EL P4 Points

1. Academics 1) How far do you agree with the view that science is the most important subject forstudents to study?Science alone is not the most important: I do not concur/ agree with the view that science is themost important subject for students to study. While science is an important subject, there areother subjects which are of equal importance. Ultimately, it all boils down to which careertrajectory= path one chooses to pursue that will determine which subjects combination shouldhold greater weight in their studies. (Academic trajectory= 6 yrs MBBS, 3 yrs Geriatric studies) Singapore’s future economy is one that is dynamic and knowledged-based. Nurturing the rightskill sets and studying Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) will definitelybe beneficial for the little red dot. For the future economy, innovation will not come fromgeniuses brooding in laboratories. Instead, it will be derived by combining technologies thatalready exist and evolving them. For instance, the Google self-driving car did not happen bysome startling breakthrough in artificial intelligence, but by integrating massive processingpower with machine-learning software, detailed mapping and new sensor technology. Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong also noted that while many students opt to ventureinto certain fields, namely real estate, finance, law and medicine, Singapore will need strongSTEM capabilities as it moves into the next 50 years. As Singapore embarks on more complexprojects like the High-Speed Rail link to Malaysia, expanding the public transport system andintegrating the waterways and parks, combinatorial innovation will be essential, hence renderingScience, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) as some of the more importantsubjects, and not science alone, for students to study. CONTRARIAN VIEW Academics is not the most important:I do not concur with the view that science is the most important subject for students to study. It isundeniable that schools should educate children on the current work trends in the world aroundus (science and maths), for the role of education should also be to prepare children for adult lifein future. We are not training robots and computers, rather we need real people with a humantouch. While the preponderance=majority of schools places great emphasis on core subjectslike mathematics, science and language, information-based jobs are at risk of being automated= (replaced but this word cannot be used) by computers. Skills such as creativity, criticalthinking and emotional intelligence (otherwise known as emotional quotient (EQ) are vital toone’s survival in the 21st century. 2. Animals 1) There are no drawbacks to having a large number of visitors at places of attractions.What are your views?When there are a large influx of visitors at places of attractions, naturally the revenue generatedwould be a substantial amount. This will also provide the funds to upgrade and maintain thefacade of the place. I