As mentioned in previous posts, I actually knew very little about Singapore in general prior to the announcement of the Great Singapore Adventure. Everyone seemed shocked as to how Singapore could possibly implement an outdoor education program in such a small environment, but I didn’t truly understand up until we actually got there where I could see for myself why outdoor education seemed an unlikely fit. Nevertheless, outdoor education exists quite strongly in Singapore and it definitely shares some observable similarities to the outdoor education we have in Australia. There are however, also some notable differences between the two that offer different outcomes potentially more relevant to the national interests of the countries.
All posts by Jward93
Knowledge isn’t everything.
Immediately after reading our groups’ (Kara, Will, Kieryn and Myself) facilitation task I thought “What’s a Pulau Ubin?” and “Which cultural precincts do we explore?” I found it difficult to wrap my head around conducting an entire day’s worth of events in a faraway land having never even been outside the country before, it was all a little bit daunting. Naturally having no idea about the place or culture, I researched, and I learnt about the place to the point where I believed I could impart some lasting knowledge on my peers, awesome!
Connecting through ICT
Never in my life have I been more aware of how technology dependent we are. Sure, I knew that technology dependence is something that all developed nations are dealing with and that it is just as big in Melbourne or Sydney, but for some reason I have noticed it here. Maybe it is due to the hundreds of people I have seen engaged by their devices on the SMRT, or even the ones that attempt to walk around while watching their favourite shows (Yes that’s you lady who ran into me on the escalator)! Or perhaps it is due to the fact that the majority of our transport around the city has been zipping around in a fast, automatic subway. Whatever the reason, I have noticed, and I can’t help but wonder the potential for Information Communication Technology to increase the potential for development of others in Outdoor Education.
Be Water, My Friend
Kara, Kieryn, Will and I were charged with facilitating an exploration around Pulau Ubin by bike and exploring the cultural precincts within Singapore. Our days’ worth of facilitation was broken into two half day blocks, which were placed at different times during the trip. In the lead up, conducting and post- session there were areas that we could have improved on as a group, and some things we did well.
And Not to Yield
I distinctly remember thinking “what an interesting phrase to include in a mission statement” as we were watching videos about the history of Outward Bound Singapore. “And not to yield”, isn’t that implied in a program like this? Sure it is important but does it really need to be expressly written in the statement? Is there a more important outcome that could be in its place?
Of two minds
Singapore prides itself on being the Garden City, and true to its reputation it has plenty of natural spaces scattered throughout the city. I can’t help but notice how different these natural places are to Australia though. In a way I am of two minds, one comparing how Singapore’s nature differs to that of Australia and one trying to understand how Singaporeans see and interact with these natural places. Through my experience over the last week and a half I have been able to see how both locals and tourists interact with spaces such as Bukit Timah, the Green Corridor, Gardens by the Bay, the Super Trees and the Singapore Botanic Gardens.
Land reclamation, a blessing and a curse.
I’ve found it difficult to consolidate my thoughts on this particular issue in a way that provides a balanced perspective of both sides, but to start off I’d like to say that I understand. I understand the tremendous growth that Singapore has experienced with the development into being the economic hub that it has become. I understand that being one of the smallest countries in the world, land viable for infrastructure is more valuable than anything, and I understand that there appears to be no simple fix that only has positive implications.
The Ferrari and the Hawker Centre.
The Pasir Panjang Hawker Centre has been our little haven for delicious cultural dishes, nice and close to our accommodation. While I was eating dinner there, I noticed a young child sleeping on a chair and the way they were set up led me to believe that it was a regular thing and Mum and Dad were perhaps working in the Hawker Centre. The thing I have noticed about the people at the Hawker Centres is firstly, they are very friendly and secondly, they work very hard for long periods in tough cramped conditions.