This website shows what are some of the thoughts that Singaporeans have. It also shows their feelings in different situations.

Singaporeans and Cars     On HDB Flats
Drawing of a man with paper and book
Drawing of a man with paper and book
In relation to lifelong learning, written below are the viewpoints shared by people who wrote in to the Straits Times Forum:

Educational institutions and working professionals are in a good position to contribute to each other’s wellbeing. This is because polytechnics and universities can gain valuable information about the real life work environment from working professionals. Technology and artificial intelligence is always progressing and transforming existing jobs. Educational institutes can help working professionals address issues related to the trend on technology and AI.

An adult educator who taught skillfuture courses shared that people attending such courses appreciate the fact that part or all of the financial costs related to enrolling in these courses are shouldered by the government. However, ordinary Singaporeans wondered about the purpose of attending such classes. These people are putting in a lot of effort to juggle work,social and family commitments while attending classes. It is also undeniable that attending all these training does not guarantee an individual will find meaningful long term employment. It is suggested that promoting entrepreneurship and innovation may also help Singaporeans.

A lady praised the government for introducing SkillsFuture and National Silver Academy. She stated that there could be more options for retired and semi retired professionals. She highlighted that there is a wider variety of fields of study today compared to the past. The population that was aforementioned have more free time in the present and like the idea of going back to school. She felt that the advertisements and brochures for institutes for higher learning mostly feature young people. In some other countries, senior citizens only pay half of the original tuition fees for attending university. Because Singapore has one of the fastest ageing populations in Asia, she opined that older people will likely re enter or remain in the workforce. She encourages universities to let go of ageism in their marketing.

Short Story

‘Why are you tearing up?’ Cahya asked.
‘Its my youngest son, he has changed.’ Taylor replied. She used her own hands to wipe her eyes. She continued describing how she had been conversing with her son to know more about his romantic partner.
Both of Cahya’s arms were placed on the table, she listened to Taylor with concentration. Beside Taylor sat Josephine, she was sipping tea from a cup. She nodded at different points in time during the conversation.
‘That girl is wasting my son’s time.’Taylor muttered, shaking her head. Cahya was frowning and looked at Josephine. It seemed as though Cahya wanted Josphine to speak.
‘Speaking of girls, do you remember our trip to Chinatown three days ago?’ Josephine enquired looking at Taylor and Cahya in turn. Both of them nodded. ‘Remember that mural painting we saw on the shophouse? What are your thoughts on it ?’ Josephine asked.
‘It is important that artists have creative freedom in their work. But’ Cahya paused, she placed one finger near her chin. ‘I…uh…’ Cahya seemed to be unable to gather her thoughts.
‘The artwork is great! I thought it portrayed samsui women’s contribution to Singapore’, Taylor said smiling.
‘I still think one has to be careful because the artwork may be subtly promoting undesirable behaviour or attitudes.’ Cahya stated.

In June/July of the year 2024, a mural of samsui woman with cigarette on a building in Chinatown, was the subject of news reports. Members of the public were engaged in a discussion of censorship of street art. All of these was ignited due to an order by the Urban Redevelopment Authority to remove the cigarette from the formentioned mural. In the short story above, the last few lines of speeches by the fictional characters were actually real opinions of the situation by the people in Singapore

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