Summary of Round Table Discussions

There were four groups debated on four interesting topics during the roundtable discussion. Our group presented on the topic of brain scan and computational modelling, which will not be summarized here.
The first group debated on the topic of hybrid electrical vehicles (HEV), whether the use of HEV can help to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases. The supporting parties argued that HEV is environmental friendly as it produces less hazardous emissions compared to petrol-powered vehicles. In term of its cost and practicality, the HEV has the potential of having cheaper price than the petrol-powered vehicles in a long term view because of the rising oil prices. Thus, HEV is affordable to the masses. The supporting parties also mentioned that HEV has a higher efficiency and higher aesthetic value than petrol-powered vehicles. However, the opponents rebutted these advantages mentioned. They doubted on the availability of today’s technology to provide infrastructure for such vehicles especially for developing countries. The opponents also doubted on the efficiency of the battery and charging system of the HEV, as they are not efficient as the petrol-powered vehicles and required charging station to recharge the battery.
The third group brought out the issue of the green chemistry in this contemporary era. The supporting parties believed that Singapore has the industrial capacity and technology capability to adopt green chemistry technologies and it should also initiate the green chemistry industry in this region. However, the opponents argued that Singapore is a small country and it will be a great challenge for her to be a pioneer of the green chemistry technology. Beside, Singapore is facing population shortage and economic crisis now, she will even need technical supports from overseas in order to success in green chemistry.
The last group of the roundtable discussion presented the topic of stem cell technology. The supporting sides suggested that the stem cell research must be continued and it in order to benefit mankind. For example, human organs could be cloned and used in transplants. However, the opponents argued that there are many ethical issues raised up from the stem cell research as it related to the wastage of embryos which is immoral.