Essay Draft 3

According to the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore IDA (2014), businesses with more than 10 employees’ usage of computers held a percentage of 96% while internet usage in a business held a percentage of 95% in 2013. Despite the high usage of information and communication technology (ICT) in large businesses, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) halls, which are traditionally family-run businesses with not more than 5 employees, are still experiencing a lack of these technologies and internet access. In this context, we will explore this issue further and describe how mom-and-pop TCM halls are not able to compete fairly with global TCM chains due to the lack of utilization of ICT in their businesses.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) helps to restore the balance of one’s body with the combination of diagnosis, therapy and medication. Mom-and-pop stores are defined as small operated businesses that have minimal employees with a small business volume, operating in a single location (Business Dictionary, 2014). Mom-and-pop TCM halls are usually found at the void decks of old HDB flats. They do not have fanciful store layouts or colourful signboards. Because in Singapore, most mom-and-pop TCM halls are unable to compete fairly with modern TCM chains due to little or no internet access for such stores work more efficiently and provide better services, IDA should increase their efforts in providing information and communication technology for mom-and-pop TCM hall owners and engage their operators in workshops so as to allow these TCM halls to streamline their business operations.

Most mom-and-pop stores are operated by the older generation who have little or no knowledge on technology, much less ICT. With the minimal usage of ICT, mom-and-pop TCM halls face a series of threats in the globalizing world. These problems could arise from communicating with the supplier of TCM herbs to building strong relationship with customers.

One problem faced by these mom-and-pop TCM halls due to the lack of ICT is their inability to know when the TCM herbs and other inventory items are running low in the stock room. This would impact the mom-and-pop TCM halls retail sales goals when there are not enough goods to meet the demand of the customers. There would also be a problem of delayed treatment for patients who do not receive the prescribed herbs on time. On top of decreased revenue that TCM lose from the lack of sales in retail, patients would also lose faith in these mom-and-pop TCM halls, thus resulting in long term loss of customers.

Secondly, as mom-and-pop TCM hall owners do not utilize ICT, there is no centralised database for patients who visit these mom-and-pop TCM halls. TCM physicians might not be able to keep track of patients’ previous medical records, such as previous symptoms and herbs prescribed in order to avoid differences in diagnosis and treatment of patients. The lack of a customer database might deter these mom-and-pop stores from managing customer relationships to interact with patients such as reminding them for follow-up treatments as well as sharing relevant information with the patients.

The most important problem faced by these mom-and-pop TCM halls due to the lack of internet access is the inability to retrieve data on the latest information on TCM treatments and medications. This disparity would be obvious in the event that global TCM chains with the utilization of ICT are able to retrieve new treatment methods and medication for cancer patients, while mom-and-pop TCM hall owners do not know about these new treatment and medication. TCM practitioners who are not plugged into latest TCM treatment and medication might bring about potential health risks for patients and losing credibility of these mom-and-pop TCM halls.

As a result of the above-mentioned problems, mom-and-pop TCM halls are not able to compete fairly with the global chains as they are not able to restock their inventory in a timely manner, manage customer relations and retrieve the latest information on TCM treatments and medications. The incapability of all these would lead to the decreased credibility and reputation of these mom-and-pop TCM halls.

In the 2014 budget speech, the ICT for Productivity and Growth (IPG) programme is (being) introduced to assist small medium enterprises (SMEs) such as mom-and-pop TCM halls to adopt ICT-based technology. In this scheme, 70% of the qualifying costs to acquire ICT technology would be subsidised while the remaining 30% would be paid by the mom-and-pop TCM hall owners. The owners do not have to apply for this scheme through the IDA; they are able to approach pre-qualified vendors for the required solution. Upon adoption of the required solution, IDA would reimburse the vendors directly, and TCM hall owners pay 30% of the total cost.

The IPG programme is essential for mom-and-pop TCM halls to take the first step in acquiring the required ICT technology. However, the IPG programme has failed to provide guidance on usage of these technology for mom-and-pop TCM hall owners. As mentioned, mom-and-pop TCM hall owners are mostly elderly who have little or no knowledge on usage of ICT. Without the knowledge on the usage of ICT system, these TCM halls would still be unable to fully utilize the subsidised technology provided. IDA should provide workshops for SMEs owners, including mom-and-pop TCM hall owners, to provide guidance as well as to help these owners develop the skills to fully utilize the ICT provided. These skills are essential for mom-and-pop TCM hall owners as they would be able to compete fairly with modern TCM chains and survive well in the TCM industry without going out of business.

The IPG programme may provide subsidised ICT technology for these mom-and-pop TCM halls, giving them a kick start by possessing the technology. However, mom-and-pop TCM hall owners would not be able to fully utilize technology without the knowledge on how to use these ICT technology. IDA should increase its effort to help owners develop the skills to fully utilize ICT which would be beneficial for them and their businesses in the long run.

In conclusion, mom-and-pop TCM halls would not be able to compete fairly with modern TCM chains without the use of ICT due to work inefficiency and inability to provide good customer service. Furthermore, as these mom-and-pop TCM halls are not able to receive the latest medical news, the health of their patients could be at risks, further reducing the credibility of these halls. The IPG programme implemented by IDA could provide ICT to these mom-and-pop TCM halls, but has failed to provide the necessary skills for them to fully utilize the ICT provided. As such, IDA should provide workshops for owners who adopt ICT in developing technological skills that would be beneficial for the business in the long run. With the IPG programme and proposed workshop to develop skills, mom-and-pop TCM halls would be able to transition smoothly into the future to compete with modern TCM chains fairly.

References

Annabeth, L. (2013, August 16). $42m ICT grants to boost productivity at SMEs. Retrieved from http://www.timesdirectories.com/electronics/news/$42m%20ict%20grants%20to%20boost%20productivity%20at%20smes/899603

Begum, N. (April 13, 2014). Singapore's vanishing trades:  A traditional Chinese medical hall perspective. Retrieved from http://blog.nus.edu.sg/nm3211/2014/04/13/singapores-vanishing-trades-a-traditional-chinese-medical-hall-perspective/

Eu Yan Sang (2014). How TCM works.  Retrieved from http://www.euyansang.com.sg/how-tcm-works/eystcm13.html

Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (July 9, 2014). Infocomm Usage-Business. Retrieved from http://www.ida.gov.sg/Infocomm-Landscape/Facts-and-Figures/Infocomm-Usage-Business

Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (September 3, 2014). ICT for Productivity and Growth (IPG) Programme. Retrieved from http://www.ida.gov.sg/Collaboration-and-Initiatives/Initiatives/Store/ICT-for-Productivity-and-Growth-IPG

Ministry of Health Singapore (August 7, 2014). Alert: Ebola virus disease. Retrieved from http://www.moh.gov.sg/content/dam/moh_web/HPP/Main/news/ebola/MOH%20Circular%20No%20%2026-2014%20-%20Ebola%20TCMPs%20English.pdf

Mom and pop store definition. (2014). Business Dictionary. Retrieved from http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/mom-and-pop-store.html

TCM yet to be proven effective against Ebola WHO. (August 13, 2014). China Daily. Retrieved from http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2014-08/13/content_18302502.htm

Critical Reflection

When I first appealed for ES1102 class, I assumed that it would just be another boring English class and would leave the class without learning anything. However, the first class has changed my perspective.

Introducing peer feedback evaluation in this class has given me a real learning experience where I am able to receive honest feedbacks from my peers as well as giving feedback to others. Because of this feedback system, I have learned to be more accepting of others' opinion, building up my confidence and being proactive in giving constructive feedback to others, I should advocate these lessons learned to my everyday life in improving my own life as well as those around me.

The first feedback evaluation took place when we were doing our first blog post about. Apart from writing the blog post, we were tasked to give feedback to at least two peers in our blogging group. As a writer point of view, I was able to receive feedback from my peers.

I remembered the first time I received a feedback, I was feeling esctatic. I am now able to have different perspective out of the same blog post as each and every one of us have differing views. I believe that these feedbacks received are valuable in broadening my perspective and helpful in helping me learn more about my writing skills. One important lesson I have learnt is that it is essential to think out of the box and the usage of my language has to be specific. In some instances, even though I make sense of what I am writing, others who read the same writing might not make sense out of it. From a writer point of view, I have learnt to accept others' opinion gracefully as well as writing specifically to bring my message across.

On the other hand, as a reader, I have learnt valuable lessons in giving others constructive feedback along the way. I remembered when I first gave direct feedback on my peers' blog post, I was shy and not daring enough to give constructive feedback as I felt that my English was not good enough to reprimand others. The first few feedbacks given was merely judged based on whether or not I am able to relate to the blog post such as similar occurences. In cases where I was able to relate to the blogpost, I would leave sympathetic feedback that were not constructive at all. However, after a few peer evaluation sessions, I am able to be straightforward and direct in leaving feedbacks. This is because I felt that harsh comments would be beneficial in helping my peers learn better. Throughout this journey, I have built up the confidence to leave feedbacks, regardless of my English proficiency. From a reader point of view, I have learnt to speak up with confidence and not be shy as well as leaving genuine feedback that would be beneficial for everyone.

All in all, this peer feedback evaluation has impacted my learning and writing skills, some of which are applicable in real life situations. By advocating what I learned though this peer feedback evaluation in my everyday life, I believe that I would be able to continuously improve my life and those around me.

Presentation Reflection

Having to presentation for an English module is extremely stressful. As I am not able to articulate and converse well in English, I know I have to put in extra effort in this presentation.

Even though polytechnic has moulded me to be a confident speaker with stage presence, things seems to feel a little different in university. The stares are different, the judgements are different and the criteria seems a little more harsh. 

Moreover, previously when we presented in polytechnic, there was no such norm where the class would evaluate individual performance. Presentations was merely trying to bring our message across and that is it, no further comments. In this in-class presentations, being able to hear from the class evaluation of my own presentation was something new and refreshing. The peer evaluation of presentation allows us to know our strengths and weaknesses from audience's point of view as well as to learn from each others' strengths and weaknesses.

During my 3 years in polytechnic, I was told that I spoke confidently and presented well. After being diagnosed with PTSD, I lost all my confidence, I was not able to present well thereafter. I began writing scripts after scripts and force myself to memorize everything. By memorizing scripts word by word, I started presenting as fast as I could so not to miss out any words. I was even told that I spoke like a machine gun during my final presentation in poly. 

However, in class today, Brad has shared that the most important thing when presenting is to not memorize presentation script word by word, but points by points. Similarly, I received the same feedback of speaking too fast, but at least I think I am not a machine gun any longer? The problem of me swaying around is also another concern I would work further in the future presentations.

All in all, this short in-class presentations has allowed me to learn more about the weaknesses of my presentation skills and thus allowing myself to work towards better future presentation. 

Essay Draft 2

Introduction

Based on Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore IDA (2014), the business usage of computers and the internet usage in a business with more than 10 employees hold a percentage of 96% and 95% respectively in 2013. Despite the high usage of technology and internet in large businesses, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) halls, which are traditionally family-run businesses with not more than 5 employees, are still experiencing a lack of these technologies and internet access. With that, this essay would talk about the main differences between large, global TCM chains such as Eu Yan Sang and small TCM enterprises. 

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) helps to restore the balance of one’s body with the combination of diagnosis, therapy and medication. Mom-and-pop stores, defined as “a small operated business that has minimum amount of employees, has only a small amount of business volume, and is typically not franchised, therefore open for business only in a single location” (Business Dictionary, 2014). Mom-and-pop TCM halls are usually found at the void decks of old HDB flats. They do not have fanciful store layouts or colourful signboards.

TCM is no longer a norm among the older generation, but is also increasingly getting recognized by the young and westerners. However, there is still a significant amount of senior citizens who insist on visiting mom-and-pop TCM halls that are not plugged into the digital world despite the dominant presence of modern TCM chains.

Because in Singapore, the group of pioneer generation who still visits mom-and-pop traditional Chinese medicine halls could receive delayed medical treatment and suffer potential health risks due to little or no internet access for practitioners to retrieve the latest medical treatment and medicines, Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners Board (TCMPB) should advocate the use of individual websites as well as to provide technology for practitioners to ensure quality of medicine dispatched.

Problems faced by mom-and-pop TCM halls

With the minimal use of technology and internet access, mom-and-pop TCM halls face a series of threat in the globalizing world. Most mom-and-pop stores are operated by the older generation who have little knowledge on technology and much less on internet. Some of these TCM halls have labels of medicine handwritten and physicians are still scribbling prescriptions with paper and pen. According to Begum (2014), there are still a handful of TCM halls using manual tools to slice the Chinese herbs and traditional weighing scale to weigh the herbs.

Without the use of these basic necessity in a society with wide usage of technology and internet access, there is a great impact on work efficiency and the end-users of their service, the pioneer generation, are ultimately the ones who suffer from delayed treatment and potential health risks. Handwritten labels may cause confusion with unclear handwriting resulting in wrong herbs being given to patients. More importantly, traditional manual tools may not function as well due to wear and tear over the years, the use of the manual slicing machine and weighing scale may result in wrong dosage or inconsistency in dispatch of medicine to the patients.

In the same Begum (2014) article on Singapore’s vanishing trades, the photos depict that a mom-and-pop TCM hall is still using handwritten labels for the wooden drawers and medicinal herbs are being stored in metal boxes. In addition, thin papers are used to pack the herbs for patients. This practice brings up another issue, whether or not these herbs are safe for consumption, especially for the old aged.

Another problem faced by these mom-and-pop TCM halls due to the lack of internet access is the inability to retrieve data on the latest information on TCM treatments and medications.      
One example is the recent widespread of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) where the Ministry of Health issued the notice on 7th August 2014. However, without internet access, TCM practitioners in these mom-and-pop TCM halls were not able to receive these information on a timely manner. As EVD is a rare disease that could cause fatal illnesses, mom-and-pop stores who fail to recognize the symptoms and did not refer suspected cases to General Practitioner could bring about potential health risks for patients and themselves. Furthermore, the World Health Organisation (WHO) had stated that it is still unclear if TCM is effective against EVD (China Daily, 2014). TCM practitioners who fail to notice the incapability might provide wrong diagnosis and bring about potential health risks for patients.

All in all, the problems faced by mom-and-pop TCM halls are not only on the efficiency of the halls due to the lack of technology, but also the potential health threat to the older generation with the lack of latest medical news or potential treatments and medicines due to the lack of internet access.

Proposed Solution for mom-and-pop TCM halls

Although there are limited methods and finances to help mom-and-pop TCM halls transform to global chains, there are still ways to help these mom-and-pop TCM halls to stay relevant and updated on latest medical treatments or medicines.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) could provide minimal grant to introduce technological service to mom-and-pop TCM halls such as computer systems and machines. With the computer systems, physicians are able to key in prescriptions to avoid confusion of handwriting. Furthermore, machines to slice medicinal herbs could reduce chances of wrong dosage of prescription. In order to encourage the use of internet access, TCMPB should advocate the use of individual websites adhering to the guidelines of website usage.

Existing Solution for globalized TCM chains

Currently, there are no TCM halls that had successfully received monetary support from MOH to implement technological service. However, famous global chains such as Eu Yan Sang have proved that implementation of technology and internet could bring the company far. Eu Yan Sang website offers extensive services ranging from clinic locator to online store for their products. In the clinics, Eu Yan Sang uses computer systems to track patients’ records and the use of internet access allows them to receive patients’ inquiries and appointments. A more noticeable effect of the complement of technology and science is the Herb Fingerprinting used by Eu Yan Sang. This machine allows different batches of medicinal herbs to be consistent and eliminate chances of wrong dosages given to patients. 

Eu Yan Sang’s success in six countries has proved that the use of technology as well as internet access was effective in increasing work efficiency, reducing health risks as well as ability to receive the latest medical information. A big organization as such have the financial ability to solve many problems on hand and it might be undeniable that they have is deem as the top-notch facilities available in the traditional Chinese medicine industry.

The downhill of the success of global chains could be the increased prices of goods that might deter pioneer generations from visiting them. In addition, pioneer generation might not have the sense of belonging in such global chains filled with the latest technology and computerised systems. 

Conclusion

Without the use of technology and internet access, older patients who visits mom-and-pop TCM halls could receive delayed medical treatment due to work inefficiency, Furthermore, as these TCM practitioners are not able to receive the latest medical news, the health of their patients could be at risks. MOH should provide grants for these mom-and-pop TCM halls to introduce basic technology and internet access so to increase work efficiency. In addition, TCMPB should advocate the use of individual websites to encourage these mom-and-pop TCM halls to stay relevant with the latest medical information.

However, as these mom-and-pop TCM halls transform to be more modernised and technologically inclined in order to stay relevant with the world, there might be a possibility of this traditional trade diminishing over the next few years. 

References

Begum, N. (April 13, 2014). Singapore's Vanishing Trades:  A Traditional Chinese Medical Hall Perspective. Retrieved from http://blog.nus.edu.sg/nm3211/2014/04/13/singapores-vanishing-trades-a-traditional-chinese-medical-hall-perspective/

Business Dictionary.com (2014). mom and pop store definition. Retrieved from http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/mom-and-pop-store.html

ChinaDaily.com.cn (August 13, 2014). TCM yet to be proven effective against Ebola WHO. Retrieved from http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2014-08/13/content_18302502.htm

Eu Yan Sang (2014). Herb Fingerprinting. Retrieved from http://www.euyansang.com.sg/herb-fingerprinting/eyscorporate11.html

Eu Yan Sang (2014). How TCM Works.  Retrieved from http://www.euyansang.com.sg/how-tcm-works/eystcm13.html

Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (July 9, 2014). Infocomm Usage-Business.Retrieved from http://www.ida.gov.sg/Infocomm-Landscape/Facts-and-Figures/Infocomm-Usage-Business

Ministry of Health Singapore (August 7, 2014). ALERT: EBOLA VIRUS DISEASE. Retrieved from http://www.moh.gov.sg/content/dam/moh_web/HPP/Main/news/ebola/MOH%20Circular%20No%20%2026-2014%20-%20Ebola%20TCMPs%20English.pdf

Reader Response Draft 4

According to Wakefield (2010), there is an increasing technological gap between developed countries and less-developed countries, which in turn reflects the economy of these countries. Wi-Fi infrastructures are built to provide internet access in rural parts of Hungary, where PCs are also available for sale at lower prices to poorer citizens. Meinrath (2010), a report author for New America Foundation, believes that even when internet access is made available to the rural parts of Hungary, it is also crucial for them to have the desire to learn to use in order to maximise the benefits of internet access.

Although the article provides a clear view of the advantages of internet access with a comparison between the developed countries and less developed countries, it fails to mention the various social impacts that are affecting the society with the use of internet access.  While internet access have brought about extensive advantages to the society, the negative social impacts brought about should not be neglected and the individual use of internet access should be moderated to prevent individuals from being negatively impacted in everyday lives.

First and foremost, internet access has made humans over-reliant on the information we can get online. 

Being over-reliant could mean that humans are not able to function efficiently without the use of internet.  According to an experiment done by Emily, Dean, Kenneth, Richard and Joan (2007), one of the results had revealed that clinicians were not able to perform without the use of technology. It was recorded that many medical students had never practice medicine without the aid of technology. This phenomenon can also  be related to the generation where the majority of us is using smartphones these days and we do require internet access in the smartphones to function. With the internet access, we are able to connect to the world with social media platforms, such as Facebook and Twitter. Moreover, the younger generation has the tendency to Google search for anything, such as homework solutions and even directions. 

Following that, internet access enables us to be exposed to the different trends and issues around the world. However, this could also bring about negative effects to the society's perception of beauty, especially towards the younger girls. According to Strickland (n.d.), media possess a negative effect on individual self-image. The media provides a platform to showcase the unrealistic definition of beauty and body image, where viewers of such content would believe them. It is evident that people who have internet access are likely to access these media content as it is the fastest way to receive information.

In conclusion, amidst the fact that internet access has brought about countless advantages to our everyday lives, such as bringing more convenience as well as aids in globalisation, it is undeniable that there are numerous disadvantages building on them as well. The above mentioned details are two of the many social impacts brought about by the internet access. There are still many negative impacts in the society that could adversely affect the economy of the country. All in all, even though internet access has brought about tremendous benefits to all users, users should also take precaution and moderation in usage to prevent themselves from falling into the negative impacts brought about with over-reliance of internet. 

References

Emily M. Campbell, R.N., M.S. , Dean F. Sittig, Ph.D., and Joan S. Ash. (2007) Overdependence

on Technology: An Unintended Adverse Consequence of Computerized Provider Order Entry. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2710605/

Strickland, J. (n.d.) Self Image Media Influences - Just Say Yes. Retrieved

from http://justsayyes.org/topics/self-image-media-influences/ Last Accessed [15^th September 2014]

Wakefield, J. (19 March 2010). BBC News - World wakes up to digital divide.  Retrieved                from http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8568681.stm Last Accessed [10th            September 2014]

Warning about online fraud as information theft rises. (2012, July 17). Retrieved                from http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-18866347 Last Accessed [15th September 2014]

Essay Draft 1

Introduction

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) helps to restore the balance of one’s body with the combination of diagnosis, therapy and medication. Mom-and-pop stores, defined as “a small operated business that has minimum amount of employees, has only a small amount of business volume, and is typically not franchised, therefore open for business only in a single location” (Business Dictionary, 2014). Mom-and-pop TCM halls are usually found at the void decks of old HDB flats. They do not have fanciful store layout or colourful signboards.

TCM is no longer a norm among the older generation, but is also increasingly getting recognized by the young and westerners. However, there is still a significant amount of senior citizens who insist on visiting mom-and-pop TCM halls that are not plugged into the digital world despite the dominant presence of modern TCM chains.

Because in Singapore, the group of pioneer generation who still visits mom-and-pop traditional Chinese medicine halls could receive delayed medical treatment and suffer potential health risks due to little or no internet access for practitioners to retrieve the latest medical treatment and medicines, Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners Board (TCMPB) should advocate the use of individual websites as well as to provide technology for practitioners to ensure quality of medicine dispatched.

Problems

With the minimal use of technology and internet access, mom-and-pop TCM halls face a series of threat in the globalizing world. Most mom-and-pop stores are operated by the older generation who have little knowledge on technology and much less on internet. Some of these TCM halls have labels of medicine handwritten and physicians are still scribbling prescriptions with paper and pen. According to Begum (2014), there are still a handful of TCM halls using manual tools to slice the Chinese herbs and traditional weighing scale to weigh the herbs.

Without the use of these basic necessity in the globalizing world, there is a great impact on work efficiency and the end-users of their service, the pioneer generation, are ultimately the ones who suffer from delayed treatment and potential health risks. Handwritten labels may cause confusion with unclear handwriting resulting in wrong herbs being given to patients. More importantly, traditional manual tools may not function as well due to wear and tear over the years, the use of the manual slicing machine and weighing scale may result in wrong dosage or inconsistency in dispatch of medicine to the patients.

In Begum (2014) article on Singapore’s vanishing trades, the photos depict that a mom-and-pop TCM hall is still using handwritten labels for the wooden drawers and medicinal herbs are being stored in metal boxes. In addition, thin papers are used to pack the herbs for patients. This practice brings up another issue, whether or not these herbs are safe for consumption, especially for the old aged.

Another problem faced by these mom-and-pop TCM halls due to the lack of internet access is the inability to retrieve data on the latest information on TCM treatments and medications.              
One example is the recent widespread of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) where the Ministry of Health issued the notice on 7^th August 2014. However, without internet access, TCM practitioners in these mom-and-pop TCM halls were not able to receive these information on a timely manner. As EVD is a rare disease that could cause fatal illnesses, mom-and-pop stores who fail to recognize the symptoms and did not refer suspected cases to General Practitioner could bring about potential health risks for patients and themselves. Furthermore, the World Health Organisation (WHO) had stated that it is still unclear if TCM is effective against EVD (China Daily, 2014). TCM practitioners who fail to notice the incapability might provide wrong diagnosis and bring about potential health risks for patients.

All in all, the problems faced by mom-and-pop TCM halls are not only on the efficiency of the halls due to the lack of technology, but also the potential health threat to the older generation with the lack of latest medical news or potential treatments and medicines due to the lack of internet access.

Proposed Solution

Although there are limited methods and finances to help mom-and-pop TCM halls transform to global chains, there are still ways to help these mom-and-pop TCM halls to stay relevant and updated on latest medical treatments or medicines.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) could provide minimal grant to introduce technological service to mom-and-pop TCM halls such as computer systems and machines. With the computer systems, physicians are able to key in prescriptions to avoid confusion of handwriting. Furthermore, machines to slice medicinal herbs could reduce chances of wrong dosage of prescription. In order to encourage the use of internet access, TCMPB should advocate the use of individual websites adhering to the guidelines of website usage.

Existing Solution

Currently, there are no TCM halls that had successfully received monetary support from MOH to implement technological service. However, famous global chains such as Eu Yan Sang have proved that implementation of technology and internet could bring the company far. Eu Yan Sang website offers extensive services ranging from clinic locator to online store for their products. In the clinics, Eu Yan Sang uses computer systems to track patients’ records and the use of internet access allows them to receive patients’ inquiries and appointments. A more noticeable effect of the complement of technology and science is the Herb Fingerprinting used by Eu Yan Sang. This machine allows different batches of medicinal herbs to be consistent and eliminate chances of wrong dosages given to patients. 

Eu Yan Sang’s success in six countries has proved that the use of technology as well as internet access was effective in increasing work efficiency, reducing health risks as well as ability to receive the latest medical information. A big organization as such have the financial ability to solve many problems on hand and it might be undeniable that they have is deem as the top-notch facilities available in the traditional Chinese medicine industry.

Conclusion

Without the use of technology and internet access, patients,usually of old age, who visits mom-and-pop TCM halls could receive delayed medical treatment due to work inefficiency, Furthermore, as these TCM practitioners are not able to receive the latest medical news, the health of their patients could be at risks. MOH should provide grants for these mom-and-pop TCM halls to introduce basic technology and internet access so to increase work efficiency. In addition, TCMPB should advocate the use of individual websites to encourage these mom-and-pop TCM halls to stay relevant with the latest medical information. 

However, as these mom-and-pop TCM halls transform to be more modernised and technologically inclined in order to stay relevant with the world, would the this traditional trade be gone in a matter of years?

References
Begum, Nazreen (April 13, 2014). Singapore's Vanishing Trades:  A Traditional Chinese Medical Hall Perspective. Retrieved from http://blog.nus.edu.sg/nm3211/2014/04/13/singapores-vanishing-trades-a-traditional-chinese-medical-hall-perspective/

Business Dictionary.com (2014). mom and pop store definition. Retrieved from http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/mom-and-pop-store.html

Eu Yan Sang (2014). Herb Fingerprinting. Retrieved from http://www.euyansang.com.sg/herb-fingerprinting/eyscorporate11.html

Eu Yan Sang (2014). How TCM Works.  Retrieved from http://www.euyansang.com.sg/how-tcm-works/eystcm13.html

Ministry of Health Singapore (August 7, 2014). ALERT: EBOLA VIRUS DISEASE. Retrieved from http://www.moh.gov.sg/content/dam/moh_web/HPP/Main/news/ebola/MOH%20Circular%20No%20%2026-2014%20-%20Ebola%20TCMPs%20English.pdf

Essay Outline

Main Topic Area
Digital divide in the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) industry in Singapore, specifically the wide contrast between mom-and-pop Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) halls and modernised TCM halls.

Main Problem Identified
Many mom-and-pop TCM halls in Singapore still depend on manual work, such as handwritten prescription and manually cutting the herbs, there might be a delayed treatment for these patients.
Moreover, even when the Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners Board and Ministry of Health provide the latest information on TCM treatments and medicines, practitioners who are not plugged into the digital world may fail to retrieve these data.

Proposed Solutions
To introduce technological service into mom-and-pop TCM halls, such as computer systems to key in prescriptions, using of machine to slice the herbs.
One way for Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners Board (TCMPB) is to advocate these mom-and-pop TCM halls the use of own websites to be digitally updated as TCMPB already have a set of guidelines for website usage. In addition, TCMPB should implement the use of science and technology into mom-and-pop TCM halls.

Existing Solutions
Successful TCM halls such as Eu Yan Sang have successfully implement the use of technology into their daily activities. It is possible to book medical appointments, find out the types of services provided on their website. Eu Yan Sang also have better equipped facilities where the usage of science, such as the Herb Fingerprinting ensures that the quality of medicines dispatched are consistent.

Proposed Thesis
Because in Singapore, the group of pioneer generation who still visits mom-and-pop traditional Chinese medicine halls could receive delayed medical treatment and suffer potential health risks due to little or no internet access for practitioners to retrieve the latest medical treatment and medicines, Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners Board should advocate the use of individual websites as well as to provide technology for practitioners to ensure quality of medicine dispatched.