Last lesson for Effective Communication

On 3rd December, I had my last Effective Communication lesson. I can still remembered vividly how I felt when I saw this module in the list of modules we will be taking for the first trimester; I was very worried as I am neither a confident speaker nor a good writer. However, it was an interesting module that can get us to think critically and analytically. Throughout this journey, I can say that I have learnt a lot; be it from my classmates or from my professor, Brad.

I am sure everyone has something to take away from this module. For me, it will be the fun moments I had had when my group was having discussion for our report, preparing for our presentation, and attending the class with everyone. When the presentation group list was out, Kerrie's group and my group were the first two to present. We realized that we were really nervous. Therefore, for a couple of days, we stayed backed to practice, and helped each other to improve on his/ her presentation. It was always loud and hilarious when our groups meet-up, and it was a nice experience.

Discussion for our report during one of the weekends

Group photo but we were missing Hong Kiat! (as he went off earlier)

Through this presentation, I got to know more about my classmates and got closer with them. Who knew that in just two days, we were talking and joking with each other? Not only that, being able to attend classes with my classmates is one of the things I truly missed while I was working for two years, and seeing it happening is something I am really grateful for. :)

I am richer than I was two months ago; I made new friends, gained more exposure, and experiences. It has been an enjoyable module for me. :) Thank you for teaching us this trimester, Brad! 

"It warms my heart." - Brad

Technical Report: Personal Statement

As a first year sustainable infrastructure engineering student, I am very interested in this topic as it is strongly related to my current course of study. I believe that Singapore needs to implement a system that can help to conserve fossil fuels, and reduce the reliance on them. This project could be the starting point for Singapore to reduce its carbon emission output. At the same time, I hope that this project could bring Singapore closer to a greener and more sustainable city.

Technical Report: Executive Summary

Currently in Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), the showering facilities are powered by conventional water heater. Conventional water heater is an old technology, and it is not efficient. As such, the team is interested in sourcing for a better alternative in place for the conventional water heater. Solar thermal water heater is the better alternative. The group did extensive research regarding this technology, and calculated the potential savings SIT could benefit from by implementing this system into the school. Hence, we propose the implementation of solar thermal water heater in SIT, so that SIT could be able to reduce its electrical bill, and the students from SIT will be able to appreciate a ‘clean and green’ technology in their school.

Technical Report: Letter of Transmittal

Blk 53 Tampines Ave 1
The Tropica
#10-04, Singapore 529772

15 October 2015

Brad Franklin Blackstone
Senior Lecturer
SIT@Dover
10 Dover Drive
Singapore 138683

Dear Mr Blackstone,

Re: Proposal for implementation of solar thermal water heaters in SIT @ Dover

We are pleased to be able to present the following proposal as per your request on the 30th of September, 2015. This report has been constructed with the intention of aiding SIT to become a model and leading institution of green technology by using solar thermal water heaters to reduce electricity consumption and to achieve green mark certification.

The report consists of in depth research, providing concrete details of problems and solutions pertaining to our current energy systems in SIT @ Dover. In addition, the methods and benefits of utilizing solar heat harvesting technology will be revealed.

We would like to thank you for spending the time to read our proposal. We hope that you would kindly consider our proposal in implementing solar heat harvesting technology in SIT @ Dover to expand our potential in harvesting free and clean energy.

Thank you

Yours Sincerely,
Soh En Zhi Nathaniel

On behalf of Green Global Group:
Mr. Marcus Neo
Ms. Oh Yan Yan

Fourth draft of reader response essay on "Why climate fight needs engineers"

Reader Response Draft 4

‘Why the climate fight needs engineers’

By Oh Yan Yan

In the article "Why the climate fight needs engineers", Shah (2015) mentions that a new programme, - the Engineers Progression Pathway programme, - has been set in motion in Singapore for engineers to upgrade their skills and knowledge in their field of expertise and increase the job opportunities in the long run. This is to address issues that will be caused by the change in climate in the near future and to prepare Singapore for it. Extreme weather fluctuations and fast city development make the government see the need to achieve a new sustainable city and economic system through engineering. Shah notes that in order to become the world's first smart nation and to realise its green growth vision, engineering solutions to sustainability will be important for Singapore. I agree with the article. However, there is a lack of information and examples concerning the use of engineering solutions to tackle climate change. 

In Shah’s article, she highlighted a plan which will be used to carry out part of Singapore's green growth vision: The Sustainable Singapore Blueprint (SSB) 2015. However, she presents the objectives of SSB, and does not elaborate further. One example to support SSB will be the Punggol Eco-Town. Being one of the Punggol Eco-Town’s signature waterfront housing districts, Punggol Northshore is expected to be complete in the second quarter of 2020, and will be the first public housing estate to test out smart technologies (First batch of…, 2015). Those technologies will be featured inside and outside of the flats. For instance, there is the "smart car park management system which can monitor the parking demand from residents and visitors and smart pneumatic waste conveyance system which can monitor waste disposal, recycling patterns and volumes" (First batch of…, 2015). With the implementation of such technologies, car parking and waste disposal will be much easier. While inside the house, there will be extra power and data points to cater to residents' smart system needs. They can choose to install from a range of technologies, one being the home energy management system, which can allow them to monitor their energy consumption at any time.

Another example for the green growth vision that Shah might have mentioned is to find other alternatives to power lifts in HDBs, smart meters, and water efficient appliances, among others. One of the alternative energy sources that can be used to power common areas and smart technologies in homes is by using solar energy. In order to test for the feasibility of using solar energy, Housing Development Board (HDB) will be conducting test beds on public housing estates over a period of five years (NCCS, 2013). This example is used by HDB to support government's efforts in trying out different alternatives to produce energy. It shows that the research on alternative energy sources is on-going and is being test run, which is good because it means that Singapore is getting one step closer to achieving its targets.

In the article, Shah also points out the high carbon emissions per capita in Singapore. However, the topic is briefly mentioned without giving more information and explaining further on the solutions or ways to decrease the gas emissions. An example to support Singapore's involvement in the reduction of the gas emissions is through "ratifying UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and acceded to the Kyoto Protocol in 2006" (MAF, 2015). It will require a global effort in reducing carbon emissions, and due to the situation, participating countries are trying their best to combat the change in climate and making contributions. In 2009, just before the commencement of the UNFCCC meeting in Copenhagen, Singapore has announced a pledge to decrease its greenhouse gas emissions by 16 percent in 2020 (MAF, 2015). This shows that Singapore is actively participating and trying to bring down the high carbon emissions in the country.

In conclusion, even though Shah's article informs us about the plans that are being put forth by the government, it is lacking on the information and supporting details. Engineers will be playing a big part in realising those plans. As a result, this means that they must not only do well in their respective fields but they must also be prepared to step up and counter any challenges they might face in the near future. Even though the programme for engineers is still in the initial stage, professionals have already welcomed and approve of the course. This will be a good direction for Singapore to head towards as steps are taken by the government to research on other energy sources, and at the same time, some of the plans for green growth vision are also already in the midst of testing.

(781 words)

References

Channel NewsAsia. (2015). First batch of smart HDB homes at Punggol Northshore to be launched. Retrieved from http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/first-batch-of-smart-hdb/1870032.html

Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (2015). Sustainable Development and Climate Change. Retrieved from http://www.mfa.gov.sg/content/mfa/international_issues/sustainable_development_and_climate_change.html

National Climate Change Secretariat. (2013). Finding Ways to Increase Solar Power Generation. Retrieved from https://www.nccs.gov.sg/climate-change-and-singapore/domestic-actions/reducing-emissions/power-generation

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

The Role of Peer and Tutor Feedback

Giving feedback and receiving them work hand in hand. When we give feedback, we are helping the designated person to improve on himself/ herself. This is why we should be mindful of what we are saying as our words have the power to impact each individual.

When we are giving peer feedback, we should think about how our peers can benefit from them and omit out any unnecessary comments. As peers, I believed we are more than willing to give constructive feedback as we can learn from one another and help each other to grow. Grades may play a very important part but we should not forgo about the learning process as progressing together is what makes the process worthwhile. When our tutor is giving feedback, he is giving his advice on a professional level. This is different from a peer's feedback as the feedback from tutor is meant for correcting and giving us a wider scope of how our assignments can be done.

However, giving and receiving feedback are different. When we are receiving feedback, we should take everything with a pinch of salt. In the case where the comments received are not what we would like to hear, we should stay open minded and strive to do even better for the next time round. How well can we accept those feedback will depend mostly on our attitudes. Life is a constant learning learning process and bettering yourself so we should see feedback as opportunities to learn. 

I like feedback because it goes to show that I have things I can improve on. Whenever I received feedback, it would get me thinking naturally. For example, I am being corrected for my use of some vocabulary words. I would immediately google for the meaning behind those words, and wonder if I had applied them correctly or not. It makes me triple check my work whenever I am about to do a submission as I am conscious of how my peers and tutor will find it. The skills learnt in Effective Communication module will definitely be brought over to other modules because those skills allow us to think and write more effectively for any report.

An event that inspires me the most

This was one of the most memorable experiences and the boldest decisions I had ever made so far. On 30th September last year, I went on an unplanned trekking trip with my friend to Mount Batur, Bali, Indonesia. For me, it was my 21st birthday gift to myself. For my parents, it was probably their nightmares as I did not notify them about my impromptu trek. The trek up this active volcano took place in the middle of the night as we were trying to catch the sunrise. We started at around 4.30 a.m. and began our way up. Everywhere was pitch black and the only source of light was coming from our torch lights. The cold was biting and nasty, and the stone path was painful to walk on but the night sky made up for it; it was full of stars. I had yet to climb all the way up but I was feeling great at that point in time. However, nearing the top, I was climbing on all fours as the rocks were harder to reach. Slowly, the sky was lightening and my heart was beating in anticipation at the views that will greet me.

My first shot at 5.55 a.m!

It was truly amazing because opposite of us were Mount Agung and the famous Lake Batur. Both of them looked so huge from where I am standing. I was really overwhelmed.

And I had my sunrise shot at 6.15 a.m.!

My guide (Adi), my friend (Jia Li) and I

My guide led us to one of the craters (above). 

The trek down was scary as it was a 45 degree drop. It was a lot tougher because of the crumbling rocks, slippery sand and also there was the fear of falling down. I had lost count of how many times I slipped and fell hard on the rocks. But even then, the views on the way down were terrific, and never once did I regret trekking up the volcano.

The reason why I chose this event to write about was because of what I had said to myself when I managed to reach to the top of the volcano; 'If I can even get up here, I can do anything.' I am not a confident person so for me, the trek was a huge confidence boost as it showed me that I can complete the task on hand as long as I had set my mind to it. Not only that, it was also a journey of discovering, and pushing the limits of oneself. It was a really fulfilling trip.