CAT A: Singapore Botanic Gardens and Hawker Centres are sites recognized by UNESCO. Pay a visit to SBG. Research into our hawker culture. Which one do you/ your mates think is a more significant asset to Singapore? Why?
Gives locals or foreigners knowledge of Singapore's past
On the walk along the path, my friend and I saw much flora and fauna.
I saw people enjoying their favorite local or foreign dishes.
This is my friend Li Wen, whom I discussed and shared perspectives/ insights with during the trip to the Botanic Gardens
On the way, I saw many locals enjoying picnics and strolling
CAT B: Here are 2 articles on our northern neighbors. Are Singapore's 18 y/o and Malaysia's 18 y/o alike - when it comes to politics? Are Malaysians crossing the border to work in Singapore necessarily a good thing? Discuss with your mates. Is there a right way to look at things?
My first interview was with my mum, who moved from Malaysia to Singapore for better work opportunities.
This is a picture of my mother with her other colleagues from Aon
My second interview was with my father, who also grew up in Malaysia, but decided to work become a Singapore citizen and work in Singapore
We shared thoughts and perceptions on the way of life in Singapore vs Malaysia
CAT C: Golden friendships!
Learned how to play Huats Up! with my group, an exciting card game that is based on "Yu Sheng", a Chinese New Year tradition
I made new friends during Golden Friendships! All coming from different cultral backgrounds
We were given a scenario of stereotyping in Singapore and not feeling like they belong. We then shared our personal experiences.
My friends and I played Kopi King, a card game that tasks you to "make" the different types of drinks you can find at a Kopitiam by finding the right ingredients.
Reflection (500 words)
Initially, before visiting the Botanical Gardens, my friend and I had a shared perspective that "Most of the time, only tourists would want to go to the Botanical Gardens." However, during our walk, we saw many locals taking strolls, pictures, and having picnics. Upon witnessing this, it changed my perspective completely and helped me realise both locals and tourists can enjoy nature in the Botanic Garden. Furthermore, I parted the Botanic Gardens with new knowledge of indigenous life in Singapore from an exhibit I discovered while walking with my friend. For example, in the exhibit, I saw videos with short explanations of how different materials were handmade and I got the opportunity to feel the material. This has expanded my knowledge of indigenous practices and culture and changed my stereotypical perspectives. Therefore, expanding my cognitive capital.
I had little to no perspective on the topic of talent migration between Malaysia and Singapore and saw it from an economic standpoint, seeing it as a brain drain for Malaysia and a gain for Singapore. However, after reading the article, my perspective of the situation has changed. The article explains the reasons behind Malaysian workers' decisions to relocate to Singapore. Portraying their journeys and giving me insight into their aspirations, challenges, and personal factors influencing their choices. I now view this empathetically, appreciating the individual stories behind the statistics. After learning about the topic, I wanted to discuss it with friends and interview my mother to learn more. Upon interviewing my mother. I discovered she came to Singapore to better support her family financially along with better opportunities professionally with regional exposure. She started as a flight stewardess and eventually moved on to a Fortune 500 company. She is successful in her right riding on only an "O" level certificate. She stresses she wouldn't have had the same opportunities back home. Researching this topic expanded my psychological capital by using empathy, understanding, and appreciation for diverse perspectives. It has encouraged me to look beyond an economic standpoint and consider the human aspect of migration. This broader perspective enhances my psychological capital by using resilience, optimism, and a sense of agency in navigating complex global issues.
Initially unfamiliar with my group members during Golden Friendships, we bonded through activities like Huats Up! and Kopi King! During discussions about personal encounters with stereotypes. A Singaporean stated she felt dejected when other fellow Singaporeans made fun of her for not having a Singaporean accent, or using Singaporean slang. Each individual's story was met with respect and attentiveness, showing our collective openness. These interactions expanded my understanding of diversity and the importance of empathy in building connections. Witnessing collaboration with cultures emphasized the value of positive relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds. This experience expanded my social network and deepened my appreciation for the richness diversity brings when connecting with people. In conclusion, Golden Friendships showcased the interconnectedness of the global community and the power of embracing diversity to nurture inclusivity and innovation, expanding my social capital.
iceberg video (2 minutes)