Critical reflection

In our daily lives, feedbacks are of paramount importance, as it provides us with directions as to the following course of action. In the module, Effective Communication, we were tasked to set up a blog and update it weekly with given topics. In order to facilitate effective learning, ‘blogging groups’ consisting of three students were arranged. With every blog post written, students within the same group would be required to provide feedback on each other’s post and point out the positive and negative aspects of each post. In addition to peers’ feedback, we would also receive tutor’s feedback for each post.

Through this activity, I have observed both the pros and cons of peer and tutor feedback in my learning experience. Having such a feedback system indeed exposed us to different writing styles of our classmates and expand our vocabulary banks. Similarly, in the midst of giving others feedback, we are able to avoid other’s  mistakes and also improve on ourselves by learning from their strengths. Comparing feedback received from peers and tutor, feedback from peers would appear to be more relatable and encouraging as we are of similar positions. However, peer feedback may have its flaws, as students may not be able to point out all of the mistakes as it might not be obvious to us, suggestions given for corrections may not be as accurate, and students might just be going through the motion of completing the task to give comments.

Having said that, feedback given by tutor has its fair share of advantages and disadvantages. Tutor’s feedback are of higher accuracy and reliability. Also, with higher authority, students tend to give greater credibility to corrections and suggestions made by tutor. Tutor’s feedback would allow us as students to see from a new perspective, and students would be highly encouraged to keep up with the good work on the job well done. Nevertheless, tutor’s feedback would result in students being over-reliant instead of spotting our own mistakes.

Both tutor and peer feedback play a major role in my learning journey in SIT. These feedback given to me have been constructive and made me realize issues that I was not aware of. In my opinion, I feel that both types of feedback are equally important and there should be a balance of both. Tutor’s feedback serves as a guiding light enabling a smoother journey, while peers’ feedback act as a supportive factor motivating me along. From the very first post in this blog, I mentioned to improve on my sentence structure and grammar errors and increase my English proficiency overall. I believe I am on my way to achieving my goals with the help of both tutor and peers’ feedback.  

Executive summary

This proposal discusses the adverse effects regarding sustainability issues faced in Singapore. Due to the lack of natural resources, Singapore needs to import sand and granite for construction projects. It is proposed for the Housing Development Board (HDB) to take on the lead of using recycled materials when constructing their buildings as they occupy the most land space in Singapore. The new scheme established by Building Construction and Authority (BCA), “BCA Green Mark Scheme”, targets more than 80% of the buildings in Singapore to be “Green Mark Certified” by 2030. This certification is done based on a rating system, where the use of recycled materials rewards 10 points under “sustainable building”. As such, our team would like to propose the idea of using eco-green concrete to replace the conventional type of concrete used in constructing buildings. This proposed solution contains three parts: stimulating the interest in using eco-green concrete, testing the feasibility of using eco-green concrete in constructing building, as well as implementing an incentivised system to garner support from the public and private built industry. All these factors will work as one to complement the existing conventional method of making concrete, while benefiting the environment and economy at the same time.

Personal statement

Chiam Cheng Yang

Cheng Yang is currently studying in Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) and he is pursuing his Degree in Sustainable Infrastructure Engineering (Building Services). He has previously attained a Diploma in Mechatronics Engineering. He is also interested in recycling concrete aggregate in order for Singapore to be sustainable.

Letter of transmittal

Green Concrete

Department of Built Environment Systems

Green Concrete
Research Engineers of the Built Environment
239 Bishan Hall
Singapore 459820

10 October 2015

Mr Brad Franklin Blackstone
Module Coordinator, Effective Communication (SIE 2016)
Singapore Institute of Technology, SIT @ Dover
10 Dover Drive
Singapore 138683

Dear Mr Blackstone:

We would like to introduce to you our company, Green Concrete, which has been established with the main intention of aiding Singapore in its pursuit of sustainability by a group of research engineers.

Singapore relies on Indonesia for the import of sand and granite for its construction industry due to the lack of natural resources. According to the Building Construction Authority (BCA), 80% of the buildings in Singapore are aimed to be Green Mark Certified by 2030. With the rising cost of living in Singapore, it has become tougher for the current generation to purchase a house. All these factors lead to the importance of conserving the use of natural resources to benefit Singapore both environmentally and economically.

With this letter, we will be submitting the attached proposal in support of a research program entitled “The use of eco-green concrete to construct buildings in Singapore” to the Housing Development Board (HDB) and BCA itself.

Your consideration of our proposal is greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

Chiam Cheng Yang
Manager of Green Concrete

Enclosure: Proposal
Cc: Lee, Chien Ching

Reader response – Final submission

Chiam Cheng Yang 15SSB006Y

Reader response – Final submission

Article: Why the climate fight needs engineers.

As suggested in Shah’s (2015) article, “Why the climate fight needs engineers”, engineers in Singapore are needed to achieve the goal of “zero-waste nation” established by the Sustainable Singapore Blueprint (SSB). Kuttan, the director and country manager of the Clean Technology Centre, highlighted that Singapore has one of the world’s “highest carbon emissions per capita”. The author implied that it is adversely causing severe climate change, such as “high temperature and droughts”. Similarly, he expressed a belief that engineers equipped with the fundamental knowledge of sustainable energy are needed to counter the current concern. In the effort to support this demand, Singapore has initiated a scheme to groom engineers of all levels, so as to address challenges caused by climate change. I agree with the author that engineers play a major role in the aspect of coming up with new technologies to achieve the goal of sustainability in Singapore. Particularly, engineers should be equipped with the necessary skills through constant upgrading programs to allow for the maintenance of climate fight innovations.

Giving support to Kuttan (as cited in Shah, 2015), the article “Singapore’s dirty accolade: Asia-Pacific’s biggest carbon footprint” (2012), have similarly mentioned that Singapore has the “largest carbon footprint per head” in the Asia-Pacific region, which brings about a pressing concern. National Climate Change Secretariat (2015) commented that as Singapore is a humid country, and air-conditioners have contributed widely to Singapore’s high energy demands. Electrical appliances such as air-conditioners requires the energy produced through the combustion of fossil fuels, which in turn releases harmful air pollutants (i.e. carbon dioxide) raising serious environmental concerns (Conserve Energy Future, 2013). As carbon dioxide is one of the greenhouse gases, while half of the amount of carbon dioxide can be absorbed through natural processes, the remaining amount contributes to global warming. Furthermore, as the average surface temperature increase due to global warming, there is a rise in the use of air-conditioners, which led to a vicious cycle. It has been noted that with continuing rise in carbon emission, Singapore’s average temperature would exceed 34°C if no actions are taken to counter the emission (Kotwani, 2015).

Facing such a climate concern, engineers are required to tackle these concerns. As mentioned in Chua’s (2015) article, engineers are involved in leading the process of innovation, sustaining these creations, and operating these technologies. With the help of engineers of different forte, “materials, mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing engineers” could work together in reducing cost, and enhancing the performance of various renewable energy technologies, such as solar photovoltaic.

Engineers are also required to “work with economists and policy analysts” to help with “policies and behavioral change programmes”, and in promoting energy conservation and efficiency (Chua, 2015). Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister, Teo Chee Hean said that experts would be needed to “design and construct infrastructure projects”, “enhance cities’ resilience” and “adaption to the effects of climate change” (as cited in Chua, 2015).

As such, Singapore has newly initiated a scheme to groom three various levels of engineers, as mentioned in Shah’s article, to equip them with the needed knowledge to counter these challenges. Equipped with relevant skills, trained engineers who are able to excel in this field are crucial at assisting in areas such as green building technologies and energy renewing. In the effort to achieve the goal of being a zero-waste nation, it is equally essential for them to understand the concerns that Singaporeans are facing (Chua, 2015).

To conclude, the importance of well-equipped engineers were highlighted above. Engineers who have the necessary skills in the field of sustainability would be a valuable resource in combating climate change with new technologies, and in the maintenance of such technologies.

References

Chua, J. (2015, July 28). Engineering plays crucial role in climate change. Eco-Business. Retrieved September 24, 2015, from http://www.eco-business.com/news/engineering-plays-crucial-role-in-climate-change/

How Fossil Fuels Work. (2013, January 19). Conserve Energy Future. Retrieved November 25, 2015, from http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/HowFossilFuelsWork.php

Kotwani, M. (2015, April 15). Expect a hotter, wetter Singapore if greenhouse gas emissions aren’t tackled. Channel News Asia. Retrieved September 24, 2015, from http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/expect-a-hotter-wetter/1785302.html

National Climate Change Secretariat. (2015, February 5). Impact of climate change on Singapore. Retrieved September 24, 2015, from https://www.nccs.gov.sg/climate-change-and-singapore/national-circumstances/impact-climate-change-singapore

Shah, V. (2015, June 8). Eco-Business. Why the climate fight needs engineers. Retrieved September 24, 2015, from http://www.eco-business.com/news/why-the-climate-fight-needs-engineers/

Singapore’s dirty accolade: Asia-Pacific’s biggest carbon footprint. (2012, March 6). CNN. Retrieved September 24, 2015, from http://travel.cnn.com/singapore/life/singapores-dirty-honor-asia-pacifics-biggest-carbon-footprint-876659

The person that inspires me the most

Growing up in today’s society has never been easy without a role model to look up to, who constantly inspires me in life and motivate me to climb back up on my two feet after facing setbacks. I have come across this particularly question many times, “who has inspired you the most in life”, and my answer, although cliche, will be my father. To many, our parents have been our role model ever since the very first day of our lives, picking their habits and behaviors and mimicking their temperament and personality. Naturally, it is no exception that I am who I am because of my parents, in particularly, my father. Relatives and friends have mentioned that I am an exact replica of my father in terms of attitude, temperament, and behaviour, which I cannot deny.

Everyone has their fair share of story of their younger days, and my father is of no exception. In the past, education was not an important factor in getting a job. As a result, my father did not further his studies after completing Secondary 4. After which, he went on to look for a job and had took on many positions, from a taxi driver to an airconditioner technician. In a manufacturing company, he worked his way up and became a manager, and in the same field, he proceed to set up his own company in Malaysia.

However, the good days never lasted long and his business was hit by the 2007’s recession. He suffered losses, was forced to shut down the company and landed himself in debts. Having face with setbacks, he did not give up, and went on to stand up from where he fell. He took on the role of a construction site manager, continuing to strive and support the family. Despite having to repay loans, my father was persistent in providing education to both my younger sister and I. He strongly believe that education would serve as a strong basis in today’s society, and regardless of the circumstances that he was facing, he would always bring bread to the family. Having been through both the good and bad days, my father would hold closely to this phrase “If you have something today, be prepared to lose it tomorrow and carry on with life. Only then, you will succeed”.

My father’s life story has been a testimonial to me, where perseverance would pay off, and you reap what you sow. I saw that determination he had in standing back up on his two feet after facing setbacks and he was not afraid to continue striving. Being in a completely different trade, my father demonstrated the ability to adapt to changes, and was able to pick up new skills quickly. He displayed positive attitude despite the challenges he faced. There was a saying “as the going gets tough, the tough gets going”, resilience has been one of his main traits. I admire his selfless character, as he would never show his vulnerable moments to his family, especially to my sister and I. He does not want us to worry about the family’s financial issues and would rather take on the responsibility as the breadwinner of the family, while we concentrate on our studies. I feel that my father is the depiction of the phrase, “tough times don’t last, but tough men do”, which deeply inspire me to be a better person.

Reflection on oral presentation

My team and I were tasked to work on a project, the implementation of eco-green concrete, and our target audience was the Housing Development Board (HDB). Recently, on the 9th of November, we have completed the necessary research and presented our findings in class. Prior to the actual presentation, we had a trial run in class. In comparison to the trial run, our team have improved tremendously on the actual presentation. Personally, I feel that it was the countless times of practice and numerous feedbacks and criticisms that help us with the improvement.

Throughout the actual presentation, I felt quite nervous despite the prior practices I had. Something to take away from the presentation was that I got to know both my strengths and weaknesses. As for strengths, I have gotten feedback that I had good vocal which was important for the audience to understand the pointers that I was trying to deliver across. However, I guess I was too nervous and as a result I might have went a bit too fast.

Overall, I believe that there is still room for improvement. In my opinion, practice makes perfect. No one was born a genius, therefore it is important for individuals to consistently look for areas that require improvement. Similarly, individuals with bountiful experience could go wrong, as such listening to opinions and feedbacks, and accepting criticisms would enable individuals to achieve greater heights.

Reader response – Draft 3

Chiam Cheng Yang 15SSB006Y

Reader response – Draft 3

Article: Why the climate fight needs engineers.

As suggested in Shah’s (2015) article, “Why the climate fight needs engineers”, engineers are needed to achieve the goal of “zero-waste nation” established by the Sustainable Singapore Blueprint (SSB). Kuttan, director and country manager of the Clean Technology Centre, highlighted that Singapore is one of the world’s “highest carbon emissions per capita”. The author implied that it is adversely causing severe climate change, such as “high temperature and droughts”. Similarly, he also expressed a belief that engineers equipped with the fundamental knowledge of sustainable energy are needed to counter the current concern. In the effort to support this demand, Singapore has initiated a scheme to groom all levels of engineers, so as to address challenges caused by climate change. I agree with the author that engineers play a major role in the aspect of coming up with new technologies and maintaining these innovations in the field of sustainability, therefore they are indeed crucial in combating the aforementioned climate challenges.

As pointed out by the author, Kuttan mentioned that Singapore has one of the highest carbon emissions per capita, which was supported by Singapore’s dirty accolade: Asia-Pacific’s biggest carbon footprint (2012), in which Singapore was found to have the “largest carbon footprint per head” in the Asia-Pacific region. According to the National Climate Change Secretariat (2015), due to Singapore’s humid climate, air-conditioners are widely used in the effort to cool infrastructure and the environment, leading to the rise in Singapore’s energy demands, resulting in “higher domestic carbon emissions”. Furthermore, with higher carbon emission, as mentioned in Kotwani’s (2015) article, Singapore’s average temperature would exceed 34°C if no actions were taken to counter the emission.

Facing such climate change, engineers are required to tackle these concerns. As mentioned in Chua’s (2015) article, engineers are involved in leading the process of innovation, sustaining these creations, and operating these technologies. With the help of engineers of different forte, “materials, mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing engineers” could work together in reducing cost, and enhancing the performance of various renewable energy technologies, such as solar photovoltaic.

Engineers are also required to “work with economists and policy analysts” to help with “policies and behavioral change programmes”, and in promoting energy conservation and efficiency. Chua (2015) cited Teo Chee Hean, Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister, whereby experts would be needed to design and construct “infrastructure projects”, “enhance cities’ resilience” and “adapt to the effects of climate change”.

As such, Singapore has newly initiated a scheme to groom 3 various levels of engineers, as mentioned in Shah’s article, to equip them with the needed knowledge to counter these challenges. Equipped with relevant skills, skilled engineers who are able to excel in this field are crucial so as to assist in areas such as green building technologies and energy renewing. In the effort to achieve the goal of being a zero-waste nation, it is equally essential for them to understand the concerns that Singaporeans are facing (Chua, 2015).

To conclude, the importance of well-equipped engineers were highlighted above. With the necessary skills in the field of sustainability, engineers would be a viable source in combating climate change with new technologies and the maintenance of such technologies.

References

Chua, J. (2015, July 28). Engineering plays crucial role in climate change. Eco-Business. Retrieved September 24, 2015, from http://www.eco-business.com/news/engineering-plays-crucial-role-in-climate-change/

Kotwani, M. (2015, April 15). Expect a hotter, wetter Singapore if greenhouse gas emissions aren’t tackled. Channel News Asia. Retrieved September 24, 2015, from http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/expect-a-hotter-wetter/1785302.html

National Climate Change Secretariat. (2015, February 5). Impact of climate change on Singapore. Retrieved September 24, 2015, from https://www.nccs.gov.sg/climate-change-and-singapore/national-circumstances/impact-climate-change-singapore

Singapore’s dirty accolade: Asia-Pacific’s biggest carbon footprint. (2012, March 6). CNN. Retrieved September 24, 2015, from http://travel.cnn.com/singapore/life/singapores-dirty-honor-asia-pacifics-biggest-carbon-footprint-876659

Reader response – Draft 2

As suggested in Shah’s (2015) article, “Why the climate fight needs engineers”, engineers are needed to achieve the goal of “zero-waste nation” established by the Sustainable Singapore Blueprint (SSB). Kuttan, director and country manager of the Clean Technology Centre, highlighted that Singapore is one of the world’s “highest carbon emissions per capita”. The author implied that it is adversely causing severe climate change, such as “high temperature and droughts”. Similarly, he also expressed a belief that engineers equipped with the fundamental knowledge of sustainable energy are needed to counter the current concern. In the effort to support this demand, Singapore has initiated a scheme to groom all levels of engineers, so as to address challenges caused by climate change. I agree with the author that engineers are indeed crucial in combating the unfavorable climate change. Because engineers play a major role in the aspect of coming up with new technologies and innovations for sustainability, and only engineers are able to maintain those technologies. In addition to the article, the importance of engineers in the field of sustainability will be further elaborated.

Firstly, the author pointed out that Kuttan mentioned that Singapore is one of the highest carbon emissions per capita, which was supported by CNN Travel (2012), where Singapore was found to have the “largest carbon footprint per head” in the Asia-Pacific region. According to the National Climate Change Secretariat (2015), due to Singapore’s humid climate, air-conditioners are widely used in the effort to cool our homes and environment, leading to the rise in Singapore’s energy demands, resulting in “higher domestic carbon emissions”. Furthermore, with higher carbon emission, as mentioned in Kotwani’s (2015) article, average temperature would exceed 34°C if no actions were taken to counter the emission.

Facing such climate change, engineers are required to tackle these concerns. As mentioned in Chua’s (2015) article, engineers are involved in the leading process of innovation, sustaining these creations, and operating these technologies. With the help of engineers of different forte, “materials, mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing engineers” could work together in reducing cost, and enhancing the performance of various renewable energy technologies, such as solar photovoltaic.

Engineers are also required to “work with economists and policy analysts”, to help with “policies and behavioural change programmes”, in promoting energy conservation and efficiency. Noted by Teo Chee Hean, Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister, in the growth of sustainability, experts are needed to design and construct “infrastructure projects, enhancing cities’ resilience and adaptation to the effects of climate change”.

As such, Singapore has newly initiated a scheme to groom 3 various levels of engineers, as mentioned in Shah’s article, to equip them with the needed knowledge to counter these challenges. Hence, skilled engineers who are able to excel in this field are crucial, as it is equally essential for them to understand the concerns that Singaporeans are facing. Equipped with relevant skills, they would be able to assist in areas such as green building technologies and energy renewing, in the effort to achieve the goal of being a zero-waste nation (Chua, 2015).

In conclusion, continuous learning is important for engineers to improve and keep up with the current technologies, and new innovations. With the launch of the “Engineers Progression Pathway Programme”, it would serve as a platform for engineers in Singapore to enhance their professional and technical skills to help fight the climate change.

References

Chua, J. (2015, July 28). Engineering plays crucial role in climate change. Retrieved September 24, 2015, from http://www.eco-business.com/news/engineering-plays-crucial-role-in-climate-change/

CNN Travel. (2012, March 6). Singapore’s dirty accolade: Asia-Pacific’s biggest carbon footprint. Retrieved September 24, 2015, from http://travel.cnn.com/singapore/life/singapores-dirty-honor-asia-pacifics-biggest-carbon-footprint-876659

Kotwani, M. (2015, April 15). Expect a hotter, wetter Singapore if greenhouse gas emissions aren’t tackled. Retrieved September 24, 2015, from http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/expect-a-hotter-wetter/1785302.html

National Climate Change Secretariat. (2015, February 5). Impact of climate change on Singapore. Retrieved September 24, 2015, from https://www.nccs.gov.sg/climate-change-and-singapore/national-circumstances/impact-climate-change-singapore

Reader response – Draft 2

As suggested in Shah’s (2015) article, “Why the climate fight needs engineers”, engineers are needed to achieve the goal of “zero-waste nation” established by the Sustainable Singapore Blueprint (SSB). Kuttan, director and country manager of the Clean Technology Centre, highlighted that Singapore is one of the world’s “highest carbon emissions per capita”. The author implied that it is adversely causing severe climate change, such as “high temperature and droughts”. Similarly, he also expressed a belief that engineers equipped with the fundamental knowledge of sustainable energy are needed to counter the current concern. In the effort to support this demand, Singapore has initiated a scheme to groom all levels of engineers, so as to address challenges caused by climate change. I agree with the author that engineers are indeed crucial in combating the unfavourable climate change. In addition to the article, the importance of engineers in the field of sustainability will be further elaborated.

Firstly, the author pointed out that Kuttan mentioned that Singapore is one of the highest carbon emission per capita, which was supported by CNN Travel (2012), where Singapore was found to have the “largest carbon footprint per head” in the Asia-Pacific region. According to the National Climate Change Secretariat (2015), due to Singapore’s humid climate, air-conditioners are widely used in the effort to cool our homes and environment, leading to the rise in Singapore’s energy demands, resulting in “higher domestic carbon emissions”. Furthermore, with higher carbon emission, as mentioned in Kotwani’s (2015) article, average temperature would exceed 34°C if no actions were taken to counter the emission.

Facing such climate change, engineers are required to tackle these concerns. As mentioned in Chua’s (2015) article, engineers are involved in the leading process of innovation, sustaining these creations, and operating these technologies. With the help of engineers of different forte, materials, mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing engineers could work together in reducing cost, and enhancing the performance of various renewable energy technologies, such as solar photovoltaic.

Engineers are also required to work with economists and policy analysts, to help with policies and behavioral change programmes, in promoting energy conservation and efficiency. Noted by Teo Chee Hean, Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister, in the growth of sustainability, experts are needed to design and construct “infrastructure projects, enhancing cities’ resilience and adaptation to the effects of climate change”.

As such, Singapore has newly initiated a scheme to groom 3 various levels of engineers, as mentioned in Shah’s article, to equipped them with the needed knowledge to counter these challenges. Hence, skilled engineers who are able to excel in this field is crucial, as it is equally essential for them to understand the concerns that Singaporeans are facing. Equipped with relevant skills, they would be able to assist in areas such as green building technologies and energy renewing, in the effort to achieve the goal of being a zero-waste nation (Chua, 2015).

In conclusion, continuous learning is important for engineers to improve and keep up with the current technologies, and new innovations.With the launch of the “Engineers Progression Pathway Programme”, it would serve as a platform for engineers in Singapore to enhance their professional and technical skills to help fight the climate change.

References

Chua, J. (2015, July 28). Engineering plays crucial role in climate change. Retrieved September 24, 2015, from http://www.eco-business.com/news/engineering-plays-crucial-role-in-climate-change/

CNN Travel. (2012, March 6). Singapore’s dirty accolade: Asia-Pacific’s biggest carbon footprint. Retrieved September 24, 2015, from http://travel.cnn.com/singapore/life/singapores-dirty-honor-asia-pacifics-biggest-carbon-footprint-876659

Kotwani, M. (2015, April 15). Expect a hotter, wetter Singapore if greenhouse gas emissions aren’t tackled. Retrieved September 24, 2015, from http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/expect-a-hotter-wetter/1785302.html

National Climate Change Secretariat. (2015, February 5). Impact of climate change on Singapore. Retrieved September 24, 2015, from https://www.nccs.gov.sg/climate-change-and-singapore/national-circumstances/impact-climate-change-singapore