Reflection: New Media Landscape

Lionel Chin

Lionel Chin is the co-founder of Ripplewerkz, which is an all in one design house which offers high quality Web, Blog, Print and Corporate ID development. Boasting an impressive portfolio of projects such as Nuffnang, Prominent bloggers/Celebrities (eg. Allan Wu (The Amazing Race Asia), Wong Lilin (Mediacorp), Nico Chua (FM 933 DJ), Lunch Actually, Airtrade and The Eurasian Association (Singapore) etc, the name Lionel Chin certainly resonates in the digital industry.

5 key points the Speaker had mentioned during his presentation:

1. Freelancing is better

2. Earn money through blog, you will earn more than what you thought

3. Twitter is very convienient with now

4. Working world is hard

5. portfolio is very important

3 things that has inspired me:

1. I was inspired in becoming a web designer in the future.

2. I was inspired to work hard and get a nice portfolio.

3. I was inspired to earn money through advertising on blog.

Do you think its useful to have a guest speaker to share their expertise, experience and “Tips & Tricks” of the trade?(explain)

Yes. I think its useful because I can know how it is like to be working in the outside world. I can really imagine how it is like through his sharing of experience. I think that the speaker is very friendly and sincere. Even though he is very young, he is able to work and start earning money. Thus, I think that he is very brave and is someone that we can respect. I believe that after attending the lecture, people will want to be like him in the future.

National Archives

http://www.nhb.gov.sg/NAS/index.htm

Established by an act of parliament in 1968, the National Archives of Singapore (NAS) was first known as the National Archives and Records Centre (NARC). In 1979, with the addition of the Oral History Department, the National Archives was renamed the National Archives and Oral History Department. NAS is an institution under the National Heritage Board, which was instituted in 1993.

Who are they?

The National Archives of Singapore (NAS) houses the collective memory of our nation. This memory allows current and future generations Of Singaporeans to understand our different cultures, explore our common heritage and appreciate who we are and how we became a nation.

As the official custodian of the corporate memory of the government, NAS manages public records and provides advice to government agencies on records management. From government files, private memoirs, historical maps and photographs to oral history interviews and audio-visual materials, NAS is responsible for the collection, preservation and management of Singapore’s public and private archival records, some of which date back to the early 19th century.

NAS protects the rights of citizens by providing evidence and accountability of government actions. Its repository of archival materials makes NAS an important research centre for those in search of information about the country’s history. NAS also promotes public interest in our nation’s history and heritage through educational programmes and exhibitions.

What do they do?

1. Manages archival holdings. Acquires and preserves records of national and historical significance, including records which document the rights of citizens and obligations of the government, and makes them available to the public.

2. Conserves and preserves paper documents which have deteriorated due to physical wear and tear, acid content in paper or insect and fungal infestation.

3. Implements effective records management for the civil service, and identifies important public records for permanent preservation.

4. Reformats images of fragile paper records onto microfilm and digital media for effective long-term storage.

5. Captures and preserves the moving images and recorded sound heritage of Singapore and organizes traveling exhibitions to bring our history to Singaporeans.

6. Records memories of people who have influenced and participated in Singapore’s history through recorded interviews.

What type of service do they provide?

- Records Management and Preservation NAS implements an effective records management programme for the public service.

Vital records are scanned and output onto microfilms for preservation in climate-controlled conditions. Records with intrinsic value are carefully conserved. In 2003, NAS achieved ISO 9001:2000 certification in imaging and conservation services, in recognition of quality and operational efficiency in our key preservation processes.

- Providing Access

The value of archives lies in their continuing relevance to people who need them to understand the past, write research papers, as evidence of rights and obligations, or simply as creative inspiration. Public access to the collections is available through the Archives Reference Room or online at www.a2o.com.sg.

- Sharing Knowledge

In addition to the core work in protecting and preserving its archives, NAS shares expertise with the community through consultation and training. They run regular seminars on using archival resources, records management and oral history methodology. In partnership with local universities, NAS provides internships and courses on archives and records management. They also conduct guided tours of NAS to educate the public on the nuts and bolts of archival work.

- Archives Conservation Services

Archives Conservation Lab provides professional conservation services for paper records such as anoxic treatment, deacidification, leafcasting, mechanical cleaning, manual repair, tissue mounting, encapsulation and high value (rare) book binding using archival method. The customers include government agencies, companies as well as private collectors. The experienced conservators will be able to recommend the type of treatment(s) required and provide an estimation of the charges based on the physical condition of the records as well as offering advice on proper storage and handling methods. NAS may impose a 10% downpayment for large scale or high value projects before the commencement of work.

Do they use any Social Media & Web 2.0 technologies for public communication & education?

http://www.a2o.com.sg/a2o/public/html/

Yes, the National Archives of Singapore (NAS) developed the Access to Archives Online Singapore , a one-stop portal site on heritage information dating back to 17th century. a2O allows users to seamlessly search information across NHB’s various independent databases and view selected photographs, maps and plans, listen to oral history interview samplers and watch snippets of audio-visual recordings, round the clock. In addition, a2O also provides information on recently acquired materials by NAS, Online Exhibitions, how to access our archival collection as well as student programmes.

Why is it called a2O?

The name a2O is used as an analogy to HO – an essential element to live. As much as human beings need water to survive, heritage and culture is an essential part of our lives. a2O allows us to search for heritage information, which documents the on-going process of changes and reveals different facets of our history, values and identity. The message is that “aO” is a link between our past and present as well as a bridge to the future.

A non-profitable association in Singapore

Disabled People’s Association

About DPA:

The Disabled People’s Association (DPA) is a non-profit, cross-disability organization, officially registered in Singapore on 28th April 1986. We are an associate member of the National Council of Social Service and also are registered as an Institution of Public Character with approval to issue tax-exemption receipts to out donors.

Mission:

Our mission is to be the voice of people with disabilities, helping them achieve full participation and equal status in the society through independent living.

Role:

DPA’s role is in the area of advocacy to influence decision-makers to implement policies and programmes aimed at promoting social integration of persons with disability and to share experiences concerning disability in order to co-operate in search of better solutions through its ‘Voice”, the Integrator and other forum such as round-table discussions.

Services:

We are a Resource and Research, Information and Communications Centre for the Handicapped (RRICCH). Available on display in our premises are assistive devices like a talking microwave oven, height adjustable stove, kitchen sink, accessible bathroom, tactile flooring to help people with disabilities live independently. DPA promotes Universal Web Accessibility in Singapore and provides web accessibility audit and certification for accessible websites.

Source: http://www.dpa.org.sg/Home/default.asp

Although this association is officially registered on 1986, I didn’t know about this association until now. I believe that other than me, many people out there doesn’t know about this association as well. Thus, I think that maybe they could advertise and introduce to the people out there to become a volunteer/ donator to help out for the disabled people.

What are the ways to increase its presence in our society today?

Some common ways for advertising:

1. On TV

2. On newspapers

3. Online

4. Flyers

5. Posters

Although giving out flyers and putting on posters are ways to advertise, I do not think that it is actually a good way to advertise. I noticed that people give out flyers in the bus interchange and just outside of the MRT. I also noticed that people were in a hurry or maybe don’t really like to read flyers. Thus, many people would not take the flyers or they would take it but throwing it in the rubbish bin later on. Thus, I think that this is not a really good idea for advertising.

I think that it is better to advertise on the Internet or write an article on the newspaper. As this is a non-profitable association, it is better to use a cheaper yet powerful method for advertising. I believe that many people read the newspaper/ read articles through online almost everyday. Even though advertising through newspaper article needed money as well, I think that it is an effective way to advertise it. Through online websites like facebook, it is also an effective way for advertising. Facebook is a famous website that people from all over the world used. People uses it for gaming, advertising and making friends. Thus, I think that it is also a good way to advertise.