Week 13: Let’s Take Bus 11 (not the public bus)

Travelling is part and parcel of everyday life. I have to take public transport to school, shopping districts and entertainment centres. I take public transport so often that I can probably walk to the train station with my eyes closed. Hence, one concept in the fourth presentation today struck me – space mobility; redesigning city structures so that daily amenities are within walking distance.

Imagine that your school, shopping centre, bakery and other daily necessities are within walking distance. No more waiting time for trains and buses, no more discomfort in squeezing with others, no more expenses on transport. Heck, even the Ministry of Transport will have fewer things to do.

The group’s presentation focused on the advantages this concept brings about – reduction of carbon emissions which leads to a greener city. However, I have my reservations about the benefits of such ventures.

As mentioned, I take public transport often, but the truth is, my home is situated in a neighbourhood with all sorts of amenities.

Education: A secondary school directly opposite my block (which I did not enter).

Shopping: A relatively well-developed shopping centre near my block which includes: a cinema (with 3D features), supermarkets, designer shops, restaurants, ktv, library (rather big one) etc.

Exercise: A park and a public swimming pool within walking distance.

Hence, it brings me to my point – space mobility is limited because contemporary consumers have differing tastes and preferences, like variety and make choices based on the aforementioned two factors.

I choose to go for movies in the orchard district, instead of the one close to my home. I choose to enter institutions for higher education in areas much further from my home. Indeed, a supermarket, bakery or retail shops providing my daily necessities is extremely convenient but at times, I travel to other areas to find a specific product or of a particular brand unavailable in those near my home. Distance is a factor in decision-making but it is often not the most important consideration. My interests and desires are valued more than the distance I have to overcome to satisfy my needs or wants.

Will space mobility result in human relationships confined to clusters? If we assume that the shops nearby are able to fulfill the needs to all living in that particular area, we will all be interacting with the same few people everyday, the very people whom we go to school with, enter the workplace with – basically, our horizons will be narrowed down to that particular space.

That may happen for some but I still stand by my assertion that humans, being curious creatures, will want to break out of that cluster and explore other areas. Therefore, humans will still forge relationships with others from different clusters. When humans from different clusters arrange meetings, it is similar to our normal arrangements – search for the more interesting places or a place convenient to both (most if there are multiple) parties.

Hence, although space mobility is an appealing idea, public or private transport will ultimately still be utilised, resulting in carbon emissions. It may only reduce our reliance on transport to purchase daily necessities since its availability is within walking distance.

Week 12: Harnessing Space in Space

Humans are greedy. Human greed is insatiable. We have colonised practically every corner of the Earth humanly possible for travel, but we demand more. We now desire to subjugate outer space.

I was particularly interested in the presentation on space technology. It is every person’s dream (maybe just mine) to travel in space, defying gravity or simply, floating in mid-air. Their presentation has sparked off my wildest imagination.

We now think (or is it just me again) that air travel is cool; today you are in Europe and – voila – tomorrow you are in Asia. Imagine if humans managed to colonised outer space: today you are in Mars and tomorrow (or maybe ten days later) you end up in Jupiter. Space travel is the new air travel, while air travel becomes what we call cycling today.

Outer space has limitless, well, for the lack of a better word, space. No more overcrowding on trains, streets etc. Competition for land becomes obsolete. We will need more powerful footwear than the current Nike Air, we will need upgraded versions of Nike Air to transform walking into flying.

Charles Darwin of the evolution of mankind may have modern applications; what if mankind evolved, genetically, suited for life in both Earth and outer space?

The quest for knowledge since prehistoric times have led to the advancement of mankind, eliminating archaic and inaccurate knowledge while acquiring new ideas in the process. Then the big question is, is the universe really what we now know it as?

Maybe the solar system isn’t just the sun, eight major planets with a bunch of other stars. Maybe the Milky way is far bigger than we ever imagine, with the possibility of a separate dimension. There could also be life on planets other than Earth, with a different genetic composition perfectly suited to their native environment. While we may be tempted to dismiss these ideas as some childhood fantasy or media trash talk – the fact is, if it has not been proven otherwise, it remains a possibility (albeit remote).

The next question is, assuming that aliens exist, are there intelligent life forms as superior (or more superior) than humans? They may speak a different language or lead different lifestyles (who knows what they eat to survive, or maybe they don’t eat at all). Wouldn’t it be interesting to find out that they may have been searching for alternate life forms far from their planet and chanced upon Earth?

George Orwell coined a new term “Newspeak” denoting the creation of new language in his fictitious totalitarian society. Maybe some of us will become experts in “Alienspeak” or whatever the aliens name their language. And, how would you know they need to open their mouths (if it exists) to communicate? Perhaps telepathic communication was made possible in their kind.

Humans are fascinating, we have merely uncovered a tip of the iceberg in the understanding of humans (biologically or psychologically). But aliens are even more fascinating.

Dream big – nobody knows what will happen in the next millennium.

Week 10: Augmented Reality

In Adam’s report “The Ten Most Important Emerging Technologies for Humanity”, one type of technology particularly captivated me – augmented reality. Adam asserts that this technology could be both a creative and destructive process.

Adam points out the potential of augmented reality to pave the way for the creation of an Orwellian society with even greater catastrophic proportions. Brainwashing will take place on a whole new level, with the perfection of technology.

I would like to highlight further insights with regards to the crippling effects of augmented reality. In augmented reality, assuming that the technology is superior enough such that one is unable to differentiate between the two worlds; that is exactly what will happen – a generation unable to separate virtual from reality.

In the virtual world, one will presumably be able to construct his/her definition of a perfect world, and “live” in it. However, no matter how real or how perfect the virtual world is, one must return to the real-world for practical reasons. Human biological needs of food and sleep have to be satisfied.

Eventually, humans will begin to experience difficulty in psychological adjustment as their surroundings switch back and forth from reality to virtual and back. Here, I am reminded of a scene in the critically acclaimed movie, “Avatar”. Certainly, fiction is purely fiction, however, we may draw several parallels between the potential consequences of augmented reality and the movie.

The main character shuts himself in a capsule and transports his mind into an avatar to live in a different world. While I do not envision technology of that sort materializing, the main character said, in one of his recordings of his experience, that he became lost, uncertain of his direction. Who should he side with? His own kind, the human race, or his other kind, the Na’vi people? He sees himself as both human and humanoid, both his original and new identity.

This is potentially what augmented reality can do to humans. The virtual world is portrayed with such perfection, possibly a stark contrast to the harsh or less ideal reality that we are physically in that some might experience psychological discomfort. Will these people become lost? Will we start producing a generation of human beings, who are less contented with their lives?

Ultimately, I agree with Adams, that we should exercise caution in the applications; augmented reality can be a double-edged sword.

Week 9: Renewable Energy by 2050

An interesting question was posed in class this week, “What percentage of energy consumption will renewable energy be by 2050?” The World Wildlife Fund paints an optimistic future with the world entirely powered by renewable sources by 2050.

I have my reservations even as the world is gradually coming to terms with the need to consume more sustainably and efficiently. Countries are primarily focused on economic development and poorer countries even more so. It is highly challenging to expect governments from poorer countries to invest in more costly but sustainable energy technology. Yet ironically, it is easiest to implement renewable energy technologies in the initial phases of development, as opposed to a switch at advanced stages. Appropriate energy-sustainable infrastructure ensures that future developments will also be energy-sustainable. However, it is a hassle and time-consuming for advanced countries to completely switch to renewable energy, by 2050.

Further, politics are at play in this issue. The opulent success of oil conglomerates since historical times such as Rockefeller has signalled the potential of affluence in dabbling with oil. Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is committed to unifying petroleum policies of its 12-member countries. An extremely lucrative business as most countries depend on OPEC for energy resources, it is an uphill task to stop relying on oil as a resource. International relations are delicate and must dealt with tact, thus a major stumbling block to achieve 100% reliance on renewable energy by 2050.

It is also important to mobilize the general populace in sustainability efforts. Even if governments are willing to invest in renewable energy, factions of dissidents will question the spending of taxpayers’ finances on renewable energy instead of more pressing bread and butter issues such as unemployment and education. Citizens need to endorse governmental efforts in sustainable energy and see the bigger picture. A myopic view of the future will only hamper the progress to a more sustainable method of energy consumption.

In addition, purely relying on renewable energy is insufficient. Consumers need to adopt energy-saving practices, in order to minimize wastage of resources. Presently, a majority of consumers lack prudence in energy usage, leading to unnecessary and excessive consumption. Even if energy becomes renewable, excessive usage will continue to strain production process, which may lead to problems in future.

Week 6: “Making” babies

TWC class this week focused on the BioBusiness development and its implications. The increasing affluence of countries have led to better healthcare systems, bringing about benefits such as lower mortality rate and higher life expectancy. This has also led to contentious issues in the pursuit of a perceived better life.

The issue of designer babies was hotly debated in class and the general consensus was that if it were for health reasons, such as altering a particular offending gene causing deformities in a baby, genetic engineering would be acceptable. It is less agreed upon as to whether parents should have the autonomy to alter genes to create intelligent, exceptional babies who will have an edge over others in life. Aside from the erosion of the notion of “perfection”, I believe that like many other medical innovations, it would marginalise the poor, those who can least afford such a luxury.

Being born to affluent parents is an advantage in life as one will have more resources to supplement one’s education with additional materials and develop into a more holistic individual through the pursuit of recreational activities. An expensive procedure such as alteration of genes in foetus can only be afforded by the wealthy, or perhaps the middle-class. Offsprings from more affluent backgrounds already with an advantage to succeed in life, will be greater enhanced by genetically altered superior traits. While I do not mean to say (nor believe) that the poor have no chance of success in life, it will diminish the poor’s chances of social mobility.

Further, I am concerned with the social implications of genetically altered traits. How will children who find out later in life that their prowess in academics, sports or any other niche area was actually genetically created feel? Certainly, some may thank their parents for going through a procedure, but certain questions may be raised. What could have become of them if they were left as they were conceived, born natural? Was their success (assuming they succeed) contingent upon their altered genes? Would they have been able enough to succeed with their original traits? Some may lapse into an identity crisis.

In addition, I would like to explore a little on the topic of surrogacy. It is most commonly used for infertile couples or homosexual couples. On the other hand, it is a growing business as aspiring mothers do not wish to go through the hassle of child birth, preferring to outsource the process. This is a contentious issue due to the possibility of the exploitation of the poor as it is a rather profitable venture to the poor. Further, will the mother feel the same affection towards a baby developed and born in another woman’s womb than if she did it herself? Similarly, will the baby feel the same affection towards his/her mother had he/she been born in her womb? Research has shown that there is a more positive mother-child interaction in naturally conceived families, suggesting that there could be a significance in the gestation period in fostering the relationship.

Week 5: Virtual Reality VS Reality

When I saw Project Natal’s virtual boy Milo and its (or his?) interaction with a human female, I was awed. It could be a breakthrough in gaming technology. I then thought deeper and was unsettled by the negative repercussions of such technology.

As it is, we have constructed and are relying on machines that work far better than the human brain like the calculator or the computer, just to cite two examples. Certainly, this has brought about economic benefits and revolutionized our way of life positively. Social media such as Facebook and Skype have made interaction and connection with others more convenient. In spite of these obvious benefits, the human touch can never be replaced.

A virtual friend might seem fun – for a while. Socially awkward children may feel comforted talking to a virtual being who appears to understand and interact with them, like a real human being. Can this be a long-term solution? Children have to be equipped with the necessary social skills to integrate into society eventually. The school is thus important in shaping a child’s social development, by providing an environment where children learn to deal with others.

Further, existing problems of avid gaming should caution us against the overuse of virtual beings. Addiction is a problem among gaming teenagers and some even become socially withdrawn. There are people who are so passionate about certain animation characters that they become overly-attached. A man claimed that he “married” his favourite animation character. If there are people having trouble detaching themselves from two-dimensional fictional characters, wouldn’t a three-dimensional virtual being, fully equipped with capacities for human interaction, create greater confusion?

I fear that if we over-rely on virtual beings in future, it may one day become difficult to draw a line between virtual and reality.

Individual Topical Review Paper Outline

Topic: Technology and Family

Innovation: DNA Testing

Proposed Outline:

Executive Summary:

In 1988, Ira Reiss defined the family as “a small kinship-structured group with the key function of nurturant socialization of the newborn.” The family is commonly seen by sociologists and anthropologists as social constructs, not biological constructs. Yet, biological ties between family members are not to be taken lightly. This paper examines the implications of DNA testing on the family.

Historical Perspective:

The process of determining biological relationship between two individuals has evolved over time. In the 1920s, scientists used blood typing, after recognizing that blood type was genetically inherited. However, results from blood typing are not conclusive. Subsequent technologies were discovered, such as serological testing and HLA testing. Scientists achieved a breakthrough with the discovery and refining of DNA testing.

Current Situation:

Positive implications

– Importance of genetics

• Knowledge of biological parents could alert children to potential hereditary diseases they may contract in later life, allowing them to make necessary precautions

– Genetic genealogy

• Ongoing research ancestry is enhanced by the use of DNA testing

-Family reunification

• Immigrants can use DNA testing to allow their family members to stay with them in their host country

Negative implications

– Infidelity

• Families are torn apart emotionally when parent and child find out that they are not related
• Even if results are positive, damage done to trust may be irreparable

– Ethics

• Readily available DNA test kits to the masses raises the question of what constitutes a family

Future Considerations & Conclusion

Families will still be characterized by kinship and bonds, above biological ties in future. The availability of DNA testing is unlikely to change that perception. While families may still choose to undergo DNA testing to determine biological relationship, it is noteworthy that parents do not discard bonds built over many years despite a negative result.

Week 4: Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and change

While much has been discussed about the drivers of world change (environment, competition etc), we seldom ask, “Why is the world changing?” What causes change? Do we have an innate need to change?

We act to satisfy our needs and in the course of that, we alter our environment, causing change. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs may help to partially explain why the world changes.

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs has five different levels:

1) Physiological needs

2) Security needs

3) Social needs

4) Esteem needs

5) Self-actualizing needs

How do they relate to the drivers of world change? At the bottom of the hierarchy, physiological needs give rise to global issues of sufficient food production and access to drinkable water.

Security needs concern with issues such as military superiority and environmental conservation. While countries generally avoid an arms race like in Cold War, most governments do not live in peace complacently. Defence ministries all over the world monitor defence movements and developments in other countries closely. The rise of China’s expenditure in defence and the subsequent displays of military prowess (through military drills) has drawn disapproval from the US. Even though military issues do not appear as prominent, it changes the way countries interact with each other and may even serve as a leverage for negotiations.

In addition, environmental pollution is a cause for concern as it harms people’s health, a violation of security needs. This however, is closely related to physiological needs for air, food and water. Contaminated water due to unethical chemical waste discharged by factories and harmful gases exhausted are detrimental to health.

Social needs may refer to the globalization of social networks, the need to connect and keep in touch with others to maintain relationships.

Esteem needs and self-actualizing needs go beyond the basic essentials for survival and integration into society. They focus more on the self; the individual needs for personal growth and accomplishment. This involve areas such as scientific discovery, innovation and competition. The human mind is curious and yearns for more, always seeking to exceed what is believed to be impossible or in search of new knowledge to enrich the mind.

It is however, imperative to note that these issues are not exclusive to any rung of the hierarchy. For example, while innovators may create products to feel that sense of accomplishment, it is also to satisfy security needs for income and profit. Further, the Maslow’s hierarchy of needs can only attempt to link some issues of individual needs as a factor of world change. World change is far more complex and is an amalgamation of processes, events and other factors.

Week 4’s topics were drivers of world change and change management. A key message was the difference between a leader and a manager and how they are not mutually exclusive. Managers are expected to be leaders and leaders are expected to manage well. The ability to lead and manage is an asset which modern education focuses on cultivating in students.Students are taught or given opportunities to explore for themselves, the makings of a successful leader and manager at different times of their education. As such, the line is blurred between a manager and a leader in today’s context.

Further, the concept of a leader and manager is always evolving. In the ancient times, for example, in feudalism, leaders’ commands were absolute. It was not that long ago that CEOs and managers merely issued directives and employees simply obeyed. Nowadays, more firms take a more participatory approach, where leaders and managers are expected to engage their employees, not only to foster relationships but also to inspire better results.

Keeping this in mind,  I was particularly interested in the tension between different generations in the workforce as Generation Y takes command, while “baby boomers” are gradually phasing out. Part of being a leader and a manager is being able to connect and work with people of diverse backgrounds, personalities and that of course, includes age. In light of this, the tension between generations appears to be simply an extension of possible conflicts that may arise during work, similar to personality conflicts, instead of a separate critical issue in work relations.

Further, is this temporary? What happens when “baby boomers” are completely out of the workforce? In a few decades, we, the Gen Y may become the “baby boomers” we are calling now.

I personally rate the session a 7.

Week 3: How far should technology be commoditized?

In the United States before the 1920s, cars were both difficult and costly to produce, thus only the wealthy can own one. With the introduction of assembly lines by Henry Ford, he revolutionised the process of production, not only in the automobile industry, but in many others that adopted this model. Now, goods can be produced and sold at a cheaper cost, making many products commodities the average person can own.

What were once playthings for the rich, are now available to the masses. Consumer electronics such as microwave ovens, vacuum cleaners and washing machines reduce the hassle of household chores, allowing more time to pursue personal or economic interests. The digital age has paved the way for rapid communication – business deals are sealed with a click of a mouse, thus increasing output. The commoditization of technology has made many aspects of life more convenient and increased our standard of living. It is indisputable that technology must be made mainstream to benefit the masses.

Beyond the basic availability of affordable consumer products, how far should technology be commoditized? Even a simple act of purchasing a microwave oven has several considerations – price, brand name, type, functions etc. This applies to most other products. Much of technology is commoditized but companies are increasingly seeking to differentiate themselves – in other words, de-commoditizing.

Apple is a perfect example. In my individual presentation, I brought out a point made by my article: Apple re-invented products. It did not create the music player, but created Ipod and other spin-offs such as Ipod Nano and Ipod Shuffle, becoming the most successful players in the world. Music player is a commodity, but the Ipod, is not.

Companies frequently find it challenging to resolve the conflict between the impulses of technology push and market pull. Value creation is not only beneficial for consumers but also for companies in the long run. Thus, companies should always seek to de-commoditize.

At this point, I have discussed technology in narrow terms, going insofar as consumer products, but technology encompasses a further scope than that. What about defence technology? Or nuclear technology? Should a regular citizen have a right to bear arms? (Yes, I know this is true in America but the world be bigger than America) Nuclear energy are only available to victorious countries of WWII, and of course, whoever they choose to make that technology available to. These issues belong to a grey area which I have no interest in exploring, but are certainly points to ponder.

In week 3, the TWC lesson was on sustainability development and innovation management. Scientists, large corporations and individuals are working hard on sustainable development, so that our future generations will not live in a world without forests or polar bears. I felt that a key issue was the power of the individual. The power of the individual is often underestimated and this prevalent mindset will be a barrier to a potent source of change. Environment conservation was a hot issue a few years ago, in the global arena, drawing attention from Al Gore and others. While the initial furore has faded, the world has felt the effects of increased public awareness. Organizations have initiated recycling programmes and governments have encouraged environment efforts. However, to rely on green organizations or governments alone is insufficient. I believe that in time to come, individuals will play a critical role in environment conservation.

I personally rate the session a 9. I gained a lot from my individual presentation. I had my first shot at discussion generation (which I failed miserably), and I thought it was important because I need to do something similar in another module at a later date. Despite the shortcomings in my content and delivery, the class was kind enough to give me a high rating for my presentation. I attribute this to their interest in Apple and Steve Jobs – thankfully, I chose to present on that. Also, I was very happy at the end of the session because I have managed to complete one main component of TWC early in the term.

Week 2: American Dominance?

The clock is ticking for American’s dominance. In recent years, the world has expressed doubts over American’s continued global hegemony in the areas of economic and military. BRIC’s (Brazil, Russia, India and China) rapidly growing economy and influence will inevitably compromise America’s long-standing supremacy in international affairs. However, less focus has been given to America’s cultural dominance and thus I was particularly interested in the article on Onlineopinion.com, which addresses issues of a popular culture creating stagnation.

America’s pop culture is still undeniably strong; the popularity of Hollywood films, singers and actors speak for themselves. English as an international language has its advantages. However, recent years have seen an increase in popularity for popular culture in foreign countries, for example, Asian countries like Korea and Japan. The most popular Korean pop singers perform at sold out concerts in America, Asia and Europe. Fans in some South American countries are calling for their idols to perform at their country. Japanese culture is most notably recognized for animation and comics (manga). Their popularity has resulted in a number of spin-offs, such as cartoon character merchandise, or a cosplay festivals, where fans congregate, wearing costumes to portray animation characters.

An obvious reason for the rise in popularity would be increased accessibility through the internet. We are global citizens and information retrieval is not a problem. The article on Onlineopinion.com has alerted me to another possible reason – a craving for diversity. The ubiquity of American culture, while a contributing factor in establishing popularity, may have also engendered the demand for variety. I believe global migration could also have been pivotal to this rise. People get to interact with others of different nationalities and of different cultures nowadays. We are exposed to alternative forms of music, film and even fashion. While neither Korean nor Japanese popular culture looks set to supercede America’s dominance, globalization would pave the way for the rise of alternative cultures to America’s, filling the void of diversity.

In week 2, topics were of technology and global dominance, and human development. One key point to note for the session was Prof’s model for identifying innovation leaders and dominant players. This can be applied to a wide spectrum, from the self to large corporations. Attitude is the deciding factor.

Another point to keep in mind would be the fulfillment of the Millennium Development Goals. Can countries really set aside differences, invest time and money to the development of less fortunate nations? The failure of the League of Nations and the equivocal success of the United Nations has made me less than optimistic. Certainly, some goals can be achieved to a certain extent by 2015, but are they too ambitious? We shall see.

My personal rating for the session is a 7.