# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Recalling the forward planning of Singapore's pioneer leaders, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong yesterday set out his vision of what will help prepare Singapore to thrive in the future.

He boiled it down to three things: improving pre-school education, preventing diabetes and embracing technology in the country's drive to be a Smart Nation.

To underscore the point of building ahead for the next generation, Mr Lee delivered his annual National Day message from the eastern section of Gardens by the Bay - the site of the proposed Founders' Memorial to honour the first-generation leaders of modern Singapore.

Framed by such landmarks as the Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay, he noted that Singapore is now enjoying the rewards of their foresight and vision.

But even as the leaders developed Marina Bay, the country had to deal with many pressing issues: from building an army to housing its population, and educating its young to creating jobs for its adults.

Today, Singapore is also grappling with urgent concerns, from upgrading the economy to tackling terrorism and trade protectionism.

The Government is working with Singaporeans on the issues, and progress is being made, he said.

For instance, it is partnering businesses and workers to transform industries. The economy is expected to grow by about 2.5 per cent this year, higher than last year's 2 per cent, he added.

But at the heart of his speech are the three longer-term issues, about which he will say more in his National Day Rally speech on Aug 20.

First, the Government will create more pre-school places, raise the quality of education and improve the skills of pre-school teachers.

"We want every child to have a good start in life, and a bright future," Mr Lee said.

Better pre-schools will also give parents peace of mind when they are working, he said, adding: "We want to... encourage them to start a family."

Second, he singled out diabetes as one big reason for poor health among the elderly.

Almost one-third of those older than 60 have diabetes, which can result in ailments ranging from heart disease to kidney failure, he said.

"This is why we must go all out to fight diabetes," he said, urging each Singaporean to take responsibility for his own health by eating right and exercising regularly.

Third, he said Singapore needs to harness technology to create opportunities and jobs for the people.

Singapore has a natural advantage as it aims to be a Smart Nation, he added, noting that it is a highly connected and digitally literate society.

Pointing out that other countries are going cashless and analysing big data to improve public services, he said Singapore has to learn, catch up and overtake them.

This, he added, is the spirit of Singapore: to look, plan and stay ahead so that when the future arrives, "we are prepared for it, to ride it and to grow with it".

"That is how we got here," he said.

The same message was delivered in Mandarin, Malay and Tamil by Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Chan Chun Sing, Communications and Information Minister Yaacob Ibrahim and Trade and Industry Minister (Industry) S. Iswaran.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
3 issues Singapore needs to tackle to thrive in the future: PM Lee

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Recalling the forward planning of Singapore's pioneer leaders, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong yesterday set out his vision of what will help prepare Singapore to thrive in the future. He boiled it down to three things: improving pre-school education, preventing diabetes and embracing technology in the country's drive to be a Smart Nation.

# data[].attributes.headline
Water Agreement between Malaysia and Singapore

# data[].attributes.subject
Water Agreement between Malaysia and Singapore

# data[].attributes.body
Recently, Malaysia’s new Prime minister has been wanting to increase the selling price of the water that is being sold to Singapore. However, Malaysia had given up on the right to renew the water price in 1962, hence Singapore insists that the price of the water being sold shall not be changed.

—Chloe;)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Singapore 'clear, consistent' in position that Malaysia has lost right to review water price under 1962 agreement

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Malaysian Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah had disagreed with Singapore's position that Malaysia lost the right to review the water price after it chose not to do so in 1987. Read more at straitstimes.com.

# data[].attributes.body
Animals in the animal shelter
Most of the time when people want to get pets, they don't adopt. Instead they buy them from the pet shop, encouraging the sellers to breed more. Moreover, some owners might get rid of their pets as they are top old or sick as they dont want to pay for the expensive trip to the vet. However, all the older not so healthy pets are left in the animal shelters. These shelters are getting more crowded especially because sg has very little land space and more animals have to be put down. All these lives are ended just because we want the best pets for ourselves and yet some of us don't have the responsibility or will to take care of them after a while. Think about it.

# data[].attributes.body
Sanjana, 30
In the given link, I have decided to talk about diabetes.
Living a healthy lifestyle is important.  But living a healthy lifestyle doesn't just mean sleeping on time, though some of us don't follow that either, it also means to eat healthy and exercise regularly. Let's see what our PM, Lee Hsien Loong, has to say...

Almost one-third of those older than 60 have diabetes, which can result in ailments ranging from heart disease to kidney failure, he said.

"This is why we must go all out to fight diabetes," he said, urging each Singaporean to take responsibility for his own health by eating right and exercising regularly.

So as a youth, this is one of the causes I truly believe in

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Recalling the forward planning of Singapore's pioneer leaders, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong yesterday set out his vision of what will help prepare Singapore to thrive in the future.

He boiled it down to three things: improving pre-school education, preventing diabetes and embracing technology in the country's drive to be a Smart Nation.

To underscore the point of building ahead for the next generation, Mr Lee delivered his annual National Day message from the eastern section of Gardens by the Bay - the site of the proposed Founders' Memorial to honour the first-generation leaders of modern Singapore.

Framed by such landmarks as the Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay, he noted that Singapore is now enjoying the rewards of their foresight and vision.

But even as the leaders developed Marina Bay, the country had to deal with many pressing issues: from building an army to housing its population, and educating its young to creating jobs for its adults.

Today, Singapore is also grappling with urgent concerns, from upgrading the economy to tackling terrorism and trade protectionism.

The Government is working with Singaporeans on the issues, and progress is being made, he said.

For instance, it is partnering businesses and workers to transform industries. The economy is expected to grow by about 2.5 per cent this year, higher than last year's 2 per cent, he added.

But at the heart of his speech are the three longer-term issues, about which he will say more in his National Day Rally speech on Aug 20.

First, the Government will create more pre-school places, raise the quality of education and improve the skills of pre-school teachers.

"We want every child to have a good start in life, and a bright future," Mr Lee said.

Better pre-schools will also give parents peace of mind when they are working, he said, adding: "We want to... encourage them to start a family."

Second, he singled out diabetes as one big reason for poor health among the elderly.

Almost one-third of those older than 60 have diabetes, which can result in ailments ranging from heart disease to kidney failure, he said.

"This is why we must go all out to fight diabetes," he said, urging each Singaporean to take responsibility for his own health by eating right and exercising regularly.

Third, he said Singapore needs to harness technology to create opportunities and jobs for the people.

Singapore has a natural advantage as it aims to be a Smart Nation, he added, noting that it is a highly connected and digitally literate society.

Pointing out that other countries are going cashless and analysing big data to improve public services, he said Singapore has to learn, catch up and overtake them.

This, he added, is the spirit of Singapore: to look, plan and stay ahead so that when the future arrives, "we are prepared for it, to ride it and to grow with it".

"That is how we got here," he said.

The same message was delivered in Mandarin, Malay and Tamil by Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Chan Chun Sing, Communications and Information Minister Yaacob Ibrahim and Trade and Industry Minister (Industry) S. Iswaran.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
3 issues Singapore needs to tackle to thrive in the future: PM Lee

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Recalling the forward planning of Singapore's pioneer leaders, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong yesterday set out his vision of what will help prepare Singapore to thrive in the future. He boiled it down to three things: improving pre-school education, preventing diabetes and embracing technology in the country's drive to be a Smart Nation.

# data[].attributes.headline
Singapore's vulnerability as a small, low-lying island with no place to retreat to if sea levels rise.

# data[].attributes.subject
Singapore's vulnerability as a small, low-lying island with no place to retreat to if sea levels rise.

# data[].attributes.body
Based on today's science, climate scientists in Singapore have projected that mean sea levels could rise by up to around 1m by 2100. This could happen even earlier or sea levels could go even higher if ice blocks melted more rapidly and ice shelves in Antarctica collapsed.

And if high mean sea levels and high tide happened at the same time, sea levels could reach almost 4m above current mean sea levels and overwhelm low-lying coastal areas like Singapore !!

Even worse, if a tropical storm happens at sea, sending surge waters to Singapore that it cannot keep out, while in tandem a heavy rainstorm occurs inland, bringing with it rainwater that cannot be drained away, these could be the ingredients of a perfect storm.

So, Singapore has set to pour out $10M into research of rising sea levels. Although the $10M is for a good cause, I feel that the money could be used for another purpose such as building another NEWater plant to provide the country with a clean supply of water for consumption.  That is, if every single one of us plays our part in conserving the environment. The ozone layer is deteriorating because of man's selfish actions by not recycling,  irresponsible disposal of rubbish and wasting of energy. This all can be stopped if each and every single one of us  become more sensible towards our actions to the environment.

ADAPTED FROM: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/environment/singapore-pours-10m-into-research-of-rising-sea-levels

- chern yee :>

# data[].attributes.headline
Harmful social media trends and their impact on teenagers

# data[].attributes.subject
Harmful social media trends and their impact on teenagers

# data[].attributes.body
By Sadhana

Internet challenges are fascinating to teenagers, who can be both impulsive and drawn to behavior that draws attention, especially in social media. Some challenges, like the mannequin challenge, can be fun and positive activities. But other challenges that pop up on the internet are dangerous and can lead to permanent harm.
Take the Blue Whale challenge for example. It is a 'game' that started in Russia but spread to other countries like Ukraine and India. Anyone who partakes in the challenge has to complete fifty tasks over fifty days. Though the tasks seem harmless at first, like watching a scary movie, they escalate to cutting a blue whale into your arm and finally committing suicide. This game has been linked to 130 suicides so far, which shows how severe such challenges can be.
Other examples are the cutforkookie and cutforbieber hashtags that trended on Twitter. The first hashtag came after rumors about a member of Kpop group BTS, Jungkook. He was rumored to have a girlfriend, but possessive and obsessed fans were against the idea, claiming that he was betraying them. The hashtag cutforkookie started trending, and fans started cutting words or lines into their wrists in protest of Jungkook's relationship. I feel that this was completely unnecessary, and celebrities should have the freedom to date whoever they want. But in the end, the rumors turned out to be just that - rumors. The second hashtag, cutforbieber, was started with a good intention but not a safe or well-planned method. The hashtag trended when Justin Bieber, a popular American singer, was arrested for smoking weed. Desperate fans carved lines and words into their wrists and posted pictures on social media to try and get Justin to stop smoking weed. This hashtag was accompanied by another hashtag: weedruinsmusic.
As a fan of both these artists and a student, I think that these challenges are dangerous and completely unnecessary. Self-harm is not funny. It is vital that teenagers understand how severe it can be to mindlessly follow trends on social media. Even seemingly harmless trends like the ice bucket challenge have been linked to fatalities and permanent injuries. The reality of today's world is that technology and social media rule, and as kids grow up with these luxuries, the things they are exposed to shape their mindset and the kind of person they will be in future. These challenges need to stop in order for the next generation to grow up to be well-rounded, happy citizens. And as members of the current generation who has started these trends, I believe that the responsibility of stopping them also lies in our hands.

Sources:
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/Media/Pages/Dangerous-Internet-Challenges.aspx

Warning: graphic images of words carved into hands are present in the following two website: //www.google.com/amp/s/aminoapps.com/c/k-pop/amp/blog/bts-jungkook-girlfriends-rumor-cutforkookie-stopcuttingforkookie/ddIb_umKpm4GlYw3aQ1l3bnD5kJje6

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.buzzfeed.com/amphtml/ellievhall/teenagers-cutting-themselves-to-get-justin-bieber

No graphic images in the following websites:
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.bbc.com/news/amp/blogs-trending-46505722

# data[].attributes.headline
The negative effect of addiction to social media on youth in Singapore

# data[].attributes.subject
The negative effect of addiction to social media on youth in Singapore

# data[].attributes.body
In Singapore, social media is widely used, especially by youths. Apps like Instagram, Facebook, Reddit, Discord, Tumblr , Youtube and Snapchat are designed to addict. Nowadays, in such a tech-savy age, many youths are addicted to social media. Addiction to social media can cause many negative effects. Addiction can lead to excessive anti-social behavior and severe withdrawal from socializing.  It can also lead to mental issues such as depression, anorexia, bulimia, social anxiety and more since social media is so toxic and harmful. Addiction can also lead to obesity and loss of sleep. Addiction affects youths' studies and performances negatively. Although many are aware of how many youths are addicted to social media, but often under-look the severe effects of addiction to social media.  People tend to shrug off the effects of addiction, but more should be done to curb youth addiction towards social media.
-megan

# data[].attributes.body
In Singapore, seven in 10 people are active social media users. This is more than double the global average of 34 per cent, according to a 2017 report on social media and digital trends worldwide.
Last year, there were 76 mobile phone addiction cases at Touch Cyber Wellness, up from 34 in 2015. On average, the non-profit agency receives five hotline calls a week from parents seeking help for their children's excessive mobile device or social media usage, said its senior coach Shem Yao.

Some studies have found that social media may be making people anti-social.

Some young Singaporeans, however, say that social media platforms help them connect with their loved ones and peers.

I feel that we should set aside our time well and not always be on social media all the time.  We should realise that there are harmful effects of getting addicted and if we realise that we are getting addicted, we should seek help immediately. I am not saying that we should completely stop using social media but we should know our priorities and have heart-to-heart conversations with our loved ones in real life as well.
- Pratiksha :D

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
SINGAPORE - Social media was a big part of Mr Bryan Tan's life.

He would check his Facebook News Feed every day to get updates about his friends.

Three years ago, he quit social media.

"I was hospitalised after I had breathing problems. After that, I felt there was just so much I wanted to do and I didn't need the noise from social media," says Mr Tan, 31, who is an associate director at law firm Nair & Co.

"When I stopped using Facebook, I met my friends more often to find out what's going on in their lives. And through that, I established deeper connections with them."

He now focuses his energy on reading, writing and sports, and hopes to be a kayaking instructor.

In Singapore, seven in 10 people are active social media users. This is more than double the global average of 34 per cent, according to a 2017 report on social media and digital trends worldwide. The study was conducted by social media agency, We are Social, and Hootsuite, a social media management platform.

Giving up social media is not common, like in the case of Mr Tan, whose story is captured in OurSTories, The Straits Times' new video series which aims to bring home issues that matter. In fact, addiction is a problem.

It is a worrying trend for counsellors and psychologists, who told The Straits Times that they have seen a twofold increase in social media and mobile device addiction cases here in recent years.

Last year, there were 76 such cases at Touch Cyber Wellness, up from 34 in 2015.

On average, the non-profit agency receives five hotline calls a week from parents seeking help for their children's excessive mobile device or social media usage, said its senior coach Shem Yao.

Some studies have found that social media may be making people anti-social.

Some young Singaporeans, however, say that social media platforms help them connect with their loved ones and peers.

Shan Herng, 22, posts on Instagram about three times a week, enjoys sharing photos of his outfits, holidays and activities, such as birthday parties or visits to new cafes.

The full-time national serviceman, who has over 2,000 followers on the platform, also uses the Instagram Stories feature at least five times a day. On a busy day, this can go up to 30 times.

While he admits that he "consciously thinks about" his Instagram feed, he says he is not preoccupied with the number of "likes" or comments he gets.

Instead, he finds that posting snippets of his life online have helped him start conversations with others, who may be looking for recommendations on certain events or activities.

He adds: "My friends and I have this rule when we meet.

"We would spend about 10 to 15 minutes at the start editing our photos and posting them on our social media platforms. For the rest of our time together, no one is allowed to pick up their phones - not even to check the number of likes they have."

He believes that social media addiction could become a growing problem among those in his generation, but he is cautious not to fall into the trap.

He says: "I would never let myself get to the point where technology gets the better of me. There is still value in human interaction and heart-to-heart conversations."

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
OurSTories: Are you addicted to social media?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
SINGAPORE - Social media was a big part of Mr Bryan Tan's life. He would check his Facebook News Feed every day to get updates about his friends. Three years ago, he quit social media.

# data[].attributes.body
Over-tourism is a worldwide issue. It’s not simply a place being inundated by more tourists than they can handle. Over tourism includes a cultural difference and lack of knowledge. Many people want to do the right thing, but they have to know what the right thing is first. Thus, visitors unconsciously cause environmental damage and disrespected behaviour.
More people are travelling to Singapore—which is great for the economy. But there are no more hidden gems left. Around the world, there has been enough cases of over tourism for locals to resent tourists and even close attractions to tourists. A few examples happened in the louvre in France, the Machu Picchu in Peru, the waterways in Venice, the Red-light district in Amsterdam, and though unacknowledged, the jewel Changi airport in Singapore.
During the jewel Changi airport’s preview in April, over 100000+ people booked tickets to the attraction, comparing to the 5000000+ population in Singapore, it's rather alarming. Although Singapore partially depends on tourists to increase revenue, if actions are not taken and tourism is further fuelled, we would be grappling with the issue of over-tourism in the future.
To refrain from aggravating the over-tourism situation, or exacerbate “driving-by” which leaves little memory for the tourist, soak up that one place which you have done research on (whether its on historical value or modern politics). Instead of seeing sites that are swamped, travel farther afield. In Singapore, it’s understandable to want to pose under the marina bay sands, but visit places like the hawker centre. And if you are interested in history, do not just visit the cliché national gallery visit heritage centres in Chinatown or kampong glam.The whole purpose of travelling is to visit places you actually want to visit, not to show others you’ve been to that place.

# data[].attributes.body
In our multiracial country where we love eating, food waste is prevalent. In 2018 alone, Singapore generated 763,100 tonnes of food waste. Also, food waste is among the five largest sources of waste in Singapore. Food waste compromises recycling efforts, encourages odour nuisance issues and vermin proliferation if not managed properly.

# data[].attributes.body
In our small country of Singapore, we produce approximately 7.81 million tonnes of waste each year, which is equivalent to 3,000 Olympic sized swimming pools of waste. The following links below are examples of the movements that can be taken to help Singapore reduce our waste, and how difficult it is to change the minds of family, consumers and industries to work together to save the only home we have ever known.
The first link is details about the project called, "From Grounds Up". It is a project aimed at using a bar of soap to change the way people see waste. This project uses used coffee grounds from cafes around Singapore and to make soap out of it, reducing the amount of greenhouse gases produced and reusing the waste, allowing consumers to make the connection between the coffee that they drink in the morning and the soap that they use on a daily basis.
the second link is about a project called, "Seapac". This project uses seaweed to produce a bio-degradable replacement for plastic, it is even edible! Although the founder had a great idea, his family were against this idea. This depicts the true struggle of starting campaigns for the environment.
Seapac
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAjrFAlipik

From Grounds Up
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSXwwX2TisY

# data[].attributes.body
Since the mid-2000s, the government has further liberalised Singapore’s already open economy, accelerating the inflow of foreigners who now make up a third of the population.
Singaporeans, not generally known to be xenophobic, have started to complain about overcrowding in their city and breakdowns in their transport infrastructure, often suggesting that the immigration policy is to be blamed for this.
Ironically, though, the economy has become so dependent on low-wage and low-skilled foreign workers that subsequent efforts to raise productivity and invest in technology have met with opposition from small and medium-sized local companies that argue they will be forced to go out of business or have to raise their prices, which will then raise the cost of living.
For the government, restricting the inflow of foreign workers and investing in productivity-raising technology can also be politically costly.
A significant number of the super-rich, such as Eduardo Severin, Nathan Tinkler, and Jim Rogers, have invested and relocated in the now-hip city.

A report by property consultancy Knight Frank predicted that Singapore would see “the world’s largest influx of super-rich individuals over the next 10 years”.
The attraction for them lies in Singapore’s regional financial and transport hub status, its stable and pro-business government, and the large concentration of MNCs.
However, the consumption patterns of the super-rich have helped to push up the cost of living, making Singapore an expensive city to live in.
As noted earlier, top earners in Singapore compete for internationally benchmarked salaries.
Middle-class incomes have been stagnant even as the country rises up the ranks of the wealthiest nations. And the lowest earners experience downward pressure on their wages as they compete with nearly a million low-waged migrant workers from the region.
Singapore’s income inequality, as measured by the Gini coefficient, has reached highs of 0.482 in 2007 and 0.478 in 2012. UNHabitat describes inequality within the 0.45 to 0.49 range

After accounting for government transfers and taxes, however, the Gini figures are 0.439 in 2007 and 0.432 in 2012, and they do look to be declining with the cautious introduction of more progressive policies.
In 2007, among OECD countries, the average post-transfers figure was 0.317, the highest was 0.480 (Chile), and the lowest was 0.240 (Slovenia). In 2012, the average was 0.316, the highest was 0.471 (Chile), and the lowest was 0.249 (Denmark).
While the Gini coefficient might seem like just an abstract notion of income inequality subject to various statistical peculiarities, in a densely populated city like Singapore inequality is palpably experienced at the day-to-day level of the person-in-the-street.
Juxtaposed uncomfortably, for instance, are images of ostentatious lifestyles of the wealthy and images of elderly Singaporeans who collect and sell discarded waste in order to make ends meet; images of luxury cars on the ever-expanding road network and images of crowded trains and irate passengers stressed out by regular breakdowns.
Sociologist Teo You Yenn addressed the tensions and contradictions of highly wealthy and a highly unequal Singapore through a very illuminating ethnographic presentation of the experience of low-income Singaporeans and a critical analysis of the structural and cultural conditions that reproduce inequality and poverty.

Adapted from: https://mothership.sg/2018/10/kenneth-paul-tan-income-inequality-sg-elitism/

Solution proposed by government:
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/singapore-social-service-inequality-indranee-rajah-nus-11731180

-Riddhima

# data[].attributes.headline
Singaporeans working towards a more inclusive society

# data[].attributes.subject
Singaporeans working towards a more inclusive society

# data[].attributes.body
We all know that being inclusive is really important, especially to those who are diasabled. Then, why are we still in our own bubble, separating ourselves from those who need our help the most? We should learn to accept them and be more understanding of their situations. There are many solutions designed to help the people with disabilities but how many of us are aware of those? That is because not enough solutions have been crafted yet. Hence, the first step we should take to help them is to be empathatic. Like in the survey, most of us are sympathatic. We should learn to change the way we look at the disabled. We should learn to approach them the correct way and help them out. With the change of our mindsets, we can set out together to achieve greater things like a more inclusive Singapore.
- Naika

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
SINGAPORE - Singaporeans support the idea of inclusion but do not walk the talk, a survey has found.

While most people believe that children with and without disabilities can study together, only half of parents polled are comfortable with having a child with special needs sitting next to their own child in class.

Furthermore, only one in 10 Singaporeans are confident of interacting with children with special needs.

These are some of the findings of a survey, commissioned by local philanthropic house Lien Foundation, which asked more than 1,000 people for their experience of inclusion in daily life and early education.

The findings - revealed at a press conference on Monday (May 30) - suggest that Singaporeans are more tolerant rather than accepting towards those with special needs, said Mr Ng Tze Yong, programme manager at Lien Foundation.

"Singaporeans embrace the idea of inclusion, but there is a gap between what we think and what we do," said Mr Ng.

"Building handicapped ramps, parking lots and toilets is the easy part. We now need to move beyond that to dismantle the obstacles in our minds and the barriers in our hearts," he added.

Inclusion refers to the concept of ensuring that all persons, including those with disabilities, are given opportunities to realise their potential in the same environment.

Asked about the current level of acceptance and degree of social interaction between the public and children with special needs, more than half of the respondents think that Singaporeans are willing to share public spaces with children with special needs, but not interact with them.

Only 8 per cent of those polled felt that Singaporeans are willing to go the extra mile to make a child with special needs feel welcomed.

Yet most of them believe that it should be compulsory for children with special needs to go to school. Currently, children with special needs are exempted from the Compulsory Education Act.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Singaporeans support inclusion but do not practise it, according to survey

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
SINGAPORE - Singaporeans support the idea of inclusion but do not walk the talk, a survey has found. While most people believe that children with and without disabilities can study together, only half of parents polled are comfortable with having a child with special needs sitting next to their own child in class.

# data[].attributes.headline
Normalizing gay couples  adopting child in Singapore

# data[].attributes.subject
Normalizing gay couples  adopting child in Singapore

# data[].attributes.body
As the lgbt community is getting more support from the society especially the youths, there is an issue that has been rarely brought up. Do gay or other lgbt couples deserve rights to adopt children? Adopting children is something that most people would know about. Families who want to share their love by extending their family can adopt children. Families who have difficulty getting pregnant can adopt children. Or even families who do not want to go through the period of pregnancy can adopt.  So for gay couples who aren't able to bare any children because they are of the same gender be allowed to adopt children. I think the largest problem following to this topic is, will the child be accepted by the cruel society as they grow up? Not being part of the lgbt community, I will not be able to fully understand how the lgbt people feel towards discrimination and criticism they receive. Most people oppose to the idea of giving them permission to adopt children because they are being considerate for the child's future as they don't want to put the child through the same thing their parents may have faced.  At the same time, did they think about how the couple would feel. They are just like us, they share the same love as us. So why are we allowed to have a family but they can't. For people who are worried about the society's acceptance of the child thus opposing to giving permission, i think they should understand that if these people who are worried, educate their future generation well the society will be more accepting. In the end it is their future generation that the lgbt couples' child will be facing. As long as the future generation is well-educated to be respectful people, the problem of acceptance from society will shrink.  Normalizing lgbt couples adopting children may take a while to be fully enforced into our society, but i think that as long as people take baby steps to making the society a more inclusive and accepting environment for our future generation to grow it will work out eventually. I hope that Singapore's society will become a place where no matter what gender people have everybody will be able to show their love without worrying or finding a need to hide it.

-Ruo Qi

# data[].attributes.body
Youths in Singapore have been getting increasingly overweight.
Even if youths are not overweight, they are still rather unhealthy. There are two main reasons why this is so: lack of physical activity and eating too much unhealthy food. Firstly, youths in Singapore are very inactive. Many factors such as laziness, lack of motivation and addiction cause youths to be very inactive and not partake in physical activity, which is extremely unhealthy. Secondly, in Singapore, there is a ton of unhealthy food. Foods such as bubble tea, junk food, pizza, fast food, confectionery are extremely unhealthy, but are extremely popular with youths. Many youths enjoy consuming those foods, which are extremely harmful and unhealthy. With both factors combined, the effects are worsened and often lead to obesity and unhealthy youths.
Obesity leads to many health issues and can also lead to bullying, low self-esteem and being mental problems.
-megan

# data[].attributes.body
Pink Dot is Singapore's LGBTQ+ movement, and has emerged as one of the most vocal movements in Singapore, where public advocacy on social issues are governed strictly.
For example, under Singapore's Public Order Act, a police permit is required to hold any form of public gatherings.
Most Singaporeans oppose gay marriage although younger people have shown more acceptance, according to a survey done by a research centre.
In 2018, about 20,000 people showed up for the Pink Dot event, and the numbers have been increasing. Religious groups have been opposing the Pink Dot event, by starting a Wear White campaign. (People dress in pink for Pink Dot)
I feel that this is pretty shocking, as the Pink Dot event does not negatively affect anyone in Singapore in any way. LGBTQ+ people face a lot of discrimination, even from friends and family. I personally support LGBTQ+ completely, as I don't see any problem with it. The message the Pink Dot event is trying to put across is simply of inclusiveness and the 'human capacity to love', and I feel we should listen to this message, and learn to be more inclusive, and accept the LGBTQ+ community for who they are, instead of discriminating them for having different sexual preferences, which they do not control.
If African-Americans are discriminated because of their skin colour, which they too do not control, why should we discriminate against the LGBTQ+ community, just because we think it's 'not normal'?
Love is a human need and right, and we should not strip others of that privilege.
Esther
https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/society/article/3012777/pink-dot-how-singapores-lgbt-movement-became-tangible-force-where
https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/article/1542060/religious-groups-oppose-pink-dot-gay-rights-rally-singapore

# data[].attributes.body
Although Singapore's education is one of the best education system worldwide, it has caused many students to be put under academic pressure leading to  depression.  Some have even resulted to taking their own lives. I feel that this is an issue that is  needed to be brought up. Instead of comforting and encouraging these teens, many people have insulted them of having an attitude problem, that they are "crazy" etc. I would suggest that they have more empathy. They should consider the different circumstances that teens face today to understand them better.

- Donna

# data[].attributes.body
Yes.  Currently exports in Singapore are affected with factory orders down and the economy slowing. The non-oil domestic exports also fell 17.3%, way more then economists expected in June, making the biggest decline in 6 years and the fourth straight month of decline. The Singapore economy is also negatively impacted as the US-China trade war is not within our control.

# data[].attributes.body
Many teens in Singapore face pressure and stress, whether in school or in their personal lives. These factors can cause depression among teens. Many people think that mental illnesses are "a sign of personal weakness" but it's not and I think that we need to address this issue. Due to this mindset, many teens hide their problems even from their closest friends and family. However, these people bottle up their feelings until they cannot take it and eventually resort to self-harm. I think we should reduce the stigma related to mental health and accept them so they feel comfortable to try and open up about what they are facing and feeling.
- Wen Xi