Rising above our challenges

The following article from our SG United Journalists touches on how technology has a place in facilitating the learning and understanding of key lessons in communal harmony and the Singapore story.

How Singapore is going to take the next step towards tomorrow – today

Event and insights by Liu Zhihao and Jeff Tan (Hwa Chong Institution), SG United Journalists

“I always believe that technology, however advanced, can never replace education. But it does serve very well facilitating it.” – Mr. Stanley Han, CEO of Person e-Motion, Creator of Koobits

SINGAPORE’s concise existence has been nothing short of eventful. Her history has been well-acquainted with challenges and struggles such as the Japanese Occupation during World War II and the Maria Hertogh race riots. Preparing for tomorrow signifies remembering the past and facing the present.

Hwa Chong Institution (High School) held the N.E.w Author Digital Book Competition Awards Ceremony on 21^st July, 2009, a day which coincides with Racial Harmony Day. Over the past half year, the competition has brought together talented students from primary, secondary and post secondary levels, showcasing their knowledge through a fun, interactive and user-friendly medium called Koobits. Koobits is a highly versatile software which allows users to create, what is commonly known as, e-books and thus assists greatly in media-enriched learning.

In the opening address by the guest-of-honour, Acting Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts, RAdm (NS) Lui Tuck Yew put forth that “Helping one another is made more important in this uncertain climate, where we are plagued by both an economic crisis and a tragic pandemic. With the aid of new media technologies, our students have captured the necessity of promoting a strong community spirit amid a national crisis. And it is for this reason that we should give them our undivided attention.”

Indeed, the need for unity of a nation in the face of challenges such as the economic recession has to be resolute, and keeping our future generation well-informed becomes a greater imperative. With the use of Koobits, the competition has seen works ranging from an educational package teaching Singapore history to the juxtaposition of poverty and wealth.

“Singapore is our home, and only when we take pride in this birthplace of ours, can we be true to our hearts and heritage. And in so doing, Singaporeans can rediscover her singular voice in the crowd and distinguish it from the rest,” says Organising Secretary Ephraim Tan. On the subject of distinguishing ourselves, Minister Lui pointed out that “Singapore wants to be so many things. We have so much to offer. How to distinguish ourselves from other financial centres and oases for talents is our challenge today.” Without a doubt, Singapore has felt the shaking effects of the economic crisis despite our apparent peace and sense of security. “The challenge is to show the world why they should come to Singapore, and raise a family here. The challenge is to build an attractive infrastructure, an environment conducive for the family and maintaining interracial harmony previously deemed unworkable.”

Would we lose our culture as a result? Would our uncertain identity fade away in the light of globalisation? “Culture can evolve,” answers Admiral Lui, “Our culture is not exclusive. In fact, cosmopolitanism is our culture, and we have been comfortable with sharing our culture as we see ourselves interact with our neighbours who may not be of the same race as ourselves.”

The use of technology in teaching NE and about the importance of communal harmony can unquestionably be a representation of a new bearing in our education system. And Singapore is definitely on track; a visiting guest from Norway, Miss Malin who is part of Koobits’ expanding influence in Europe stated that “the mentality of students from Singapore is very different from students in Norway. Knowledge is better valued, students are more respectful of their teachers and they are more positive in learning. I see that they are very intent on fulfilling their responsibilities.”

It has been 50 years of nation building and we are certainly quick to rise above our challenges.