Critical Reflection

1. Module Learning

My goal by the end of this module was to be able to speak with more clarity and be able to present myself as a confident speaker in front of a crowd. Currently, I feel that I have become more confident and able to present with more clarity. But I feel that I have not fully attain my goal. During my presentation, I could tell that I was better with my presentation skills then how I was before. But there were times where I stumbled over words that were more difficult to pronounce and my subsequent speech became more muffled as I became unsure of myself.

During the module, I tried building on my communication skills by practicing my presentation speeches in front of a small group of friends to help myself gain more confidence. I also went online to research on how to become a more confident speaker and I fee l that these methods built up my communication skills.

By continuing to present in front of an audience will further improve on my communication skills. I will cease the opportunity to speak up more in class to build up more on my confidence and my communication skills.

1    2. Project Learning

With the research project I have learnt that being able to present more confidently is to firstly be able to be confident on your own presentation. Then, we need to practice and know what we want to say during the presentation.

During the mock presentation, even though I was confident that my product was a viable solution to our team’s problem, I did not practice enough with the main points I want to bring across to the audience and this made my mock presentation a disaster. But from that experience I made sure I did more practice.

From the actual presentation, I learnt that clarity is very important to bring across the main points. I learn from others that I should speak with more moderation and be less monotonous. I felt that even though I have practiced my speeches, I did not focus enough on the moderation of my presentation. I found myself speeding through my presentation. I should practice more in front of an audience to better build on my communication skills.

From this project experience, I will definitely take forward the different communication skills that I have learnt and continue to further improve on it.

1     3. The Presentation Showcase

I felt that ‘Team Recyclables’ had an excellent presentation as they good communication skills and their idea was a memorable one for me.  They painted a picture of how their product would work by telling a short story. This story was easier to understand them trying to understand technical terms and also this story is easier to remember as it applies to us in a real-world situation. As I am an audio learner, I felt this method of presentation is an effective method to captivate the audience. Saying this, the one thing that could have made the presentation even stronger was targeting the visual learner as well. They could have included the use of more visuals and even a video to better leave a greater impact on the audience. Taking reference to ‘Team PEWS’ which had excellent animations to simulate different traffic scenarios and the animations impressed the audiences. Having such visual would communicate main points of their product to the audience.

Proposal Peer Review 2

Proposed Solution

The proposed solution is to adopt the use of solar panels as shelters at locations that has a wide open-spaced area. This can be easily implemented on areas such as rooftop of multi-storey carparks where it is usually un-sheltered and has intense sunlight present. The Housing and Development Board (HDB) can partner with Sunseap to build solar shelters at rooftops of multi-storey carparks where there is a vast amount of sunlight. Furthermore, there will not be any signs of shadow overcasting over the rooftop, as rooftop multi-storey carparks are built in an open-concept environment. Though there may be certain rooftop carparks which may consists of parks, solar shelters could then be added alongside pavements, serving as covered walkways for parkgoers.  

The plan of action to improve the current situation is to firstly, source out viable location where there is immense amount of sunlight, for solar roofs to operate at their highest capabilities. To elaborate, the roofs must not be covered by trees growing above them, or nearby blocks which have the potential to overcast shadows over the solar roofs. Not only will the overgrown tress will cast shadows over the solar roofs, branches or leaves may drop at a high level, damaging the panels.  

The main purpose of implementation solar roofs will act as alternative renewable source of energy for Singapore to achieve itself in being an eco-friendly city. Solar shelter integrates seamlessly with existing structures and allows us to reap the benefits of solar energy without taking up ground space. Having solar shelters will not only harness the energy of the sun, but also provide a shelter for citizens who have cars parked at the top level of multi-storey carparks.  

Benefits

Solar shelter derives clean energy from the sun. Installation of solar shelters help combat greenhouse gases and makes Singapore less reliant on fossil fuels. Burning of fossil fuels not only emit harmful gases that is a major cause of global climate change, it also pollutes the air which citizens of Singapore live in.  

Fossil fuel is a finite resource and due to this, prices of fossil fuel are constantly increasing and may even fluctuate exponentially within a short period of time. Therefore, Singapore must source for a renewable source of energy to be able to be independent on fossil fuels. 

Evaluation

As solar panel is dependent on the Sun, the efficiency of the solar panels drops when it is cloudy or rainy which will have an influence on the energy system. Besides that, solar panels also cannot be harnessed during the night, which is practically half of everyday.  To combat this, we could use solar batteries. Solar batteries work by storing excess solar electricity instead of routing it back into the grid. Thus, during the day, if the solar panels harnessed more solar power than required, it will then be used to charge up the solar batteries.  During days where it is cloudy, rainy or during the night, the solar panel will not be able to harness enough solar energy to sustain the electricity needs, it will then draw from the stored energy from the batteries to meet the electricity needs. 

The initial cost of solar panels is relatively high therefore stakeholders might be unwilling to invest in it.  The long-term benefits of having a solar shelter outweighs the initial shortcomings in terms of cost. Solar shelters have a low maintenance and have an average life span of 25 years. Also, a single solar panel can produce an average of 275 watts of power and a fluorescent tube that is typically used to light up carparks requires only an average of 40 watts of power. Therefore, having solar shelter installed will reduce if not eliminate the usage of electricity from the grid. These helps save on electricity bill in the long run. 

As the above has stated, this solution is a viable option that will be of benefit to HDB. 

The limitations of this solution are that, there must be at an open – aired multi-storey carpark ‘s rooftop. The rooftop must have an immense amount of sunlight throughout the day with little to no over-shadowing from nearby building or tall trees. This is to maximise the efficiency of the solar panels. 

Annotated Summary

MASPOLIM, E. (2019). Turning reservoirs into 'energy batteries'. Retrieved 17 October 2019, from https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/opinion/turning-reservoirs-into-energy-batteries

According to the online article “Turning reservoirs into energy batteries“, Maspolim (2019) stated that, as the world challenges global warming, countries are choosing alternative sources such as wind and solar energy to not only combat global warming but also as a more sustainable answer for energy. As alternative energy have become more effective and available, investment costs are lowered thus an causing an increasing uptake. Harnessing renewable energy varies in different countries and as for Singapore, companies find it hard to source for renewable energy options due to the lack of land spaces here. Singapore being near the equator makes her a country with immense amount of sunlight. Therefore, the main feasible source of energy is solar energy.  National water agency PUB also have plans to install a floating solar photovoltaic system in Tengah Reservoir. Singapore is enticing more business players and move together to become a renewable energy hub. As interests in green energy raises, green loans are becoming the future of businesses.  The government have been contributing to several trial projects in Singapore. These projects will be of value in the coming years. New government organisations situated in Singapore will become a catalyst in promoting green in Asia.  Singapore is a entryway to the region’s structure to alternative energy and will be valuable to sustainable expansion goals of the region, including climate change.

This article on solar panels will greatly benefit my research topic of my project as the article have stated that the only viable option for Singapore to harness energy is through the usage of solar panels. According to this article my team’s research topic on using solar panels as a alternative energy could also be a solution to Singapore’s fight on climate change.

Cross Island Site Investigation Summary Reader Response Draft 3

“Nature Group Seeks More Information on Impact of Cross Island Site Investigations" from Today Online, nature enthusiasts groups are inviting the community to submit queries to the Land Transport Authority (LTA), hoping to get more information on the results of drilling works done at Macritchie forest for the upcoming Cross Island MRT line (CRL) (Neo, 2018). Earlier, LTA stated that camera traps spotted the presence of animals. According to Ms Chole Tan, project manager of Love Our Macritchie Forest, nine parties have submitted questions about the possibility of LTA publicly releasing the outcomes of their monitoring programmes (Neo, 2018). Drilling of boreholes are used find out soil and rock conditions influencing the decision of the tracks going under the nature reserve or around it. An environmental evaluation anticipated a “mainly moderate” outcome if mitigation procedures were taken. But there is a lack of evidence on the effectiveness of mitigation measures. Second phase of the assessment was done to foresee the outcome of constructing and operating the MRT line. Based on the points elaborated, LTA has done the necessary measures mitigating the impact on the environment therefore LTA should go ahead with their construction plans.

Firstly, LTA have emphasized that mitigation measures will be a necessity for contractors doing site investigations. Mitigation measures which includes having enclosures to reduce the impact of noise. According to the Straits Times, Mr Chong Kee Sen, president of The Institution of Engineers said the measures implemented could successfully alleviate water, noise, soil and other environmental impacts (Tan, 2019). In my opinion, since LTA highlighted the reduced impact with mitigation measures, the CRL construction plans can be safely carried out. According to Mahmud (2019), LTA also reported that environmental impacts will mostly be contained to the outside of Central Catchment Nature Reserve (CCNR) and parts of the tunnel. This point further supports the LTA construction plans.

Secondly, LTA have done their necessary environmental impact assessment. As stated on the LTA website, Environmental Resources Management assesses that the environmental impact for both options can be adequately managed with comprehensive mitigation measures and monitoring plans in place (LTA, 2019).  With this environmental impact assessment done, this clearly shows that LTA have evaluated their options clearly before coming to a final decision. An International Panel of Advisors, comprising industry experts in tunnelling and underground construction have analysed that with mitigation measures in place, both alignment options are safe (LTA, 2019). Having established organisations to further evaluate the environmental impact, nature enthusiasts groups would more convinced of the controlled environmental impact of LTA construction plans.

Lastly, LTA have been taking all steps in making sure to mitigate potential environmental impact. According to The Straits Times, 3 hector of forest needs to be cleared to tunnel under the CCNR which will cause a loss of habitat for the wildlife (Tan, 2019).  LTA said that, if mitigation measures are carried out, such as safety barriers made wildlife-friendly and trees being re-planted, the effect of the upcoming train line on CCNR would be reduced (Tan, 2019). With this statement, LTA have showed that they will continue to make sure that environmental impact on CCNR will be taken care of even after the end of constructing of CRL. Cheng (2019) also reported on a Today Online article that mitigation measures also includes identifying flora species that can be preserved or salvaged for relocation and wildlife shepherding. The dedication of LTA in making sure that environmental impact on CCNR will be reduced to a minimal clearly proves that LTA should proceed with their construction plans.

LTA have stressed that mitigation measures will be requirement and they have done their environmental impact assessments. LTA also looked at all options to mitigate environmental impact.  With these, LTA should go ahead with their construction plans.

References

Cheng, K. (2019). Cross Island Line: Environmental impact can be

        ‘adequately managed’ for both alignment options being

         considered, study finds. Retrieved 29 September 2019, from

         https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/cross-island-line-            

         environmental-impact-can-be-adequately-managed-both-

         alignment-options

LTA. (2019). Environmental Impact Assessment (Phase 2) Report

         | Press Room | Land Transport Authority. Retrieved 29

         September 2019, from

         https://www.lta.gov.sg/apps/news/page.aspx?c=2&id=73fa

         7dcb-0dfc-40df-83fb-38c16b1bb267

Mahmud, A. (2019). Cross Island Line environmental impact on

         nature reserve can be 'adequately managed': LTA study.

         Retrieved 29 September 2019, from

         https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/cross-

         island-line-environmental-impact-central-nature-reserve-

         11864492

Neo, C. (2019). Nature group seeks more information on impact of

         Cross Island Line site investigations. Retrieved 29

         September 2019, from

         https://www.todayonline/singapore/nature-group-seeks-more-

        information-impact-cross-island-line-site-investigations

Tan, A. (2019). Call for 'zero impact' for Cross Island MRT Line

         under MacRitchie nature reserve. Retrieved 29 September

         2019, from

         https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/environment/call-for-

         zero-impact-for-mrt-line-under-macritchie-nature-reserve

Tan, A. (2019). Mitigation measures can cut wildlife impact of 

         running Cross Island MRT line under nature reserve: LTA. 

         Retrieved 29 September 2019, from

         https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/environment/run

         ning-mrt-line-through-central-catchment-nature-reserve-may-

         endanger

Cross Island Site Investigation Summary Reader Response Draft 2

“Nature Group Seeks More Information on Impact of Cross Island Site Investigations" from Today Online, nature enthusiasts groups are inviting the community to submit queries to the Land Transport Authority (LTA), hoping to get more information on the results of drilling works done at Macritchie forest for the upcoming Cross Island MRT line (CRL) (Neo, 2018). Earlier, LTA stated that camera traps spotted the presence of animals. According to Ms Chole Tan, project manager of Love Our Macritchie Forest, nine parties have submitted questions about the possibility of LTA publicly releasing the outcomes of their monitoring programmes (Neo, 2018). Drilling of boreholes are used find out soil and rock conditions influencing the decision of the tracks going under the nature reserve or around it. An environmental evaluation anticipated a “mainly moderate” outcome if mitigation procedures were taken. But there is a lack of evidence on the effectiveness of mitigation measures. Second phase of the assessment was done to foresee the outcome of constructing and operating the MRT line. Based on the points elaborated, LTA has done the necessary measures mitigating the impact on the environment therefore LTA should go ahead with their construction plans.

Firstly, LTA have emphasized that mitigation measures will be a necessity for contractors doing site investigations. Mitigation measures which includes having enclosures to reduce the impact of noise. According to the Straits Times, Mr Chong Kee Sen, president of The Institution of Engineers said the measures implemented could successfully alleviate water, noise, soil and other environmental impacts (Tan, 2019). In my opinion, since LTA highlighted the reduced impact with mitigation measures, the CRL construction plans can be safely carried out. According to Mahmud (2019), LTA also reported that environmental impacts will mostly be contained to the outside of Central Catchment Nature Reserve (CCNR) and parts of the tunnel. This point further supports the LTA construction plans.

Secondly, LTA have done their necessary environmental impact assessment. As stated on the LTA website, Environmental Resources Management assesses that the environmental impact for both options can be adequately managed with comprehensive mitigation measures and monitoring plans in place (LTA, 2019).  With this environmental impact assessment done, this clearly shows that LTA have evaluated their options clearly before coming to a final decision. An International Panel of Advisors, comprising industry experts in tunnelling and underground construction have analysed that with mitigation measures in place, both alignment options are safe (LTA, 2019). Having established organisations to further evaluate the environmental impact, nature enthusiasts groups would more convinced of the controlled environmental impact of LTA construction plans.

Lastly, LTA have been taking all steps in making sure to mitigate potential environmental impact. According to The Straits Times, 3 hector of forest needs to be cleared to tunnel under the CCNR which will cause a loss of habitat for the wildlife (Tan, 2019).  LTA said that, if mitigation measures are carried out, such as safety barriers made wildlife-friendly and trees being re-planted, the effect of the upcoming train line on CCNR would be reduced (Tan, 2019). With this statement, LTA have showed that they will continue to make sure that environmental impact on CCNR will be taken care of even after the end of constructing of CRL. Cheng (2019) also reported on a Today Online article that mitigation measures also includes identifying flora species that can be preserved or salvaged for relocation and wildlife shepherding. The dedication of LTA in making sure that environmental impact on CCNR will be reduced to a minimal clearly proves that LTA should proceed with their construction plans.

LTA have taken all necessary mitigation measure to reduce the impact of CRL on the CCNR. LTA have also displayed that they will be responsible for the environmental impact. With these, LTA should go ahead with their construction plans.

References

Cheng, K. (2019). Cross Island Line: Environmental impact can be ‘adequately managed’ for both alignment options being considered, study finds. Retrieved 29 September 2019, from https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/cross-island-line-environmental-impact-can-be-adequately-managed-both-alignment-options

LTA. (2019). Environmental Impact Assessment (Phase 2) Report | Press Room | Land Transport Authority. Retrieved 29 September 2019, from https://www.lta.gov.sg/apps/news/page.aspx?c=2&id=73fa7dcb-0dfc-40df-83fb-38c16b1bb267

Mahmud, A. (2019). Cross Island Line environmental impact on nature reserve can be 'adequately managed': LTA study. Retrieved 29 September 2019, from https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/cross-island-line-environmental-impact-central-nature-reserve-11864492

Neo, C. (2019). Nature group seeks more information on impact of Cross Island Line site investigations. Retrieved 29 September 2019, from https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/nature-group-seeks-more-information-impact-cross-island-line-site-investigations

Tan, A. (2019). Call for 'zero impact' for Cross Island MRT Line under MacRitchie nature reserve. Retrieved 29 September 2019, from https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/environment/call-for-zero-impact-for-mrt-line-under-macritchie-nature-reserve

Tan, A. (2019). Mitigation measures can cut wildlife impact of running Cross Island MRT line under nature reserve: LTA. Retrieved 29 September 2019, from https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/environment/running-mrt-line-through-central-catchment-nature-reserve-may-endanger

Cross Island Site Investigation Summary Reader Response Draft 1

“Nature Group Seeks More Information on Impact of Cross Island Site Investigations" from Today Online, nature enthusiasts groups are inviting the community to submit queries to the Land Transport Authority (LTA), hoping to get more information on the results of drilling works done at Macritchie forest for the upcoming Cross Island MRT line(CRL) (Neo, 2018). Earlier, LTA stated that camera traps spotted the presence of animals.According to Ms Chole Tan, project manager of Love Our Macritchie Forest, nine parties have submitted questions about the possibility of LTA publicly releasing the outcomes of their monitoring programmes (Neo, 2018). Drilling of boreholes are used find out soil and rock conditions influencing the decision of the tracks going under the nature reserve or around it. An assessment was done before works started determining the environmental impact if mitigation measures were taken. But there is a lack of evidence on the effectiveness of mitigation measures. Second phase of the assessment was done to foresee the outcome of constructing and operating the MRT line. Based on the points elaborated, LTA has done the necessary measures mitigating the impact on the environment therefore LTA should go ahead with their construction plans.

Firstly, LTA have emphasized that mitigation measures will be a necessity for contractors doing site investigations. Mitigation measures which includes having enclosures to reduce the impact of noise. According to the Straits Times, Mr Chong Kee Sen, president of The Institution of Engineers said the measures implemented could successfully alleviatewater, noise, soil and other environmental impacts (Tan, 2019). In my opinion, since LTA highlighted the reduced impact with mitigation measures, the CRL construction plans can be safety carried out. LTA also reported that environmental impacts will mostly be contained to the outside of Central Catchment Nature Reserve (CCNR) and parts of the tunnel (Mahmud, 2019).

Secondly, LTA have done their necessary environmental impact assessment. As stated in LTA website, Environmental Resources Management (ERM) assesses that the environmental impact for both options can be adequately managed with comprehensive mitigation measures and monitoring plans in place (LTA, 2019).  With this environmental impact assessment done, this clearly shows that LTA have evaluated their options clearly before coming to a final decision. An International Panel of Advisors (IPA), comprising industry experts in tunnelling and underground construction have analysed that with mitigation measures in place, both alignment options are safe (LTA, 2019).

Lastly, LTA have been taking all steps in making sure to mitigate potential environmental impact. According to The Straits Times, 3 hector of forest needs to be cleared to tunnel under the CCNR which will cause a loss of habitat for the wildlife (Tan, 2019). LTA said that, if mitigation measures are carried out, such as safety barriers made wildlife-friendlyand trees being re-planted, the effect of the upcoming train line on CCNR would be reduced(Tan, 2019). With this statement, LTA have showed that they will continue to make sure that environmental impact on CCNR will be taken care of even after the end of constructing of CRL. Today Online also reported that mitigation measures also includes identifying flora species so as to be able to preserve or salvaged for relocation and wildlife shepherding(Cheng, 2019). 

LTA have taken all necessary mitigation measure to reduce the impact of CRL on the CCNR. LTA have also displayed that they will be responsible for the environmental impact. With these, LTA should go ahead with their construction plans.

References

Cheng, K. (2019). Cross Island Line: Environmental impact can be ‘adequately managed’ for both alignment options being considered, study finds. Retrieved 29 September 2019, from https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/cross-island-line-environmental-impact-can-be-adequately-managed-both-alignment-options

LTA. (2019). Environmental Impact Assessment (Phase 2) Report | Press Room | Land Transport Authority. Retrieved 29 September 2019, from https://www.lta.gov.sg/apps/news/page.aspx?c=2&id=73fa7dcb-0dfc-40df-83fb-38c16b1bb267

Mahmud, A. (2019). Cross Island Line environmental impact on nature reserve can be 'adequately managed': LTA study. Retrieved 29 September 2019, from https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/cross-island-line-environmental-impact-central-nature-reserve-11864492

Neo, C. (2019). Nature group seeks more information on impact of Cross Island Line site investigations. Retrieved 29 September 2019, from https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/nature-group-seeks-more-information-impact-cross-island-line-site-investigations

Tan, A. (2019). Call for 'zero impact' for Cross Island MRT Line under MacRitchie nature reserve. Retrieved 29 September 2019, from https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/environment/call-for-zero-impact-for-mrt-line-under-macritchie-nature-reserve

Tan, A. (2019). Mitigation measures can cut wildlife impact of running Cross Island MRT line under nature reserve: LTA. Retrieved 29 September 2019, from https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/environment/running-mrt-line-through-central-catchment-nature-reserve-may-endanger