Background
The Poly
Forum series was started in 1996. It is
held annually, and provides a platform for polytechnic students to gain a
deeper understanding of national issues through discussions and group work.
The theme
chosen for the inaugural Poly Forum was “21st Century Singapore –
Implications and Challenges for Youth”.
The Guest of Honour was then Prime Minister Mr Goh Chok Tong.
The five
polytechnics nominate 60 students each to attend the Poly Forum. These are typically student leaders and
high-performing students. The Poly Forum is held in the Sep-Oct window to tie
in with the polytechnic’s long vacation.
Activities are spaced out over a two-week period, and the key components
are as follows:
a) Opening ceremony/session;
b) Four to five days of pre-forum activities e.g. surveys, site visits,
talks;
c) A four-day residential component; and
d) Closing ceremony with presentations and dialogue session with the Guest of
Honor.
Main
theme
Our Singapore dream
To focus on the Singapore Spirit and Definitive Identity.
Former Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong’s National Day
Dinner Speech at Marine Parade Central with emphasis on reinventing the 5 Cs –
Cash, Credit Cards, Car, Condominium and Country Club Membership.
Mr. Goh noted that today's generation, Gen Y, find
fulfilment in more than just the 5 Cs. He went on to reinvent the 5 Cs and
shared what the government will do to create a ground for stability to fulfill
dreams: have a good Career, live in Comfort, surrounded by Children, and be
Considerate and Charitable.
In addition to the 5 Cs, Culture explores the pertinent
issues of Youth Identity and the entertainment and arts scene in Singapore.
Sub theme 1: Career
1.
Foreign Talents
2. Development
opportunities
3. Global
opportunities/ Mind-set
4. Increase
productivity/ Value-add
Sub theme 2: Comfort
1.
National Climate Change/Environment
2. Economy/Cost
of living
3. Housing
4. Work-life
balance/harmony (School Work-Life balance?)
5. Mental and Physical Health Issues
Sub theme 3: Children and family
1.
Aging Population and Demographic Issues
2. Sense
of Belonging/Identity
·
Participants see themselves as children and parents
-to-be in future, what kind of identity do they see?
·
How would you stereo-type Singaporeans?
3. Quality of Life / Standard of
Living
Sub theme 4: Charity and Consideration
1.
Character and Citizenship Education considerations
2. Charities
in Singapore/Giving/Governance of VWOs
3. Volunteerism?
·
Would you define Singaporean as someone who is charitable
and concerned about the society or someone who is efficient and cold? What can
we do to dispel the image and improve the perception?
Sub theme 5: Culture
1.
Culture: Who are we? Identity?
2.
Entertainment/Culture (Vibrant Arts Scene/Low Cost
entertainment)
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