Uproar after Philippine teen star has botox

In my opinion teenagers should not go for any botox injection or any form of plastic surgery. I feel that being natural is the best. At such a young age, teenagers are still developing and growing. If they go through plastic surgery, it may affect their growth on their face. Charice Pempengco is really too young for botox. I think that inner beauty is all that matters. She may not be mature enough to think of the consequences.

Furthermore, there are many negative comments about her on fan websites. This will affect her reputation and image. She may also feel pressurize about all the critics that she gets. In conclusion, I do not encourage botox and plastic surgery being done on a teenager.

Uproar after Philippine teen star has botox

I was not surprised when i read the article. Cosmetic surgery is now such a common thing that even teenagers would go for it because of vanity. There are definitely both advantages and disadvantages of cosmetic surgery. Charice Pempengco, teen star, as mentioned in the article went for a cosmetic surgery to sculpt her naturally rounded face.

I do agree that cosmetic surgery does improve one's looks and give one a boost of confidence, which is also the reason why many has chosen to go for it. This is also, however, the reason as to why one, especially young teens choose to ignore the risks of the surgery.I feel that one should not ignore the risks involved in the surgery though it is minimal and I do not agree that there is a need for Charice to go for cosmetic surgery and botox injections.

Uproar after Philippine teen star has botox

While i was reading the article, a lot of thoughts came up to my mind, such as the low self-esteem of the girl and how the entertainment sector emphasis a lot on the physical appearance of each celebrities. In my opinion, i feel that a 18 year old girl should not undergo plastic surgery, this just tells me that the girl who undergo plastic surgery has low self-esteem of herself.
I agree with a user calling by the name Mirana said, she highlighted the point on listening to yourself and not be affected by other opinions. I feel that this point is worth remembering and metioned as a lot of the people in the society are easily influenced by other people's opinion. Therefore, we should really settle down and think hard of what we really what instead of what others want you to be.

Uproar after Philippine teen star has Botox

Reading the article, I felt that the pressure placed on stars to be beautiful is too much. Personally, I think that an 18 year old is too young to undergo Botox and cosmetic surgery no matter how minor it is. The fact that Charice felt the need to make changes to the way she looks is saddening. It is ironic that she went through with cosmetic surgery in preparation for her upcoming role in Glee as the show promotes accepting yourself for who you are as a person no matter how you look.

Why should someone’s looks define the talent that they have? I see no reason for an 18 year old to undergo cosmetic surgery. Doing it at such a young age also opens up the risk of getting addicted to modifying your looks constantly in the future, which may not be healthy in the long-run.

Uproar after Philippine teen star has botox

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/cna/cgi-bin/search/search_7days.pl?status=&search=glee&id=1070644



After reading this article, I felt that it is not wrong for a 18 year-old girl to go for cosmetic surgery. Although it might be dangerous to do it at such a young age, I find it acceptable if this is required to pursue your dream. However, there is no rush to do all the surgeries in one go. Since you are still so young, doing the botox injections and minor surgery together may cause some health problems. Pursuing your dream may be important but your health is more important. Without health you will not be able to pursue your dream.
I am not encouraging that all teenagers should go for cosmetic surgery. If you want to go for cosmetic surgery, it is best to consult with your parents first and think about the pros and cons of cosmetic surgery.

2 JC classmates jump

I was astonished upon reading the article. There has been an increasing number of cases on teenagers committing suicide and these are mostly due to one's inability to cope with stress.

As mentioned in the article, Ho Yi Xin had confided in her classmate that she was depressed over the detention form given by her favorite teacher before her death and Wong Peek Yian leapt to her death over her poor performance in the mid-year examination. I believe that both Yi Xin and Peek Yian had leapt to their deaths upon depression and stress.

I think that Singapore's Government could organise more talks on handling stress. Teenagers should also learn to cherish their lives and know that suicide is definitely not a solution to solving problems or reducing stress. Parents should be more aware and try not to put too much pressure or setting high expections of their children.

2 JC classmates jump

After reading this article, I felt that there is a need to change the educational system. Now not only Junior College students are feeling the stress but also Tertiary students. Students can't find a good way to relieve stress thus this happens. I must say that this is not the teachers' fault. Teachers are also feeling stress given by their boss if the student's performance is bad. Thus, in order to solve this problem the education system needs to change.
The Ministry Of Education will remove examination for primary one by 2013. Maybe they can also
try something like this. For example, remove all the common test and class test and focus on the final examination. This way students will not have to worry about tests every week.
Another way is to have de-stress workshop to teach students how to manage stress.

2 JC classmates jump

After this article, I stopped to wonder. Is Singapore education too stressful? I feel that the government should really do something about this. This is not the first case in Singapore. Their families should also do their part as parents. They should pay attention to their children and observe their behaviour. If their children could go through treatment earlier, this can prevent things from getting out of hands. I was shocked to read that even though the second – year Pioneer JC had been seeing a private psychiatrist, this incident still took place.

I feel that peer pressure and competition among students will also affect the students. Students should not have too high expectation of themselves. The school should also counsel every single student and the teachers should encourage them rather than ‘pulling’ them down.

2 JC Classmates Jump

Reading this article, I feel that the issue of suicide needs to be addressed more in Singapore and people should take interest at the number of suicide cases that have been reported over the recent years. It is an issue which should not be taken lightly as it seems as though more and more people are swayed to take the “easy way out” when faced with problems. It saddens me even more that most of these suicide cases, if not all, could have been prevented. The article on the 2 JC girls is a good example. No matter the pressure and competitiveness that they were faced with, taking their lives should not have even been an option. People should be educated that there are ways to deal with problems other than committing suicide. Also, their deaths will affect their loved ones and this might cause a floodgate of fresh problems.

2 JC Classmates Jump

http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_551014.html

After i read the article, i felt ashamed as a teenager as this proves that we are all not mature enough to think for ourselves. Choosing to end his or her own life is probably the last thing any person can think so, but teenagers now just feel that it is the solution to all their problems. However, this could all be resulted from the stress that one of the girl had been visiting a psychiatrist since June last year. In my opinion, i feel that the second girl that ended her life was naive. I feel that she ended her life because her teacher advised her not to see him too often, that was probably the reason she couldn't take it. I feel that the teacher was probably partly in the blame, this is because there could be possibility that the boyfriend is actually helping the girl with her problems. I just feel that this issue needs to be taken care of seriously.

Hospitality industry must propel S'pore service standards: Lim Swee Say

I am very impressed with Mr Jalee. He is so passionate about his job until he gladly invited two hotel guests from London to his house for a real taste of Singapore. Going the extra mile, Mr Jalee even took the effort to buy them the traditional Malay attire in their favourite colour. Every single one of us should really learn his attitude towards his job and the host he played for his hotel guests.

I believe the customer – Centric Initiative (CCI) will motivate a lot of employees in more than 200 firms which participated in it. In this way, the employees will have a target to work towards and they will be more passionate in their job. Mr Lim emphasize that being better is not enough. We got to keep getting better, ‘betterer’ and ‘betterest’. I feel that Singaporeans should continue to upgrade themselves and not be satisfied so easily.

Hospitality industry must propel S'pore service standards: Lim Swee Say

I am elated to hear that the government launched the Customer-Centric Initiative (CCI) campaign in 2005, which was served to encourage companies to commit to service excellence. The CCI expanded from healthcare, food and beverage to the hospitality industry, which i felt that it is essential for the hospitality industry to conduct this campaign as this industry mostly provides services to its customers. In addition, Mr. Lim also said that one should strive better and better, which i felt that it is motivating for people working in these various servicing industries.

In addition, i am impressed with the way how Jalee Sulaiman takes passion in his job and to invite two hotel guests from London to his house for a taste of Singapore's life, such as celebrating the fasting month, purchasing the traditional Malay attire, and even in contact with them after these guests have left Singapore. This should be appluaded.

Hospitality Industry must propel S'pore service standards

With stiff global competition going on in the hospitality industry, it is hard for Singapore to stand out from other competitors. Therefore, I am pleased to know that Singapore government is taking actions to propel our service standards as mentioned in the article. It would be a clear competitive advantage to Singapore if we were to establish excellent service standard.

I am impressed by the efforts and extra miles Jalee Sulaiman has gone to. The passion for his job has earned himself the "WOW" award and i believe he has left his guests an unforgettable, and blown away experience. Singapore's hospitality industry is in need of civil servants just like Jalee. In order to be better than the best, Singapore should not take customer service lightly as it is one of the most important variables in the hospitality industry.

Hospitality industry must propel S'pore service standards

I am glad that the government is taking action to encourage our hospitality sector to improve their service standard. It is especially important that something is done especially since in the recent years, Singapore has been attracting more and more tourists. As the hospitality industry is the forefront industry which deals with tourism, there is a certain service standard that needs to be met. In order for Singapore to continue attracting tourists and for them to have a pleasant impression of our country, the service standard definitely needs to be improved.

Also, I find what Jalee Sulaiman did by going the extra mile really admirable. The fact that he took the initiative himself to accommodate his guests such that they were impressed and returned again showed the kind of attitude that more civil servants here should adopt. It leaves a lasting impression and reflects well on Singapore’s hospitality industry.

Hospitality industry must propel S'pore service standards

I am glad that Singapore is trying her best to improve the service standard in terms of hospitality. Hospitality industry has indeed become a very competitive industry worldwide. In order to outshine their competitors, companies need to put in extra effort to reach out to their customers. Being the best is not enough; to attract more tourists we must be best of the best. Going for the extra mile is the first step to achieve this.
However, I find it impossible to serve each guest like how Jalee did. Doing so is impractical, time-consuming and waste of manpower. Government needs to think of better ways to propel the country's service standards to greater heights.



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Flash floods wreak havoc across S'pore in morning rush hour

The flash floods that happened recently in Singapore caught every Singaporean off guard. When Flash floods hit, it caused serious traffic congestion, many inconveniences and chaos as many people including the Government was unprepared. I was shocked when i found out about this incident from the news, after all, Flash floods never happened in Singapore before.

There were many casualties that was caused by the flood, for example, a van crushed by a massive tree, massive traffic jam. To prevent the next possible flood and the casualties caused, i think that the Government should take this incident seriously, come up with some measures, and hold a speech on what to do when flash floods hit. By doing so, the citizens would be more prepared and would know how to handle the situation better when flash floods hit Singapore again.

Flash floods wreak havoc across S'pore in morning rush hour

Reading this article, I was genuinely surprised that flash floods took place in Singapore. I have always thought that Singapore has one of the best drainage systems. Looking at photos and videos at the floods available on the internet, it looked worse than what I had imagined it to be.

The number of people injured and trapped plus the number of fallen trees along the roads serves as a reminder to Singaporeans to be more vigilant. In addition, shops in Orchard Road were also badly affected and businesses were disrupted. We should take the initiative to be more proactive and equip ourselves with the knowledge so that we will be more prepared the next time such a flash flood takes place. The government also should ensure that the proper measures are put in place to prevent a similar flashflood from happening again.

Flash floods wreak havoc across S'pore in morning rush hour

I was shocked that flash-flood could happen in Singapore. Many people were badly affected by this incident. The flash-flood dampened the mood of shoppers and affected the sales of sellers. Many stocks were also destroyed by this flash-flood. It is not common for Singapore to experience such heavy rain in June. Thus, people were not prepared to handle such incident and the situation became quite chaotic. However, the authority was well-prepared to handle this situation and keep the situation under control in a short time. This incident could happen again anytime and anywhere. People need to have the knowledge to handle such incident in the future.

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/cna/cgi-bin/search/search_7days.pl?status=&search=flood&id=1065623

Flash floods wreak havoc across S'pore in morning rush hour

I was astonished after i have read the article, I could not imagine that Singapore would one day, be affected by floods. To me, Singapore has one of the best few river management strategies. However, i was not surprised that people would be trapped and accidents would occur, this is probably because we were not trained on the measures we should do during these time of crisis. The astonishing number of trees that fell because of the flood, made me really think how serious a flood is. I would have never imagined that a flood would cause such a big impact. Even though i have seen floods in the television, I just plainly thought that the houses would just be filled with water. Trees falling had never come across to my mind regarding this matter.

Flash floods wreak havoc across S'pore in morning rush hour

I am very surprise that Singapore, having a good drainage system, would have reports of flood over the past few weeks. It is alarming that at least four people were injured, and several others trapped by rising waters and fallen trees. The twenty five fallen trees were immediately attended to avoid more traffic congestions. I am very satisfied by the authority’s fast response to this matter.

I think the authority should really come up with ways to improve on Singapore’s drainage system. In this way, it will avoid more flooding from happening in future. I am very happy to hear that the authority is taking the floods seriously. It could lead to more casualties if this matter is not properly managed. Singaporeans should also be more prepared for future floods. Lastly, to restore businesses at Orchard, shop owners are offering discounts to attract customers back to patronize their shops.

Boy, 13, Conquers Everest

While reading this article, it made me reflect on myself. This 13 year old boy had conquered Mount Everest with much determination! Most teenagers at the age of 13 would be probably spending their time studying, hanging out with friends and playing computer games. But 13 year old Jordan Romero spent his time training and preparing to conquer all seven continents highest peaks.

He dreams big! That is amazing! At the age of just 9, he already had an ambition since he saw a mural of the mountain at school. It is really a great achievement for such a young boy to break record. His never-give-up spirit can be an example to other young teenagers who dare not pursue their dreams. I think Jordan is a role model for all of us. We should learn from him and be determined in what ever we do.

Boy 13, Conquers Everest

I was astonished as i read this article. A 13 year old, conquering Mount Everest seems impossible to many. However, the 13 year old, Jordan Romero, proved us wrong by breaking the world record and crossing Everest the big hurdle.
I admire his courage and his surpassing determination. He did not back out or gave up on his dream even though he knew the dangers he would face, for example, avalanches, when climbing the mountain. He even set a greater goal, that is to reach the highest points of all 50 US states, after taking down Everest. I believe he is the fine example for every person out there who gives up on their dreams easily, and have little perseverance. Endurance and perseverance combined to win in the end. I am sure that is how the 13 year old's attempt to reach the summit of Everest became a success.

Boy, 13, conquers Everest

Reading about the achievement of 13 year-old Jordan Romero, I feel that he is bound for even greater things to come. Climbing any mountain is not an easy task, especially not Mount Everest. However, not only did he climb Everest, he managed to reach the peak as the youngest climber to achieve such a feat. I admire his courage to scale Mount Everest as it is no hidden fact that countless climbers have been killed in their quest to conquer the highest peak in the world. Despite the criticism thrown at the decision of letting a 13 year-old climb the mountain, he pushed forward for his dream. I feel that the passion and drive that he has to reach his goals are traits that more teenagers should have. It has made me realize that with hard work and determination, nothing can stop you from achieving your dreams.

Boy, 13, conquers Everest

After i have read the article, I just had to applaud this teenager to be able to climb Mount Everest. Climbing mountains is a never easy task for an adult, much lest a teenager, who is just thirteen years old. I believe that climbing mountains require years of training and self-discipline. Nevertheless, it also requires experience and the knowledge to climb the mountains. I believe that the boy probably had to do hours of training each day just to maintain, if not, build up his muscles.
In addition, the boy, Jordan's training includes 'carrying a heavy backpack and sleeping in a specially created tent that simulates the effects of altitude', which i believe is the most rigorous training that i have heard. Other sports training could be very vigorous, but from my point of view, I feel that it would not be as tough as what this teenager has gone through.

Boy, 13, conquers Everest

http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/World/Story/STIStory_530007.html
http://news.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/Asia/Story/A1Story20100411-209651.html

I admire the courage and strength of the boy. His ambition started when he was just nine years-old, after seeing a mural of the mountain at school. At the age of ten, he climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in Kenya. Mount Kilimanjaro is among the tallest freestanding mountains in the world (5893metres).
To climb up the world highest mountain (8848metres) is not an easy task. For a growing boy to endure hardships and tough weather conditions of Mount Everest require tons of determination and perseverance.
To prepare for his quest on Mount Everest, Jordan has been training hard for the past year, climbing the mountains of his native California carrying a heavy backpack and sleeping in a specially created tent that simulates the effects of altitude.

Minister Reassures Mother Tongue Teachers

I feel that been fluent in Mother Tongue Language (MTL) should be an essential skills that all of us should have. Each one of us should be proud of our MTL that our ancestors spoke in the past. If MTL's weight-age is lowered, it would be unfair to all those students which are strong in their MTL. Lowering the weight-age of MTL will not help solve the problem in the long run.

I am also glad that Dr. Ng took the effort to send a two-page e-mail to the teachers. This assured many MTL teachers that their job position would not be affected.

At home, parents should play a part in their children's interest in MTL. I recommend that parents should speak MTL when communicating with their children. They should also encourage their children and educate them from young that MTL is very important in our modern society.

Minister Reassures Mother Tongue Teachers

http://www.asiaone.com/News/Education/Story/A1Story20100513-216066.html

I am glad that the minister feels that learning mother tongue language is important. Personally, I feel that learning mother tongue language connects us with our past and roots. In addition, i felt that the minister is doing a good job by doing more on the subject, which includes hiring more mother tongue teachers and getting more education facilities. In addition, I am elated that Singapore has been doing more enrichment programmes with schools in China, India and Malaysia. I feel that by having these, the students would benefit the most and therefore earned the most out of their abilities. I agree with Aishah on what she said about learning mother tongue being crucial and students nowadays being predominantly english educated. As such, learning mother tongue is a crucial factor and we should all treasure it.

Minister Reassures Mother Tongue Teachers

I agree with the ministry's decision to maintain the weighting system for MTL at primary school level. As many students do not realize the importance of MTL, they speak English more frequently than their native language. Some parents think that mastering the English Language is more important than MTL thus teach and remind their children to speak English more often. Hence, neglecting the MTL.

I believe that by maintaining the weighting system for MTL at primary school level is the solution to the growing number of children from predominantly English-speaking homes. It would increase the students' awareness of the importance of the MTL. Dr Ng Eng Hen said in the article, there would be an increase of MTL teachers, enrichment programmes with schools in various countries. Language elective programmes at secondary and junior college levels have also been expanded. By doing so, students will realize the importance of the MTL.

Minister Reassures Mother Tongue Teachers

I feel that the ministry’s decision to not cut the weighting for Mother Tongue Language (MTL) at PSLE is the right decision. I agree with Jun Wei that reducing the importance of a subject is not a solution to students not being able to perform up to standards. Instead, more efforts should be put in to resolve the problem head on. A more proactive approach should be adopted to capture students’ interest to learn and master MTL.

MTL is especially crucial and important nowadays as more and more households are predominantly English speaking as stated in the article. As opposed to up to a few years ago, students today have lesser outlets to practice speaking in their native tongue. Everyday conversations are usually in English and school is, for most students, the only place they get to practice speaking in their MTL and improve their fluency in the language.

Minister reassures mother tongue teachers

After reading this article, I felt relieved that the mother tongue weightage in PSLE will remain the same. Mother Tongue to us is like roots to the trees. Without roots, you can't expect a tree to grow. Before we learn any subjects the first thing we learn is our mother tongue taught by our parents. Don't you think it's funny that people learns a lot of different languages but can't speak their mother tongue?
By removing or reducing the importance of a subject that students can't do well is not a solution to the problem. The authorities should find ways to build interest in students. This way students will not forget their 'roots'. By mastering their mother tongue will also allow students to gain an upper hand during job interviews as they know one more language compared to others who can't speak their mother tongue.

How to make Singapore livelier?

In my opinion, the hire-and-ride scheme is a good suggestion. It adds to the image of Singapore as a lively city and it is environmentally friendly. However, I agree with Shi Qian that it may not be supported by many office workers. In addition to it being an inconvenience for ladies wearing office skirts, the hassle of having to constantly rent and return the bicycle on time may be a turn-off to some.

On the other hand, I agree with the suggestion to build more elderly-friendly amenities like underpasses. Doing so will give the elderly an equal chance of enjoying the city. They should be strategically placed and not built just for the sake of having more. Inter-generational bonding also plays a part as it will open up even more opportunities for interaction between the generations and I believe that this will make Singapore a more lovable and lively city.

How to make Singapore livelier?

In my opinion, making Singapore a livelier city is very essential for improving the quality of life. The bicycle-rental scheme makes it more convenient for Singapore residents to enjoy the outdoors.

Secondly, I belive, 'improving the accessibility of places in Singapore for senior citizens by building more elderly-friendly amenities like underpasses', would help Singapore become a much more livelier city, both the elderly and young generations would benefit from accessibility of places. It encourages people to step out of their homes instead of confining within the four walls.

In addition, I agree with Cheryl's opinion of converting housing board flats into reusable spaces for community activities. This brings the community together as they would be able to interact and bond with each other. By having these centres, people would voluntarily visit the centre and spend their free time there, thus resulting in a livelier city.

How to make Singapore livelier?

In my point of view,
the 'hire-and-ride' scheme suggested by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) is a good way to make singapore livelier. I believe that by carrying out the 'hire-and-ride' scheme, Singapore can be seen as an interesting, unique city and a livelier country as it is a rare sight to see many Singaporeans cycling to the nearby eatery for lunch.

Professor Tan Chorh Chuan mentioned in the article that inter-generational bonding is an important aspect to livening up Singapore the city. I agree that The suggestion of converting the second floor of upcoming housing board into reusable spaces is one way to make singapore livelier. By converting housing board flats into reusable spaces that brings community services like childcare centres closer to home, the young and olds can interact, bond, participate in activities and spend more time together, and thus, livening up Singapore.

How to make Singapore livelier?

Firstly, the suggestion of renting a bicycle and cycle to a nearby eatery for lunch may not be supported by most office workers. Even though it is environmentally - friendly, many would not be willing to spend their money on renting bicycles. For ladies, if they are wearing office skirts, it would be very inconvenient for them. They are open to the people's suggestion as they had selected (which comprises 35 members including businessmen and teachers) to discuss about the aging population. This shows that they are concern about Singapore's aging population.

Secondly, by building more elderly-friendly amenities like underpasses for senior citizens will bring more convenience. It would be more safe for them if they have difficulty walking. I think they did a great job as they include the senior citizens' opinion regarding this suggestion. In this way, they will understand more about the senior citizens' needs and wants.

Shi Qian

How to make Singapore livelier?

After reading this article, I feel that the 'hire-and-ride' scheme is not a good idea to make Singapore livelier. This scheme targets office workers, making them ride bicycle to eat is very unprofessional. Office workers wearing business suits riding bicycles send wrong messages to people that the company they work for is unprofessional.
However, I agree that inter-generational bonding mentioned in the article is an important aspect to livening up the city. I like the idea of converting second floor HDB flats into reusable spaces like childcare centres, bringing community services closer to home. This idea allows the older and younger generations to interact through using the community services, making Singapore more lively.
To make Singapore livelier, I suggest that Singapore organises more international events like Formula One Racing, AYG, YOG, SEA Games, etc. Through these events, the young and old can learn from one another and make Singapore livelier.