End of Project: Symposium Komuniti Bebas Denggi

After 2 years, I think we can safely say that the DCT, the development of a Dengue Control ToolBox (DCT) is nearing completion with the conclusion of the Symposium and the presentation of papers written during project.

The DCT is a comprehensive innovation-based dengue control through prevention strategies which is centered on empowering communities. This is done using innovative tools and processes. A pilot program in 30 locations was conducted in 2015, funded by the Malaysian Ministry if Science Technology and Innovation (MOSTI).

As a new team takes over, there is still much more to do. Processes, technologies must continue to evolve. Greater partnerships and collaborations has to be forged, participation from the various major stakeholders meeds to be involved, bridging the community and authorities. Much work and strategic approach is needed to ensure its continued success.

Integration with existing processes and working with new ideas will be a must. Indeed, we must not underestimate the power of a small insect. Some more reflections here.

Check out the Community's website http://bebasdenggi.my or it's youtube page if you would like to know more about the project.

It has been an interesting project and appreciate the opportunity to have led it. Thank you for the confidence and deep appreciation to the whole team who put so much effort in this program. Special thanks to all the members of the communities who have volunteered their time to help make our community safer.

Members from the Taman Mawar (Johor) community

Still Pictures: Cultural and Modernity

One things that has always been in my mind is how does culture gets transformed by modernity. In this shot captured in Hanoi, it is interesting how this lady responded to possibly no-so-positive news.

We have seen in many cultures, their modern technology removes some aspect cultures. Are new cultures evolving in the process or is globalised consumerism taking over our lives?

Why your 8-year-old should be coding

When the medium of communication was sound, we learn language and communicate through speech. We learn pronunciation, intonation, diction, etc. Kids sang song like "a is for apple a... a... a..." to help them develop the skills.

When the medium of communication was a piece of paper, we learn to write. We were taught to hold a pen, translate the sounds of our speech into symbols we call characters (or strokes). Automation was happening and it began with the typewriter. Not everyone had a typewriter, so kids continued to learn to write. Obvious learning to read was synonymous to writing.

When paper was enhanced with the digital medium, children were then taught to type - computers were began to be placed in schools (mostly urban schools). Along with that other tools such using a mouse, draw and use applications like spreadsheet and art. It was still a mostly stand-alone unconnected world. Now we could, speak, write and read and use these skills on a computer.

Today when the internet drives social media with a strong mobile presence, the tools we use to communicate are evolving - times will be different. Coding may be a necessary skills (although still very much in its infancy) otherwise our communication will be limited.

Yet, as all these are happening, we still retain speaking and writing skills.

We are evolving!

Why your 8-year-old should be coding | VentureBeat