Summary Draft #1

The SolarNova initiative, spearheaded by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) and the Housing & Development Board (HDB), aims to encourage the use of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in Singapore and develop the nation's solar industry. By adopting green construction characteristics, the initiative also plays a crucial part in the HDB Green Towns Programme (GTP), which aims to make HDB towns more sustainable.

HDB has set a greater goal in its seventh tender by employing 540 megawatt-peak (MWp) of solar energy by 2030 throughout 1,290 HDB blocks and 99 government sites (Cheah, 2022). This time, the programme will involve six national organisations: Singapore Monetary Authority, Ministry of Education, People's Association, Singapore Polytechnic, Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board, and the Ministry of Health. Making the usage of solar energy a key initiative in the HDB GTP, net-zero energy consumption in our HDB heartlands would be achieved (Tan, 2022, as cited in Housing Development Board, 2022). 

Solar panel installation would take place gradually in lots, and it would be finished by 2025. With this, HDB will take action by promoting greater adoption and use of solar panels. 

References:

Cheah, M. (2022, February 25), HDB launches. 7th solar tender for 1,290 blocks. and 99 government sites. Retrieved on January 26, 2023, from https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/international/hdb-launches-7th-solar-tender-1290-blocks-and-99-government-sites

Housing Development Board(2022, February 25). HDB to Bring Solar Energy to Over 8,000 Blocks through SolarNova Programme. Retrieved on January 26, 2023, from https://www.hdb.gov.sg/about-us/news-and-publications/press-releases/HDB-to-bring-solar-energy

Descriptive Reflection: Formal Introductory Letter

Dear Professor Brad,

I am Stephanie, and I want to introduce myself via this letter. I am a civil engineering student at the Singapore Institute of Technology.

My interest in civil engineering grew after receiving a diploma in civil engineering with business from Singapore Polytechnic. As technology evolved, I grew more interested in the digital revolution of the construction business. I had previously considered pursuing my studies in finance after gaining experience in the financial industry as a temporary employee before starting university. However, my curiosity about the construction industry's digital transformation persisted, influencing my decision to pursue a civil engineering degree. I am an excellent listener, which is one of my communication strengths. Instead of immediately drawing conclusions and challenging the speaker, I approach a conversation with an open mind by hearing and comprehending the other person's perspective. One area for improvement would be that I sometimes struggled to organize my ideas when I wanted to make a point, which led to me not always having a clear and succinct response. I want to complete two significant objectives before the conclusion of this module. First and foremost, I aim to improve my public speaking abilities after receiving feedback that I talk too quickly when I am frightened. Second, I aim to enhance my technical writing abilities and perfect my grammar, since I still need to work on articulating my views grammatically and in an organized manner, particularly in report writing and reflections. I'm excited to learn more about effective communication and critical thinking from you and challenge myself in the upcoming lessons.

Yours sincerely,

Stephanie

[Edited on 6 February 2023]

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The Importance of communication skills for engineers

“While all engineers should have good communication skills, global engineers face additional challenges, making effective communication an imperative.” Debra Kraft, Careers Content Writer, Demand Media (2016).

According to the quotation above, I do feel that having communication skills is vital as an engineer. This is because the profession would require communication not only just with other engineers but also people of other disciplines such as Architects, Project Managers to name a few... 

Engineers do not just sit at their desks all day with their eyes fixated on their computer screens, they are also required to plan and coordinate with their colleagues and fellow engineers, people of other disciplines and even their clients as well.

But what does it take to be a global engineer? One would then be required to take on a range of international settings and work environments. To prevent miscommunications with colleagues be they in the same discipline or not and clients who are of different countries or origins, one would not only need to be highly proficient in English, but one would also need to have good communication skills and personal qualities to work with them.