Building with bamboo at Bamboo U, and other stories

For PropertyGuru’s news roundup, Bali’s Bamboo U gathered architects, designers, and sustainability enthusiasts from all over the world to exchange ideas and skills regarding the future of bamboo as a construction material. In other news, the Philippines Education Secretary expressed optimism about the possible benefits of the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve the quality of education in the Philippines. Lastly, Singaporeans can manage their living situation and get an affordable new home to settle in despite bankruptcy.

Building the future with bamboo: ArchDaily’s experience at Bamboo U in Bali, Indonesia

Motivated by the shared goal of creating a better, greener future, architects, designers, and sustainability enthusiasts from all over the world came together to exchange ideas and skills regarding the future of bamboo as a construction material. Titled Bamboo U, the 11-day course included teaching participants how to grow bamboo, treatment methods, bamboo design and model making, engineering, carpentry, and construction. The ArchDaily team participated in the workshop, which ran from the 16th to the 27th of August 2024, and documented the full course from start to finish.

Taking place at the Kul Kul farm, the Bamboo U 11-day design and build course was an immersive and hands-on experience. Featuring bamboo yurts, open-sky showers, and farm-to-table meals, the workshop setting allowed the participants to dive deep into learning about the material itself and sustainable design. ArchDaily reports that each day was a mix of practical learning and community building, where the participants would alternate between working with bamboo and connecting with like-minded people from all over the world.

Philippines education chief optimistic on benefits of AI for quality education

Education Secretary Sonny Angara expressed optimism about the possible benefits of the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve the quality of education in the Philippines.

In an ambush interview at the sidelines of the University of the Philippines’ (UP) AI Horizons PH 2024 Conference on 24th October, Angara said utilizing AI may advance efficiency in learning.

“Talagang pinag-aaralan namin ano iyong posibilidad diyan. Kasi nakikita natin, may pakinabang talaga diyan yung mga guro, meron din pakinabang sa mga estudyante (We are really studying the possibilities there. Because we see that there’s really a benefit for teachers, even for students),” he said to PNA.

In particular, Angara said the technology may assist teachers in dealing with learners. “Parang matitipid ng oras ni teacher dahil makapag-focus siya doon sa mga nangangailangan. Tapos iyong mga advanced students, pwede na rin mauna kasi sa tulong ng (Teachers can save time and they can focus on those in need. Then the advanced students, they can proceed with the aid of the) AI,” Angara said.

To realize technological advancements and the use of AI, Angara said, there are still 2,000 schools needing electric power and 40,000 schools needing electricity upgrades.

Mortgage moves: 5 Top questions on bankruptcy and insolvency search in Singapore answered

Bankruptcy is an unfortunate reality that some may have to confront. In the first half of 2024, 2,334 Singaporeans filed for bankruptcy, a 25 percent increase from the same period in 2023. In turn, the number of people who eventually declared bankruptcy increased, too.

If you unfortunately find yourself in such a situation, one of the main worries will be housing. Questions like “Can a bankrupt buy an HDB flat?” and “Can the bank seize my HDB flat” are common concerns.

And if you are somehow in a situation where you need to buy a new home when bankrupt (for instance, in case of divorce or eviction), your concerns may be aggravated. PropertyGuru Singapore outlines what you can do to manage your living situation and how to get an affordable new home to settle in.

The Property Report editors wrote this article. For more information, email: [email protected].