RP/ POF DIALOGUE SYNOPSIS

Written by Leong Hui Min (21SH13), Fam Jia Wen (22SH16),  Ng Hwee En, Kim (22SH02)

Dialogue with Resource Person Associate Professor Kumar Ramakrishna 

In our dialogue, we examined three questions relating to international terrorism, radicalisation and cyberterrorism. 

Dialogue with Person of Focus Mr Adrian Tan 

In our dialogue, we examined the importance of religion as an aspect of Singapore’s culture and identity, the impacts of racially motivated conflicts around the world on Singapore, how to strengthen and maintain our international relationship, especially with the increasing tension between nations across the world, and how to handle bouts of unrest, protest and conflicts in individual ASEAN member states, and whether there is a need to strengthen regional and international ties, and how this has been done. 

Written by Lena Sato (21SH20), Saravanan Deepika (21SH19), Hayley Lim Hui En (22SH14), Ng Hwee En, Kim (22SH02)

Dialogue with Resource Person Ms Fang Eu-lin 

There were many takeaways from Ms Fang’s dialogue, following her review of Singapore’s workforce and the importance of corporations to be smart at "upskilling", with the limited resources available.

We also gained insights on how companies can be more resilient from the disruptions of many events like globalisation, technology and the pandemic. One topic that should be explored is the collective resilience of our nation. It truly is crucial for communities to work hand in hand and help one another in order to emerge as a stronger and more resilient society. 

Dialogue with Person of Focus Mr Heng Chee Lee 

Resilience 2 and Resilience 5 had a combined dialogue with Mr Heng, Deputy Director RF Design of MediaTek Singapore, a fabless semiconductor company. Mr Heng mentioned the importance of diversifying and not putting “all your eggs in one basket” in times of supply shock, in order to have something to rely on and use as a base to get back on our feet and push on. Mr Heng also emphasised the importance of upskilling to maintain relevance in this ever changing world and how firms need to stay adaptable to remain competitive. We believe these qualities of open-mindedness and flexibility apply not only to firms but to all of us as well in this rapidly-advancing world. 

Written by Lim Wei Jie (21SH19), Tham Yi Shaan (21SH12), Ng Hwee En, Kim (21SH02)

Dialogue with Resource Person Professor Vernon Lee 

Dr Vernon Lee enlightened the groups on different aspects of Resilience. He explained that resilience has to be deliberately built and improved on. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, this means being prepared by stocking medical supplies, and building up psychological resilience within the community. He mentioned the different facets of Singapore’s Total defence, delving into the different pillars of Total Defence. He also taught the steps towards building resilience: from risk assessment, risk management, to ultimately building resilience. He shared experiences from the medical sector, and the decision making process behind some important COVID-19 related policies. 

Written by Rachel Wong Si Yin (21SH12), Tan Chok Joo (22SH09), Ng Hwee En, Kim (21SH02)

Dialogue with Resource Person Colonel Jerica Goh

Our discussion with Colonel Jerica Goh was focused on national defence and how Singapore should be future ready, in light of the uncertain times ahead in view of the ongoing Ukraine and Russia conflict. Singaporeans need to be open-minded and resilient for the challenges that they will face in the future, and they must work together for the good of the greater community, not just themselves. We hope for a deeper discussion on ways to deepen Singaporean’s sense of belonging to foster greater unity so as to increase our resilience for unforeseen uncertainties ahead. 

Written by Yeo Yi En Isaac (21SH19), Xu Hanqing (22SH13), Ng Hwee En, Kim (21SH02)   

Dialogue with Resource Person Ms Fang Eu-lin 

There were many takeaways from Ms Fang’s dialogue session from reviewing the current status of Singapore’s workforce and the importance of corporations to be strategic in their upskilling process given the limited resources available. We also gained insights on how companies can be more resilient from the disruptions of events like such as globalisation, technological changes and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 

One topic that should be further explored is the collective resilience of our nation, founded upon each and every struggle that we overcome. It is crucial for communities to work hand in hand and help one another in order to emerge as a stronger and more resilient society. 

Dialogue with Person of Focus Mr Heng Chee Lee  

In our combined dialogue session (Resilience 2 and Resilience 5) with Mr Heng, Deputy Director RF Design of MediaTek Singapore, a fabless semiconductor company, we learnt the importance of diversification and not to put “all your eggs in one basket” in times of supply shock. Preparation is essential - it is important to have something to rely on and use as a base to get back on our feet and push on. Mr Heng also emphasised the importance of upskilling to maintain our labour force's relevance in this ever changing world and how firms need to stay adaptable to remain competitive. We believe these qualities of open-mindedness and flexibility apply not only to firms but to all of us as well in this rapidly-advancing world. 

Written by Ashley Tan Yingxuan (21SH01), Lim Yinnqi (22SH14), Ng Hwee En, Kim (21SH02) 

Dialogue with Resource Person Colonel Jerica Goh  

In April, Resilience 6 explored the topic of safeguarding Singapore’s security and future with Colonel Jerica Goh who is currently working for the Ministry of Defence. The discussion took on an extensive scope, beginning with Colonel Goh sharing her personal experiences of how she learnt the importance of adaptability during her time as a female officer in the navy before delving into current issues such as the capability of Singapore’s national defence and the possible actions that could threaten the cohesiveness of our society as well as the NEXUS programmes aimed at nurturing resilience among us Singaporeans. In the end, our two biggest takeaways were: (i) Citizens of various backgrounds should always empathise with one another and find common grounds to avoid conflicts, (ii) Possessing a sense of belonging to Singapore is necessary in order for citizens to feel that our nation is worth defending and fighting for. 

Dialogue with Person of Focus Mr Sahari Ani  

In May, Resilience 6 explored the area of enhancing agility and nimbleness in times of challenge with Mr Sahari Ani, who has been deployed to over 18 disaster response missions and is currently working as a Director of Red Cross Youth. The discussion covered various sub topics, including Mr Ani’s sharing on the steps Singapore Red Cross took to execute in person plans during the pandemic while ensuring the safety its members. Mr Ani also shared his personal insights and shared with us some of the challenges faced in the humanitarian work he has done and the values he hopes the future youths of Singapore would safeguard in order to be prepared for a national crisis. Our two biggest takeaways from the dialogue are: (i) Instead of helping as many people as possible, we should focus our strengths to provide types of help that are of utmost necessity. (ii) Building a platform to train youths of all ages to engage in humanitarian work is imperative to building resilience and safeguarding Singapore’s future. 

Written by Lim Qiao Jing (21SH18), Chua Zi Xin Rachel (22SH15), Erica Chin Yee (22SH16)

Dialogue with Resource Person Associate Professor Kumar Ramakrishna 

In the dialogue session with Professor Kumar Ramakrishna, pertinent issues related to our strategic area regarding the challenges of a polarising world, such as the relationship between free speech and polarisation as well as race and religion tensions were discussed. Geopolitical tensions were also discussed, referencing the tensions between US and China and Singapore’s position against the two economic giants despite being a small country. In our discussion, Singapore’s stand against Russia’s attack on Ukraine sparked the debate on self interest and morality. We gained new insights and perspectives into the challenges of a polarising world.

Dialogue with Person of Focus Dr Noor Huda Ismail 

Dr Noor Huda Ismail examined the threats of radicalisation and extremism. She talked about the need to continue building stronger regional and international ties between countries so to tackle terrorist threats on a global scale. One key takeaway was how to support and help former convicted terrorists reintegrate into society, with the knowledge that understanding and trust is crucial for their reintegration into society.  

Written by Isha Chandra Gowda (21SH14), Thaarmin S/O Thana Rajan (22SH02), Erica Chin Yee (22SH16)

Dialogue with Resource Person Professor Vernon Lee

Dr Vernon Lee enlightened the groups on different aspects of Resilience. He explained that resilience has to be deliberately built and improved on. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, this means being prepared by stocking medical supplies, and building up psychological resilience within the community. He mentioned the different facets of Singapore’s Total defence, delving into the different pillars of Total defence. He also taught us the steps towards building resilience, from risk assessment, risk management, to ultimately building resilience. He shared his experiences from the medical sector, and the decision making process behind some important COVID-19 related policies. 

Dialogue with Person of Focus Dr Lo Hong Yee

Dr Lo Hong Yee enlightened us on the role of the military and how its significance and values have evolved to combat modern crises. The military, being the critical backbone of Singapore's national defense, exemplifies agility and nimbleness in times of challenge. He highlighted the issue of disparity between the idealistic goals crafted by policy makers and the legitimate concerns of people on the ground. The solution was consequently revealed - to redirect efforts onto the most ethical choice, even if it requires the government to exercise humility and change their stance.

Written by Naomi Tanzil (21SH12), Megan Goh (22SH13), Erica Chin Yee (22SH16), Lau Wan Sin (22SH15)

Dialogue with Resource Person Ms Esther An 

In a combined dialogue session with Resilience 10, our group enjoyed a passionate sharing by Ms Esther An on sustainability and climate change, as well as what City Development Limited (CDL) has done and is doing to help mitigate the negative effects of climate change. Ms An highlighted the most pressing issues in climate change today, as well as why it is important to "future-proof" businesses to make them more resilient when facing future problems. She concluded her sharing by leaving us with this thought on how innovation and creative design is what we need to kickstart the sustainability revolution in order to help make our actions more green while still achieving the intended outcome. 

Dialogue with Person of Focus Mr Alvin Yong 

In a combined session with Resilience 10, Mr Yong shared how entrepreneurship can build a foundation for sustainable growth and living. By using ‘reusable’ resources to allow money to be recycled in order to help more poor families, this in turn builds resilience of the community. He was very active in thinking out of the box for feasible solutions to different real world problems he saw. One example he gave was how he set up a reusable ‘project’ where poor farmers could rear pigs so that the children of these poor farmers in Thailand would have money to finance their children's education. Something that can be explored further especially in Singapore is the idea of charity and reusable money - currently, when money goes to charities, it cannot be ‘recycled’ and the money can only be used to help one family. However, when money is used correctly to regenerate cash, it can help a lot more people. 

Written by Aamir Raj M. Kimura Singh (21SH04),  Chia Jia Yuun (22SH18), Erica Chin Yee (21SH16)

Dialogue with Resource Person Mr Kevin Shum

Resilience 11’s dialogue with Mr Kevin Shum, Deputy Secretary (Strategy, Sustainability & Technology), Ministry of Transport was invaluable. Mr Shum has held key positions in different fields including aviation which enabled the participants to discuss the topic of transportation, and why Singapore must continue to remain relevant in an ever-changing globalised world. Mr Shum highlighted the importance of resilience, and prompted participants to think deeper about our strategic area, sustainable societies and smart nation. 

One salient takeaway is how many people think of resilience as persisting through obstacles and studying hard for examinations. However, that can be viewed as a superficial definition of resilience. The group recalls Mr Shum's point on how resilience refers to the ability to absorb a shock and bounce back from it. This is highly applicable in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, where Singapore has worked hard towards becoming a COVID-19 resilient nation.

Written by Kuang Yu Xuan (21SH20),  Jamie Tan Wen Qi ( 21SH13), Arya Vatsa (21SH19), Erica Chin Yee (21SH16)

Dialogue with Resource Person Mr Kevin Shum

Mr Kevin Shum shared how financial reserves play an essential role in conferring resilience to our economic sustainability. Especially with Singapore’s ageing population, the government may have to take up the role in providing for the elderly, which then requires more tax to be collected to sustain the government budget . This brings about 2 major concerns: who and how much do we tax and how do we compensate those who are taxed more? Another consideration that arises is income mobility, which results in more budget being spent on education and upskilling courses. 

Environmental sustainability is another vital area which concerns the resilience of Singapore. The future economy must be a green economy. Yet such an outlook is not very positive due to the worsening climate change. This is aggravated by our lack of land space, which puts us at a massive disadvantage when it comes to eco-efficiency. This transition from a fossil fuel economy to a green economy will be very painful for any economy that shifts towards it where the society will then need to prioritise, and accept some trade-offs. 

As we progress towards a green economy, we also aim to become a smart and digital economy as well. Challenges are bound to present itself: the high expense involved, changes to be made to already established systems and the changing of people’s mindset. Yet as these setbacks come about, the value of resilience is then essential for leaders and organisations to pick themselves up and try again. Finally, Mr Kevin also recounted his personal resilience, and how the uncertainty of the future saw him make a decision given the imperfect information available.