Think Positive, Think Asean Tribune
The Police are appealing for the next-of-kin of 65-year-old Mr Lim Cheng Hua to come forward.
Mr Lim, a former resident of Block 4 Beach Road, passed away on 23 February 2022.
Anyone with information is requested to call the Police Hotline at 1800-255-0000 or submit information online at www.police.gov.sg/iwitness. All information will be kept strictly confidential.
Source: Singapore Police Force
Leaders and members of the Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan;
Colleagues;
Nan Chiau alumni and students
Introduction
1. Thank you for inviting me to join the 75th anniversary celebrations of Nan Chiau High School and Nan Chiau Primary School.
2. It is apt that the celebration’s theme is Celebrating 75 Years of Belonging”.
As students, alumni and staff of the schools, you have many reasons to be proud of belonging to the Nan Chiau community.
3. I am similarly inspired by the dedication and commitment of Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan towards uplifting the community through education.
4. Let me say a few words in Mandarin.
Diverse Education Landscape
7. Now, I will continue in English and share my thoughts on why we need to ensure that multiple pathways are provided in our education landscape.
8. The reason is simple – because our students are diverse. At its core, our education system strives to help each of our students to fulfil their potential.
You have different strengths, interests, aspirations and learning needs.
We need diversity in our schools to cater for as many of you as we can.
You should not be pursuing the same definition of success.
9. During Singapore’s early years of nation-building, the education system was designed to make the best use of our limited resources in the most efficient way to educate and train our people so that they can contribute towards our social and economic development.
However, one drawback of this approach is that many of our schools became more homogenised.
10. With a fast-evolving global landscape, technological disruptions, and the increasingly diverse needs of our society and people, our education system must move away from being “one size fits all” to bring out the best in each individual.
Now that we have more resources available, we need to look at providing students with a diversity of options to choose from, each providing something different that would enable them to uncover and fulfil their potential.
11. Over the years, we have introduced a wide range of specialised schools that cater to students with different strengths, interests and learning needs.
This includes schools such as the Singapore Sports School, School of the Arts, NUS High School of Maths and Science, Northlight School, Madrasahs and SAP schools, like Nan Chiau High School.
12. But beyond having specialised schools, it is important for every school to have a distinctive identity and provide a unique value proposition for their students beyond academic learning.
13. This will allow students to choose a fitting school environment aligned to their needs, identify with the school’s ethos and be confident in building their strengths.
Building a Distinct School Identity
14. A school’s distinct identity is what makes the school special. It can be a certain skillset, attitude or belief that is associated with the school, or an area of focus that the school is dedicated towards.
For example, under the stewardship of Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan, the identity of Nan Chiau Primary School and Nan Chiau High School centres around developing bilingual and bicultural students.
15. Building a school ethos and identity takes time, collective effort and more than anything, conviction from those within the school and its immediate community, because they truly understand its needs and context.
16. While the Ministry of Education implement policies to guide the direction of the education system, we need leadership and partnerships in each school to foster the school’s ethos and identity.
17. Within the school, strong leadership must start from the School Leaders. They must have the vision, wisdom, conviction and drive to:
Define the school’s ethos,
Rally the staff and students, and
Take bold steps to design distinctive school programmes and processes to align with the school’s identity.
18. Beyond the school, we need the strong partnership of alumni and Parent Support Groups.
The alumni have been moulded by the school’s ethos and are an important part of the school’s rich heritage and identity.
They embody the values and beliefs of the school, and are role models for students to look up to and emulate.
19. Our Parent Support Groups are an important bridge between parents and the schools. They help to engender parents’ support for the school’s ethos and identity, so that they can reinforce the same values and beliefs at home.
20. This is why I am heartened to know that many Nan Chiau alumni and Parent Support Group members are dialling in online to participate in today’s celebrations. I hope that this strong partnership with the schools will continue for many years to come.
Closing
21. On this note, let me once again congratulate Nan Chiau High School, Nan Chiau Primary School and Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan on 75 years of excellence, by reciting this couplet by Mdm Zhang Chunyu , a teacher in Nan Chiau High School:
22. Thank you.
Source: Ministry of Education, Singapore
The Police would like to alert the public on the dangers of downloading content from unknown sources using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file sharing software such as BitTorrent, µTorrent and Tixati software clients that may result in malware infection in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) devices.
Recently, the Police observed cases where users’ ICT devices were infected with a type of malware known as “ProxyGate”. Once installed, ProxyGate would cause unwanted pop-up advertisements, infiltrate the system of ICT devices without the users’ consent and gather information on the user’s internet browsing activities. This malware may also result in further malware infections on the users’ ICT devices.
Malware may infect ICT devices through various means, such as the downloading of free software from unknown sources, opening of unknown email attachments and visiting malicious websites. One common cause of malware infection is the downloading of files such as software installers, movies, music and games from unknown sources using P2P file sharing software clients. In many cases, the malware is bundled with software installers downloaded from P2P file sharing. When the downloaded installer is executed, the malware may automatically be installed without the users’ knowledge, exposing them to the following risks:
Decline in devices’ performance and unauthorised access to the devices’ systems;
Stealing of personal data stored in devices such as details of bank accounts, credit cards, social media accounts, private photos and/or videos. Hackers can use such data to access users’ financial and social media accounts to steal money and impersonate users when committing credit card fraud, scams and extortion using the private photos and videos obtained; and
Allowing hackers to remotely control devices, resulting in the loss of data and control over devices.
Members of the public are advised to follow the steps below to ensure that their devices are adequately protected against malware:
Download files directly from official and verified sources as this ensures that the downloaded files are free from malware or viruses;
Avoid clicking on pop-up ads or opening files or email attachments from unknown senders;
Ensure that your mobile phones, computers and other ICT devices are installed with updated anti-virus software and malware removal tools to detect and remove malware;
Ensure that your ICT devices’ operating systems and applications are updated regularly to be protected by the latest security patches and vulnerabilities; and
Always select “Custom” or “Advanced” installation settings during the process of software installation. This allows users to uncheck boxes for the installation of any unwanted hidden files or programs bundled in the software installer program which may contain malware. You may refer to the Annex for reference.
Annex:
Select “Custom” or “Advanced” During the Installation Process
Source: Singapore Police Force
The Police will be charging a 47-year-old man for his suspected involvement in the possession of arms without licence, importation of controlled goods without permit and possession of scheduled weapon.
On 3 December 2021, officers from Bedok Police Division, acting on information received, conducted a raid at the man’s residence in the vicinity of Yishun Avenue 6. The man was allegedly found to be in possession of a scheduled weapon and other controlled items without the requisite licence or permit.
The man will be charged in court on 9 March 2022 for two counts of Possession of Arms without Licence under Section 13(1)(a) of the Arms and Explosives Act 1913, two counts of Importation of Controlled Goods without Permit under Regulation 3(6)(a) of the Regulation of Imports and Exports Regulations and one count of Possession of Scheduled Weapon under Section 7(1)(a) of the Corrosive and Explosive Substances and Offensive Weapons Act 1958.
Anyone convicted of the offence of possession of arms without licence may be sentenced to a fine not exceeding $5,000 and an imprisonment term not exceeding three years. The offence of importation of controlled good without permit carries a fine not exceeding $100,000 or an imprisonment term not exceeding two years, or both. If convicted of the offence under possession of scheduled weapon, the offender will be liable to an imprisonment term not exceeding five years and shall also be punished with caning with not less than six strokes.
The Police would like to remind the members of public to check the list of prohibited and controlled items provided by Police Licensing & Regulatory Department in the Singapore Police Force website at https://www.police.gov.sg/. Alternatively, members of public may send an email to spf_licensing_feedback@spf.gov.sg to seek clarification.
Source: Singapore Police Force
Mr Chairman,
1. To achieve sustainability as our competitive advantage for Singapore, foundational education in our schools will be a key enabler, but the capabilities of our institutions – Autonomous Universities (AUs), polytechnics and the Institute of Technical Education – and the competencies of our graduates and the workforce, will be the real needle movers.
Education as Enabler: Advancing the Eco Stewardship Programme in Schools
2. Let me first provide an update on the efforts in our schools.
3. MOE has been making good progress since the announcement of the Eco Stewardship Programme (ESP) last year.
4. Through the “4Cs” approach of Curriculum, Campus, Culture and Community, we continue to holistically nurture our students, from primary to pre-university levels, to be environmental stewards for our future.
5. We will continue to support our teachers for the ESP, through professional development opportunities and teaching resources on sustainability in the Student Learning Space.
6. MOE is also developing an Eco Stewardship Toolkit, which will include a repository of resources to further support schools in strengthening their sustainability journey.
Needle Movers for the Sustainability Push
7. Beyond our schools, I agree with Ms Foo Mee Har that our institutions play a critical role in Singapore’s green transition. As part of our Green Plan effort, our institutions have made sustainability a strategic priority in their agendas, with some of our AUs developing comprehensive masterplans on their sustainability targets and initiatives.
8. Ms Rachel Ong has asked how our institutions are stepping up efforts to support sustainable living and the green economy. There are two needle-moving areas that our institutions can contribute to the national sustainability push.
9. One, leveraging their research and innovation capabilities to develop new products and services, which enable other sectors of our society to tackle sustainability challenges.
10. Two, developing skills and competencies of our graduates and the workforce, to enable them to seize opportunities in the green economy.
11. Let me elaborate.
Leveraging Research and Innovation Capabilities to Advance Sustainability Goals
12. The deep research and innovation capabilities of the institutions position them well to advance Singapore’s sustainability goals.
13. In tandem with their hands-on approach to sustainability education, our institutions partner companies, agencies and our community on research and innovation projects that advance national sustainability efforts.
14. This is done in two ways.
Supporting Local Enterprises to Deploy Sustainable Solutions
15. First, our institutions can develop innovative solutions to support industry green transformation. Through projects that they work on with industry, the polytechnics enable local enterprises to reduce their carbon emissions and achieve sustainability goals.
16. For example, in January this year, Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) launched a Sustainability Experience Centre in partnership with Schneider Electric, a company specialising in energy and automation digital solutions for efficiency and sustainability. Through the Centre, NYP staff and students will work with 100 small and medium enterprises by 2023, to co-create and implement energy efficient initiatives.
17. In partnership with a local startup, Firmbase Pte Ltd, Ngee Ann Polytechnic’s Environmental & Water Technology Centre of Innovation has recently developed a membrane for effective oil-water separation in the treatment of oily wastewater in the oil and gas industry.
Living Laboratories to Enhance National Sustainability Efforts
18. Second, our AUs are leveraging their deep research capabilities for sustainability R&D, and using their own campuses as ‘living laboratories’ to support national research and talent development efforts.
19. For example, Nanyang Technological University has partnered France’s Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) to set up the Singapore-CEA Alliance for Research in the Circular Economy, focusing on research around recycling of electronic waste.
20. As part of its Sustainability Plan, Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) will be transforming its campus in Changi into a green experimental ground. This will allow SUTD faculty and students to partner the industry and the community, to test-bed new technologies and innovative projects for sustainable and smart living. Such studies may include waste management and reducing electricity usage.
Developing Sustainability-Related Skills and Competencies in Our Students and Workforce
21. Our institutions also play an important role in equipping our youth and workforce with the skills and competencies for the growing green economy.
22. The “Skills Demand for the Future Economy” report by SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) noted that over 450 job roles across 17 sectors already require green skills in their job tasks.
23. We can expect more new jobs to emerge, and more existing jobs to adopt green practices.
24. We therefore need to invest in “green upskilling” for our workforce, so that they can seize the new opportunities presented by green growth.
25. Our institutions are refreshing their specialised course offerings and launching new programmes. These programmes provide young Singaporeans with forward-looking skills for emerging green jobs, or existing jobs that are going to be “greened”.
26. For example, Republic Polytechnic recently launched the Diploma in Environmental and Marine Science, which prepares students to take up roles at the forefront of developing sustainable environmental and aquaculture solutions.
27. Beyond equipping students to enter “green jobs”, we are also equipping the broader base of students with knowledge, competencies and skills related to sustainability.
28. Almost all our institutions include sustainability as a theme within their common curricula for undergraduates.
29. Singapore Management University, for instance, offers a common module on “Climate Change, Global and Local Solutions” as part of its core curriculum for undergraduates.
30. As part of the enhanced LifeSkills framework, students at our institutions will also explore and discuss sustainability-related issues, and how this relates to their role as global citizens.
31. Our institutions will continue to work closely with industry partners to curate more internship opportunities. These allow students to acquire and apply green skills in real-world settings, and better prepare them for future careers in green jobs.
32. We will ramp up Continuing Education and Training (CET) courses for those already working in industries that face a “green transition”.
33. Currently, our institutions offer more than 100 CET courses that provide training in areas such as sustainable built environment, green engineering solutions, green finance, and environmental sciences.
34. One example is Temasek Polytechnic’s Specialist Diploma in Energy Management & Sustainable Design, which upskills workers in the building industry to take on job opportunities in energy efficiency design and technologies.
35. We will expand the offerings in our institutions to meet the market demand and our students’ aspirations.
Conclusion
36. Mr Chair, to conclude, MOE is fully committed to contribute to a sustainable Singapore under the Singapore Green Plan 2030.
37. Our schools will be a key foundational enabler for this journey, as they nurture the next generation of our students to be stewards in environmental sustainability.
38. Our institutions will play significant, needle-moving roles by building up their capabilities and capacities in partnership with the industry. They will leverage their research and innovation capabilities to develop sustainable products and solutions; and equip our graduates and workforce with in-demand and emerging green skills.
39. However, it takes a whole-of-nation effort to make sustainability our way of life.
40. We therefore welcome experts, educators, companies, community partners and all Singaporeans to join in this endeavour – to embrace sustainability consciousness and practices, build skills for the green economy, and develop innovative solutions to create a greener and lasting future for generations to come. Thank you.
Source: Ministry of Education, Singapore
THE HAGUE— Dutch lawyers representing a suspect accused of downing Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 in 2014 said that no witnesses exist who could implicate their client in the incident in which 298 people died.
The case about the ill-fated flight, shot down over war-torn Ukraine on July 17 that year, took on a new dimension as hearings resumed near Schiphol airport to the backdrop of Russia’s invasion into its neighbour almost two weeks ago.
“Not a single witness can testify to our client’s role, position or alleged involvement in the charges,” Boudewijn van Eijck told the judges.
“Nonetheless, the public prosecution thought that even with so little evidence of his involvement he had to be prosecuted and they demanded the highest penalty against him,” Van Eijck said.
Four suspects are on trial: Russian nationals Igor Girkin, Sergei Dubinsky and Oleg Pulatov, and Ukrainian citizen Leonid Kharchenko, accused for their roles in launching the BUK missile that hit the plane over war-torn eastern Ukraine.
Prosecutors called for life sentences against the four men when they closed their case late last year.
The defence opened for Pulatov on Monday, the only suspect with legal representation.
Defence lawyers said they will discuss “alternative scenarios ” about how flight MH17 may have been brought down.
A verdict not expected until late 2022 at the earliest. All four suspects are being tried in absentia.
At the start of the hearing, presiding judge Hendrik Steenhuis expressed his sympathy with Ukrainian citizens.
“The court realises that the question is whether it is appropriate under these circumstances to continue the criminal case,” he said.
“The answer is yes. Four individual persons are on trial, not one state,” Steenhuis said at the hearing, held at a special high-security court close to where flight MH17 took off for a routine flight between Amsterdam and Kuala Lumpur.
“What is happening in Ukraine is terrible, we are watching the developments with dismay,” said Sabine ten Doesschate, Pulatov’s other lawyer.
“But every suspect has the right to a fair trial and legal aid,” she said.
The best known of the suspects, 51-year-old Girkin — nicknamed “gunner” — was one of the main separatist commanders at the start of the conflict with the Ukrainian army.
Dubinsky, 57, is said to be linked to Russian military intelligence, while Pulatov, 53, is a former member of the Russian special forces and Dubinsky’s deputy.
Kharchenko, 48, is believed to have led a separatist unit in eastern Ukraine.
All four men deny any involvement in the downing of the plane.
Source: NAM NEWS NETWORK