2 Francis English Class Blog

What Will I Will Defend By Ivan Tan (30)

2009-08-23T21:48:00.000-07:00

I will defend my family as, when i was young, they cared for me rised me up and protected me from danger. Whenever there is danger, they will protect me and therefore i would do the same as they are my family.
I will also defend my friends as, they have developed a good friendship with me over the years that i have been with them. All these years with them has brought me joy and happiness, therefore i will protect them.
Lastly I will defend my country as, it is a the place where i was born and thanks to my country that has good relationships with other country so that war does not happen here and therefore i would protect it with my life

What Will I Defend By Ivan Tan (30)

2009-08-23T07:03:00.000-07:00

I will defend my family as, when i was young, they cared for me rised me up and protected me from danger. Whenever there is danger, they will protect me and therefore i would do the same as they are my family.
I will also defend my friends as, they have developed a good friendship with me over the years that i have been with them. All these years with them has brought me joy and happiness, therefore i will protect them.
Lastly I will defend my country as, it is a the place where i was born and thanks to my country that has good relationships with other country so that the country is save and war will not happen. I am willing to sacrifice my life to protect my country as it is where i live and i will do anything to protect it.

What Will I Defend? By Isaac Poon (23)

2009-07-27T06:27:00.000-07:00

What would I protect would be my family and true friends. Why you may ask. It is because firstly, parents play an important role as it determines a child's upbringing and character. They are supportive of whatever you do physically, financially and other methods. They are also the people whom brought you up properly and healthily, showering us with love every time. They console us when we are sad. Ultimately, they do their very best to make their child satisfied and happy. We should also be grateful to our parents for bringing us up. Hence, I would protect my parents and family whenever in trouble. Secondly, I would protect my friends. Not just friends but true friends. True friends would stick by you whatever happens, they go through you thick and thin, console you when you are feeling down, sharing great times together. Now that we are teenagers, we tend to confide in our friends than our parents. Having a true friends is tons better than having many "friends" by your side or I call them as playmates where you tend to play and spend great times together with does not definitely mean that he is a true friend. True friends are priceless treasures that we should learn to appreciate. Also playing a important role as friends giving hope and happiness to one another is another reason why I would protect them during times of trouble.

What will I defend By Breton Seah

2009-07-27T00:41:00.001-07:00

I will Defend the nation, but i will defend my family,friends as their my loved ones and it will be heartbreaking for me to see my friends or family die in front of me. During time of war or any type of crisis, its important to also protect the weak as they are also a part of the nation and we cannot let them get killed. I am willing to sacrifice my life to protect my country as its my home and i will do everything to protect it.

Comment on Timothy Tan's Post - Marc Wee 2nd Post

2009-07-23T09:03:00.000-07:00

I agree with Timothy as out families, friends and country is our top priority as without any of the above, we would not be here today. I also agree on the part about our families as they have cared for us and supported us since we were born and that they will always have our backs no matter what, and we can always be sure that they will always be there for us whenever we need them. The part where Timothy talks about how friends are important to us, been there for us and our bonds with them is also very true, for example, if we go overseas for studies or business next time our friends are the ones who will be there to help us.

Comment on Joey's Entry - Jonathan Yeo (38)

2009-07-23T08:58:00.000-07:00

Firstly I would like to comment about Joey post. I agree with overall post and I think he has a point that no one had point out which is protecting the education. I find this point important because without this I don’t think anyone would ever fulfill their dreams in life as education gives us knowledge that are needed to communicate with the people from everywhere.

Secondly I would like to comment about Ming Han post. In my opinion, Ming Han say that the reason he would protect his family because they had done so much for him and giving him support to do what is best and also to raise him up into a healthy person. If it is not his parents he would not be what he is now and by raising him up into a healthy person is actually helping the country because without healthy and fit soldiers, we are unable to defend ourselves and the country in times of threat or crisis.

What will I defend - Jek Jan (32)

2009-07-23T08:25:00.001-07:00

I am Tan Jek Jan from secondary 2 Francis

In time of crisis I will defend the weak, every one who will support me, my family and most important my country.

I will not cower and hide in the shadows as my country fall I will protect my country with my very own life. It is my homeland where I am being raised from the moment I was born. All my hopes and dreams are in my homeland

I will protect my family from any harm. I will not let them suffer. As it is my duty to protect them with my life as would any person protect their own families.

I will risk my life to protect everyone whom is there to support me. As I am certain that they will risk their lives also to protect me.

These are all the things which I will defend with my life

2009-07-23T08:25:00.000-07:00

the

Joshua Chan(9) second post: comment on Japheth Ang's post

2009-07-23T08:22:00.001-07:00

I agree with Japheth that we should protect our country, family and friends. However, I believe that we do not need to be soldiers in order to protect these things, and that if one really wants to, he can bring about a difference, no matter how old he is or whatever resources he possesses.

I agree with you that protecting these things are important and, to an extent, necessary.

All the things that are mentioned in your post are things that are important to us. Also, they are things that have offered us protection, shelter, and opportunities. I feel that we should protect and defend them as gratitude for their help in our lives.

Comment on Shaun Lau's Entry-Timothy Tan (35)

2009-07-23T08:17:00.000-07:00

I agree with Shaun fully, especially about defending, protecting our environment and planet. With the earth being damaged, and not defended, we would be losing everything we once loved. Mother Earth have always been there for us and it is the place we live in. I also agree that without friends or family to care for, life would definitely be meaningless and we would be living our lives with no purposes or reasons. If our lives is meaningful, that means we have reasons for living, therefore making us wanting to go on living.

Comment on Japheth's Entry - Aden Neo (21)

2009-07-23T08:04:00.000-07:00

Japheth, I agree about the country keeping you safe and you returning the favour. I could not agree more, as that was also what i was thinking too. I also understand and correspond with the part where you said you would protect your family and friends as they mean a lot to you, guiding through your life, helping you in many ways as you move along. The thing that i disagree was that are you a soldier yet? Because you are still a secondary school student, you are attending National Service untill you reach the age of eighteen or later. Until then, you are still a student.

What Will I Defend? - Marc Wee (36)

2009-07-23T08:03:00.001-07:00

I am Marc Wee register number 36 of class 2 Francis from Maris Stella High School, and when the time comes, i will want to defend my Family, my Friends and my Country as all these are without a doubt the three most important factors in my life.

Firstly, i will definitely defend my family as they are the dearest to me and they have always been there for me. My family has also taken care of me, supported me, encouraged me and always did what was best for me. My family members have also given me a lot of fun, enjoyable,happy and joyful memories that i will never forget.

Secondly, i will defend my friends as they are the ones who help me when i have difficulty with my homework and supported me in school, my friends also help keep my work on track if i am sick and did not come to school.

Lastly, i will protect my country as it is my homeland and where i am born in and i will serve my country next time when i go to National Service (NS). Although Singapore is a very small country, it is still more developed than a lot of other countries and the streets are always safe due to Singapore's strict laws. Singapore has no natural resources but still it has managed to go through thick and thin in the past years. Singapore has truly proven to be a very independent country, that is why i want to do my part to protect my country next time.

What will I defend-Timothy Tan (35)

2009-07-23T07:55:00.000-07:00

I am Timothy Tan studying at Maris Stella High School and am currently in 2 Francis this year. In time of threat and crisis, I would defend my country, family and friends. These are without doubt my top priorities. I will not hesitate to defend my country because it is my homeland as it has provided me with opportunities to learn and to grow and succeed in life. It is the place where I grew up. It holds lots of good and unforgettable memories. I always feel in safe in Singapore, therefore I must ensure that Singapore is being defended in times of threat and crisis. I want my children to also feel safe in Singapore.

Next I would defend my family, as they are like the pillars of life supporting me from my childhood to my teenage life. They cared for me, provided me with food, a home, education and love to help me grow into strong and healthy person. My family is there for me in good times and in bad time, they keep me focus whenever I lose sight of my goals. At the end of the day, I know I can depend on my family to stand by me when I need them.

Lastly I would defend my friends as they been there for me through thick and thin. They are the ones who stood by my side and showed care and concern whenever I was feeling down. My relationship with my friends strengthens each day and I hope that this amazing bond will keep getting stronger through the years.

What will I defend? - Sylvester Tan

2009-07-23T07:03:00.000-07:00

I am Sylvester Tan Yi Shen, reg no. 29, and I am currently studying in Maris Stella High School in Secondary 2 Francis. I will venture to defend my family, friends and country whenever help is needed.

I want to protect my family as they have shown me love, concern, comfort and support. My parents have raised me up to become a good person and readied me for the world. My siblings have also been a listening ear whenever I'm down and I would like to repay them by protecting them at all costs.

My friends are important because they also encourage me and helped me in all the ways I can think of, in shapes of helping me with homework or even standing up against those who bully me.

Safeguarding my country is also what I would do because it is my home and where most of my memories origin. Singapore has also given me education, exposure and protection, the latter which I can do to repay it.

What will i defend - Yue Rui Sheng (42)

2009-07-23T06:10:00.001-07:00

Hi, I’m Yue Rui Sheng from 2F. The things that I would defend would be my friends, family and relatives.

I would definitely defend my friends, cause they are the ones who are the most important people around me. Without my friends, this world would not be so happy and fun anymore. Friends are a few of the things that are important in our everyday lives.

My family is another thing that I would defend. Without my parents supporting me and giving me encouragement, I would not be able to pass through all the obstacles that I face in life. My family is the dearest thing that I have.

Lastly, it would be my relatives. Although we only meet up on special occasions, but relatives is also part of my family tree. They are people, which my parents grew up with. Therefore, I would also defend them.

What will i defend! By:joshua leong 2F (10)

2009-07-23T05:52:00.000-07:00

I will defend my family because they are my family and they care for me and took care of me and they protected me from harm and danger when i was a kid and did not mind getting hurt just to protect me from danger.
I will defend my friends as they help me when i am in need and they are my friends and they make my life feel better and make my life more enjoyable,without them i will have less company.
Lastly i will defend my country as it is my home and the place i was born in and without it i cannot go anywhere and enjoy the delicious local food in my country , so i will even risk my life to defend my country.

What will I defend - Kevin Sutanto (21)

2009-07-23T05:28:00.000-07:00

I am Kevin Sutanto from 2F. I will defend my family because they are the one who protected me when I was still young and weak. They are also the one who help me grow and support me whenever i have problems.

I would protect my country for it is the place where I grew up in. My country provide a place for me and my family to live and this place also held many precious memories of me and my family.

I would protect my friends as they have always there when I need them.My friends make my school life even better and comfortable.

What will I defend - Lee Ming Han (15)

2009-07-23T04:57:00.001-07:00

My name is Lee Ming Han and I am currently studying in Maris Stella High School in class Secondary 2 Francis. I would strive to protect and defend my family, friends, and country in times of threat and crisis.

The reason I would protect my family is because they have done so much for me, giving me support to do what is best, raising me up into a healthy person and to groom me to become what I am today. I would protect my friends because when I am having troubles I know that I have friends to confide. Friends also encourage and cheer me up when I am in low spirits. When my life is at it’s lowest I know I have my friends that will be there for me. I would defend my country, Singapore, as this is where my home is, where I grew up and lived in for fourteen years, where my friends and family is and where all my great memories are. Singapore has also provided me with the best education she has to offer and living in Singapore has never been any safer.

I agree with Shaun Lau on protecting the environment, as without a proper and clean environment we will not be able to enjoy viewing the scenery of the beautiful garden city.

Comment on Glenn Post - Elton Seah (25)

2009-07-23T04:49:00.000-07:00

Glenn is right. we must defend each other no matter what race or religion or if we know them or not,friends or rivals as we pledge the we are "one people,one nation,one Singapore"

What will I defend - jonathan Yeo (38)

2009-07-23T04:48:00.000-07:00

I am Jonathan Yeo Jia Hao and I am currently studying in Maris Stella High School in Secondary 2 Francis. In times of threat or crisis I would defend my country, my friends and most importantly my family. I would defend my country because this is my homeland and this is where I belong; the memories, which are happy and unforgettable during my childhood, are all here. Therefore I must protect it and not let threat or crisis destroy it.

I would defend my friends regardless of their race and religion because they are the people who help me when I faced difficulties and keep motivating me when I’m at a lost or feeling upset. Hence, I must protect them and not let threat or crisis separates us.

Lastly but most importantly I would defend my family, as they are the one who provides me with education and opportunity to build a stronger bonding with my different races friends. Without them I would not have enough confidence to overcome challenging obstacles and go beyond my limit. Last but not least, they are my closest kin in the Earth therefore I must defend them.

What will I defend - Elton Seah (25)

2009-07-23T04:42:00.000-07:00

Hi I Am Elton Seah 25. I will defend my loved ones.Those i care and those who care for me. I will also defend My Country.
People like my parents show love,care and concern since the day i was born and my grandparents,aunts and uncles who keep taking care of me when i fell sick for the past 6 years. i will defend my classmates,teachers and friends who i made with as they also play a huge part in my life.
Lastly,i will protect my country,Singapore,where i was born and all the good and bads happening in this country

What will I defend? - ChanChinKiat (3)

2009-07-23T04:13:00.000-07:00

I am Chan Chin Kiat from Class 2f. I am from Maris Stella High School.

In times of crisis, I would always protect my country, Singapore, my friends and my family.

I would protect my country as it is important to me and it is the place where i grew up on. I gave me great memories and I do not want the beautiful country to be destroyed.

I would protect my family as they are always with me and supporting me in everything, whether in my studies or my life. If not because of my family, I would not be what I am now.

I would protect my friends as they are always there to help me when I need help in everything. They have fun with me and suffer with me in the same time.

So I would protect everything with all I can.

Commenting on Aden's post

2009-07-23T04:05:00.000-07:00

Aden, I completely agree with everything on you post. We must defend our loved ones as this shows gratitude. We must also defend our country because as you have said, we grew up here and have many fond memories. To defend out country and people is the righteous thing to do.

What will I defend - Japheth Ang (1)

2009-07-23T01:52:00.000-07:00

I am Japheth Ang from 2-F, my school is Maris Stella High.

In times of crisis, I would protect my family, my friends and my country.

Protecting my country is where I grew up in and I do not want the memories from this place go away as the memories have been very meaningful. As a soldier it is also my duty to defend my country from attacks. The country has kept me safe for a long time, I should return the favour by defending the people and my country.

I would protect my family as they would too protect me. They have protected me while I was helpless. They have also brought me up to become what I am now. They have helped me in time of need. My family has filled my head with happy memories.

I would protect my friends as they have been there when I was down. They were the people who accompanied me most of the time in my life. They have showed me the meaning of fun, they would do the same for me.

What Will I Defend-Glenn Teo

2009-07-23T01:05:00.000-07:00

I am Glenn Teo from Maris Stella High School. I will defend my country for it is the place where i was born. I will defend my friends as they have stood by me and helped me when i am down.

I will also defend my family as they are the ones whom i can confide in and they are the ones who give me courage to stand up again. Singapore is a place of many unforgettable memories and I will not hesitate to defend my country.

What will I defend - Tun Zen

2009-07-23T01:03:00.000-07:00

Total Defence. Every year, the education system uses propaganda methologies to brainwash students."UNITE SINGAPORE!" It is of no surprise to see the urgency in doing so. Many Singaporeans are opting to leave the country to settle in places such as Australia. It has reach a point where the Singapore Oversea Association organizes Singapore Day in other countries to encourage overseas Singaporeans to return Singapore.

Why the need to do so? Because Singapore is puny. With a population of a mere 4 million - equivalent to Melbourne CITY. The government needs everyone to feel a sense of belonging and need to defend their country. In times of trouble, we need everyone to work together to emerge from these times. They fear scholars leaving the country to development themselves in countries where there are more opportunities. Singaporeans denouncing their citizenships because of NS (which they should just cut it down to 1 year) and so on. If I were to be asked what I would defend? My answer is simple - family, friends and home. I, like many other Singaporeans, will defend wholeheartedly those I love and care for and will fight for their safety as they are important to me and I love them. In order to defend those important to us (family friends at home - which all my classmates have also said), we must work together as a country and practice the 5 pillars. And that's Total Defence - Aggregation, not seggregation.

What will I defend - Aden Neo (21)

2009-07-23T00:23:00.001-07:00

I am Aden Neo from Maris Stella High School class 2Francis. I would like to defend my homeland Singapore, my family and friends.

I would defend my homeland because this is where i grew up in. My homeland is where i live most of my life and most of my memories are kept here. This is where i want to be. My homeland has kept me safe these few years and I feel that in return should defend my country.

I would protect my family because if not for them, i would not be the person that I have grown to become. No one else has ever shown me better care than my family. I would not know what to do if i lose them.

Lastly, I will protect my friends because they have stood by me during hard times and have shown care and concern for me. My bonds with my friends have come to grow strong and we are inseparable. We gone through ups and downs together.

I would do all i can to protect them.

What will I defend? -Nicholas Kow (13)

2009-07-22T23:41:00.000-07:00

I am Nicholas Kow. I am from Maris Stella High, 2 Francis.

I would defend my country, family and friends. I will defend my country because it is where i am now and where i will be in the future. It is also where I was born so i will defend my country. I will also defend my country because it is the place that gives me my childhood and memories.

I will defend my family and friends because they are the one that teach and advise me. They are also the one that is there for me when I am feeling down or when I have problems. They will give me their support in anything that I do or what my decision is. They will also correct me if I did anything wrong or made the wrong decision.

What will I defend - Joshua Chan (9)

2009-07-22T23:13:00.000-07:00

I am Joshua Chan and I will defend my friends, family and my country, Singapore in times of need as they have all helped me in times of need. Firstly, I will defend my good friends, both old and new as they have helped me in times of need, caring and concerned for each other, and also keeping each other on the right track when we lose sight of what we want. Secondly, I will defend my family because they are the ones I can confide in, and the ones that taught me the basics of life. Lastly, I will protect my country as it is the place where I grew up and the one who gave me all the chances in order to become a better person and that, as this is my homeland, I feel that in return for all that I've been provided by this country, I should defend it.

What Will I Defend - Boven Wong(2)

2009-07-22T22:44:00.000-07:00

I am Boven Wong. I am studying in Maris Stella High School and I am in 2 Francis this year. I will defend my family, friends and my country. My friends and family have always been there for me. They support and encourage me to do my best. They are the most important people to me. I will also protect my country as it is my homeland. It is where i grew up and gained knowledge, it is also where i had unforgettable childhood memories.

What I will defend?-Leon Tay (16)

2009-07-22T22:33:00.000-07:00

I am Leon Tay Liang You. I am studying in Maris Stella High School and i am in Secondary 2 Francis this year. I would try my very best to defend my country, family and my friends. I would want to defend my country because i think that Singapore is a really good country as it provide every child with good education. I would also like to defend my family and friends as they are always there for me as whenever I have encounter problems. They would also give me the support that I need and most of all they are the people who make my life enjoyable.

What will I defend- Joey Choa(7)

2009-07-22T22:09:00.000-07:00

I am Joey Choa Shi Jie. I study in Maris Stella High School and I am in secondary 2 Francis this year. In times of threats and crisis, I would strive to protect my country, education, friends and families. The reason why I would strive to protect my country is because this is my homeland. This is the place where opportunities are given to me. This is the place where I have spent my childhood days in which I would never forget. I would protect the education because I believe that it is with this education provided for me that would lead me to realize my dreams and also the reason for the knowledge gained. Lastly, I would protect my friends and family. The reason for protecting them is because they are the ones who encourage me and give me the support that I need. They are also the ones who make life enjoyable and make it seem important. Lastly, I agree with Marcus that without teachers, we would not be able to achieve what we are able to achieve.

What will I defend?

2009-07-22T21:58:00.000-07:00

I will defend my primary school as it hold many memories, good or bad.

In my opinion, it is superior than any school that I have ever studied in. I return there every year with my primary 6 classmates, therefore it is a form of meeting up with my friends again.

What i will defend Matthew Tan

2009-07-22T21:41:00.000-07:00

I will defend my country all my family and friends. Having people who are close to you are important as they can help you in times of trouble. My friends also make life enjoyable as you can laugh and joke together. Living with out any friends would make my life meaningless.

Clement Tan Jun Wen- What will I defend

2009-07-22T20:24:00.000-07:00

I am Clement Tan Jun Wen. I am in Class 2F in Maris Stella High.

In times when there is danger, I will do my outmost to defend my family and friends. I will protect my kin because they are the ones that are closest to me. They are the ones that i spent most of my time with and those that i truly treasure the most. My family members are also the ones that give me courage, confidence and love. This are the most significant thing that one must live with. Without them, there will be no meaning to life. My presence in this family of love is the most entraining comfort i could ever get. The second that i will protect is my friends. the reason is that they give me company and warmth. they often help me with things and share with me what they have. I enjoy being with then as they know how to cherish me and guide me along.

Yeow Wei Xuan Marcus

2009-07-22T20:22:00.000-07:00

1. What do you hold most dear in life such that you would strive to protect and defend in times of threat or crisis?

2. For the above question, state three different aspects and include in your responses, why you think these specific aspects are important to you.

i will protect and defend my teacher and my friends in times of threat or crisis.
I will protect my teachers cause they have done a lot for me. Without our teachers, we will not be educated if not for the teachers. Without education, we cannot have a good future.

My friends make school enjoyable for me. Everyday when i go to school, with friends i can learn more. If i have any enquiries i can them.

What will i defend-Shaun Lau(28)

2009-07-22T20:15:00.000-07:00

I will defend my family and my country . My parents , my friends and my environment. I find that making more friends are the most important things in life . Life would be meaningless without friends or people who you care for . I will also defend the human race as if the human race is almost extinct , i will not have anybody to talk to and living will be boring . Most importantly , i feel that i should also defend ou planet, Earth as it is our only home and we cannot reverse the damage that we caused to it . We can only reduce the damage .

What will i defend - Hendrik Kwek Wei Cheng (14)

2009-07-22T19:44:00.000-07:00

I will defend my friends and families as now they are currently the most important things in my life. Without them, my life would be so boring and meaningless so it would be important to have them in my life. I would even sacrifice my life to save them.

Testing Post

2009-07-22T19:39:00.000-07:00

Testing Post

What Will I Defend - By Gregory Yeo(40) 2F

2009-07-22T19:22:00.000-07:00

I will defend my family as they are the nearest and dearest to me. They were the reason I am living now and so i will defend them with all my life. I will defend my country as it is my homeland and where i grew up in. I will also defend my friends.

Brennan's 2nd post

2009-06-30T01:57:00.000-07:00

I feel that CCTV cameras play a huge part in catching criminals as most of the times the police are not at the right place at the right time. CCTV cameras are good in a sense that they record what is happening at a crime scene or robbery. CCTV cameras are bad in a sense because if the robber is wearing a mask, and he/she takes something and covers the camera, it is useless. So i think that it is also important to have manpower as well even if the man power is lesser then the CCTV cameras. I feel that it is safer to install CCTV cameras but i think that people would not like it as it is some what like taking away their privacy and people do not like to be watched.

Brennan's 1st Comment on Elton's post which was commenting on Gregory's

2009-06-30T01:49:00.000-07:00

Elton I agree that we need to have equal man power to the cctv cameras but even if the man power is not equal to the cctv cameras, we wouldn't lose out as the main purpose of the cctv cameras are to record down the criminals movements. So, even with lesser man power, we can still catch the criminals.

Ivan Tan Blog Entry 1

2009-06-29T06:11:00.000-07:00

I think that the CCTV plays a big part in the modern industry and also it makes a living for some people around the world. Although CCTV is widely used in many countries, CCTV can also be a bad thing where people will feel uncomfortable be watched by strangers. It may also cause some people to act strangely like they "controlled" making themselves look suspicious. CCTV also need maintenance and people to spot for suspicious looking suspects. Overall i think the CCTV is a

Elton Seah 25 Commenting On Gregory Yeo's 2nd Post

2009-06-29T02:01:00.000-07:00

Gregory,If There Is Less Police AgainstOne Big Crowd Of Villans What Is The Use Of The CCTV When You Can See But Cannot Act. I Believe That There Must Be An Equal Amount Of CCTV And Manpower To Keep The Country Safe

Isaac Poon (23) Blog Entry 1

2009-06-29T02:00:00.000-07:00

Surveillance cameras have several benefits. An obvious benefit is that the police can catch criminals in the act, thus reducing crime rates. This will make the streets safer for ordinary people. A more important point is that the criminals, particularly young offenders or petty criminals will be deterred. They will not be tempted to carry out crimes, and thus society will be a lot safer. Cameras are also cost-effective and unobtrusive. Authorities do not need to spend large amounts of money on police.

However, security cameras are far from being a perfect solution. A surveillance camera and privacy can never go hand-in-hand. This is due to the fact that the use of hidden cameras is considered by many an intrusion into their privacy and private space. Many people feel that they should be free to travel or move around a shop, mall, street or country without being photographed or recorded. They feel that being watched constantly is like being in jail, and that the ordinary people are losing their freedom because of those devices. Doesn’t an individual have a right to privacy? Another point is that although the police claim that only criminals have something to fear from these cameras, many people do not trust governments with too much information. Corrupt authorities could use information in the wrong way or twist it to victimize some groups. Thirdly, cameras and computers can make mistakes.

In conclusion, although there are definite advantages to using surveillance cameras, we need to balance the need for security with respect for the individual’s privacy and freedom.

Gregory Yeo(40) 2nd entry (commenting on Shaun Lau's 2nd entry which is commenting on Kevin's entry)

2009-06-29T00:50:00.000-07:00

Shaun, I do not agree with you in saying that there should be the same number of police. With the CCTV cameras, there is no need for many police to be patrolling the area as the CCTVs will alert the police headquarters if there is any crime going on and they in turn will alert the police in the area. Although some police will still be needed, their main purpose would be to apprehend criminals, so, less police will be need.

Matthew Tan(31) comment on Marc's 1st post

2009-06-28T23:36:00.000-07:00

I agree that CCTV plays a great role in security as they can protect places like shopping malls where robberies occur very often. However for people to hack the system could be very easy as they might not put so many security guards on duty cause they think the shopping mall is safe enough with the CCTV. As for the blind spots the police should be able to put camera's in a certain angle so that they cover most of the shop.

Kenko Tan(33) 1st entry

2009-06-28T17:38:00.000-07:00

I think that the cctv surveillance cameras are very important especially in the United States where the terrorists target very often. I personally do not think the citizens would mind them being under surveillance as they also worry about their safety too. Furthermore, the surveillance cameras are not positioned at places which invades people's privacy but at the more public places where crimes are more likely to happen. The government specifically set-up the cameras in such a way where the cameras can be seen by the public. This way, terrorists would avoid attacking those places under surveillace. From the way i see it, A prevention is better than a cure

Timothy Tan (35) 3rd Entry, Comment on Joshua Leong's Entry

2009-06-28T06:42:00.000-07:00

I feel that Joshua could have provided more examples of advantages and disadvantages on the use of CCTVs. His write up is brief and could go into more detail. I disagree with his opinion that because Singapore is a small country there is no need to install more CCTVs, criminals are getting more innovative and daring these days in committing crimes and the Police force cannot be everywhere so the CCTVs are additional “eyes and ears” plus just being seeing a CCTV is sometimes a deterrent to the small time criminals.

Timothy Tan (35) 2nd Entry, Comment On Sylvester's Entry

2009-06-28T06:38:00.000-07:00

I think that the example given by Sylvester is a good one because without the footage captured by the surveillance cameras in the store, the culprits may have escaped before police can get the full picture of what had happened and the time taken to solve the crime might have taken longer.

However besides retails stores, he should emphasize that CCTVs must be strategically placed in key public areas like at the airports, ferry terminals, customs to look out for would be criminals – like wanted persons, drug smugglers or terrorist trying to get in and out of Singapore. Take the case of Mas Selamat, he knew that all exits out of Singapore would be watched so he decided to take a boat out to Johor where he managed to escape capture for quite some time. I feel that Sylvester did really not emphasize the importance of have CCTVs for cases like this. I also think that he could have given more examples of advantages in addition to the one he wrote on.

Kevin Sutanto(12) 2nd entry,comment on Timothy Tan's entry

2009-06-28T05:53:00.000-07:00

I agree with timothy. When there are already CCTVs all around people will think that their are already safe and usually let their guard down. We do not know when crime will happen. CCTVs will just lower the crime rate,but it doesn't mean that there will be no crime will take place. Therefore,People have to still be careful when they are outside.

Joshua Leong's 2nd entry (comment on Glenn's post)

2009-06-28T05:14:00.000-07:00

I agree with Glenn that if a lot of CCTVs are installed it will cost a lot of money and public will not feel secure as policemen may be listening to their private conversation however , i disagree that the CCTVs can be hacked as the cameras are mostly in public and important places such as the bank,so there will be people around so it is hard to hack the CCTVs.Policemen can patrol around places with little CCTVs such as neighbourhood areas and citizens should also do their part to prevent crime by reporting to police if they witnessed any robbery or someone commiting a crime.

Hendrik Kwek (14) 2nd Entry, Comment on Joey Choa Entry

2009-06-28T04:57:00.000-07:00

I disagree with Joey on the part where he said that it prevents loan shark from causing trouble at people home. Cause if it happened in Singapore and if it is a HDB flat on the highest floor, they will not be able to see as they cannot probably install a camera on each floor of the HDB so it will not necessary prevent the loan shark from causing trouble. Another point is that what if the terrorist hid a bomb behind some wall where the CCT surveillance will not be able to capture, what will happen? No one will know and it will just explode. So the CCT surveillance may be deemed as useless at some point as they may not be able to capture each part of the street and will not be able to help the police in anyway.

Glenn Teo (34)2nd entry, comment on Shaun's entry

2009-06-28T04:19:00.000-07:00

I agree with shaun to using CCTVs as a way to lower the crime rate in Singapore. However, if CCTVs are really to be installed everywhere, the cost of the CCTVs would be a large amount of money. Even if there are CCTVs everywhere, the majority of the public will not feel secure as the police may be listening to their private conversations. There should be some policemen who will stand guard near the CCTVs as some hackers might try to hack into the CCTV and use it for improper means. Like shaun has said, it can be used as a way to capture on film robbers in action and used to catch them.

Shaun Lau(28) Second Entry(Comment on Kevin Sutanto's entry)

2009-06-26T23:46:00.000-07:00

In Kevin's entry,he states that there wil be less police patrolling the area.In my opinion.even though there are CCT security cameras installed almost everywhere,the number of policemen patrolling the city would not be decreased.I feel that they should have the same number of policemen in the area,as when the CCT cameras detect someone or something suspicious,they would still need several policemen to take action and do the job.

Leon Tay (16) 2nd Entry comment on GIrvan Chek's Entry

2009-06-26T20:12:00.000-07:00

I agree with Girvan that there are many advantages to the CCT Surveillance cameras. However, not every part of the world would install the CCT Surveillance cameras. Thus if there is a crime happening now, and if the CCT Surveillance camera is facing the other direction, the crime would not be taken down. All in all, I agree with Girvan and I believe that the CCT Surveillance cameras is at our advantage and i believe that it would keep us safe.

Yeow Wei Xuan Marcus's second entry on Leon Tay's entry

2009-06-26T02:21:00.000-07:00

My first point that i want to comment on Leon's post that the videos recorded can be used as evidence. Videos recorded by the CCT cameras will be more trustable than witnesses as the witness can twist their side of the story but as for the videos, it is dead. Everything recorded is most of the time what it looks like, there is no other side to the story.

My second Point is about the point that Leon stated which involves the cost of the CCT survellience cameras. He said that it would not cost much. That statement contradicted my first blog entry where i said that it would cost a lot as it includes maintenance and servicing but ultimately,the cost of the CCT survellience cameras is nothing compared to the safety of the people.

Joey Choa (7) 2nd entry, comment on Hendrik's entry

2009-06-25T01:07:00.000-07:00

I do not agree with Hendrik that the installation of CCT surveillance will intrude into people's privacy as these CCT surveillance are installed in public places such as in the shopping malls and by the roadside. Since, the CCT surveillance are installed at such places, I do not see how it would intrude into people's privacy. First of all, I do not think that people will do private matters in the eyes of the public. Second of all, the purpose for the installation of the CCT surveillance is to help the authorities apprehend the criminals and to enable them to keep a watchful eye over the things that are happening. I would also think that the authorities would not bother much over people's actions if it is not wrong under the eyes of the law. I would think that the chances of the authorities intruding into people's privacy will be rather low as the chances of them being corrupted should be rather low. I would think that to them their utmost duty will to ensure the safety of our country.

Lee Ming Han (15), 2nd Entry, Comment on Joshua Leong's Entry.

2009-06-24T08:01:00.000-07:00

I agree with what my fellow classmate, Joshua Leong, have said in his entry. Joshua said that the use of CCTV Surveillance watches over the town or city and criminals can be caught easily. It also serves as an evidence that the criminals had acted foolishly. With this in mind, the criminals will think twice before acting, thus decreasing the crime rate. I however disagree that we can identify the criminals just from the CCTV surveillance, as this really depends where these cameras are installed at, and how good it is in terms of the quality and how far it can zoom. If an owner decides to install cheap CCTVs, identifying criminals will not be that easy.

I disagree that Singapore should not install CCTVs. Even though Singapore is a small country compared to The Big Apple, New York, Singapore's crime rate may also be lower than New York. However, we Singaporeans cannot take things for granted and forget about all these safety precautions. As the saying goes, "Prevention is better than cure", therefore we should actually implement the CCTV Surveillance idea to furthermore bring down the crime rate. I also disagree that the CCTVs should only be placed in banks and important places as mentioned by Joshua. Even though Singapore may be small, we have a large and fearful Police Force that strikes fear to many thieves, and thus many thefts and crimes are mostly committed in the heartlands such as household flats and under the void decks of flats, many break-ins are also common within the private estates as well. Therefore the CCTVs installed in banks are usually there to frighten off and prevent bank robberies. With this said, CCTV Surveillance should be installed around flats and under void decks, not only focusing the banks, as there are many reported cases where loan sharks vandalise the public lifts,neighbours flats and the walls of the void deck.

Joshua Leong

2009-06-24T04:55:00.000-07:00

The advantages of CCTV surveillance is it watches over the town or city and criminals can be caught easily.The CCTV provides identification of criminals and evidence on what they did.If the criminal knows that there are CCTV cameras at certain location they will try not to commit a crime there which therefore decreases the crime rate.
The disadvantages of CCTV surveillance is some people might not be trying to commit a crime but they look suspicious so they might be mistaken for criminals.
I don't think that there is a need for singapore to step up on CCTV surveillance as Singapore is a small country and the crime rate is not as bad as New York.Some cameras can be placed around banks and important places.

Nicholas Kow (13), 2nd Entry, Comment on Girvan Chek's Entry

2009-06-23T08:27:00.000-07:00

I agree that CCTVs can keep law and order in the society but not everyone should be viewed upon as criminals and be watched over by the police and authorities. Although CCTVs can help catch criminals and murderers easily and protect certain important areas in a country, it may invade into the privacy of others and cause unhappiness. Furthermore, the people must be reassured that taxpayers money is put into good use by ensuring CCTVs installed are fully operating and not simply acting as scarecrows to scare away criminals. I agree that some extent of privacy should be compromised so as to ensure the security and safety of the people so long as the government has some sort of safeguards in place if the CCTVs do not work. The police force should still be ready to tackle any sort of crime acts and maintain peace should CCTVs be damaged. The citizens must be vigilant and cooperate with the authorities to be on their guard.

Yue Rui Sheng (42) Comment on Kevin Sutanto's Entry

2009-06-23T08:10:00.000-07:00

Well, the government could install fake CCTVs. This would definitely lower the cost price by a lot. Well, the government could still install real CCTVs at important locations. However, like what you said, people would feel that their privacy had been disturbed. But, its all for safety measures.

Kevin Sutanto (12) 1st post

2009-06-23T05:15:00.000-07:00

The advantages of having CCT surveillance are there will be less police to patrol the street and people will think twice to commit a crime which will decrease the crime rate. But having so many CCT surveillance in city the government will need to invest a lot of money to install the equipment and by putting so many CCT surveillance people will feel their privacy disturbed.

According to me the crime rate in Singapore is good already.At this moment the government no need to invest so much money in installing CCT surveillance.They can use the money to create more job for the jobless to ease the growing of the unemployment rate

Marc Wee (36) 2nd Post, Comment on Joshua Chan's Entry

2009-06-22T21:08:00.000-07:00

i agree with joshua chan as people should not always look at things from their own point of view and should look at the big picture as the government is trying give the people a better environment to live in, like they say, "you win some you lose some". If the government as to attend to all the people's different needs than is the government suppposed to uninstall the CCTV's or Closed-Circuit Televisions and risk more crimes happening around that neighbourhood. If installing CCTV's will make the crime rate drop drastically, than people should not be afraid of making a little sacrifice, unless they want to live in a neighbourhood where they can find stores being robbed or people being mugged at every corner. Finally, like joshua said people dont have to fear being watched by the government if they have done nothing wrong.

Tan Jek Jan (32) 2nd Entry, Comment On Timothy's Post

2009-06-21T20:51:00.000-07:00

Although you said that more people are robing stores and doing acts of stealing because of the economic downturn. However, if u install more CCTVs wont some police men be 'let go'? The CCTVs are taking the jobs of the local police men thus the police men do not have to patrol the streets so often anymore.

Won't more police men be 'let go' because the government has to reduce the amount of man power in order to upkeep the CCTVs.

I agree with you about installing CCTVs. However, we should install them only in key places because if we were to install CCTVs everywhere the government has to pay a lot for the upkeep. Thus removing some police men to pay for the up keep of the CCTVs

Timothy Tan (35) 1st Entry

2009-06-21T06:33:00.000-07:00

What has the world become? Now more people are relying on CCTVs to be their eyes and ears for watching over their neighbours, employees and maids. Before technology became so advanced, people relied on friends and neighbours to help keep watch over their homes when they were away at work or on long holidays. In small kampongs, everyone knew each other and people never needed to close or lock their front doors but now a large number of people live in HDB apartments and keep mostly to themselves. Many do not even know who lives on the same floor as them and therefore the trust between people and neighbours has also disappeared with time as more people living in HDB apartments go about their own lives keeping to their own business. In fact if anything should happen most HDB dwellers would shut their windows and lock their doors instead of coming forward to help.

Advantages:

With the introduction of CCTV, people know that they are constantly under the watchful surveillance of the authorities, giving them the sense of feeling safe and secure. The instalment of CCTVs gives serenity to most people, as they do not always have to be on their guard for any suspicious or illegal activities. The criminals on the other hand will have a tough task of trying to pull off a successful crime, whilst it would be an effortless job for the police to convict and arrest the outlaws with evidence from CCTV footage. As outlaws are on the losing end here, they would possibly think twice before deciding on committing any crimes or breaking any laws. Hence, there will be without a doubt there would be a dramatic drop in the crime rates around cities where CCTVs are used to monitor their streets and public places. There could be valuable evidence of a crime committed captured by the CCTVs, which can be used to establish facts in a legal investigation. It will also benefit a country’s economy, as foreigners are likely to flock to safer destinations to spend their holidays rather than an under developed country, where even its own government is not capable of controlling their public.

Disadvantages:

As more CCTVs are installed at every street corner and busy public places like at bus stations and underground train stations, every movement of the public is being scrutinised constantly under the watchful eye of the authorities day and night and tapes of all recordings can be recalled for reviewing at any time if a crime has been committed. Then again, despite the huge success of CCTVs in assisting to arrest outlaws, there is also the adverse effects of the instalment of CCTVs. Firstly, due to “Big Brother” watching over the cities, the crime rates will be kept low and the public will feel safer, time will tell if people will start to be over reliant on these CCTVs. Due to these circumstances, the police may decrease the intensity of their patrolling as they feel that the CCTVs are already a deterrent to criminals. People will soon begin to think that due to the low crime rates, there would be no need to be extra careful whenever they are out in public. Low crime does not mean no crime so the public should always be on the lookout for suspicious looking characters and/or unusually activity. The public cannot be over dependent on CCTVS as machines can malfunctions during electrical failures, hence there may be times when a footage captured on the CCTV may not report what actually took place. Machines too are not free from errors.

Another adverse effect of CCTVS is that it is an intrusion and breach of privacy because it is like “spying” on an individual at all times and as there is no privacy at all. Can you imagine what your life would be like being filmed 24hours a day, the film captured can then be replayed to look for evidence of a crime being committed.

My opinion on CCTVs being installed in Singapore:

When an economy is bad, there will be more people without work, some desperate people may resort to crime to make ends meet. Therefore I feel its is a good idea to increase the number of CCTVs surveillance during the economic downturn to deter people from breaking the law and prevent illegal activities like house or store break-ins, shoplifting, drunken and rowdy behaviour, gang fights after dark and other illegal activities. Even a simple act like speeding can be captured on CCTVs installed on the roads and can be presented as evidence when an accident occurs.

My opinion on CCTVs about privacy:

With more CCTVs installed, I would be undoubtedly be feeling anxiety and discomfort as there would be “a million pairs of eyes”, peering down my neck observing my every move. My privacy will no doubt be intruded upon as whatever I do will be recorded and in a way it seems like I am a prisoner to the CCTVs. While I know that I am under the surveillance of a CCTV, I would naturally be more cautious of my actions. I am sure it is the same for other people too and I feel that there is some sort restriction to our freedom even if it was something done for fun, it might be misinterpreted when seen on film. Therefore as an individual, I feel that I will be restricted in my behaviour.

Clement Tan (6) 4th Entry

2009-06-21T05:45:00.001-07:00

Invasion of privacy is the general rule of thumb is that any video monitoring activity that takes places anywhere that the public has access to do not constitute an invasion of privacy. However, it is not always so cut and dry. Some have argued that the use of covert cameras is an invasion of privacy since the cameras cannot be detected. Many worry that there really is no way to prevent the unlawful use of video surveillance because cameras are so easily attainable and technologically advanced.

Clement Tan (6) 3rd Entry

2009-06-21T05:43:00.000-07:00

A surveillance camera and privacy can never go well together, however closely inter-related they may be; the most important reason behind this being the fact that the use of cameras is considered by many, and rightly so, an intrusion into their privacy and private space. The other side to this point of view is the fact that surveillance cameras are one of the most efficient means to keep a close watch on secured buildings so as to quickly identify any unusual activity and thereby abort any sinister plans by anti-social elements, for instance. However many criminals are bypassing the systems’ ability to act as a form of identification by simply wearing masks or keeping their backs to a camera. On the rare occasion new agencies can provide a full picture of a criminals face, it is often marred by lighting or simply the limitations of a camera posted at an odd angle.

Clement Tan (6) 2nd Entry

2009-06-21T05:42:00.001-07:00

However, there are certain important questions that need to be addressed before passively accepting the routine surveillance of public spaces. The other subject of debate is whether an effective remedy for crime prevention and deterrence can be visualized by means of video surveillance; right to privacy need not acknowledge this as an appropriate security measure in terms of protection of civil liberties. The presence of video surveillance cameras can have a positive effect on increasing public safety. Active surveillance systems that are monitored routinely on a real-time basis provide the advantage of being able to detect suspicious activity. Early detection can lead to crime prevention.

Clement Tan (6) 1st Entry

2009-06-21T05:41:00.000-07:00

One of the advantages of video surveillance is to claim peace to the area because there will be less crime occurring in that area. Having a set of  eyes on an emergency scene prior to your arrival is an advantage. The valuable information  they provide from the camera network can ultimately mean the difference  between life and death. Individuals are less likely to commit a crime if they suspect that they are being monitored. Several conditions do have to be met though in order for a surveillance system to be a successful crime deterrent. Cameras have to be visible to the perpetrator and cameras have to be routinely monitored so that any suspicions activity is immediately dealt with. As a result, some criminals know that cameras are in operation and they decide not to commit crimes in that particular place. But, most criminals act without thinking, and so nothing, neither cop nor camera, is going to deter these thoughtless brutes from breaking the law. After serious terrorist attacks in the recent past, more and more policymakers as well as security and intelligence services are turning towards video surveillance technology as the solution to terrorist threats and the need to improve public security.

Gregory Yeo (40) 1st Entry

2009-06-19T20:43:00.000-07:00

I feel that the CCT surveillance helps to lower the crime rate because with all the cameras around, people will think twice about commiting a crime. With the lower crime rate, people will feel a sence of security and safety. I think that the CCT surveillance can really help society and enventually make crime an improbability.

Shaun Lau(28) First Entry

2009-06-19T20:35:00.000-07:00

The advantages of having CCT surveillance is that it prevents many crimes from happening.Apart from catching the robbers or theives,it also helps by preventing them from taking action.For example,a burglar is trying to break into a person's house.The CCT would then capture the bulglars' action and then the police would take action.If the word about CCT being installed almost everywhere,people who have bad intentions about robbing or stealing would be discouraged to steal and would therefore change their mind about stealing.With CCT installed everywhere,the police could also overhear other people's conversations and therefore could stop any bad guys from initiating their plans.

Joey Choa (7) 1st entry

2009-06-18T01:15:00.000-07:00

The advantage of having CCT surveillance is that it prevents loan sharks from causing trouble at peoples' houses. It also deters terrorists from planting bombs or attacking any famous landmarks or places. As some of the CCT surveillance nowadays are so "smart" that may be able to help police in their investigations by identifying what kind of guns were used and to be able to hear sounds from quite a distance, I think it is an advantage for installing CCT surveillance. Moreover, statistics have already proven the usefulness of installing CCT surveillance. Since, the number of harassments by loan sharks and crime rates in New York have dropped, I think that it is already enough evidence that it is a great advantage that CCT surveillance are installed.

The disadvantage of having CCT surveillance is that people will not know when they are being tracked by the authorities and it can also be slightly chilling to know that their every movements are being watched. Another disadvantage is that a rather large sum of money have to be spent on the CCT surveillance. This includes the installation and the maintenance of the CCT surveillance. Moreover, the installation of CCT surveillance does not necessarily mean that no crime will occur and that it will a hundred percent safe. As time passes, I believe that terrorists and other evil-doers will manage to find a way to escape the detection of the CCT surveillance. They may even be smart enough to counter the CCT surveillance by disabling them or by other methods.

Japheth Ang(1) 4th entry on topic 3

2009-06-17T21:03:00.000-07:00

The CCT surveillance should be installed in Singapore to decline the amount of crime being committed in Singapore. The cameras will allow the robbers to have a second thought on the crime they are going to do. People who driving cars will also have a second thought on speeding. Cameras should be put along walkways where crimes could be committed easily.

The cost of the cameras may not be cheap, therefore, Singapore may not be able to pay for all the cameras, this a disadvantage of the cameras.

Hendrik Kwek (14) First Entry

2009-06-17T19:44:00.000-07:00

The installation of the CCT surveillance has indeed cut down crimes but with the CCT surveillance around the street, it will very much intrude everyone's privacy. It's like the CCT surveillance is watching your every move and it makes you feel like you are in prison, the police are monitoring your every move. If the CCT surveillance are turn on for 24 hours everyday, won't it consume a lot of electricity in order to function and it will take a lot of money. Another point is that if people vandalise it and damage it, the police will have to send people down to repair it but if this keeps going on, won't it be very troublesome? My last point would be what would happen if the CCT surveillance "eyes" are not big enough to capture everything? Like example what would happen if a crime is taking place but the CCT surveillance is not capturing it down, wouldn't the CCT surveillance be deemed useless?

Japheth Ang(1) 3rd Entry, Comment on Judah's Entry

2009-06-17T19:07:00.000-07:00

I think that he is using topic 1 and topic 3. I agree that the CCT surveillance has many advantages such as helping to reduce crime rates in a region. Not only will robbers think twice before they act, even if the crime is committed, footage from the cameras can capture their identities.

I agree on his points of why Singapore should install more CCT surveillance cameras. But, he did not state where the CCT surveillance cameras should be placed. I feel that the cameras should be placed along crowded walkways where crime can easily be committed unnoticed. The cameras could also be placed at various road junctions where hit and run accidents may occur. Currently,I feel that Singapore does not have enough cameras around, maybe installing more may cause a decline in the crime rate.

Sylvester Tan (29) 1st Entry

2009-06-16T07:21:00.000-07:00

I feel that Surveillance Cameras are effective in solving criminal cases.
For example, two foreigners once stole diamonds from a jewellery store. They had managed to escape from the shopping mall but the police were able to identify the culprits from the surveillance cameras' footage in the store. The thieves were apprehended when they were found in the airport while attempting to escape and the diamonds were then recovered and returned to the Jeweller.
We should encourage retailers to use surveillance cameras in their stores so that potential offenders will be intimidated and be discouraged to steal.

Aden Neo(21) 4th Entry, Comment on Japheth's Entry

2009-06-16T06:11:00.000-07:00

In Japheth's 2nd Entry, he states: "The police may not be watching as the government may also want to play a part in taking out crime with the police". I disagree with the fact as the police force is part of the government. I also disagree with the fact that government does not want to get their hands dirty. The government's job is to govern the country and not minor things like setting up CCT cameras as that worker's job is to work, in which case set up the CCT cameras. The government must be very busy settling more important things like the flu epidemic H1N1 than CCT cameras. The government must have thought of and approved the idea of installing the CCT cameras otherwise it idea of CCT cameras would not be used and there would not be any CCT cameras in the city.

Aden Neo(21) 3rd Entry, Comment on Jonathan's Entry

2009-06-16T01:11:00.000-07:00

I think that the government is willing to fork out that sum of money to keep crimes at a low rate. Treat it as an investment that will pay off. You might have to pay for the CCT cameras now but then, over the years, it will still function properly and doing its job well keeping crimes rates low. Besides having to pay for the electricity bills, I see no other reasons why the government should not have the CCT cameras installed. In addition to the economice downturn, people might be resorting to stealing as they might not have sufficient cash to purchase necessary items and this is where the CCT cameras help.

The government will definetly purchase a type of CCT camera that fulfills its job. Cameras like these might not be even soar up to $1200. Adding to that fact, the government has a budget when it comes to purchasing things. For this case, is the CCT cameras. I am sure that the government do not just buy things carelessly, they must go through thinking if to approve of this idea before buying expensive CCT cameras that overlooked the criteria of being a assistance to keeping crimes low.

Jonathan Yeo (38) 2nd Entry, Comment on Aden's Entry

2009-06-15T20:25:00.000-07:00

I fully agree with what Aden wrote in his first entry but he did not say anything regarding the cost of the cameras. Imagine if a CCTV cameras cost $120 and $400, and there is about 10 to 20 cameras around the vicinity. It will cost about $1200 at least, to about $8000 at most, do you really think that the government is willing to give in this money at this time where there is an economic downturn?

Joshua Chan(9) 2nd entry, on Jek Jan's entry

2009-06-15T19:55:00.000-07:00

I partly agree with Jek Jan about his entry on the CCT surveillance cameras. However, I believe that CCT cameras, are not known for their video quality and thus, the police might not be able to identify criminals and, even if they could, we cannot be entirely sure.

Plus, i agree that the installation of more cameras invades peoples' privacy. Even if the crime rate has decreased, there is still crime in the city. I think that people should give up their privacy if, by doing so, they can be perfectly safe, with extremely low, or no chances of being robbed or mugged. At least, then, it would be a so-called fair bargain. Lastly, I agree that CCT surveillance cameras should only be installed in important places. For one thing, it would be a waste of resources.

Japheth Ang(1)2nd entry on Aden's entry

2009-06-15T04:41:00.000-07:00

In Aden's comment on the show was what he mainly thought of the advantages of the cameras. I agree with what Aden stated in the entry, but Aden did not state who was watching the CCT surveillance and why they wanted to put them in. The police may not be watching as the government may also want to play a part in taking out crime with the police. He also did not state the cost of the cameras and how they were put up there. The cameras could be very expensive and the police used the government's money to pay for the camera. The government asked the policemen or the workers to put the cameras up as they did not want to get their hands dirty.

The disadvantages Aden's stated are quite accurate. But he did not state that only some cameras can take down the sound. The other cameras may not have a full view of its whole surrounding therefore, people can take it out from the back.

Judah Tan (11) 2nd Entry, Comment on Glenn's entry.

2009-06-15T04:28:00.001-07:00

I would agree with Glenn when he wrote about the usefulness of the CCT on the road. It would record down what took place whether be it an accident or cases of speeding. I would also agree on the house safety and deterring of robbers and thieves opinions just that CCT can't capture the face of the robber as any sensible one would wear a mask. However, though CCTVs are meant for safety, it can be also be the opposite. If the government were to purchase and install a huge number of CCTVs like most of my classmates suggested, it would be safer, but has ever occurred to us that if cyber terrorists or hackers were to take control of the CCTVs, they would use it for their own benefit and instead of watching to protect us, the CCTVs would be watching to get our weak points and try to destroy us.

Chan Chin Kiat(3) 2nd Entry, Comment on Girvan's Entry

2009-06-14T08:53:00.000-07:00

I agree with his points but he said people would think twice before acting out a crime. But the CCTV are installed secretly so that people would not know it there. Therefore, when people do not know that CCTV are installed there watching them, why would they think twice? As you said, it is a killing spree which means the killer would not care about anything and he/she would just kill anyone he/she chooses, the killer would not think about being caught up a CCTV.

Marc Wee (36) 1st Post

2009-06-11T23:28:00.000-07:00

Closed-Circuit Television or CCTV play a great role in security as a lot of places like banks and entrances to almost every shop or shopping mall has it, to monitor the place in case of any break in or robberies. The ones shown in the video with labels of the police force on it have greater effect on keeping criminals at bay as they will not do anything that would get them in trouble since they know that the police are monitoring them. However, it is also possible for people to hack the system and play a fake video so that the police will think that there is nothing going on and another not so good point about CCTV's is the blind spots, there are bound to be blinds spot everywhere, where people sneak in and out of restricted areas or can shoplift without getting spotted by the CCTV.

Yeow Wei Xuan Marcus (41) First Post

2009-06-11T06:06:00.000-07:00

Yeow Wei Xuan Marcus(41)2F

I am answering question 2.
(What are the disadvantage of CCT surveillance)

Firstly, the cost of the CCT surveillance cameras are sometimes much higher than the budget of the company. Thus the only solution for this problem is for the company to reduce the quantity of the cameras. If that happens then the efficiency rate of the the cameras will be not be as high as planned.

Next will be the reliability. With the use of the cameras will there be a decrease in crime rate? If there is, will it be long term or will the robbers and thief find a way to counter these cameras?

Right after is vandalism. The cameras may not be long lasting as people may tamper with or vandalize the cameras which may be damage easily. This also bring me back to my first point about cost. If the company have the replace the cameras umpteen times then the cost may be too high for the company to afford.

Maintaince will be demanding as workers have to go to camera to camera to do a routine check.

Lastly, The popularity and size of the the camera is a factor too. If the camera is not welcome, then factories will stop producing these cameras.

All this can contribute to the disadvantages of a CCT surveillance camera

Boven Wong(2) 2nd Entry, Comment on Lloyd's Entry

2009-06-11T05:35:00.000-07:00

I agree with Lloyd that installing the cameras will help to reduce the crime rates, but when he said "by labelling the cameras, it tells the robbers, and thieves where to avoid" I think he is seeing the cameras as a disadvantage. By phrasing it that way, he seems to be trying to say that the cameras tell the thieves where to avoid, which makes them more of a threat as they will take precautions to continue their crimes, while avoiding the cameras. In this sense, the cameras will increase the crime rate rather then decrease it.

Yeo Tun Zen(39) 2nd Entry, Comment of Joshua Chan's Post

2009-06-11T01:17:00.000-07:00

This is a comment on Joshua's Post

Joshua has said that the advantages, compared to the disadvantages of having a surveillance camera is greatly "Outweighed" This, I cannot understand

Here are the advantages

- decrease in crime rate

This is the only advantage for the increase in surveillance camera

but for the disadvantges

-Increase in Government taxes ( somebody is going to have to pay for all the installments for the cameras)

- Polluting due to high usage of electricity to run the cameras ( it is said in the video that it is on 24/7)

-Privacy Intrusion Quote, "Plus, citizens have nothing to fear from the installation of these cameras unless they have done something wrong. In this way, the citizens are safer than before." ( although, in the video, it is said that the cameras are shown very obviously to the public, the citizens still feel insecure. It's is the same feeling when you leaving 50 Digital Camera filming in the house, even though you know that it is there, you still can feel insecure due to the fact that the camera is recording your every single move)

- Angry Citizens ( if the public is not happy with the camera, tensions will grow and who knows what would happen?)

- Importance of Surveillance cameras ( We have to rule out the necessities of a surveillance camera in Singapore, sure we can have a few surveillance cameras here and there, but not for every street or every district in Singapore.)

What i'm trying to show is that it might be good for Paris and New York to have many CCT Surveillace Camera's it's not always right for a small country like Singapore to have that many CCT Surveillance cameras.

Thank you

Tun Zen

Leon Tay Liang You (16) 1st Entry

2009-06-08T03:04:00.000-07:00

I think that the CCT survellience will benifits us as if a crime occurs and there is no one saw what happen. The CCT survellience will record down what happen and it will be use as a evidence. The CCT survellience could also lower the crime rate as it will let the thiefs and robber know that their action will be recorded down adn they will not be let off so easily as there is evidence supported by the CCT survellience. I think that Singapore could consider to build on more CCT survellience as it would help the country to lower down crime rates and i think building the CCT survellience would not cost much.

Breton Seah(26) 1st Entry

2009-06-07T04:21:00.000-07:00

In New York the use of surveillance camera is used for many reasons and some of the main reason is to prevent terrorist attacks and robbery. Ever since the cameras were installed, the rate of robbery has dropped drastically. Now they want to install cameras all over the city especially the financial district where is is prone to many terrorist attacks. The cameras are arranged in a order till it got a nick name as the "ring of steel". Although the government feels good about watching what is happening around the city, many people are against the idea of having this system as the do not like to be watched wherever they go and some find it scary to be watched at all the time. But the government find it useful as surveillance camera help the police find the suspects for last years London Bombing. The Police also find them useful and they also became one of their detective tool. Many people think that the camera has invaded their privacy too much but the government says that the camera were not hidden and there is no sense of invading any privacy.

Breton seah

Choy Mun Keet Darren (5) 2nd Entry

2009-06-06T03:42:00.000-07:00

[Comment on Tun Zen's Entry]

I have read about your post about our country increasing its CCT surveillance whether or not there is an economic downturn. I personally disagree that it would be cheap to install CCT surveillance island-wide. However, I strongly agree that it would help a lot in deterring crime in Singapore. It is true that our country need not install as much cameras as other cities such as London and Paris due to its size and population. In comparison to Paris, which is according to your post, the "Capital city of Fashion", Singapore definitely has smaller commercial districts. The problem for the French government and its law enforcers is that they have a huge population, with many visitors (known as aliens) from other countries in the European Union. Most of the French people do not live in urban areas, yet alone suburban districts. Personally, I will be willing to sacrifice my privacy for law enforcement. Besides, they will not be setting up CCT surveillance to invade our privacy, they are doing so to make sure that would-be criminals do not harm our society. However, I am not comfortable with the use of tax-payer money in upgrading such surveillance systems. I feel that a referendum should be held with at least 60% of the people voting for a go-ahead before tax-payer money gets involved. I believe that most offenders in Singapore are actually afraid of the hefty punishments and the consequences of getting arrested for their crimes and that most of them who decide to carry on with their crimes are desperate for what they are after. In such cases, I believe that prevention is better than cure and more hotlines to be set up to offer a listening ear to would-be criminals, so that they can get expert advice on how to cope with the financial downturn or other personal problems.

I would like to challenge your point that CCT surveillance will be effective in recording riots and protests. This is because the government has created strict laws which mandate that people are not permitted to riot or cause civil disorder. If they do go against this law, they will be swiftly arrested by the police, imprisoned and heavily fined. People are also not allowed to hold a public gathering of 4 or more people without a permit which must go through the authorities. This is the same for speaking at the Speakers' Corner. With such regulations, Singaporeans will be less willing to riot and protest for whatever their cause may be.

If the referendum which I have suggested does not happen, I feel that the authorities should set up CCT surveillance in phases in places where crime is more stagnant, such as shopping centers and pubs. The private sector's security industry has already helped by putting high-tech security devices on the markets for both the public and private enterprises to purchase.

I feel that whether or not the usage of CCT surveillance is cost-efficient or not, it definitely will help society in putting a clamp on crime in Singapore.

Yours Sincerely,

Darren

Yeo Tun Zen (39) 1st Entry

2009-06-05T08:26:00.000-07:00

I think that Singapore should step up on CCT surveillance, Economic downturn or not, I feel that the CCT Surveillance does not cost much to be installed and I feel it help a lot in reducing the amount of crimes. Singapore, being a small country, does not need that many cameras as compared to London an Paris. Paris, being the Capital city of Fashion, is bound to have many stores and shops with expensive clothing that people are bound to steal and rob. More cameras and video surveillance is therefore needed in area such as those. Streets such as “ Avenue des Champs-Elysees” with many expensive brands around.

The CCT surveillance is also able to record events like riots and protests. The people involved will be easily recognized and there will be less and less Protestants sooner or later.

Singapore, Being a small country, population not being so much and the only few shopping districts are places like Orchard. I say we should only increase the areas with higher rates of crimes than to step up the amount at ALL places in Singapore.

Whether or not the usage of CCT surveillance is efficient or not, I am sure that it certainly help The society on the increase of crime rates.

Jonathan Yeo (38) 1st Entry, Topic 1

2009-06-04T02:23:00.000-07:00

The advantages of installing surveillance cameras are to help reducing the harassment from loan sharks and residential break-ins, as the surveillance cameras would be watching them and they would think twice before they act. Also, using surveillance cameras can help to deter terrorism too. In addition, by installing these surveillance cameras it can help to reduce people from committing a crime and Singaporean would feel safe at everywhere, as they know that they are being watched.

Despite of having so many advantages, there are also disadvantages. People would feel uncomfortable because they do not have any privacy on what they doing, as the surveillance cameras will be watching their every move.

In my opinion, I think that Singapore should still install more surveillance around the country despite of the disadvantages. With more of this surveillance cameras, Singaporean would not be fear of the harassment from the loan sharks, break-ins of house and also owner can monitor their maid activities while they are not at home. Furthermore, there would be a drop in the number of crimes as anyone who tries to commit a crime would think of the consequences before they act. Singapore should step up on surveillance cameras in spite of the economic downturn although it cost a lot of money. We should sacrifice this small amount of money to keep the country a safe and peaceful place to live.

Nicholas Kow (13) 1st Entry, Topic 1

2009-06-04T00:41:00.000-07:00

CCT surveillance will benefit the society in the long term as it ensures that criminal tracking is enhanced, allowing the authorities to keep law and order in the country. Furthermore, these cameras installed can discourage crimes because criminals will be more wary and think twice in the future before they commit crimes. The convenience of these cameras are also very useful since a police officer can view more places within a shorter period of time as compared to physically patrolling every street and area. If a crime is committed in a group, the police can also view their movements through these cameras at different areas, increasing their chances of nabbing the criminals.

However, there are always disadvantages. In this case, new technological gadgets are relatively expensive as of now so it may cause the state a lot of money to set up so many cameras and the labour cost in operating them. This money could have been used for other purposes such as healthcare and education for the people. Not everyone wants to be tracked by the police all the time as well as it intrudes into one's privacy and freedom. Therefore, for the long term security of the people, the country needs to reinforce the idea that importance of national security against crimes and terrorism is worth the money and effort. They need to understand that privacy is worthwhile to be traded for better security.

If this were to be implemented in Singapore now when there's an economic downturn, many Singaporeans taxpayers will grumble but so long as the Singapore government can promise to ensure that these cameras are put to good use, I am confident many Singaporeans are willing to sacrifice their privacy for security. Furthermore, Singapore being much smaller in size as compared to other countries and states, fewer cameras will be needed and lesser money will be spent. Instead of installing too many cameras everywhere, the Singapore government can step up its crime-prevention programmes within the local community. Only civic-minded and vigilant citizens with good governance can ensure long term security.

In conclusion, I believe the long term advantages of CCT surveillance outweigh the disadvantages and it depends on the co-operation of the people to allow it to successfully boost our security.

Aden Neo (21) 1st Entry, Topic 1

2009-06-03T22:00:00.001-07:00

The CCT surveillance mainly benefits us when it comes to Law and Order such as prevention and prevalence of crimes. CCT surveillance has brought about convenience to officers patrolling specific vicinity. Instead of patrolling at a certain area, you watch for injustice at four different areas at the same time. With CCT surveillance installed at certain district, the crime rates were reduced. The fact the CCT surveillance is labeled NYPD gives the offenders to have a second thought before actually attempting to commit the crime. CCT surveillance has been multiplying in vicinity where it is the terrorist’s prime target to beef up security. How does it beef up security? The CCT surveillance can monitor up to an estimated number of 14 people on each camera. Imagine how many people it can monitor with so many cameras in the vicinity. CCT surveillance has done us a lot as it has managed to track down criminals who has escaped and offenders of a recent crimes.

The disadvantages are that the CCT surveillance is very vulnerable. It might be destroyed without capturing who did caused it. Criminals might find out ways to take out the cameras first before committing the crimes. If there is an electrical shortage, all the cameras will stop functioning and the criminals might cease the opportunity to commit crimes. The CCT surveillance are not perfect all the time as it might malfunction or spoil. It might also invades the privacy of the public. Imagine somebody watching every single thing you do every where you go, you would not like it to right?

In my own opinion, I think the CCT surveillance has the same amount of both advantages and disadvantages.

Elton Seah (25) 1st Entry

2009-06-03T20:08:00.000-07:00

I feel that CCTV's are good to keep the amount of crimes at bay.It could capture your every single movement and what you did in the roads.By installing CCTV around the area people know that they are being watched. The London police placed the CCTV being hidden in a metal can so that people wont be aware and are free to do what they want.

Yue Rui Sheng (42) 1st Entry

2009-06-03T07:19:00.000-07:00

The advantages of all this cameras being installed is to prevent any form of criminal activity happening in that state. This would greatly reduce the chances of crimes happening in the state. Furthermore, there are some which are able to detect what kind of guns a person is using, from the sound effect cause. This would help the police force a lot, as they would know what kind of equipment they should be using against these armed people.

However, there are always pros and cons to things. This time, the disadvantages are, people would not be able to have that much privacy as compared to last time. As there would be "someone" watching them over their backs. What they are doing, would all the recorded by the CC tv cameras. This would cause people to feel uneasy when they are doing things.

In conclusion, I believe that these cameras should be placed around appropriate places.

Tan Jek Jan (32) 1st Entry

2009-06-03T06:14:00.000-07:00

Advantages:

I think the use of surveillance cameras are very good as they help to track down the identities of criminals before they get away with the crime.

Disadvantages:

I think it is not a good way to put cameras everywhere as they invade other peoples privacy. Using so many cameras also contribute to global warming as more cameras are installed the greater the amount of electricity it has to use in order to make the cameras work.

In conclusion:

I think we should in stall surveillance cameras at certain important places. Thus we can solve most of the criminal activities while not harming the environment so rapidly

Lloyd Ng Zi Peng(22) 1st Entry

2009-06-03T05:56:00.000-07:00

After watching the video, I think the uses of the surveillance cameras are useful and helps to find any wrongdoers and bad people as they can check which car was stolen, for example. But by labelling the cameras, it tells the robbers, and thieves where to avoid, which my have a negative impact on the number of crimes committed.

Glenn Teo (34) 1st Entry

2009-06-02T21:00:00.000-07:00

After watching the video, I find that there are many advantages to using CCT surveillance. They can be used to deter thieves and robbers from committing crimes, therefore reducing the crime rate. When a theft or robbery takes place in the vicinity of a CCT surveillance camera, the face of the robber will be captured on the film and can be used to catch the robber. They can also be used to take down the license plate of speeding cars, making it easier for police to track them down. Citizens can also purchase CCTVs for use in their homes to ensure that their maid will not steal, as recently there was a case where a maid abused her employer's child when she was alone.

As Singapore is also known for being a country with a low crime rate, the government should purchase CCTVs so that the crime rate will be lessened further. The Government should also ensure the populace that the CCTVs are meant for their safety, and not for intruding on their privacy.