Death sparks protests over caste-based harassment of Indian doctor

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Note the example of affirmative action here to achieve greater inequality....but note also potential rebuttal on how this affirmative action can result in a backlash as it causes the envy and resentment of upper caste here over the special treatment -- and what they deem undeserved (coz the lower caste may have lower admission exam grades) -- received by the lower caste. It may also cement one's existing prejudice over the lower caste as one will then think that they must really be inferior and belong to the weaker lot if they need special treatment to help alleviate them. The same goes for affirmative actions towards disadvantaged group like women, the elderly and the disabled. The more we try to help them, the more we may be harming them by:
a) fostering the exisitng belief that they are really 'weak' in the eyes of the public
b) increasing resentment towards them by according them special treatment that goes against the grain of meritocracy and 'fairness'
c) the consequent compromise on the effectiveness of the organization or system due to the more lax criteria when recruiting the disadvantaged lot (e.g. reputation of university may be affected when students who do not meet the grade are admitted just to satisfy the university admission quota reserved for the disadvantaged lot; the quality of the graduates from the university may be affected if the quota is considerable, or these students may not even be able to graduate due to their weaker academic ability.....In another context, consider women being promoted to become ministers just to satisfy the gender quota in government, when in fact they are not really competent and experienced enough to govern the country. What then will be the effect on the country in its quest for gender equality in the government?)

Government educational institutions reserve places for marginalised groups like scheduled tribes or castes and other backward communities. While this has given many the opportunity to study at some of the country's best institutions, such programmes have generated opposition from upper-caste students, especially in the competitive medical education sector.

Qns:
1. In your society, how far is equality for all a reality? (Cam. 2012)
2. Can prejudice ever be eliminated? (Cam. 2011)

Fake Nancy Pelosi video hijacked attention - just as intended

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This example is useful as it's quite current....and there're quite a few issues here:

=can we trust internet companies to weed out fake news?

YouTube removed the video, but only after it amassed thousands of views. Twitter and Facebook did not remove the video (Facebook eventually added "fact-check" links to the clips).

And it's why the company struggles to articulate whether it's a platform or a media company or something else entirely...As a platform, Facebook has no real responsibility for the veracity of its content; as a media company, it most certainly does.

=Note the example of 'deepfake' where the image was doctored to look real

the rise of political misinformation, filter bubbles, the future of "deepfake" videos and the Internet's penchant to warp reality.

=by bringing people of the same political allegiance together (in this case, those who are pro-Trump and anti-Pelosi) and spread propaganda messages or lies

Facebook, the platform of origin for this video, did exactly what it was designed to do. It brought people with similar interests together, incubated vibrant communities that spawned intense discussion and then gave those communities the tools to amplify their messages loudly across the Internet. The rest of the social media ecosystem followed suit.

=the fact that those from the White House are guilty of spreading the fake news say two things: having someone from the govt spreading it lends credibility to the fake news and lessen suspicions with regard to its veracity; but it also goes to show the potential of fake news to dupe anyone, including those who should know better....

the abnormality of a presidential administration and political party spreading such brazen propaganda.

=note the colourful language here....describing the futility of tradiitonal media to counter fake news. When traditional media tries to rectify the fake news, it only brings more attention to the fake news. And given that our inherent prejudice makes us blind to reason, our increased exposure to the fake news via traditiona media only gives us more ammunition with which to jsutify and reinforce our exisitng bias...Hence, the more traditional media tries to fight fake news circulated online, the more it hastens the spread of fake news by bringing it to the attention of more people who will lap it up due to their inherent bias.

"It's like we're supposed to fight oxygen but our only tools are matches."

Note the closing BANG echoes the handbook comment made in an earlier part of the article.

Qn:  Can the media ever be relied upon to convey the truth? (Cam. 2003)

Fresh graduates in Malaysia struggling to find jobs

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the number of tertiary graduates entering the workforce surpassed the number of jobs created for them....the economy has not created sufficient high-skilled jobs to absorb the number of graduates entering the labour force

a university degree alone is not sufficient to land them a job. Experience, prospective employers have been telling her, matters as well.


Note discrimination can play a role too:
There's a lot of stereotyping by employers who are looking to hire from a certain ethnic group only and generalising that overseas graduates are better than local graduates


Qn: Discuss the claim that education guarantees progress.

Soldiers jailed for Rohingya killings granted early release

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When the judiciary/ court is compromised or under the influence of the military govt, true justice cannot be delivered, as in the case above....esp when the military govt was the one who gave the order for the crime....

Qn: To what extent is it possible ‘to make the punishment fit the crime’? (Cam. 2013)

Singapore must have strong ruling party with clear majority: Goh Chok Tong

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This link gives u a good idea of the brand of democracy Singapore has.....note some of the features:
does not see the opposition's role as one of "check and balance", as that means the Government is not doing things right.

should the ruling party have a majority of only one to two seats, the Government will not dare to plan ahead and take long-term actions. "It must begin to worry about the next election," he said.

"stabilisers" such as the group representation constituency system and Nominated Members of Parliament.


Note concept of 'groupthink', where everyone in the group comes from the same background, hence have the same views, same 'blindspots'. This can be seen as being in a 'filter bubble' whre the echo-chamber effect operates...Each minister will echo the views of another coz they feel the same way, and this will reinforce any inherent biases that are already resident within them....Pretty much what happens in social media, except that it is more insidious and prevalent online....:

But if a "bulk of them" is from the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) in Cabinet, groupthink is "very dangerous for us", he added...."Diversity means having people from the SAF, civil service, private sector and social sector... (That way), you'll have a diversity of views

Qn: How tolerant is your society of diversity?

Pofma: Is Singapore's fake news law too powerful or not enough?

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Looks like the acronym POFMA can be spelt using small casing/letters too.....anyway, this is Singapore's version of the fake news law...please read to have a better idea of this new law, which is quite a useful example.....

Useful Singapore feature justifying the controversial pofma:
as an open, prosperous, multiracial society, Singapore remains a trophy target for various groups with values anathema to what we stand for. This "tall poppy" aspect of Singapore is an existential fact; and a risk every Singaporean should understand, whatever gripes we may have about our too-powerful Government.

Qn: 'Real power lies with the one who controls the media.' Comment.

Fake news Select Committee should investigate 30-year old falsehood

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A good example of an alleged falsehood or fake news propagated by the PAP govt....Operation Coldstore.

Indonesia lifts social media curbs targeting hoaxes during unrest

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Indonesia yesterday lifted temporary social media restrictions imposed to stop online hoaxes when violence erupted after the announcement of official election results last week.

The authorities blamed a rise in online hoaxes, some calling for violent post-election attacks, for inflaming tensions, and brought in social media restrictions in order to prevent "provocations".

The move imposed limits on the ability to upload videos or photos on social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook and its platforms Instagram and WhatsApp.

Note how social media is used to flame tensions and precipitate violence...and the govt's control over the social media platforms using legislation...

Qn: 'Real power lies with the one who controls the media.' Comment.

Turning data into dollars: Firms selling individuals' personal info for cash

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Relate to qns on the sharing of data on the internet, esp if u have done / are doing the 2017 'A' level compre AQ on this topic....

Silver tsunami? Not really

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The phrase conveys a vivid imagery of a sudden overwhelming destructive force....Words have power and how they are used matter because they frame one's perception of things.

By choosing the phrase "silver tsunami", it influences others to think about seniors in a certain way...Specifically, the phrase strongly suggests that an ageing population is a burden to the economy and is as destructive to the nation as a tsunami. 

So you see, the media can create certain stereotypes that influence the way we perceive certain groups of people and our attitudes towards them.....Of course, the rebuttal is that sometimes, it is not the media, but politicians (or others) who are the ones who came up with the offensive coinages; but then, we can still argue that the media, while absolve of the crime of creating the stereotype, is still guilty of PERPETUATING it, due to its extensive reach....in fact, the more offensive/controversial the label, the more the media will want to spread it as it will generate interest among the people, hence higher viewership.


Qns:
1. To what extent does the media influence our perception of the world?
2. Can prejudice ever be eliminated? (Cam. 2011)

Violence was coordinated: Jakarta police

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The violence that broke out on the streets of Jakarta in the wee hours of yesterday morning was a coordinated strike the rioters planned carefully, using WhatsApp chat groups, said the police yesterday.

Note that the Indonesian govt has announced that it will restrict social media access for a few days in a bid to curb the spread of fake news that has fuelled the ongoing violence....

colourful vocab expression: The conflict reached boiling point

For those of u familiar with Arab Spring 2011 and the yellow vest protest in Paris, do you see a pattern of the role of social media in organized protests, esp in democratic coutnries?

For qns on the media, religion, violence, govt censorship, terrorism, democracy, etc....

Qns: 
1. 'Real power lies with the one who controls the media.' Comment.

2. Discuss the view that all countries have an equal responsibility to counter terrorism. (Cam. 2018)

3. Consider the view that efficient government is more important than democracy. (Cam. 2011)

India elections: Lack of suitable jobs for urban youth a pressing issue

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Overheard from BBC and other sources that about 30,000 people enter the job market every day in India, and he government has to create 10-12 million jobs every year!!!! For populous countries and like China and India, there is a glut of job-seekers, including those fresh from college and universities. There is no guarantee that armed with a degree or cert, one will be able to land a dream job, as there is fierce competition for the limited jobs. The situation is exacerbated if the country's economy is not expanding fast enough to create the necessary jobs to absorb this glut of job-seekers every year.....

A certificate, many argue, is not always helpful when employment options are scarce or the training substandard.

Qn: Discuss the claim that education guarantees progress.

Law aims to tackle real problem of fakes

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If u r among those who did the hci prelim compre on the pervasiveness of lies recently, connect with this for the local context....

Most of what u need to know about POFMA (Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act) is here....

Singapore is a young nation-state with a small, multiracial and highly globalised population. Its high-profile success as a cohesive society comes with an existential risk: it will always be an attractive target for some; and it cannot discount the risk of an unfriendly state or non-state actors wanting to foment unrest here. 

the legislation allows ministers to decide what constitutes an online falsehood against the public interest.

fake WhatsApp images instigating riots, to bot-controlled Twitter and Facebook accounts swaying elections. The danger will be higher with deep-fakes - when images and voices of people can be manipulated, or created digitally and realistically, to make people seem to do or say whatever one wants.

requiring platforms to publish a correction, or to comply with a take-down order, over false statements of facts. Opinions are not covered. The Government has assured that only those who create fake content with ill-intent will face criminal sanction, not those who share it.


Qn: Real power lies with the one who controls the media.’ Comment.

Biometrics helps nab visitors with false IDs

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new technology using three biometric identifiers - fingerprint, facial and iris - to complement fingerprint matching for immigration clearance....."The new technology being tested by ICA, to use more than one biometric identifier, will make it virtually impossible for anyone to beat the system when it is fully implemented.

Qn: To what extent are increased security measures effective in protecting the public? (NYJC J2 MidYr 2018)

Singapore's diversity is its strength, says President Halimah Yacob

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Our diversity helps us in understanding the differences in the world outside us. Our effort to integrate and harmonise the different communities has made us a more resilient society."

Singapore's situation is a microcosm of a "larger challenge faced by the world in getting people of different religions, values and backgrounds to live together harmoniously"

Singapore's diversity also means it can tap cultural and language similarities, and familial ties, to help make friends with other Asian countries.

Note the following measures to safeguard diversity/equality in Singapore... They can also be seen as reasons WHY Singapore has diversity/equality -- if u deem them to be effective:

=uses English as a common working language so minorities are not disadvantaged

=ensures schools and public housing estates are racially integrated

=adding that national service also ensures that generations of male Singaporeans learn to work together and train to defend Singapore and its ideals.

=country's Constitution also protects the position of minority communities... it was recently amended to ensure that minorities will be regularly elected as president - Singapore's highest office.

=country also has strict laws to prevent the denigration of other faiths and the mixing of religion and politics

Qns:

1. In your society, how far is equality for all a reality? (Cam. 2012)

2. How tolerant is your society of diversity?

Low Thia Khiang crushes PAP MP’s argument using her own example

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An excellent and interesting instance of how u can rebut very effectively if u recycle the exact same example/analogy used by ur opponent.....
BUT note it is NOT a good idea to recycle the same example for different points of ur own....

The analogy used in the link can also be a good opening BANG for related essays, but please do NOT write Chinese character in ur essay -- use the hanyu pinyin 'zhong' instead, but I'm not sure how clear the message will be since the analogy depends on the pictorial image of the word 'zhong'..... so maybe just forget it lah....

South Korea's latest big export: Jobless college graduates

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Note the point that a glut of university graduates, compounded by slowing economic growth, may mean that no matter how qualified u are, u may not be able to get a good job -- unless u seek overseas opportunities....But with a global economic slowdown, and a similar glut of graduates in those countries, this option may not even be open to you -- unless perhaps if u r willing to accept low wages to compte with the local graduates there....

Qn: Discuss the claim that education guarantees success. (ACJC Prelim 2015)

China's TikTok video app takes off in South-east Asia

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One of u mentioned this eg in ur script recently, and miraculously, it appeared in today's papers...

A good rebuttal to the oft-cited claim that social media fuels narcissim and exhibitionism.....In the example of TikTok in the article, the video platforms can be used to showcase one's talents and spread passion for an activity, to inspire OTHERS (as opposed to 'ME') to take up a healthy or useful activity...in fact, it can be videos of OTHERS, not 'ME':

"I thought this would be a good platform for me to showcase other talents such as dancing and singing," said Yap, who has been acting since she was 10. "TikTok is a pure video platform... You're watching videos continuously. I thought this would be a better platform, especially for dance videos."

Another user is national taekwondo exponent Ng Ming Wei, 24, a bronze medallist at the 2015 SEA Games...I love fitness and flexibility and of course, taekwondo. I want to... share my sport with the general public," said Ng, who hopes to qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. In particular, he wants to get more young people interested in taekwondo and other sports.

Healing for victim, hope for offender

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the fundamental basis of punishment, especially criminal punishment, is that the offender deserves to be punished. When put that way, getting just deserts is the primary reason for punishment, and ensuring that it fits the crime makes sense and gives satisfaction to the victim.

In an enlightened society, we do not punish the offender and leave him to rot. We seek to rehabilitate, restore and reintegrate him back into society as a responsible and contributing member. 

This is what we call restorative justice - both the restorative and justice elements must be given equal attention.

It is a fine balance. Focus too heavily on restoration and it may result in too lenient a punishment. Put too much weight on justice and it may lead to overly harsh punishment.

When the balance between restoration for the offender and justice for the victim is achieved, there is healing for the victim and hope for the offender.

Qns: 

1. 'Rehabilitation, not punishment, should be the purpose of the justice system.’ Discuss. (Cam. 2017)

2. To what extent is it possible ‘to make the punishment fit the crime’? (Cam. 2013)

What we lose when a million species become extinct

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Note the useful stats that 1million species will become extinct in a few decades' time:

the United Nations released its report on biodiversity early this week. It made for grim reading: Within a matter of a few decades, out of the estimated eight million species of plants, animals and insects that inhabit the Earth, one million will become extinct.
[click on the blue hyperlink above to view article on the UN report]

Medical records, bank account details, e-mail passwords and Netflix login can be bought for $1,000 on Dark Web

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The Dark Web is a good example of a place online where nefarious activities are carried out or transacted....reason being that it ensures anonymity. But note that it can also be a place for good: [see HERE; if can't access, click HERE]

Pearl Bank Apartments to be opened up to Instagrammers one last time; CapitaLand spent 3 months documenting structure

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Note the example of Pearl Bank Apartments.....[see HERE for the new building that is going to replace the old one...]
Detractors of conservations have argued that land-scarce Singapore cannot afford the luxury of buildings conservation, and that digital images and records can be a substitute for the real thing....


Qns:

1.     Only modern architecture and modern art have a place in today’s world. How far is this true of your society? (Cam. 2011)

2.  Assess the view that traditional buildings have no future in your society. (Cam. 2016)

Deserted beaches, empty rooms: Sri Lanka tourism takes a hit after bombings

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Note the staggering stats:

Net hotel bookings dropped a staggering 186 per cent on average over the week following the attacks compared to the same period last year

Qn:   Should poorer countries develop their tourist industry when the basic needs of their own people are not being met? (Cam. 2007)

New rules for changed digital info landscape

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=Some useful stats about Singapore:

Closed messaging services like WhatsApp and WeChat have also become prevalent, with more than 50 per cent of Singapore residents using them to communicate and share information.

our mobile population penetration rate, at about 150 per cent, is among the highest in the world. As for Internet broadband, the wireless penetration rate for our population is over 200 per cent, and the wired household penetration rate is 93.5 per cent.

=technology companies' algorithms, policies and design features have made it easier for echo chambers to be created and exploited.

=Note acronym of the new law:

POFMA (Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation) legislation 

=colourful phrasing via alliteration:

virulence and virality of online falsehoods.

=legislation is not enough...a well-informed and discerning citizenry is the first and most important line of defence against online falsehoods.

Extreme democracy not always a good thing

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Note the various criticisms of democracy and the example of Brexit raised....

Qn: Consider the view that efficient government is more important than democracy. (Cam. 2011)

What China's tech workers think of '996' culture

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"Ten years ago, people rarely complained about 996," said search giant Baidu's former employee Li Shun, who left to found an online medical start-up. "This industry was booming once, but it's more of a normal industry now. There are no more giant financial returns. Expecting people to work a 996 schedule on their own like before isn't realistic."....smaller companies can no longer use a sense of grander purpose to motivate workers to sacrifice their personal lives. "Most companies don't have a dream anymore,"

Qn:  ‘People today do not work as hard as they did in the past.’ How true is this of your society? (Cam. 2018)