<![CDATA[Singapore the world’s best country for children to grow up]]>^ It’s super heartening to hear the previous response : ) I fully agree that the youth need to be invested in, and have different strengths from the previous generations! I think it’s really important that youth be invested in, and more importantly, FEEL like they have been invested in. I can see that quite a few job structures are being modified to capitalise on these strengths - heightening and encouraging creativity and productivity, rather than work on the rote grind. We all have a place and a purpose!

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/topic/91370/singapore-the-world-s-best-country-for-children-to-grow-upRSS for NodeMon, 04 May 2026 14:49:21 GMTTue, 26 Jun 2018 08:25:23 GMT60<![CDATA[Reply to Singapore the world’s best country for children to grow up on Mon, 11 Jun 2018 04:41:41 GMT]]>

laughingcat:
pirate:

[quote=\"laughingcat\"]Not just the current generation of youngsters. This generation of graduates are also :censored:.....different from my time. No initiative. Lacking in thinking process. No fire.


If the current generation of youngsters lack thinking process, then it is the fault of the current generation of educators. No?

Incidentally, no fire and no thinking process are two completely different things.

But parents are also at fault right?[/quote]I do not think the younger generation has no fire / no thinking process. Was telling my DH when one day, he started to find that the next generation had “no fire” etc., then it would be time for him to retire because he would have already reached a stage where he couldn’t blend in with the next generation.

DH told me that every generation would view the younger generation as “no fire”. He said when he started work 2 decades ago, his seniors also said that DH’s generation couldn’t make it. All they knew then was to go Mambo Jumbo in Zouk!

Actually, I find the younger generation more savvy and has better awareness of the world. Our generation probably more gong gong (aka naive). And a 12yo child today probably know much more than me when I was at the same age! It’s just that the new generation will pursue different life objectives and they will do so in more diverse ways

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1851893https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1851893Mon, 11 Jun 2018 04:41:41 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Singapore the world’s best country for children to grow up on Sat, 09 Jun 2018 15:40:00 GMT]]>http://m.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/2149978/inside-asias-pressure-cooker-exam-sytem-which-region-has-it-worst

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1851777https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1851777Sat, 09 Jun 2018 15:40:00 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Singapore the world’s best country for children to grow up on Wed, 06 Jun 2018 13:45:02 GMT]]>Rising cost of living is happening everywhere. Don’t forget, our wages in Spore hv increased over the years. It’s unimaginable for our forefathers’ time. Competition pressure comes fr fast developing countries like China. It used to be the 4 tiger economies - Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan & Spore. We’re still doing pretty well compared to Hong Kong.


I feel that it’s impt to preserve the Spirit of hardwork & creativity. If we loose a good govt, lost our younger generation to smugness, loosecour comoetitiveness, we’re totally lost.

Ano thing is we need to build strong history - hardworking nation, cohesiveness, strong national multi-racial harmony & vibrant trade & industry.

I didn’t share earlier that the housing here in Austria are just equally expensive for rental. Ppl do not move house for better condo or whatever. In fact I hardly see any condo except a very few in Vienna & Salzburg. Their homes are usually 3 or 4-levels with more than 100-200 year old history. The country regulates the preservation & ppl need to apply for permit to modify or reno their homes. If it gets too drastic, no permit will be issued to change the historic facade. There’s hardly demolishing & rebuilding activities here. Europeans are very proud preserving heritage.

However, the salary gap btwn an engineer & a driver here is not markedly different. There’s a high level of contentment, sure there’s no competitive drive or feeling of "the Joneses have it better than us" syndrome. However, they’re just as focus & dedicated in each of their job. No one bothers u after yr work hours, coz that’s private time. No wonder lah, coz with no wide income gaps, ppl are more focus in how they lead life to the fullest in terms of quality family time, contentment is key to their happiness.

Their population replacement is just as low & aging population, with need for many foreign staff. They’ve Eastern Europeans fr Turkey, Hungary, Prague, Spanish & even Russians - plenty fr the very poor regions making a living & either traveling at least 2 hours to work daily or live poorly but hardly with their families. So, it’s not very diff fr Spore’s need for workers to cover our F&B, etc. I was told Austrians use to feel very safe leaving home without locking their doors but now since some Syrians were taken in. I think it’s with time in passing as the older generations are value more relationships than material gains. My SIL gripe tt Spore is not safe like she use to live in M’sia w/o close door & neighbors freely visit. The world hv moved towards capitalism so there’s no reversing? Think some young ppl trying to go eco & life simply & without access that’s also why now we see more sharing economy sustaining over-consumption & consumerism.

Aren’t we an aging population with low replacement of population & need foreign workers? We just hv to ensure our higher level jobs not taken by foreign equivalents. Whilst we’re ideally hoping for it, I’m very aware some companies’ top Mgt putting in false declaration to bring in top guns (incl foreign banks) & u see them bringing in their ka-gia to support their work. It’s really cheating based on my personal experiences in Human Resources & it’s beyond my ability to protest!

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1851466https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1851466Wed, 06 Jun 2018 13:45:02 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Singapore the world’s best country for children to grow up on Wed, 06 Jun 2018 08:46:11 GMT]]>

janet88:
it's hard to compare...but in terms of bringing up kids in Asia, Singapore is definitely better.

there is peace and tolerance living in a multi racial country and there is hygiene.
we get to enjoy a wide array of fruits and food from many countries.
Sg was good, only during our parents' generation time. Today Sg is no longer the same, as yesterday.


... costs of living so high!
... costs of HDB rocket sky high, valid for 99 years : meaning u don't even own any place of your own.

so many jobs, replaced by foreigners. Fierce competition everywhere, in entering uni for popular faculty, in looking for jobs ...


the future of Sg ... ?
M plan to build another island, near Sg

http://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/2148524/malaysias-mahathir-build-island-middle-rocks-near-singapore

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1851443https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1851443Wed, 06 Jun 2018 08:46:11 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Singapore the world’s best country for children to grow up on Wed, 06 Jun 2018 05:10:50 GMT]]>Just came back from Bangkok. Don’t feel good to see children beggars. Singapore is still better than many other countries.


But it’s really getting very competitive and the rising costs are very real. I will do my best to groom my children. Hopefully they do not get displaced.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1851423https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1851423Wed, 06 Jun 2018 05:10:50 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Singapore the world’s best country for children to grow up on Wed, 06 Jun 2018 04:14:56 GMT]]>

janet88:
it's hard to compare...but in terms of bringing up kids in Asia, Singapore is definitely better.

there is peace and tolerance living in a multi racial country and there is hygiene.
we get to enjoy a wide array of fruits and food from many countries.
Sg was good, a few decade back, starting from her independence, 1965.

But now .... ? Escalating costs everywhere, frequent road accidents, e scooter everywhere, bullying cases that led to death & loss of precious life for young men during National service, SCDF, etc moral values eroding (declining)!

woe to current youth generation, engaged (dabbling) in blatant, immoral activities happening inside HDB neighbourhood, by 18 year-old youth , who can be any body's son :-

http://stomp.straitstimes.com/singapore-seen/man-allegedly-approaches-resident-at-her-home-to-ask-for-sexual-services

17-year old youth cyclist hit a 60-year old woman, on life support

http://stomp.straitstimes.com/singapore-seen/woman-60-on-life-support-after-accident-at-tampines-17-year-old-cyclist-assisting


https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/national-serviceman-19-dies-after-heat-stroke

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1851413https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1851413Wed, 06 Jun 2018 04:14:56 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Singapore the world’s best country for children to grow up on Wed, 06 Jun 2018 03:38:26 GMT]]>“I cried because I had no shoes until I met a man who had no feet”


- Helen Keller

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1851407https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1851407Wed, 06 Jun 2018 03:38:26 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Singapore the world’s best country for children to grow up on Wed, 06 Jun 2018 01:51:56 GMT]]>it’s hard to compare…but in terms of bringing up kids in Asia, Singapore is definitely better.

there is peace and tolerance living in a multi racial country and there is hygiene.
we get to enjoy a wide array of fruits and food from many countries.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1851390https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1851390Wed, 06 Jun 2018 01:51:56 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Singapore the world’s best country for children to grow up on Tue, 05 Jun 2018 11:07:28 GMT]]>

MyPillow:
ammonite:

[quote=\"lee_yl\"]

Although I am not satisfied with everything in our educational policies, I still think Singapore is not a bad place to raise children!

:hi5: agree!

Yes ! Food , health , safety - we have it ! Education ? Depends on parents expectations too . ( both moe n parents create stress , I think ) imo,mould good characters n moral values are more valuable - long marathon run , reap more life long gains![/quote]
Gotta accept we are a small country with very little resources except to develop the brain behind the population.

We must be thankful for the way our forefathers hv established livelihood thro active trade & now we hv supplies of all kinds of food & products fr all over the world. Only that I've to adjust my expectations. When we travel we get the various country's fresh produce.

There's no end in comparing. Frds who emigrated to various parts of the world often look back at home comfortable home in Spore is - racial harmony, efficient system, high std of living, 1st class lifestyle with affordability, singlish comfort, etc. A gff did not feel accepted in Greece & had to divorce but made good in her 2nd marriage back in Spore. 2 gff returned fr Australia & NZ - tho free medical, edn but strong discrimination & difficulties in assimilation. As my frd here in Austria says, their free edn & Medical does not come free as tax is high. She find it hard to learn the German language & trying to get her citizenship. That's why I encourage kids to pick up languages when they're young.

Nothing comes free. Our progressive tax is not as high as Europeans gets up to 49% bracket. Someone hv to contribute to the cost of medical insurance & free education. DH said no regrets being Sporean as what we earn we hv control & exercise choices if we spread budget across vacation, type of medical insurance, edn (local or foreign uni).

Guess each hv our own ideals & expectations. Some like the western way of free edn & Medical but willing to pay the high tax to cover their perceived benefits. Some prefer low tax system & own spending is visible & within self-control. There's no perfect system when there is human hand involved.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1851336https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1851336Tue, 05 Jun 2018 11:07:28 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Singapore the world’s best country for children to grow up on Tue, 05 Jun 2018 07:45:51 GMT]]>

slmkhoo:
Funz:

[quote=\"laughingcat\"]
I also know that there are restriction in reporting on children suicides. :censored:

I am glad that there are restrictions in reporting about children/teen suicides. I am of the view that such suicides need to be recording and monitored but individual suicides need not be reported. I hate it when news about kids/teens leaping to their deaths are reported. I always feel that such reports may actually plant ideas into some susceptible young minds.

Totally agree! Same with things like cutting, body image etc. I think that social media spreads the knowledge of these acts which some kids might never have thought of, and in a stressed or depressed state, they try them out. Of course society must monitor and find ways to reduce the incidents, but publicity which young people can see isn't the best way, in my opinion.[/quote]
I fully agree limiting reports on suicide & acts of mutiluation is good for our kids. I often get parents gribing that govt controls too much on these news, but that's coz Parents wants to be in the know without realizing teen kids may not hv the maturity to handle such news & can misuse them to get attention.

Tweens & teens hv very delicate & sensitive emotions as they grow their identities & often look outward for acceptance & affirmation with peers & society. Esp vulnerable are kids with little adult guidance & supervision at home with FTWP.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1851300https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1851300Tue, 05 Jun 2018 07:45:51 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Singapore the world’s best country for children to grow up on Tue, 05 Jun 2018 06:25:12 GMT]]>

ammonite:
lee_yl:



Although I am not satisfied with everything in our educational policies, I still think Singapore is not a bad place to raise children!

:hi5: agree!

Yes ! Food , health , safety - we have it ! Education ? Depends on parents expectations too . ( both moe n parents create stress , I think ) imo,mould good characters n moral values are more valuable - long marathon run , reap more life long gains!

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1851282https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1851282Tue, 05 Jun 2018 06:25:12 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Singapore the world’s best country for children to grow up on Tue, 05 Jun 2018 06:15:54 GMT]]>

Funz:
laughingcat:


I also know that there are restriction in reporting on children suicides. :censored:

I am glad that there are restrictions in reporting about children/teen suicides. I am of the view that such suicides need to be recording and monitored but individual suicides need not be reported. I hate it when news about kids/teens leaping to their deaths are reported. I always feel that such reports may actually plant ideas into some susceptible young minds.

Totally agree! Same with things like cutting, body image etc. I think that social media spreads the knowledge of these acts which some kids might never have thought of, and in a stressed or depressed state, they try them out. Of course society must monitor and find ways to reduce the incidents, but publicity which young people can see isn't the best way, in my opinion.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1851280https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1851280Tue, 05 Jun 2018 06:15:54 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Singapore the world’s best country for children to grow up on Tue, 05 Jun 2018 05:49:53 GMT]]>

laughingcat:

I also know that there are restriction in reporting on children suicides. :censored:
I am glad that there are restrictions in reporting about children/teen suicides. I am of the view that such suicides need to be recording and monitored but individual suicides need not be reported. I hate it when news about kids/teens leaping to their deaths are reported. I always feel that such reports may actually plant ideas into some susceptible young minds.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1851276https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1851276Tue, 05 Jun 2018 05:49:53 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Singapore the world’s best country for children to grow up on Tue, 05 Jun 2018 05:15:53 GMT]]>

Estéema:



I'm still proud of our Spore education system except for the PSLE pressure. Hope MOE review & make system less pressuring but more lifeskills be introduced. Parents build work life balance; children hv study life balance with sports, other areas of talents, etc
I also...proooooud of SGP education system for raising such a competitive environment. I am even more proooud that I am seeing more kids doing homework in food courts on Sunday while their parents having lunch. :rotflmao: 😢 :frustrated: (not proud at all)

I have a younger ones with the new change in PSLE grading system which add more stress in contrary to what MOE had said earlier that the new change does not focus on scores. :stompfeet: :mad: :rant: :nunchuk: :spank:

I hope to see study life balance with sports.

I also know that there are restriction in reporting on children suicides. :censored:

BUT Singapore the world’s best country for children to grow up in terms of safety and health (not studying environment).

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1851268https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1851268Tue, 05 Jun 2018 05:15:53 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Singapore the world’s best country for children to grow up on Tue, 05 Jun 2018 04:34:11 GMT]]>

slmkhoo:
About the marking issue - could it be that the teacher gave oral feedback to the students informally, either as a class of even individually? Some teachers may feel that it's good enough, rather than writing it on individual scripts? I know that happened to my daughter in the past.


Back to the topic - certainly Singapore is the \"best\" in terms of safety, health, material provision. Many Singaporeans and others, including myself, have chosen to bring our kids back to Singapore to complete their education and make their home here. While we complain of stress etc, parents also have to realise that much of it is self-imposed. In other countries with more relaxed systems and widespread access to university, there are often not many \"good\" jobs for graduates, and the access to university places in highly-sought professions is still very limited.

I'm not too sure group marking bcoz I believe teacher's role is not easy & a good educator takes time to mark individual work, unlike MCQ type of qns. Each child hv diff style of writing & diff level of u'stand'g hence expression in their work, whichvthecteacher shld provide individual feedback for the work.

When work are not marked, it's the failing of a teacher & hence the student will not receive learning fr there. Even for Pri 1, alphabet writing shld be corrected. In upper Pri, all the more the student need feedback for getting right answering techniques, etc

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1851259https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1851259Tue, 05 Jun 2018 04:34:11 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Singapore the world’s best country for children to grow up on Tue, 05 Jun 2018 02:20:16 GMT]]>

janet88:
safety wise, our schools are definitely doing great.

other than the demanding education syllabus, Singapore is still considered ok.
Speaking of safety, my kid's school just did the \"Lock-down\" drill before end of school term.
While I think it's good that they are doing such drills, I also felt a bit sad the world is coming to this where our kids have to do this kind of stuff.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1851213https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1851213Tue, 05 Jun 2018 02:20:16 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Singapore the world’s best country for children to grow up on Tue, 05 Jun 2018 01:56:41 GMT]]>safety wise, our schools are definitely doing great.

other than the demanding education syllabus, Singapore is still considered ok.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1851207https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1851207Tue, 05 Jun 2018 01:56:41 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Singapore the world’s best country for children to grow up on Tue, 05 Jun 2018 00:38:48 GMT]]>

slmkhoo:
In other countries with more relaxed systems and widespread access to university, there are often not many \"good\" jobs for graduates, and the access to university places in highly-sought professions is still very limited.

Important point there.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1851193https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1851193Tue, 05 Jun 2018 00:38:48 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Singapore the world’s best country for children to grow up on Tue, 05 Jun 2018 00:30:03 GMT]]>

lee_yl:


Although I am not satisfied with everything in our educational policies, I still think Singapore is not a bad place to raise children!
:hi5: agree!

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1851192https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1851192Tue, 05 Jun 2018 00:30:03 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Singapore the world’s best country for children to grow up on Tue, 05 Jun 2018 00:25:54 GMT]]>About the marking issue - could it be that the teacher gave oral feedback to the students informally, either as a class of even individually? Some teachers may feel that it’s good enough, rather than writing it on individual scripts? I know that happened to my daughter in the past.


Back to the topic - certainly Singapore is the "best" in terms of safety, health, material provision. Many Singaporeans and others, including myself, have chosen to bring our kids back to Singapore to complete their education and make their home here. While we complain of stress etc, parents also have to realise that much of it is self-imposed. In other countries with more relaxed systems and widespread access to university, there are often not many "good" jobs for graduates, and the access to university places in highly-sought professions is still very limited.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1851191https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1851191Tue, 05 Jun 2018 00:25:54 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Singapore the world’s best country for children to grow up on Mon, 04 Jun 2018 19:51:32 GMT]]>Back to topic.


Visited frd in Graz, Austria. Both her kids have free education but they learn at a pace so much slower without specific target to challenge kids enuf. But since arriving in Austria, both had freedom to pick up music & played the piano & violin.

Kids in Austria hv so many holidays & the culture here encourages family bonding to extent the teachers monitor if their parents bring kids outdoors enuf thro class sharing & teachers track if enuf exposure given. If any kids' parents did not bring kids out to enjoy enuf times, parents will be called up for PTM to ascertain if they need social assistance. Can be embarrassing. Textbook learningbis minimal - a lot like our Pri Sc textbook. :scratchhead:

Frd felt the lifestyle very laid back & high in contentment, but keen to bring kids back before P4 to catch up with local system, as they don't see competiveness against raising China.

I'm still proud of our Spore education system except for the PSLE pressure. Hope MOE review & make system less pressuring but more lifeskills be introduced. Parents build work life balance; children hv study life balance with sports, other areas of talents, etc

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1851184https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1851184Mon, 04 Jun 2018 19:51:32 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Singapore the world’s best country for children to grow up on Mon, 04 Jun 2018 19:34:06 GMT]]>When teachers do not mark students' work, it's a serious failing of an educator IMO.


One year DC's work had not been marked for almost 2 terms. Initially, I didn't want to interfere but later part in T1, I started reminding DC to hand up. It cld be his fault missing submission for 1st few assignments but subsequently it cld be a case of guilt & withdrawal. But back in my mind, I wonder why the teacher didn't track his work progression. Then I wrote an email to inform teacher of unmarked work. Lo & Behold, after sending in for marking DC brot it home & I then discovered Chapter 7 work was marked halfway & incomplete, with 4 more chapters to follow unmarked! I question her & w/o even an apology, she asked for resubmission. :stompfeet: By Term 3, the HOD took over her class bcoz she had resigned to start her tuition centre. Educator who hv no heart in her profession. Maybe it was blessing in disguise, DC improve leaps & bounds with HOD.

I'm sharing bcoz to me it shld be a serious signal of educator's failure rather than the child not learning well when work assigned have not been corrected for feedback & it shld reflect the teacher not knowing if her students hv been following her lessons.

Then again, there are some schools I came to be aware that teachers expectations are covered as a need to allow space for students' independent learning, but do nothing other than teach a lesson & job done. These are situations where parents can't help but look elsewhere to support their kids' learning. The worst case I heard was teachers fr a top school advising parents with a list of possible tuition centre to send their kids to improve. Cheez! These are the black sheep in education.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1851183https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1851183Mon, 04 Jun 2018 19:34:06 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Singapore the world’s best country for children to grow up on Mon, 04 Jun 2018 12:03:53 GMT]]>So far, we have encountered 2 instances. I am not sure if it is just my DD1’s class or school teachers or even maybe other IP school teachers are also like that. It could be that IP is supposed to be taught this way to promote so-called “independent learning.”


Comparing how the GEP and IP teachers taught our girls, DH thinks that DD1’s teachers can do a better job to allow for a smoother transition. We really left DD1 to fend on her own until her teacher called. It is not easy. Luckily, DH can teach all the subjects and DD1 is catching up now. Else, she may not even meet the promotion criteria come year end

:offtopic:
Well, back to the original thread. Although I am not satisfied with everything in our educational policies, I still think Singapore is not a bad place to raise children!

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1851144https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1851144Mon, 04 Jun 2018 12:03:53 GMT