For this week's lesson, we sat through the group presentations of our fellow classmates and watched them introduce their group websites. i felt that a lot of effort was put into constructing their websites and i had actually gained some insights on various topics which were different and uncommon such as how aviation has impacted the world, how technology has aided in dealing with space constraints, space debris and the list goes on.
i will be elaborating on what had impacted me the most and this would the use of technology in dealing with land constraints. i think this was good because it covers a lot of topics that we learnt throughout the entire course of tech and world change lessons. We looked at the current situation and the available tools and methods for us to tackle the existing problems of land constraints. After which, we looked at the present stage on what technologies are employed such as architecture, multiple land use, transportation and waste management. then we also delved into the future and the potentials.
One of the things that i learnt was how technology can be further developed such as using wireless technology and cloud computing. Also in the area of the usage of sea space which i felt was very interesting. In conclusion, i felt that the presentations were interesting and there was a wide range of topics with regard to technology that was elaborated and explained to the class. Overall, i think i learnt pretty much in Twc and gained much insights :)
Monday, November 15, 2010
Monday, October 25, 2010
Week 11
The eleventh session continued with the prospects of the seeds of the future as we explored on the assessment of technology and forecasting-developing a framework for what would be coming next with the use of technology. Like what Prof said in class, we have to be aware of the future and be prepared or equipped for it. This way we will be able to create a direction for a planned journey and develop ways in which such goals can be reached, while calculating and estimating what it takes for people to improve and the ways in which we can.
One interesting thing in the lesson was on the topic of futurology. Futurologists try to predict and in vent the future by looking at the possible scenerios and the possible viewpoints of the future. As such, we can postulate future problems or events that might occur for example, a farmer may be more prepared of droughts and elements that he may be susceptible to and subsequently adopt certain measures for the future. However, as what prof mentioned in class about something regarding ‘wildcard’ and indeed, similarly I feel just as the nature of our world is, that it is highly uncertain and inconsistent, we can only hope to move into something that is a better and improved assessment of the future.
And today we also looked at the potential problems or the effects that might emerge as a result of technology as Hannah presented on eTA, the ethics of technology assessment. I feel that there is a need for us to look into such areas not only because most of the technology developers technically lack of awareness with regard to the ethical issues. But I think there them being technology developers should be the ones that take into serious consideration their technologies can affect people. They are technically the ones with the power, control and influence especially in the sector of technology and they should hold a balance if not, I think it is possible to say that it might cause a bigger problem than solve any issues with the technology invented.
All in all, I think that the past lessons together with today’s lesson summed up and gave me a deeper insight into what technology is about as we talked and discussed about a variety of issues such as agricultural, information technology, past, present, adaptation and into the future. Overall I do feel that I have actually gained much insights with regard to how technology and its effect on the world and how the world has evolved from the past.
I give this lesson an 8 out of 10 because I think it gives us a fuller summarised end as we explore the effects into the future.
One interesting thing in the lesson was on the topic of futurology. Futurologists try to predict and in vent the future by looking at the possible scenerios and the possible viewpoints of the future. As such, we can postulate future problems or events that might occur for example, a farmer may be more prepared of droughts and elements that he may be susceptible to and subsequently adopt certain measures for the future. However, as what prof mentioned in class about something regarding ‘wildcard’ and indeed, similarly I feel just as the nature of our world is, that it is highly uncertain and inconsistent, we can only hope to move into something that is a better and improved assessment of the future.
And today we also looked at the potential problems or the effects that might emerge as a result of technology as Hannah presented on eTA, the ethics of technology assessment. I feel that there is a need for us to look into such areas not only because most of the technology developers technically lack of awareness with regard to the ethical issues. But I think there them being technology developers should be the ones that take into serious consideration their technologies can affect people. They are technically the ones with the power, control and influence especially in the sector of technology and they should hold a balance if not, I think it is possible to say that it might cause a bigger problem than solve any issues with the technology invented.
All in all, I think that the past lessons together with today’s lesson summed up and gave me a deeper insight into what technology is about as we talked and discussed about a variety of issues such as agricultural, information technology, past, present, adaptation and into the future. Overall I do feel that I have actually gained much insights with regard to how technology and its effect on the world and how the world has evolved from the past.
I give this lesson an 8 out of 10 because I think it gives us a fuller summarised end as we explore the effects into the future.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Week 10, New and emerging technology
Following last week’s lesson on energy and world change of the past present and future, we delved into the world of the future emerging technologies to a deeper extent this week. We explored future technologies in terms of how, what the ways technology can cause an adverse impact on life. It was an enlightening lesson of energy and world change because it shows us the wide array of technology which innovators have imagined and thought of in the past hence allowing its introduction into the market or in its developmental stage.
You see things; and you say why? I dream things that never were and I say why not?
–George Bernard Shaw
At the start of the lesson, this quote was quoted by prof and I think that it is true enough; there is a need for imagination and to dream of possible things that people can create. In the perspective of a normal person, I would say that in the past, I wouldn’t have thought that it was possible of such a thing as common now as the touch-screen and technology such as the iphone or motion-sensitive games such as Wii or Xbox 360 for example. But the truth is, technology will continue improving and will only advance to the fact that people might not understand how it can in the future but it is on shoulders of the few innovative people and entrepreneurs to surprise the world. And I do think that the above quote only shows us how what good it would be if people were to imagine and dream but realistically, such an instance would only be an optimal.
Other than that, another thing that I learnt in the lesson which I thought was very interesting was the video on catoms which are basic units of the claytonic atoms which can form structure of any size or structure. I think this is would be very useful to us as these claytonic atoms can alter things into something that we need, for example, we can change our smartphones into a laptop when we require it and change it back if there is a need to. I think this technology definitely would make life a more convenient and appropriate into the future especially. It technically revolutionises the view that I have of technology and the aspect into which technology is moving into. Furthermore, communication is also revolutionised when we have claytonic atoms because as seen in the video, we see how even when a human is not there in reality and with claytonic atoms, when you call the other party, he or she would be able to appear in front. This takes us into a whole new aspect of what it can do to communication because this makes communication over the world possible and convenient.
Subsequently, one other thing that I found was enriching was that of augmented reality. It is generally a live direct or indirect view of a physical real-world environment whose elements are augmented by virtual computer-generated imagery. Such a technology is amazing because it only needs wireless connection for the downloading of information, a smartphone and a camera to capture the information we need. In the case of the phones as illustrated in the video shown in class, I think such a technology would be beneficial to the elderly of the society or even tourists because it helps with the identification of roads, buildings and places. This makes life easier, convenient and smarter in fact. And I do believe that such a technology should be developed because it would be beneficial to people of all ages.
Also throughout the lesson in some readings, a technical, political and institutional map of emerging technologies in numerous areas such as nanotechnology, robotics, and artificial intelligence etc were elaborated as well as further emphasized in the presentations. Overall, I think the lesson was a mind-expanding and informative one because it shows us the many aspects of how technology can be developed and the areas that it might soon delve into. I’d rate it a 8 out of 10 :) In conclusion, like what prof said, the bottomline is that there is a need for imagination for new and emerging technologies for a radical transformation of mindsets and lives.
You see things; and you say why? I dream things that never were and I say why not?
–George Bernard Shaw
At the start of the lesson, this quote was quoted by prof and I think that it is true enough; there is a need for imagination and to dream of possible things that people can create. In the perspective of a normal person, I would say that in the past, I wouldn’t have thought that it was possible of such a thing as common now as the touch-screen and technology such as the iphone or motion-sensitive games such as Wii or Xbox 360 for example. But the truth is, technology will continue improving and will only advance to the fact that people might not understand how it can in the future but it is on shoulders of the few innovative people and entrepreneurs to surprise the world. And I do think that the above quote only shows us how what good it would be if people were to imagine and dream but realistically, such an instance would only be an optimal.
Other than that, another thing that I learnt in the lesson which I thought was very interesting was the video on catoms which are basic units of the claytonic atoms which can form structure of any size or structure. I think this is would be very useful to us as these claytonic atoms can alter things into something that we need, for example, we can change our smartphones into a laptop when we require it and change it back if there is a need to. I think this technology definitely would make life a more convenient and appropriate into the future especially. It technically revolutionises the view that I have of technology and the aspect into which technology is moving into. Furthermore, communication is also revolutionised when we have claytonic atoms because as seen in the video, we see how even when a human is not there in reality and with claytonic atoms, when you call the other party, he or she would be able to appear in front. This takes us into a whole new aspect of what it can do to communication because this makes communication over the world possible and convenient.
Subsequently, one other thing that I found was enriching was that of augmented reality. It is generally a live direct or indirect view of a physical real-world environment whose elements are augmented by virtual computer-generated imagery. Such a technology is amazing because it only needs wireless connection for the downloading of information, a smartphone and a camera to capture the information we need. In the case of the phones as illustrated in the video shown in class, I think such a technology would be beneficial to the elderly of the society or even tourists because it helps with the identification of roads, buildings and places. This makes life easier, convenient and smarter in fact. And I do believe that such a technology should be developed because it would be beneficial to people of all ages.
Also throughout the lesson in some readings, a technical, political and institutional map of emerging technologies in numerous areas such as nanotechnology, robotics, and artificial intelligence etc were elaborated as well as further emphasized in the presentations. Overall, I think the lesson was a mind-expanding and informative one because it shows us the many aspects of how technology can be developed and the areas that it might soon delve into. I’d rate it a 8 out of 10 :) In conclusion, like what prof said, the bottomline is that there is a need for imagination for new and emerging technologies for a radical transformation of mindsets and lives.
Week 10, New and emerging technology
Following last week’s lesson on energy and world change of the past present and future, we delved into the world of the future emerging technologies to a deeper extent this week. We explored future technologies in terms of how, what the ways technology can cause an adverse impact on life. It was an enlightening lesson of energy and world change because it shows us the wide array of technology which innovators have imagined and thought of in the past hence allowing its introduction into the market or in its developmental stage.
You see things; and you say why? I dream things that never were and I say why not?
–George Bernard Shaw
At the start of the lesson, this quote was quoted by prof and I think that it is true enough; there is a need for imagination and to dream of possible things that people can create. In the perspective of a normal person, I would say that in the past, I wouldn’t have thought that it was possible of such a thing as common now as the touch-screen and technology such as the iphone or motion-sensitive games such as Wii or Xbox 360 for example. But the truth is, technology will continue improving and will only advance to the fact that people might not understand how it can in the future but it is on shoulders of the few innovative people and entrepreneurs to surprise the world. And I do think that the above quote only shows us how what good it would be if people were to imagine and dream but realistically, such an instance would only be an optimal.
Other than that, another thing that I learnt in the lesson which I thought was very interesting was the video on catoms which are basic units of the claytonic atoms which can form structure of any size or structure. I think this is would be very useful to us as these claytonic atoms can alter things into something that we need, for example, we can change our smartphones into a laptop when we require it and change it back if there is a need to. I think this technology definitely would make life a more convenient and appropriate into the future especially. It technically revolutionises the view that I have of technology and the aspect into which technology is moving into. Furthermore, communication is also revolutionised when we have claytonic atoms because as seen in the video, we see how even when a human is not there in reality and with claytonic atoms, when you call the other party, he or she would be able to appear in front. This takes us into a whole new aspect of what it can do to communication because this makes communication over the world possible and convenient.
Subsequently, one other thing that I found was enriching was that of augmented reality. It is generally a live direct or indirect view of a physical real-world environment whose elements are augmented by virtual computer-generated imagery. Such a technology is amazing because it only needs wireless connection for the downloading of information, a smartphone and a camera to capture the information we need. In the case of the phones as illustrated in the video shown in class, I think such a technology would be beneficial to the elderly of the society or even tourists because it helps with the identification of roads, buildings and places. This makes life easier, convenient and smarter in fact. And I do believe that such a technology should be developed because it would be beneficial to people of all ages.
Also throughout the lesson in some readings, a technical, political and institutional map of emerging technologies in numerous areas such as nanotechnology, robotics, and artificial intelligence etc were elaborated as well as further emphasized in the presentations. Overall, I think the lesson was a mind-expanding and informative one because it shows us the many aspects of how technology can be developed and the areas that it might soon delve into. I’d rate it a 8 out of 10 :) In conclusion, like what prof said, the bottomline is that there is a need for imagination for new and emerging technologies for a radical transformation of mindsets and lives.
You see things; and you say why? I dream things that never were and I say why not?
–George Bernard Shaw
At the start of the lesson, this quote was quoted by prof and I think that it is true enough; there is a need for imagination and to dream of possible things that people can create. In the perspective of a normal person, I would say that in the past, I wouldn’t have thought that it was possible of such a thing as common now as the touch-screen and technology such as the iphone or motion-sensitive games such as Wii or Xbox 360 for example. But the truth is, technology will continue improving and will only advance to the fact that people might not understand how it can in the future but it is on shoulders of the few innovative people and entrepreneurs to surprise the world. And I do think that the above quote only shows us how what good it would be if people were to imagine and dream but realistically, such an instance would only be an optimal.
Other than that, another thing that I learnt in the lesson which I thought was very interesting was the video on catoms which are basic units of the claytonic atoms which can form structure of any size or structure. I think this is would be very useful to us as these claytonic atoms can alter things into something that we need, for example, we can change our smartphones into a laptop when we require it and change it back if there is a need to. I think this technology definitely would make life a more convenient and appropriate into the future especially. It technically revolutionises the view that I have of technology and the aspect into which technology is moving into. Furthermore, communication is also revolutionised when we have claytonic atoms because as seen in the video, we see how even when a human is not there in reality and with claytonic atoms, when you call the other party, he or she would be able to appear in front. This takes us into a whole new aspect of what it can do to communication because this makes communication over the world possible and convenient.
Subsequently, one other thing that I found was enriching was that of augmented reality. It is generally a live direct or indirect view of a physical real-world environment whose elements are augmented by virtual computer-generated imagery. Such a technology is amazing because it only needs wireless connection for the downloading of information, a smartphone and a camera to capture the information we need. In the case of the phones as illustrated in the video shown in class, I think such a technology would be beneficial to the elderly of the society or even tourists because it helps with the identification of roads, buildings and places. This makes life easier, convenient and smarter in fact. And I do believe that such a technology should be developed because it would be beneficial to people of all ages.
Also throughout the lesson in some readings, a technical, political and institutional map of emerging technologies in numerous areas such as nanotechnology, robotics, and artificial intelligence etc were elaborated as well as further emphasized in the presentations. Overall, I think the lesson was a mind-expanding and informative one because it shows us the many aspects of how technology can be developed and the areas that it might soon delve into. I’d rate it a 8 out of 10 :) In conclusion, like what prof said, the bottomline is that there is a need for imagination for new and emerging technologies for a radical transformation of mindsets and lives.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Energy and World Change: Past, Present, Future
In today’s lesson, we explored how and what roles that energy has played, impacted and changed the world, mainly on the past and into present since future and emerging technologies would be elaborated to a greater extent in the next lesson. In this lesson, we learnt in detail, existing problems that the world faces in terms of energy sources, several alternative sources of energy and also forms of energy that could possibly be a main source of energy in the decades to come. Energy these days can no longer come from simply the burning of fossil fuels and there is a need for people to tap onto newer technologies or research on existing technologies to open up alternative sources of energy that can support our energy-dependant world.
One of the ideas that caught my attention was what prof said, that despite the decrease in energy we have, one of the effects is that there is actually an increase in the productivity of men. Hence, this means that there is a more effective use of energy around the world. Although it is undesirable that we have a smaller source of energy, it shows that we have improved in the ways that have helped to conserve energy but also in utilising more ways to save energy as well as making sure that things are still done. In my opinion, this is actually better than finding solutions to our energy problems because there is a need for us to find ways to conserve energy and that it is proven that it is possible to conserve and yet produce the same or more amount of output. However in the long run, it is still better to look for more dependable sources of energy.
There are many exciting ways of how technology has evolved through the years in the aspect of energy. Especially in how some cars have been developed, such as the The Reva, India’s first electric car. The Reva runs on lead-acid batteries and lithium-ion batteries and has been sold in India since 2001. I think that such technology has very progressive impacts on the society especially in the area of environmental problems. Since the Rev runs on batteries, it would not produce any toxic fumes such as carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide that would add onto the problem of global warming or acid rain. Imagine if the whole of India or in fact, the whole world uses such a technology, we would have gotten rid of one possible source that causes global warming entirely. However we must also factor into the fact that more research needs to be done to ensure the effectiveness of these cars and that these cars are able to run longer mileages.
Fact is, many countries are continuing and in research to promote and use alternative sources of energy such as USA, European Union, India, China, etc, with each investing in their plans to develop and explore ways for a breakthrough in technology. And there is a need for such research to quicken and creation of sources that not only benefit ountries financially, but in a way where they can ensure that there are no negative externalities to be suffered. Also I feel that there is a need for developing countries to improve their rate of energy use since at least 60% of the world energies is often used up by these countries, as seen in the reports.
Overall, I feel that this session was a rather informative one, as we looked into energy and how the world has changed causing changes in energy. And we learnt a lot on alternative sources of energy in which countries are walking and developing towards. I would rate this session a 8 out of 10.
One of the ideas that caught my attention was what prof said, that despite the decrease in energy we have, one of the effects is that there is actually an increase in the productivity of men. Hence, this means that there is a more effective use of energy around the world. Although it is undesirable that we have a smaller source of energy, it shows that we have improved in the ways that have helped to conserve energy but also in utilising more ways to save energy as well as making sure that things are still done. In my opinion, this is actually better than finding solutions to our energy problems because there is a need for us to find ways to conserve energy and that it is proven that it is possible to conserve and yet produce the same or more amount of output. However in the long run, it is still better to look for more dependable sources of energy.
There are many exciting ways of how technology has evolved through the years in the aspect of energy. Especially in how some cars have been developed, such as the The Reva, India’s first electric car. The Reva runs on lead-acid batteries and lithium-ion batteries and has been sold in India since 2001. I think that such technology has very progressive impacts on the society especially in the area of environmental problems. Since the Rev runs on batteries, it would not produce any toxic fumes such as carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide that would add onto the problem of global warming or acid rain. Imagine if the whole of India or in fact, the whole world uses such a technology, we would have gotten rid of one possible source that causes global warming entirely. However we must also factor into the fact that more research needs to be done to ensure the effectiveness of these cars and that these cars are able to run longer mileages.
Fact is, many countries are continuing and in research to promote and use alternative sources of energy such as USA, European Union, India, China, etc, with each investing in their plans to develop and explore ways for a breakthrough in technology. And there is a need for such research to quicken and creation of sources that not only benefit ountries financially, but in a way where they can ensure that there are no negative externalities to be suffered. Also I feel that there is a need for developing countries to improve their rate of energy use since at least 60% of the world energies is often used up by these countries, as seen in the reports.
Overall, I feel that this session was a rather informative one, as we looked into energy and how the world has changed causing changes in energy. And we learnt a lot on alternative sources of energy in which countries are walking and developing towards. I would rate this session a 8 out of 10.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Lesson 7
In continuation to last week’s lesson, we learnt another aspect of the bio-business revolution- Agribiology , environmental life sciences and industrial biology. This aspect of technology reinforced to the class another aspect of what sustainable development can be as the world takes on an ever-increasing toll of human population, by as much as 9.2 billion by the 2050. Today, I learnt about the vast impacts of the bio-business revolution and how it integrated it is, as part of our lives and economy. It is such a large market that has formed, not only in contributing to 25% of the world’s GDP or creating job employment for people but the fact that it is an integral part of human life. Ever since the 1990s, research has been carried out, allowing people now to enjoy the benefits such as healthier food options as well as job options. In a time like this, it is hard to say that we haven’t been in contact to genetically modified foods, much less that we haven’t eaten them.
One of the interesting observations that I had today was what food security is. It is a condition where all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life. It is safe to say that we are food secure, we simply do not have much to fear about whether we have food on the tables for the next meal, we probably need to fear whether we have the time to sit and eat our meals. Food security however, is affected by a few factors such as physical, economic, socio-political and physiological. As illustrated in one of the presentations, climate change drastically affects food security per se. We are definitely affected by climate change in almost every aspect of our lives. But as humans, we can think of ways and technology to help curb such possible problems and one of such is using technology eg. The wema project for Africa. It is interesting to see how firms invent new technology that is resistant to droughts, avoiding imminent problems to the crops that farmers grow.
Another observation I found interesting during class was the extensiveness of genetically modified foods. I haven’t really realised how large a part that GM foods have been part of our world since the 1990s. And how we have actually eaten them at some parts of our lives even though we might not know it, take for example kiwis. And GM foods usually are better, in the sense that they may have higher vitamin content, protein, are technically more nutritious. However, more importantly is that it can solve the problem of limited food supply especially in this times where the sustainability of foods is at a risk and GM foods can help to solve the above problem to a certain extent, by ensuring that people have sources to turn to and look for.
Subsequently, prof also talked about the different colours of technology, ranging from blue to red to white to green etc, I’m sure the list goes on but it sure is a whole range and aspect of how technology is used in our society these days.
Issues I wished had been given some airtime or discussion as part of the class was that of environmental life sciences technology because it hadn’t been very much addressed in the presentations etc. I feel that waste management is pretty important especially in our context and the kind of lives we lead, there is definitely a lot to the area of waste management that we can look into and how we can help the Earth or ways in which we can.
Overall, I feel the lesson was quite interesting as we explored in what ways are we affected by environmental and other factors and then how people harness technology to turn things around to help ourselves. I’d rate it a 8 out of 10 :)
One of the interesting observations that I had today was what food security is. It is a condition where all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life. It is safe to say that we are food secure, we simply do not have much to fear about whether we have food on the tables for the next meal, we probably need to fear whether we have the time to sit and eat our meals. Food security however, is affected by a few factors such as physical, economic, socio-political and physiological. As illustrated in one of the presentations, climate change drastically affects food security per se. We are definitely affected by climate change in almost every aspect of our lives. But as humans, we can think of ways and technology to help curb such possible problems and one of such is using technology eg. The wema project for Africa. It is interesting to see how firms invent new technology that is resistant to droughts, avoiding imminent problems to the crops that farmers grow.
Another observation I found interesting during class was the extensiveness of genetically modified foods. I haven’t really realised how large a part that GM foods have been part of our world since the 1990s. And how we have actually eaten them at some parts of our lives even though we might not know it, take for example kiwis. And GM foods usually are better, in the sense that they may have higher vitamin content, protein, are technically more nutritious. However, more importantly is that it can solve the problem of limited food supply especially in this times where the sustainability of foods is at a risk and GM foods can help to solve the above problem to a certain extent, by ensuring that people have sources to turn to and look for.
Subsequently, prof also talked about the different colours of technology, ranging from blue to red to white to green etc, I’m sure the list goes on but it sure is a whole range and aspect of how technology is used in our society these days.
Issues I wished had been given some airtime or discussion as part of the class was that of environmental life sciences technology because it hadn’t been very much addressed in the presentations etc. I feel that waste management is pretty important especially in our context and the kind of lives we lead, there is definitely a lot to the area of waste management that we can look into and how we can help the Earth or ways in which we can.
Overall, I feel the lesson was quite interesting as we explored in what ways are we affected by environmental and other factors and then how people harness technology to turn things around to help ourselves. I’d rate it a 8 out of 10 :)
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
BioBusiness Revolution: Healthcare and Biomedical Sciences
Biobusiness is commercial activity based on an understanding of life sciences and life science processes. It has and is an integral part of human life, dealing with areas such as biomedical, agri-veterinary, environmental and industrial. The presentations and slides showed the class a greater insight into the pharmaceutical industry in Singapore and developing countries and mainly, the technology in the area of healthcare. We learnt more how technology has affected the pharmaceutical industry and how it has advanced.
Few of the observations i found interesting was how healthcare systems have transformed and changed according to times. Moving on from disease-oriented healthcare systems from the past to the wellness-oriented healthcare systems presently, it has indeed faced a profound change according to how people’s mindsets and cultures have evolved over the times. As we move into a more advanced times, people are moved to expect, and then to take precautions to prevent possible health problems.
The key takeaways of the lesson is that the BioBusiness revolution will transform our life and economies- in the areas of improving our standard of living, our possible life expectancy and the overall quality of the healthcare system and ensuring that we the best standards of treatment. Hence this very fact itself transforms our life in an aspect that has a direct impact on our lives. For without life, there would not be even a need for people to transform and create more technology. Without health, all the possibilities of how technology can affect or help the human race would be essentially of no use. Also, the BioBusiness revolution indeed is a transformer of the economy because of the very effects that it can bring to the economies and how people require healthcare and biomedical sciences in any aspect of their lives they are at and even more so in the future.
Secondly, is that BioBusiness may well be our best hope in achieving sustainable development. Apart from industrial development as covered in the lesson a few weeks back, the BioBusiness revolution is an integral part of innovation management. Not only do doctors or scientists have to research on how to improve on their existing processes or methods of surgery, there is a need to continue innovating and create substantial breakthroughs in the medical fields and helping other countries with their valuable findings.
Issues that I wished had taken some airtime during class, is on the biomedical aspect of BioBusiness, it would definitely have allowed me to have a greater understanding of the BioBusiness per se.
I’d rate the lesson a 8 out of 10 because I do feel that I have gained a substantial knowledge of how technology affects the medical arena and a greater detail into what BioBusiness is essentially about.
Biobusiness is commercial activity based on an understanding of life sciences and life science processes. It has and is an integral part of human life, dealing with areas such as biomedical, agri-veterinary, environmental and industrial. The presentations and slides showed the class a greater insight into the pharmaceutical industry in Singapore and developing countries and mainly, the technology in the area of healthcare. We learnt more how technology has affected the pharmaceutical industry and how it has advanced.
Few of the observations i found interesting was how healthcare systems have transformed and changed according to times. Moving on from disease-oriented healthcare systems from the past to the wellness-oriented healthcare systems presently, it has indeed faced a profound change according to how people’s mindsets and cultures have evolved over the times. As we move into a more advanced times, people are moved to expect, and then to take precautions to prevent possible health problems.
The key takeaways of the lesson is that the BioBusiness revolution will transform our life and economies- in the areas of improving our standard of living, our possible life expectancy and the overall quality of the healthcare system and ensuring that we the best standards of treatment. Hence this very fact itself transforms our life in an aspect that has a direct impact on our lives. For without life, there would not be even a need for people to transform and create more technology. Without health, all the possibilities of how technology can affect or help the human race would be essentially of no use. Also, the BioBusiness revolution indeed is a transformer of the economy because of the very effects that it can bring to the economies and how people require healthcare and biomedical sciences in any aspect of their lives they are at and even more so in the future.
Secondly, is that BioBusiness may well be our best hope in achieving sustainable development. Apart from industrial development as covered in the lesson a few weeks back, the BioBusiness revolution is an integral part of innovation management. Not only do doctors or scientists have to research on how to improve on their existing processes or methods of surgery, there is a need to continue innovating and create substantial breakthroughs in the medical fields and helping other countries with their valuable findings.
Issues that I wished had taken some airtime during class, is on the biomedical aspect of BioBusiness, it would definitely have allowed me to have a greater understanding of the BioBusiness per se.
I’d rate the lesson a 8 out of 10 because I do feel that I have gained a substantial knowledge of how technology affects the medical arena and a greater detail into what BioBusiness is essentially about.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
ICT
Information and communication technologies (ICT) has indeed changed the landscape of countries- in the areas of environment, economic and even socially. Through the lesson, I have come to realise the vast impact of ICT and how effective its role is in our society. It is definitely a key element of infrastructure in many areas of an economy, such as the increasing a company’s competitiveness and network. It then goes on to how people are able to acquire the vital data which they would be able to utilise such information and applying them as knowledge eventually spurs the company’s competiveness in the market. This is a small area of how ICT can impact the economy and the list goes on.
One of the things I have learnt through the lesson is “cloud computing”. Cloud computing is an Internet-based technology through which information is stored in servers and provided as an on-demand service to clients. Cloud computing is interesting because it serves as a very convenient and advantageous technology for all to utilise because it is easily accessible as long as one has internet connection. As seen in the EU countries, the impact of cloud computing is obvious, with its increases in GDP and positive economic impacts with increases in job creations, framework and in the competitive conditions in the goods markets that create the conditions for rapid business creation. However, the impact of cloud computing too, has to depend on the rate in which countries and companies decide to undertake such technology.
Also, one of the other things I have learnt is how ICT can impact environmental sustainability. Having always thought that both technology and environmentalism are vastly different aspects, I have learnt how technology can improve environmental sustainability. From assessing emission levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other toxic substances and measuring success rates to telling us where we stand and what is the ideal state to be in, technology helps us step into a safer tomorrow. There is indeed, much to what companies can take action to do, to help preserve Mother Earth.
The key takeaways of today’s lesson were mainly on the pervasiveness of technology and the broad scope of impact it has on societies. And that only if countries were to undertake it within their fastest possible means, such technology would be deemed as redundant. The fact is, that technology would never cease advancing and changing and we need to keep up with it, we need to have the right policies in place that keeps and spurs companies into keeping up with the advancements and change when there is a need to.
Stuff that I hoped had a little more airtime is that of cloud computing. About how the effects of cloud computing was and what it was in a little more detail because I didn’t exactly understand how it worked then!
Overall, I felt the lesson was an enriching one, as it reminded me not only on the effects of what technology can help our society but also increasing my knowledge overall. I’d rate it a 8 out of 10.
One of the things I have learnt through the lesson is “cloud computing”. Cloud computing is an Internet-based technology through which information is stored in servers and provided as an on-demand service to clients. Cloud computing is interesting because it serves as a very convenient and advantageous technology for all to utilise because it is easily accessible as long as one has internet connection. As seen in the EU countries, the impact of cloud computing is obvious, with its increases in GDP and positive economic impacts with increases in job creations, framework and in the competitive conditions in the goods markets that create the conditions for rapid business creation. However, the impact of cloud computing too, has to depend on the rate in which countries and companies decide to undertake such technology.
Also, one of the other things I have learnt is how ICT can impact environmental sustainability. Having always thought that both technology and environmentalism are vastly different aspects, I have learnt how technology can improve environmental sustainability. From assessing emission levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other toxic substances and measuring success rates to telling us where we stand and what is the ideal state to be in, technology helps us step into a safer tomorrow. There is indeed, much to what companies can take action to do, to help preserve Mother Earth.
The key takeaways of today’s lesson were mainly on the pervasiveness of technology and the broad scope of impact it has on societies. And that only if countries were to undertake it within their fastest possible means, such technology would be deemed as redundant. The fact is, that technology would never cease advancing and changing and we need to keep up with it, we need to have the right policies in place that keeps and spurs companies into keeping up with the advancements and change when there is a need to.
Stuff that I hoped had a little more airtime is that of cloud computing. About how the effects of cloud computing was and what it was in a little more detail because I didn’t exactly understand how it worked then!
Overall, I felt the lesson was an enriching one, as it reminded me not only on the effects of what technology can help our society but also increasing my knowledge overall. I’d rate it a 8 out of 10.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
drivers of change and leadership management
The themes that we touched on in class in today are very relevant in our modern day society. Without the drivers of change in our dynamic and progressive society, there is no way any company or country can survive and keep up to competition. There is definitely a need for people to ensure that they are equipped to not only be a leader of change but also being flexible to responding and reacting to changes. This is so because there is a wide array of world changes ranging from climate to new technologies, to demographics, to governance, to health and well-being, to resources and the list goes on and on. People need to hinge on the fact that there is definitely a need to be flexible and make things happen.
One of the few ideas that have caught my attention was how plagues and epidemics such as the Dark Ages/Renaissance, Spanish Flu and even SARS or the H1N1 which are closer to home, are drivers of world change. We have to be alert of such problems and take necessary precautions to ensure that our country would not suffer as a result of any of these epidemics because Singapore already has a relatively small population and such problems would prove disadvantageous and possibly a disastrous effect on our economy and even the people’s morale.
Few of the main ideas that I intend to keep in mind is that yes, despite it being important that we should be drivers if change, we need to always keep in mind the need for us to respond quickly to new innovations or changes. We should have the adaptability to change before we can rise up above and to think of new changes that we can make eventually.
Furthermore, in our society, change is the only constant. Frameworks and organisations don’t change but people, and the way people manage things can change. In fact, I feel the modern approach is indeed a useful approach in encouraging people to have continuous monitoring and renewal of their leadership management in terms of managing their companies or the other aspect of innovation. As such, it sets out a clear direction and purpose for its employees, setting a goal and an expectation for workers to live up to.
Indeed, as stated in the video that we watched during class, it takes great courage for the first follower to start following. I feel this is very relevant and true because it does take something out of a person to be a follower and even more so, something that the leader possesses to become a leader. I feel that this issue does have something discussable as we could define and explore what it takes to be someone who can spot who is worth following and what causes people to follow.
Overall, I feel that this lesson is one that is very relevant in our society, essential in our decision makings and it defines what needs to be done so to become a driver of change or even managing the change. An applicable lesson, I’d rate it a 8/10 :)
One of the few ideas that have caught my attention was how plagues and epidemics such as the Dark Ages/Renaissance, Spanish Flu and even SARS or the H1N1 which are closer to home, are drivers of world change. We have to be alert of such problems and take necessary precautions to ensure that our country would not suffer as a result of any of these epidemics because Singapore already has a relatively small population and such problems would prove disadvantageous and possibly a disastrous effect on our economy and even the people’s morale.
Few of the main ideas that I intend to keep in mind is that yes, despite it being important that we should be drivers if change, we need to always keep in mind the need for us to respond quickly to new innovations or changes. We should have the adaptability to change before we can rise up above and to think of new changes that we can make eventually.
Furthermore, in our society, change is the only constant. Frameworks and organisations don’t change but people, and the way people manage things can change. In fact, I feel the modern approach is indeed a useful approach in encouraging people to have continuous monitoring and renewal of their leadership management in terms of managing their companies or the other aspect of innovation. As such, it sets out a clear direction and purpose for its employees, setting a goal and an expectation for workers to live up to.
Indeed, as stated in the video that we watched during class, it takes great courage for the first follower to start following. I feel this is very relevant and true because it does take something out of a person to be a follower and even more so, something that the leader possesses to become a leader. I feel that this issue does have something discussable as we could define and explore what it takes to be someone who can spot who is worth following and what causes people to follow.
Overall, I feel that this lesson is one that is very relevant in our society, essential in our decision makings and it defines what needs to be done so to become a driver of change or even managing the change. An applicable lesson, I’d rate it a 8/10 :)
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
innovation management and sustainability
We touched on two topics in the third lesson of TWC, firstly on technology and industrial development and specifically on how both aspects are heading towards sustainability. Secondly, we also addressed the issue of innovation management and how there is a need for innovation into existing and available or new technologies.
One of the observations made was that creating new cyclical business and industrial models driven by sustainability present an opportunity for innovation, growth and value creation that promises to bring both economic and environmental well-being. Hence, other than ensuring that we do not reduce the amount of options for our future generations but also, humans do have much to gain from the creation of these technologies, benefitting economically.
Also, while there might be certain trade-offs in industrial development versus the use of sustainability or the need for sustainability, i feel that there is a need for companies or countries to conduct such research or precautions. When these organisations carry out such a research, there would be an eventual benefit that they will enjoy usually in the long run, with lesser costs due to lesser resources needed or the fact that they might be able to sell off their patented technology if proven successful. Hence in this aspect I feel that the government has much to play and they could spearhead such research via sponsoring these companies or providing incentives to companies who are researching in such an area.
Few of the takeaway points are that despite the long and tedious work of innovation and having to go through the processes of research, development, application, we need to realise the importance of conducting such research. However in the research and development process, companies do need to exercise wisdom into creating a balance for their employees to have space to think, create and innovate then again, there’s also a need to reinforce certain supervision to ensure that people do not misuse their advantage. The entire process might not entirely be clear cut and could probably differ from company to company.
Overall I think sufficient points were raised up in class and I found it an interactive and thought-enriching one, reminding us the importance of sustainability and managing innovation to that the Earth can sustain itself for our future generations. So I’d rate the session a 7 out of 10.
One of the observations made was that creating new cyclical business and industrial models driven by sustainability present an opportunity for innovation, growth and value creation that promises to bring both economic and environmental well-being. Hence, other than ensuring that we do not reduce the amount of options for our future generations but also, humans do have much to gain from the creation of these technologies, benefitting economically.
Also, while there might be certain trade-offs in industrial development versus the use of sustainability or the need for sustainability, i feel that there is a need for companies or countries to conduct such research or precautions. When these organisations carry out such a research, there would be an eventual benefit that they will enjoy usually in the long run, with lesser costs due to lesser resources needed or the fact that they might be able to sell off their patented technology if proven successful. Hence in this aspect I feel that the government has much to play and they could spearhead such research via sponsoring these companies or providing incentives to companies who are researching in such an area.
Few of the takeaway points are that despite the long and tedious work of innovation and having to go through the processes of research, development, application, we need to realise the importance of conducting such research. However in the research and development process, companies do need to exercise wisdom into creating a balance for their employees to have space to think, create and innovate then again, there’s also a need to reinforce certain supervision to ensure that people do not misuse their advantage. The entire process might not entirely be clear cut and could probably differ from company to company.
Overall I think sufficient points were raised up in class and I found it an interactive and thought-enriching one, reminding us the importance of sustainability and managing innovation to that the Earth can sustain itself for our future generations. So I’d rate the session a 7 out of 10.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
TWC lesson 2 (:
We delved in the aspects of global dominance of a country and how technology plays a part in influencing it as we explored what qualities or characteristics would attribute to a rising, dominant or falling country. Secondly we explored how technology affects human development thus allowing us to gain a greater understanding of ourselves, our capabilities. On the other aspect, on how technology can also have detrimental effects on the human development.
“Unless you’re open to getting information from outside, you’re likely to get isolated and hence less likely to rise up the social ladder and emerge tops.” I feel this aptly explains the need for countries to avoid being self-satisfied but rather, be radical to changes and welcome new technologies to accelerate their growth and global dominance. Indeed, change is inevitable and necessary; the transition process may be often difficult and painful for some. Yet despite the paradox faced, there is a need for many, in fact majority of countries to undergo such a situation.
We watched a YouTube video on Achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and its proved that despite the various improvements, developments and advancements of any developed or developing countries, poverty rates are still ever increasing. Infant and pregnancy mortality rates do not decrease despite the advancements in medical technology. People are still surviving in slums despite developments on infrastructure throughout the times. Shocking statistics of what the world is still undergoing was reflected to us through the video and what caught me thinking was, “why was it so?” Perhaps we humans have been so caught up in the rat race, striving to become better while leaving these developing countries behind when they have lesser chances and opportunities to help themselves. We have been too busy and self-centred in helping ourselves that we have neglected what these technologies was created for, which ultimately, was to aid humans and developments.
I hoped that this topic was discussed to a greater detail in class as we could have explored the reasons as to why the developing countries are not exactly improving as rapidly as the developed ones are and whether it was the issue of the developed countries or the developing countries that cause the widening gap or was it due to the lack of the transfer of technology from the developing countries. This would enable us to understand the reasons for global dominance of certain countries.
Overall I felt the lesson was very informative especially in all the three presentations so I’d rate the lesson a 7 out of 10!
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
First TWC lesson :)
Today’s lesson on technology and world change addressed mainly the issues of how technology affects civilizations and how technology can potentially impact human health, as we discussed the probable effects of technology on the human race.
Few of the things I remember was the video of Guns, Germs and Steel of Jared Diamonds on his quest to uncover the roots of inequality in Papua New Guinea. The main point of the video, was a statement from a New Guinean to Jared Diamonds,” why you white men have so much cargo and we New Guineans have so little.”
No, it was not an issue regarding race. Instead it was a question that had set Jared Diamonds, pondering on why and what had caused the US economy to be richer or having more cargo as compared to the New Guinean economy. And he discovered that it was the use of technology. The technological improvements that have continually been taking place in US and they were able to harness the use of technology that spurred their economy to flourish and climb up the economic ladder.
Also something that caught my attention was the effect of technology on the physical landscape of countries. As seen in the video, Papua New Guinea is a country with vast wildlife and greenery whereas countries like Singapore for eg. are mainly bound by roads, lights and buildings.Technology does affect the physial landscape of a country immensely.
One take home point of this is that people are after all, in a technological race, in a bid overtake, advance or outdo others. Even though the New Guineans live vastly different lives as compared to the US, they too desire and demand for “more cargo” and this largely would require the use of technology.
Another takeaway from this lesson was with regards to the probable effects of the human race, physically. There are various reasons to how or what the human race would become as depicted during the session but what I think really affects the physical size of humans depend on the people themselves. Technology should not be the reason as to why humans could potentially become obese but it is the onus of the people to exercise or eat healthily.
Lastly we watched a video on ted.com regarding a comparison between developed and less developed countries and how various countries have fared over the last decades. It would have been great if we had some airtime regarding this issue and discuss on why countries can continue to sustain itself in the long run and how they have managed to do so.
Finally, I would rate the session a 7 out of 10 because I think the session was not only interactive but thought-provoking as we also watched informative videos and discussed about the issues regarding technology that really had set the pace for future lessons!
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