Summary_Reader Response Draft

In the article “Green buildings, Singapore’s natural ally for a greener future” by MacKenzie (2017), It was reported that Singapore's continuous growth has redefined utilitarian designs of green buildings, adding weight to its contribution in tackling climate change. Being densely populated,

Singapore generates high power consumption. The Building Construction Authority of Singapore has planned to overcome the issue by targeting to certify 80 percent of building with the Green Mark by 2030, as well as raising awareness about climate change. Many planners are also starting to enforce eco-friendly systems and materials into buildings. Contrary to popular belief, it is not hefty to integrate environmental elements to building’s design. The integration would serve as cost-efficient investments that are beneficial in the long run. It involves using light colors, maximizing natural light, leveraging technology, installing suitable elements that promote sustainability and working with stakeholders. In working towards a greener future, making prudent decisions on a building’s design is critical, as it would be a pivotal weapon in Singapore’s fight against climate change.

While the article clearly stated what BCA aimed to achieve, it failed to show how Green Mark Buildings be able to bring power consumption down significantly. In addition, the authority has also failed to show how it going to raise awareness about climate change to the public.

All in all, I believe Green Mark building will bring many benefits to our lives. For instance, they can provide some example or insights to show interested parties that both electrical and water usage can actually be reduced with Green Building. With many benefits on hands, I believe the awareness will spread among people very soon with the right campaign.

Describe:

1. Environmental Benefits:

- Reduction in water/power usage.

- Reduction in the potential negative impact on the environment.

2. Social Benefits:

- With lesser chemicals used, Green Mark certified building will be safer and healthier for human use.

- Use of natural light and ventilation can also provide an internal environment that is thermally and visually comfortable.

3. Economic Benefits:

- Global and local studies all show that Green Mark building are very cost efficient over their lifetime

Summary ( First Draft )

In the article “Green buildings, Singapore’s natural ally for a greener future” by MacKenzie (2017), Singapore's continuous growth has redefined utilitarian designs of green buildings, adding weight to its contribution in tackling climate change. Being densely populated, Singapore generates high power consumption. While the BCA has planned to overcome the issue by targeting to certify 80 percent of building with the Green Mark by 2030, as well as raising awareness about climate change, it failed to show how the Green Mark building be able to bring down the power consumption significantly, and it also failed to tell how the authority going to raise awareness about climate change to the public. Many planners are also starting to enforce eco-friendly systems and materials into buildings. Contrary to popular belief, it is not hefty to integrate environmental elements to building’s design. The integration would serve as cost-efficient investments that are beneficial in the long run. It involves using light colors, maximizing natural light, leveraging technology, installing suitable elements that promote sustainability and working with stakeholders. In working towards a greener future, making prudent decisions on a building’s design is critical, as it would be a pivotal weapon in Singapore’s fight against climate change.

Derek MacKenzie (2017). Green buildings, Singapore’s natural ally for a greener future. Retrieved from: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/commentary-green-buildings-singapore-s-natural-ally-for-a-9183380

Reflection on my partner's personal problem

On a discussion with Maximus, he mentioned that he's easily raging while playing online games. He finds himself have this strong desire in winning the game, and this leads to arguments with his teammate when his team are not performing up to the standard. Looking back now, he believes things will be so much different if he did not start those arguments.

First Assignment: Introduction Letter

To: Professor Blackstone

From: Dylan Wei Lun

Subject: Self-introductory Email

Dear Professor Brad Blackstone,

I would like to take this opportunity to formally introduce myself. My name is Wei Lun, but you can call me Dylan as well. I am currently a year one undergraduate studying civil engineering in Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT). I had graduated with a diploma in electronic, computer and communication from Nanyang Polytechnic. Despite with minimal knowledge in this field, I had decided to study in civil engineering because I have a passion for buildings. There is this saying of " things don't last forever " but seeing buildings that last for aeons just make me feels like it is possible and I want to become an engineer myself to be able to achieve this.

My goal for studying in this degree is to develop my technical knowledge in structure, for instance how a building is built from scratch, and how it going to last. Ultimately, my career goal is to become a certified professional engineer, Qualify Person (QP). This position holds responsibility for building's structure, and of course, the decent amount of income attracted me too.

In terms of weakness in communication, I find it difficult to express myself confidently in English. Mainly because of my education background, as I received my primary education in a Chinese School back in Malaysia, and most of my daily conmmunication is in Mandarin. Hence the use of the English language, such as grammar and vocabulary does pose a problem for me. I am also facing problems with pronunciation, thus I’m not confident whenever I have to speak in English.

In terms of strength in communication, I find myself as a good listener. I am being taught that communication must be two-way because feedback is important in communication to both the sender and the receiver. However, just by "receiving" information is not enough, you have to understand the meaning. In order to have a better understanding, sometimes you might have to go the extra miles and learn to look at things from a different perspective. I am a person who talks less and listen more because I do not want to make the mistake where I do not fully understand what is going on and then make a comment about it. This leads to others having the impression that I’m quiet, but actually, I'm just letting others do the talking before I start.

My goal in this module is to improve and refine my English, so I can better prepare myself for the future workplace. I believe that by practising in writing and speaking, I will definitely achieve my goal and become a better person as well as a more competent employee. I am looking forward to learn different skills for more effective communication from you in the near future.

Best regards,

Wei Lun

CVE1281

Commented on Brendan's, Benedict's and Sam's introduction letter.

First Post - Welcome post

Hi, this is Wei Lun or you can call me Dylan, and welcome to my blog.

The purpose of this blog is to help me to better prepare myself for the future workplace by improving and refining my English skills thru blogging.