There are two sides to a coin. We have heard terrifying stories about how Singaporean employers tortured their maids, as well as kind hearted employers who have treated their domestic helpers as one of their family members. Potential employers go through classes on how to treat their maids so that everybody has a win-win situation.
But personally, being the gracious society that we are in, there is still room for improvement in the treatment of maids. I have personally witnessed many ugly scenes of employers overworking their maids, talking to them in a degrading manner, and depriving them of food.
One example is my neighbour who lives across the street from my house in a newly-renovated terraced house. Every morning, the maid would be the first to wake up in the neighbourhood and she toiled till late at night. She would start washing the car early in the morning. I wonder why they need their car to be washed every morning and so early. Worst of all, she is constantly being reprimanded by the various members of the family in a loud and harsh manner. This really reflects badly on us Singaporeans.
On the flipside, there are many kind employers in Singapore. These employers should be praised. I hope more Singaporeans will learn from them.
It is common to have a domestic helper at home in Singapore as most parents work. My family is no different. We have a maid who has been working with us for about 8 years. She came from a small island in the Philippines. She has been my family’s great help and we reciprocate by sharing whatever we have with her and make sure that she is well taken care of. She has an off-day every week to socialise and relax and rewind. We celebrate festive occasions like her birthday and Chinese New Year. Whenever we go out for dinner at restaurants, we will bring her along. We wanted her to share the joy with us. I feel that she is well taken care of and her needs are met. She is happy with my family. J
Monday, August 24, 2009
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
19.8.09 Blog Post 2: My favourite food
My favourite food
Food is what fuels our lives. Everybody eats food everyday. When you ask around in Singapore, most people would name favourite food like Chicken rice, Char Kuay Tiao and Laksa. Although I like all of the above, my ultimate favourite is Brie Cheese. No wonder! My parents always tease me that I am born in the year of the rat. The association between the rat and cheese goes back a long time ago. There are stories aplenty of how rats go for cheese. Similarly, each time I travel overseas, the first thing I check out is the types of cheese in those countries.
Brie is soft cow cheese that originated in 1980 in France.
It is pale white in colour and as it ages further, it turns yellowish. Just the thought of it paints a contented picture of clouds floating in my mind. I can never get enough of it! Whenever I am stressed, the thought of a wheel of white Brie floating almost eradicates my stress.
The first bite is familiarity. It soon leads to more bites in the soft and savoury slice. Each subsequent bite makes an oh-so heavenly taste that melts in my mouth just the way I want it. It gets softer and more savoury and you are in cloud 9. The taste just keeps soaking in. No other cheese will provide me with such a sensation. No wonder it is termed : “Queen of cheeses”
I enjoy my Brie after dinner almost every day. It is the best dessert and it soothes my frazzled nerves. It is something I look forward to everyday and as I sink my teeth into it, I am energised. Life is just so pleasant. Try it today! You won’t regret it!
(Disclaimer: It is bitter)
Food is what fuels our lives. Everybody eats food everyday. When you ask around in Singapore, most people would name favourite food like Chicken rice, Char Kuay Tiao and Laksa. Although I like all of the above, my ultimate favourite is Brie Cheese. No wonder! My parents always tease me that I am born in the year of the rat. The association between the rat and cheese goes back a long time ago. There are stories aplenty of how rats go for cheese. Similarly, each time I travel overseas, the first thing I check out is the types of cheese in those countries.
Brie is soft cow cheese that originated in 1980 in France.
It is pale white in colour and as it ages further, it turns yellowish. Just the thought of it paints a contented picture of clouds floating in my mind. I can never get enough of it! Whenever I am stressed, the thought of a wheel of white Brie floating almost eradicates my stress.
The first bite is familiarity. It soon leads to more bites in the soft and savoury slice. Each subsequent bite makes an oh-so heavenly taste that melts in my mouth just the way I want it. It gets softer and more savoury and you are in cloud 9. The taste just keeps soaking in. No other cheese will provide me with such a sensation. No wonder it is termed : “Queen of cheeses”
I enjoy my Brie after dinner almost every day. It is the best dessert and it soothes my frazzled nerves. It is something I look forward to everyday and as I sink my teeth into it, I am energised. Life is just so pleasant. Try it today! You won’t regret it!
(Disclaimer: It is bitter)
19.8.09 Blog Post 1: News Article REview
Ma under fire but will not resign: Typhoon Morakot + My opinions
With reference to the Straits Times 19 August 2009
Bowing deeply in a symbolic apology to victims of the typhoon, Taiwan President, Ma Ying-jeou ruled out stepping down to take responsibility for the high death toll. He insisted that he will not step down as he had exercised strong leadership in the disaster rescue operation.
Typhoon Morakot slammed Taiwan on Aug 8 and to date at least 127 people were confirmed dead and many others missing. The death toll could rise to 500. The President and his government have been blamed for the high death toll and massive destruction. They have been criticised for their tardy reaction to the aftermath of the typhoon as well as the initial rejection of foreign aids. The Foreign Ministry had initially rejected foreign offers of aid but reversed the decision five days after the storm hit. The Vice-Foreign Minister resigned to take responsibility but criticism is still mounting. Friends and those normally pro-Ma have taken a different stance and are showing disapproval of the government handling of the disaster.
Ma was described as distant, arrogant and indecisiveness in the face of the disaster. Foreign aids from 60 countries including the US and Singapore has donated cash, relief supplies and is assisting in the post relief efforts. They are now focusing on rebuilding, relocation and resettlement of the survivors.
Typhoon Morakot has not only been a disaster for the people of Taiwan but also President Ma Ying-jeou KMT government. Mr Ma’s popularity has slumped in the worst-hit area of southern Taiwan and had eroded his hard-won successes. This will definitely hurt KMT chances in the year-end local elections. Typhoon Morakot has benefited the opposition DPP candidates. It is a setback to President Ma’s popularity and the KMT approval rating.
I feel that President Ma displayed inexperienced in the face of adversity. Although I think this is the very first time a disaster of such scale has struck in his first years of presidency, he did not display the strong leadership expected of him. He should have put this as prime priority when it happens and monitor the situation closely. For example, he should not have left the decision whether to reject the foreign aid to his vice-foreign minister. He should have gathered all the rescue teams and army much earlier so as to help with the rescue work and avoid the high death toll.
I feel that the disaster made it easier for the opposition party and foes of the KMT to spark anti-KMT feelings and find fault. His handling of the disaster only added oil to the fire, which was the chance that the opposition had been waiting for. Now, in addition to rebuilding the physical damage to the community caused by the typhoon, Mr Ma has to think of new strategies to regain people’s trust and increase the popularity of the KMT. It is an uphill task, but I feel that with Ma’s astuteness and intelligence, he will be able to do it.
With reference to the Straits Times 19 August 2009
Bowing deeply in a symbolic apology to victims of the typhoon, Taiwan President, Ma Ying-jeou ruled out stepping down to take responsibility for the high death toll. He insisted that he will not step down as he had exercised strong leadership in the disaster rescue operation.
Typhoon Morakot slammed Taiwan on Aug 8 and to date at least 127 people were confirmed dead and many others missing. The death toll could rise to 500. The President and his government have been blamed for the high death toll and massive destruction. They have been criticised for their tardy reaction to the aftermath of the typhoon as well as the initial rejection of foreign aids. The Foreign Ministry had initially rejected foreign offers of aid but reversed the decision five days after the storm hit. The Vice-Foreign Minister resigned to take responsibility but criticism is still mounting. Friends and those normally pro-Ma have taken a different stance and are showing disapproval of the government handling of the disaster.
Ma was described as distant, arrogant and indecisiveness in the face of the disaster. Foreign aids from 60 countries including the US and Singapore has donated cash, relief supplies and is assisting in the post relief efforts. They are now focusing on rebuilding, relocation and resettlement of the survivors.
Typhoon Morakot has not only been a disaster for the people of Taiwan but also President Ma Ying-jeou KMT government. Mr Ma’s popularity has slumped in the worst-hit area of southern Taiwan and had eroded his hard-won successes. This will definitely hurt KMT chances in the year-end local elections. Typhoon Morakot has benefited the opposition DPP candidates. It is a setback to President Ma’s popularity and the KMT approval rating.
I feel that President Ma displayed inexperienced in the face of adversity. Although I think this is the very first time a disaster of such scale has struck in his first years of presidency, he did not display the strong leadership expected of him. He should have put this as prime priority when it happens and monitor the situation closely. For example, he should not have left the decision whether to reject the foreign aid to his vice-foreign minister. He should have gathered all the rescue teams and army much earlier so as to help with the rescue work and avoid the high death toll.
I feel that the disaster made it easier for the opposition party and foes of the KMT to spark anti-KMT feelings and find fault. His handling of the disaster only added oil to the fire, which was the chance that the opposition had been waiting for. Now, in addition to rebuilding the physical damage to the community caused by the typhoon, Mr Ma has to think of new strategies to regain people’s trust and increase the popularity of the KMT. It is an uphill task, but I feel that with Ma’s astuteness and intelligence, he will be able to do it.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Blog Term 3 Week 7
Swishing and splashing against the formidable tides, I awoke from the ocean. After struggling free from the thick, viscous layer of crude oil that lined my surface, I was able to breathe again. I now faced a full force of the Ultraviolet rays from the sun, unblocked by the weak, thin ozone layer. I moved towards the islands nearby to seek shelter. In the vast boundaries of my homeland in the Arctic Ocean, I am surrounded by the seals, penguins and dolphins. They are equally frustrated as me as the weather gets warmer and they have to spend long hours hunting for food, which seems so scarce now. Although I, the Arctic Ocean is home to them where I should provide shelter, there is nothing I can do.
The irresponsible actions of the humans are out of my control. Many geologists, scientists and meteorologists have visited me in their bid for preservation of my homeland, but little has been done. In fact, I have gotten worse with each tide. Piles of rubbish, mainly Styrofoam and plastic lined the filthy shores of my surroundings. There was a tickling sensation as the factories dumped acidic toxic waste into me. It was horrible!
There was a roar of thunder. I thought that it was a storm and the temperature would cool down. I was wrong! It was a mega-hurricane made of acid rain clouds and uprooted entire forests, ripped off buildings and factories. It began raining corrosive acid! Yuck!
Rubbish from the beach and land were hurled into me as the storm subsided. The sun was back, and its rays shone once again. The nearby ice caps began melting and I watched in horror as the glacier slid downwards towards the houses and weather station.
The Earth was an inferno of catastrophes! How I wished that the humans had taken care of the Earth.
The irresponsible actions of the humans are out of my control. Many geologists, scientists and meteorologists have visited me in their bid for preservation of my homeland, but little has been done. In fact, I have gotten worse with each tide. Piles of rubbish, mainly Styrofoam and plastic lined the filthy shores of my surroundings. There was a tickling sensation as the factories dumped acidic toxic waste into me. It was horrible!
There was a roar of thunder. I thought that it was a storm and the temperature would cool down. I was wrong! It was a mega-hurricane made of acid rain clouds and uprooted entire forests, ripped off buildings and factories. It began raining corrosive acid! Yuck!
Rubbish from the beach and land were hurled into me as the storm subsided. The sun was back, and its rays shone once again. The nearby ice caps began melting and I watched in horror as the glacier slid downwards towards the houses and weather station.
The Earth was an inferno of catastrophes! How I wished that the humans had taken care of the Earth.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Blog Term 3 Week 6
In order to arouse and sustain interests, subjects in the school curriculum must be made relevant. Discuss.
Education is about nurturing each and every child and it means developing one morally, intellectually, physically, socially and aesthetically. Schools as well as the home environment help shape a person’s outlook, interpersonal relationships, goals and values in life. The school curriculum also develops each child’s unique talents and abilities to the fullest, keep fit and healthy and to appreciate the finer things in life. Thus is order to arouse and sustain interest, subjects in the school curriculum must be made relevant.
In different stage of the school education system, students are exposed to various curriculums that will help them grow and nurture into an educated and responsible citizen. To remain relevant, one must be able to face the challenges that await them as future leaders. Qualities include being enterprising, innovative, having a global outlook, confidence, courage, compassion, leadership, tenacity etc. Our curriculum cover areas from non academic, knowledge skills to core subjects discipline which are all relevant and set our student poise for the future,
It is difficult to arouse and sustain the interest of a class of students as no two students are alike. Furthermore, students advance in their learning journeys at different paces. Therefore it is imperative that our curriculum in school must not only be interesting and encouraging but also relevant. School should cater to different strengths and weaknesses of each student so that they can perform at the optimal level. The curriculum should have different options from which students can choose as no one set of curriculum can fit all students. Students should have the autonomy to decide, basis their interest and strength, to select what is of relevance to them. This can be seen in the set up of the Sports School and the School of the Arts.
Our curriculum must constantly adapt itself to offer greater flexibility in its teaching and learning. It must be an enjoyable experience and encourages our students at every level of their learning journey. Students must enjoy learning and continue to use the knowledge after leaving school in their pursuit of personal development and what they learn must be of relevance.
All students deserve an enriching education to stay relevant.
Education is about nurturing each and every child and it means developing one morally, intellectually, physically, socially and aesthetically. Schools as well as the home environment help shape a person’s outlook, interpersonal relationships, goals and values in life. The school curriculum also develops each child’s unique talents and abilities to the fullest, keep fit and healthy and to appreciate the finer things in life. Thus is order to arouse and sustain interest, subjects in the school curriculum must be made relevant.
In different stage of the school education system, students are exposed to various curriculums that will help them grow and nurture into an educated and responsible citizen. To remain relevant, one must be able to face the challenges that await them as future leaders. Qualities include being enterprising, innovative, having a global outlook, confidence, courage, compassion, leadership, tenacity etc. Our curriculum cover areas from non academic, knowledge skills to core subjects discipline which are all relevant and set our student poise for the future,
It is difficult to arouse and sustain the interest of a class of students as no two students are alike. Furthermore, students advance in their learning journeys at different paces. Therefore it is imperative that our curriculum in school must not only be interesting and encouraging but also relevant. School should cater to different strengths and weaknesses of each student so that they can perform at the optimal level. The curriculum should have different options from which students can choose as no one set of curriculum can fit all students. Students should have the autonomy to decide, basis their interest and strength, to select what is of relevance to them. This can be seen in the set up of the Sports School and the School of the Arts.
Our curriculum must constantly adapt itself to offer greater flexibility in its teaching and learning. It must be an enjoyable experience and encourages our students at every level of their learning journey. Students must enjoy learning and continue to use the knowledge after leaving school in their pursuit of personal development and what they learn must be of relevance.
All students deserve an enriching education to stay relevant.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
