10 January 2009
Reached the Glass Hall @ Singapore Art Museum an hour early to prepare for my role as a facilitator for the policy forum. Organised by Tampines GRC youth groups, the PAYM policy forum series, New Media - "A Boon or A Bane?" is a very popular theme. The Straits Times had just reported the government's feedback on the Advisory Council on the Impact of New Media on Society (AIMS) suggestion on the day's paper.
The participants came from all walks of life. I was fortunate to meet new friends. These include an IT analyst working in a bank, a member of the AIMS committee, a Volunteer Relations Executive from MENDAKI, a student from TPJC, Minister George Yeo's blogging partner, youth leaders as well as working adults.
The guest of honour was Tampines GRC MP Irene Ng. The other panelists were AIMS chairman Cheong Yip Seng and Touch Cyber Wellness & Sports Manager Poh Yeang Cherng.
After speeches by the panelists, the participants went into their groups and discussed. There were 3 different categories - New Media & Politics, New Media & Family, Ethics & Responsibilities. I facilitated my group in the discussion of New Media & Politics.
I used to think it's as easy as a brainless activity to facilitate discussions but when I was in the hot seat, I changed my thoughts. To balance the different personalities within a group was challenging. Some knew the subject in and out while some were new to the topic. Luckily, everyone was enthusiastic and the discussion didn't even stop a second.
The event was covered by the press. Student Eunice represented the group to present our points of considerations. She did a great job and her remarks were reported by Channel NewsAsia:
Reached the Glass Hall @ Singapore Art Museum an hour early to prepare for my role as a facilitator for the policy forum. Organised by Tampines GRC youth groups, the PAYM policy forum series, New Media - "A Boon or A Bane?" is a very popular theme. The Straits Times had just reported the government's feedback on the Advisory Council on the Impact of New Media on Society (AIMS) suggestion on the day's paper.The participants came from all walks of life. I was fortunate to meet new friends. These include an IT analyst working in a bank, a member of the AIMS committee, a Volunteer Relations Executive from MENDAKI, a student from TPJC, Minister George Yeo's blogging partner, youth leaders as well as working adults.
The guest of honour was Tampines GRC MP Irene Ng. The other panelists were AIMS chairman Cheong Yip Seng and Touch Cyber Wellness & Sports Manager Poh Yeang Cherng.After speeches by the panelists, the participants went into their groups and discussed. There were 3 different categories - New Media & Politics, New Media & Family, Ethics & Responsibilities. I facilitated my group in the discussion of New Media & Politics.
I used to think it's as easy as a brainless activity to facilitate discussions but when I was in the hot seat, I changed my thoughts. To balance the different personalities within a group was challenging. Some knew the subject in and out while some were new to the topic. Luckily, everyone was enthusiastic and the discussion didn't even stop a second.
The event was covered by the press. Student Eunice represented the group to present our points of considerations. She did a great job and her remarks were reported by Channel NewsAsia:
By Pearl Forss, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 10 January 2009 2047 hrs
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporeloca lnews/view/401567/1/.html
.... "Currently, to leave feedback on the established channel REACH, you are required to register your name and encouraged to enter your NRIC number.
Said one participant: “If you are required to enter your NRIC before you can leave a comment on the forum, then people will stop leaving texts in the forum because it is still tracked." ....
During the Q&A, I spotted two familiar faces. One of them turned out to be Seelan Palay, one of the 18 Tak Boleh Tahan activists which protested outside Parliament House. Initially I thought the session would face some contention if they were to ask questions. They did pose their queries, and I felt that they were gentlemen and not as arrogant or loud I thought they would be.
Seelan Palay, himself, quoted MM Lee's speech which was made decades ago and asked MP Irene Ng's views. The speech made him sound authoritarian. Ms Irene Ng responded that the MM Lee's speech was suitable for the political situation then and could not be said to be applicable now. Seelan Palay nodded in agreement.
After the forum, Wei Kiat, Baohui and I went to watch the movie, Red Cliff 2. The plot was awesome. Settled dinner at Xin Wang cafe.
Seelan Palay, himself, quoted MM Lee's speech which was made decades ago and asked MP Irene Ng's views. The speech made him sound authoritarian. Ms Irene Ng responded that the MM Lee's speech was suitable for the political situation then and could not be said to be applicable now. Seelan Palay nodded in agreement.
After the forum, Wei Kiat, Baohui and I went to watch the movie, Red Cliff 2. The plot was awesome. Settled dinner at Xin Wang cafe.
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