 22 new trains to ease the long waiting time of train and also construct new mrt lines over the next few years. In this case, time can be saved. There's a saying: Time equals money. Hence, it should be a really great implemention imposed.

3.ONE MEDICAL RECORD TO LINK ALL
With this medical record, it will give healthcare providers islandwide access to a common database, including patients' demographic data, allergies and X-ray reports, which will enable doctors to make better diagnoses. It will definitely be a great advantage for citizens like us as patients can also look forward to cash savings as duplicate and unnecessary tests can be done away with.

4.ORCHARD ROAD FLOODS
Flooding at orchard road. Sounds familiar to you? Floods can be damaging to roads and buildings and will also cause business to be disrupted. To alleviate this problem, the government has recently spent $200,000 to install a 19-panel pop-up barrier at the building to prevent further flood damage and also invested in a $26 million project. Although we can't control flood as it is a natural disaster, we can only wait for the project to be completed to prevent floods.

In conclusion, with all these implemention and policy to be made in 2011, I believe it will be a better year than the past.

-TRICIA.

E-learning week

ARTICLE NO.1

With the high Certificates of Entitlement (COE) prices from last month, many potential buyers have to put on hold their plans on getting a new car. Wonder what's the current COE price (for cars >1600cc)?? It reached a peak of $72,001 last month. As of now, the COE is still unknown whether it has dipped or still going further.

In fact, with such high COEs today, makes me wonder even more about how much a car would be in 10 years to come. Which is, probably how long I'll take to earn enough to buy a car. That is, if the prices of the cars are good, and COE is reasonable.

Talking about cars and COEs, I know nuts about them. However I just know recently that you get a car not because you can afford it, but its also because of the COE issued to you. Its no wonder why potential car buyers are hesitating over the purchase of a car. I guess if I'm one of them, I'd just get a 2nd-hand car.

Less hassle, less money spent on COE.

~

ARTICLE NO.2

In a new year, there had to be new resolutions to fulfill and new plans to be made. Mentioned in the article are 10 key issues that will be or attempted to be addressed. As such, I'd like to talk about some of the key issues mentioned in the article - More babies and weddings expected, Keeping gang violence at bay, Orchard Road floods, Dependence on Foreign workers to be moderated, and lastly Overcrowded Train Woes to be eased.

1. More Babies and Weddings Expected
"Singapore is experiencing aging population". That will be a thing of the past, already. Year of the rabbit, and already there is a strond demand for ballrooms, gowns and flowers. Also mentioned is that more babies is expected as the year of the Tiger is coming to an end this early Febuary. This is definitely good news to all of us, as we may no longer face the risk of having aging population - the older population > the younger population.

2. Keeping Gang Violence at Bay
I wonder if 2010 is just a starting point for gangs, as recent gang incident cases are increasing. With more innocent by-standers being slashed, and people getting slashed over "staring incidents". I seriously wonder when will such people grow up, and realise that whatever they are doing now is ruining their future, and thoroughly childish. However, since its a key issue (as mentioned) to be addressed in the year 2011, I'm sure the government will do a good job in keeping gang violence to the minimal. At least, I hope.

3. Orchard Road Floods
Whenever it rains heavily, most of my friends would say "Oh, Orchard Road is going to flood again!". Would this continue, or would it be a thing of the past? Of course, being the "town" of Singapore, people would still frequent Orchard Road. However, they may also stop visiting Orchard Road and settle for some neighbourhood malls instead.

Its a relief to hear that "a $26-million flood-alleviation project, which began in late November last year, is slated to be completed by the second quarter of the year", which will, hopefully, help to improve the flooding situation so people will feel safe while shopping or talking a walk in Orchard Road.

4. Dependence on Foreign Workers to be Moderated
Since years ago, foreign workers started flooding Singapore. Of course, they are here to earn a living, just like us. Its of no doubt that they have contributed to many aspects in the growing of Singapore. The building of new structures, the washing of toilets, and the clearing of dishes in coffeeshops. However its pretty scary when your own country, which is so "small" that it already has trouble commodating all its citizens, already have 5.08 million people, out of which 1.31 million are non citizen nor permanent residents.

With their existence, Singaporeans faces tougher competition when interviewing / applying for jobs. These foreign workers will most probably be hired due to their cheap labour. I have always heard that companies would employ a foreign worker for cheaper salary, so save cost as inflation starts to hit us once again. However I would like to comment on the efficiency. I am also working, part-time. I face foreign workers half the time and most of the time I only noticed 10 Singaoreans, out of maybe 50 people working. Isn't this pathetic? What's even worse is that they DO NOT have any better efficiency. I fully support this issue to be addressed.

5. Overcrowded Train Woes to be Eased
Have you ever waited for 5 trains to pass, before you are able to "forcefully" get into the train on the 6th attempt? I did, and it was a horrible experience. I was at the Dhoby Ghaut station and was heading to Novena to get to TTSH. However, it took me more than 30 minutes to reach my destination, instead of the expected 15 mins ride. What's even worse is that I witnessed how a small build lady trying to squeeze her way out of the train, then through the crowd, only to be pushed back into the train by the crowd going INTO the train. I guess, Singaporeans will always be easily-recognised.

It always irritates me whenever I wanted to get out of the train and before the doors even open, the people outside the doors already crowd in front of the door. What I usually do is that I would stand in front of them, purposely blocking their way in, while I let others out of the train before getting myself out of the train too.

Its a good news hearing that "22 new trains will be added to the North-South and East-West rail networks". I really do not wish to experience the waiting of 6 trains before being able to "forcefully" board the train. Singaporeans should start doing their own part by letting others OUT first before trying to board the train, instead of only knowing how to complain of the crowded trains.

- MELISSA

Caning not included

According to the article, wong, age 23 was caught in England a fortnight ago for downloading child pornography.

At a young age, he had already commited an offence for peeping in a primary school girl's toilet. It goes to shows that

he had not learnt from his lessons and instead he continue with his inmoral acts.

However his offences were not recorded in the school disciplinary records due to the school system.The principal believe

in giving them a second chance. In my opinion, I feel that the principal should be fair and square. He should "go by the law"

and punish them accordingly for their offences, depending on how serious the matter is. I believe that the character of a child

is nutured and "mould" since young. It will make a big impact on their life in future. If a person is to be scott free from

the mistakes they made, they will not think that they are in wrong and the possibiblity of them commiting the same mistakes in future

will be quite high. In this aticle, it is a case of peeping and downloading of pornography. But what if it is a case of robbery? raping? or even murdering?

The consequences would not just be caning, it can be as serious as a death penalty if the person is being convicted as a murderer.

This case is somehow similar to a case which happened recently in NYP. There's a Year 3 student from NYP who molested 4 girls in the pervious month.

He was found guilty and arrested. He should feel ashamed for doing such things and this defintely will affect the reputation of the school.

However, if we were not to condemn his mistakes, there will be more victims.Thus, I feel that some actions should be taken to guard against such crimes to happen again.

He shall be dealt with severely for the offences that he had committed.

Sometimes, not condemning one's mistakes is equal to harming them.

-TRICIA.

I refer to the article "Caning not included" on asiaone.com. The article is about the sensational story of an ex Singaporean scholar being caught in England for downloading child pornography and how his stint in his teenage years, where he was caught for peeping in a primary girl's school toilet and was caned, was omitted from the MOE's disciplinary system.

Personally I believe that the school has done no wrong. Educators have said before that they would usually cane the student and leave the incident unrecorded and this is understandable, educators will think twice before listing offences in the MOE's tracking system, as this would result in the pupil being blacklisted by the MOE for life, thus this option is only reserved for problem students or very serious offences.

In his teenage years, Jonathan Wong has been described as a soft spoken student with exceptionally good grades with no prior discipline problems. In this context, it is no surprise that the teachers decided to punish him by public caning and omitt the offence from the disciplinary tracking system as they believed that he was a pupil with much potential, he would learn from his mistakes and they didn't want to any of his future prospects in life due to what seemed like a minor lapse of judgement at that time. Perhaps they could have sent the student to counselling following the caning, to monitor his behaviour and prevent such a problem from reoccuring inthe future

Thierry

Hidden offences of peeping tom.

Its such a shame that someone who has a scholarship actually has such weird quirks. And these quirks eventually lead him to losing his scholarship, and being known to us, Singaporeans, that he is not only a peeping tom, but he's also someone who watches child pornography.

It has only been said that Jonathan Wong's offence (peeping in a primary school girl's toilet) committed 8 yeras ago, was not recorded in the disciplinary tracking system as it was only in 2005 that Ministry Of Education (MOE) made it compulsory for primary and secondary schools to disclose all discipline records.
I felt that MOE should bear a bit of responsibility for such an error because disciplinary records should all be recorded for future references and not giving second chances just because "His teachers thought that Wong had overcome his errant behaviour after professional help". Such thoughts ended up having a scholarship wasted and bringing slight disgrace to us, Singaporeans.