Today's topic was something close to the hearts of everyone: ICT. Be it our blackberries, ipods or radios, we all have a piece of ICT around with us. I was particularly interested in prof's post about project natal. My friend had introduced to me this video that prof had a year ago but back then I didnt think of how this "immersive" technology as prof described would actually help in society. It was interesting how prof suggested that such technologies could be used to talk to lonely individuals or even be used as a virtual assistant to remind us of our daily tasks.
I asked Zhu Yie and Michelle for their opinions on this and they gave me great ideas as well. Zhu Yie mentioned how this could actually help in talking to autistic people who usually keep to themselves. Perhaps this could be a way for them to open up themselves to people around them and be more comfortable. Michelle on the other hand, was talking about the setbacks that this technology may have if it were to replace humans in babysitting kids. "What if the child thinks this is real? Won't it replace the human touch?"
As for me, I felt that it was a whole new avenue to explore. Perhaps we could save up on our money and use this technology to virtually transport us to other countries with the use of GPS. No doubt the real thing is always better, I would think its a good alternative because we can't possibly travel everywhere in this lifetime!
Here's another video on Project Natal and how it brings new meaning to entertainment:
Which brings me to remember a movie called "Gamer" that came out in 2009.
In a nutshell, the movie's about players of the game where they get to control characters that are actually real people in the game and these characters are often being forced to fight to the death. Wow! Real people being stuck in a virtual world. Talk about immersive! It sounds abit far-fetched but it'll be cool if we could enter into our favourite games like Super Mario and experience how it'll be like to fight off the baddies. That said, the part where we get our butts kicked by the bad guys is a different story. But then again, this immersive technology has plenty of potential and many doors of opportunity to be explored be it in entertainment or in society!
Coming back to other class discussions, we learnt new terms such as cloud computing and crowdrise and had a debate on whether the Internet is necessary in rural areas. While I do agree educating those living in rural areas will improve their standards of living in the long run through the knowledge they gain, I would think that such progress may take a while for people to adapt to it. They have after all been living a life without much technology and may feel its not necessary. Their acceptance to it would lead them to new opportunities and a new and better life as well.
I personally enjoyed the session alot. I'd give it a 9/10. :)
Friday, September 17, 2010
Friday, September 10, 2010
session 4: basically about change
There are essentially 3 ways to cope with change:
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.
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.
Friday, September 3, 2010
session 3
Quote of the day:
"Sustainability requires a shift from linear to circular thinking."
Old industrial model: Economic development VS environmental well-being
New industrial model: Economic development AND environmental well-being
So we all know the fact that sparing a thought for the environment is becoming increasingly important. We are starting to realise that the doings of mankind are starting to take a toll on the Earth from the signs of the melting of ice caps in the South and North pole, increased global temperature (as if Singapore is not hot enough) and the demise of many ecosystems. Businesses can no longer rely on the old school of thought of increased production and hence increased profits. The health of Mother Earth is now part of the plan of many businesses so as to not infuriate environmentalists which can disrupt their business operations and to also conserve the Earth's resources they need for production. This leads to sustainability in a business.
That said, it bothers me how some businesses try to save the Earth with the intention of ganering more support from people, thus greater customer loyalty and not because of the fact that they are truly concerned. I think that its an issue of respect in the area of giving and taking. We cannot possibly take so much money from our parents for investment purposed and not expect to return them anything when we strike it rich. Won't they be left with nothing at the end of the day? What would be left to give on their part then when you need more?
But with respect to sustainablity of the Earth, we can see over the years how initiatives like the Kyoto Protocol and Earth Hour have been implemented as an effort to help make a change. I personally think that while to a certain extent such things have managed to change our mindsets, there's certainly alot more educating to be done. But before we condemn large companies for polluting the world, wasting energy and blah blah blah, we should look at our individual self first. Simple things like remembering to switch off unused lights at home daily, bringing our own bag while grocery shopping, throwing waste into the appropriate bins (plastic, paper and cans)all go a long way. In this sense, we as individuals which may seem unable to make a significant difference can actually make a difference.
"If not us, who? If not now, when?"
-Winston Churchill
Another topic for discussion was on "Innovation Management" of which I had to make a presentation on. Okay I admit I couldn't realy focus on the introduction by prof because I was busy getting nervous about my presentation. But! My take on innovation is that we constantly have to rely on innovation for development. For example, in a supply chain, how can we break down the distant barriers between us and our suppliers or our overseas manfacturer to ease operations and curb communication errors? How can we ensure orders are sent on time and accurately? Innovation can also be applied to sustainability of the Earth. How can we further educate people about saving the Earth? How can we bring the message acorss in a manner that it is interesting and something that will be etched in all our memories? All this and many others are all thanks to innovation.
The idea of innovation is something of great interest to me since the days of doing D&T in secondary school and hence my choice of topic. I once took part in a Tan Kah Kee innovation competition. The whole idea was to determine a problem, find and make a solution and present it. It was a simple problem I faced like having combed hair accumulated on the brush. The process of removing the hair was pretty darn annoying so I took the opportunity to come up with a solution once and for all. The materials I used were things like nets that held fruits to be inserted into the bristles of the brush before combing and from there on I explored other different options and how I could improve the idea to make it feasible. Over the weeks, the solution did improve and I was glad it worked! So yup! That was one of my experiences with simple innovation.
As a whole, I thoroughly enjoyed this session minus my nervousness because it gave me more insights on certain issues like whether NEWater for example was a sustainable development. The different presentations by my peers were interesting in their own ways be it their style of presentation and their content. I'd rate this session a 9.
"Sustainability requires a shift from linear to circular thinking."
Old industrial model: Economic development VS environmental well-being
New industrial model: Economic development AND environmental well-being
So we all know the fact that sparing a thought for the environment is becoming increasingly important. We are starting to realise that the doings of mankind are starting to take a toll on the Earth from the signs of the melting of ice caps in the South and North pole, increased global temperature (as if Singapore is not hot enough) and the demise of many ecosystems. Businesses can no longer rely on the old school of thought of increased production and hence increased profits. The health of Mother Earth is now part of the plan of many businesses so as to not infuriate environmentalists which can disrupt their business operations and to also conserve the Earth's resources they need for production. This leads to sustainability in a business.
That said, it bothers me how some businesses try to save the Earth with the intention of ganering more support from people, thus greater customer loyalty and not because of the fact that they are truly concerned. I think that its an issue of respect in the area of giving and taking. We cannot possibly take so much money from our parents for investment purposed and not expect to return them anything when we strike it rich. Won't they be left with nothing at the end of the day? What would be left to give on their part then when you need more?
But with respect to sustainablity of the Earth, we can see over the years how initiatives like the Kyoto Protocol and Earth Hour have been implemented as an effort to help make a change. I personally think that while to a certain extent such things have managed to change our mindsets, there's certainly alot more educating to be done. But before we condemn large companies for polluting the world, wasting energy and blah blah blah, we should look at our individual self first. Simple things like remembering to switch off unused lights at home daily, bringing our own bag while grocery shopping, throwing waste into the appropriate bins (plastic, paper and cans)all go a long way. In this sense, we as individuals which may seem unable to make a significant difference can actually make a difference.
"If not us, who? If not now, when?"
-Winston Churchill
Another topic for discussion was on "Innovation Management" of which I had to make a presentation on. Okay I admit I couldn't realy focus on the introduction by prof because I was busy getting nervous about my presentation. But! My take on innovation is that we constantly have to rely on innovation for development. For example, in a supply chain, how can we break down the distant barriers between us and our suppliers or our overseas manfacturer to ease operations and curb communication errors? How can we ensure orders are sent on time and accurately? Innovation can also be applied to sustainability of the Earth. How can we further educate people about saving the Earth? How can we bring the message acorss in a manner that it is interesting and something that will be etched in all our memories? All this and many others are all thanks to innovation.
The idea of innovation is something of great interest to me since the days of doing D&T in secondary school and hence my choice of topic. I once took part in a Tan Kah Kee innovation competition. The whole idea was to determine a problem, find and make a solution and present it. It was a simple problem I faced like having combed hair accumulated on the brush. The process of removing the hair was pretty darn annoying so I took the opportunity to come up with a solution once and for all. The materials I used were things like nets that held fruits to be inserted into the bristles of the brush before combing and from there on I explored other different options and how I could improve the idea to make it feasible. Over the weeks, the solution did improve and I was glad it worked! So yup! That was one of my experiences with simple innovation.
As a whole, I thoroughly enjoyed this session minus my nervousness because it gave me more insights on certain issues like whether NEWater for example was a sustainable development. The different presentations by my peers were interesting in their own ways be it their style of presentation and their content. I'd rate this session a 9.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
session 2
This session was an interesting one with fellow classmates becoming guests speakers for each topic.
It began with the topic of "technology, society and global dominance". No, I did not manage to complete my readings on this but the first thing that popped into my mind would be the Japanese Occupation of Singapore in 1942. I guess everywhere in this world, there are always those that use power for selfish reasons which is also evident in Euporean invasion into non-western lands in the past. The reasons? Mainly for trade opportunities and ultimately wealth. Dora's topic on hegemony was very much related to this discussion and yes I do agree hagemony still exists in this globalized era. One for instance was the Iraqi war were the US imposed trade sanctions on Iraq to force them to cooperate in the investigations of WMD they allegedly possessed. Perhaps in this sense it sounds reasonable to do so as WMD is something that would affect the entire world but it's rather sad to know that in such battles, the innocent are implicated.
Another topic up for discussion was "Technology and Human development". Prof posed a question on how we would measure human development. In my opnion it would be to a certain extent, the material possessions because it shows how well a person is getting on in life and yes, the national GDP although it is inaccurate to reflect the earnings of every single person in a country. But that's just on the superficial side. I am in total agreement with whoever mentioned "happiness" as a gauge (whoops~ I forgot who you are!). Each and every one of us has an idea of "happiness". I think we should all appreciate the simple pleasures in life like having our family and friends with us, safe and sound. That to me, is happiness.
I liked the video segment on the Millenium Development Goals. I am aware of the less fortunate people around the world and it sets me thinking: why are people always looking towards wanting more when there are those out there who are practically starving everyday. They are starved of food, education and a good life they deserve to live. Don't get me wrong though. It's okay to want more but to some, nothing is ever enough. I think its high time for a change for the less fortunate given the technological advancement of today's time. I also truly admire people like Bill Gates for giving his wealth for the sake of finding medicinal cures for the benefit of those who cannot fend for themselves.
"Change is inevitable and often necessary,the transition process is painful/difficult for some". This was the second quote by Prof and again I do agree with it to a large extent. I once had this collegue from a logistics company I worked for during my industrial attachment in the poly. She did not have very good spoken English and she was tasked to liase with the supplier at times when her job scope changed. There were many a times when I helped her in her English but eventually my supervisor told me not to because I would have to leave after my designated period of attachment and that colleague would be on her own. I felt pretty bad for her but I understand that while people can help you with the basics, its entirely up to you to climb up the ladder from there on your own. You just can't rely on others all the time. Frankly I don't think anyone in the right mind likes changes because we so comfortable where we are. And even if its a change we don't like, we have no choice but to suck it up because that's how life is. Nothing comes easy right? We can only find comfort in the fact that change is just a mere phase in life and we'll eventually become comfortable with that change before another change takes place again.
I also enjoyed our classmates sharing on their article readings and it was truly insightful! I think they have each done well as for some it may be their first time so kudos! :D I'm up tomorrow and my gosh it feels like forever since I last gave an individual presentation.
The entire session was a rather productive one and I'd give an 9 out of 10 for it :)
It began with the topic of "technology, society and global dominance". No, I did not manage to complete my readings on this but the first thing that popped into my mind would be the Japanese Occupation of Singapore in 1942. I guess everywhere in this world, there are always those that use power for selfish reasons which is also evident in Euporean invasion into non-western lands in the past. The reasons? Mainly for trade opportunities and ultimately wealth. Dora's topic on hegemony was very much related to this discussion and yes I do agree hagemony still exists in this globalized era. One for instance was the Iraqi war were the US imposed trade sanctions on Iraq to force them to cooperate in the investigations of WMD they allegedly possessed. Perhaps in this sense it sounds reasonable to do so as WMD is something that would affect the entire world but it's rather sad to know that in such battles, the innocent are implicated.
Another topic up for discussion was "Technology and Human development". Prof posed a question on how we would measure human development. In my opnion it would be to a certain extent, the material possessions because it shows how well a person is getting on in life and yes, the national GDP although it is inaccurate to reflect the earnings of every single person in a country. But that's just on the superficial side. I am in total agreement with whoever mentioned "happiness" as a gauge (whoops~ I forgot who you are!). Each and every one of us has an idea of "happiness". I think we should all appreciate the simple pleasures in life like having our family and friends with us, safe and sound. That to me, is happiness.
I liked the video segment on the Millenium Development Goals. I am aware of the less fortunate people around the world and it sets me thinking: why are people always looking towards wanting more when there are those out there who are practically starving everyday. They are starved of food, education and a good life they deserve to live. Don't get me wrong though. It's okay to want more but to some, nothing is ever enough. I think its high time for a change for the less fortunate given the technological advancement of today's time. I also truly admire people like Bill Gates for giving his wealth for the sake of finding medicinal cures for the benefit of those who cannot fend for themselves.
"Change is inevitable and often necessary,the transition process is painful/difficult for some". This was the second quote by Prof and again I do agree with it to a large extent. I once had this collegue from a logistics company I worked for during my industrial attachment in the poly. She did not have very good spoken English and she was tasked to liase with the supplier at times when her job scope changed. There were many a times when I helped her in her English but eventually my supervisor told me not to because I would have to leave after my designated period of attachment and that colleague would be on her own. I felt pretty bad for her but I understand that while people can help you with the basics, its entirely up to you to climb up the ladder from there on your own. You just can't rely on others all the time. Frankly I don't think anyone in the right mind likes changes because we so comfortable where we are. And even if its a change we don't like, we have no choice but to suck it up because that's how life is. Nothing comes easy right? We can only find comfort in the fact that change is just a mere phase in life and we'll eventually become comfortable with that change before another change takes place again.
I also enjoyed our classmates sharing on their article readings and it was truly insightful! I think they have each done well as for some it may be their first time so kudos! :D I'm up tomorrow and my gosh it feels like forever since I last gave an individual presentation.
The entire session was a rather productive one and I'd give an 9 out of 10 for it :)
Monday, August 16, 2010
Session 1 :)
Okay! The much anticipated school term has finally begun.
I thought that TWC to kick start things would be interesting as technology is everywhere in this era. We are essentially living and breathing technology in our everyday lives as it has become part and parcel of our being. For instance like what I shared in class was that I would need my ipod to sing me to sleep almost every night. I couldn't do without it sometimes and I would specially charge up my ipod before I sleep just for this purpose. It's a silly example, but a realistic illustration of our reliance on technology in our daily lives. From the MRT rides that we take and even lectures in school, we all can't deny the existence of technology in them and how it has enhanced our standards of living.
The class was conducted with an open discussion where students would share their take on the topic of the day: Technology is easy, people are hard. I was honestly stumped when Prof. Singh asked me about my opinions and I could not quite find the right words to describe what I was thinking. So in this sense, I felt the need for improvement on my part. The sharing was nothing like what I had gone through in the Polytechnic and it was enlightening to hear the different comments presented by my peers with real-life examples cited to back them up.
Another interesting discussion brought to the floor was the difference between "innovation" and "creativity" and whether is an invention birthed at the end of these 2 processes or is does the cycle begin with an invention? In my opinion, it depends on what perspective you see things from. I would think that an invention would be followed by creativity which is in turn needed to innovate the existing product into something new. Let's take correction fluid for example. It began when there was a need to rectify an error made on a typewriter. Over time, the idea developed to what we have today, correction tape. So although a correction fluid and correct tape serve the same purpose, they are actually different products altogether. On the other hand, if the correction fluid bottle was improved in such a way that the ergonomics are suitable for everyone’s palm, then I would say it’s not a new invention. So that supports my opinion about where an invention is in a cycle, depending on the angle you look at things.
I would say the learning session was a productive one. It has definitely sparked an interest in me but I feel that more on historic backgrounds on certain issues should have been addressed. Like our reading material 1 for instance, there was a lot of information to digest and it required contextual knowledge to comprehend the material. So it would have been more interesting to give us more insights on the background of the reading materials.
As a whole, I would rate the session as 8/10.
I thought that TWC to kick start things would be interesting as technology is everywhere in this era. We are essentially living and breathing technology in our everyday lives as it has become part and parcel of our being. For instance like what I shared in class was that I would need my ipod to sing me to sleep almost every night. I couldn't do without it sometimes and I would specially charge up my ipod before I sleep just for this purpose. It's a silly example, but a realistic illustration of our reliance on technology in our daily lives. From the MRT rides that we take and even lectures in school, we all can't deny the existence of technology in them and how it has enhanced our standards of living.
The class was conducted with an open discussion where students would share their take on the topic of the day: Technology is easy, people are hard. I was honestly stumped when Prof. Singh asked me about my opinions and I could not quite find the right words to describe what I was thinking. So in this sense, I felt the need for improvement on my part. The sharing was nothing like what I had gone through in the Polytechnic and it was enlightening to hear the different comments presented by my peers with real-life examples cited to back them up.
Another interesting discussion brought to the floor was the difference between "innovation" and "creativity" and whether is an invention birthed at the end of these 2 processes or is does the cycle begin with an invention? In my opinion, it depends on what perspective you see things from. I would think that an invention would be followed by creativity which is in turn needed to innovate the existing product into something new. Let's take correction fluid for example. It began when there was a need to rectify an error made on a typewriter. Over time, the idea developed to what we have today, correction tape. So although a correction fluid and correct tape serve the same purpose, they are actually different products altogether. On the other hand, if the correction fluid bottle was improved in such a way that the ergonomics are suitable for everyone’s palm, then I would say it’s not a new invention. So that supports my opinion about where an invention is in a cycle, depending on the angle you look at things.
I would say the learning session was a productive one. It has definitely sparked an interest in me but I feel that more on historic backgrounds on certain issues should have been addressed. Like our reading material 1 for instance, there was a lot of information to digest and it required contextual knowledge to comprehend the material. So it would have been more interesting to give us more insights on the background of the reading materials.
As a whole, I would rate the session as 8/10.
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