Critical Reflection [Draft]

In the course of this module, I have learned many valuable and useful skills that will be useful to me, be it applying it in school or at work. Referring to the goals that I have initially set for myself to address my weaknesses which is the ability to breakdown complicated information and make it easily digestible for others and ability to develop proper communication skills to present clearly to the intended audience. Through the technical report, I was able to improve on my writing skills with the feedback from my classmates and Professor Brad. When doing various assignments, I initially struggled with grammar and sentence structure. I would spend hours proofreading my work and asking my friends to comment on my work. I felt that the peer review for the assignment was useful as it pointed out to me the areas I am lacking in such as grammar or tenses. By receiving and giving comments, I was able to sharpen my use of the language as I am now able to reduce the error I make. I felt that the oral presentation assignment was also very useful as it has helped to improve my presentation skills. I used to have a habit of speaking very fast when I am presenting and I keep using the word “thus” when I am presenting. With the feedback from my classmates, I realized the problem and rectified which was evident in the presentation showcase. At the end of the day, this is a module I truly enjoy a lot as I was able to see myself grow in terms of language use and presentation skills with the results to speak for it. 

I was really interested in the dynamics of my group and how it would play out. At first, i felt that all of us are shy so I took the initiative to break the ice and make the group more lively. I was grateful for the diversity in my group having each member showing contributing to the project in their own way. They were really fun to work with and I really enjoyed working with them. For example, when we were reviewing the group report and I realized that a sentence has changed. I had to clarify with the group and speak up about accountability as keeping others in the dark may affect the group dynamics and communications. Having individual responsibility and accountability for the report will be important in subsequent projects as it will help in receiving constructive feedback.

I felt that the presentation experience in the showcase was very meaningful for me as it was my first time presenting to a huge crowd with other teams to judges and classmates. I had many worries before going to present such as forgetting about the content or repeating my mistakes in the previous presentation. The key takeaway for this was to live in the moment when you are presenting. I found myself enjoying while I was presenting and the words came out naturally. I feel that my strength in my presentation was my confidence as we had done enough research and I had absolute faith in what I was presenting. One weakness in my presentation would be my voice projection. I felt that I could have spoken louder so that I can grasp the attention of people sitting in the last row. I was able to improve on my presentation by eliminating my excessive use of the word "thus" and the speed of my presentation.

To conclude, this module was meaningful as I felt that there were more interactions between classmates. I was able to achieve the goals and understand the importance of communicating. I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to all my classmates and Professor Brad for this module so interesting.

[Assignment 3] Annotated summary

Parekar , S., Shinde, T., Sarangi , B., & Thorat, V. (2019). Study on combination of mycelium and fly ash brick. International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology , Volume 5 ,Issue 12 ,Page(s):395-396. Retrieved from http://ijirt.org/master/publishedpaper/IJIRT148110_PAPER.pdf

This article focuses on the development of combination of mycelium and fly ash bricks. The article explained about mycelium and fly ash  An evaluation of mycelium bricks against the combination of mycelium and fly ash bricks were made, and both bricks were assessed based on how they performed under various tests such as efflorescence, hardness and compressive strength.  The tests showed that the combination of mycelium and fly had similar properties to mycelium bricks but the combination is lighter in terms of weight. The article highlighted that even though the combination of mycelium and fly ash bricks are only able to carry lesser loads than mycelium bricks, they are more sustainable in the long run and reduce air pollution as production of these bricks do not require brick kiln. 

This article also provides a useful platform for our research project on the use of mycelium bricks and it’s possible combination with fly ash. From the aspect of sustainability, ,mycelium bricks are organic and fly ash are considered waste the industry. The research in the article performed and tested only mycelium brick and a combination of mycelium with fly ash, this article still provides useful information and statistics about the potential of mycelium bricks, which is a relevant aspect for our research project.

[Draft 2] Technical Report

Background 

This report responds to a call for proposal to recommend an engineering solution to a specific problem in the built environment sector. 

Cement is inarguably the most used and crucial construction resource since civilizations came into existence and more buildings that are bigger and taller will inevitably be constructed in the future. Rodger (2018) states that most of our concrete in the world is being used to construct buildings and that the main ingredient of concrete is cement, whose production contributes to 8% of the world’s carbon emissions, which is equivalent to 2.2 billion tons of carbon dioxide per year.

According to Climate & Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), the process of producing bricks in kilns releases large amounts of pollutants such as sulphur dioxide and black carbon into the atmosphere. These effects are not easily reversed and will accumulate in the earth’s atmosphere much to the suffering of future generations.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) mentioned in their special report that it is essential to maintain global temperature within 1.5 degree celsius . A one-degree increment of global temperature can result in a drastic increase of the atmospheric temperature. 

Based on National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the global temperature in September 2009 was 0.62 degree celsius. Currently, the global temperature is at 0.95 degree celsius. Despite it being under 1.5 degrees, there was a 0.32 degree increase of global temperature within a decade. 

Dr Koh Poh Koon, Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry, mentioned that Singapore generated 52.5 million tonnes of greenhouse gases in 2017 which contributed 0.11% of global emissions, that equates to 8,000 tonnes of CO2 per capita in that year (Tan, 2019). According to Dr Muhammad Eeqmal Hassim, senior research scientist with the MSS Centre for Climate Research Singapore (as cited from Channel News Asia), with the rise of carbon emission, it will lead to an increase of Singapore’s daily temperature from 35 to 37 degrees celsius (Hassim, 2019).

The most direct way Bricknology can contribute to the reduction of climate change is through convincing BCA to adopt the idea of using mycelium bricks in Yio Chu Kang private housing estate as a pilot programme. By implementing the use of mycelium bricks as a pilot programme in Yio Chu Kang private housing estate, the team hopes that Singapore could set an example to the world that mycelium bricks can help in reducing the overall global greenhouse gas emissions problem.

1.1 Current practices for Yio Chu Kang private housing

The team had observed that the bricks used to build the internal structure of the house in Yio Chu Kang private housing were made up of clay and concrete.

Clay bricks 

1.2 Problem Statement

Building Construction Authority (BCA) to authorized the use of mycelium brick for all future construction. However, BCA is not implementing the use of mycelium bricks despite its potential. 

1.3 Purpose Statement

The purpose of this report is to convince Building & Construction Authority to adopt the idea of using mycelium bricks and initiate a pilot project in Yio Chu Kang private housing estate. 

2. Proposed Solution

The team has referenced online research done for sustainable bricks and have decided to propose a solution for BCA to consider:

2.1 Use mycelium bricks in place of conventional bricks

The team conducted interviews with the construction supervisors and workers in Yio Chu Kang private housing during a site visit. The team was told and observed that bricks used in Yio Chu Kang private estate houses to build internal walls were mainly by concrete and clay bricks. 

The production of making these bricks involve heating the bricks to high temperatures which produces a high amount of CO2 as a by-product. It is also noteworthy that the production of concrete and clay bricks produces a ratio of 1 tonne of bricks to about 250kg of CO2 (Rathi, 2017).

Mycelium is an organ belonging to fungi that plays the role of digesting and absorbing nutrients for the fungi. The current technique for growing mycelium bricks incorporates a process of decomposition and drying. 

Mycelium bricks reduces the carbon emission of producing the same number of concrete or clay bricks by a large margin.

3. Advantages of mycelium bricks 

3.1 Good physical capabilities 

Mycelium bricks is fifty six times per cubic meter lighter than your typical conventional bricks. It is capable to withstand a high amount of compression force. Mycelium bricks can be grown in a controlled environment where the mycelium is grown in such a way so as to produce desired physical capabilities. In one such experiment, the results are a mycelium brick that is 200,000 times more ductile than steel, 10,000 more rigid than brick while still able to support the weight of 50 cars (Abrams, ???).  As proven from architectural structures, it is able to withstand external factors such as wind and rain.

3.2 Fire resistance 

Although mycelium does take a shorter time to ignite in comparison with clay and concrete, the beauty about mycelium bricks is that the moment the outer layer is burnt, a layer of char forms on the surface of the mycelium which actually increases the flame resistance of the entire brick itself. This results in the bricks actually being able to last longer in prolonged fires, maintaining its structural integrity long enough so that the building does not collapse under its own weight., leaving room for people to escape.

3.3 Good thermal insulation 

Mycelium insulation has way better R-value and EPS R- value as compared to conventional insulation boards.It does not absorb heat as fast as the conventional boards. It is also thinner and lighter which makes it easier for construction process.

3.4 Environmental effects

Mycelium are 100% biodegradable and they can be found in abundance on the planet. It does not release any volatile organic compounds. As it is made up of fungi, people will get the misconception that overtime it will turn rotten and start releasing foul smell and release harmful gases. Thus it will not release any external harmful effects.

3.5 Resources and production

The production of mycelium does not cost much as it uses bio-based materials and is biologically grown.  Even pieces of agricultural waste materials and natural bio materials can be used to make mycelium bricks. It does not rely on factories for producing mycelium bricks unlike conventional bricks. Thus hugely reducing the use of artificial energy and the amount of CO2s to produce mycelium. 

3.6 Social benefits

4. Disadvantages of mycelium bricks 

4.1 Weak compressive strength

Mycelium bricks can only withstand 30 psi whereas a concrete block can withstand 4000 psi to 10,000 psi. Mycelium bricks can not support as much weight as compared to a normal concrete block.

4.2 Production

As mycelium takes time to grow, it might take a few days to weeks to be able to use it as a component to make the bricks. External factors such as temperature and moisture might delay the growth of the mycelium.

4.3 Long term

Mycelium bricks are still in the early stages in their line of production. As a result, the full capabilities of these bricks have yet to be known. Much of its credibility is theoretical as to how long it is able to last in residential and non residential buildings. It might be the solution to replacing all conventional bricks but because mycelium bricks have only been around for about 5 years, no concrete research is available for these bricks in a 50 year lifespan. No matter how much research and claims from experts that says it will last, it will only remain as projections. The only thing we are able to fully trust is to wait until it reaches its maximum brick lifespan.

Draft 1 Technical Report (Bricknology)

Background 

This report respond to a call for proposal to recommend an engineering solution to a specific problem in the built environment case of focus. The team decided to convince Building & Construction Authority to adopt the idea of using mycelium bricks and initiate a pilot project in Yio Chu Kang private housing estate. 

Cement is inarguably the most used and crucial construction resource since civilizations came into existence and more buildings that are bigger and taller will inevitably be constructed in the future. British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) states that most of our concrete in the world is being used to construct buildings and that the main ingredient of concrete is cement, whose production contributes to 8% of the world’s carbon emissions, which is equivalent to 2.2 billion tons of carbon dioxide per year (BBC, 2018). 

According to Climate & Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), the process of producing bricks in kilns releases large amounts of pollutants such as sulphur dioxide and black carbon into the atmosphere. These effects are not easily reversed and will accumulate in the earth’s atmosphere much to the suffering of future generations.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) mentioned in their special report that it is essential to maintain global temperature within 1.5 degree celsius . A one-degree increment of global temperature can result in a drastic increase of the atmospheric temperature. 

Based on National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the global temperature in September 2009 was 0.62 degree celsius. Currently, the global temperature is at 0.95 degree celsius. Despite it being under 1.5 degrees, there was a 0.32 degree increase of global temperature within a decade. 

Dr Koh Poh Koon, Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry, mentioned that Singapore generated 52.5 million tonnes of greenhouse gases in 2017 which contributed 0.11% of global emissions, that equates to 8,000 tonnes of CO2 per capita in that year (The Straits Times, 2019). With the rise of carbon emission, it will lead to an increase of Singapore’s daily temperature from 35 to 37 degrees celsius. (Dr Muhammad Eeqmal Hassim, senior research scientist with the MSS Centre for Climate Research Singapore).

The most direct way Bricknology can contribute to the reduction of climate change is through convincing BCA to adopt the idea of using mycelium bricks. One tonne of cement produces 1.2 tonnes of CO2 (BBC, 2018). As mentioned, Singapore contributed 0.11% of global emission hence by implementing the use of mycelium bricks in Singapore, it will help tackle the overall global problem of reducing the production of conventional bricks. Thus reducing emissions of greenhouse gasses.

1.1 Current practices for Yio Chu Kang private housing

The current bricks used to build the internal structure of the house in Yio Chu Kang private housing are made up of clay and concrete. Clay bricks are more commonly used in the construction industry in Singapore. 

1.2 Problem Statement

Building Construction Authority (BCA) is not implementing the use of mycelium bricks despite it potential. Bricknology aims to convince BCA to pilot the use of mycelium bricks in Yio Chu Kang private housing estates.

1.3 Purpose Statement

The purpose of this report is to propose to convince BCA to implement the use of mycelium bricks in all newly constructed private houses located at Yio Chu Kang.

[Draft 3] Summary_Reader_Response: "Smart Buildings: What ‘smart' really means"

In the article “Smart buildings: What 'smart' really means”, Lecomte (2019) states that having certification with standardized metrics is fundamental for smart buildings to wholly emerge in the 'built environment'. Lecomte mentions that the lack of unanimity from various stakeholders has delayed the drafting of standardized rubrics. Hence, private and public sectors design their own metrics to assess smart buildings, but their rubrics vary from one another. However, current private and public metrics have been unsuccessful in tackling the complicated and expanding aspect that buildings will perform in “smart cities”. Lecomte emphasises that one crucial component to be included in the standardized rubrics would be cyber risk management as cyber threats “increase exponentially” along with more advanced and integrated technology in smart buildings. Lecomte concludes that holistic and reliable “smart building certifications and rubrics” will be the foundation of a “functioning market for smart real estate”.

Although Lecomte has discussed the importance of incorporating cyber risk management in the rubrics, he fails to mention how cyber-attacks can affect operations, why companies keep quiet and how to improve cyber risk management through a case study. 

While more smart buildings are popping up all around the world, few people know how building operations can be affected with the increasing number of smart buildings. Lecomte quoted Target losing 40 million debit and credit card records data as a prime example of a cyber-attack but failed to elaborate on how Target’s daily operation could be affected. Customers could be less willing to spend in Target in fear of their card records data being stolen. Equipping smart building with the proper security systems would help to minimise and even eliminate potential cyber risks. Related to customer hesitation to spend in Target is the idea that business can also be disrupted on their management aspect. According to Chan(2019), he stated that “responders rank cyber as the business interruption trigger they fear most” as cyberattacks can result “in a disruption of operations and services costing hundreds of millions of dollars”. Cyber-attacks are a growing concern to many companies as it may implicate their day-to-day operations. Marek Stanislawski, deputy global head of cyber, AGCS, quoted “Cyber risk has been a major risk for a number of years but as with any new risk it has struggled with awareness”. Although cyber risk has been a major concern, few companies considered it as a major business interruption that can cause major financial losses to them.

Cyber-attacks are causing damages to companies around the world but only a small quantity of companies came forward and disclosed the attacks. Lecomte listed out Target as an example quoting “ANREV reminds us that in 2013, hackers gained access to up to 40 million debit and credit card records”. It was through another source that disclosed Target’s security was breached which could further tarnish Target’s public image causing consumer to lose trust in them. According to Javers(2013), he stated that most companies do not want to reveal the extent of damage due to “possibly scaring off potential or existing customers, damaging their stock value, or incurring potential legal liabilities.”. Disclosing that the fact that the security system was breached is bad publicity which can negatively impact the company in many ways. Revealing it will help other companies to look at their cybersecurity system and identify if there are any loopholes. According to Newcomer(2017), Uber concealed about the fact that their consumer data got stolen for more than a year. This may give Uber’s customers a perception that the company lack integrity causing them to lose customers. “A patchwork of state and federal laws require companies to alert people and government agencies when sensitive data breaches occur.”, but Uber failed to do so on many occasions such as in 2014 for failing to disclose an earlier data breach which Uber was fined for $20,000. Even with laws in place to make companies report about the breach, companies still bypass the law as the disadvantage of reporting outweighs the advantage.

Although Lecomte’s article discussed about the many aspects of cyber risk management, he failed to give a case study. There should been a case study about the cyber breach to explain how the security system was breached and identify how to mitigate it. Based on the original article, Target data was “stolen from the company’s heat ventilation and air-conditioning operator”. It shows how easy data can be stolen if the system is missing the appropriate security. In the article “SingHealth data breach probe reveals ‘blanket’ of basic failings”, SingHealth identified the problems they had in their cybersecurity. Although Singhealth failed to stop the breach, their transparency about the breach will regain the patients’ trust. There was also a public report “detailing the attacker’s identity and methods” which could assist other company to further enhance their security system. Knowing how the breach occurs can help other companies to enhance their existing system. The report gave a "blow-by-blow account" of how SingHealth leaked 1.5 million data of patients. With a fully detailed report on how SingHealth was breached, it could help other companies to identify if there are any gaps in their existing systems. The article also stated the aftermath of the cyber breach and what steps SingHealth have taken to resolve the issues identified. With proper business recovery plans in place, this could help safeguard the company reputation and develop confidence within the business.

To conclude, Lecomte briefly touched on the need to include cyber risk management as a key area of focus in a standardised rubric. Nevertheless, he did not elaborate on how cyber-attacks can affect operations and the reason behind why companies do not speak up about experience a cyber-attack. Furthermore, he mentioned “such threats should be clearly identified, assessed and known” but fails to mention it can be done through case studies. With increasing smart buildings, there is really a need to look at cyber risk management. Smart buildings are the way to the future, stakeholders in the facilities management in the industry such as engineers, contractors and developers must look at cyber risk management.

Chan, D. (2019, February 5). Business interruption resurfaces as top business risk in Singapore. Retrieved October 2019, from The Business Times: https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/business-interruption-resurfaces-as-top-business-risk-in-singapore

Lecomte, P. (2019, January 29). Smart buildings: What 'smart' really means. Retrieved September 2019, from The Business Times: https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/opinion/smart-buildings-what-smart-really-means

Newcomer, E. (2017, November 22). Uber paid hackers to delete stolen data on 57 million people. Retrieved October 2019, from Bloomberg: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-11-21/uber-concealed-cyberattack-that-exposed-57-million-people-s-data

SingHealth data breach probe reveals 'blanket' of basic failings. (2019, January 10). Retrieved October 2019, from The Business Times: https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/government-economy/singhealth-data-breach-probe-reveals-blanket-of-basic-failings

Javers, E. (2013, February 25). Cyberattacks: Why companies keep quiet. Retrieved October 2019, from CNBC: https://www.cnbc.com/id/100491610

[Draft 2] Summary_Reader_Response: "Smart Buildings: What ‘smart' really means"

In the article “Smart buildings: What 'smart' really means”, Lecomte (2019) states that having certification with standardized metrics is fundamental for smart buildings to wholly emerge in the 'built environment'. Lecomte mentions that the lack of unanimity from various stakeholders has delayed the drafting of standardized rubrics. Hence, private and public sectors design their own metrics to assess smart buildings but their rubrics vary from one another. However, current private and public metrics have been unsuccessful in tackling the complicated and expanding aspect that buildings will perform in ‘smart cities’. Lecomte emphasises that one crucial component to be included in the standardized rubrics would be cyber risk management as cyber threats ‘increase exponentially’ along with more advanced and integrated technology in smart buildings. Lecomte concludes that holistic and reliable 'smart building certifications and rubrics' will be the foundation of a 'functioning market for smart real estate'.

Although Lecomte has discussed the importance of incorporating cyber risk management in the rubrics, he fails to mention how cyber-attack can affect operations, why companies keep quiet and how to improve cyber risk management through a case study. 

                                                                                                                                      

While more smart buildings are popping up all over the world, few know cyber risks that increase with the increasing smart building. Equipping smart building with the proper security systems would help to minimise and even eliminate potential cyber risks. Lecomte quoted Target losing 40 million debit and credit card records data as a prime example of a cyber attack but fails to elaborate on how Target’s daily operation could be affected. In the article “Business interruption resurfaces as top business risk in Singapore”, Chan(2019) stated that “responders rank cyber as the business interruption trigger they fear most” as cyberattacks can result “in a disruption of operations and services costing hundreds of millions of dollars”. Chan (2019) also gave an example by listing a few companies which have suffered disruption to their logistics line. Marek Stanislawski, deputy global head of cyber, AGCS, quoted “Cyber risk has been a major risk for a number of years but as with any new risk it has struggled with awareness”

Cyber-attacks are causing damages to companies around the world but only a small quantity of companies came forward and disclosed the attacks. Lecomte listed out Target as an example quoting “ANREV reminds us that in 2013, hackers gained access to up to 40 million debit and credit card records”. In the article “Cyberattacks: Why Companies Keep Quiet”, it stated that most companies do not want to reveal the extent of damage due to “possibly scaring off potential or existing customers, damaging their stock value, or incurring potential legal liabilities.”. Revealing it will help other companies to look at their cybersecurity system and identify if there are any loopholes. For example, in the article “Uber Paid Hackers to Delete Stolen Data on 57 Million People”, Uber concealed about the fact that their consumer data got stolen for more than a year. “A patchwork of state and federal laws require companies to alert people and government agencies when sensitive data breaches occur.”, but Uber failed to do so on many occasions such as in 2014 for failing to disclose an earlier data breach which Uber was fined for $20,000.

There should be more case study about the cyber breach to explain how the security system was breached and identify how to mitigate it. Based on the original article, Target data was “stolen from the company’s heat ventilation and air-conditioning operator”. In the the article “SingHealth data breach probe reveals ‘blanket’ of basic failings”, SingHealth identified the problems they had in their cybersecurity. There was also a public report “detailing the attacker’s identity and methods” which could assist other company to further enhance their security system The report gave a "blow-by-blow account" which led to SingHealth leaking 1.5 million data of patients. The article also stated the aftermath of the cyber breach and what steps SingHealth have taken to resolve the issues identified. 

To conclude, Lecomte briefly touched on the need to include cyber risk management as a key area of focus in a standardised rubrics. Nevertheless, Lecomte did not elaborate on how cyber-attacks can affect operations and the reason behind why do companies not speak up about experience a cyber-attack. Furthermore, Lecomte mentioned “such threats should be clearly identified, assessed and known” but fails to mention it can be done through case studies.

585 words

Edited 7/10/2019

Chan, D. (2019, February 5). Business interruption resurfaces as top business risk in Singapore. Retrieved October 2019, from The Business Times: https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/business-interruption-resurfaces-as-top-business-risk-in-singapore

Lecomte, P. (2019, January 29). Smart buildings: What 'smart' really means. Retrieved September 2019, from The Business Times: https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/opinion/smart-buildings-what-smart-really-means

Newcomer, E. (2017, November 22). Uber paid hackers to delete stolen data on 57 million people. Retrieved October 2019, from Bloomberg: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-11-21/uber-concealed-cyberattack-that-exposed-57-million-people-s-data

SingHealth data breach probe reveals 'blanket' of basic failings. (2019, January 10). Retrieved October 2019, from The Business Times: https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/government-economy/singhealth-data-breach-probe-reveals-blanket-of-basic-failings

Javers, E. (2013, February 25). Cyberattacks: Why companies keep quiet. Retrieved October 2019, from CNBC: https://www.cnbc.com/id/100491610

[Draft 1] Summary_Reader_Response: Smart Buildings: “What ‘smart' really means"

In the article “Smart buildings: What 'smart' really means”, Lecomte (2019) states that having certification with standardized metrics is fundamental for smart buildings to wholly emerge in the 'built environment'. Lecomte mentions that the lack of unanimity from various stakeholders has delayed the drafting of standardized rubrics. Hence, private and public sectors design their own metrics to assess smart buildings but their rubrics vary from one another. However, current private and public metrics have been unsuccessful in tackling the complicated and expanding aspect that buildings will perform in ‘smart cities’. Lecomte emphasises that one crucial component to be included in the standardized rubrics would be cyber risk management as cyber threats ‘increase exponentially’ along with more advanced and integrated technology in smart buildings. Lecomte concludes that holistic and reliable 'smart building certifications and rubrics' will be the foundation of a 'functioning market for smart real estate'.

Based on the points elaborated in the article, although Lecomte has discussed about the importance of incorporating cyber risk management in the rubrics, there are other factors that the author fails to discuss the significance of cyber risk management.

                                                                                                                                       

While more smart buildings are popping up all over the world, reducing energy consumption and increasing building efficiency. However, little know about the cyber risks that increase with the increasing smart building. Equipping smart building with the proper security systems would help to minimise and even eliminate potential cyber risks. In the article “Business interruption resurfaces as top business risk in Singapore”, Chan(2019) states that “responders rank cyber as the business interruption trigger they fear most” as cyberattacks can result “in a disruption of operations and services costing hundreds of millions of dollars”. Chan (2019) also gave an example by listing a few companies which have suffered disruption to their logistics line. Marek Stanislawski, deputy global head of cyber, AGCS, quoted “Cyber risk has been a major risk for a number of years but as with any new risk it has struggled with awareness”

Cyber-attacks are causing damages to companies around the world but only a small quantity of companies came forward and disclosed the attacks. In the article “Cyberattacks: Why Companies Keep Quiet”, it states that most companies do not want to reveal the extent of damage due to “possibly scaring off potential or existing customers, damaging their stock value, or incurring potential legal liabilities.”. In my personal opinion, I feel that companies should step up and talk about it since there should not be any reason to hide it from the public or relevant parties. Revealing it will help other companies to look at their cybersecurity system and identify if there are any loopholes. For example, in the article “Uber Paid Hackers to Delete Stolen Data on 57 Million People”, Uber concealed about the fact that their consumer data got stolen for more than a year. “A patchwork of state and federal laws require companies to alert people and government agencies when sensitive data breaches occur.”, but Uber failed to do so on many occasions such as in 2014 for failing to disclose an earlier data breach which Uber was fined for $20,000.

There should be more case study about the cyber breach to explain how the system was breached and identify how to mitigate it. In the article “SingHealth data breach probe reveals ‘blanket’ of basic failings”, it identified the problems SingHealth have in their cybersecurity. There was also a public report “detailing the attacker’s identity and methods” which could assist other company to further enhance their security system The report gave a "blow-by-blow account" which lead to SingHealth leaking 1.5 million data of patients. The article also states the aftermath of the cyber breach and what steps SingHealth have taken to resolve the issues identified. 

In conclusion, there are more plausible ways to raise more awareness and emphasize the importance of cyber risk management. However, care should be taken when identifying cyber risks as different types of buildings face a different type of cyber risks. There should be an identification of the type of building and correspond the different type of risk associated with it. 

538 words

Edited 4/10/2019

Chan, D. (2019, February 4). Business interruption resurfaces as top business risk in Singapore. Retrieved October 2, 2019, from https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/business-interruption-resurfaces-as-top-business-risk-in-singapore.

Lecomte, P. (2019, January 28). Smart Buildings: What 'smart' really means. Retrieved September 25, 2019, from https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/opinion/smart-buildings-what-smart-really-means.

Newcomer, E. (2017, November 22). Uber Paid Hackers to Delete Stolen Data on 57 Million People. Retrieved October 2, 2019, from https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-11-21/uber-concealed-cyberattack-that-exposed-57-million-people-s-data.

SingHealth data breach probe reveals 'blanket' of basic failings. (2019, January 10). Retrieved October 1, 2019, from https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/government-economy/singhealth-data-breach-probe-reveals-blanket-of-basic-failings