Day 1: Introduction to Global Citizenship (GC)
I was wondering why the children and people in Nepal are so easily satisfied with what they have. Could it be that they do not have to entangle themselves in a stressful environment like Singapore? I believe so. Being more affluent than other countries, most Singaporeans tend not to cherish what they have; for instance, even when water is scarce here. Water is necessary to grow crops, raise animals, but also for the survival of mankind. This shows that human lives are interconnected in this shared world, since water is an essential for life. I remembered there was once when I washed the rice and simply throw the water away. Later on, my grandmother lectured me about it, and said that I should have used the water to irrigate the plants. Thinking back about it, I felt that this is one of those responsibilities a global citizen should have, being aware of the global situation and taking actions against the problem.
However, I questioned myself how I could as a citizen of a small red dot make any significant impact on these global issues. It was only in a group discussion when I learnt that I got to look at the big picture in life and be able to adapt. A little bit of effort here and there makes a whole lot of difference. Should Singapore face a severe water crisis, everyone in Singapore would have to start saving water and unite as a country to overcome it.
Knowing the characteristics of global citizen from this first GC lesson, I learnt that it not only helps me to be a good global citizen, but also identify global citizens in the local community and beyond as role models. Thereby, this gives us a chance to look at different dimensions of global issues.
Day 2: Globalisation and Interdependence
After having to imagine a country with its government being replaced after every general election, it kind of made me think that having one-party domination in Singapore is not really that bad after all. This is because the government would then be able to work smoothly on its fixed objectives of what Singapore is to become. But if the ruling party did not do the job well, it would then be our individual responsibility to vote for the right government. With this said, a country with stable political affairs would inevitably attract foreign investors to start pouring in money in Singapore. Thus, it could be seen that the political system in place and the economy are practically dependent on each other.
During the “Secret Mission”, our group was assigned to discuss the article on the jailing of Holocaust denier Irving. I felt that people around the world are still sensitive to World War II history, even after so many years. As a result, this historian was jailed, so as to avoid major conflicts around the world like how the Muslims react to the Muhammad cartoon. Although free speech is a basic human right, it must come with responsibility. One should always look at the consequences, upon one’s action. Therefore, I have been applying the “Think, before you speak” principle, when my friends touch on sensitive topics. To practice responsible journalism, I would always verify my facts and phrase my sentence appropriately whenever possible. This is to prevent any misunderstanding that may occur.
Day 3: Local Educational Visit
At the Asian Civilisation Museum, we got the chance to widen our perspective of China history just by observing the early robes and fragments. Dragons are embroidered onto gigantic robes to signify imperial status and power. It was their old culture and belief that dragons are sacred creatures. Now in the modern China, the belief in the dragon appears to be sporadic at best. This has showed me how globalisation have influenced the local culture.
During the tour at the China gallery, I was fairly impressed by the views of the Chinese people in the ancient past about filial piety. As claimed from the article at the gallery, some would actually commit suicide when their parents die to show an act of filial piety. This shocking act has really made me think about how individuals of our modern society treat our parents now. Do we take care of our parents personally now? I do not think so, especially when some business people have to travel all over the world. But with the advanced technology, I can now simply make a 3G phone call, or send an instant messenger over the Internet to communicate with my parents. Keeping in touch with your parents frequently is still in a way fulfilling the old Chinese view of filial piety.
To sum it all up, I found that this excursion was quite interesting and enjoyable since it increased our awareness of global citizenship. With this said, it helped to promote the willingness of exploring new cultures within us, increasing the tendency to go abroad. This would potentially contribute to the international trading and cultural exchange, which are the key factors of globalisation.
Day 4: Valuing Diversity
“The Carter Center: Creating a world in which every man, woman, and child has the opportunity to enjoy good health and live in peace”. This quote spurred my mind to wonder how similar I am to the people of my age around the world. Despite all the different cultures, we all want to create a better future and end our chapter of life with the phrase “happily ever after”. Hence, I suppose each of us should have a common baseline for all these needs. If the world managed to fulfill such an ambitious ideology one day, it would then be the most significant step in humanity ever since the time of kingdoms and dynasties.
Global citizenship has opened my eyes to view different cultures in a manner that do not stereotype. When I saw the Tai Chi picture, I first thought it was taken in some sort of Chinese place, like Taiwan. But to my surprise, it turned out to be in Thailand. This is one good example to show how globalisation has done to the cultures. From this lecture, I learnt that I should challenge all stereotypes about other cultures and people, in order to foster the global citizen in me.
I believed that cultures would change continuously as countries open their doors to foreign trade and culture. When something new is being introduced into the society, we either embrace it or reject it. To establish a racial harmonious country, the Government introduced Racial Harmony Day and implemented certain rules like racial quota in HDB blocks. I feel that this is a really good way to ensure that people are equipped with the cultural knowledge and interact with other races whenever possible. I guess that this is what differentiates me from citizens of other nationalities.
Most Singaporeans value diversity, and that is the particular reason why I do not see any sort of racial riots. Being a student who has grown up in this education system, I have acquired the ability to not condone any sort of discrimination be it racial, cultural, or class.
Day 5: Responsibility for Sustainable Development
Many people in the world lack resources like food. The source of this problem is actually the food distribution, as I read from an article few months ago. If each well-off person simply eats enough food, there will not be starvation anymore. Humans will then not turn to genetically modified food (GMF) as another food source, which is environmentally harmful in the long run. Although it is true that GMF will solve starvation, but do you know that it will actually lead to extinction of native food species eventually? Being able to explore both the positive and negative impacts of globalisation (in this case, of biotechnology) is a strength that I have as a global student. Thus, I can contribute to sustainable development of the world by actively promoting international causes in school as a start, just like how the local charities push their cause across our country.
Anyway, this principle works the same for the industry sector. However, due to the negligence of some, industries are producing excessive pollutions, causing global warming. Thus, steps have to be taken to ensure that the environment is sustained. I believe that the most effective way to deal with the problem is the government policies. If there was a global consensus on the Kyoto Pact in the first place, we would be a step ahead in solving this global issue. Hence, I believe that playing an active role in the society and speaking out environmental issues will help the Government make the right decisions. Once again, it can be seen that international governments have to understand each other’s cultures and needs, so as to tackle all these problems on the global front.
due to complications.. Didn't really know that till my mum told me a couple of years back. Poor Tianqi still have to mug even when she's here to relax. It's her PSLE this year.. All the best! I'm sure you can do it.. Time really flies to see how much they and myself have grown over the years every gathering. Really hop time will pause for one moment to let me catch a breath. I don't wish to waste any time I have that I could be used on my family, friends and relatives... That's life. Don't regret it only after you lose the moments with your loved ones... 
Thanks Mum for getting me this Sony Ericsson w810i! SOooo gonna start learning all its capability and stuffs... Uploaded few hundred MB of songs into it already! 
