Boring? Let’s take a page from popular culture

YouThink writers share pointers on how learning one’s mother tongue need not be a chore
Relate lessons to everyday life
THE most interesting Chinese lessons I’ve ever had relate otherwise boring words and phrases to everyday life.
Once, in Secondary 2, I had a Chinese lesson where my teacher brought bamboo leaves and glutinous rice to teach the [...]

Recession gives shine to public sector jobs

Don’t just seek jobs, but opportunities
FOR someone who has always had a passion for entrepreneurship, the thrill of starting my own business appeals to me more than a predictable job in the public sector.
Unless the public sector undergoes an image overhaul, I will be less inclined to pursue a career there as I do not [...]

Clipping Cupid’s wings

Job first, love can wait
VALENTINE’S Day may be just around the corner, yet I cannot even fathom its significance, having neither a significant other nor a full-time job.
Socialising is expensive in this downturn, particularly on a part-time salary of around $50 per day. For instance, dinner at a French restaurant in the CBD area could [...]

Altruism could make the world a better place

By Stephanie Song
HAVE you ever been offered a totally unexpected helping hand, but took a moment to consider if there was an ulterior motive behind it?
On the flip side, when was the last time you offered help without (sub-consciously) considering the tangible benefits due to you in return?
I once paused to help a drunkard who [...]

Rising prices: Here’s food for thought

YouthInk writers weigh in on how to eat well on a budget.
Creativity keeps you from going bananas
THE rising cost of food has hit many people worldwide, not least frugal overseas students.
Cyclone Larry’s attack on Queensland two years ago caused the price of bananas in Australia to rise to a whopping A$14 (S$18) per kg.
During that [...]

Aesthetic medicine: How youth face up to the question

YouthInk writers debate whether cosmetic surgery is really necessary.
We all lie for vanity’s sake
THE next time you judge someone going for a cosmetic procedure, consider this: everybody lies. Heels make us look taller; make-up hides blemishes; contact lenses give the impression of perfect vision.
We mislead, misrepresent, conceal. There is no denying we do a lot [...]

Work to live or live to work?

How has the rising cost of living affected career choices among young adults? YouthInk writers speak up.
Published
No one is impervious, not even doctors
MANY of my peers seem to have the impression that being a doctor ensures one a golden rice bowl.
I disagree.
Yes, qualifying as a doctor in the future does gives me peace of mind [...]