October 2004 Archives

compliments of rutian's camera ... from our badminton friendly game with hongxian and siblings :)

ah, fond memories! badminton anyone? *grin*

the unky moods "mood-meter" is really cool =p

though the yellow background doesn't really go on my white page very well, got it off zayam's page =p

and yes, believe it or not, i feel refreshed today, and why? cos i had a nice (altho interrupted) nap ... and didn't do any work at all today (oh boy! that's not how it's supposed to work i think :) the relaxation strategy i mean)

since i was recently asked about what IT means to me, i thought i would share it with all concerned, and to be rather candid about it, it shall be termed as IT, but those involved in IT, you know who you are, so enjoy =p

1) Much has been said about the political apathy of Singporean youths. What do you think about the general state of political involvement among Singaporean youths?

Well, it’s usually easy to make a sweeping statement or a hasty generalization. I feel that maybe only half of the Singaporean youths can be said to be politically apathetic. The other half consists of 2 groups of youths: those who do care but are seldom heard or seen politically ‘active’ because they have not found the right avenues or don’t wish to air their views, and finally those who do care and make it a point that their voice will be heard. The former group of youths are usually lumped under the “politically apathetic” category as well, simply because they are not heard except maybe amongst their clique of friends, so the general opinion is that youths are politically apathetic. But I believe that at least half of our Singaporean youths today are not politically apathetic.

2) What do you think are the reasons for their political apathy?

I feel that politics may not be everyone’s cup of tea, simply because they are not interested in it for whatever personal reasons, but I don’t see anything wrong with that. Just because they are politically apathetic doesn’t mean they cannot in their own way contribute to society. As with everything else, there is no need to have a herd instinct of sorts.

Youths may be politically apathetic because in Singapore, there seems to be this social stigma about politics amongst youths – if you’re politically affiliated, people either admire you for it or they find you a little strange. So youths, in their attempt to fit in with their friends, may decide against voicing their views or taking that first step in being politically active, and choose the safer non-political path so as to fit in.

Also, some of these youths may not have reached the level of maturity to care about the society at large, their world has yet to encompass reaching out to the society on a wider and more concrete level. Again, this is just a matter of not being the right timing for some. Others may feel that their form of contribution to the society and country may be in other forms of community service, like helping out at an old folk’s home, or collecting donations on flag days. Again, this is a matter of personal preference and as long as they contribute, there shouldn’t be a problem.

Others may feel disillusioned by the government because they feel that even if they speak up, their views will only be heard but not put to any concrete use – the ”all talk only but no action” syndrome. They may feel that they are slighted because of their age, and hence are reluctant to speak up for fear of being branded as ignorant, immature, or worse, be sued for their remarks. They may also feel that our government is already doing a good job and hence feel that they are unable to contribute in politics to the already dominant ruling party.

3) What motivated you to join “IT”?

For me, I have been involved in youth activities since my secondary school days, with the NYAA Council, and also volunteered in church as well as with my neighbourhood RC. It was at one of these youth activities that I had the honour of meeting and interacting with several “IT” members, who invited me to come down and take a look at what “IT” was doing. I took that first step, liked what I saw, found out how I could fit in and contribute in my own way, and three years after being in “IT”, as they say, the rest is history. =p

4) What are your gratifications from joining the “IT”?

Frankly, I have benefited much from being in “IT” and there are too many gratifications to name. But just to list the more important few here:

On a very personal note, I feel very blessed to be in “IT”, especially in BV because the BV “IT” family is simply wonderful in every way! Yes, we have our own joys and pains, like all families do, yet, the most important thing is that we stick together through thick and thin, and grow and learn together as a team. Being in “IT” has widened my social circles and network, and quoting one of my fellow “IT” members, “there are no friends here, only family”. Being part of this family really means a lot to me. It’s basically having another clique of friends to hang out and work with, what’s so bad about that? =)

On a more practical note, being in “IT” has giving me many opportunities to learn new skills or brush up on long-unused ones. Every member of the “IT” family has something to share, and when working in a team, we learn how to do many things and pick up many important life skills from the more experienced members in a certain area. And it is so heartwarming to know that you’re never too young to contribute and you’re never to old to learn in the BV “IT” family.

On a societal and community note, I feel very glad that I am able to contribute back to society and the country in my own way. Being in “IT” has allowed me an eye-opening experience that I could not have had previously. By exposing myself to people from all walks of life, I feel that I have learnt much in terms of people skills and have developed a new perspective to my own life, cherishing more what I already have, and striving to do my bit for the community.

5) Do you think that through ITs activites you have become more politically active or involved?

Yes, “IT” has definitely provided me with an avenue to become more politically active and involved. I have also, through my interaction with the whole myriad of “IT” members in BV, learnt very much pertaining to many different fields and subject areas, because each “IT” member is unique, and all have their own way of contributing to the family. It’s an enriching and fun learning experience indeed!

6) What advice do you have for youths who wish to contribute to Singapore through politics?

“Suspend your disbelief, doubts and disillusionment about “IT” and politics in Singapore, and come down and see for yourself what it is like. Don’t always believe what the general sentiment is. Keep an open mind. Coming down does not automatically make you a “IT” member, nor will you be forced and tracked down for life by the ISD if you come down and decide against joining. That way, you will be able to decide for yourself if IT or politics is your cup of tea.”

“There are many avenues in Singapore that allow you to take part in politics. You can attend a talk or consultation sessions, be a member of the “IT” or other political think-tanks that we have in Singapore, or just take part in activities organized by political associations. Even schools like NUS have political societies or associations that you can join. The most important thing is that you must feel that you are interested in what you take part in. There is no point in doing something that makes you feel unhappy when doing it.”

“If you want to know more about “IT” and becoming a member, the “IT” website is a good source. You can also go down to the regular Meet-the-people sessions (MPS) with your MP to find out more about “IT”.”

“Also, don’t worry about not having enough time to cope between schoolwork and “IT” activities. Being a student myself, I am often busy with schoolwork and school CCA activities. Hence, I am usually more active in “IT” during the school holidays, and less so during term time. The people in “it” are very understanding, so don’t worry about needing to be present all the time, you can still manage your schoolwork, school CCAs and “IT” all at one time, without having to be stressed. In fact, “IT” is just like a school CCA, except that with the wide range of activities that we organize and dabble our fingers in, you get to learn a whole lot more about everything and anything, and the good thing is, the fun and excitement never stops!”