Viewpoint: What happens when you use AI to make a National Day song?

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mixed feelings about using the technology to come up with songs. I understand it can be a tool to discover new sonic possibilities, but I am also wary of its potential to devalue, and even replace, human labour.

But I cannot take credit for, or feel any sense of ownership over, this tune, no more than I can call myself a chef after I microwave a frozen meal bought from 7-11.

Spotify success of AI-generated indie rock band The Velvet Sundown. The concerning thing is, for the first month of its existence, the “band” insisted they were real humans, despite many speculating they were an AI creation. While photos of the four members were clearly produced with gen-AI, The Velvet Sundown – whose music and image borrow heavily from retro 1970s rock – had a pretty convincing backstory on their profile.

has to decide if they value human artistry and inventiveness enough to always choose a work crafted by a real person over one churned out via binary code.

For issues on AI/tech's impact on the arts....

The real risk isn’t screen time – it’s failing to teach digital responsibility

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note opening BANG using description of a trend...

In Singapore, a 2024 CNA-IPS survey showed high mobile usage among teenagers. They were found to be using their electronic devices for almost 8½ hours on average daily.

These findings point to a discrepancy between young people’s lived digital realities and how schools and homes are preparing them to cope.

So, should we ban digital devices? It’s tempting but misguided. As the saying goes, “The same fire that melts butter hardens steel”. Devices, like fire, can either illuminate or destroy. Denying students access out of fear is akin to refusing to teach them to swim for fear of drowning. Instead, we must equip them with the skills and ethics to navigate digital waters.

For qns on censorship and banning....Note that digital literacy and cyber-wellness are not just about protecting the child, but also about enhancing their focus on academic subjects...... making this link allows you to compare the two criteria to avoid hijacking the qn

Qn: ‘Education today should involve more than the study of academic subjects.’ How far do you agree?

Why Singapore needs more safe ways out for vape-addicted youth

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One early case of self-reporting led to counselling rather than prosecution,

 signalling a new model that prioritises rehabilitation over retribution.

Adolescents who vape, especially with drugs, are more likely to have untreated mental health conditions. They are also more likely to live in poverty or have a parent who was incarcerated, abusive, or struggling with substance abuse or mental health issues. Youth from such high-adversity backgrounds are also more likely to suffer in silence due to fear of punishment, stigma or strained family relationships.

For Qn 1 below, to compare, say that there's a need for education to focus on the physical/emotional health of students also, coz any compromise on this will detract from the focus on academic studies....so if u want to focus on academic subjects, it entails a focus on physical/emotional health students -- without the latter, the former cannot be achieved....

Qns:

1. ‘Education today should involve more than the study of academic subjects.’ How far do you agree? (Cam. 2024)

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

3. ‘Adversity brings out the best in people.’ Do you agree with this observation? (ACJC 2020)  

Forum: Character should be central to definition of educational success

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academic performance or grades alone do not determine the ability of a person to thrive in life

A person of strong character – even if not academically outstanding – often inspires, uplifts, and makes a mark for himself in society.

exposure to the arts plays an essential role in nurturing empathy, reflective thinking and cultural awareness among students

Qn: 'Education today should involve more than the study of academic subjects.’ How far do you agree? (Cam. 2024)

Explainer-What will it take to stave off famine in Gaza?

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Qn: 'Science is the only answer to global hunger.’ Discuss. (Cam. 2019)

Fewer marriages in Singapore in 2024; greater marital stability for recent unions

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Why China can’t seem to shake off its food scandals

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Qn: To what extent is it justifiable for the state to control what an individual eats or drinks? (EJC Prelim 2024)

Truth in the age of AI

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In the country’s recent general election held in May 2025, 

a new law banning fake or digitally altered online material that misrepresents candidates during the election period

 was put in place for the first time. 

As Asean looks to nuclear energy, public education efforts are needed: UN nuclear watchdog chief

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Qns:

1. 'Fossil fuels should no longer have a part in the production of energy.’ Discuss. (Cam. 2023)

2. Discuss the view that, with an increasing global need for energy, every possible source should be exploited to the full. (Cam. 2014)

Thousands of men shared non-consensual intimate photos on Telegram: Chinese media

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‘Vampire coach’: Coercive blood sampling in school casts spotlight on Taiwan’s culture of obedience

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Qn: 'Obedience is a virtue.' Is this an accurate reflection of your society? (RI J2 2023)

Forum: Sharing viral bullying video deepens victim’s pain

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Mindef to set up new volunteer management unit to grow volunteer pool

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Currently, volunteering opportunities with Mindef are largely limited to industry experts in areas such as training safety, medical advice, legal counsel, strategic communications, technology, sustainability and public outreach.

Qn: 'People who undertake voluntary work do so more for their own benefit than for the benefit of others.’ Discuss. (Cam. 2023)

No idle punt: Why Singapore called out cyber saboteur UNC3886 by name

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Formula One renewable energy shift drives 26% drop in carbon footprint

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Investment in sustainable aviation fuel for travel and freight use, and other alternative energy sources, including solar and biofuels, contributed to the decline. F1 has, in 2026, set a target for the cars to have new hybrid engines and be powered entirely by advanced sustainable fuel.

Remote broadcast operations allowed about 140 personnel to avoid travelling to each race weekend. Changing the Japanese Grand Prix date to align with other Asia-Pacific races last year also reduced emissions. In 2026, Monaco’s date will move to align with European events and eliminate an additional transatlantic crossing

F1 has faced criticism from activists who say the sport is harmful to the environment.

Cinemas struggle in a world that cannot sit still

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Who killed love? A video game plays to male resentment in China

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China’s clean-tech exports are driving down global CO2 emissions: Study

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Qn: Environmental concerns and economic growth cannot co-exist. Do you agree? (Cam. 2011)

‘Involution’: China’s problem with competition is there’s too much of it

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Qn: Is competition always desirable? (Cam. 2016)

Forum: Mural of smoking samsui woman fulfils one of art’s essential purposes

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That mural in South Bridge Road now features a plaque carrying an anti-smoking advisory

By provoking such discourse, the mural has fulfilled one of art’s essential purposes. As a society, we must be willing to accommodate artistic expression, even when it challenges our norms – so long as it does not harm the community

Qn: 'To develop the full potential of the arts, there is a need to remove all restrictions.’ How far is this true of your society? (ACJC)

Travel Journal: Safari tourism with a side of moral crisis

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While a hospitality arm helps generate revenue that can support conservation work, it can blur the line between protecting wildlife and commodifying it.

Many safari parks position themselves as protectors of endangered species, touting breeding programmes, habitat monitoring and community outreach. But a conservation label does not always guarantee ethical practices.

Wildlife parks and travel operators are increasingly navigating a complex balancing act: conservation versus commercialisation, accessibility versus animal welfare, and education versus entertainment.

Particularly when we are spending money, we should make sure we don’t inadvertently pay for exploitation

China embarks on world’s largest hydropower dam in Tibet, capital markets cheer

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construction had begun on what will be the world’s largest hydropower dam, on the eastern rim of the Tibetan Plateau, at an estimated cost of at least US$170 billion (S$218.5 billion)

The Three Gorges, which took almost two decades to complete, generated nearly a million jobs, state media reported, though it displaced at least a similar number of people

India and Bangladesh have already raised concerns about its possible impact on the millions of people downstream, while non-governmental organisations (NGOs) warned of the risk to one of the richest and most diverse environments on the plateau.

such a colossal dam barely 50km from the border could dry out 80 per cent of the river passing through the Indian state while potentially inundating downstream areas in Arunachal and neighbouring Assam state.

Good example for why going green sometimes may not be ideal.....

Britain battles anti-vax misinformation after child’s death

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Good example on consequences of fake news.....and how social media can influence behaviour and attitudes....

Elon Musk is cashing in on the AI romance boom

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Other users of the app have shared screenshots on X showing the character removing her dress and engaging in more sexually explicit content. 

Mr Musk has hit on one of the most fascinating, disturbing and lucrative features of generative artificial intelligence (AI): its power to shape emotions

Smartphones and social media have helped alleviate boredom, but boredom, however uncomfortable it may be, is also a nudge humans occasionally need to seek out a new experience. Eliminating loneliness with a digital companion similarly disrupts a feedback loop that humans have relied on for thousands of years to prompt them to reconnect with others.  

And if your digital “partner” is programmed to always agree, then social skills around dealing with conflict resolution and rejection can atrophy, or fail to develop if you’re underage.

addressing loneliness, but the result is only the illusion of intimacy. The cost may be a further decline in human connection too. 

For issues on loneliness and social media....

Qn: 'The quality of human interaction is diminished by modern communication devices.’ How far do you agree? (Cam. 2023)

US tech CEO Andy Byron resigns after viral Coldplay ‘kiss cam’ video

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For issues on social media and privacy....

Qn: To what extent has technology had an impact on both privacy and security in your country? (Cam. 2009)

Smart recycling boxes rolled out at 51 new spots since May; 37 in Ang Mo Kio GRC

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Qn: To what extent are science and technology able to solve the problem of waste disposal? (Cam. 2024)

Sex, shame and the ‘national dignity’ trap in China

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For issues on gender and privacy.....

Critical infrastructure in S’pore under attack by cyber espionage group: Shanmugam

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For issues on how wars of the future would not be fought in the battlefied.....

Character counts as much as grades, Desmond Lee tells students

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Qn: 'Education today should involve more than the study of academic subjects.’ How far do you agree? (Cam. 2024)

Tech company CEO Andy Byron deletes social media account amid affair allegations after Coldplay concert

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Qn: To what extent has technology had an impact on both privacy and security in your country? (Cam. 2009)

Beijing accused of trying to block screenings of Filipino documentary on South China Sea

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AI and education: We need to know where this sudden marriage is heading

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Chinese university expels student for ‘harming nation’s dignity’ after one-night stand with foreigner

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What we can do to fight the insidious threat of ‘zombie vapes’

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Note the role of advertising and social media in normalizing vaping....

Forum: Make it an offence to film people on public transport without consent

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Relate to issues on privacy and the 2023 AQ on photography....

Qn: To what extent has technology had an impact on both privacy and security in your country? (Cam. 2009)

With social media, do we gain more ‘friends’ but lose ourselves?

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A must-read!!!

F1 the sport should be more like F1 the movie

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

No pain, no gain for Singapore’s water polo teams at world championships

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Qn: 'Staging major sporting events brings nothing but benefits to the host country.’ Discuss. (Cam. 2021)

Tough questions lie ahead as Singapore accelerates push for driverless vehicles

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Forum: SportSG committed to quality and sustainable sports facilities

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Qn: Are athletes given adequate support and recognition in your society?

The unspoken reason people sometimes quit their jobs: Loneliness

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Mattel launches Barbie doll with diabetes

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For qns on toys and businesses role in social responsibility....

Why driverless vehicles just can’t quit humans

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commercial delivery service using driverless trucks between Dallas and Houston in Texas

Aurora isn’t the only autonomous vehicle company that hasn’t quite been able to quit humans. When Tesla launched its robotaxi service in June in Austin, Texas, the cars had human “safety monitors” in the passenger seats.

Even the more established self-driving taxi services, which don’t have anyone inside the car, still have humans behind the scenes. In China, Baidu’s robotaxis launched with “remote human operators” who could take control of the cars if necessary.

why can’t supposedly superior machines cope without them? Because machines and humans are good at different things. Machines don’t get tired, bored, drunk or distracted, but they struggle with real-world “edge cases” that require contextual awareness and intuition, such as how best to navigate a blockage on the road, or what a construction worker waving his arms around is trying to tell you.

For issues on AI displacing humans....and the viability, esp with regard to safety

It’s time our exams caught up with the future

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For qns on whether our schools or education is preparing our students adequately for the future....

The TV shows people risk death to watch

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Graduates are not screwed if they study engineering: James Dyson in response to Economist article

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artificial intelligence (AI) can never replace the human brain for creativity...AI can pretend to be creative by combining things, but I don’t think it can ever truly be creative and do something different and unexpected

AI will undoubtedly do away with routine jobs as automation has with typists...the topic of layoffs, which have been seen in the past year at tech firms including Dyson, TikTok, Google, Microsoft, Intel, Amazon and Meta.

knowledge workers, who were once thought to be safe, are also now at risk of being replaced. Those at risk include paralegals, tutors, writers, graphic designers, software coders and stock traders. 

Qn: Are the latest scientific findings and technological innovations a cause for concern?

‘Writing is thinking’: Do students who use ChatGPT learn less?

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Some chatbots tell you what you want to hear. This is dangerous

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Just like their people-pleasing human counterparts, a growing suite of technology tools and features are wired only to make people happy or delude them into feeling so.

The key people-pleasing trait of chatbots is sycophancy by design. When chatbots are deliberately engineered to affirm users and agree with them, emotional attachments between users and bots are forged. For AI companies with subscription-based business models, these affective bonds ensure that users seek to remain connected and engaged. Furthermore, sycophancy helps users feel validated and accepted by bots in what feels like a judgment-free environment, encouraging people to chat with them endlessly.

Such people-pleasing design logics can be harmful, especially when they tell users what they want to hear or show them only what they want to see.

It may please us to see an improved version of ourselves online, but when our actual selves simply do not measure up, feelings of inadequacy would naturally arise. Indeed, there have even been reports of people undergoing plastic surgery to make themselves resemble their filtered selves so as to feel more complete. 

This problem is compounded by the prevailing design ethos of the tech world which is  allergic to friction of any kind. Any speed bumps that slow down or challenge the user experience are anathema and must be swiftly engineered away. Yet the messiness of everyday life is fraught with the very things that technology seeks to eliminate: imperfections, contradictions, and the discomfort of being told “no”. So when we are habituated by technology that serves only to charm, cajole and comply with our wishes, we are setting ourselves up for grave disappointment. 

If we allow technology to become the ultimate people pleaser, we may find ourselves surrounded by tools that, in their effort to never upset us, quietly lead us astray.

For issues on dangers of AI.....

Certis to stop tracking live location of front-line officers on sick leave after union intervention

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For issues on privacy....

Note also that it is an employee's tip-off to the media that led to the change in policy -- watchdog role of the media in force here.....