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  Malay is just as tough to learn
Reader suggests for students who cannot or prefer not to offer a second language can be penalised in points. -ST
 
 
Teach it without fuss or frills
Reader feels teaching medium should switch between the two languages to facilitate learning. -ST
Mother tongue is not a substitute for English
Finding ways and means to avoid English is not a desirable solution. -ST
Chinese-medium schools will promote learning Chinese more effectively
Learning in a fun way is a good start to engage young children and develop their love for the language. -ST
Yes, it's about attitude and motivation
He was caught by the beauty of the Chinese language after hearing the song The Great Wall sung by Fei Yuqing. -ST
Make mother tongue less critical in PSLE
This is because he feels that English is the medium of education and business in Singapore. -ST
Lowering standards not the answer
There is no short cut when learning a language. -ST
It's easy to blame teachers or system
Teachers have made a critical contribution in giving Singapore a bilingual edge economically and culturally. -ST
Puzzled by insurer's payout for medical claim
Customer feels it's unfair for insurance companies to cite technicality as an excuse.
CPF Life designed to provide stable, lifelong returns
Committee consulted widely and recommended against joint annuities as they add complexity to scheme.
It's harder for those weak in English
Proficiency in their mother tongue does not level the playing field for them. -ST
No need to decriminalise consensual underage sex
Reader feels penalties should be made less harsh when necessary but not completely legal. =ST
Monkeys drawn by food
Feeding monkeys alters their natural behaviour and makes them too familiar with humans. -myp
Action taken against rats in Kim Keat Link
Authorities and town council had exterminated the rats, sealed their burrows and improved the sanitation in the area. -myp
Citizenship test the way to go
It is vital that Singapore devises stringent selection criteria and a test to select the right people. -myp
Teachers not to blame for language problems
They made us aware and proud of our cultural identity.
Nub of problem is motivation and attitude
With such an attitude, no amount of coaxing or coercion is going to work. -ST
Price of bilingualism
Reader is glad that policy will be toned down to suit different abilities. -ST
Many firms keeping workers past age 62
Tripartite partners to refine the draft guidelines with public consultation.
Allow walking from checkpoint to Marsiling
He faced the trouble when walking to Woodlands Centre and Marsiling after clearing immigration. -myp
Opportunists do not help green cause
One is forced to take a step back and reflect on the furore surrounding climate change. -myp
Don't let language drag down the best
Learning a language is an aptitude. -ST
Model UN an ideal model for real group
It must aspire to, and banish exceptionalism from the corridors of power. -ST
Best way for a dad to love his kids? Love their mum
Reader shares three important traits in cementing family ties.
Fingerprint recognition reliable
Travellers can use the automated facility without having to separately enrol their biometrics. -myp
SOS gives 24-hour support
Anyone in crisis who is thinking of suicide or is affected by suicide can call the Samaritans of Singapore. -myp
Kids benefit from strong language foundation
Once children are interested in the language, they would be able to do well. -myp
It didn't help that Chinese teachers meted out harsh punishment
Reader heartened to know of MM Lee's determination to right the wrongs. -myp
Long wait for resale 3-room flat
Reader: 'Middle-income earners such as me also need a roof over my head.' -myp
CPF Life: Raise comfort level regarding payout guarantee
Although scheme guarantees payouts, amount received may fall if lifespans increase more than expected.
Dog owners should take courses
Number of dog attack cases has risen to 65 from about 50 in 2006. -myp
 
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