Friday 9 December 2016

Critical Reflection - Effective Communication

When I first knew that Effective Communication was one of the modules in the trimester, I felt dreadful as I am aware that it would definitely involve a lot of writing and presenting. Personally, I am the kind of person that gets nervous easily especially when it comes to presentation or having to talk big crowds.

However, after going through these 12 weeks of Effective Communication module, there were a lot of takeaway, from being able to write a proper technical report to presenting to the whole cohort of SIE. My language improved and when it comes to writing, it just comes naturally that I will check through thoroughly as compared to before. This had greatly helped me because in university, there will be more chances of us writing reports. With this skill, the errors in language can be minimized.

I also did not expect to be given the opportunity to stand in front of the cohort to present about our group’s project proposal. It was an amazing experience as this is something that does not happen that frequently. Even though my voice was not very loud during the presentation, I am glad that I was able to catch the audiences’ attention. This module had made me into a more out-going person as it requires students to communicate with each other and to step out of your comfort zone.

I had a very fun and fruitful journey but all good things must come to an end. I hope I will be able to meet a teacher like Brad that is dedicated to his students and put in his greatest effort in the things that he had done for us.


Commented on : Linfeng & Zainab 

Friday 25 November 2016

Assignment #2 (Trains for NSEW Lines Safe For Service - Summary + Thesis + Reader Response) - Final Draft

Clarabelle Chui Jia Yan                                Effective Communication                                      16SSB012D

In the news release, “Trains on the North-South and East West Lines Safe for Service”, Land Transport Authority (LTA) (2016) addressed the problems that it faced in regards to the North-South and East-West lines trains. It has also included the actions taken to resolve the problems and how trains were subjected to tests to assure the public on their safety and reliability. The webpage also mentioned the problems that were found on trains. These included a “battery housing” that flew open due to pressure. However, it was rectified immediately by the manufacturer. Other than that, cracks on five of the trains’ draughtscreens due to installation errors and hairline cracks on “car-body shell” were also found. Nonetheless, operation of train services was not affected as these trains were tested to be safe for use. As it was impossible to repair the hairline cracks, affected trains that were under warranty were returned back for replacement of components. With a view to complete the rectification programme, LTA expressed that they would send back trains in pairs at a time for servicing. Nevertheless, this is dependent on the arrival of new trains along with the current ones which are still undergoing re-signalling so as to ensure there are sufficient trains for running. In order to ensure the safety and efficiency of the services, LTA has concluded that they would work closely with the contractors and SMRT. Based on the points elaborated, although LTA makes every effort to ensure the safety and efficiency of the trains, they could have followed a more standardized procedure in informing the public.

First of all, LTA should have reported this matter in a timelier manner to the public in regards to the hairline cracks. Based on LTA’s webpage, the news was released on Jul 2016. However, the train defects were found in 2013 but were not reported immediately. Spykerman (2016) stated that a spokesman from the Ministry of Transport stated that the hairline cracks were not made public because the cracks did not pose any safety risks to commuters. In my opinion, since the cracks did not pose any safety risks to commuters, there is no reason to why LTA had to hide this information from the public. It might have been worried about causing unnecessary commotion over such small matters. However, the public may have thought otherwise in such a way that LTA was trying to cover up their mistakes. Based on the article “Rise in major breakdowns but MRT gets more reliable: LTA” (2016), train breakdowns are increasing in Singapore. With this being said, commuters were already losing faith in the train transport system. With the actions of LTA not reporting the hairline cracks on time, commuters would definitely feel deceived, especially when the public got to know the news through a Hong Kong news agency and not from LTA itself. This point can be further supported in the news release “Hairline cracks found on 11 Sengkang-Punggol LRT Trains.” (2016).

Secondly, a more detailed report should have been published to explain about the replacing of the train body. It was mentioned that the hairline cracks did not pose any safety problems. However, it does not fully justify why the trains needed to be replaced. In the article ‘China manufacturer for MTR secretly recalls 35 SMRT subway train after cracks found.” (2016), a retired Singaporean subway staff stated: “I’ve never encountered a situation like this in all my decades of working in railway construction. Replacing the whole frame [of the train] - you can tell how serious [the problem] is.”. Through this statement, it is clear that the situation that had happened was considered grave. LTA should have published a more detailed report stating the reasons the trains were being sent back to China for replacements of car body. As the report was published, many commuters have felt betrayed by LTA. This is because they stated that the hairline cracks did not pose any safety problems yet it needs to be replaced.

Lastly, LTA should ensure in the future that the information regarding quality checks is conveyed clearly to the public. In the article “LTA says train defects “not safety-critical” but ex-HK CEO says QC of entire manufacturing process under suspicion.”, (2016), it was stated that former Hong Kong’s Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation acting CEO agreed that the quality control standard for Singapore trains was mediocre thus resulting in cracks and battery problems. With this being said, if LTA does not convey a clear message to the public regarding the quality checks, the public may easily be influenced by other reporting sources. With LTA being clear and concise in reporting about quality checks, commuters will have an ease of mind knowing about the conditions.

Although LTA did execute various actions to correct the problems, it was insufficient due to the late and incomplete reporting. They should improve on their current standard and the way they convey the messages to the public.


References

China manufacturer for MTR secretly recalls 35 SMRT subway train after cracks found. (2016). FactWire. Retrieved, September 24, 2016 from https://www.factwire.news/en/MTR-securetly-recall.html

Hairline cracks found on 11 Sengkang-Punggol LRT Trains. (2016). Todayonline. Retreived, October 17, 2016 from http://www.todayonline.com/chinaindia/china/factwire-defends-reporting-takes-issue-khaws-comments-smrt-train-defects


LTA says train defects “not safety-critical” but ex-HK CEO says QC of entire manufacturing process under suspicion. (2016). TheIndependent. Retrieved, September 24, 2016 from http://theindependent.sg/lta-says-train-defects-not-safety-critical-but-ex-hk-ceo-says-qc-of-entire-manufacturing-process-under-suspicion/

Singapore Land Transport Authority. (2016). Trains on the North-South and East West Lines Safe for Service.  Retrieved, September 20, 2016, from https://www.lta.gov.sg/apps/news/page.aspx?c=2&id=0f8b1220-0289-4bef-99c9-b2455f17a66c#_ftn1


Spykerman, K. (2016). Lessons to be learnt from defective SMRT trains incident: Khaw. Channelnewsasia.
Retrieved from 
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/lessons-to-be-learnt-from/3048928.html


Tan, C. (2016) Rise in major breakdowns but MRT gets more reliable: LTA. The Straits Times. Retrieved, September 25, 2016 from http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/rise-in-major-breakdowns-but-mrt-gets-more-reliable-lta






Analytical Reflection - Oral Presentation

The purpose of this reflection journal is to review about my presentation on 14th November, 2016. In that presentation, I presented about the Altered: Nozzle and the feasibility to be implemented in SIT in order to reduce water wastage and to create water conservation awareness.

I was feeling nervous as the slides consist mainly of pictures and not many words and at the same time, excited, as it was the first time presenting to my peers. Since my audiences were my classmates, even though I managed to pull off the presentation, I felt that I may not do as well if I were to present to people I do not know.

I felt that the sequence our group planned for the presentation was good as it explained the need in saving water to how a simple device will be able to achieve the objective. Our slides did not have many words so that the audiences can focus their attention on us. I liked that I was able to bring out the contents I have practiced prior to the presentation and also I was able to speak fluently. It shows that one is well prepared and it looks more professional to the audiences that one speaks properly.

I was taught in class that it is important to give ample eye contacts and to interact with audiences. Therefore, through the presentation, I tried to look to them equally. Even though I maintained my eye contacts, I could have engaged more with them by asking more questions so they will feel a connection with me. Also, the presentation slides should be improved by removing the numbering.

Lastly, even though I am satisfied with the presentation, I believe there is still room for improvements such as slowing down my speed when presenting. This allows people to fully comprehend what I am saying. 

Sunday 20 November 2016

Technical Report - Executive Summary

Executive Summary
Recently, news of Linggui Reservoir in Johor, Malaysia suffering from severe loss of water mainly due to high levels of evaporation and low levels of rainfall have surfaced. As 60% of water needs can be extracted from that reservoir, it is important for Singapore to reduce unnecessary water wastage. In this proposal, a background on Singapore’s water needs and sources, the purpose of highlighting the problem in SIT will be discussed. Methods of analysis including surveys and research in regards to water conservation will be analysed and evaluated to present the mentality of the users and the pros and cons of the current implementations. The final proposed solution will then be determined by taking into consideration the cost, needs of the user and its feasibility.

Technical Report - Emails



Letter of Transmittal

Mr Brad Blackstone
Senior Lecturer
Singapore Institute of Technology
SIT@ Dover
10 Dover Drive
Singapore 138868

Dear Mr. Blackstone

Proposal for reducing water usage for Future SIT campus in Punggol

This letter is to inform you of our acknowledgement and response to your letter of authorization. We present to you, as attached, our proposal to help address the lack of water saving technology for taps in SIT and to create awareness about the lack of water conservation among SIT’s students and staff.

Recently, there has been news of the Linggui Reservoir in Johor, Malaysia suffering from severe loss of water mainly due to high levels of evaporation and low levels of rainfall. The reservoir allows Singapore to extract up to 60% of Singapore’s water needs. Although there is no worry over Singapore’s water security with the help of the desalination and NEWater plants, it is important for Singaporeans to do more to reduce unnecessary water wastage.

With a view to reduce those water wastage in SIT’s future Campus in Punggol which is going to be the size of 2 times of all current campuses, our team is proposing a solution to install a water saving nozzle on all water taps in toilets. As the nozzle can be installed on any new or existing taps, our solution will work in a way to reduce the water wastage. Through this solution, we hope to help SIT play an important part in reducing unnecessary water wastage and at the same time SIT can reduce costly water bills resulted from those wastage.

The team would like to thank you for taking your time to read our proposal. We hope that you will consider our proposed solution for SIT and us to close the gap in the lack of water conservation and taking a part in helping Singapore to save water.

Yours sincerely,
Clarabelle Chui
Team Leader

On behalf of Team Misty Trio


Email to Facilities & Estate Management

To: dawn.ho@singaporetech.edu.sg
Subject: Request for Advice - Water Conservation
Dear Ms Ho,

I am Clarabelle Chui (16SSB012D), a first year student studying in SIT Sustainable Infrastructure Engineering (SIE) (Building Services). I’m currently attending Effective Communication class under Brad Blackstone. The purpose of writing this email is to seek advice from you in regards to the issue we have on hand after a discussion with Mr. Blackstone. In a team of three, we were tasked with a project to identify a problem and propose a solution to solve it. The problem that our group decided to tackle is the lack of water conservation among the users in the school.

From our understanding, the students and staff in the school tend to think water conservation is not important and would take the water we have for granted. One major issue is the use of the water taps in the toilet. Even though the taps are automated to conserve water, users tend to abuse this system to allow continuous water flow. This defeats the purpose of the automated water tap sensor system.

To solve this problem, we are planning to suggest the use of a more standardized system for taps which include the use of the Altered: Nozzle in the campus.  An Altered: Nozzle is a simple device that can be fitted to the existing tap nozzles so that water can be turned into mist. This can conserve water up to 98%.

Our group would like to consult you and obtain more information in regards to water consumption so as to have a better understanding before we prepare our proposal. The main questions that we require clarifications are as follow:
Is the school implementing any water conservation ideas/methods? If so what is/are they?
How much is the water usage and amount paid every month for the past 1 year?
The reason for using different types of tap. Eg. Lever, push and sensor for tap.
The type of tap selected for the new campus in Punggol.
How big would the new campus be?

We would appreciate if you could share your knowledge with us regarding the above questions. Alternatively, if needed, kindly assist us to direct these questions to the relevant people.

Thank you.

Best Regards,
Clarabelle Chui
Sustainable Infrastructure Engineering
(Building Services) 

Email to Altered Company





Friday 21 October 2016

Assignment #2 (Trains for NSEW Lines Safe For Service - Summary + Thesis + Reader Response) - Third Draft

In the news release, “Trains on the North-South and East West Lines Safe for Service”, Land Transport Authority (LTA) (2016) addressed the problems that it faced in regards to the North-South and East-West lines trains. It has also included the actions taken to resolve the problems and how trains were subjected to tests to assure the public on their safeness and reliability. The webpage also mentioned the problems that were found on trains. These included “battery housing” flew open due to pressure. However, it was rectified immediately by the manufacturer. Other than that, cracks on five of the trains’ draughtscreens due to installation errors and hairline cracks on “car-body shell” were also found. Nonetheless, operation of train services was not affected as these trains were tested to be safe for use. As it was impossible to repair the hairline cracks, affected trains that were under warranty were returned back for replacement of components. With a view to complete the rectification programme, LTA expressed that they would sent back trains in pairs at a time for servicing. Nevertheless, this is dependent on the arrival of new trains along with the current ones which are still undergoing re-signalling so as to ensure there are sufficient trains for running. In order to ensure the safety and efficiency of the services, LTA has concluded that they would work closely with the contractors and SMRT. Based on the points elaborated, although LTA makes every effort to ensure the safety and efficiency of the trains, they could have followed a more standardized procedure in informing the public.

First of all, LTA should have reported this matter in a timelier manner to the public in regards to the hairline cracks. Based on LTA’s webpage, the news was released on Jul 2016. However, the train defects were found in 2013 but were not reported immediately. Spykerman (2016) stated that a spokesman from the Ministry of Transport quoted that the hairline cracks were not made public because it did not pose any safety risks to commuters. In my opinion, since the cracks did not pose any safety risks to commuters, there is no reason to why LTA hid this information from the public. It might have been worried about causing unnecessary commotion over such small matters. However, the public may think otherwise in such a way that LTA was trying to cover up their mistakes. Based on the article “Rise in major breakdowns but MRT gets more reliable: LTA” (2016), train breakdowns are increasing in Singapore. With this being said, commuters were already losing faith in the train transport system. With the actions of LTA not reporting the hairline cracks on time, commuters would definitely feel deceived, especially when the public got to know the news through a Hong Kong news agency and not from LTA itself. This is supported in the news release “Hairline cracks found on 11 Sengkang-Punggol LRT Trains.” (2016).

Secondly, a more detailed report should have been published to explain about the replacing of the train body. It was mentioned that the hairline cracks did not pose any safety problems. However, it does not fully justify why the trains are needed to be replaced. Based on the article ‘China manufacturer for MTR secretly recalls 35 SMRT subway train after cracks found.” (2016), a retired Singaporean subway staff stated: “I’ve never encountered a situation like this in all my decades of working in railway construction. Replacing the whole frame [of the train] - you can tell how serious [the problem] is.”, through this statement, it is clear that the situation had happened was considered grave. LTA should have published a more detailed report stating the reasons the trains were being sent back to China for replacements of car body. Otherwise, the commuters would feel the reporting is incomplete as LTA seems to be contradicting themselves. This is because they stated that the hairline cracks did not pose any safety problems yet it needs to be replaced.

Lastly, LTA should ensure in the future that the information regarding quality checks is conveyed clearly to the public. In the article “LTA says train defects “not safety-critical” but ex-HK CEO says QC of entire manufacturing process under suspicion.” The Independent (2016), stated that former Hong Kong’s Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation acting CEO agreed that the quality control standard for Singapore trains was mediocre thus resulting in cracks and battery problems. With this being said, if LTA did not convey a clear message to the public regarding the quality checks, the public may easily be influenced by other reporting sources. With LTA being clear and concise in reporting about quality checks, commuters will have an ease of mind knowing about the conditions.

Although LTA did execute various actions to correct the problems, it was insufficient and they should improve on their current standard and the way they convey the messages to the public.




References

China manufacturer for MTR secretly recalls 35 SMRT subway train after cracks found. (2016). FactWire. Retrieved, September 24, 2016 from https://www.factwire.news/en/MTR-securetly-recall.html

Hairline cracks found on 11 Sengkang-Punggol LRT Trains. (2016). Todayonline. Retreived, October 17, 2016 from http://www.todayonline.com/chinaindia/china/factwire-defends-reporting-takes-issue-khaws-comments-smrt-train-defects


LTA says train defects “not safety-critical” but ex-HK CEO says QC of entire manufacturing process under suspicion. (2016). TheIndependent. Retrieved, September 24, 2016 from http://theindependent.sg/lta-says-train-defects-not-safety-critical-but-ex-hk-ceo-says-qc-of-entire-manufacturing-process-under-suspicion/

Singapore Land Transport Authority. (2016). Trains on the North-South and East West Lines Safe for Service.  Retrieved, September 20, 2016, from https://www.lta.gov.sg/apps/news/page.aspx?c=2&id=0f8b1220-0289-4bef-99c9-b2455f17a66c#_ftn1


Spykerman, K. (2016). Lessons to be learnt from defective SMRT trains incident: Khaw. Channelnewsasia.
Retrieved from 
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/lessons-to-be-learnt-from/3048928.html


Tan, C. (2016) Rise in major breakdowns but MRT gets more reliable: LTA. The Straits Times. Retrieved, September 25, 2016 from http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/rise-in-major-breakdowns-but-mrt-gets-more-reliable-lta






Friday 14 October 2016

Problem Statement & Purpose Statement

Problem statement:
Water conservation is difficult in schools whereby there are many students and staff that uses the washroom, water cooler, cleaning and many more on a daily basis. The problem is that students and staff do not deem water conservation as important for reasons such as they are not paying the bills and Singapore will always have sufficient water for all. With the upcoming new campus in Punggol, there will be more buildings that will be able to house more students and staff. This would in turn require more washrooms and water points leading to a higher water consumption. If students and staff do not change their actions and mindsets regarding the importance of water conservation, it will incur higher water wastage and higher water bills.
Purpose Statement:
The purpose of this proposal is to instill a concept on the SITizens about water conservation and help to reduce water consumption in SIT compounds. By doing this, the school will be able to save cost and also show that they are doing their part as there is limited water supply in Singapore.

Wednesday 28 September 2016

Assignment #2 (Trains for NSEW Lines Safe For Service - Summary + Thesis + Reader Response) - Second Draft

In the following news release, “Trains on the North-South and East West Lines Safe for Service”, Land Transport Authority (LTA) (2016) addressed the problems that it faced in regards to the North-South and East-West lines trains. It has also stated the actions taken to resolve the problems and how trains were subjected to tests to assure the public on their safeness and reliability. The webpage also mentioned the problems that were found on trains. These include “battery housing” flew open due to pressure, however it was rectified immediately by the manufacturer. Other than that, cracks on 5 of the trains’ draughtscreens due to installation errors and hairline cracks on “car-body shell” were also found. Nonetheless, operation of train services were not affected as these trains were tested to be safe for use. As it was impossible to repair the hairline cracks, affected trains that were under warranty were returned back for replacement of components. With a view to complete the rectification programme, LTA expressed that they would sent back trains in pair at a time for servicing. Nevertheless, this is dependent on the arrival of new trains along with the current ones which were still undergoing re-signalling so as to ensure there are sufficient trains for running. In order to ensure the safety and efficiency of the services, LTA has concluded that they will work closely with the contractors and SMRT. Based on the points elaborated, although LTA takes into consideration to ensure the safety and efficiency of the trains, they could have done better in handling this situation so as not to cause doubts and trust issues between commuters.

First of all, it may cause the public to have doubts and trust issues as based on LTA’s webpage, the news was released on Jul 2016. However, the train defects was found way back in 2013 but was not reported immediately. According to Kimberly (2016), she stated that: “Mr Khaw reiterated reasons why the issue was not made public earlier, saying that the hairline cracks on the trains did not pose any safety risk to commuters.”, since the hairline cracks did not pose any safety risks to commuters, LTA should have reported this matter to the public earlier. In Singapore, train breakdowns are increasing (Straits Times, 2016). With this being said, commuters are already losing faith in the train transport system. In my opinion, withholding of such information in regards to the problems found on new trains, may increase the passengers’ distrust. If the situation was not major LTA should not have hidden this matter.

Secondly, it was mentioned that the hairline cracks did not pose any safety problems, however I feel that it does not fully justify why it still needs to be replaced. Based on FactWire (2016), a Hong Kong news agency contacted a retired Singaporean subway staff and quoted: “I’ve never encountered a situation like this in all my decades of working in railway construction. Replacing the whole frame [of the train] - you can tell how serious [the problem] is.”, through this statement, LTA should have given a more detailed report stating the reasons the trains were being sent back to China for replacement of body. Otherwise, it will cause the commuters to have doubts as LTA seems to be contradicting themselves. Stating that the hairline cracks did not pose any safety problems yet it needs to be replaced.

Lastly, tighter quality checks for the components should have been done before installation. In my opinion, if these quality checks are done more thoroughly, it could have minimized the problems such as the explosion of the battery (GOV, 2016). As they could have removed the battery with defects before even installing it and situation like this would not had happened. According to The Independent (2016), FactWire interviewed former Hong Kong’s Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation acting CEO and he agreed that the quality control standard was mediocre thus resulting in cracks and battery problems.

Although LTA did execute various actions to correct the problems, it was incomplete and they should have done more preventive than corrective actions.


(600 Words)


References

FactWire. (2016). China manufacturer for MTR secretly recalls 35 SMRT subway train after cracks found. Retrieved, September 24, 2016 from https://www.factwire.news/en/MTR-securetly-recall.html

LTA says train defects “not safety-critical” but ex-HK CEO says QC of entire manufacturing process under suspicion. The Independent (2016).  Retrieved, September 24, 2016 from http://theindependent.sg/lta-says-train-defects-not-safety-critical-but-ex-hk-ceo-says-qc-of-entire-manufacturing-process-under-suspicion/

Spykerman, K. (2016). Lessons to be learnt from defective SMRT trains incident: Khaw.   Retrieved from http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/lessons-to-be-learnt-from/3048928.html


Tan, C. (2016) Cracks on MRT trains: Khaw addresses key issues raised. The Straits Times. Retrieved, September 25, 2016 from http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/rise-in-major-breakdowns-but-mrt-gets-more-reliable-lta


Trains on the North-South and East West Lines Safe for Service. (2016). Land Transport Authority. Retrieved, September 20, 2016, from https://www.lta.gov.sg/apps/news/page.aspx?c=2&id=0f8b1220-0289-4bef-99c9-b2455f17a66c#_ftn1

Why are MRT trains being shipped back to manufacturer?. Gov. (2016). Retrieved, September 25, 2016 from https://www.gov.sg/factually/content/why-are-mrt-trains-being-shipped-back-to-its-manufacturer




Sunday 25 September 2016

Assignment #2 (Trains for NSEW Lines Safe For Service - Summary + Thesis + Reader Response) - First Draft

In the following news release, “Trains on the North-South and East West Lines Safe for Service”, Land Transport Authority (LTA) (2016) addressed the problems that it faced in regards to the North-South and East-West lines trains. It has also stated the actions taken to resolve the problems and how trains were subjected to tests to ensure their safeness and reliability. The webpage mentioned that complications were found on trains whereby the “battery housing” flew open due to pressure. Not only that, cracks were also found on the draughtscreen of 5 trains which were due to errors during installation. However, operation of train services were not affected as these problems were rectified immediately. LTA has also stated that hairline cracks were found on the “car-body shell” which was caused during production period. As it was impossible to repair the cracks, affected trains that were under warranty were sent back for replacement of parts at no costs. With a view to complete the rectification programme, LTA expressed that they would send two trains at a time for servicing. Nevertheless, this is dependent on the arrival of new trains along with the current ones which were still undergoing re-signalling. In order to ensure the safety and efficiency of the services, LTA has concluded that they will work closely with the contractors and SMRT. Based on the points elaborated, although LTA takes into consideration to ensure the safety and efficiency of the trains, they could have done better in handling this situation so as not to cause doubts and trust issues between commuters.

First of all, it may cause the public to have doubts and trust issues as based on LTA’s webpage, the news was released on Jul 2016. However, the train defects was found way back in 2013 but was not reported immediately. According to Kimberly (2016), she stated that: “Mr Khaw reiterated reasons why the issue was not made public earlier, saying that the hairline cracks on the trains did not pose any safety risk to commuters.”, since the hairline cracks did not pose any safety risks to commuters, LTA should have reported this matter to the public earlier. In Singapore, train breakdowns are increasing (Straits Times, 2016). With this being said, commuters are already losing faith in the train transport system. Withholding of such information in regards to the problems found on new trains, may increase the passengers’ distrust. If the situation was not major LTA should not have hidden this matter.

Secondly, it was mentioned that the hairline cracks did not pose any safety problems, however i feel that it does not fully justify why it still needs to be replaced. Based on FactWire (2016), a Hong Kong news agency contacted a retired Singaporean subway staff and quoted: “I’ve never encountered a situation like this in all my decades of working in railway construction. Replacing the whole frame [of the train] - you can tell how serious [the problem] is.”, through this statement, LTA should have given a more detailed report stating the reasons the trains are being sent back to China for replacement of body. Otherwise, it will cause the commuters to have doubts as LTA seems to be contradicting themselves.

Lastly, tighter quality checks for the components should have been done before installation. In my opinion, if these quality checks are done more thoroughly, it could have minimized the problems such as the explosion of the battery (GOV, 2016). According to The Independent (2016), FactWire interviewed former Hong Kong’s Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation acting CEO and he agreed that the quality control standard was mediocre thus resulting in cracks and battery problems.

Although LTA did execute various actions to correct the problems, it was incomplete and they should have done more preventive than corrective actions.


(550 Words)


References

FactWire. (2016). China manufacturer for MTR secretly recalls 35 SMRT subway train after cracks found. Retrieved, September 24, 2016 from https://www.factwire.news/en/MTR-securetly-recall.html

Tan, C. (2016) Cracks on MRT trains: Khaw addresses key issues raised. The Straits Times. Retrieved, September 25, 2016 from http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/rise-in-major-breakdowns-but-mrt-gets-more-reliable-lta

Spykerman, K. (2016). Lessons to be learnt from defective SMRT trains incident: Khaw.   Retrieved from http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/lessons-to-be-learnt-from/3048928.html

LTA says train defects “not safety-critical” but ex-HK CEO says QC of entire manufacturing process under suspicion. The Independent (2016).  Retrieved, September 24, 2016 from http://theindependent.sg/lta-says-train-defects-not-safety-critical-but-ex-hk-ceo-says-qc-of-entire-manufacturing-process-under-suspicion/

Trains on the North-South and East West Lines Safe for Service. (2016). Land Transport Authority. Retrieved, September 20, 2016, from https://www.lta.gov.sg/apps/news/page.aspx?c=2&id=0f8b1220-0289-4bef-99c9-b2455f17a66c#_ftn1

Why are MRT trains being shipped back to manufacturer?. Gov. (2016). Retrieved, September 25, 2016 from https://www.gov.sg/factually/content/why-are-mrt-trains-being-shipped-back-to-its-manufacturer


Wednesday 21 September 2016

3 Things to Improve for the Trimester!

1)  Work on run-on sentences and try to reduce them.

2) Improve on my verb tenses.

3) Work on my sentence structure.

Trains for NSEW Lines Safe For Service - Summary & Thesis (Draft)

In the following article, “Trains on the North-South and East West Lines Safe for Service”, Land Transport Authority (2016) addresses the problems that it faced in regards to the North-South and East-West lines trains. It also states the actions taken to resolve the problems and how trains were subjected to tests to ensure their safeness and reliability. The webpage mentioned that complications were found on trains whereby the battery housing flew open due to pressure. Not only that, cracks were also found on the draughtscreen of 5 trains which were due to errors during the installation process. However, operation of train services were not affected as these problems were rectified immediately. LTA states that hairline cracks were also found on the car-body shell which was caused during production period. As it is impossible to repair the cracks, affected trains that were under warranty were sent back for replacement of parts at no costs. With a view to complete the rectification programme, LTA expressed that they will send two trains at a time for servicing. Nevertheless, this is dependent on the arrival of new trains along with the current ones which are still undergoing re-signalling. In order to ensure the safety and efficiency of the services, LTA has concluded that they will work closely with the contractors and SMRT. Based on the points elaborated, it is trusting that LTA takes into consideration in ensuring the safety and efficiency of the trains. This allows its passengers to enjoy a high quality amenity.


Trains on the North-South and East West Lines Safe for Service. (2016). Retrieved September 20, 2016, from https://www.lta.gov.sg/apps/news/page.aspx?c=2&id=0f8b1220-0289-4bef-99c9-b2455f17a66c#_ftn1

Tuesday 13 September 2016

Formal Email

To: Brad Blackstone
Subject: Introduction – Clarabelle Chui

Dear Brad,

My name is Clarabelle Chui from Tutorial 5, SIE Building Services 2016. The purpose of writing this email is to introduce myself. I graduated from Singapore Polytechnic and attained a diploma in Maritime Business in year 2016. The reason why I chose this course was because I am always fascinated about operations of vessels and how they transport goods worldwide.

What sparked my interest in joining this degree course is due to my final year project in polytechnic. The purpose of the project is to target sustainability in ports. We got to explore different areas in which we can go green and help to reduce electricity usage. As fossil fuels are burnt to generate electricity, it is not environmentally friendly at all. We came up with the idea of using geothermal energy which can be found in Singapore. Through this project, I realized the importance of conserving our limited resources in our country.


My goals in SIT are to be able to acquire more knowledge in this field of study. This is because for now, I am still considered as a novice in building and engineering areas. Not only that, I wish to develop and improve my communication skills which is an essential in the work force. I hope I will be able to use what I have learnt not only in making buildings more sustainable but also in the marine sector.

I thank you for your time in reading this email and I look forward to your class to learn more!


Yours Sincerely,
Clarabelle Chui

Edited on: 18/09/2016

Sunday 11 September 2016

Importance of English

When I was young, I used to think that learning English was very redundant. This is because I hardly had the opportunities to speak in English given the fact that I lived with my Chinese educated grandparents. However, this thought changed completely as I grew older. The internship has instilled me the importance of English.

I realized that if one is weak in English language it causes a lot of inconveniences to people working around you. As I interned in a ship managing company, one situation that I encountered was that whenever a vessel was having a downtime, a report was needed to be submitted explaining the details.  However, my colleague who wrote the report was incapable of constructing proper English sentences. Therefore, after the report was sent, another person was needed to spend extra time refining that report and correcting the mistakes made. It was not only time consuming, it also slowed down the efficiency as the time used could have been put to better use on other tasks. Without the ability to comprehend English, a person would not be able to excel in their areas during work and might misunderstood what your superiors are asking you to do.

Also, during work, there will be instances where work is needed be presented to higher-up staffs and without fluent English, one may not be able to bring the message intended across causing misconceptions. I feel that with poor English pronunciation, people may find it hard to catch what was presented and leaves an impression that the presenter is not well prepared. This makes the whole presentation unprofessional which in turns affect the confidence and image.


Therefore, I feel that English is very important to me as with the above reasons explained and how it is an international language being used almost everywhere makes it even more significant.

Commented on: Camille, Cherlyn & Khia Meng's Blogpost


Last Edited: 24/09/2016