Thursday, January 24, 2008

Progress for AY07/08 Semester 1

Had to submit a progress update for the supervisor today for evaluation *sigh* Somehow I could have done a lot more in terms of publishing and conference as well as field work.

Modules Taken
GE5217 Research Methods in Environmental Sciences
Grade attained: B
DE5106 Environmental Management and Assessment (offered by MEM program)
Grade attained: A

Regional Fieldwork
26-28 September 2007
Recce Trip to Cameron Highlands
Contacted and met with Mr Chua, the head of the Cameron Highlands federal agricultural department and was introduced to several farms owners and headman of villages in Cameron Highlands via Mr Chua. Conducted preliminary interviews with Mr Chua to get an idea of state side policies and local politics of the industry.

Local Fieldwork
August – December 2007
Contacted officers from Singapore’s Agri-Veterinary Authority (AVA), merchandiser for NTUC Fairprice as well as vegetable wholesalers and the association for fruits and vegetable wholesalers.

Data Collection
August – September 2007
Collected the vegetable import data for Singapore from 1990 – 2006 from the resource library of International Enterprise Singapore (formerly known as the Singapore Trade Development Board). Also collected the vegetable import export for Malaysia and Indonesia from 1990 – 2006 from IE Singapore.

Analyzed the annual reports from AVA as well as the FAO reports for Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Literature Review
Examining concepts related to farmers, agriculture, environmental assessment, indicators, virtual water, ecological footprint and the world food economy. Read classic works and current news related to both the history and vegetable production of Cameron Highlands, Malaysia in general and Indonesia-Singapore’s Riau Vegetable project.

Publishing
Invited to write an article for the Singapore Environmental Council’s newsletter, Elements on environmental organizations in Singapore.
Tan, N (2007) "Going Beyond Green", in Elements, Issue 3, p3-5

No comments: