1) Make it happen (Proactive)
2) Respond when it happens (Reactive)
3) Be surprised when it happens (BLF) lol.
So what brings about change really? Aside from things discussed in class like germs, evolution, innovation and others that contribute to this on-going phenomenon, I would think that fear, is also another contributing factor. Fear of terrorism prompts countries to step up on the national security. Businesses's fear of falling behind of competitors stir up the need to revise business strategies and tactics. The fear of lack of food in the generations to come gives rise to genetically modified food. So..perhaps the term "kiasuism" is not just confined to Singapore alone. I would think it is applicable to everyone else on Earth.
It is a natural thing to fear the unknown and make changes from there before things happen. In fact, taking this proactive step is the best game-plan anyone would think of because when change comes knocking at your door and your unprepared, you're likely to get lost as reality just seems to have become more fast-paced for you to cope with.
"Change" is such a vast topic and we've discussed this in class for quite awhile now. I guess it just goes to show how important this issue of change is. The world is constantly changing. I can't think of a better example than our dear Singapore. Compared to where we came from, the present is such a huge contrast. I would think that if the government then did not take that initiative to want to bring Singapore out of the state (riots, high porverty, low literacy rates)we were in, Singapore would not have changed to what it is today.
The saying "Time and tide waits for no man" is true to a large extent like how change that comes with time will not wait for us either. The sad truth is that, we cannot change change to suit us but we have to change us to suit change. So yeah I conclude that the best way to counter change is change itself! Hahaaa
But the thing about change is that, its a double-edged sword. Change can reap positive results like how a change in leadership in a company opens the door to fresh new ideas and thus more profits. Change can also lead to negative results. Using the example of GM food again, while we try to counter the problem of food scarcity with this method, we're also making ourselves vulnerable to more things like the health implications GM food brings. It's funny how we can try to cope with change but yet we can never really have answers to everything. But we'll never know if we don't try right?
I feel that the world has undergone alot of changes and it takes a person with genuine concern and courage to stand up to make changes in society. Famous people from the pages of history include Mahatma Ghandi who saw helped India to Independence and an advocator of peace and Mother Teresa who poured her heart to the sick and poor and changed the hearts of people towards the outcast. But my most favourite of all would be Michael Jackson. Let's look beyond the controversies of his plastic surgeries and colour, this guy did change the world with his music and love for the unfortunate. What I admire about him the most is that he uses his musical talents to bring across messages of love to the world. (Heal the world, Man in the mirror, we are the world etc). I think it doesn't take a powerful politician to bring about change. Just a normal human with a willing heart is all it takes. They are what I call leaders of change.
The session for the day was yet another insightful one with alot of discussions. Debatable things like how whether water should be a right or commodity was of interest to me. I like the fact that the presentations are becoming more interesting perhaps because the class now has a rough gauge on how presentations should go now and presentations are kept short and sweet, complying to the time restrictions. As a whole, I'd give the session a 10.
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