Thursday 30 April 2015

[Today] Are ‘race-blind’ Gurkhas still needed to quell upheavals?

In “S’poreans should show support for Nepal” (April 27), the writer stated that the Gurkhas in the Singapore Police Force remain “part of the nation’s formula to ensure harmony” and that they were “‘blind’ to racial divisions” during the 1964 riots.
While their well-documented professionalism is not in doubt, I wonder if the writer, in alluding to the Gurkhas’ continued importance, thinks a Singaporean-only uniformed group may have difficulties putting aside racial allegiances should similar incidents arise.
As a 50-year-old nation, we have come a long way on the back of our Pledge — in particular, “regardless of race, language or religion”.
Recently, public intellectuals have even discussed whether racial classifications remain necessary in a Singapore where individuals have multiple identities and meritocracy is valued.
With our well-developed police and military to stand guard over “one united people”, we should do some soul-searching on whether we must still rely on objective foreigners to quell any possible upheavals.

[Today] Looking up to someone can help youth cope with issues

The fact that children know that death is inevitable makes some of them think it is the easiest way out of problems. (“When kids think of suicide”; Talking Point)
Facing failure, especially in examinations, putting up with almost impossible expectations set by parents, being a victim of bullying or relationship break-ups are the few stress factors that may drive them to the idea of suicide. Most of the older generations understand that these are part of life, things we can overcome, but the young may not exactly take it that way.
I see a difference, however, with children who have idols they look up to, especially heroic figures such as their fathers or even Spiderman. Putting purpose in the minds of the younger generation may be a big step towards having them avoid ideas of suicide.
As cliched as it sounds, such children would be more motivated to stand up to their mistakes and to “heroically” solve their problems. They may not need a superhero, but the faith that they are meant to do something big in the future to drive them, even if failure hits.
Let us treat the younger generation in a way that shows we need them, include them in our daily lives and respect them by at least asking them how their day went. Communication and moral support between parents and children is vital in stopping this “problem” before it becomes a trend.
If all else fails, helplines are something we should look into without hesitation.

[Today] We should identify issues of LGBT youths cautiously

As a counsellor with more than a decade of experience helping LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) youth too, I thank Mr Bryan Kwa for advocating support for them (“LGBT youth at higher risk of suicide, more support needed”; April 29).
I do find from experience that they face a higher risk of depression, leading to suicide ideation. Several times, I have intervened in crises by calling the ambulance, meeting the individual and even speaking to authority figures.
I must, however, caution against assuming that the solution is to push for the cause of all alternative sexual identities. For example, the assumptions that a youth’s sexual insecurity is immutable and affirming him with an alternative sexual identity will definitely help, and that an alternative lifestyle is the only and best option for LGBT individuals, can be challenged.
Many LGBT individuals have found options other than what Mr Kwa proposed, and they are living fulfilling lives. The root of our disagreement about how to help might lie in how we make sense of what the problem really is.
Counsellors are trained to analyse the root problem and, in general, while there could be different triggers, many LGBT individuals’ emotional difficulties seem to stem from insecurities they have about themselves.
The solution would then be to promote the acceptance of these sexual identities as mainstream, along with their accompanying lifestyles, to the point where society conforms to this perspective to ensure that all discrimination, or even negative opinions, ceases. This, however, turns the victim into the bully. Two wrongs do not make a right.
The other perspective is more conventional. It believes that if one’s self-identity is broken, in the way a person’s self-esteem is wounded, then the solution is to help restore the individual’s esteem in his identity.
This solution includes accepting the person wherever he is at, supporting him emotionally, protecting him in his environment but not victimising others in the process, and encouraging him when he is ready to take steps to restore his confidence in who he is.
It does not mean the goal is to change an individual’s sexual orientation. Rather, it agrees that there are fundamental social-emotional issues affecting individuals attracted to the same sex, which, if dealt with, would lower their incidence rate of suicide.

[Today] Stable family is foundation for suicide prevention

I refer to the letter “LGBT youth at higher risk of suicide, more support needed” (April 29).
The Ministry of Education (MOE), in a parliamentary reply in October, stated that youth suicides “often occur due to a combination of reasons”, including family problems, relationship difficulties, difficulties in coping with challenges and mental health issues.
The MOE emphasised that each school has a referral system that facilitates early and systematic identification of students with difficulties.
Teachers look out for changes in students’ behaviour and provide the first line of intervention to assist students with more immediate concerns. Students are urged to be supportive of one another and to encourage their friends to seek help from a trusted adult when they encounter difficulties.
Cases requiring further support are referred to school counsellors and the Institute of Mental Health’s community mental health teams for assessment and further intervention.
Samaritans of Singapore (SOS), a secular non-profit organisation that provides 24-hour confidential emotional support to people who have difficulty coping during a crisis, who are thinking of suicide or affected by suicide, is the only suicide prevention centre here.
It said last year that depression, issues relating to family ties and boy-girl relationship issues were the top three problems faced by youth below 30 years old, who comprised 24 per cent of all suicides in 2013 (“Rise in proportion of youth committing suicide”; July 31).
Suicidal youth pointed to family relationships as the most common problem leading to intense distress and suicidal thoughts.
Counsellors from the SOS and other organisations pointed out the importance of effective communication and understanding among family members in building a stable family structure that empowers youth to cope positively with the stressors of life.
Youth suicides, like any form of suicide, affect the community, in particular the youths’ families and friends. This serious issue cannot be attributed to one particular factor. Let us not sensationalise it or use it as propaganda for any agenda.
Suicide is an indicator that stresses the need to find out the root causes of distress. A stable family structure is the foundation we can work on towards suicide prevention.

[Today] Gaffe by LGBT activists to attack pastor, IKEA

I refer to the letter “Important to respect variety in viewpoints and perceptions” (April 28).
It is ironic to talk about the importance of respecting such variety, yet attack pastor Lawrence Khong for his traditional pro-family values.
IKEA’s decision to continue promoting his magic performance is not an endorsement of the magician’s social and religious views.
While Mr Khong has occasionally affirmed the mainstream belief that homosexual practices run counter to his faith and the laws of nature, he has called for restraint when dealing with issues involving the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) community.
Most Singaporeans are willing to embrace diversity, but there are limits. Rational adults possess the mental capacity to decide what is appropriate for our children.
Obviously, the gay rights movement seeks to normalise the homosexual lifestyle here. They refer to their annual event as Pink Dot, a play on Singapore’s nickname, Little Red Dot, make insidious calls for our schools’ sex education programme to regard homosexual practices as normal, and try to impose their lifestyle on others in the name of tolerance and freedom to love.
In this regard, they made a gaffe when talking about diversity. It was IKEA that supported gay theatre director Ivan Heng’s production Public Enemy. Surely, the Swedish store cannot be accused of homophobia or refusing to embrace inclusiveness.
Gays can lead their lives and enjoy their homosexual-themed plays, bars and clubs as well as public and Web discussions. Their freedom can hardly be considered severely curbed.
Despite Pink Dot’s claim to advocate inclusivity and celebrate diversity, what is evident is the emotional outbursts, generalisations about so-called mainstream support and a propensity to condemn the views of the pro-family lobby.
The “heavy-handed belligerence” is coming from the LGBT community, who must realise that trying to undermine traditional family structures and values will do their cause no good.

[Today] Local football needs new direction

Recent developments in the local football scene have been alarming. The national team dropped to 162nd in the FIFA rankings and drew their recent match at home to 175th-ranked Guam.
This came after the ASEAN Football Federation Championship last year, in which we were eliminated at the group stage as hosts.
The Under-23 team, who will play in the coming South-east Asian Games, lost 3-1 at home last month to Cambodia’s U-22s. And our U-22 team finished third in the Asian Football Confederation U-23 Championship group qualifiers, behind China and Laos.
The situation seems to have reached a boiling point, and it appears there are three options going forward: Concentrate on the S-League alone; shut down the S-League and focus on three to four teams competing in regional competitions; or maintain the status quo.
The last option is almost equivalent to flogging a dead horse, hoping that younger players will somehow be unearthed to play in the S-League. While the second option is worth considering, it may limit opportunities for our players and thereby the talent pool.
Top Asian teams such as Japan, South Korea and Australia have successful local leagues and are able to draw their international players from both their local clubs and foreign clubs.
It may be worthwhile for the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) to take a leaf out of our founding fathers’ book. They were determined to push ahead alone and make Singapore successful after separation, so that we need not crawl back begging for help.
More recently, the water issue was partially solved with the introduction of NEWater. If we had continued to hope that we could keep buying water from our neighbours, we would have not stumbled upon the solution.
The FAS has argued that local players have been groomed well and are being pursued by or plying their trade in top sides overseas. Football is a game of 11 players, however, and our top two or three players must be supported by an equally able team.
At the same time, the LionsXII side winning the 2013 Malaysian Super League has not translated into success on the international front.
While FAS administrators have stressed that their goal is to field a strong and successful national team, they should take a hard look at their strategy and whether it is bearing fruit.
Considering the recent shambles and lethargy, it is perhaps time to change direction. We should aim for the stars instead of being a big fish in a small pond.

Wednesday 29 April 2015

[Today] Represent both sides fairly in IKEA debate

In “Important to respect variety in viewpoints and perceptions” (April 28), the letter writer characterised pastor Lawrence Khong’s stand on LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) issues as anti-LGBT.
However, Mr Khong employs people from the LGBT community in his magic show, and also started Touch Community Services, which serves the needy, regardless of age, race, language, religion or sexual orientation and gender identity.
The organisation is something to be proud of and has won numerous awards from our Government. It is important to represent both sides fairly in the IKEA debate.
Mr Khong also heads Love Singapore, a community of churches, and started its ElderCare Network, whereby any elderly person needing help can approach any of the participating churches and help will be given.
He has contributed towards building an emotionally strong. gracious and loving Singapore, as the writer called for, and this should be commended.

[Today] Reduce the strains of modernity for children

I refer to this week’s Talking Point, “When kids think of suicide”.
Education is passion, money is motivation. We live in a competitive world with much emphasis on capitalism, consumerism and the five Cs. Educational systems are demanding, and only the fastest and fittest will survive.
Let us reduce the strains of modernity, and allow children to have wonderful memories of a happy childhood. Let us uphold the family values of our founding fathers, and Singaporeans would always remember our leaders.
To tax children mentally at an early age may lead to depression and, when untreated, could cause suicidal tendencies. Over-competing may lead to injury, whereas the idea of participation would promote a balanced lifestyle.

[Today] Have tax incentives for MNCs paid off?

While I was reading a report on BHP Billiton contesting its tax bill in Australia, one sentence that caught my attention was that between 2006 and 2014, its Singapore marketing business earned profits of US$5.7 billion (S$7.6 billion), from which it paid only US$121,000 in taxes to the Republic.
The firm said in its response to an Australian Senate inquiry that it was granted a tax incentive by the Singapore Government for its contributions to our commodities sector.
The question is what benefits have such companies brought to Singapore? How much have they directly contributed to the development of the commodity sector? How many Singaporeans have they trained in the sector and who are still employed in the industry fruitfully? How many professional, executive, managerial and technician positions do Singaporeans hold in the company?
Have the authorities done “post-mortems” of such incentives given to foreign companies, and whether they achieved the intended objectives? How many tax incentives have been granted and are such grants sustainable? The relevant authorities should address these questions.

[Today] Curb photographer crowds to prevent stress on nature

I refer to the report “Nature under stress from photography boom” (April 27).
Some photographers go to great lengths to get the best possible shots, and some of these photos are featured on wide-reaching media, which, to be frank, help to showcase Singapore’s unique nature.
The Nature Photographic Society Singapore president was quoted as saying: “The question we should always be asking ourselves is ‘What’s your motive for capturing the photo? Is it for your own glory and fame or do you really want to share and protect the species?’”
However, does it mean that people, even young children wanting to learn nature photography, must represent the media or an entity to take such photos? Some photographers are hobbyists, not commercial photographers.
I am a freelance photographer and I sometimes do nature photography. The best solution, I feel, is to curb the crowding together of photographers.
However, I disagree that park users should be asked to sign an undertaking before entry or that permits be issued to restrict the number of visitors to certain areas. Visitors include non-photographers; are they to sign such forms, or what if they are denied entry?
The National Parks Board should consider setting up a community of registered avid nature photographers. They could share tips and good practices. With such a database, it would be easier for members to get a permit before shooting photos.
To allow the authority to track photographers, those with professional gear should sign an undertaking. As the report mentioned, this group of photographers would spend hours in a park, waiting for the right moment. These are the photographers who should have to register before doing so.

[Today] Use evidence-based approach to boost financial literacy

I refer to the report “VWO adopts evidence-based practice for debt programme” (April 25).
The evidence-based pilot programme by the Methodist Welfare Services (MWS) to help low-income households clear their debts sets a good precedent for other voluntary welfare organisations (VWOs) to track the efficacy of their endeavours.
The finding that “there was not enough evidence to suggest that the programme had worked”, though, could suggest the need to increase financial literacy beyond the reactive debt management, for instance, offered by many VWOs now.
In the past, helping families increase their net worth by an average of S$2,500 would have been hailed as an achievement. But increased rigour in assessment — for example, through performance measurement and management, wherein data is captured and checked — would hold VWOs to higher standards and allow them to ascertain the true impact of their efforts.
It has been convenient to use feedback surveys and untested figures to evaluate awareness campaigns and intervention programmes, respectively, but these measurements could be riddled with response bias or unfounded estimations.
What the MWS did was to conduct a counterfactual study of a control group of households that did not enjoy the VWO’s matched debt payment, to determine whether families can be encouraged to clear portions of their debt through a copayment initiative.
Such research can now be facilitated more actively by the new Social Service Research Centre at the National University of Singapore, exposing more social work practitioners and policymakers to these methods.
As stakeholders figure out which strategies work, against a backdrop of broader socio-economic challenges in future, the right schemes can be designed for low-income workers and their families. In this vein, the need for financial literacy will come under the spotlight. Besides the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s National Financial Literacy Survey in 2005, there has been no comprehensive undertaking to assess knowledge in financial matters, especially across different quintiles.
Programmes and policies thus far, such as the one by the MWS, are often premised upon alleviation, after debts have mounted, when in fact prevention should feature more prominently.
Considering the broader indicators of inflationary pressures or inequities, gaps in understanding could be plugged through education and keener guidance.

[Today] LGBT youth at higher risk of suicide, more support needed

I refer to this week’s Talking Point, “When kids think of suicide”. Studies across the world have proven that one group with a higher risk of suicidal behaviour is LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) youth.
Research in the United States shows that these youth are four times more likely to attempt suicide as their heterosexual peers; nearly half of young transgender people have thought seriously about suicide, and one-quarter report having attempted it.
In Singapore, homophobia and transphobia may be prevalent. In a survey by Oogachaga Counselling and Support, a non-profit agency catering for the LGBT and queer community, 60.2 per cent of respondents indicated having experienced abuse and discrimination on the basis of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity.
The survey also found that such abuse and discrimination led to a significantly higher incidence rate of having suicidal thoughts or attempts. This is alarming.
Thankfully, the Health Promotion Board has published a FAQ on sexuality on its website that validates the humanity of LGBT persons.
However, it removed links to LGBT-affirmative counselling hotlines, which makes access to support for LGBT persons more difficult.
School leaders should pay attention to fostering safe, healthy school environments.
For example, micro-aggressions, which are everyday encounters of subtle discrimination marginalised groups face, towards LGBT persons can cause depression, psychological distress and even cardiovascular issues.
Using words such as “faggot”, “sissy” or “ah gua” as insults or jokes is an example of micro-aggression towards LGBT persons, even if the words are not directed at them.
In a study published in the Journal of LGBT Issues in Counseling, LGBT and queer participants said they felt depressed, anxious and even traumatised when they experienced micro-aggressions.
We have much to do to make Singapore a safe place for all children.

[Straits Times] Youth Forum

Government bonuses a boost for seniors
SINGAPORE has one of the fastest-ageing populations in the world.
Long-term care for the elderly is a problem, and we potentially face being overwhelmed by a wave of dementia sufferers.
The elderly who are frail and ill tend to be temperamental. This puts stress on caregivers.
Many of the elderly folk also face social exclusion and neglect, as their families either do not have the time to visit them or do not want to.
This causes such folk to feel unwanted and may lead to depression.
But, thanks to bonuses given by the Government, such as the Pioneer Generation card, many elderly folk have more help and ways to enjoy life.
I hope these measures will improve their well-being.
Jeremiah James Seah Kang Hao, 13, Secondary 1 student


Be the one who saves a life
I NEVER knew about the Bone Marrow Donor Programme (BMDP) or the process of bone marrow donation until I worked with the BMDP last year.
Generally, people do not realise the important role bone marrow donation can play in saving other people's lives.
Most have misconceptions about the bone marrow donation process, and many feel they have nothing to gain from becoming a donor. We have to put a stop to these notions.
A patient has just a one-in-20,000 chance of finding a bone marrow match from a donor.
People have to open their hearts and minds, and understand that they may just be the one a patient is waiting for.
It is not about what there is to be gained or the time lost from becoming a donor. It is about humanity, compassion and the sanctity of life.
I hope more people will realise how important individual effort is to the community of bone marrow patients, which is constantly growing.
I hope everyone will better understand the cause and then ask themselves if there is anything more important and urgent than saving someone's life.
To me, there isn't.
Ng Jun Wei, 18, JC2 student


Give maids time, space to unwind
WE ARE very fortunate that no Singaporean woman needs to leave her home to work in a foreign land as a maid.
Not all women in the region are so fortunate.
With maids already facing such a situation, employers should treat them with more respect.
Of course, maids should be humble and willing to learn, and do their work to their highest ability.
Employers should be benevolent and give the maids their rightful freedom.
For example, employers should give maids a day off on Sundays to let them relax from their hard work.
Throwing money at the maids is not the answer.
Too many maids feel compelled to accept the offer of a day's wage in exchange for their day off.
Employers should also provide their maids with a room and, if possible, a television set.
People work better when they have time and space to unwind.
Shane Elliot Dawson, 13, Secondary 1 student


CALLING YOUNG READERS:
If you are 21 or below and want to air your opinion, e-mail your letter to stforum@sph.com.sg with the header "Youth Forum".
Do include your age, school level and contact details.

[Straits Times] My Point

Code for ads applies to all media
ALL advertisements for treatment of hair loss, as well as slimming products and services, should carry the appropriate disclaimers, as stated in the Singapore Code of Advertising Practice (Scap) ("Why no disclaimers for radio, TV ads?" by Mr Cheng Shoong Tat; last Thursday).
This is regardless of the media where such advertising is placed. The Advertising Standards Authority of Singapore would like to remind advertisers and media owners of the importance of adhering to Scap, in the interest of consumers.
Tan Sze Wee (Dr)
Chairman
Advertising Standards Authority of Singapore


Ensure fair fares during breakdowns
UNDER the distance fares system, commuters save on fares when they make a transfer within 45 minutes or when the whole journey does not exceed two hours.
But when there is a train breakdown, commuters may take longer than two hours to transfer, and are charged a higher fare.
This is unfair to commuters.
TransitLink should design a system to identify passengers affected by train breakdowns, especially those who have to make a transit by bus.
It can also consider refunding passengers the extra fares collected.
Wong Mong Guan


Extend subsidy to non-standard drugs
AS A Pioneer Generation cardholder, I am delighted that I will get an additional 50 per cent subsidy on the outpatient consultation bill and subsidised medicine.
Unfortunately, most of the drugs prescribed by the doctors are classified as "non-standard" and charged without subsidy.
A good example would be the medication for eye diseases - these are mostly non-standard.
Could the additional subsidy for medication be extended to non-standard drugs if the doctors deem them necessary for the Pioneer Generation cardholder?
Henry Lim Chong Leong

[Straits Times] Issues to consider in medical indemnity

THE current debate about medical indemnity for obstetricians is a contentious one ("MOH to cover obstetricians in retirement"; April 13).
Before we consider any new legislation, we would do well to consider some broad areas.
First, is the 24-year time limit to seek redress too long? It seems cruel to burden an obstetrician with such a long dormant period.
My former dean once said in a lecture that in 10 years, only a third of what the faculty has taught us will remain immutable.
Another third will be found to be partially true, and the rest will be proven wrong.
If 10 years can make such a difference, how much more so will practices change in 24 years?
Many current practices will be deemed inappropriate, and many doctors could be faulted for unworthy management.
Second, we must consider why mistakes happen.
Adversity can occur naturally. Being born normal is against the odds. There is so much that can go awry during the many processes involved in forming a foetus.
As a student of embryology, and being involved with births daily, it astounds me when babies are born normal.
Most doctors strive to avoid mistakes. However, to err is human. As long as medicine is practised by humans, mistakes will happen.
As prominent British neurosurgeon Henry Marsh wrote: "Doctors are human... much of what happens in hospitals is a matter of luck... success and failure are often out of the doctor's control."
Wong Mun Tat (Dr)

[Straits Times] Singapore can do much to help Nepal

I WAS saddened to read that the death toll from the earthquake in Nepal is climbing ("Nepal needs aid desperately as death toll exceeds 3,700"; yesterday).
It was horrific to see images of people running in panic as the quake struck.
People are camping outside, fearing further tremors. Rescuers were using their bare hands to dig for survivors under piles of rubble.
Food, water, warmth, shelter and medicine are needed to save those in immediate danger of death by exposure, starvation, injury or lack of clean water.
Singapore can do much to assist in the rescue and rehabilitation action plan. I am glad and proud that teams from the Singapore army, Singapore Civil Defence Force, Singapore Police Force, Red Cross and many other volunteers are going to help Nepal in its moment of crisis .
We can also gather donors to supply blankets, cooking equipment and other supplies.
Singapore and Nepal have very strong diplomatic ties. There has been a Gurkha contingent in the police force since 1949.
Mr Lee Kuan Yew admired and trusted the Gurkhas, and they have made their mark in our history for their part in neutralising riots in the early days of independence.
To pay them back for their bravery and loyalty, let us do our little bit to help and assist the people of Nepal in their rescue and rebuilding efforts.
V. Balu

[Straits Times] Recognise foreign workers as fellow human beings

RECENTLY, Singaporeans witnessed two remarkable incidents involving migrant workers.
In the first, a teen assaulted migrant workers, apparently to practise his martial arts skills ("Teen who beat foreigners: AGC files notice of appeal"; last Thursday).
It was an attack so shocking that Law and Foreign Minister K. Shanmugam spoke out about it, calling such behaviour "completely unacceptable", adding: "It's sickening conduct, the kind of conduct that you would not approve if somebody did it to animals."
Just a few days later, we saw the dramatic rescue of a toddler from the second-floor parapet of an HDB flat in Jurong East by two Indian migrant workers ("Rescuers' only thought was to save toddler"; last Saturday).
It was particularly dramatic to see the worker dangling precariously from the parapet, trying to reach the child.
These two contrasting tales beg the question of what value we place on these men who have left their homes to come to a land where they are often not appreciated and sometimes beaten.
These are the very men who built the homes that you and I live in.
We see them, but do we really see them?
Many Singaporeans may not realise that migrant labour is very much part of our history. Many of our most cherished buildings and landmarks, including the Istana, St Andrew's Cathedral and Sri Mariamman Temple, were built by Indian
convict labourers brought in by the British in the 19th century.
It would be easy for the cynic in us to say that these men were brought in or paid to do this work, but the fact of the matter is that they are doing the work that none of us wants to do, and they are building our heritage for us, brick by brick, with the sweat of their brows.
Do we recognise them as fellow human beings no different from us, who are deserving of the same respect and appreciation that we accord one another?
It has been said that a nation's greatness is measured by how it treats its weakest members.
How do we measure up?
Joseph Thambiah
(Associate Professor)

[Straits Times] Spare students the inconvenience of travel

SUNDAY'S report ("High-rise JC delayed by 'new LTA requirement'") noted that the new junior college cannot move into its interim campus in Bishan Street 14 in 2017 because St Joseph's Institution (SJI), which is occupying the site, cannot move out.
The reason for this is that upgrading works at its Malcolm Road site have not started.
In fact, the tender has yet to be awarded.
Why is this so?
SJI moved out of its Malcolm Road premises in December 2013.
What has been done since then?
The current Integrated Programme cohorts of Catholic High, Singapore Chinese Girls' and CHIJ St Nicholas Girls' schools were promised a new JC.
Many parents, myself included, living in the Bishan/Ang Mo Kio area chose to enrol our children in these schools because of the proximity of the schools and the promised JC to our homes.
We cannot help but feel played out by the way things have turned out.
Now, we are thinking of switching our children to the O-level track, so they can choose JCs nearer home when the time comes.
Another solution would be for SJI to move to the Mount Sinai site, so that the new JC can move into the Bishan campus.
It is bad enough that the Ministry of Education cannot deliver the new JC as promised.
At least spare the students the inconvenience of travelling to a far-off site.
Chia Guan Sey (Ms)

[Straits Times] Balance needed for best results

LAST Friday's report ("Exercise or diet: Which will help you lose weight?") suggested that poor diet, rather than obesity per se, is linked to poor health.
Exercise Is Medicine Singapore agrees that a healthy weight alone does not equate to good health, and that "fat and fit" may result in better health outcomes than "thin and unfit".
While the quote by London cardiologist Aseem Malhotra that "an obese person does not need to do one iota of exercise to lose weight; he just needs to eat less" is not untrue, it suggests that an obese person needs to focus only on weight loss. This misses the bigger picture.
Ample studies have shown that although dietary restriction alone contributes to weight loss more than physical activity alone, a combination of both yields superior weight loss results compared with just dieting. Furthermore, fitness and regular exercise are key success factors in preventing weight regain.
The benefits of exercise on health outcomes in obese people (for example, aerobic fitness, strength, functional capacity, lowered risk of fall, increased insulin sensitivity, lowered blood pressure, stronger bones) extend far beyond the absolute weight loss, and must not be downplayed or neglected.
It is indeed foolish to think that one can "outrun a bad diet".
A healthy diet is essential, and this needs to be supplemented by regular physical activity and increased daily activities, to achieve the best results.
Ivy Lim (Dr)
Director for Research
Exercise Is Medicine Singapore
Forum Note: Exercise Is Medicine Singapore is a not-for-profit group dedicated to making physical activity and exercise a standard part of preventing and treating diseases.

[Straits Times] Hope for safety of S'poreans in Yemen

AS A Muslim, I join our community and the rest of the world in condemning the current situation in Yemen and several other parts of the Arab-Muslim countries ("Shanmugam appeals to S'poreans to leave Yemen"; April 16). I also feel sad at the worsening situation there.
I urge the families and friends of fellow Singaporeans who are still reluctant to leave the affected areas to evacuate immediately, so as not to further risk their safety.
I also hope that our Muslim authorities and community, in particular, the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) and the local mosques, conduct special prayers for the safety of Singaporeans who are in those conflict areas.
Muhammad Dzul Azhan Haji Sahban

[Straits Times] Help Nepal, in gratitude to Gurkhas

THE Gurkhas are a very well-respected police contingent in Singapore.
Their work involves protecting key areas in Singapore, including former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew's Oxley Road home, as well as being on guard during regional meetings held in Singapore.
We should show our gratitude to them by helping them, now that their land, Nepal, has been devastated by an earthquake ("Death toll climbs as Nepal struggles in quake aftermath"; Monday).
How about setting up a donation counter at Raffles City? Their presence was felt there whenever there were regional meetings at the nearby Suntec convention centre.
Ronald Lee Yew Kee

[Straits Times] Foreign workers taken for granted

IT WAS heartwarming to read about the heroic efforts of the two foreign workers to rescue the toddler who was dangling perilously outside her flat ("Rescuers' only thought was to save toddler"; last Saturday).
Such an act speaks volumes for man's innate humanity and kindness towards his fellow beings.
All too often, we take foreign workers and their presence in Singapore for granted.
We are oblivious to the fact that these workers come here at great expense and sacrifice to not only eke out a frugal, demanding existence, but also to give us comfortable lives.
We sometimes forget that they deserve respect and empathy from us.
I am glad that the Singapore Civil Defence Force was quick to reward the good Samaritans with the Public Spiritedness Award and other means of tangible assistance.
This incident has also exposed a more complex problem confronting low-income families in Singapore.
Unequal distribution of wealth and a widening inequality of incomes has created a situation where, in this case, parents cannot even afford to install window grilles to keep their toddler safe.
Perhaps the Housing Board should consider installing more and better safety features in flats to enhance comfort, safety and security to families, especially for those with young children and elderly seniors.
V. Subramaniam (Dr)

[Straits Times] The low-down on exercise and diet

LAST Friday's report ("Exercise or diet: Which will help you lose weight?") suggested that dieting plays a much larger role in weight loss than exercise and that the impact of exercise on obesity is minimal.
London cardiologist Aseem Malhotra was also quoted claiming that "an obese person does not need to do one iota of exercise to lose weight". "He just needs to eat less."
These claims are inaccurate and can be misleading to the general public.
Body weight (fatness) is determined largely by the balance between energy expenditure, through physical activities and daily functions, and energy intake through eating, mainly in the forms of carbohydrate and fat.
We gain weight when energy expenditure is lesser than energy intake, and conversely, we lose weight when energy expenditure is higher than energy intake.
Therefore, weight loss can be achieved by increasing physical activity, decreasing food intake, or by a combination of both modalities.
This fundamental physiology of weight management recognises both dieting and exercise as effective modalities for weight loss, without favouring one over the other.
The American Heart Association and the American College of Sports Medicine recognise exercise as an effective modality for promoting metabolic health, including weight loss.
To achieve weight loss, these organisations recommend 60 to 90 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity on most days of the week to accumulate more than 300 minutes of exercise weekly.
The recommended duration can be accumulated with shorter bouts (more than 10 minutes) of activities over the day and the activities may include brisk walking, leisure cycling and sports, group exercise classes, and manual household or occupational tasks that cause a moderate pant.
Dietary intake should also be moderated to complement the increase in activity level.
The degree of weight loss achieved with dieting and/or exercising is likely to vary among individuals because of differences in other factors regulating fat storage in the body, for example, genetic predisposition, hormonal balance, and micro-organisms in the intestines.
That, however, should not trivialise the importance of regular exercise or good dietary habits because they also lead to other health benefits besides weight loss, such as higher cardio-respiratory fitness, lower risk of metabolic disease and preservation of bone density and muscle mass with age.
Current scientific evidence promotes both exercise and good dietary habits as important modalities for promoting cardio-metabolic health and weight management.
Fabian Lim Chin Leong (Associate Professor)

[Straits Times] Late arrival of ambulance

ON SUNDAY, my elderly neighbour fell and injured himself. As he was still conscious and his condition was stable, I called the non-emergency hotline for an ambulance.
The officer informed me that the ambulance would arrive in 30 to 45 minutes. However, the ambulance arrived only more than an hour later.
Do the authorities monitor the time taken by ambulances to reach their destinations?
Greater control and transparency of how ambulance service providers are assessed and given the licence to operate will give the public greater confidence in their service standards. 
Chiam Sheng Shi

Tuesday 28 April 2015

[Today] IKEA’s magic show decision opposes its stand on diversity

I read with concern the reports on IKEA Singapore’s decision to continue its tie-up with a magic show performed by Pastor Lawrence Khong.
I believe IKEA’s explanation that it respects diversity, equality and the right to opinion has not seriously considered the fact that Mr Khong has been vocal against the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.
I respect the fact that there are safe platforms in Singapore for people such as Mr Khong to express their opinions. However, I cannot endorse the nature and intention of his views because they are harmful, discriminatory and demeaning to sexual minorities, some among whom I consider my friends.
IKEA’s decision here appears to be different from its global stand that the company welcomes all families and is LGBT affirming, as stated in its sustainability report last year. Also, IKEA Singapore should understand that the right to opinion comes with the responsibility to observe that the expression of that opinion does not come at the expense of the rights and welfare of others.
We should especially consider that principle in a case such as this, when we have an influential religious leader with a noted history of publicly discriminatory speech against sexual minorities.
The views advanced by leaders in socio-religious communities have implications on social perceptions and policies, and this, in turn, continues to systematically disadvantage sexual minorities and non-heterocentric families.
The magic show that Mr Khong headlines deserves support only from businesses that share those views. In supporting the magic show, I see IKEA Singapore as supporting not only Mr Khong, but also his views. My family and I hope IKEA Singapore will carefully consider its position on similar matters involving such individuals in the future.

[Today] Pool closures: Protocol should not cloud common sense

I refer to the letter, “Relook lightning risk protocol at public swimming pool” (April 22).
My dad is an avid swimmer and uses the pools in Jurong East or Jurong West every evening. He has likewise noticed that over the past month, the pools in both locations have had to close frequently because of lightning alerts issued by the National Environment Agency.
We have given our feedback to Sport Singapore regarding such closures and have been told that they were due to the alerts. This protocol applies to both the sheltered pool in Jurong West and non-sheltered pool in Jurong East.
I, too, hope Sports Singapore can reconsider this protocol. As it is, the rule seems to disregard common sense and what is clearly good weather, and deprive the staff of the ability to make judgment calls.
Sports Singapore should also consider allowing swimmers to continue to use the sheltered pool in Jurong West despite a lightning alert. Since the shelter is protected by lightning rods, the pool should be safe enough for swimmers. It would be a waste if the shelter is good enough only to shelter swimmers from the sun, and little else.
Frequent pool closures due to faraway lightning occurrences is disruptive to avid swimmers and those learning how to swim. Protocol should not cloud common sense.

[Today] Freedom of speech does not necessarily make society inclusive

I refer to Mr Darius Cheng’s letter, “Ideological conformity cannot exist in a truly inclusive society” (April 22).
The writer has conflated the notion of a truly inclusive society with freedom of speech. A truly inclusive society should be one where different kinds of people can coexist without any discrimination and, specifically, in relation to those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT), that means treating them like we would any other person.
Respecting their opponents as persons as well as their corresponding right to express their views are a recognition of the need for the freedom of speech, but just having that freedom does not make our society more inclusive. If society were to have a free-flow of ideologies without consideration for the hurt that hateful ideologies would cause, then we would be accepting that some people can be racist, for example, which is something we do not condone.
In addition, gay rights advocates have not forcibly pushed for conformity of thought and have instead used their right to speech to express their views. If what they have done may be considered an advance towards ideological conformity, then the same may be said of the pro-family groups who have supported IKEA.
The debate generated over IKEA’s actions is proof that we are not conforming to any particular ideology, and the writer should welcome it.

[Today] Improvements toinfrastructure can help fulfil potential of transport apps

I read with interest the numerous ideas to improve commuter accessibility (“More than 180 take part in LTA youth hackathon”, April 20) presented at the Land Transport Authority’s recent Transport and You(th) Hackathon.
While these transport apps have the potential to improve the transport experience of commuters from all walks of life, their potential may not be fulfilled if they are not developed to maturity and better marketed to the public, especially their various target users.
In addition, the effectiveness of these apps can be enhanced with suitable infrastructural improvements, which can help to improve universal accessibility (“Public transport system: Use universal designs”, Voices, Jan 28).
One of the proposed apps, Happy Wheel, allows wheelchair users to upload and share convenient paths for travel. Indeed, more can be done to make the fare-gate-to-carriage journey easier for all public transport users. Extensive efforts have been made in other train networks to improve the quality of this journey. For example, trains on the JR East network in Japan, including those on the Yamanote and Chuo Lines serving Tokyo, are fitted with LCD screens that have messages personalised for each door informing passengers of their current position relative to the escalators, elevators and staircases on the platform of every station.
In addition, platform screen doors and train doors in the Tokyo and Kyoto subway networks in Japan are fitted with small Braille plates that inform visually-impaired commuters of their current train car and door position. Happy Wheel, complemented by infrastructural improvements and smart sensors on trains and platforms, can promote a safer and smoother fare-gate-to-carriage journey.
Another proposed app, Tell Me When, gives visually-impaired commuters a call when their desired bus is approaching the bus stop. Many other bus networks around the world have made the extra effort to make bus journeys smoother and safer for visually-impaired passengers. In Mumbai, India, BEST buses are equipped with the OnBoard system, which not only makes an announcement to passengers at the bus stop when a bus is arriving, but also guides the passenger to the bus door through strategically installed speakers on the bus.
Buses in many cities in the United Kingdom, India, Japan, the United States, Taiwan and other regions in the world also have onboard announcements guided by global positioning systems to inform passengers when the next stop is approaching. Together with infrastructural enhancements, Tell Me When can make bus journeys here easier for all passengers.
We can do more to make our public transport system universally accessible. The ideas at the Transport and You(th) Hackathon are promising, but they can only reach their full potential with rigorous fine-tuning, last-mile marketing to users, and complementary infrastructural upgrades.

[Today] IKEA Singapore’s decision contradicts its global stand and code of conduct

I refer to the report “IKEA to continue magic show arrangement” (April 22). It is IKEA Singapore’s prerogative to do so, but, in my opinion, the move is hypocritical and myopic.
It is hypocritical of IKEA to champion diversity and inclusion on one hand, and partnering with a public figure known for his homophobic views on the other. In 2013, after international criticism that a feature about two women living in England with their child was not published in the Russian edition of its customer magazine IKEA Family Live due Russia’s anti-gay laws, IKEA had released a statement affirming its promotion of “equal rights” and its “diversity and inclusion approach”.
Furthermore, IKEA IWAY Standard, its code of conduct, forbids discrimination based on “sexual orientation or any other basis”. Surely supporting a magic show by a pastor who has been outspoken against homosexuality violates IKEA’s code of conduct.
In explaining its decision, IKEA Singapore said it respects that “all individuals have a right to their opinions and personal choices”. This axiom is a red herring. No doubt, we all have that right. But those calling IKEA out for its tie-up with Mr Khong’s magic show are not questioning individual rights, Rather, they are challenging IKEA on its hypocrisy.
Similarly, the letter “Ideological conformity cannot exist in a truly inclusive society” (April 22) stating that gay rights advocates are inverting true tolerance is distracting from the issue.
Mr Darius Lee wrote that “True tolerance is summed up in the saying: I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it”. I agree with him. But those calling IKEA out on its position are not advocating for those who disagree with them to be arrested, jailed or deprived of their rights.
IKEA Singapore’s decision is also myopic, because it has sacrificed decades of goodwill built up globally.
Maybe IKEA Singapore decided that “high family entertainment value” supersedes the values of diversity and inclusion, which IKEA has long championed globally. Whatever the case, IKEA Singapore had the opportunity to honour its global brand promise but unfortunately it has missed the forest for the trees.

[Today] Safety culture at work is means of prevention

Today marks the World Day for Safety and Health at Work. This is an annual international campaign day that has been observed across the globe under the guidance of the International Labour Organization (ILO) since 2003. It aims to promote workplace safety awareness to prevent occupational accidents and diseases globally.
The theme for this year is “Join in building a culture of prevention on occupational safety and health”. It reflects an integral part of ILO’s global strategy on Workplace Safety and Health (WSH).
A national preventive safety and health culture is where the right to a safe and healthy working environment is respected at all levels, and where governments, employers and workers actively participate in securing a safe and healthy working environment through a system of defined rights, responsibilities and duties. The principle of prevention is accorded the highest priority.
Safety and health at work remains a major global concern, having seen accumulative digits in accident statistics. Some 2.31 million people die around the world every year from work. This translates to the death of 6,500 workers every day due to work-related accidents or illnesses.
Singapore is not exempt. Figures from the past five years show 55 fatalities in 2010, 61 in 2011, 56 in 2012, 59 in 2013 and 60 in 2014. Last year, the fatality rate was 1.8 per 100,000 employees.
With the creation of the Workplace Safety and Health Council (WSHC) in 2008, Singapore has, over time, seen lower fatality rates. The national target is a fatality rate of fewer than 1.8 per 100,000 workers by 2018, set by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the launch of WSHC in 2008.
Today, we can see that many enterprises and all organisations have enhanced their safety management system through bizSAFE and CultureSAFE programmes.
The Labour Movement of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), too, plays a vital role by working with tripartite partners to create a safe working environment for all workers. It provides the workers’ perspective to identify, champion and implement WSH initiatives.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. A culture of safety at work must be seen as a means of prevention. By instilling every worker with this mentality, it will reduce unsafe practices and head off potential accidents. It needs to thrive. And we need to strive.

[Today] Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act key to peace here

The report “We forgive anti-cross protesters, says emotional pastor” (April 27) shows Mr Paul Packianathan, pastor of the Community of Praise Petaling Jaya church, exemplifying the tenets of his faith through his actions. He has chosen the path of peace to combat religious fanaticism.
Malaysia enacted the Prevention of Terrorism Act on April 7 to combat terrorism, but the country has no equivalent to our Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act (MRHA), which came into effect in 1992.
The MRHA empowers the Minister for Home Affairs to issue a restraining order against a member or leader in any religious group or institution, if the minister is satisfied that the person has committed or is attempting to commit any act that might cause feelings of enmity, hatred, ill-will or hostility between different religious groups.
In Singapore, there has been racial and religious harmony, save for the Maria Hertogh riots in 1950 and the racial riots of 1964. And in Johor, the relationship between the church and the royal family of Johor had been a harmonious one.
In 1837, the Reverend Benjamin Keasberry came to Singapore and in 1843, he founded the Malay Mission Chapel on Bras Basah Road. In 1848, he set up a boarding school for boys on River Valley Road, which he renamed Mount Zion. The students were taught the art of printing, lithography and bookbinding. Among his students was Sultan Abu Bakar of Johor.
Sultan Abu Bakar later bestowed three acres of land at Jalan Gertak Merah in Johor for the purpose of Christian worship. The Holy Light Church was established there in 1886 by Reverend John Cook, with the help of Mr James Meldrum, the son-in-law of Rev Keasberry.
Religious intolerance if left unchecked can cause animosity between people of different faiths, and the MRHA is key to religious harmony in our pluralistic society.

[Today] Important to respect variety in viewpoints and perceptions

IKEA’s ongoing support of controversial religious figure Lawrence Khong’s magic show has stirred deep-seated emotions among Singaporeans, in particular among the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community.
On the surface, this is understandable. Mr Khong is well known for his vehemently anti-LGBT stance; any organisation choosing to partner him, therefore, gets associated with this anti-LGBT viewpoint.
This is at odds with the fact that IKEA is well known worldwide for championing cultural diversity.
The brand enjoys strong support from LGBT communities the world over, so its decision to continue promoting the show is seen as a form of betrayal.
Drill deeper and the situation becomes significantly more complicated. Leading academics, commentators and activists — and not a small number of lay people — have weighed in with their own opinions.
Some called IKEA hypocritical, others laud the company for sticking to its guns.
Some call this issue an infringement of its diversity policies, others say the exact opposite.
Who is right?
As a movement that supports the freedom to love, regardless of race, language, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity, Pink Dot is disappointed at IKEA’s decision to continue promoting Mr Khong’s show.
Mr Khong’s denunciations of same-sex relationships and LGBT people in general are well documented and not worth repeating. As customers — some very loyal ones at that — the displeasure is perhaps justified.
However, as a movement that also advocates inclusivity and celebrates diversity, Pink Dot also recognises the importance of respecting variety in viewpoints and perceptions, even those that run counter to our own.
It has never been in Pink Dot’s DNA to respond in tit-for-tat fashion because we recognise that a diversity of opinions is part and parcel of a truly pluralistic society.
Dr William Wan from the Singapore Kindness Movement raised an important point recently: “When emotions get the better of us, we lose the sensibility to know where to draw the line.”
It is all right to be angry. But let us channel our energies instead to better engage companies such as IKEA, instead of turning away from them. It is important to keep the conversation and dialogue going.
As customers, we have every right to voice our displeasure — respectfully — but let us not cut off the relationship altogether or risk becoming the mirror image of the very people denouncing other LGBT-affirmative firms with their brand of intolerance.
IKEA had made a business decision and, for better or worse, they will have to live with it, and justify it to its stakeholders.
Will that negate all the goodwill it has painstakingly built with the LGBT community? Only time will tell.
At the end of the day, what are we truly fighting for?
We do not think it is a Singapore in which every difference of opinion is met with heavy-handed belligerence and raised pitchforks.
Rather, we see it as one in which we face our challenges with stoic dignity and measured actions, always with an eye on the bigger picture — to build a Singapore that is emotionally strong, gracious, kind and loving.

[Straits Times] High professional standards set for music therapy

WHILE we applaud HCA Hospice Care's effort to provide holistic patient-centred care, its music programme for paediatric palliative care is not considered true music therapy ("Star Pals a lifeline for critically ill kids and their caregivers"; last Friday).
The Association for Music Therapy, Singapore (AMTS) welcomes and celebrates the use of music in education, healthcare or the community.
However, the term "music therapy" should be used only when describing a programme founded upon music therapy research, and administered by a qualified music therapist.
Music therapy is defined by the AMTS as "the scientific use of music interventions within a therapeutic relationship towards measurable functional, educational, rehabilitative or well-being outcomes by a credentialled professional".
The World Federation of Music Therapy further elaborates that "research, practice, education, and clinical training in music therapy are based on professional standards within socio-cultural and political contexts".
The 16 professional members of the AMTS actively practising in Singapore are working in special schools, hospitals and voluntary welfare organisations. All are graduates with bachelor's, master's or doctoral degrees in music therapy.
Professional members are required to maintain concurrent professional standing with the music therapy organisation in their country of training.
There is currently no training programme in Singapore for music therapy.
AMTS maintains an online registry of professional members in good standing. We welcome inquiries and verification of music therapy credentials at http://ift.tt/1IgdqhZ
Evelyn Lee Yi Jing (Miss)
President
Association for Music Therapy, Singapore

[Straits Times] Recognise domestic workers' role in Singapore Story

ECONOMIC empowerment, access to education and the creation of jobs are what the government of Indonesia needs to put in place, in order to provide its women with better lives ("Indonesia's dilemma over foreign domestic workers"; April 16).
Banning them from going abroad to work will not resolve the problems these women and their families face, and it is a violation of their right to migrate and seek better opportunities elsewhere.
However, the responsibility for the economic empowerment and social protection of these women cannot just lie with Indonesia alone.
Receiving countries, such as Singapore, have an equal role to play.
There are approximately 220,000 migrant domestic workers here, and the population White Paper has projected their numbers to rise to 300,000 by 2030 to serve families with elderly people.
Our recent survey of nearly 700 of these women showed that almost a quarter suffered from mental problems and only 54 per cent received adequate medical attention when they were sick.
More than a quarter experienced some form of economic abuse, and 65 per cent reported not being treated with dignity by their employer or their employer's family.
Singapore must, and can, do more to ensure their well-being.
Domestic workers should be protected by minimum wage legislation, and their working hours have to be regulated.
Overtime pay, maternity leave, annual leave, sick leave and other statutory benefits in the Employment Act should be extended to them.
They should also have the right to form and join unions. Hong Kong has extended these rights to domestic workers, and there is no reason Singapore cannot do the same.
We should increase our international cooperation and enter into bilateral agreements with Indonesia and other sending countries to protect these women from human trafficking and exploitative recruiters.
Migrant domestic workers are often unseen and unheard.
They are part of the Singapore Story and their contributions should be recognised, not just through the giving of awards to appreciate their hard work, but also in ways which provide them with better protection of their rights and welfare.
Jolovan Wham
Executive Director
Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics

[Straits Times] Issue far more complex

DOMESTIC helpers, for better or for worse, are a part of our national landscape.
They play important roles in helping the average Singapore family juggle the pressures of daily life.
Our domestic helpers are deserving of much gratitude and respect.
However, the Mums & Maids video does nothing to further their cause ("Video to get maids a day off ends up riling mums"; last Saturday).
In fact, it seems to suggest that households should do away with maids completely.
The issue of maids being closer to their employer's children has nothing to do with whether they are given a day off.
It is far more complex.
Many stay-home mothers have domestic helpers.
Many mothers have no choice but to work to make ends meet.
Managed well, domestic helpers take on daily chores, freeing parents to spend more time with their children.
Many domestic helpers themselves do not want the day off, but would rather earn extra income to support their own families back home.
The video misses the point for both mothers and maids.
Tan Li Feng (Dr)

[Straits Times] Cooperation, not competition, the key

WHILE the recent video on maids has been accused of shaming women who apparently know their own children less well than their maids do ("Video to get maids a day off ends up riling mums"; last Saturday), it has achieved its objective if it provokes parents to do some soul-searching about their dependence on others to raise their children.
The fact is that young children naturally bond with those who spend the most time with them.
Therefore, it is not surprising that some children might be closer to the maid or childcare teacher, with whom they spend the majority of their waking hours, than their own parents.
The parents may have numerous good reasons for their absence. But to the child, all that matters is that they are not there. With children, there is no such thing as "quality time", only time.
The young child spontaneously shares his thoughts with whoever is around at the time.
His secrets and developmental milestones do not wait for his parents to return home from work.
Yet, the picture is not all bleak. Social science research shows that children are capable of forming strong bonds with more than one or two caregivers.
It would be disastrous if the video provoked insecure parents to replace their child's caregivers frequently to stop him from bonding with them.
Loving "Auntie" (the maid) does not mean loving Mummy and Daddy less - as long as parents make the effort to spend enough time with the child and participate in his care, rather than delegate supposedly menial tasks, like feeding and toileting, to the maid.
Parents should also establish a good relationship with the maid so that she keeps them updated on what the child says and does in their absence.
Child-rearing is a partnership that requires all caregivers to trust and respect one another.
Families should also avoid becoming too dependent on the maid - they could give her a day off a week and go out by themselves.
It is quite common to see maids accompanying families in malls and restaurants, feeding and entertaining the young children while the adults amuse themselves.
Some maids are even made to carry pre-schoolers who are glued to their electronic gadgets.
As a result, the child still does not communicate with his parents, even though they are present.
We need to have an open discussion about how the dependence on paid caregiving affects the parent-child relationship in Singapore.
This is not about shaming working mothers but, rather, putting the child's needs first.
Estella Young (Ms)

[Straits Times] S-League clubs in triple bind

I READ Mr Tan Heng Choon's letter ("LionsXII's boost to football can be tapped"; last Thursday) with some consternation.
Mr Tan pointed out that our top players have moved out to other leagues in the region.
Nothing keeps the other players from doing so, except inertia, which will only be reinforced if they stay within the comfort zone that the LionsXII offers, rather than venture into unknown waters.
S-League clubs have no incentive to train better local players if their players are continually siphoned off.
They can be sure of retaining only foreign players. But even then, they need the resources to offer them decent contracts.
It is a triple bind: Clubs have to be content with local players of lower standards or older ages, resources have to be channelled towards foreign signings rather than overall development, and the development of younger local talent remains half-hearted.
The Football Association of Singapore has sacrificed long-term sustainable development for a short burst of glory, in the hope that temporary success will bring attention back to local football.
To borrow Mr Tan's analogy, no tenant in a shopping mall resells products from its competitors.
This is detrimental to the mall as a whole, as other tenants would move away from such a predatory business model.
The S-League clubs have not moved away because there is nowhere for them to go.
The decision to "allow" Safuwan Baharudin to go on loan to Melbourne City is nothing compared with when top goalkeeper Hassan Sunny was released to Thailand's Army United.
Hassan's move opened the door for Daniel Ong and Neezam Aziz to compete.
The viable and practical thing to do is to end the LionsXII, close the Young Lions, and promote youth development at S-League clubs.
Yeo Kheng Hui

[Straits Times] On Facebook

Should cyclists be allowed to ride on little-used pedestrian paths?
No cyclists on pavements, please. They have scratched me, knocked people down and just keep ringing their bells... and shout at you to get out of the way.
- Eunice Nah
Imagine a grandparent holding a walking toddler, or an elderly couple on the pavement... Don't expect them to give way to cyclists.
- Yvonne Chow
Simple universal rule: Wheels on the road, feet on the path.
- Chelli Mah
I have no issue with them cycling (on pedestrian paths), but they must use their common sense when the place is crowded: Dismount and push, stop ringing the bell.
- Siti Nor'aini A S
Yes. Riding on pavements is better than on the road... It is really too dangerous on the roads.
- Eeleenz Liang


Is angling in Singapore merely a pastime or is there room for a recreational fishing industry to develop?
We have water resources and a willing pool of participants... The authorities would do well to look beyond the traditional manufacturing and service industries. It is easy to develop recreational fishing as an industry.
- Robert Lim
There is a high number of anglers in Singapore with little space to fish. Maybe if they open up more areas, it would be better for the fishing community.
- Muhammad Sufyan
We need to set limits on the fish sizes as well as the quantity to be taken home. Fishing licences should be implemented as well. We should also have a tag and release system, and a list of endangered species of fish.
- Myka Miyaki

[Straits Times] China must dispel concerns over new world bank

IT IS regrettable that the United States and Japan have not joined the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) because they are afraid that China has the intention and clout to shape the new world order ("Banking on infrastructure of the future"; April 20, "S-E Asia and the shaping of China's new world bank"; last Thursday, and "China-led bank 'to fill funding gap, but hurdles remain'"; yesterday).
This has indirectly cast a shadow on the structure and administration of the AIIB.
The US worries about whether the AIIB will weaken the governance, operations and efficiency of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.
It is also concerned about the AIIB's governance standards and China's environmental and social complications.
However, these fears have yet to be proven true.
China, as the initiator of the AIIB, needs to clearly put on the table the core framework and detailed plans of the AIIB development programmes.
It also has to identify and lay down how it is going to fairly and transparently distribute its capital and development funding, to allay the worries and suspicions of all the founding members.
China has a long journey ahead and a lot of hard work to do.
The mark of the AIIB's success is whether China can convince all the founding members to cooperate, work and contribute seamlessly and assiduously towards the principal objectives of the AIIB, and thereafter, share the fruits of the harvest.
Asean should persist in its longstanding policy of neutrality, non-alliance and non-interference ("AIIB may 'speed up Asean plans for fully unified economic bloc'"; yesterday).
It should not get involved in the hegemony and tussle of the superpowers.
Most importantly, Asean should focus on the core priority of economic development, especially infrastructure development.
Nevertheless, I hope Singapore, with its good track record, expertise and experience, can play an active role in setting up the AIIB.
It can help to bridge the cultural differences and communication gap between China and the Western member countries.
Perhaps the regional headquarters of the AIIB could even be based in Singapore.
Teo Kueh Liang

[Straits Times] Why I'm thankful to be living in Singapore

WHENEVER I want to tell my friends how thankful I am to be living in Singapore, I always share this incident.
I once woke up at 2.30am and heard my nine-month-old daughter coughing. Her cough sounded like a dog barking furiously, and I knew it was not normal.
I tried to wake my husband, but, as he had returned late from a long day at work, he could not be awakened.
In the end, I took my daughter and tried to hail a cab in the middle of the road. One cabby stopped. He knew it was an emergency and told me he would drive as quickly as he could to National University Hospital.
Upon reaching the hospital, the nurses and doctor on duty saw us in less than 10 minutes. They were incredibly tender and kind, and sought to not only heal the baby, but also reassure a worried mother.
They diagnosed my daughter as suffering from croup, administered medicine to open her airways, and discharged us.
It started to rain when I tried to hail a cab home. There were two army boys with us at the taxi stand, one of whom had a huge bandage on his leg. They offered us their cab so we could go home first.
We managed to get home safely by 4am.
This could have happened only in Singapore, where I can trust the cabby to take me and my baby safely to where we had to go, where medical staff are efficient and competent, and where strangers willingly offer their cabs.
How proud I am to be a Singaporean.
Yvonne Kong (Ms)

[Straits Times] Recycle rainwater, save the greenery

RAINWATER falling onto the roofs of HDB flats flow into scupper drains and into rainwater downpipes. These vertical pipes run from the rooftops down to the void deck before discharging into apron drains and subsequently, the public drains.
It is prudent to collect some of this rainwater for the purpose of irrigating our trees, shrubs and other vegetation at HDB estates and parks.
Perhaps the authorities could explore the feasibility of designing and constructing underground reinforced concrete rainwater storage tanks below the common turfed areas.
Some of the rainwater collected from the rainwater downpipes could be channelled and deposited into the underground tanks.
In the event of prolonged dry weather, such as what Singapore experienced last year, rainwater from the underground storage tanks could be pumped upwards to the surface level to water the plants via a system of irrigation pipes and nozzles.
This is so that we don't see a repeat of the parched patches of plants in parks and HDB estates that resulted after last year's severe dry weather.
In this way, we can save the greenery without having to replant the vegetation or deploy mobile water-tank vehicles to water the plants.
Owing to climate change, Singapore could see more of such dry weather in future.
Teo Kok Seah

[Straits Times] Remind passengers to behave themselves

THE move to get troublemakers on Singapore-bound flights to face the music is timely, amid increasing reports of gross misconduct among passengers ("Singapore to toughen laws against unruly air travellers"; April 13).
Recent cases of air disasters have made people more circumspect of air travel, and it does not help when passengers' unruly behaviour on the aircraft compromises the safety of fellow travellers.
Perhaps cabin crew, besides briefing passengers on safety measures, could also remind passengers to refrain from anti-social or irresponsible behaviour which may result in untoward incidents, including the loss of lives.
Recalcitrant passengers, who are a hazard to the crew in discharging their duties, could even be banned from air travel.
This may seem drastic, but it will send a clear signal that the safety and security of those aboard the aircraft cannot and will not be understated.
The well-being of travellers and air crew must take priority.
Swift action against unruly behaviour on board aircraft will enhance Singapore's reputation as a safe and secure air hub.
Jeffrey Law Lee Beng

[Straits Times] Use service charge to recognise workers

THE practice of businesses, especially restaurants and hotels, to impose an extra service charge has become extremely prevalent in recent years.
This service charge is justified only if the money goes directly to the front- and back-end service crew, on top of their base salary.
This serves to not only provide an additional incentive for staff to perform at their best, but it also provides employees with a greater sense of ownership in the business.
In Singapore, where tipping is not commonly practised, service charges can also serve as a way for the Government to systematically develop and provide larger recognition for our workers in the service sector.
This would eliminate the question of the legitimacy of such charges.
Chua Kok Nam

[Straits Times] Reverse trend of speaking poor English

IT IS unsurprising that netizens derided the Singapore and Asian Schools Math Olympiads question for its poor English ("Maths question catches world's attention"; April 15).
The standard of Singapore's English has sunk so low that poor English has become acceptable, whether in spoken or written form.
Despite years of campaigns to "speak better English", parents and teachers unintentionally propagate ungrammatical English. If this continues, the language that current and future generations speak here will bear little resemblance to English.
One mistake is the utter disregard for the way a verb should be used in the past tense in reported speech, in the passive form and as an adjective.
New hoardings at a condominium construction site proudly promote its proximity to a "shelter walkway", restaurant menus list "steam fish" or "grill pork chops", and shops announce hours when they are "close".
We write as we speak, and conversations are replete with past events told in the present tense.
A Singaporean interviewee on CNN once described his grandmother making herbal soup for him as he "studies" for exams, even though he had mentioned earlier that she died years ago.
Why does our society accept this?
It is accepted because we speak more and more Mandarin or Malay. Our Asian verbs do not have different forms for tenses, causing us to fail to recognise incorrect English.
As long as our spoken English stays uncorrected, we will continue to speak and write poor English.
A friend of mine was even mocked for her clear enunciation of words in the past tense. It has become "uncool" to speak English correctly.
Unless we reverse the trend, we may well need to produce a dictionary or provide translation services to make our Singapore version of English intelligible to foreigners.
Amy Loh Chee Seen (Ms)

Monday 27 April 2015

[Today] S’poreans should show support for Nepal

As Nepal struggles with the aftermath of the 7.8-magnitude earthquake and aftershocks that hit the capital Kathmandu on Saturday, let us take the time to remember that Singapore once owed its security to the Nepalese Gurkhas during key moments in its history.
The Gurkhas have been with us since the British colonial period and have helped bring peace during times of civil unrest.
If not for their policing of the streets during the Maria Hertogh riots in 1951, where people were killed, shops looted and cars burnt, the unrest could have been even more widespread and uglier.
During the 1964 racial riots, having not yet developed a strong military, Singapore had only the police and the Gurkhas with their British commanders to quell the unrest. The Gurkhas were “blind” to racial divisions and thus able to be neutral in their handling of the discontent.
Today, they remain a contingent within the Singapore Police Force and part of the nation’s formula to ensure harmony. They are still despatched to guard critical installations. In the light of the national catastrophe in their homeland, we should respond in kind or in deed with compassion, given how the Gurkhas had contributed to our nation’s stability in its nascent years.

[Today] Hostels for the elderly and youth?

Singapore is an ageing population, and some governments would call this a crisis situation.
But I am deeply impressed with the manner in which the Government here has prepared for this. Policies have been implemented to provide senior citizens with opportunities, medical and transport subsidies, skills upgrading courses and social and recreational activities.
Rightly, it has not overdone welfare for seniors, which may result in abuse, and its efforts to work with citizens and corporates to ensure family and financial support for the elderly should be lauded. At the same time, senior citizens are accorded respect and recognised as important to the growth of the nation. This stands in contrast with some countries that struggle to sustain the higher levels of welfare provided to their elderly.
Nonetheless, more can be done for those living in homes for the aged, voluntarily or due to personal circumstances. One idea is to co-locate them with hostels for students. The objective is to foster more mingling between the young and the aged. This will bring about respect and understanding of the elderly and help create a more positive living environment for them.
The young will get a first-hand glimpse of the elderly going about their daily business through their interactions and understand what community living and social responsibility are all about.
Homes for the elderly should be little different from the other homes we are familiar with. They simply have features to cater to the physical and mental needs of the elderly. They are not homes to be shunned by the public or built in secluded locations. We must make it a point to create a culture that is more inclusive. After all, we will all age some day.
Co-locating elderly homes and student hostels is a start in the right direction to cultivate in our young the virtues of care, concern, respect, sharing and understanding.
We have but one life and it should be led purposefully to the very end. Let us help the elderly achieve that, with love and dignity.

[Today] Malaysia’s 1MDB woes show risks of cross-border projects

I read with concern the commentary “Is Malaysia’s 1MDB a tragedy or farce” (April 11). Recent news reports have highlighted issues with Malaysia’s governance standards.
Singapore firms have put money into Malaysia. Investments include billion-dollar projects for the Iskandar region and on the horizon is our high-speed rail link to Kuala Lumpur.
Malaysia has not had the best track record with regard to running its state-linked entities, such as Malaysia Airlines and KTM Railway.
There may be good reasons to pursue such projects, but the risks should not be ignored, and should be accounted for, especially if any taxpayer money is involved.

[Today] Making society better not only Govt’s responsibility

I am rather fortunate to lead a rather comfortable life in Singapore, but statistics have shown that globally, the rich have grown even richer over the years and the poor have become poorer.
While the Government has been trying to help the less fortunate with financial subsidies and other assistance, much needs to be done if we are to make this society a better one to live in.
Each of us can contribute more. A small contribution goes a long way in helping others.
A dollar a week may seem like a small amount to most of us, but if we make this consistent contribution to charitable organisations, it will pool into a bigger sum by the end of the year. When we encounter an uncle or aunty selling tissue paper, the least we can do is to buy something, so they can end their workday early.
Contributing to society does not have to come only in the form of money. It can be something as simple as helping a blind man cross the road or helping a foreigner with directions. Such acts will make Singapore a much better place to live in.
We should also be more proactive when it comes to volunteering. We can spend two hours every one to two months giving back to the society. After all, the valuable lessons, smiles and gratitude received along the way is something invaluable and priceless.

[Today] Charging electric vehicles will place huge strain on grid

I refer to the report “Singapore’s first electric taxi ‘now road-ready’” (April 25).
Mr Yoshikazu Tanaka, chief engineer of Toyota’s hydrogen fuel-cell car Mirai, recently told reporters that electric-vehicle (EV) charging would guzzle so much energy at once, that it would defeat the purpose of EVs as an ecologically-sound form of transportation.
He said at a test-drive event for the Mirai: “If you were to charge a car in 12 minutes for a range of 500km, for example, you’re probably using up electricity required to power 1,000 houses.”
This would place a tremendous strain on our national power grid. What do the producers of the electric taxi have to say about this?
This letter first appeared as a comment on TODAYonline.

[Today] Ferry safety must not be taken for granted

Reading news reports about a ship capsizing and sinking in the Mediterranean Sea, killing hundreds, brought to mind the Sewol ferry tragedy in South Korea about a year ago, which killed more than 300, many of them young students.
In both incidents, there will be no closure for the families of the victims. Both had safety lapses, such as overloading and overcrowding.
To boost profit, some ships may carry more passengers and cargo than they are allowed to, ignoring the danger of doing so and putting innocent passengers’ lives at risk.
In Singapore, many people take ferries to the nearby islands to work or for leisure. Operators of these ferries must remain vigilant, be well-trained and able to cope with unexpected incidents. They will be the only ones guiding their passengers out of danger should any unpleasant incident happen at the sea.
On the ferries, passengers should note where the life vests are stored, so that in case of an emergency, besides following the instructions of the crew, there will be less panic.
While the journey to and from our nearby islands is comparatively short, all should not take safety for granted even within our relatively sheltered waters.

[Today] More, improved train arrival monitors at older MRT stations

Train arrival monitors have long drawn complaints from commuters at the older MRT stations. As the rail network becomes more comprehensive and also more complex, it is important that they be improved, especially when more commuters take the train.
More attention should be paid to improve the displays, and there should be at least two or three such monitors put up at the platforms.
The font size and colour should be enhanced to make them bigger and brighter to stand out from the background. And, at present, it can be quite difficult for people to read what is on the train arrival monitors as only one is installed near each end of the stations. MRT commuters would like to see more of such monitors installed in both old and new stations.

[Today] Equating piracy with theft ineffective

The report “Piracy losing its stigma here” (April 24) again resurrected the issue of whether unauthorised file sharing is tantamount to stealing.
The hare of technological advancement has outpaced the tortoise of legal development. Dr Stuart Green, a Rutgers Law School professor, said copyright infringement is not really stealing at all.
To steal something, one must deprive the legal owner of whatever that thing is. If a person steals my car, then I am deprived of the use of my car. But if one downloads a song, he has made a copy, not stolen the song.
Perhaps the entertainment industry cannot be persuaded to change its stand, but equating file sharing with theft does not resonate with the public at large.
The industry always suggests that every stolen copy is a lost sale, but it should give up its dreams of controlling distribution in favour of collecting fair compensation. What we need is a mechanism that collects money from file sharers and divides it among artistes and copyright owners.
Last year, the European Union Court of Justice ruled that embedding content online is not an infringement of copyright, which implied that streaming sites may not be acting illegally. In 2005, the French Parliament voted to allow free sharing of music and movies on the Internet, and hence set up a conflict with the government and media companies.
Before that, a Dutch court ruled that file-trading developers were not liable for the copyright infringement that occurs when people use file-sharing application Kazaa.
A few years ago, bestselling author Paulo Coelho made a Russian translation of The Alchemist available without permission from his publisher. As a result, downloads of the book in Russia skyrocketed from 1,000 a year to more than a million. Mr Coelho said it also drove up sales. There are some positive effects to “copying”.
The reality is that technology has the edge on traditional media in attracting users, and traditional media companies are struggling to find their way in this new technological landscape. File-sharing networks expose the fundamental weakness behind our copyright laws.

[Today] Manner in which views are communicated matters too

I refer to the letter “Fear of backlash can censor debate” (April 24), which stated: “When individuals collectively demand the removal of support from something they consider deeply offensive and harmful, it communicates that the public will face backlash if they fail to accept a particular line of thought”.
I feel that we must distinguish between the message and the manner in which it is communicated. For example, some people convey their views with vitriol and malice. This dilutes the message and also dampens debate by putting people off.
In the case of IKEA Singapore, I approve of the way members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community, and their supporters, questioned IKEA’s tie-up with Pastor Lawrence Khong’s magic show, and I also respect IKEA’s stand on the issue. No one’s message was censored. If views were communicated as a vulgar and spiteful tirade, then I believe they should not be shared and perpetuated. In this case, the LGBT community expressed their criticism maturely, responsibly and respectfully.
Censorship is not always about what is being said, but also when and how it is said. A proper debate cannot take place if one party is hurling vulgarities.
Even communication on the Internet, traditionally a place where anything goes, should be done with awareness of the “mood” of the audience.
Being online removes us from direct physical threat, but this does not mean we should not observe common courtesy in communication.
For good debate to take place, the onus is on one to present his or her thoughts in a cogent way that makes people think and reflect.
Ideally, everyone should be able to express himself or herself without fear. But the reality is that we speak to an audience and how the audience responds matters too.

[Today] ‘Blanket’ cycling rules defy common sense

I refer to the debate over cycling rules in Singapore (“Enforce dismount and push rules on bridges”, April 21; “Stricter rules needed for two-wheelers”, April 22).
There should be separate bicycle and pedestrian lanes on overhead bridges and underpasses. The current laws are not being observed because they do not make sense.
Nothing annoys a cyclist more than an arbitrary instruction to dismount and push their bicycle along a long, empty stretch of pavement, on which they could have cycled much faster than they can walk.
Good luck trying to enforce such laws against common sense.
We impose a blanket ban on cyclists using these crossings, even though they know how to use them safely, even when pedestrians are around.
Putting barriers on the crossings will be just as unnecessary — it is like putting speed humps on the expressway. I think cyclists should not be treated as children. Separate lanes will provide the best compromise between the two.
On narrower crossings, signs that say “Give Way to Pedestrians” or “Slow Down” will be more sensible than instructing people to “Dismount and Push”. Penalties should be imposed on dangerous cycling.

[Today] Ministry of Education not averse to change with purpose

We agree with Mr Kwan Jin Yao’s sentiment that it is important for education to prepare our students for their future (“S’pore can embrace risk in education with small changes”, April 16).
The Ministry of Education (MOE) is thus committed to developing our students holistically, with a clear emphasis on strong values and competencies that will become increasingly important in our society and economy.
Both technical and soft skills such as creativity, teamwork, communication and critical thinking will be crucial to assuring a strong future for Singapore and Singaporeans. These, along with a desire to achieve mastery in all that we do and learn throughout our lives will ensure that we will thrive in the future.
To achieve this, we have shifted to a student-centric, values-driven education, with a renewed focus on values and character.
We infused elements that develop these competencies into our curriculum and pedagogical approaches. These are not taught in a single subject or activity, but throughout the educational experience of our students — not only in the classroom, but also in areas such as Co-Curricular Activities and learning journeys.
We have removed school banding and stopped naming top scorers in the national examinations, so we can broaden our recognition of excellence and merit beyond academic performance.
Our society must look beyond grades and qualifications, as it is deep skills and personal qualities that ultimately matter.
In this vein, we have embarked on SkillsFuture, a long-term collective effort involving parents, students, educators, schools and employers to support lifelong learning and to empower all Singaporeans to develop mastery in skills.
Changing mindsets will take time, and we agree with Mr Kwan that we must look towards the future to understand what education must deliver today.
We have been making changes to our education system and institutions at all levels. Specialised schools in mathematics, science, technology, arts and sports, and initiatives such as the Applied Learning Programme and Learning for Life Programme have created a more colourful landscape of distinctive secondary schools. At the post-secondary level, a range of options cater to different needs and interests.
The MOE has never been averse to change that can improve our education system.
But we must change with purpose — to bring out the best in every Singaporean child and always provide opportunities for learning regardless of one’s starting point.

[Today] Big Data collected is anonymised, protected by law

I refer to Mr Danny Tan’s letter “Yes to Big Data, but let’s watch out for Big Brother” (April 17).
Technology advancements and increasing connectivity mean that private organisations and Government service agencies will increasingly collect and use large quantities of data in their normal course of business. For example, our public agencies use data analytics to improve policy planning, service delivery and resource allocation.
To safeguard private data, individual identities are obscured by making the information anonymous and aggregating them. Insights are gleaned from observing collective group behaviour and not individual ones. These insights help the Government better anticipate and respond to events and trends, such as the occurrence of dengue hot spots and the planning of bus routes.
Regulations and guidelines, such as the Personal Data Protection Act and similar rules within the public sector, are in place to govern the management of personal data, both for public and private agencies. These guidelines protect individuals’ private data and strengthen the public’s confidence in the ability of these organisations to handle and use such data properly.
As technology changes and societal attitudes evolve, we will have to review our approach and practices. We strive to strike the right balance to enable us to make the best use of new technology to benefit citizens, while respecting and safeguarding personal private data. We thank Mr Tan for his thoughtful feedback and suggestions, and will consider them alongside the views of other experts and members of the public.

[Today] Fear of backlash can censor debate

I refer to the letter “Freedom of speech does not necessarily make society more inclusive” (April 23). It is disingenuous to claim that sanctioning someone because of an alternative viewpoint is not the same thing as silencing them.
When individuals collectively demand the removal of support from something they consider deeply offensive and harmful, it communicates that the public will face backlash if they fail to accept a particular line of thought.
By extension, this helps set the parameters of what is acceptable for people in general to think or say. Hence, shaming an individual or a corporation because of their beliefs can chill public discussion. Ironically, this produces the same result as what censorship laws would do: It limits the expression of views deemed offensive or eccentric.
The late Mr Lee Kuan Yew once said: “I always tried to be correct, not politically correct.” We should judge individuals on the merits of their arguments. No one deserves to be censored for their views or for simply failing to be politically correct.

[Today] Pastor Khong to perform, not preach

I refer to reports on IKEA Singapore’s decision to continue its tie-up with Pastor Lawrence Khong’s magic show.
Mr Khong is performing, not preaching or propagating his views on lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders during the show. I am proud of IKEA Singapore for not bending to the unreasonable demands of some.
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[Today] Important to teach self-control, awareness of actions to youth

I refer to the recent cases of youth violence, such as the one reported in “Teen who attacked foreign workers out of boredom jailed” (April 21), as well as the ongoing case of Amos Yee.
These cases reflect the recklessness and the lack of self-awareness that can lead to youths making mistakes, which burden not only themselves but also their families.
They point to the need to cultivate in this “strawberry generation” self-control and awareness of their actions’ legal ramifications, and its impact on society and their families. They must be aware that regardless of the validity of one’s views, they must consider the context in which they speak or act.
Civility is our goal as a society but it can only be achieved when there is a concerted effort to be less self-centred and be more considerate. The recent criminal cases involving youth are a cause for concern. But they are also good, if painful, lessons from which we can draw upon not to repeat mistakes of the past, and remind ourselves what we need do for future generations.

[Today] S’poreans should show support for Nepal

As Nepal struggles with the aftermath of the 7.8-magnitude earthquake and aftershocks that hit the capital Kathmandu on Saturday, let us take the time to remember that Singapore once owed its security to the Nepalese Gurkhas during key moments in its history.
The Gurkhas have been with us since the British colonial period and have helped bring peace during times of civil unrest.
If not for their policing of the streets during the Maria Hertogh riots in 1951, where people were killed, shops looted and cars burnt, the unrest could have been even more widespread and uglier.
During the 1964 racial riots, having not yet developed a strong military, Singapore had only the police and the Gurkhas with their British commanders to quell the unrest. The Gurkhas were “blind” to racial divisions and thus able to be neutral in their handling of the discontent.
Today, they remain a contingent within the Singapore Police Force and part of the nation’s formula to ensure harmony. They are still despatched to guard critical installations. In the light of the national catastrophe in their homeland, we should respond in kind or in deed with compassion, given how the Gurkhas had contributed to our nation’s stability in its nascent years.