Image Credit: Pixabay
Understanding the world around us is not always easy. News can sometimes be dry, boring, or even confusing, especially when filled with technical jargon. However, as Rafflesians, the future leaders of Singapore, we face a crucial choice: should we remain like frogs in a well, trapped in our own little “bubble”? Or should we burst this “bubble” and strive to be more aware of local and international events? It is imperative that we choose the latter, broadening our horizons to better navigate and lead in an interconnected world.
As Rafflesians, we are constantly told we are the future leaders of Singapore. Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said, in his address during the RI Lecture, that “RI is a focal point of talent … Singapore’s defence and future is in your hands”. As the new generation of Thinkers, Leaders, and Pioneers, shouldn’t we get to know society better before we step into our roles?
Reading the news helps us by providing a window into the diverse perspectives within society. Each of us is a tile in the mosaic of society, representing unique opinions and backgrounds. Yet, as a tile, our view is limited; we only see what is immediate and familiar to us. This narrow perspective can turn us into frogs in a well, reinforcing our own circles and confirming our prejudices and stereotypes because we are unaware of the broader world beyond our immediate surroundings.
We are each a tile in a giant wall known as society, but we cannot see beyond the tiles immediately surrounding us, making us little more than a frog in the well. Image credit: Freerange Stock
When we read the news, we will see society from a different angle. Think of it as leaving your tile for one moment, and gazing down on the entire wall as a whole. You will start seeing perspectives you would have never seen before, going beyond just your immediate circle of tiles, and reflecting on your own place in the giant wall.
For example, during the COVID period, while most of us were “struggling” to adjust to online learning, it was through the news that many of us discovered that some families couldn’t even afford a laptop for their children. When I read this article, I became deeply aware of the significant challenges some families faced. While I was complaining that my computer was rather old and slow, I had never realised that there were people out there who couldn’t even afford a computer. It really opened my eyes to the fact that much of what I had, things that I assumed were a given for all Singaporeans, were actually not enjoyed by all!
Understanding our society is just the beginning. As Rafflesians, we transcend being mere Singapore citizens; we are global citizens. We must broaden our horizons. Despite its tiny size, Singapore is celebrated worldwide for its unparalleled connectivity, trading with nearly every nation and boasting the world’s strongest passport in 2024, which grants access to 195 countries. Our small red dot is a vital piece of the global mosaic, playing a significant role on the world stage.
However, our world is being more divided over emerging issues. By keeping up with the news, we fill ourselves not with mere speculations from social media influencers, but with credible information about the world beyond our shores. While we may not be able to walk among the flattened ruins of Gaza or within the trenches of Ukraine, the news brings us closer to these distant lands. It opens a window into these happenings, providing us with insights and allowing us to form our own judgements. As Rafflesians and Singaporeans, with our extensive global connectivity, isn’t it important to understand the wider world? And what better way is there to do this than by reading the news?
While we may not be able to walk among the flattened ruins of Gaza, the news brings these conflicts from far away places closer to us, letting us see what is truly happening there. Image credit: Reuters
In conclusion, reading the news keeps us grounded. As Rafflesians, we are undeniably given many privileges and opportunities not granted to many. So, as we gain more opportunities to enrich our knowledge, let us read the news to remind ourselves that with our privileges, we must empathise with the less fortunate and use our knowledge and skills to help them where we can. After all, we hold the power as the future generation of Singaporeans, to lead a change for the better in our society, the humble yet diverse mosaic of tiles.
As Minister Balakrishnan concluded in his address, “Life is complicated. You must read and think and use your discretion, so you can understand the full complexity of the situation and reach the final stage of wisdom” – and what better way is there to do this than to read the news?
