13
Issue
Dec 09 – Feb 10 Alumni Magazine www.rp.sg/grad
Everything starts from a dream
From Boys to Men
3 hunks and their overseas adventure
On the road again Journey Down Under
Happenings Ride the Night
13
Contents Issue
Dec 2 0 0 9 - F e b 2 0 1 0
2
Editor’s Note
3
New to View – Diyanah Ishak and Serene Tan
4
Passion and Perseverance lead to Success
5
Ride the Night 2009
6
Lifestyle Tidbits: From Boys to Men
8
Exclusive! Highlights from Reflections 2009 Opening Celebrations
11
Graduate Spotlight! Dilys Goh
12
Bridging Lives through Service Learning
13
Travelogue: Journey Down Under
14
3 RP students represent Singapore in Germany
16
Calendar of Events
Publisher Office of Student and Graduate Affairs 9, Woodlands Avenue 9 Singapore 738964 Editorial Editor Celine Yeo Artwork Zhang Miao Writers Bob Tan Diyanah Ishak Evelyn Mak Fazilah A Latiff Kenneth Loke Lester Tan
Lim Jing Kai Rachel Kek Serene Tan Siti Sarah Supri Tan Siao Wei Wu Wanting
Contributors Benjamin Ng Glenda Ng Jacqueline Toh Kelly Kuan Kevin Lam Lee Kong Shen
Marjory Kho Maya Murni Natasha Raina Nurhadi Khan Priscilla To Sanjay Jega
General Enquires Email dream@rp.sg URL www.rp.sg/grad dREam. An RP Alumni Magazine. Everything starts from a dream. dREam is a quarterly publication which will keep graduates informed about the happenings in RP, continual education, career opportunities, networking sessions and more, to achieve their aspirations. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the written permission of the publisher. The views and opinions expressed or implied in dREam are those of the authors or contributors and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher.
Editor’s Note
New to View
D
ecember has always been my favourite month of the year. There is something in the air that makes this month celebratory. Perhaps it is the Christmas decor that sprinkles Orchard Road or the music of love, joy and peace that greets you at every shopping mall.
Diyanah Ishak
Having the year come to an end also means that a new beginning is around the corner. Time to pencil down resolutions to lose weight, eat healthier, procrastinate less, be more punctual...the list goes on.
D
However as we eagerly plan what we want to do better for next year, I would like to nudge everyone that this is also a time for giving. As we prepare to usher in the new year, let’s set aside some time to think about what we have done to help those in need. In this issue of dREam, we’ve included several opportunities for our readers to make a difference to the lives of others. RP’s service learning team will be launching several projects with volunteer welfare organizations and the hunt for the next alumni volunteer is on! The school has also launched a Student Needy Fund to help needy students or those who come from low-income families to tide over their financial difficulties. If you would like to make a contribution towards this fund, please drop us an email. With every batch of students that graduate and leave RP, there will be a new wave of students that will join the
Serene Tan
Text by Diyanah Ishak
RP family. As members of the RP alumni, we hope you can be the voice of RP and ambassador to the school. Shout out to your friends who are enrolling in diploma programs and let them know about the 2010 Open House happening from 7 – 9 January. 2009 has been an exciting year for the dREam team. And as we work towards fostering a continuing relationship with you, our readers, we hope that you will give us a pat on the back by supporting the events that we’ve lined up for 2010. From all of us at dREam, best wishes for your diet plans and may 2010 bring new aspirations. Cheers! Celine
iyanah Ishak graduated from Republic Polytechnic, with a Diploma of Integrated Events Management from the School of Hospitality (SOH). Diyanah is currently employed as a Technology Development Assistant (TDA) under the School of Hospitality where her main role is to manage the newly set up Raffles Hospitality Centre (RHC). Raffles Hospitality Centre was set up by Republic Polytechnic in collaboration with the prestigious Raffles Hotels and Resorts. Here, students get a feel of how it is like to work in a hospitality environment, giving them an early head start in their careers. A typical day at work starts at 8.00 am for Diyanah, who ensure that the training labs, classrooms and technical system are in working order. On top of that, Diyanah also does checks to ensure that the facility and the equipments are all in place, clean and ready for the students’ use. As a fellow graduate, Diyanah feels that the students are lucky to be given the opportunity to learn in such a conducive environment. The real industry training labs of the centre such as the hotel front office, guest rooms, restaurant and food preparation area (kitchen) ensures that the students are able to get a feel of what the working life is like. Diyanah feels that her experience as a student turned staff enables her to understand the responsibilities of both facilitators and students. Thus, on some occasion, she will take time to have a casual chat with the SOH students and advise them on how they can perform better. She feels that by doing that, she is able to assist the school in taking care of the students’ needs.
Text by Serene Tan
S
erene graduated from the School of Hospitality (SOH) in Republic Polytechnic in March 2009 amongst the pioneer batch of Diploma in Integrated Events Management graduates. She is currently working as a Technology Development Assistant (TDA) with SOH, at the Raffles Hospitality Centre (RHC) where the training facilities and classrooms of SOH are located. Some of her job responsibilities include assisting with the administrative functions of the school; publishing of a quarterly enewsletter, SOHappening; coordinating of events such as Open House and staff sharing; and managing the facilities in RHC. As the school trains students to become professional hoteliers, event and service professionals, Serene enjoys communicating and co-ordinating with the SOH staff, students and service providers. She gets to hear the rich experiences from the team of professional staff, whom many used to be in the senior management positions of international hotel chains, food and beverage establishments, and multinational companies. She now understands better the growth directions of SOH and is excited to be part of the dynamic team of professionals in the school. As a recent graduate of the school herself, she also sees herself as an ambassador of the school and looks forward to leapfrog her learning, as she continues to enjoy the extensive experience in her work. She is happy to be given such a great opportunity to work with some of her former facilitators. This has allowed her to know the other side of their job besides class facilitation, and appreciate them better. Being an ex-student and now a staff, Serene is able to understand the needs of both a student and staff, and uses the knowledge well in her work. She is able to provide advices to student on how to perform better in their school work. Serene is satisfied that she is able to apply the Problem Based Learning (PBL) approach into her daily work as her duties require research. PBL trains her to be more independent and handle situations strategically.
new to view
editorial
Issue 13 Dec 2009
Issue 13 Dec 2009
Issue 13 Dec 2009
happenings
Text by Wu Wanting
C
ongratulations to STA students, Lee Kong Shen and Glenda Ng for being awarded the Georgette Chen scholarship from the National Arts Council (NAC). The Georgette Chen scholarship is offered to full-time diploma students who are pursuing their education in theatre, dance, music, visual arts and arts management. Applicants have to undergo a stringent interview and are assessed not only on their academic performance but also on their co-curriculum participation and commitment towards the development of arts in Singapore.
Ride The Night 2009
RP Biking IG was set up in 2004 and had since embarked on several exciting projects and rides with RP’s megaride from Tanglin to Woodlands – Operation FUN, which marks the move to RP’s brand new campus. Biking IG aims to contribute to the community and RP through volunteering and initiating cycling projects using their expertise in cycling. The team also aims to improve individual and team technical skills and achieve good results in local and regional competitions. The RP Biking IG made waves in the local biking scene when they won the Subaru IVP Race ‘04 in their debut. With their achievement, the students had put Republic Polytechnic’s name onto the local biking scene, constantly striving for greater heights. In line with initiating cycling projects, Ride The Night has been organised annually to promote students the joys of cycling and a preferred fitness activity.
What the future holds? This scholarship marks the beginning of a brighter future for both Kong Shen and Glenda. When asked about their plans upon graduating from Republic Polytechnic, both are filled with hopes and plans for the future. “I intend to further my studies overseas in technical theatre or lighting design. After that, I will apply to a theatre company as a lighting designer, production manager, or technical director. I also intend to contribute to the arts scene by taking on productions on an ad hoc basis,” said Kong Shen.
The event started off after several safety checks and proper briefing to the participants (such as having their helmets on at all times) from the current biking captain, Shaun Lim. Auxiliary Police were also engaged to heighten the safety level alongside the members of Bikers@Republic, whose roles were to marshal participants throughout the ride. Two lorries were also engaged so as to ferry food and drinks for the participants during pit-stops. Prior to the event, Biking IG and Sports Club worked together to ensure that the event would run smoothly so that all riders would enjoy the experience of night cycling.
Text by Kenneth Loke
engaging myself in different activities during and after school hours, as well as going into the industry to look for internship opportunities. Obtaining this scholarship has given me more drive to fulfil what I would like to do in the future.” Just like what Glenda mentioned, the scholarship is recognition of their efforts in the arts and it gives them more motivation to pursue their dreams. What makes them succeed? While Kong Shen and Glenda are recognized for their talents, they have also been through many low points during their time in school. In an environment where the learning curve is very steep, Kong Shen and Glenda revealed that hard work and determination were the key attributes to their success. “I work hard to learn the skills and knowledge that I have now. This gives me an edge when working in the field” Kong Shen shared.
The experience of obtaining the scholarship was very different for both students. The interview process was a nerve-wrecking one for Kong Shen, but he handled it well. He was grateful to his facilitators for their patient guidance and going through possible interview questions with him. “I was mentally prepared for a tough interview and I have to handle it calmly. I am really thankful to my facilitators, family and friends for giving me their support On the other hand, Glenda conceded, “my mentality of and advices,” said Kong Shen as he reflected on the doing my best allowed me to perform well in the things I selection process. do. I always believe that if I want to do something, I would have to do it well, otherwise, there is no point wasting Conversely, Glenda had a different experience. She time doing something that is not of any standard. was in Shanghai for the International Children’s Festival under ACT3 International and was not able to attend They further added that RP has played an important part the interview. “I was aware that the chance of getting in their educational achievements and helped to shape the scholarship was slim as the interview was the most who they are today. Kong Shen shared, “The Republic important part of the selection process. Given that I didn’t Cultural Centre gave me opportunities to expand my attend the interview, I did not get my hopes high about craft. Apart from that, there are helpful facilitators who getting the scholarship. When I received news that I recommended me to industrial opportunities.” was granted the scholarship, I was over the moon. I am grateful that NAC believed in my capabilities even though While Glenda revealed, “RP’s PBL learning has helped I was absent for the interview,” said Glenda. me be an independent learner; to constantly read and research about this industry, which led me to try out Receiving this scholarship means much to Kong Shen different internship opportunities that add value to my and Glenda. Glenda told us, “I have been constantly course of study.”
Glenda too, hopes to further her studies before starting on her career. “My career plan in the future is to work in the arts industry, in particularly the field of arts management. However, I would first enter a local or overseas university to further my studies in the field of my diploma, Technology and Arts Management before I start my career path.” Lastly, when asked what advices they have for students who are applying for scholarships, they commented that students should pursue what they have passion in, have confidence and put in their fullest effort. Most importantly, be yourself.
During the pit-stop at West Coast Park, participants were greeted with a refreshing treat from promoters who distributed the new “7up Revive”! The drinks certainly perked up some of our sleepy riders and quenched their thirst, it was what they needed to complete just a few more kilometres! On the way back to campus, smiles were beginning to emerge as the participants knew that they have completed almost 6 hours of cycling covering almost 50km! That’s a huge achievement for recreational riders! Bikers@ Republic hopes to continue the annual tradition of Ride The Night and seeks the support of students and staff to make it happen. Ride on!
happenings
Passion and Perseverance lead to success
0km, 60 Riders, 1 mission: To have fun at Ride The Night 2009! The annual cycling event was held on 16th October, where riders were flagged off at 11pm from Republic Polytechnic to ride the night away. Smiles and anxiety can be seen and felt from the riders preparing for a 50km route planned out by the members of Bikers@Republic.
Issue 13 Dec 2009
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or those readers who have been following this series on RP alumni now overseas, it is time for something a little different. The mandatory two years of serving the nation always meant I would have to wait a little longer to catch up with the boys, but the time is finally here. dREams finally manages to catch up with the boys, or should i say, young men. Older, wiser, and stronger from their national service stint, we put Zachary Chow Jing Shen, Muhammad Zaki Bin Yusof, Lee Peck Keong Alvin under the microscope as we find out how our boys are doing in Melbourne. ‘Fresh off the boat’ arriving in July, they pursue undergraduate study in biomedical science at Monash University in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs. All three were graduates of the SAS International Programme in Biomedical Sciences. Hailing from our second batch of students (20042007), they hold fondly memories from both Tanglin and Woodlands campus. Stalwarts of their respective interest groups back in their time flying the colours of green and black, our ‘boys to men’ have an exciting story to tell. G’day! First meeting. Here’s a problem statement. So you’ve all made it through a good two years of national service to land yourselves 6000kms away in Melbourne. How does it feel to be here? Alvin - Apart from the new environment, education style and lack of creature comforts (family, the PSP, unlimited internet, home-cooked food, and friends), I have learnt more about true independence in learning how to manage myself living alone. Zaki - It feels like I am about to sky-dive. I feel excited, nervous, and COLD! Zachary - It’s pretty exciting but scary at the same time as we have taken a break of two years from study! It may not be the most inspired question, but certainly one worth exploring. Am sure the ladies back home will be keen to know! How was NS for you guys?
Bob rolls eyes. Tsk. Your comments are noted. Now Zachary, what do you think? Zachary - My fondest memory would be recognising everyone whenever we went to the canteen. Seriously the school population was so small back then, everyone practically knew each other. It was so much fun and the amount of gossip was insane because everyone would know who was being talked about. It was like ‘Gossip Girl’ with MSN instead of texting!
From Boys to Men
Catching up with our postNational Service alumni on their overseas adventure.
Alvin - NS was a once-in-a-lifetime experience where I pushed the boundaries of my capabilities. The experience will stay with me throughout my life, and with each passing birthday ever since, I am taking another step into the ‘adult world’ and away from being a kid! Zaki - Unlike most of my friends who were in the army, I was posted to the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) Emergency Ambulance department where I had to deal with the daily medical needs of the public. Zachary - Well I don’t know about the rest, but I really enjoyed my NS life. I got to meet lots of new people, and what was key is that I simply grew up! It made me look at things differently, and it also made me realise life without homework is a lot of fun! Like all your peers, you would have faced a fork in the road after poly. Have you guys always wanted to come to this part of the world? Will you call it a necessary measure, or a pleasant coincidence? Maybe even a combination of both? Zachary, your thoughts?
Second Meeting. Let’s talk about your stay in Melbourne. This goes out to Alvin. What’s a day in the life when school’s in?
Text by Bob Tan
Zachary - Yeah it was a real fork alright, though it felt more like multiple road works taking place! I would not say I have always wanted to come to this part of the world. I had simply desired wanting to experience living overseas. Studying overseas definitely was not necessary but I did not want to spend three to four years in a uni back home whilst having doubts on where my true future lies. Although expensive, I believe after a year I would still have the opportunity to change my mind should I decide on doing something else. I believe that is what most students would be considering at this age. Let’s take a break and attempt to answer a worksheet. We certainly hope your RP experience was a great one. Alvin and Zachary, in in a few words, can you describe what life was like back in the colours of green and black? Alvin - It was great. Lots of freedom and PBL gave me lots of time to work on extracurricular activities. I participated in five IGs throughout my three years in RP, and had time to work part-time too!
Zachary - Life in RP was awesome. With no after school assignments to worry about, it was a really great learning environment. The best bonus of all was that I got to play tennis almost every day! Let us enquire a little bit deeper. Did it have any part to play in leading you to this new phase of your lives? Alvin - Yes, it forms the foundation of my current knowledge and education pathways! Zaki - Life in RP is my suit to the outside world. Suit up! Zachary - Life in RP definitely led me to life here. It makes me miss being a student back there! Now, Zaki, you definitely look like you enjoyed your time in RP tremendously. Are there any fond memories of RP you reminisce about from time to time? Zaki - Back in Tanglin campus, the luxury of being close to town was sweetest. We could take a mini-break after second meeting to have brunch in town or even watch a movie.
Alvin - Very routine with nothing extraordinary. A day in the life involves heading to school and study, head back home, study, the cycle continues. I suppose this is what people call ‘studytime’ as opposed to ‘fun times’. Fun only comes after the studying (read exams). Zachary - Yup I second that! Is there anything you’ve discovered about studying here that you’ll like to share with our friends back home? Zaki - Get ready for climate change, and currency change! Satay here does not cost 40cents per stick. Get used to 5 sticks for 10 bucks! Alvin - It is quite similar to the universities back home except that the unis here work on protocols that are more liberal with animal use. We get more practical hands-on experience as a result. Zachary - For those tech geeks who like downloading stuff and girls who like catching ‘Gossip Girl’ and what not, learn to cope with the limited internet bandwidth here! Also, do not come here believing it is not as competitive as Singapore. The students here are really smart too. The great wide open of Australia has inspired many a road trip. Any plans to go on one of these journeys of selfdiscovery whilst you are here?
Alvin - Apart from the studying, the other integral part of the plan is to explore Australia thoroughly, and live the moment telling all my friends I have truly explored Australia instead of being a bookworm cooped up at home studying all day long and merely saying you have been to Australia! Zaki - Hot on my list are the Great Ocean Road in Victoria and the Savannah Way up in Queensland! Zachary - My plan is to roam around the city discovering all its nooks and crannies. Alright, time for the third meeting. Crunch time. We now come to the final question. Have you learnt anything new about yourself from travelling on this new fork in the road? Alvin - Life is not a straight road and I have learnt that I have the power to decide and control my own life. This is a new journey I am taking. Regardless of where it leads, I am glad I have experienced the “other side of the grass.” Zaki - Besides hearing cats every night outside my house? Yes. First and foremost I have learnt to be appreciative of my faith and its blessings such as having the grace to eat a proper meal. What was once a luxury is now a necessity. Things like food, a shelter over my head, close friends. Second, in terms of study, it was a hurdle coming here from the regimented life of treating medical needs to actually studying again. Nonetheless I am thankful for what I have and hopefully everything will come out positively in the end. Zachary - NS has made me really independent, to the point that I do not really feel a thing after being away from home for so long. I have also learnt that I have developed some discipline issues that need looking at - like finding it hard to sit down to mug and study as I have become a more hands-on, problem-solving kind of guy.
lifestyle tidbits
lifestyle tidbits
Issue 13 Dec 2009
Issue 13 Dec 2009
snapshots!
snapshots!
ctions le f e R m o r f s Highlight outh Agora S t a y t r a P g Openin
Issue 13 Dec 2009
Issue 13 Dec 2009
Photos courtesy of Sanjay Jega
graduate spotlight
Issue 13 Dec 2009
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ilys Goh was your exemplary sportswoman who represented RP, and represented us good. Not only did she don RP’s colours in POL-ITE Soccer, POL-ITE and IVP Touch Rugby, trains with an external club for water polo, Dilys also performed in her studies, having been on the Roll of Honours list and part of the School of Sports, Health and Leisure (SHL) team that went for a study trip for the Beijing Olympics in Text by Fazilah A Latiff 2008. Dilys is probably what you can call a “Jack of all trades, but a master Goh Xiu Lin Dilys of many”. She is currently the first batch Current School: Nanyang Technological University (NTU) of students with NTU pursuing the Course of Study: Sport Science & Management (SSM) Sports Science & Management (SSM) Current Pursuits: Coaching, Soccer, Water Polo Honours programme. DREAM catches Graduated with Diploma in Sports & Exercise Science in 2009 up with Dilys, who recently represented • Won 2nd for IVP Touch Rugby AY 2009 and 2nd for POL-ITE Touch Rugby NTU at the 2009 Singapore University AY 2007, 2008 with RP Games (SUNIG). • Played centre midfield and centre defender with RP Women’s Soccer Team. Congrats for representing NTU at the SUNIG Games! NTU clinched championship. How was the experience? The experience has been great! I’ve mixed feelings about the win as I feel I have not contributed much yet. But I’m still happy that we won. I think that POL-ITE Games is more prominent compared to SUNIG though. I see more spectators, more hype for the POL-ITE Games back in RP, whereas for SUNIG in NTU, things were a bit more low-key. How is playing for NTU different from RP? The most significant difference is that the dynamism of play in the NTU team is higher. This could be due to the different strengths of the two teams. NTU has a pretty solid women’s soccer team, so the level of play was already high when I joined. RP Soccer, which started in 2007 is considerably new and most players only just learning to play the game. But I am proud that over my 3 years in RP, I have seen this RP team grow to be one that has become stronger. The RP team will be a formidable force not to be reckoned with in the near future. What is the difference between the training preparations at NTU and RP?
The NTU team tends to concentrate on tactical work and often plays 2-sided games as part of training preparations. I believe as the team moves on to the new football season, ball work and fitness will be in place to ensure the Year Ones like myself attain the performance level the seniors are at now. With Team RP, training kicks off with fitness runs around the track, followed by intensive footwork and ball control exercises. Then, we’ll progress to specific soccer drills, movements and plays. We end off the session with strength and conditioning exercises like sit-ups and push-ups. The training is effective (a thumbs up!) for me, as it really builds me up both physically and mentally.
Do you think the there is a gap between the standards of sports between the polytechnics and universities? I don’t really there is a gap in terms of standards. Both the polys and universities are pretty much on par with each other. Afterall, the ball is round so it’s anybody’s game to take. Everyone is at a level where games are exciting till the end. So, how is life as a student in NTU? Life is pretty much the same, with flexibility in both academic and nonacademic areas. I was taught to be an independent learner since my poly days so the transition to university did not pose too much of a problem for me. The major challenge is adjusting to lectures and tutorials. I cannot sit still for very long, so it takes quite a lot out of me to keep focus and concentrate. It’s more difficult when I have trainings and have to complete assignments at hand. This equates to managing the lesser hours of beauty sleep and having to maintain that level of efficiency for the next day. But overall, life is good! What was most valuable from your RP experience that helped you at NTU?
PRESENTATIONS! The countless presentations that I’ve done over my three years in RP have helped me to become a better presenter and speaker. This is particularly helpful to me as our assignments in NTU often come along with presentations. RP has also allowed me to be an allrounded individual, performing my best in both my studies and sports. It is through my experience in RP that I got the chance to strive for the best in all that I do; juggling my studies and being involved in three sports (soccer, rugby and water polo). At the end of it all, I am proud to say I achieved a good balance in studies and sports. So, being academically inclined and performing in sports is certainly achievable, as long as you stay committed, disciplined and organize your time well. Of course, FUN & ENJOYMENT are key when doing all these! What are your current plans? My current plan is to get my degree in the shortest possible time. But I’m also interested in the area of coaching. In the future, I might venture into sports, but we will see where my heart leads me. Any advice to doing performing well in both sports and studies? WORK HARD! BUT PLAY MORE! I would say it is very important to prioritize your time well. When it’s time to work, do it and maximize the time you have for it. When it’s times to play, forget about everything and play till your heart’s content. By then, you know that every effort and time spent is all worth it. And appreciate what you have. Immerse yourself in all there is to come - the countless things that life has to offer you. Dilys continues to contribute to RP Sports by training with the soccer team whenever she has the chance to.
Get
Congratulations to three
of our lucky readers who won $20 worth of Ben and Jerry’s voucher
• • •
rewr raearddinegd fo
dREam!
Tan Jie Ying Guo Huili Abigail Yeo
This time, dREam is giving away a pair of movie vouchers to each of the three contest winners. All you have to do is read the magazine and answer the following questions. 1) What is the name of the training centre managed by the School of Hospitality? 2) In the article, Ride the Night 2009, what was the total distance that the cyclists covered? 3) Name any one interest group that graduate, Dilys Goh joined as a student in RP. To participate, simply email your answers to all three questions to dream@rp.sg with your name, NRIC and Club Republic membership number. Closing date for the contest is 30 December 2009. All winners will be notified by email. Terms and Conditions: • •
Only Club Republic members qualify to participate in this contest The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence or claim in relation to the judges’ decision will be entertained.
13 Issue 13 Dec 2009
Are YOU RP’s Next
Alumni Volunteer? Text by Siti Sarah Supri with inputs from Tan Siao Wei, on behalf of the Service-Learning Team
You get to gain exposure by: 1. Working with volunteer welfare organisations (VWOs) and 2. Applying your talents, skills and knowledge to the real world. All RP graduates are welcome to initiate your own innovative projects or collaborate with friends who are still matriculated in RP. Seize this meaningful opportunity with the selected Local ServiceLearning Projects (LSLPs) below! • Sunlove-Marsiling Neighbourhood Link • Admiralty Care Corner Family Service Centre • Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped • Association for Persons with Special Needs Centre for Adults • Beyond Social Services TOUCH Community Services • Man Fut Tong Nursing Home For more LSLPs and other information, send your emails to Help-Graduate@rp.sg.
JOURNEY DOWN UNDER
14 students from Republic Polytechnic’s (RP) School of Applied Science (SAS) got to be real-life palaeontologists at a dinosaur fossil dig site in Melbourne! Text by Evelyn Mak
e ingapor S h it w me Program Handicapped k r a D ually in the Dining f the Vis o n io t Associa
Children’s Da y Carnival wit h TOUCH Community S ervices and A dmiralty Secondary Sc hool
n Festival Project with the tum Au dMi s er nd frie Be Lions k siling Neighbourhood Lin elderly from Sunlove-Mar
FROM 18 TO 27 MARCH 2009, 14 students from SAS, along with senior manager (Industry Relations) Ms Natasha Raina, made their way down to Melbourne, Australia, to explore Monash University and even got the chance to visit a dinosaur fossil site with the Monash Science Centre.
There were cultural and education trips to various sights in Melbourne city, the Melbourne museum, the Penguin Parade at Philip Island, and the Healesville Sanctuary, an animal shelter. They even had a free day to shop to their hearts’ content in the vibrant city. AFTERTHOUGHTS So what did the students feel about the trip? “The trip changed my perception, and has inspired and motivated me to work hard to have the chance to study there one day,” second-year Diploma in Pharmaceutical Science (DPHM) student Cindy Peh shares.
RP has always enjoyed a close relationship with Monash University – the two schools have a bridging programme where selected RP students who complete the Diploma of Biomedical Sciences (DBMS) and Diploma of Biotechnology (DBIO) are admitted into the final year of selected degree courses at Monash University. The aim of this trip was to open the students’ eyes to the possible “It was a good experience where I was able to look beyond career and education pathways after graduation, and to what we learn, do and see in Singapore,” third-year DBIO introduce them to true Aussie culture first-hand. student Tay Yong Chuen continues. HARD AT PLAY Activities on the itinerary included visits to the Monash University Faculty of Medicine’s Stem Cell Centre, Anatomy Museum and Radiography and Imaging laboratories, as well as Dinosaur Cove, a dinosaur fossil excavation site, and the Monash Science Centre, where they prepared casting solutions and the fossils required for the casting of specimens. “It was interesting how hightech their laboratories were – and yet at the Dinosaur Cove, how simple the apparatus was that allowed us to find bones that were hundreds of thousands of years old. The highlight for the students was finding fossils in the rocks they were studying,” Ms Raina shares. There were even students who were identified by Monash Science Centre staff as “potential palaeontologists”, and were invited to return on future digs. Of course, the students also had time to see the city.
Ms Raina, on the other hand, feels that the students walked away from the trip with a renewed sense of purpose. “After the trip, the students can see why they need to excel at their respective diplomas. I feel it also opened their eyes to the range of options that a career in Science provides, and they are more focused in their school work and diligent in attending classes. Most, if not all, are now keen to register for University upon their graduation from RP,” she says.
travelogue
Realise your passion in serving the community and discover how you can learn from this transformational experience!
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Issue 13 Dec 2009
happenings
Three Republic Polytechnic Students Represent Singapore in Germany RP students were selected as three of the four winners in the 2009 Bayer Young Environmental Envoy Competition Text by: Rachel Kek, Lester Tan and Lim Jing Kai
In the 2009 Bayer Young Environmental Envoy Competition, eight RP students were selected out of the 11 national finalists. All won a plaque, and a 3day 2night ECO-camp where they learned about the current environmental solutions in Singapore. Of the eight of them, three emerged winners of the Bayer Young Environmental Envoy Competition. The prize was an all-expense paid learning trip to Germany to represent Singapore in a Bayer-UNEP youth environment program, learning about environmental solutions in Germany (known to be advanced in this area) and to network with winners from eighteen other countries.
During the three day camp, we toured the Tuas South incinerator plant, Eco Wise Holding Limited, IUT Global Limited and the Bio-mechanisation plant. From there, we learnt many valuable lessons like sorting out paper and plastic from waste and practice the commonly used 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle)
Lim Jing Kai, a 1st year student from SAS taking environmental science, Member of Conservation IG. During the trip to Germany, we gain great insights about Jingkai’s environmental project is about working with conservation work in Germany. This week-long learning multinational companies to raise awareness and educate trip to Germany helped me to better understand the the public about electronic waste and its recycling. The environment. On the first day of the trip, there was an tools used in the exhibition include recycling kiosks, introduction to all envoys from the different countries. educational posters and brochures. An electronic waste We met up with Dr. Wolfgang Plischke, member of the collection drive and a battery exchange roadshow were Board of Management Innovation, Technology and the also planned as part of the recycling effort. Environment Bayer AG. Lester Tan Jin Xiang, a 2nd year student from SIT, taking We were given a guided tour of the Bayer CropScience Business Computing, President of Conservation IG lab in Monheim. It is a lab which works on the experiment 09/10. on plants. The lab in Bayer Cropscience is highly Lester’s project is to create an interactive and educational mechanized, minimizing the need for physical labour. The game to be held in a carnival in Republic Polytechnic. envoys were given opportunity to conduct an experiment By using recyclable materials to produce the games, the at the BCS pupils’ lab. message to recycle is reiterated. This project aims to educate the public about the environment and recycling We also went to the Leverkusen Municipal Waste in a fun way. Management (AVEA) and we had a tour at the waste management company. The company is a recycling Kek Siyu Rachel, a 2nd Year Student from SAS taking company that recycles plastic, glass and other items. material science, Secretary of Conservation IG 09/10. Residents living in the vicinity can drive down to the site to Rachel’s environmental project is about a student fleadispose their recyclable items. market where useable books and stationeries are collected through a donation drive in Republic Polytechnic. One of the highlights of the study trip was a guided tour This student flea market is part of an overall Eco-flea of Schloss Burg, the largest reconstructed castle in market whereby the items collected will be given out to North Rhine-Westphalia. The church castle is popular for the students from the lower income family groups in the weddings and is home to the Memorial for Deportation Northern Singapore. This project aims to promote the 3Rs and the Memorial of the German Eastern Provinces. which are Reduce, Reuse and Recycle and she hopes to extend this project to the public in the near future. Before heading back to Singapore, we were treated to a soccer match at Bay Arena soccer stadium. dREam would like to congratulate all 8 students: Rachel Kek Siyu, Lim Jing Kai, Lester Tan Jin Xiang, Peh Jiayu, This study-trip has indeed been an eye-opener for us. We Eileen Boey Shumin, Shawn Chew Yao Jie, Chan Han will make full use of the knowledge gained in our future Xiang, Ngoh Jing Hao on their victory.
We also attended lectures conducted by five different environmental enthusiasts. They shared with us their thoughts on the renewable energy, energy efficiency and their relationships to greenhouse gas emission reduction, climate change and the Kyoto Protocol.
Read on to find out more about their experience of the eco-camp and study trip to Germany...
From this series of lectures, we gained priceless knowledge about the global environmental issues. Besides these stimulating lectures, we also engaged in fun bonding activities.
The Eco-camp was a three-day program where we got to interact with different people with the same interest in doing their part for the environment.
The most memorable activity was the Eco-Xchange between eleven of the Bayer Young Environmental Envoys (BYEEs). During this activity, we discussed how
Photos Courtesy of Bayer
happenings
Photos Courtesy of Bayer
projects. We also hope to pass down the knowledge to other students and encourage more people to be more environmentally aware.
Issue 13 Dec 2009
Singapore can significantly reduce energy use. This Eco-Xchange involved two sides: one supporting the resolution (affirmative team) and the other opposing it. This exchange of views was moderated by a third team to evaluate the quality of the evidence and argument.
calendar of events 12 December
01 January
02 February 7 Singapore Airshow 2 – 7 Feb 2010 Changi Exhibition Centre
7 Flea Culture @ T3 Car Boot Sale & Flea Mart Date: 7 & 8 Dec 2009 Time: 11 am - 9 pm Flea Culture is launching its debut Flea Mart/Car Boot Sale over at Changi Airport T3’s B2. For more info, log on to http://www.fleaculture. com/
14 Green Day live in Singapore Time: 8.00 pm Venue: Singapore Indoor Stadium For more information, log on to www. sistic.com.sg
The biggest aerospace and defence exhibition in Asia. The final 2 weekend days of the 6-day event will be open to public. Log on to http://www. singaporeairshow.com.sg/ for more information
r o f e r a c We students our
NEEDY STUDENT FUND
10 The Business of Stock Photography Venue: OBJECTIFS Join photo essayist and digital stock photographer David H. Wells as he walks you through his professional workflow, from capture to licensing by end user. For more information, log on to www.objectifs.com.sg
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Republic Polytechnic, Centre for Professional Development Finance for Non-Finance Manager 21 & 22 Feb 2010
Republic Polytechnic, Centre for Professional Development Finance for Non-Finance Manager 11 & 12 Feb 2010
SingTel & Zouk Present ZoukOut 2009 Time: 8.00pm Venue: Sentosa, Siloso Beach
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Republic Polytechnic, Centre for Professional Development Business Skills for start-up (part time) 12 Dec 2009 – 27 Feb 2010 Hollywood Dinos – The Live Experience 12 Dec to 21 Feb 2010 Venue: Jurong Bird Park The event will bring Hollywood movie sets to visitors that allow visitors to interact to be part of the life in the long lost world of dinosaurs. For more information, log on to http:// hollywooddinos.com/index.html
The most anticipated outdoor dance music festival of the year is back for the ninth year, bringing forth a spectacular voyage of rapturous music, dancing, art and lots of festivities.
Republic Polytechnic, Centre for Professional Development Effective Cross-Cultural Communication in Educational Settings
17 Republic Polytechnic, Centre for Professional Development Understanding and Using Statistics
Low income students are sometimes missing from the graduation picture If you wish to make a donation towards RP Needy Student Fund, please email help-student@rp.sg