BONDING SINGAPORE Chapter 5 Notes Sec 3 textbook

Notes page 1

Notes page 2

Mindmap on Measures to foster social cohesion ins Singapore

Inclusive notes: 

Building a national Identity (I)

- policy of multi-racialism

-Policy of multi-racialism promotes equality among races

-No special rights for any racial/religious groups.

-Equal opportunities for all.

-Favouring one racial/religious group is forbidden by constitution.

-Since everyone is seen as a valued member, this fosters a sense of national identity.

Building A national Identity (II)

-Common Practices

-Common practices are actions that singaporeans carry out together.

Example: Singing the national Anthem, saying the pledge and attending flag raising ceramony.

These practices help to foster natonal identity by inculcating loyality & national pride towards Singapore.

These practices help Singaporeans to see themselves as one people. 

Builiding a national Identity (III)

Bilingualism

-Policy of Bilingualism was introduced in 1966

-All pupils have to learn English and mother tongue

-English is seen as a neutral language linking various ethnic groups. The use of english has helped to improve communication among Singaporeans

-Mother Tongue is used to impart Moral values and traditions of each race.

-The policy of Bilingualism helps to foster national Identity between the various racial/religious groups.

Safeguarding Interests of Minority groups (I)

Through Minority Representation

-President council of minority rights(PCMR)

-All new laws must be approved by PCMR

-This ensure no racial/religious groups is disadvantaged by the laws passed.

-Group Representation Consituency

-GRCs ensures that any team contesting in general Election must comprise a member from a minority group( Malay, Indian or Eurasian)

-This ensures that minority group is represented in the government.

-Needs and concers of minority group are reflected in government.

Safeguarding Interests of Minority groups (II)

Through Self-help Groups

-CDAC, Mendaki, SINDA & Eurasian Association help members of their own community to get aids in studies and training of their own jobs.

-Provide Moral support to members of their own cimmunity.

-Help Singaporeans to cope and compete with one another on equal footing.

-Minority groups can improve their economic and social positions in society.

-Joint projects - e.g. Joint Tuiton Program help youths from different ethnic groups interact with one another.

-This helps to prevent Bias & Prejudices from forming, thus reducing conflict and tension.

Developing Common Space(I) 

-Activites organised by grassroots organisations 

-Create common space through wide range of programs and activities to cater to the needs & interests of singaporeans.

Example. Home visits/home stay with family of another ethnic group.

This helps the people to gain better understanding of cultures and customs of other races.

This helps to build strong friendships over time and reduces mistrust between racial/religious groups.

Developing Common space (II)

Opportunities from Educational Institutions 

- All schools are open to every singaporean, regardless of race, language or religion.

-Students of different race and religion study together.

-Daily Interaction during lessons and activities provide opportunities for students.

-CCAs also help promote closer bonds among youths. These activities provide opportunities for students from various races to work together.This helps to promote teamwork.

Developing Common Space (III)

Common Living Space through Public Housing

-In 1989, Ethnic Integration Policy was introduced in public housing.

-Limits are placed on the proportion of races in every neighbourhood and block.

-This ensures an even distribution of different races in all housing estates.

-This provides opportunities for various races to interact , reducing distrust and misunderstanding among races.

Developing Common Space(IV)

Activities organised by IRCCS and HCs

-IRCC(Inter-Racial Confidence circles) and Harmony Circles (HCs)

-IRCCs were introduced in 2002 to foster greater inter-racial understanding.

-Activities such as visits to places of worship create opportunities for singaporeans to appreciate the differences and develop string bonds between ethnic groups.

-At Workplaces, such activities are carried out by HCs.

-These activities help to build confidence and friendship among people.

Developing Common Space (V)

Shared Experience through National Service (NS) 

-NS was introduced in 1967.

-All able-bodied men are required to serve in defence of the country.

-Shared experiences (example, Military training) help to strengthen the bonds among ben regardless of race or religion.

STRUCTURED ESSAY QUESTIONS ON BONDING SINGAPORE( PRACTICE)

1.) Here are 3 measures to foster social cohesion in Singapore. Common Practices, Shared experience through NS and Self-help groups. Which measure do you think is the most effective. Explain your answer. (13 marks)

2.) How far do you agree that the most important measure to foster a national identity is through the policy of multi-racialism.

Explain your answer. (12 marks) 

Working with Sources- Evaluating usefulness Worksheet

All sources can be useful. When we receive information from sources, we many need to determine how useful information is to us. To do this, we need to know what the information is used for. then, we can ask some questions to help us determine the usefulness of the source.

Provenance/origin

-WHO made the statement?

Does the author/speaker have any motive for making the statement? What outcome is he/she trying to achieve?

How does it make the source useful or not?

Cross Reference

Who else can I find the Information from?

Content

What information does the source provide about the issue?

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Study Source A. How useful is the Source A in helping you understand the factors that help to develop a sense of belonging among Singaporeans? Explain your answer.

Source A  

A comment by Mayor Amy Khor South West District, on what would make Singaporeans care about Singapore.

The job of making Singaporeans feel and realize that they love the nation never really ends. Just as flim-makers use camera and audio techniques to create the mood- be it horror, tension serenity, anger or pain- We need to create the mood by having more collective rituals: National Day Celebrations, Special commerative events, National Song Contests and the like, to prompt this sense of belonging, if not necessary love.

What is the information used for? (What is the issue?) 

Reliability Skill Chart

reliability skill chart 

Structured Essay Revision Practice

Chapter 2-Governance in Singapore

1.) The vehicle Quota System (VQS) is the most important measure in keeping traffic flow smooth in singapore. How far do you agree with the statement?

Explain your answer. [12]

2.) Here are three guiding principles of governance in Singapore:

Leadership is Key

Anticipating change and staying Relevant

reward for Work and Work for Reward

Which do you think is the most important prniciple? Explain your answer. [13]

3.) To what extent is ageing population the most important reason why there was a need to promote population growth from the 1980s? Explain your answer. [12]

4.) Here are three strategies the government used to promote population growth after the 1980s.

Graduate Mothers Scheme

Three or more if you can afford it

Pro-Family Measures(2004)

Which do you think is the most effective? Explain your answer.[13]

5.) "Government support is the most important approach in managing the ageing population in singapore". How far do you agree with the statement? Explain your answer. [12]

Chapter 4-Conflict in Multi-ethnic Societies

6.) "The Sinhala Only policy was the most important cause of the conflict between the sinhalese and Tamils in Sri lanka". How far do you agree with the statement? Explain your answer. [12]

7.) Here are the three causes of conflict between the Sinhalese and tamils in Sri Lanka:

Citizenship rights

university Admission

Resettlement of poor Sinhalese Peasants

Which do you think is the most important cause of the conflict? Explain your answer.[13]

8.) To what extent is armed conflict the most important consequence of the conflict between the Sinhalese and tamils in Sri Lanka? Explain you answer. [12]

9.) Here are the three causes of conflict between the Protestants and Catholics in Nothern Ireland:

Divided Loyalties

Unequal Allocation of housing

Lack of voting rights

Which do you think is the most impt cause of the conflict? Explain your answer. [13]

10.) "Economic slowdown is the most serious consequence of the conflict between the Protestants and Catholics in Northern Ireland". How far do you agree with the statement? Explain you answer.

Chapter 5-Bonding Singapore

11.) Here are three challenges that could affect harmony in multi-ethnic Singapore:

Perceptions of dfferent racial groups

Perceptions of different religious group

External Influences

Which do you think is the most serious challenge? Explain your answer. [13]

12.) "Building a national Identity is the most important measure to manage ethnic diveristy in Singapore". How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [12]

Social Studies Skill Practice reliability 2

Social Studies Skill Practice Reliability Topic: Globalisation

Social Studies Skill Practice Reliability Topic: Globalisation

INSTRUCTIONS: PRINT OUT THE DOCUMENT AND PRACTICE ON YOUR SS.

REMEMBER! PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT. 

Victoria School Prelim Paper 2 SS 2008

Structured Essays Page 5

Page 4 

Page 3 Sources

Page 2 BACKGROUND INFORMATION

PAge 1 is the questions

Section A (source Based Questions Case study)

Question 1 is compulsory for all candidates

Study the background information and the sources carefully. and then answer all the questions.

You may use any of the sources to help you answer the questions. In addition to those you are told to use. In answering the questions you should use your knowledge of the topic to help you interpret and evaluate the sources.

1a) Study source A.

What is the message of the cartoon? Explain your answer, using details of the cartoon. [5]

1b) Study Source B and C.

How far would the Iraqi Foreign Minister in Source B have agreed with Assistant Secretary of State in Source C? Explain your answer. [6]

1c) Study Source D

How useful is this source as evidence about kuwait's role in the conflict with Iraq?

Explain your answer. [7]

1d) Study Source E.

How far does this source prove that the United States was responsible for the outbreak of the Iraq-Kuwait War? Explain your answer. [7]

SS NOTES ON RELIABILITY

SS NOTES ON RELIABILITY

Social Studies Notes Chapt 1 Sec 4 textbook

Social Studies Notes

Se 4 Textbook

Ch 1: Managing Peace and Security:

         Regional and International Conflicts

MIDDLE-EAST

Made up of parts of: northern Africa, south-west Asia, south-east Europe

Largest population: Arabs

Smallest group: Turks, Kurds

Main Religion: Islam

Other Religions: Christianity, Judaism

Richest countries: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait  (oil reserves)

Gulf States: oil-producing countries around Persian Gulf

OPEC: aim : to stabilize oil prices

             How? Control amount of oil that its members can produce

Suez Canal: *strategic waterway that links Europe to Middle East and Asia

                     *important trade route for transporting goods and oil to other parts of the 

                       World

Historical Relationship between Iraq and Kuwait

Iraq and Kuwait: former British colonies

Kuwait independence?: 1961

Problem: Iraq claimed sovereignty over Kuwait and sent troops to claim Kuwait in 1961

1963: Kuwait paid large sums of money to Iraq yet Iraq used military power to threaten 

          Kuwait over border disputes

1980s: Iran-Iraq War: Kuwait provided Iraq with a loan

                                    Why? Due to national self-interest

Why Relationship Worsened?

1. Economic Problems in Iraq

   *Iraq inflicted massive losses after Iran-Iraq War.

   *post-war reconstruction required US$23 billion

2. Oil Production

    * oil prices dropped due to over-production

    *OPEC: set a quota

    *Kuwait and UAE (united Arab Emirates ignored quota and produced oil above given 

                                  limit)

    *RESULT: a. Iraq list revenue

                      b. Iraq angered by Kuwait and UAE actions

3.  Dispute over Territory

    *Iraq and Kuwait inherited borders from Britain

      PROBLEM: borders not well-defined

     *Rumaila Oilfield: ISSUE: oil drilling (slant drilling)

     *Bubiyan and Warbah Islands: ISSUE: Iraq did not accept Kuwait’s ownership of 

                                                                    these 2 islands

Mediation?

      

Arab League: *to get Kuwait to produce oil according to OPEC quotas

                      *called for dialogue between Iraq and Kuwait to discuss outstanding 

                        territorial issues

                       RESULT:  mediation failed because Iraq and Kuwait could not agree on 

                                        territorial demands

                       OUTCOME:  2 August 1990: Iraq invaded Kuwait

Why Iraq invaded Kuwait?

1. Official Reason

    * to free Kuwait from its ruling power

2. Saddam Hussein Leadership

    *situation in Iraq shaky: a) Prices of basic necessities increased sharply

                                          b) strong Iraqi army could turn against Saddam Hussein

3. Misreading US position

    *Saddam thought that Americans were sympathetic to Iraq’s situation

Reaction to Invasion 

1. Fear of Iraqi dominance

    * with invasion of Kuwait, Iraq was closer to the Saudi Arabia border. Therefore it 

      would have access to cast amounts of oil

    RESULT: a) increasing tension and suspicion in the region

                    b)    creating problems for the world economy

2. Arab solution

    *Arab League condemned Iraqi action

    *League unable to effectively deal with the crisis

3. American Response

    *the American response came in response to Saudi request

    *Operation Desert Storm: a coalition: to defend Saudi Arabia and get Iraq out of 

      Kuwait 

4. International Response

    *US condemned Iraqi’s actions

    *UN Security Council demanded immediate Iraqi withdrawal from Kuwait

    *Economic and Military sanctions were placed on Iraq

Was the use of force the only way to get Iraq out of Kuwait?

1. Iraq response to diplomatic attempts

    *Arab leaders called for resolution to conflict

    * Iraq agreed to withdraw from Kuwait but refused to allow ruling government back 

      into power

    *Saddam grew unhappy with Arab League’s vote to condemn his actions

    RESULT: a) Saddam annexed Kuwait

                     b) took Westerners in Kuwait as hostages

BUT: as the western coalition troops grew, Saddam was willing to discuss withdrawal 

         from Kuwait, but with conditions

    *Americans refused to accept these pre-conditions

    *UN gave Iraq deadline: 11 Jan 1991

    RESULT: all diplomatic attempts failed

2. Impact of Economic sanctions

    *Full impact could only be felt after a year or so

    *US felt this was too long to wait for a response from Iraq (to get out of Kuwait)

    *Furthermore the impact would be strong only if all UN members adhered to it

    RESULT:  UN Security Council voted that there was a need to use force on Iraq

3. Outbreak of War

    * Military operations known as Operation Desert Storm began after Iraq failed to keep 

      to the 15 January 1991 deadline

      Destruction in  Iraq? Air command and control capability, air force, communication

      centres.

 *War officially ended when coalition forces regained Kuwait City, calling for a ceasefire.

What was the impact of the conflict?

1. Impact on Kuwait

 *More than a 1000 Kuwaitis dies and many others tortured

 *Iraqis occupied homes of Kuwaitis who were forced to flee from Kuwait

 *Iraqi soldiers looted homes, Museums, hospitals and shops

 RESULTt: Kuwait not only had to sacrifice its citizens, its economy was badly affected 

                   with 950 oil well damaged 

2. Impact on Iraq

  Destruction of Iraqi military capability

The coalition forces had destroyed almost one-third of the Iraqi war machine (prior to invasion, Iraq was one of the undisputed military powers in the Middle East)

Iraqi air force was unable to provide cover for its air troops against the coalition force’s state-of-the-art weapons.

RESULT: *coalition forces able to successfully carry out a sustained bombing campaign

                *Iraqi remaining troops suffered a loss of morale

                *Highway of Death: as many troops were killed in their fleeing vehicles during 

                  the allied bombing

 

Political instability in Iraq

*Rise of a group (Kurds) going against Saddam Hussein as they believed that Saddam’s

  power would have weakened and that the coalition forces would help them

*Kurds were brutally put down by the Iraqi military

RESULT: many Kurds were massacred

                 Almost 1 million Kurdish refugees fled Iraq

                 UN passed a resolution condemning  Iraqi’s handling of the Kurdish situation

                 Peacekeepers sent to northern Iraq to provide safe areas for the Kurds

Suffering of Iraqis

*The Operation Desert Storm  caused destruction of a large part of Iraqi infrastructure

*Daily activities were disrupted

*Diseases spread due to lack of electric supply and water contamination

3. Regional and International Impact

 Environmental Catastrophe

*Iraq dumped millions of barrels of oil into Persian Gulf, causing an environmental  

  catastrophe: threatened marine life, oil slick in Persian Gulf

Displacement of foreign workers

*Foreign workers fled Kuwait when war broke out

RESULT: sudden loss of income

                Great suffering for their families

Was the UN successful in maintaining international peace and stability?

SUCCESS: 

UN able to gather ints resources to deter aggression

 Reasons: Support of 5 permanent members of the Security Council

                  US involvement was a crucial reason

UN was able to easily form a coalition force

Reason:  conflict affected the interests of the countries that helped UN

Gulf War was resolved in a relatively short period of time

Reason: Since the aggressor involved was known, a failure in diplomacy 

               paved the way for an attack

What is transnational terrorism?

*Terms:

Terrorism: a threat to all states and the people

                   Terrorists: can strike at anytime / anywhere

Transnational Terrorism:   *unlawful use of force

                                              *indiscriminate violence done by internationally-linked  

                                                groups

                                              *an act committed against people and properties in many 

                                               different parts of the world

                         OUTCOME: Collective action needed by nations in the world to work

                                              together to manage common enemy

IS terrorism a new phenomenon?

NO

*In the past terrorist acts were:

a.  carried out by state agents or non-state organiseations

b. small-scale operations

What was the significance of the September 11 attacks?

*victims: international community and were indiscriminate targets

*well-trained and skilled terrorists able to coordinated simultaneous mass attacks

* its attacks can bring on psychological and emotional impact to the world: Eg: Sept 11, 

  2001 attack in US

What is Al-Qaeda?

*An organization

*members: a network of Arab volunteers

*practices: Global Terrorism

*Origins arise from Osama: was rejected by Saudis when he offered to liberate occupied 

  Kuwait

  RESULT: Osama carried out anti-state activities

*Al-Qaeda wants to establish a global Islamic caliphate (Islamic form of government representing the political unity and leadership of the Muslim world.

Why is Al-Qaeda significant?

a. Al-Qaeda is the epitome of the new form of transnational terrorist organization.

b. Al-Qaeda has many groups associated with it.

c. It is a resilient organisation

Al-Qaeda’s Ideology:

It is rejected by Muslims and Islam as it is based on the misuse and misinterpretation of religious concepts.

What is the impact of terrorism?

1. Economic impact

USA

* Sept 11 attack resulted in a loss of lives, property (amounting to US$40billion)

*airline industry was badly affected

Outcome: US government had to provide economic help to the airline industry

Bali

   *Tourism was badly affected: tourist arrivala fell by more than 50% immediately

*Government spending on security increased

2. Social  Impact

*creates suspicion and tension among the various ethnic and religious groups

Outcome: Community Engagement Programme: to ensure that Singaporeans are 

                 better equipped to maintain  social cohesion and harmony

                AIMS:  *bring together Singaporeans from different communities to 

                             strengthen inter-communal bonds

                            *to come up with response plans to help deal with potential 

                             communal tensions

 

3. Political  impact

*Government tightened security: border security

RESULT: slowed down immigration clearance

                 Often, measures and laws infringe  on individual freedon and personal 

                 Privacy

Can transnational terrorism be managed?

   *It is a global threat that required a concerted global effort to manage

ASEAN’s efforts to manage terrorism

*ASEAN governments  counter global terrorism through joint police and intelligence 

  measures  

*ASEAN pledged to enhance information and intelligence exchange on terrorists and 

  terrorist activities

*RESULT: Success in disrupting terrorist activities in member soil

International efforts to combat terrorism

*UN passed resolutions: an aim was to get all member countries to freeze the financial 

  assets pf terrorists and their supporters

*Counter-Terrorism Committee: **to monitor member countries adherence to resolutions 

                                                       as well as to strengthen the counter-terrorism 

                                                       capacity of UN member states

                                                    * * provide technical help to countries that require help 

                                                         in implementing the resolutions

Have the CTC measures been effective?

*more than 4000 terrorist suspects have been arrested

Why is it difficult to get rid of transnational terrorism?

*terrorists are able to evade  security restrictions imposed by  governments as well as 

  terrorists’ ability to continually recruit new operatives.

*terrorists able to  recruit and influence people to their cause 

Nurturing an environment that censures terrorism

*society must take a firm stand against the idea of terrorism

Conclusion

Countries have to work together at the regional and international level to contain the threat of transnational terrorism

All religions advocate peace and harmony. It is the terrorists who miuse and distort religious teachings to justify their acts of violence.

Social Studies Notes Chapter 2 Sustaining Economic Development in a Globalising World

Ch 2: Sustaining Economic Development in a Globalising World

What is Globalisation?

Process by which people, their ideas and their activities in different parts of the world become interconnected or integrated

Key Driving Forces of Globalisation

Developments in Transportation and Communications

TRANSPORTATION

            *In 19th century: widespread use of steam engines

            *In 20th century: ocean-going vessels, commercial jet aircrafts, containerism

              Significance: greatly increased the movement of goods and people from one 

                                   place to another 

             *Efficient and integrated transportation infrastructure to facilitate movement: 

               airports, seaports, railways, highways

COMMUNICATION

*Faster and more convenient communication via:  telephone, electronic mail, 

                                                                                fax, video conferencing

*Satellite technology: allows for simultaneous transmitting and receiving of information

*Optical Fibre systems: transmit large capacity of information at very high speed

*Internet: consumers can access information more conveniently and efficiently

Significance of advances in communication technology: Transnational Corporations (TNCs) can easily coordinate and control their worldwide activities

Transnational Corporations (TNCs)

* large global firms

*operate in a number of countries

*have production of service facilities outside their country of origin

Why do TNCs set up their operations in different locations around the world?

source for new markets

lower cost of production

           How are worldwide operations controlled and coordinated? By the HQ in the 

                                                                                                         country of origin

Process to arrive at the final product?

source for component from around the world

assemble final product in another country

Significance: economies around the world become more integrated

    

Impact  of  Globalisation

1. Economic Impact

Globalisation has led to:

Improvement in Standard of Living

increase in income levels

more revenue earned due to increased investments in a country

Revenue earned used for: education, housing, health, defence and transportation

Increase in lifestyle choices (ie: instead of buying local products, now have the choice to buy the same product made in other countries)

Significance: people enjoy benefits, have a higher standard of living and a better   quality of life

Increased Competition among Nations

Investment and Market

TNCs:  With globalization, countries face intense competition as governments compete with one another to attract the TNCs

Eg: Singapore’s port faces competition from Malaysia’s port at Tanjong Pelepas

Investors invest in a country:

             where productions costs are low

             incentives are offered to foreign investors

              

Result: The country ends up having well-developed industrial infrastructure

             The country poses a strong challenge to other countries in the region

When will investors not want to invest in a country?

poor infrastructure

political instability

    

Talent

The  workforce has had more opportunities to find employment in a nother country due to globalisation 

c.   Widening Income Gap between the Rich and the Poor

Globalisation has brought about: rapid development in many countries as well as led to spread of poverty in other countries

Developed countries: own manufacturing activities so = rapid income growth

The rich in these countries continue to prosper because of better opportunities

TNCs: draw investments, skilled people, resources away from poor areas and relocate them in other regions that benefit them

Developing countries: face trade barriers from developed countries

                                       Unable to produce higher quality goods

The poor and lowly-skilled workers in these countries: face economic uncertainties such as retrenchment

Result: increasing tension between rich and poor

2. Social Impact

Increased Awareness of Foreign Culture

People have become aware of different cultures

      HOW? Surfing the Internet, traveling, watching foreign movies

 

       Loss of Local Culture      

Global brands dominate consumer market in developing countries

TNCs: have created a homogenous culture across the world

Globalisation: led to spread of pop culture

   Result: influenced the youths, resulting in loss of local culture

Reaction to Globalisation: people are uncomfortable with advancement of foreign culture as it is seen as the foreign culture beliefs, cultures and languages is being forced upon the rest of the world

   3.    Environmental Impact

Natural Resources in developing countries as timber, oil and metals used up quickly

Developing countries more concerned with profits and markets

         Result: Takes a toll on the natural environment

Problem with developing countries? Unable to implement and enforce environmental regulations

     Environmental Degradation

Deforestation and Related Problems

Deforestation:

            * taking place at a rapid rate 

            * to make way for development of industries, agriculture, housing and 

              transportation

            *for economic activities such as forestry, mining and cattle ranching

            *to plant cash crops, build factories, transport facilities (Indonesia)

Problems:

* soil erosion

*extinction of flora and fauna

* increase in flooding

*haze (a result of burning forest fast as it is the cheapest and easiest way)

  Effect of haze: not only caused environmental but also health problems and                          losses in terms of tourism

Global Warming

*Causes of global warming? Movement of goods via aeroplanes and ships, other modes of transportation 

How? Production of large quantities of greenhouse gases (fumes) such as carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides leads to an increase in the average global temperature

c. Environmental Management

*increased awareness of environmental management

*with a well-preserved environment future generation are able to use the resources to 

  generate income

Result: ability to continue to enjoy high standards of living

*Energy use will increase by more than half over the next 25 years

*China and India: will take up much of  the energy increase due to rapid development 

  and large-scale industrialization

How to ensure a sustainable source of energy supply?

*Conservation

*Alternative energy soures: wind, solar, geothermal

But alternative sources of energy are costly to arrive at.

Singapore’s Strategies to Maximize Opportunities and Overcome Challenges in a Globalizing World

How are the strategies carried out?

a. Diversifying the Economy

Areas?

*Research and Development

Manufacturing Hub

Education Hub

Tourism Hub

Singapore’s goal:  centre for technology-intensive, high-value added manufacturing 

                              Activities  egs: chemical engineering, pharmaceuticals

Singapore’s direction?  Life  Sciences, attract TNCs (high value-added manufacturing)

Life Sciences: How to ensure development? *Need for Research and Development,     

                                                                         so set up A*STAR

                                                                        *Research institutes set up

TNCs:

*generates jobs

*affirms S’pore’s position as a manufacturing hub

Education:

*International Universities have set up branches in S’pore

Significance? Singapore will be able to create a strong university sector that attracts 

                       Talent

Tourism: (Service Industry)

*need to keep up with competition in the region

*Tourist destination – building of IRs: Significance: Singapore will become a choice tourist destination in SEA and generate economic benefits

b. Nurturing Growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)   

SMEs: *important providers of jobs

            *Supplies TNCs with components in the manufacturing industries

             Result: enhances Singapore’s attractiveness as 

                        a. regional manufacturing hub

                        b. service hub

Problems with SMEs:  a. unable to cooperate with big corporations which have more 

                                         resources

                                    b. lack expertise in using advanced technology to keep 

                                        operations up-to-date  

                                    c. shortage of skilled professionals to manage the company

                                        (because family-run)

                                    d. lack capital to venture into overseas markets 

                                        (because small domestic market)

Solution: *Loan schemes where banks provide assistance

               *Training: regular seminars and workshops organized for members to 

                              enhance their capacity

                *Tax Exemption for new companies

c. Venturing Abroad     

Regionalisation: invest in countries with abundant land and lower labour costs and 

                           new markets

                          Country that is investing provides capital and expertise to develop 

                           Industrial parks in host countries

                           Benefit: promotes development in the region

                          Eg: Suzhou Industrial Park

                                 International Tech Park in Bangalore, India

SingTel Groups: ventured abroad (in the region)

                            Expanded into overseas markets

                            Investments in over 20 countries

                            Benefit; Ensures Singapore’s long-term growth

Singapore has International Investments as well

Overall Benefit: ensures Singapore’s economic growth is maintained

  Possible Negative Impact? 

 With Singaporeans relocating overseas, studying abroad and choosing to live

 there  and work there, may result in Singaporeans becoming less emotionally 

rooted to Singapore

d. Expanding Market Reach Through Economic Cooperation

     *Singapore’s domestic market is small

*local companies have to sell their goods to a larger market to establish trade ties

How to expand market reach?

1. sign Free Trade Agreements (FTA) with other countries

    Benefit: brings closer economic collaboration by legally binding countries

2. setting up Special Economic Zones (SEZ)

Benefits: *less stringent economic laws than those in other parts of the country

               * uses tax and business incentives to attract foreign investments

e. Managing Resources Efficiently

*Singapore lacks natural resources

*Have to take care of natural environment so future generations can continue to 

 enjoy clean and green environment

How to manage resources efficiently?

Developing People

HOW?

Promoting local Entrepreneurship and Technopreneurship

*Local entrepreneurs should take risks in their business ventures and come up with 

  new products to compete with foreign countries

How to promote entrepreneurship?

Amend bankruptcy laws: Why? entrepreneurs who have failed can start a business again

Recognising local entrepreneurs who have struggled and succeeded 

Promoting Continuous Learning Among the Workforce

*Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) ensures that workforce remains competitive

*Skills upgrading provided for workers by WDA: for new job demands and changing 

  work environment

*Skills Development Fund (SFD) provides financial assistance to employers to train

  and upgrade skills of their workers

Attracting Foreign Talent

Why? *to meet manpower needs

          *knowledge-based economy

          *brings with it overseas business contacts

          *creates more business opportunities and jobs in Singapore

           *make up for the lack of local expertise who have specialized skilled 

            (craftsmen, artists)

Managing the Environment

*Environmental preservation is crucial to sustainable development

Managing Limited Land Resources

*to allow for high standard facilities for housing, transportation, recreation, commerce,  defence and education

Benefit: *Singapore enjoys  a good quality of life

              *Ensures Singapore’s sustained growth in globalising world

*Land reserved to preserve natural sites

*Land allocated for waste disposal

Cooperation with Regional and International Organisations

Regional Level:

*Singapore cooperated with ASEAN on haze issue: Singapore hosted the ASEAN 

  Ministerial Meeting on Haze in 1997 to discuss matters to combat the problems 

International Level:

Singapore worked with other countries to work on global environmental problems

Eg: signed agreement to phase out use of ozone-depleting substances like CFCs

Public Education

* people must be educated on understanding environmental protection

*adopt environmental friendly ways

*have a sense of responsibility

*take personal interest in keeping surroundings clean

*students encouraged in taking part in recycling and waste minimization programmes

*shoppers encouraged: reduce excessive use of plastic bags eg: BYOBD programme

Social Studies Notes Chapter 6 Managing Peace and Security

Social Studies Notes (Sec 3 textbook) 

Ch 6:  Managing Peace and Security:

          Deterrence and Diplomacy

Why do conflicts occur among countries?

*to protect national interest

*fight over territory, compete over scarce resources, do not share the same ideological beliefs

Competing Territory

Due to its importance in terms of defence and national pride

To extend control by taking over territories which do not belong to the country that attacks

Conflict over Border

China was unhappy that India had inherited the border areas, Aksai Chin Plateau and the North-East-Frontier Agency when India gained independence from the British

Problem: Difficult to have a clear border between India and China because much of their frontier lies in the inaccessible Himalayas

1958: China announced that it had built a road on the Aksai Chin plateau

Indian government was angry as it felt that the road built had violated its territorial rights

1959: fighting broke out in the Aksai Chin Plateau and the North-East-Frontier Agency

Result: China occupied territories

             Indian government demanded return of territories

             1962: War broke out between India and China

Outcome: Territorial conflict not resolved but India and China signed an agreement in 

                 2005 to deal with the matter in a reasonable manner

Conflict over scarce resources

when resources are necessary for survival and economic growth, those with less resources may use force to gain more

1970: Britain and Iceland: conflict over fishing grounds

            Iceland depended on fishing industry for its survival

            Iceland felt that its national interest was threatened

Conflict over ideological differences

Conflict arises because of: difference in values and beliefs

North Korea (Communism) fought South Korea (Democracy) due to different 

   ideological beliefs

Other parties involved were: USA, Soviet Union, China and UN

How do countries manage conflicts?

*Criticise each other openly

*Reduce trade with the conflicting country as a form of protest

*Resolve conflicts through peaceful negotiations

*Seek help from regional (ASEAN) and international (UN) organizations to resolve   conflict

*Start a war

*Display the strength of their military force through military exercises as a warning to 

   other countries

* Cut diplomatic ties with each other

*Protest to the other country through their representatives 

 

How does Singapore manage conflict and ensure national security?

Deterrence: measures taken by countries to prevent and protect themselves from 

                        Threats

Measures to deter aggressors: 

*Carrying out military exercises

*Sharing information among countries

*Installing CCTV cameras at train stations

*Maintaining military installations

Why is deterrence necessary?

*to provide security for the people

* to give investors the confidence that it is worth to invest in the country

*when British withdrew its military force from Singapore in 1966, the Singapore 

  government decided to build its own army

How is deterrence practiced?

A Citizen Armed Forces

*the government built a citizen armed force in order to ensure that there would be a peaceful environment to develop the economy

*1967: NS introduced

*NS: bonded men, developing in them a sense of loyalty, patriotism and a shared 

        destiny for Singapore

3rd Generation Singapore Armed Forces

*SAF: keeps up with advances in info-communication technology

*3rd Generation Armed Forces: ^maximizes defensive capabilities through modern

                                                   technology

                                                 ^equip soldiers to fight decisively in war and respond

                                                   flexibly in peacetime

                                                   Aim: to create an intelligent defence force – to help 

                                                           destroy the enemy quickly      

Singapore’s Defence Industry

*SAF: self-reliant in essential defence weapons and equipment

*Defence Science and Technology Agency:

  a. provide cost-effective and modern  technology to SAF and Ministry of Defence

  b. buys and upgrades weapons

  c. develops new weapon systems for the SAF’s use

  d. conducts defence-related R&D 

*defence industry improves the capability and effectiveness of the SAF

RESULT: Singapore has overcome its constraints through its own innovations

Total Defence

*Total Defence preparedness deters potential aggressors as they will have to face 

  the entire nation and not just the armed forces

Civil Defence: civil emergencies, role of SCDF

Economic Defence: role of Singapore Workforce Development Agency

Social Defence: Community Development Council, Inter-Racial Confidence Circel

Psychological Defence: having the will and mental strength to overcome challenges

Multi-agency coordination on security

*National Security Coordination Secretariat (NSCC): meets regularly to plan national 

 security strategies and policies

*NSCC: works together with commercial and private parties to effectively combat any 

  form of major terror threats

Result: prevents, protects and effectively responds to any security

Military co-operation with other countries

*Singapore actively fosters friendly ties with the armed forces of other countries

Bilateral military agreements and exercises

*allowing Signapore to train in the countries the agreement was signed with

*Singapore conducts regular military training with neighbouring countries

Multi-lateral military agreements and exercises

*Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA):

 ^conducts exercises each year ot enhance their cooperation and coordination

 ^members could consult one another on the appropriate measures to be taken to 

   deter aggressor

What is diplomacy?

*the way countries manage or conduct relations with one another

Aim: a. promote common interests

         b. resolve conflicting interests in a peaceful manner  

         c. help each other in times of need  

         

Why is diplomacy necessary?

 *sense of inter-connectedness among countries 

*provides countries opportunity to pursue mutual interest

*helps countries resolve conflicts, differences, disagreements peacefully

How is diplomacy practiced?

*through, bilateral, regional and international relations

Bilateral Relations 

*one country establishes relationship with another country

*promote political, economic, cultural ties with Maysia and Indonesia

*Singapore provides medical aid

*Trading relationship with: Japan, USA, Germany

RESULT: allowed Singapore to acquire advanced technological skills from these 

                developed countries

ASEAN

Aims:

Promote economic, social and cultural development of the region

Protect peace and stability of the region

Provide opportunities for member countries to discuss and resolve the differences peacefully

ASEAN’s INITIATIVE

ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA)

It aims to remove import taxes among Southeast Asian countries.

AFTA’s long-term aim is to 

integrate Asian economies into a single production base

create a regional market of 500 million people

remove all import taxes among member countries by 2015

ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF)

Through ARF, ASEAN aims to provide an avenue for countries in the region to discuss security issues and resolve conflicts peacefully

Singapore and ASEAN

ASEAN provides Singapore with an avenue to discuss their differences with neighbouring countries peacefully

Through ASEAN, Singapore provides:

Education and Professional Exchange

Economic Cooperation and Assistance

Environmental Collaboration

UNITED  NATIONS

It is an international organisation to preserve world  peace and prevent another major war.

Singapore and the UN

Membership allowed 

Singapore to be recognized as a sovereign state

Singapore to gain the help of experts in its industrial planning and development from the period of its independence to the late 1970s

UN Peacekeeping Operations

UN peacekeepers are soldiers and military officers, civilian police officers and civilian personnel, deployed from many countries

  

Social Studies Assertion Skill (Fifth Skill)

ASSERTION SKILL

Study ALL the sources
Do the sources show that the British Army was to be blamed for the
conflict?
Do the sources show that ...EYA
L1 : Identifies sources that show AND/OR do not show (1-2)
Award 1mark for identifying 1 source that shows OR does not
show.
L2 : Shows OR does not show, using source details
Award 2 marks for reference to 1 source supported by details,
and an additional mark for any further sources supported by details.
L3 : Both elements of L2
Award 4 marks for reference to 1 source from both sides.
Award 5 marks for reference to 2 sources that show and 1 that
does not show, or 1 that shows and 2 that do not show, or 2
sources that show and 2 sources that do not show.
Award 6 marks for reference to 3 sources that show and 1 that
does not show, or 1 that shows and 2 that do not show, or 2
sources that show and 2 sources that do not show.
Award 7 marks for reference to 4 sources that show and 2
sources that do not show.

* There is no value in grouping sources. Sources have to be explained
specifically.




Structure:

Keep in mind: (The choice of Sources that support / do not support the statement made in the question depends on the sources. There is no standard ratio)

Source _ , _ and _ shows that the British Army was to be blamed for the Norhtern Ireland conflict. However, Sources _ and _ show that they were not to be blamed as there were other factors contributing to the conflict.

Source _ shows that (infer the source, keeping in mind that you want to show that the source supports the statement made in the question). The evidence is ………………
Continue this step with the other sources that support the statement made in the question.

Source _ shows that it was …………………. The evidence is………… Therefore, this shows that it was not the British Army that was responsible for the Northern Ireland conflict
Continue this step with the other sources that support the statement made in the question.

Social Studies Usefulness Skill (Fourth Skill)

USEFULNESS SKILL

Structure:

Source D is useful as it shows that ………………………. The evidence is “…………………..” Source __ supports Source D as is also shows that ……………………. The evidence is “ ……………..”


Source D is not useful because …………………. The evidence is “………… ………” Source __ shows that Source D is not reliable because Source __ shows that …………………… The evidence is “……………”


Usefulness for what it reveals about….. (keep in mind the given question)
[7th mark] [Sec 4EXP]


Usefulness based on tone and purpose [Sec 5NA]

Social Studies Reliability Skill (Third Skill)

RELIABILITY SKILL : (One Source)

Steps to take to answer the question:

Infer how the Source is Reliable (keep in mind the question asked)
Give evidence to prove that it is reliable
Provide a cross-reference source that supports what the given Source says
Infer why the source is unreliable
Give evidence from the source to show that the content is unreliable
Provide a cross-reference source that shows that the given source cannot be trusted
Make a judgement on whether you can believe the source based on the provenance. That is, evaluate the reliability by assessing the provenance

Structure:

Source E is reliable as it shows that (explain Source E) ………………………. The evidence is “…………………..” Source __ supports Source E as is also shows that ……………………. The evidence is ……………..

Source E is not reliable because (explain Source E) …………………. The evidence is “………… ………” Source __ shows that Source E is not reliable because Source E shows that …………………… The evidence is “……………”

I believe that Source E is reliable because (use the information in the provenance to decide why the Source is reliable: Evaluate the provenance in relation to what has been said in the source) This is your personal opinion

OR

I believe that Source E is not reliable because (use the information in the provenance to decide why the Source is not reliable: Evaluate the provenance in relation to what has been said in the source) This is your personal opinion


Sec 5NA: Last step: Give the purpose: WAOS

RELIABILITY SKILL : (Two Sources)

How to answer the question.
[These two sources are different. Which one is wrong]
[If unable to find a ‘wrong’ source, then state that the two sources are expressing different views or opinions]


Step 1: Give the content + Evidence of Source B (in relation
to the question)
Give the Content + Evidence of Source C (in relation
to the question)


Step 2: Proof which ONE is wrong
Give the CR source for Source B (to show if Source B
is reliable or not reliable)
Give the CR source for Source C (to show if Source C
is reliable or not reliable)


Step 3: Purpose of Source B (W_A_O_S)
Purpose of Source C (W_A_O_S)

OR



In proving reliability with 2 sources, (similar to proving reliability with one source) What do you have to do?

Infer Source B + evidence
Infer Source C + evidence
Do CR for Source B to show whether source is more / less reliable
Do CR for Source C to show whether source is more / less reliable
State which Source is more reliable
Give purpose of Source B and Source C



Structure:

Source B is about …………. (infer the source). The evidence is “…………”

Source C is about ………. (infer the source). The evidence is “…………”

(Use the provenance and the content to build up your argument on which is wrong)


Source B is less reliable / more reliable because…. . The evidence is “……”
Source __ shows that Source B is (less reliable / not reliable) as it states. The evidence is “……”.

Source C is less reliable / more reliable because….. The evidence is “……”
Source __ shows that Source C is (less reliable / not reliable) as it states. The evidence is “……”.

Therefore Source __ gives a less reliable view on the North Korean’s intention in the nuclear crisis.


Source _ is less reliable because ……….. while Source _ is more reliable because ………

OR

The purpose of Source B is………
The purpose of Source C is ……….

Social Studies Comparison Skill (Second Skill)

COMPARISON SKILL (Compare and Contrast)

How to answer Compare and Contrast Questions?

Look at the Issue. Establish what it is focusing on.
Look at the Provenance of the Sources. Get clues from the Provenance:
Eg: place, person/people, event/activity
3. Based on Issue and Provenance, establish Similarity keeping in mind:
Matching Content

Eg of Matching Content:

Issue: Do we need people to keep the world going?

Provenance of Source A: Observation of People of varying heights
Provenance of Source B: Factual Account of Tall people

Similarity?

Both sources talk about the personal traits of people of varying heights

Difference: Source A says that short people are cute and friendly
(personal trait) while / however Source B says that tall
people are serious all the time



False Matching? Source A says that short people are cute and friendly
(personal trait) while / however Source B says that
most tall people have blue eyes (physical characteristic)


Structure

Comparison Skill

Both Source A and B are about……………….………… (Hint: Matching Issue must be stated when making the inference) The evidence from Source A is “……” and the evidence from Source B is “…….”

Source A is about (infer content of Source A) ……………… while Source B is about (infer content of Source B)……………… (Hint: The difference must be on the same issue) The evidence from Source A is “……” and the evidence from Source B is “…….”

The tone of Source A is (explain the tone) ……………… while the tone of Source B is (explain the tone)……………… The evidence from Source A is “……” and the evidence from Source B is “…….” [difference in tone]

OR

The tone of both source A and Source B is ……………. as both the sources tone shows (explain the tone). The evidence from Source A is “…..” and the evidence from Source B is “……………….”[similarity in tone]


The purpose of Source A is to ______ (W) the ____ (A) that ……………………………. The evidence is “………..” (S) is to gain the support / to go against (O)……..


The purpose of Source B is to ______ (W) the ____ (A) that ……………………………. The evidence is “………..” (S) is to gain the support / to go against (O)……..


Advice: Given the time constraint, you may want to stop at the Tone level.


Also, We have received a lot of queries from people on how they could get a hard copy of this post (:

summer_fall_92@hotmail.co.uk

Any queries add us on it and we will answer asap =D

Social Studies Inference Skill (First Skill)

INFERENCE SKILL:

Steps:

One Inference + Evidence
Message / Purpose: keeping in mind audience, evidence, outcome (reaction expected from the audience)

Structure

From the source I can infer that …………………………. The evidence is ………………… The message / purpose of the source is to ………………….. (keep in mind the audience and outcome). The evidence of the source is …………

OR

From the source I can infer that………………. The evidence is …………………. The cartoonist is trying to say …………………….. (keep in mind the audience and outcome). The evidence of the source is …………

Bring in tone into the message / purpose, if possible

An example: (4 Exp)
The message of the source is to tell the Westerners that Saddam is a coward who do not dare face problems uprightly. In other words to criticize Saddam for taking hostages. The evidence is the Saddam hiding, looking afraid, behind the POWs legs. The impact is to generate an outcry among Westerners on the actions of the Iraqi leader. This might pressure the Iraqi leader to release the captives in the face of criticisms. (6/6 marks)


An Example: (5NA)

I think the message is that the government wants to reassure Singaporeans that they have taken care of all the worries of Singaporeans as in the picture the lady represents the government and the government shows its reassurance as seen in the cartoon when the lady repeats ‘CHECK! CHECK! CHECK!”.[4]. And finally the government hopes that Singaporeans will take advantage of the benefits and choose to have children as seen in the evidence where in the final part of the cartoon where the lady, representing the government says “ALL IN ORDER… NOW, LET’S HAVE BABIES” [5/5marks].

First post

This blog will be posting resources for Upper Secondary O Level Social studies.

I created this blog because I was troubled by the attitude singapore students gave to Upper secondary social studies.

Hence I created this resource to help students cope and hopefully, have a better perception of the subject.

:)


Also, We have received a lot of queries from people on how they could get a hard copy of this post (:

summer_fall_92@hotmail.co.uk

Any queries add us on it and we will answer asap =D