7 :: Ways recent university graduates can contribute to improving our health, security, joy in life and the environment

In the recent years, Singapore has shifted its educational focus towards one which emphasizes more on creativity and one involving more critical thinking. Our universities have also adopted a modular system which requires students to expose themselves to a wider scope of subjects, along with more opportunities to have overseas study attachments. Thus, apart from specializing in a particular field of study, the university hopes to produce all-rounder graduates who will be more adaptable and versatile in the working environment. Furthermore, the universities these days are equipped with better facilities and technologies. We can expect to see recent graduates to be more technology-smart, creative and have more exposure to the world.

Security has always been dependent on technology, and being technology-smart gives our security a competitive edge. The Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) have channelled a large sum of investments in the form of scholarships to nurture bright candidates to become part of their research team. With better trained critical analytical skills and creativity, the recent graduates breathe fresh air into the R&D sector of DSTA. With better brains trained with better facilities and technology, we can foresee better improvements in our defence technologies.

Overseas exposure is good for undergraduates because the environment overseas is different from ours. Learning their positive examples and implementing them locally is a form of improvement for our environment. Implicitly, overseas exposure may even alter future working attitudes when the undergraduates enter the workforce. For example, it is part of the western culture to express one’s feelings openly, while it is part of our culture to be reserved and tolerant. If this western culture is infused into the graduates, the new generation of workforce may be more expressive and outspoken, which I believe will benefit communication and efficiency of the workforce.