‘Money-making’ tools? Growing calls to protect underage influencers in China

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For qns on childhood and social media....

Guarding Singapore against the slow drift towards a mean society

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For qns on kindness and charity....

Law Society vice-president resigns after his comments about rape survivor sparked outcry

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Good recent local example for cancel culture and the power of social media.....

Viewpoint: Too woke or not woke enough? Hollywood reconsiders progressive agenda

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Announced in 2021, Zegler’s casting itself was a bone of contention. The actress is of Colombian and Polish descent, and some social media users felt she was miscast because the character is described, in the original Brothers Grimm fairy tale, as having “skin as white as snow”. There was a similar outcry in 2019, when Disney announced African-American actress Halle Bailey would play the title role in the live-action remake of The Little Mermaid (2023), even though the character in the 1989 animated version is white.

“go woke, go broke”

Note the idea that when movies try to be inclusive, it may affect their popularity and consequently, their box office receipts....

Qn: How far do you agree that efforts to promote inclusiveness do more harm than good?

AI robots may hold key to nursing Japan’s ageing population

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Japan is the world’s most advanced ageing society, with a falling birth rate, dwindling working-age population and restrictive immigration policies.

the severe shortage of aged care workers.....The nursing sector, meanwhile, is struggling to fill jobs.

hefty price of no less than 10 million yen (S$90,110) initially

robots that can safely interact physically with humans require next-level precision and intelligence. Humanoid robots are being developed the world over. But they rarely come into direct contact with humans...They just do household chores or some tasks on factory floors...Once humans enter the picture, issues like safety and how to coordinate a robot’s moves with each individual’s spring up.

Qns:

1. Nowadays, people live longer than ever before. What problems does this present and how can these problems be dealt with? (Cam. 'O' lvl 2007)

2. Does your society have what it takes to care for the elderly? (HCI Prelim 2024)

Prada among brands to cut ties with K-star Kim Soo-hyun amid underage dating scandal

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For qns on cancel culture and the power of social media.....

Don’t let books become another thing Singaporeans buy while in Malaysia

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Qn: The book has no place in modern society. Discuss. (Cam. 2010)

Social media makes crime seem aspirational rather than reckless: Experts on post and boast culture

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Algorithms reward spectacle. The more outrageous the flex, the more engagement it gets

social media platforms are the perfect breeding ground for those seeking admiration or validation from others

a thriving “flex” culture is in part due to the social media scene, where influencers “flex” or flaunt their lives to become the source of envy among their community

Malone Lam Yu Xuan, a 20-year-old from Singapore accused of being a co-conspirator in one of the largest cryptocurrency thefts in US history. Lam allegedly stole Bitcoin valued at more than US$240 million (S$320 million) and spent large chunks on mansions, cars, luxury clothes and jewellery.

Qns: 
1. To what extent has the digital age influenced the aspirations of young people today? (JPJC Prelim 2024)
2. 'We have become a society of excesses.' Discuss.

GE2025: Are video podcasts a new political space to connect with hearts and minds?

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video podcast format lends itself to more candid and tongue-in-cheek conversations and feels more unfiltered, which can help make politicians seem more relatable to voters

Podcasts are more off-the-cuff, which allows the politicians’ personality to really shine

podcasts may level the playing field for opposition politicians with fewer resources, who can gain exposure and reach a diverse range of audiences by appearing on such shows.

even though social media content can change people’s minds about politicians, voting behaviour is shaped by other factors, including political affiliations and the candidates’ credentials

Qns:

1. Consider the view that social media has more influence than politicians. (Cam. 2019)

2. Is modern technology a benefit or threat to democracy?

Permissive attitudes towards cannabis likely due to pervasive misinformation: Josephine Teo

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There are all kinds of ridiculous claims. For example, cannabis is natural, so it must be safe... or cannabis is not very different from alcohol and tobacco....The science on cannabis is very clear, and it is compelling. Cannabis is addictive, with far-reaching and irreversible health effects

The Thai government had then intended to recriminalise the use of cannabis, but faced fierce opposition from those seeking to profit from it. So that shows very clearly, once you decriminalise (it), you will find it very difficult to roll things back

Note that while fake news may result in people consuming or doing harmful stuff to themselves, the reverse can also occur, where fake news prevents people from doing the right/healthy thing; e.g. fake news that the measles vaccine will cause children to be autistic, or that the Covid-19 vaccine will turn one into an alligator!

For issues on fake news...

Singapore forges own path to women’s development, says PAP Women’s Wing chair Sim Ann

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“We go for buy-in, not run-ins.”

the United Nations Gender Inequality Index, published in March 2024, which ranked Singapore eighth globally out of 166 countries, and first in the Asia-Pacific, for having a low level of gender inequality.

the increase in female representation in Parliament – women now make up 29 per cent of elected MPs, compared with 5 per cent in the 1989 to 1991 term of Parliament

 would not see quotas as necessary or desirable. “I don’t think we want to have a situation where people question whether or not a woman is there because of merit or because of the quota,”

 what’s important is that, at every step of the way, people feel that a woman is in a particular position because she is able to do the work, rather than, oh, because she’s a woman, that’s why she has the job

For qns on gender issues....

Immigration is essential and existential for Singapore’s survival: SM Lee

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While larger nations may have the population, resources and hinterland to fall back on, Singapore does not. Singaporeans are not having enough children of their own, and the resident workforce is already at full employment, and ageing

Immigration will bring more competition and put pressure on Singaporeans to work harder and meet higher standards, but this will create a more vibrant economy and generate better opportunities and brighter prospects for future generations, he added.

Every year, the Republic has about 30,000 citizen babies born and takes in about 22,000 new citizens.

In Singapore, every new citizen goes through the Singapore Citizenship Journey on what it means to be Singaporean before getting citizenship. Integration and Naturalisation Champions from the People’s Association also run many programmes to welcome and integrate new citizens into their communities.

For qns on immigration.....

What Zelensky’s Oval Office spat has to do with Singapore’s foreign policy

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The optics of that episode vividly illustrate the vulnerability of nations without sufficient leverage – whether fiscal, military, or diplomatic. Without these “cards in your hand”, countries outside the major power echelon are exposed to coercion, intimidation and the indignity of having to bend the knee.

That Singapore has assiduously cultivated its position of strength – through nuanced diplomacy, robust public finances and the maintenance of a formidable, consistently funded Singapore Armed Forces serving as a credible deterrent – cannot be overstated.

financial muscle allows Singapore to negotiate on equal footing, free from having to seek concessions. ...“Anything we want, we buy, and we pay full market price for. So we can say we are your partner. We are not your vassal state or your tributary. Therefore, hopefully, no one treats us shabbily. They treat us with some reasonable respect, because we are a partner or we are a client – a customer, a high-value customer. That is an enormous advantage.”

Ukraine’s predicament serves as a stark reminder of what is essential for preserving sovereignty in an era seemingly governed by the maxim “might is right and big is beautiful”

Qns:

1. Examine the extent to which expenditure on arms and the armed forces is justified in the modern world. (Cam. 2014)

2. Given greater levels of international cooperation, how necessary is it for countries to engage in the arms trade?

‘A record that may remain unbroken’: Ne Zha 2 continues scaling heights beyond commercial triumph

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The film’s technical mastery is staggering, featuring nearly 2,000 special effects shots and contributions from 138 animation studios. This collaborative effort exemplifies the strength of China’s creative ecosystem and heralds a new era of aesthetic and industrial standards for the country’s film industry

Beyond its commercial triumph, Ne Zha 2 is poised to serve as a cultural bridge, offering global audiences a window into China’s rich mythology and traditions.

Just like Black Myth: Wukong, the country’s first 3A video game which took the world by storm in 2024, Ne Zha 2 has become another cherished domestic creation rooted in traditional Chinese culture.

Sales of its merchandise on Taobao, a leading e-commerce platform in China, surpassed 50 million yuan earlier in February.

 The film has also inspired renewed interest in Chinese museum artefacts among viewers. Through repeat viewings, zealous fans have uncovered its intricate Chinese cultural references, prompting them to visit museums nationwide in search of its sources of historical inspiration.

Qns:

1. How important is it for people in your society to retain their traditional culture?

2. Do films offer anything more than an escape from reality? (Cam. 2014)

Farming, volunteering, dancing: Why some employees are ‘micro-retiring’ in their 20s

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challenges the long-held belief that enjoyment should be deferred until retirement age

choosing to pause their careers to enjoy the perks of retirement while they still have their youth, good health and energy

unlike previous generations of workers who were focused on career-building and long-term savings, Gen Zers and millennials often seek a balance between career success and personal well-being. This includes a focus on “living in the moment”

micro-retirements may become more common, especially as Gen Zers are projected to work into their 70s. In Singapore, retirement age and re-employment age will be increased to 65 and 70 respectively by 2030

“I learnt that one should live for oneself, not for the expectations of others.”

For qns on youth....

Singapore Aquatics adopts drone technology and artificial intelligence in training

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The system – comprising a drone, gaming laptop and tablet – segments an athlete’s body into 17 different points and helps human coaches like Tan to optimise training programmes and improve performance by identifying, in real time, critical factors that influence a swimmer’s speed.

From where coaches stand on the side of the pool, we can’t get a top view of certain things like the hands in different angles. This system gives us a more enhanced view during our practices to see if a kid is swimming in a symmetrical or non-symmetrical way.

For qns on the impact of technology on sports....

Singapore to buy new submarines, infantry fighting vehicles and maritime patrol aircraft for the SAF

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“We are not a threat to anyone and wish all to be friends. But as the saying goes, strong fences – and I would add defences – make good neighbours,” 

Qn: Given greater levels of international cooperation, how necessary is it for countries to engage in the arms trade?

Singapore believes in keeping lines of communication open on Israel-Palestine conflict: Maliki

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the Republic’s decision to preserve diplomatic ties with Israel has allowed it to candidly share views on the conflict with Israeli leaders and to get aid into Gaza

engagement, rather than isolation, is the best path forward to keep the prospects of a two-state solution alive for Israel and Palestine.

Qn: How far should countries have relations with others whose human rights record is poor? (Cam. 2019)

Indonesians swindled by scams using President Prabowo deepfakes

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Reducing carbon emissions not only healthy for planet, but can also fuel economic growth: SM Teo

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The US – the world’s largest greenhouse gas emitter after China – is pulling out of the Paris Agreement for the second time. This prompted other countries, like Argentina and Indonesia, to question the wisdom of maintaining their climate commitments.

Climate change is no longer a future threat; it is already here with us.” Climate impacts are already being felt around the world, from widespread heatwaves to severe storms.

the timeline to respond and adapt is being set not by us mere humans, but by nature [useful for closing BANGs!!!]

The average cost of solar energy is now 50 per cent lower than that of fossil fuels.

the green transition is an increasingly important driver of growth, and therefore crucial not just to the health of the globe, but also to the prosperity of their people

Bhutan became the third country that Singapore can eventually buy carbon credits from....This marks Singapore’s first carbon-trading pact with a carbon-negative country, as Bhutan is one of a few countries that absorb more greenhouse gases than they emit. Since late 2023, Singapore has completed such agreements .... with Papua New Guinea and Ghana.

Buying carbon credits means that Singapore does not have to rely solely on cutting emissions domestically, but can offset its carbon footprint by investing in carbon projects elsewhere. However, the Republic is expected to use these credits as a form of last resort, to shave off the residual emissions to meet its climate targets in 2035, and reach net zero in 2050.

Other forms of international collaboration that Singapore is pushing for include importing green electricity from its neighbours to cover about a third of its electricity needs by 2035, and exploring cross-border carbon capture and storage.

For qns on climate change and international collaboration....