My reflection on my recent project proposal regarding on the treatment of migrant workers in Singapore.
Challenges
The challenges I faced was getting my information, ie through primary and secondary research. One may think getting secondary sources wouldn't be a hassle, just google your topic in, and 'taadaah' the information is there! It may sound easy as it seems, but to critically evaluate each source and to check its authenticity is tedious. Besides that, we have to conduct primary research at construction yards. Migrant workers that we talked to have little grasp of the English language which makes it having a communication barrier at times. Nonetheless, we managed to get our research done.
Triumphs
Our successes? We managed to get information from migrant workers by talking to them in a slow manner and we tried to simplify our English to the minimum and using hand gestures! We managed to get information from them and how they felt about their current situation. It was indeed a rewarding feeling after getting the required information at the end of the day.
Learning Points
Plus points ++!! Well, we managed to write a complete proposal regarding on the treatment of foreign workers. It wasn't easy to write a proposal. Nevertheless, writing a proposal was a accomplishment. Furthermore, we had a deeper understanding on the plight of foreign workers and the current laws implemented to "help" foreign workers.
Possible Areas for Improvement
Well, our proposed ideas may not be the best of out the best. This could be due to our limited time on research and our understanding of foreign workers may not be deep enough. Our proposal mainly targets the government to help alleviate their plight. Other issues are also not addressed such as attitudes towards migrant workers by the public. A lot more can be done to help alleviate the current migrant workers situation.
Writing this proposal grants me the opportunity to have a deeper understanding on a migrant worker's life in Singapore.
This changes my view on foreign workers and I will make an effort to treat them better, ie a simple gesture of smiling at them, because making them feel appreciated is what everyone can do.
Ha, it's indeed a interesting experience to do the interview.. with gestures!
ReplyDeleteNice post, you have reflect your thoughts fairly clearly, and well organized structure.
So your non-verbals served you in good stead huh Nigel?? Well, clearly you earned the trust of the migrant workers for them to have agreed to your interview. Well-done!
ReplyDeleteWith the limited time you were given to complete this project, I believe that your team has done a great job. I felt that your oral presentation had one of the greatest improvement of all. Well done!
ReplyDeleteMigrant workers is actually a sensitive issue in Singapore especially with the rising population and I'm glad that your team bravely chose this topic and presented it with gusto.
Thank you Yee Sheng, I thought you were quite critical of our presentation.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your encouragement, I hope to do better in the future.
Best regards,
Nigel Cheok