A post before SS 'O'?

Diplomacy and Deterrence

(a) To what extent is bilateral relations more crucial in managing peaceful diplomatic relations with other countries for Singapore? Explain your answer. [12]
Type 1

Bilateral relations are when two countries establish diplomatic ties with each other. Singapore has benefitted from advanced technological skills through establishing bilateral relations with countries like Japan, USA and Germany. Through bilateral relations, Singapore was able to gain worldwide recognition. By helping our neighbours, they are also less likely to attack Singapore. Hence making it more crucial.

Besides bilateral relations, countries also establish regional relations by forming an association of countries in a region. By combining the strengths of member countries, the association becomes stronger. It will therefore be in a better position when dealing with other countries or associations. Singapore became a member of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) which carried out initiatives such as the AFTA (ASEAN Free Trade Area) and the ARF (ASEAN Regional Forum). The AFTA aims to remove import taxes among Southeast Asian countries and its long term plan to integrate the Asian economies into a single production base. With decreasing import taxes, Singapore is able to trade more efficiently with its neighbouring countries and hence prosper.

Singapore was also elected by the UN General Assembly to serve as a non-permanent Security Council for two years to maintain international peace and security. The election to the council showed the confidence member countries have in Singapore as well as Singapore’s commitment to the UN. This is advantages as Singapore will be recognised as a proficient country in being able to handle big matters despite the size of the country. More countries will be willing to trade with Singapore which thus brings in more revenue for development of various aspects in Singapore. The countries will also be willing to increase the security status of Singapore as they will unite and help Singapore to better combat terrorism so as to ensure peace in the country, thus international relations are important to Singapore

In conclusion, regional relations are more important to Singapore as compared to other countries worldwide, ASEAN countries are much closer to Singapore and are affected by similar security problems. They would be able to work more effectively together to tackle security problems than countries which are further away or countries worldwide. Although bilateral ties will ensure Singapore gets help from its bilateral partners, there are more member countries in ASEAN which means that such security problems will be eliminated faster and better. Thus regional relations are most important to Singapore.





Here are three groups of people who play a part in Total Defence measures to prevent and protect Singapore from external threats:
- Individuals
- Community
- Government
Who do you think is able to make the most impact? Explain your answer.
[13]
Type 1

Individuals are able to play a part in Total Defence measures by having pride, loyalty and wanting to stand to help defend the country. It is also about having the will and mental strength to overcome challenges. During the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) period in 2003, psychological defence was evident in the many examples of how ordinary people managed to overcome the challenge of SARS and believed in Singapore. Thus psychological defence is able to have a major impact in protecting Singapore from external threats as if Singaporeans individually have the pride and loyalty to defend the country, terrorists would find it difficult to infiltrate and carry out their plans in Singapore. Singaporeans would be vigilant of such schemes and would not render them any assistance.

The community also play a part in Total Defence to defend Singapore from external threats through social defence. Community groups such as the CDCs and IRCCs are actively involved in strengthening social ties through activities such as the emergency preparedness exercise, visits to places of worship of different faiths and inter-faith dialogues and workshops. This helps ensure that unity will not be broken during testing situations such as a terrorist attack and hence making an impact in keeping Singapore safe from an external threats.

One of the roles the government plays in Total Defence is in economic defence. Today’s economy requires Singaporeans to cope with and adjust to changing demands. Thus the government set up the Workforce Development Agency (WDA) to help upgrade the skills of existing workers. In this way, Singapore can remain effective with the more efficient Singaporeans. In this way, industries in Singapore can remain competitive and workers have the relevant skills to remain employable’ in a competitive economy. With economic defence, Singaporeans will remain employable and are able to cover their basic needs resulting in lower unemployment. When they are able to feed themselves and their families, they would be less inclined to support should terrorists who seek to break Singapore’s harmony, hence protecting Singapore from external threats.












Here are three ways in which deterrence can be practised to ensure national security in Singapore:

Citizen Armed Force
Singapore’s Defence Industry
Multi-Agency coordination on security
Which do you think is the most important? Explain your answer. (13)

Type 1

I think having a citizen armed force can ensure national security for Singapore. In 1967, National Service (NS) was introduced. All able-bodied male citizens were called up to serve full-time NS. Through it, Singaporeans learn to defend their country. NS also helps Singaporean men to bond as they share a common experience during their training. Thus, a citizen armed force ensures national security as it ensures that Singapore has a formidable and united defence force that is always ready to defend and protect the country from any form of threat.

In addition, Singapore’s defence industry also ensures national security. The defence industry was started in 1967 to enable the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) to be self-reliant in essential defence weapons and equipment. Focus was given to buying and upgrading weapons as well as developing new weapon systems for the SAF’s use. The defence industry also conducts defence-related research and development activities with other countries and local tertiary institutions. All these measures by the defence industry ensure national security because it improves the capability and effectiveness of the SAF by developing it into a powerful defence force. This will deter any aggressor from attacking Singapore as they will be confronted by a formidable force.

Finally, the multi-agency coordination on security also ensures national security in Singapore. This is done through the National Security Coordination Secretariat (NSCS) which is set up to coordinate the work of the various government agencies, namely the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Foreign Affairs. NSCS meets regularly to plan national security strategies and policies. It also works together with commercial and private parties to effectively combat any form of major terror threats. Thus, this multi-agency coordination on security enhances and strengthens Singapore’s national security against any threat. This integrated approach to prevent, protect and effectively respond to any security threats will ensure that Singaporeans always feel safe living in the country.














How far has conflict over scarce resources been the most important aspect of conflicts among nations? Explain your answer.

Type1

Conflict over scarce resources such as land, water, oil and fish are unequally distributed. Some countries have more resources than the others. Those with less resource might use force to gain more resources especially when these resources are important to the country for its survival and economic growth. One example of this conflict over scarce resources was the conflict between Iceland and Britain over fishing ground. As a result of this conflict, the two countries broke off diplomatic ties, only to restore it by signing agreement on respecting territorial rights to resources. Due to this conflict, there was also frequent collision between these 2 countries as there were distrust, tension, suspicion, frustration and they detested each other.


Conflict may arise among countries due to different values and beliefs. Countries pursuing different ideologies may come into conflict if they see that their ideological beliefs are threatened. North and South Korea fought a war because they believed in different ideologies. South Korea believed in democracy while North Korea believed in Communism. As a result, a conflict broke out between the two as both believed that their ideology was more superior to the other and one wanted to dominate the other spreading its ideology. As they felt threatened by each other, there was suspicion, tension and hostility among the countries involved.


Conflict over territories is another reason conflict may arise. India and China fought over the Aksai Chin Plateau and the North East Frontier Agency from the late 1950s. The Chinese were unwilling to negotiate seriously and did not want to commit themselves to a definite boundary. In 1958, China had built a road on the Aksai Chin Plateau. India was angry and claimed that the road had violated India’s territorial rights. In 1959, tension between India and China worsened when fighting broke out in the NEFA and the Aksai Chin Plateau. By mid-1961, China had occupied even more territories which India had regarded its own. In 1962, war broke out between China and India. The war ended with no victor. Therefore conflict over territories had created tension and suspicion between two countries. Due to the conflict over territories, the countries were also in disagreement, showed disrespect to each other and detested each other.













Here are three ways Singapore practises diplomacy:

Bilateral relations
Regional relations
International relations

Which of these is a better way to maintain Singapore’s national security? Explain your answer.

Type 1

Bilateral relations with other countries help ensure Singapore’s national security. Singapore has been actively involved in expanding bilateral relationships with many countries since its independence. In the 1970s, countries such as Japan, USA and Germany established trading relationships with Singapore. These partnerships allowed Singapore to acquire advanced technological skills from the developed countries. With bilateral relations, Singapore is also able to promote economic and cultural ties with neighbouring countries. Singapore is thus able to speed up its economic and social development. Besides this, bilateral relations have helped Singapore gain world recognition and respect. Singapore sent doctors, nurses and teachers to countries such as Vietnam and Nepal. It also sent humanitarian aid to Aceh when it was hit by a massive earthquake and tsunami. By helping other countries, Singapore has gained recognition from other countries, therefore contributing to its national security.


Regional relations have helped Singapore ensure its national security. Singapore is a member of the ASEAN. The members of the ASEAN aim to maintain warm and friendly relations with one another and provide an avenue for the members to resolve difference peacefully. Being a member of the ASEAN helps strengthen Singapore’s position when negotiating with other great powers and regional groupings such as the USA, Japan and the European Union. ASEAN has enabled Singapore to forge better relations with its neighbouring countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia. It provides an avenue for Singapore to discuss their differences peacefully, therefore ensuring its national security.


Being a member of the United Nations helps to secure Singapore’s national security. It allows Singapore to gain recognition as a sovereign state. When Singapore became a member, the UN helped Singapore by sending experts to advise and help in its economic and social development. Dr Albert Winsemius, an economic expert, helped Singapore in its industrial planning and development from the period of its independence to the late 1970s. Singapore was also elected by the UN General Assembly to serve as a non-permanent Security Council member from 2001 to 2002. During its term of office, Singapore served as the President of the Council. The election showed the confidence member countries have in Singapore as well as Singapore’s commitment to the UN. Membership of the UN thus contributes to the independence and territorial integrity of Singapore.



MSN/SMS me with ur email add if u wan me to send u!!!

Erm ppl, juzt take note of this.
THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT!!!

SUNGEI BULOH WETLAND RESERVES MANGROVES TOUR HAVE BEEN CHANGED TO SATURDAY, 0830hrs, AS MDM ERNIE NEEDS TO ATTEND A VERY URGENT AND IMPORTANT MEETING ON WEDNESDAY.



Please understand the situation. Saturday is Hari Raya Eve, and Mdm Ernie is making this sacrifice for the class. So please co-operate, and accomadate to the timing and change your tuition timings for this outing.
Sorry for the inconvenience caused,
And Thank You for your understanding.

Yo ppl!!

Term 4 is starting in another 6hrs n 30mins le..
Haiz..
Time flies..
F1 is round e corner. So as ours!F5A!! HAHA!
Our engine gotta get started too!! vroooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooom.....

OK. Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserves Mangroves tour will be on 16th Sept, 2009, Wednesday..
So ppl, take note!

and take care! Stomach flu these days quite hot..
so cut down on heaty and oily stuffs ah!!

ok..
Take Care ppl!!
Ciaos..

Yo ppl!!

Term 4 is starting in another 6hrs n 30mins le..
Haiz..
Time flies..
F1 is round e corner. So as ours!F5A!! HAHA!
Our engine gotta get started too!! vroooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooom.....

OK. Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserves Mangroves tour will be on 16th Sept, 2009, Wednesday..
So ppl, take note!

and take care! Stomach flu these days quite hot..
so cut down on heaty and oily stuffs ah!!

ok..
Take Care ppl!!
Ciaos..

5A-ians :
Goodluck for the prelims ! Prepare well and work hard alright, 70 more days to O'level (: Jiayou everyone, we can do it !

Ladies and Gentlemen of 5A...

ATTENTION ALL!!!!!!

4th August 2009 (TUESDAY) will be the 2nd BOOSTER SESSION by ADAM KHOO..

Please do take note of tat...

Thank You.
taken from MIDAS

Hey ppl!!!

Prelims are just around the corner!!!

Jiayou Jiayou Jiayou!!!!!!

Take Care too!!!!!

Yo PPL!!!

Please be reminded to finish your holoday homeworks before school reopen ya??

Also take care of yourself.. Sick liao see doctor!!!

H1N1 is getting more and more serious.. haze problems too..

Take Care and enjoy e remaining holidays too!!


Cheers.
Wei Xin.

Reminder:ELCOT NEXT WEEK..

Happy Holidays, Classmate !

Don't forget to come back to school on the 22th of June for elcot's english courses. Play well this holiday since it would be the last holiday before the whole intensive revision starts for O'level ? and at the same finish up the pile of holiday homeworks we were given ! (:

See you guys on the 22th of June, takecare !

Hey everyone. All the best for Monday's O level chinese aight.
Hope everyone are prepared for it, and hope you guys get a good grade
for it.

Time starts at 8am. dont be late hahas.

Remember to bring electronic Chinese dictionary or the huge book one aight.

Good Luck.~

Goodluck to all for the mid-year exams (:
Let's do well together.

Wednesday ( Tomorrow ) :
- Chinese paper 1 & 2 , Science practical.
Friday :
- Maths paper 1 , Social studies and Chinese listening compre.
------
Tuesday :
- Maths paper 2 , Physics.
Wednesday :
- Science ( MCQ ) , Chemistry , Poa paper 1.
Thursday :
- Additional Maths Paper 2, Poa paper 2.
Friday :
- Geography , Additional Maths Paper 1.
-----
Monday :
- F & N , D & T , Art.

Jiayou !

Hi ppl!!

There's a class official outing to either Sungei Buloh Nature Reserves, OR, Bukit Timah Hill..

This outing is to learn about the natural vegetation in Singapore.

This outing is being made compulsory. It will be on 10th of June 2009. Its actually a remedial day. From 8am onwards.

More details on how much to pay, etc, will be given at a later date.

Sungei Buloh Nature Reserves actually have a more interesting agenda. Which is a more lively place, with the availability to make use of wireless learning in SBNR itself.

it includes learning more about mangrives, flora and fauna, and the forest insside it.

Therefore, do all of u agree with SBNR?? Please reply via tagboard.

Thank You.

Wei Xin

Below is the respective information of the 2 places..

Re: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserves

Sungei Buloh is more about its mangroves in it. Many other species of birds actually fly in as a stopover while migrating. Not about its mangroves, flora and fauna can also be studied there.

There are some small huts covered for visitors to rest and observe the surrounding flora and fauna away from the sight of the reserve’s resident and migratory animals and birds.

There are also a few new additions to the reserves such as the otters. They could be easily spotted as they move on group of fives.

Will there be tours around Sungei Buloh?

Yes! Pre-booked guided tours are available with a maximum group of 15 at the price of $60. But, there is also a free guided tour around. Same amount of people per group also.Alternatively, you could engage STB Certified Nature Guide.

What’s more about Sungei Buloh?

- Wireless Learning Trail @ Sungei Buloh

The wireless learning trail at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is the first of its kind in the parks of Singapore, and possibly in the region. It is a public-private partnership initiative involving NParks, IDA, MOE and iCELL Network Pte Ltd.
It was inspired by the desire to enhance the learning experience and create new ways to deliver educational programmes that would:

• Appeal to the young and technology-savvy Singaporeans,
  
• Bring learning beyond conventional classrooms and,
  
• Be less dependent on traditional manpower-intensive methods of nature education.
  

There are 20 barcodes or stations along the Mangrove Boardwalk. It takes about 2 hours to finish the entire learning trail. After completion, students can include their thoughts and observations to build their own personal learning trail, and share the information with their classmates. This promotes learning in the 'outdoor classroom'. It also means that students are less dependent on the availability of human guides for their learning experience.

However, a nominal fee of $3 is charged for the rental of each portable device, payable to iCELL, which is managing the learning trail. This is to cover administrative charges and maintenance of the wireless network. iCell may impose a fine of S$250 for the loss or deliberate mishandling of the equipment.

Number of Students

As time is required to complete the activities at each station, students are advised to spread themselves out on the trail instead of concentrating at one location. This will also ensure that the UMPCs are operating at its most optimal level.

Getting the most out of the Wireless Learning Trail @ Sungei Buloh
Pre-trip Activities
The pre-trip checklist contains instructions on activities that teachers can ask students to carry out before their field trip. It includes information on the reserve such as mangrove vegetation and its adaptation to harsh conditions. Teachers can also inculcate in students, important values and attitudes through understanding the importance of preserving our unique natural heritage.

On the Trail
Three different field activities have been integrated into the learning trail, namely field-recording observation, annotation and sketching activities. Students will be able to go through these activities at different locations along the trail.

Post-Trip Activities
After completing the trail, students can share what they have experienced or learnt with their peers in school. Through these activities, a more holistic approach is adopted towards developing an appreciation of the natural environment among students.

Wireless Field Investigations
Schools who want to embark on a more comprehensive scope of discovery of the wetland reserve can apply for a research permit from NParks. A fieldwork workhop to familiarise teachers with the field techniques and equipment is also available at the Training Administration System on the Intranet (TRAISI). Schools can contact the Ministry of Education's Humanities and Aesthetics Branch (Geography Unit) at tel 6879 6768 for more information.

Information for Teachers:
For students who require more guidance, it will be advisable for teachers to go through the pre-trip activities with their students and break down the tasks among the groups. The tasks, which include planning for the budget and working out the programme schedules for the field trip, help to build valuable real-life skills, which will be useful even when students are working on other projects.

To keep students make the most out of their learning experience, teachers may want to go through how to use the recording templates before embarking on the trail.
Teachers can also consider stretching the number of learning activities over a few site visits to Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, so that students can focus on one specific skill during each visit.

Instructions on how to access the information via the 2-D barcodes on the trail
Please ensure that the webcam is plugged securely onto the UMPC.

Activate the barcode scanner programme on the UMPC. This will trigger a viewer of the webcam.

Along the trail, look for 2-D barcodes which are placed in strategic locations. To access the information embedded in the barcodes, adjust the distance of the webcam to allow the barcode to fit into the viewer onscreen.

The programme in the UMPC will automatically detect the 2-D barcode. An URL will appear along with a pop-up and you will hear an audio cue.
Select the URL listed in the pop-up and the information will be displayed in your UMPC.

Repeat steps 3 - 5 when you see another 2-D barcode along the learning trail.

In very sunny weather, the detection of the barcodes could be hampered by reflection. It would be useful to shield the 2-D barcodes while using the viewer to scan the codes.

Please take good care of all equipment on loan, including the UMPCs and webcams. Parts of the equipment may be detachable or become loosened with use.

For assistance, please call the iCELL Customer Helpdesk at Tel: 6309-4525.

Re: Bukit Timah Hill

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve was one of the first forest reserves established in Singapore. When the government of the Straits Settlements commissioned a report on the state of the forests, it was recommended that several reserves be created. Thus, in 1883, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve was established. In 1951, it received more protection under the Nature Reserves Ordinance which was enacted under the National Parks Act.

The 163-hectare reserve retains one of the largest tracts of primary rainforest left in Singapore.

The forest has been a botanical collecting ground for more than a century, where the first known specimens of many species of Malayan plants were obtained. Dr David Bellamy, a renowned conservationist, once pointed out that the number of plant species growing in the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is more than that in the whole of North America!

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is also home to Singapore's highest hill at 163.63 m. Composed mainly of granite, Bukit Timah Hill was once an active quarrying site in the mid-1900s. One abandoned quarry has been developed as a park - Hindhede Nature Park. It is now a popular spot with visitors who come to enjoy the quarry's scenic beauty and have some fun with the more challenging play equipment.

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve Visitor CentreBegin your forest exploration with an orientation visit at the Visitor Centre. A self-guiding exhibit features essential information about the native flora and fauna of the nature reserves. The Visitor Centre is open from 8.30am to 6.00pm daily.Here, there are amenities like an information counter, restrooms, telephones, first aid and specialty shop. Car parking is available from 5.30am to 7.30pm daily. However, as lots are limited and the reserve is especially popular on weekends, public transport may be the better alternative.

I hope you'll know more.. so please make a wise choice..

HELLO PPL!!!

WELCOME BACK FROM THE HOLIDAYS!!!

JIA YOU FOR THIS TERM!!!

class outing

hello 5a-ians!

yesterday's class outing was a blast !
hope you guys all had fun! :D
anyway, here are the links for yesterday's bbq, from win's camera!

click here

here

and here!!

please do start tagging each other on facebook if you spot an untagged face! :3

anyway, million of thanks to jianzheng for organising and to everyone else for attending !!

enjoy your holidays! :D

5A-ians,
here are the details about our class outing this tuesday on the 17th of march !

Place : East Coast Park Pit 13C.
Time : Anytime after 4pm

Here's the map, if you're unsure about where it is,
http://www.nparks.gov.sg/cms/images/park_images/ecp-3.gif

See you guys there ! (:

Hey guys, reposting the time table for Common Tests.

Febuary 20th Friday ------- Chinese Common Test 0755-0855
(Tomorow Remember Bring Chinese Dictionary)

Febuary 23rd Mon ------- Social Studies 0755-0855

Febuary 24th Tues ------- Combine Science (Physics and Chemistry) 0755-0855

Physics Topics --- Electromagnetic Spectrum, Sound , Pressure
Chemistry Topics --- Acid Bases and Salt , Cations,Anions and Gases.

Febuary 25th Wed ----- Maths Common Test 0755-0855

Febuary 27th ----- POA 0755 - 0855
POA Topics ---
Depreciation/Caculation/CE/RE , Disposal , Profitability Ratio , Liquidity Ration & Effect.

March 3rd ---- Geography 0755 - 0855
Geography Topic --- Uses Of Forest.





Good luck for the rest of the common tests guys xD

Eugene

Happy Valentine Day Everyone

ok,i have done my part posting le=P
don say i nv help.
Aaron=P

Regarding the new class 5A blog,
The class blog will be using the old chat box, as the old 4B blog is rotting.
As for the blogskin , someone can do a customised one on our class 5A,
or either one found online. Just tag the link or tell on msn.
Best you could edit all by contributing something.
And Post something guys~~~~~~~~~
So empty.~





Eugene.

5A' 2009 blog is created !

I've done the links, tagboard and etc. If you guys from 5A wants to be link, do tag in the class tagboard and you'll be linked ! And if you do have any suggestion about the new class blog, do tag in there too ! (:

Most importantly, do contribute by blogging and keeping the blog alive. Thanks !

Meiqing !