Yu Fan/Rethink the Millennial Generation

Give 3 characteristics, negative and/or positive, that you associate with Singapore's Millennials.

Firstly, most of Singapore's Millennial Generation are people who are risk takers which might be a negative characteristic. They grew up with no firsthand knowledge of war, famine, disease and poverty. They are more distant from the world's traumatic events and conflicts, and tend to be more optimistic and less governed by fear. This means that they are willing to try out all kinds of activities and not care much about the problems it might carry with it. The negative part of this is that the people that needs emotional support from them might be at risk. They might ignore the implications of their actions, as they are willing to overturn historical patterns of thinking and doing and are more amendable to new ideas and alternative solutions.

Secondly, growing up in a globalized and technologically interconnected world has also made them more social creatures. This is a positive characteristic as it allows them to be widely connected and have good relations with people all over. Being a social person, it makes them good speakers and allows them to clinch a deal more easily than others. The millennial generation work well with people. They come together to contribute to something bigger than themselves.

Lastly, they are a group of people with high adaptability. This generation is more suited at coping with and welcoming unpredictable and rapid change. They try new routes in life, striking out more on their own, like being an entrepreneur. They venture into unknown fields, but are still able to cope well in it. Just like in a polytechnic, they open up a course which does not have this job yet. However, there are people with high adaptability who are willing to try it out, as they know that they will survive out there.

Explain why you chose each of the 3 characteristics

I have chosen risk takers, social creatures and people with high adaptability as they are the main characteristics of the people in the Millennial Generation. Many may think that the Millennial Generation are people who are self-absorbed, selfish and self-destructive. Most people also think that there are many cases of teen pregnancy, drug use and school drop outs. However in actual fact, the millennial Generation are the ones turning things around, they may be the innovative solution for the problems instead. The younger generations are not as rigid as most people would think they are, that is why i have chosen the topic of them being risk takers and one high adaptability. Also, many might think that the youngsters nowadays are trapped in the cyber world and not able not communicate well with others face to face, but it's a wrong concept. The millennial generation are very social creatures and they build great relationships with people.