Wednesday, April 15, 2020

Ong Ye Kung's reassurance that missing graduation ceremonies is okay sparks unhappiness among graduates

Source Website: https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/ong-ye-kungs-reassurance-missing-graduation-ceremonies-okay-sparks-unhappiness-among
By Rainer Cheung, rainercheung@asiaone.com, AsiaOne, 14 April 2020


Some 32,500 students from the five polytechnics and Institute of Technical Education (ITE) would have to miss out on their graduation ceremony this year.
PHOTO: Some 32,500 students from the five polytechnics and Institute of Technical Education (ITE) would have to miss out on their graduation ceremony this year. That meant receiving their diplomas, certificates and transcripts through the mail instead.
Facebook/Ong Ye Kung
Picture posted by Rainer Cheung, rainercheung@asiaone.com, AsiaOne on 14 April 2020
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBvztct6IKkT2ED54vdkRaujOqAV6pbXD2-bm_kmTvCz9oQyx06KvyrV5XzMHxOno4uS3uYfoznrENVOVg95VooQSieyPObNN1S8d2slu4ZqYYU394ktfWPdPbqMNJiqgbASw2Bk5yTpE/s1600/20201404_oyk.png
https://www.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_main_image/public/original_images/Apr2020/20201404_oyk.png?itok=k84VFbba
https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/ong-ye-kungs-reassurance-missing-graduation-ceremonies-okay-sparks-unhappiness-among
 

For many, a graduation ceremony is a milestone that marks the end of their journey as a student, and the beginning of another as a working adult.

Unfortunately, some 32,500 students from the five polytechnics and Institute of Technical Education (ITE) would have to miss out on their graduation ceremony this year. That meant receiving their diplomas, certificates and transcripts through the mail instead.

The decision to cancel the ceremonies was not an easy one to make, but a necessary one in order to adhere to the government's heightened social distancing measures during the coronavirus outbreak. Nonetheless, it left many students feeling disappointed.

Despite Education Minister Ong Ye Kung's attempt at reassuring students that missing out on a graduation ceremony was not as big a deal as it seemed — by sharing his own experiences (or lack thereof) — it appeared to have struck the wrong chord for some.



Posted by Ong Ye Kung on 12 April 2020 at 8:11 AM
https://www.facebook.com/ongyekung/photos/a.920603904620879/3371983112816267/?type=3&theater


In Ong's Facebook post on Saturday (April 11), one student questioned: "From your post, it looks like since there is no meaning in graduation for you, why not cancel all graduation ceremonies in the future then since everyone will not remember. Other cohorts will be graduating with their graduation ceremony, and we will be graduating in 'pdf' online lmao"

"While a lot of them said they don't think graduation ceremony is a big thingy but still, people like us will be sad for our life if our grad is cancelled," another lamented.

One particular student even called Ong's post irrelevant, stating: "As a student who is graduating this year, I am upset our ceremony has been cancelled. It's a ceremony to celebrate on (sic) our accomplishment. This isn't comparable Nor (sic) has anything to do with your own experiences on why you didn't attend your ceremony."


While a lot of them said they don't think graduation ceremony is a big thingy but still, people like us will be sad for our life if our grad is cancelled
PHOTO: "While a lot of them said they don't think graduation ceremony is a big thingy but still, people like us will be sad for our life if our grad is cancelled," another lamented.
One particular student even called Ong's post irrelevant, stating: "As a student who is graduating this year, I am upset our ceremony has been cancelled. It's a ceremony to celebrate on (sic) our accomplishment. This isn't comparable Nor (sic) has anything to do with your own experiences on why you didn't attend your ceremony."
PHOTOS: Screengrab/Facebook
Picture posted by Rainer Cheung, rainercheung@asiaone.com, AsiaOne on 14 April 2020
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-mxl3q0dO4fMXebuF1WrwJ7gOXpG0p60Eh3YcrCyVMJi4cDvFrp1WPHn6-qi2CAYH20cIJ20CzqHV4mWJbnu5AzUhXnE8HoozVGNSdezOhYmUrlfSoAlVz_hJq0ab-XeXUUhshyphenhyphenVyO-Y/s1600/Unhappiness_among_graduates.png
Unhappiness_among_graduates.png
https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/ong-ye-kungs-reassurance-missing-graduation-ceremonies-okay-sparks-unhappiness-among


It wasn't as though Ong had brushed the ceremonies off as unimportant, but due to the invisible nature of the coronavirus, it would be safer to call them off than "trigger a cluster of infections."

"A happy occasion will become a tragedy," Ong wrote.


It wasn't as though Ong had brushed the ceremonies off as unimportant, but due to the invisible nature of the coronavirus, it would be safer to call them off than 'trigger a cluster of infections.'
PHOTO: It wasn't as though Ong had brushed the ceremonies off as unimportant, but due to the invisible nature of the coronavirus, it would be safer to call them off than "trigger a cluster of infections."
"A happy occasion will become a tragedy," Ong wrote.
Source: Getty Images
Picture posted by businessinsider.sg
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWtWYedDYD5imdMdlmIG4BeNybyKv8JS60klehhPXtf4ypM25CT27EjxFZdJPYHt9L6zpYKnWC7ZKTc1Q6uluuB5EsQqICYSusi4fJK9EU9GWxoAcSmHQO90Vhy93UzhLmsC7X77ILBh8/s1600/583c950f70296622008b4ad4.jpeg
https://static.businessinsider.sg/2020/04/04/583c950f70296622008b4ad4.jpeg
https://www.easybranches.com/regions/singapore/6291463


Rather than outright cancellations of the ceremonies, students pleaded to have the events postponed till after the outbreak is controlled.

On the other hand, many others chimed in support of Ong.

A mother shared that she had looked forward to attending her daughter's graduation, "but [she] know[s] the consequences if something happened".

"You are not a (sic) alone," another reassured. "Many are in the same boat, missing the significant moments. Having the right values, mindset and understanding surpass (sic) the once in a lifetime event[,] especially in this sober time."


On the other hand, many others chimed in support of Ong.
PHOTO: On the other hand, many others chimed in support of Ong.
PHOTOS: Screengrab/Facebook
Picture posted by Rainer Cheung, rainercheung@asiaone.com, AsiaOne on 14 April 2020
Our disappointments are different, yours and mine, but we both have them.
Our disappointments are different, yours and mine, but we both have them.
PHOTO: Our disappointments are different, yours and mine, but we both have them. Yours are as real and crushing and painful to you as mine are to me, and they linger, needling our hearts, despite our best intentions to leave them behind. [2]
Picture posted by depositphotos.com
gif file generated by Animated Images Effects Generator at http://www.webestools.com/animated-images-effect-generator-effects-gif-images-picture-blog-gif-fx-images-animated-effect.html
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJn4jpQK3-Kac4gjo2LkYbNA56ujwmpfDiLBf9Yv9A1VDKIvFX4HpAWefIeQ7i92mQ83r9VrPfq6mpZ3Ns1-x7LNkoIakUNFP8pRquu8yE9UQMWH2Dehmyc-2yIXcy41WkF-0s_IY7RQM/s1600/28979193_1.png
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq9JW0EqyxfBd82FfhyLb-HbD3mXf6H_Er0JaHQDHnhubwIB5YAV_OEFm_iVi-aKYmfa8uHSgq7HwzNnUrSYUYXQn4soVDYRCuzsIvfvBzVjj9Oob0kLIhAfS0R1GzYVP5HXtF79PPrsg/s1600/28979193_1.gif
https://ru.depositphotos.com/28979193/stock-photo-cute-thai-girl-is-laughing.html
 

God has got this thing in His hands.
God has got this thing in His hands.
PHOTO: God has got this thing in His hands. He is looking out for you. He is working out a plan that is bigger than you, and you are going to be better for it in the end.
alk to God like you’d talk to your best friend.
alk to God like you’d talk to your best friend.
PHOTO: Talk to God like you’d talk to your best friend. Your prayer doesn’t have to be pretty or sound like one at your church. It just has to be honest and come from your heart. [2]
Picture posted by Adobe Stock
gif file generated by Animated Images Effects Generator at http://www.webestools.com/animated-images-effect-generator-effects-gif-images-picture-blog-gif-fx-images-animated-effect.html
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinir_E6aMGGk00DsMWs5XADEXD3xQ75q_VbVkvdL8R2UeGK8gBitk7u3mDb85aKlnAgHpFeGZ5fl51yzyFrmafgnODnQqFVa2bWumOPCHTHn_yR9gulk01XMOy2wEtKBFXWHh2ZFvOo18/s1600/500_F_218941076_1.png
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDxkxwTDzzGuzRMNJQAr-Lss3rkO1PbO65O2OZtmL5Qs9gVdaLu9uqrUhkHYMKQTvm6p-AdTTsvej6rR2_roheAXgScFieT7ahz9kSH4DGdF3Gd-uqXW8gWlQt2RpNSPiqiXFcFA98ohw/s1600/500_F_218941076_1.gif
https://stock.adobe.com/images/cute-blonde-girl-sits-on-swing-in-park-summer/218941076

By Rainer Cheung, rainercheung@asiaone.com, AsiaOne, 14 April 2020





Other stories
Peaceful Animal Crossing: New Horizons works a treat during these turbulent times, posted on Tuesday, 14 April 2020
Peaceful Animal Crossing: New Horizons works a treat during these turbulent times, posted on Tuesday, 14 April 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/04/peaceful-animal-crossing-new-horizons.html


Surgical mask, paper towel mask or cloth mask? Japanese professor tests which is most effective against Covid-19, posted on Monday, 13 April 2020
Surgical mask, paper towel mask or cloth mask? Japanese professor tests which is most effective against Covid-19, posted on Monday, 13 April 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/04/surgical-mask-paper-towel-mask-or-cloth.html


A Coronavirus Prayer, posted on Monday, 13 April 2020
A Coronavirus Prayer, posted on Monday, 13 April 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/04/a-coronavirus-prayer.html
 

 Hulk Hogan says no need for coronavirus vaccine because Jesus is what matters, posted on Sunday, 12 April 2020
Hulk Hogan says no need for coronavirus vaccine because Jesus is what matters, posted on Sunday, 12 April 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/04/hulk-hogan-says-no-need-for-coronavirus.html


Covid-19 circuit breaker measures: What you can and cannot do for the next one month, posted on Tuesday, 07 April 2020
Covid-19 circuit breaker measures: What you can and cannot do for the next one month, posted on Tuesday, 07 April 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/04/covid-19-circuit-breaker-measures-what.html
 

Thousands of people queue to get S$500 financial aid at social service offices and CCs as applications open, posted on Friday, 03 April  2020
Thousands of people queue to get S$500 financial aid at social service offices and CCs as applications open, posted on Friday, 03 April  2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/04/thousands-of-people-queue-to-get-s500.html
 

 Covid-19 could take toll on people's mental health, say experts, posted on Thursday, 02 April 2020
Covid-19 could take toll on people's mental health, say experts, posted on Thursday, 02 April 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/04/covid-19-could-take-toll-on-peoples.html


Why are there so few coronavirus infections in Singapore's health workers?, posted on Wednesday, 01 April 2020
Why are there so few coronavirus infections in Singapore's health workers?, posted on Wednesday, 01 April 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/04/why-are-there-so-few-coronavirus.html
 

 Siblings Lucas Low, four; and Hayley Low, eight; clapping in appreciation of Covid-19 frontline workers, at Cantonment Road on March 30, 2020.
Singapore gives coronavirus frontliners a round of applause, posted on Tuesday, 31 March 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/03/singapore-gives-coronavirus-frontliners.html
 

Staff at Alexandra Hospital explain urgent need to adapt amid Covid-19, posted on Monday, 30 March 2020
Staff at Alexandra Hospital explain urgent need to adapt amid Covid-19, posted on Monday, 30 March 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/03/staff-at-alexandra-hospital-explain.html
 

 Coronavirus: China marks major milestone with zero domestic infections, posted on Saturday, 21 March 2020
Coronavirus: China marks major milestone with zero domestic infections, posted on Saturday, 21 March 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/03/coronavirus-china-marks-major-milestone.html
 

Japan trip disrupted? View Gardens’ cherry blossom, posted on Thursday, 12 March 2020
Japan trip disrupted? View Gardens’ cherry blossom, posted on Thursday, 12 March 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/03/japan-trip-disrupted-view-gardens.html
 

 Nowadays go zouk need to wear mask.
Women wear surgical masks to party at Zouk, shows that life goes on, posted on Saturday, 07 March 2020

The difference between the cold and the flu, posted on Friday, 28 February 2020

The difference between the cold and the flu, posted on Friday, 28 February 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/02/the-difference-between-cold-and-flu.html


900 Carousell users join movement to give away free masks and supplies, posted on Friday, 28 February 2020
900 Carousell users join movement to give away free masks and supplies, posted on Friday, 28 February 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/02/900-carousell-users-join-movement-to.html


'Nobody knows I work in healthcare': SGH visitor registration staff shares what it's like to work at the frontline, posted on Wednesday, 26 February 2020

'Nobody knows I work in healthcare': SGH visitor registration staff shares what it's like to work at the frontline, posted on Wednesday, 26 February 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/02/nobody-knows-i-work-in-healthcare-sgh.html

 
 S-hook lady gets real on how Singaporeans are reacting to coronavirus outbreak, posted on Tuesday, 25 February 2020
S-hook lady gets real on how Singaporeans are reacting to coronavirus outbreak, posted on Tuesday, 25 February 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/02/s-hook-lady-gets-real-on-how.html


Lerine Yeo flaunted 'big burden', posted on Sunday, 07 October 2018
Lerine Yeo flaunted 'big burden', posted on Sunday, 07 October 2018
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/10/lerine-yeo-flaunted-big-burden.html


It started on Sept 21 when someone posted a video of you promoting a top with metal rings as sort of a wearable rack where you can use S-hooks to hang umbrellas, ez-link cards, wanton mee
I'll never eat luncheon meat again thanks to S-hook lady posted on Monday, 01 October 2018
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/10/ill-never-eat-luncheon-meat-again.html


Singapore's most famous auntie, Liang Ximei, has returned, and this time 'round, she's declaring war on coronavirus.
Singapore's most famous auntie declares war on coronavirus with song, posted on Friday, 21 February 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/02/singapores-most-famous-auntie-declares.html
 

So, what do the stories of people shunning our healthcare workers say about us as a country?
Opinion: I have seen nurses abused and it must stop, posted on Saturday, February 15, 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/02/opinion-i-have-seen-nurses-abused-and.html


Diary of a coronavirus survivor: Wuhan nurse claims she recovered from virus at home, posted on Friday, 14 February 2020
Diary of a coronavirus survivor: Wuhan nurse claims she recovered from virus at home, posted on Friday, 14 February 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/02/diary-of-coronavirus-survivor-wuhan.html


Support healthcare workers, don't shun them: Gan Kim Yong, posted on Thursday, 13 February 2020
Support healthcare workers, don't shun them: Gan Kim Yong, posted on Thursday, 13 February 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/02/support-healthcare-workers-dont-shun.html


Amidst depressing reports of grocery hoarding and discrimination against healthcare workers, one Singapore dad and his two young daughters are showcasing that kindness still exists.
This made my day: 2 girls deliver comfort food to cheer hospital staff on, posted on Wednesday, 12 February 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/02/this-made-my-day-2-girls-deliver.html


Climate, immunity, incompetence? Indonesia's zero recorded coronavirus cases raise questions, posted on Monday, 10 February 2020
Climate, immunity, incompetence? Indonesia's zero recorded coronavirus cases raise questions, posted on Monday, 10 February 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/02/climate-immunity-incompetence.html


This made my day: Woman gives out ginger tea with surgical masks – and other kind acts during virus outbreak, posted on Tuesday, 04 February 2020
This made my day: Woman gives out ginger tea with surgical masks – and other kind acts during virus outbreak, posted on Tuesday, 04 February 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/02/this-made-my-day-woman-gives-out-ginger.html


'Singapore’s response to virus is testament to resilient society', posted on Monday, 03 February 2020
'Singapore’s response to virus is testament to resilient society', posted on Monday, 03 February 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/02/singapores-response-to-virus-is.html


Public should use surgical masks, not N95 masks, to guard against Wuhan virus spread: Experts , posted on Wednesday, 29 January 2020
Public should use surgical masks, not N95 masks, to guard against Wuhan virus spread: Experts , posted on Wednesday, 29 January 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/01/public-should-use-surgical-masks-not.html



Reference
[1] Rainer Cheung, rainercheung@asiaone.com, AsiaOne, Ong Ye Kung's reassurance that missing graduation ceremonies is okay sparks unhappiness among graduates, posted on 14 April 2020, https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/ong-ye-kungs-reassurance-missing-graduation-ceremonies-okay-sparks-unhappiness-among

[2] Tara Ziegmont, 13 Bible Verses to Overcome Disappointment, posted on 16 April 2013, https://feelslikehomeblog.com/2013/04/13-bible-verses-to-overcome-disappointment/
 
Links
 

New International Version (NIV), Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Posted by at
Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,