17
Issue
December 2010 Alumni Magazine www.rp.sg/grad
Everything starts from a dream
Bowling for Gold
Shayna Ng shares some tips on how to succeed
For Bakes’ Sake!
Easy to follow recipes to get you through this festive period
Who is Singapore’s King of Swing?
Find out in the exclusive interview with the man
17
Contents Issue
Oct 2 0 1 0 - D e c 2 0 1 0
2
Editor’s Note
3
New to View : Fatin Farhana
4
Bowling for GOLD: An interview with Shayna Ng
6
The Road Less Travelled
8
Reflecting on Reflections: Launch of Festival
9
Behind Closed Curtains: What happens behind the scene of Reflections
10
Read all about it! An exclusive interview with Singapore’s King of Swing
12
Muse. Mobility. Magic.
16
For Bakes Sake! Simple recipes to usher in Christmas and New Year
18
Calendar of Events
Publisher Office of Student and Graduate Affairs 9, Woodlands Avenue 9 Singapore 738964 Editorial Editor Celine Yeo Artwork Zhang Miao Contributors Bob Tan Doris Teo Dr Jasmine Heng Fatin Farhana Felicia Ong Grace Phua Jennie Chiong Kris Vanessa Teo
Maya Murni Nurhadi Khan Pamela Soh Phoebe Cheong Shayna Ng Thazin Thant Yeo Meng Yee
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.
2
3
and also a time for reflection. As I write this editor’s note, I can’t help but try to recall all the meaningful things that I’ve done in 2010. While I hate to admit that there are not many to speak of on a personal level, the past 12 months have certainly been exciting and momentous for RP. In this issue of dREam, we celebrate the best of 2010 as we highlight the graduates and events that made a difference to this year.
Editor’s Note New to View:
Fatin Farhana
Shayna Ng, an RP alumni and outstanding member of our bowling team speaks with the dREam team about her trials and tribulations of being in the national team. Read about how she prepares for the upcoming Asian Games and what inspires her in ‘Bowling for Gold’. RP’s cultural calendar gleams with activities at the end of the year. With a spectacle of music, dance and cultural performances throughout the month of November, I’m sure there was definitely something for the arts bug in you. This year, dREam takes a different approach in featuring Reflection, RP’s annual arts festival. Other than the usual coverage, we get up close and personal with the artists. Read all about Singapore’s King of Swing, Jeremy Monteiro, what happens behind the scene during the preparation of the festival as well as the performance that marked the opening of the event. And if you’re one of those people who are clueless about what to get your loved ones this Christmas, how about some home baked cookies made with dREam’s
F
special Christmas cookie recipe? These recipes are easy to follow and promise to be a hit with your friends and family. So get your hands dirty and bake away! Someone once told me that if I ever want to achieve something, I got to write it down and carry that piece of commitment everywhere with me. See that blank space on page 20 of the magazine? That’s deliberately left empty for you to pen your resolutions for 2011. So take time, reflect and resolve to make 2011 an even better year. From all of us at dREam magazine, happy new year and keep the dream alive! Warm regards, Celine
atin Farhana graduated from Republic Polytechnic with a Diploma in Business Application from School of Information Technology. She joined the Rotaract Club in her freshman year as she was keen in community work. The Club eventually closed down due to the dwindling response from students. When Service-Learning was introduced a collaboration with SIT, she signed up for the expedition with a good friend. Before the trip to Vietnam, they took Vietnamese Language class by Service-Learning as well as Team building and High Elements Programme by Adventure Learning Centre to boost their confidence level and team spirit. For 2 weeks in Vietnam, they taught the students basic IT skills and English Lessons. It was a good experience for her because as it was an eye opener as it made her realize that she have been taking for granted a lot of the things that she has. The students there were less fortunate and do not have the facilities and opportunities that we all have here in Singapore. After graduating from RP, Fatin was unsure of her next step in life. Months later, she chanced upon a job opportunity in RP and decided to apply for the job. The familiar environment and faces helped her make the decision to develop a career in RP’s Adventure Learning team. She believes that she is able to develop new skills and acquire new experience from the job.
new to view
editorial
Issue 17 Dec 2010
Issue 17 Dec 2010
D
ecember is a time for celebration
g n i l Bow
for
graduate’s spotlight
Issue 17 Dec 2010
4
Gold
dREam: What or who triggered your interest in bowling? Shayna: My parents bowled at the country club every weekend when I was younger. I would always sit there and watch them play. Then one day, upon their encouragement, I decided to give the game a shot, and I haven’t stopped bowling till this day. Looking back, it was definitely my parents who triggered my interest in bowling. And I have to thank them for it.
dREam: How do you prepare yourself before a major competition? Shayna: Apart from the intensive trainings sessions, I set goals and work hard towards achieving them. I also look back on past experiences to learn from the mistakes I make. This allows me to perform better at the next competition. dREam: What are some of your obstacles while trying to achieve the goals that you set for yourself? Shayna: Distractions from daily life sometimes make me lose focus. A bout of nerves also hits me before the game, and that obstructs me from achieving my goals. But I like to think positive thoughts, and be confident with my abilities and make the best out of them. It’s better to fail knowing you’ve tried your best, than to fail knowing you could have done much better.
dREam: Apart from bowling, what do you do in your free time? Shayna: I am a student in SMA, studying sports science in Edith Cowan University. I deferred a semester to dREam: Have you ever thought that you would represent focus on the upcoming Asian Games in Guangzhou. I your country and compete at an international level? will continue my studies next year. Shayna: I put in my best effort in every game that I play and also train hard to improve my techniques. To be able to dREam: Could you let our readers in on your next goal represent the country is my greatest honor and I wouldn’t after the Asian Games? trade that for anything in the world. In the USBC Queens Shayna: I guess I will strive for the best, continue to 2010 held in Texas, USA, I shot the tournament’s first compete for as long as I can and making the most out of perfect game during the Round 1 qualifying stage. It was a my bowling career. proud moment for my team mates and I. We couldn’t have felt more honoured to be representing the nation.
Shayna (second from left) with her team mates. Photo Credit: Singapore Bowling Federation
In the sporting world, the players have to train hard to remain on the competitive edge. Shayna Ng, national bowler and RP’s pride knows exactly what that feels like. In this issue of dREam, we speak with her about her trials and tribulations, what inspires her and what it feels like to be on the national team. Shayna (5th from right, standing) with Team Singapore at Changi Airport leaving for the 16th Asian Games 2010 at Guangzhou
Issue 17 Dec 2010
6
lifestyle tidbits
Text by Bob Tan dREam catches up with yet another one of our alumni thriving and living it up in the cultural capital of Australia Melbourne. Andrew Cheong is certainly one who has taken the road less traveled. Formally trained as a communication and automation engineer (SEG) at RP, Andrew is one of few who took a dramatic shift from engineering to the arts. Currently pursuing an Arts degree at the prestigious University of Melbourne, his focus is now fixed on learning the finer points of media and communication. The DJ who also counts basketball and swimming as his pet loves shares with us his fond memories of his time back in Singapore’s beacon of problem-based learning. The former Anglo-Chinese School boy recalls by giving us his top three lists of his time in RP! Bob: For starters, what were your memorable moments while studying? Andrew: 1. Presentations were very interactive in RP. There was once where we had to act out a skit for a certain module. The class had a lot of good laughs and fun but at the same time we managed to pick up on the key learning points, showing that textbooks and boring lectures from behind a pedestal are not the only way to learn. 2. Be prepared for anything. One of my year one facilitators taught me that. While my team was presenting, he actually asked us to present without our PowerPoint slides. Luckily for us, we understood the concepts and the presentation went along just fine. 3. Team-work in class. You live and die as a team in the working world and RP’s system helps you come to terms with that. Without proper teamwork
Bob: It certainly sounds like you managed to glean a whole suite of life skills from your time with us. Let’s talk about what you learnt outside the classroom? Andrew: 1. Sports Club/Student Council - As a member of both sports club and the 5th student council executive committee, we have organized many events for the students. One which stands out is the Sandbox event at sentosa, which included beach games, numerous live performances and a party atmosphere. 2. 52 Hour World Record Basketball Game : We had an opportunity to help raise funds for the tsunami victims. At the same time we set a new world record at that time. I made a lot of new friends from United World College. 3. Glitz Awards and the RP “Sports for Good” award. Being recognised by my peers and the staff in the Sports development department for my contributions to the sporting culture and advancement in RP was an extremely proud moment for me. Bob: Quite clearly you were able to benefit from a holistic education in RP! How is life in Melbourne treating you? Andrew: Well I came to Melbourne for another approach apart from the ultra-competitive environment of Singaporean universities. Studying abroad is a privilege and I want to thank my parents and family for supporting me with my decision. It was a choice of UWA or University of Melbourne for me and I decided to pick Melbourne. The course of study that they offered was challenging and unique. Plus the city of Melbourne has an awesome music and sports scene as well! Bob: Surely there are some ups and downs, do share with us the Good and Bad of studying overseas. Andrew: I guess it really boils down to how you are as a person. Studying overseas is not for everyone I must say. It requires one to be able to learn how to independent from having parents watching over, providing for, and protecting us. The culture in school is definitely different from that of Singapore’s system. Another good thing about Melbourne University’s system is that you can choose your own timetable. Another advantage of the poly route is that you do get exemption if you continue studying in university. Bob: Any final words of wisdom to share? Andrew: My advice to current students of Republic Poly would be to have as much fun as you can. My belief is work hard, play harder! Enjoy what you are doing/studying as much as you can. If you have the passion for something, go for it! The best is yet to be!
8 Issue 17 Dec 2010
happenings
By Thazin Thant & Pamela Soh
A spectacular array of talent at Reflections Opening Launch on 28 October 2010
T
he stage was set and performers in different costumes could be seen fleeting around the stage, the setting was ostentatiously set at the entrance of Republic Polytechnic and passersby could not resist the urge to stop and take a look.
Modern dance, Malay Cultural Group, Beats Encore, and so many more, the audience were treated to a spectacular array of musical talent and smoothly synchronized dance moves which took weeks to be perfected.
Fidah, a year 3 student of Malay cultural group had practiced almost every day At 4.15pm, when performers for the past three weeks in order to pull from Replug took to the stage of this stunning performance, however, and started to belt out teenage she said with a smile, “it’s worth it, I’m anthems, the crowd evidently used to performing every year and lots grew bigger as the crowd began of my friends came down to support to sing along… me, so I’m really happy.” With the theme, Confluence, it was a combination of IGs performing on stage including Wushu, Silat,
It seemed that the audiences were very much entertained while the performers enjoyed themselves
A
long time coming:“We started practice since Mid-August. Our typical rehearsal day begins with us having sectionals: practicing the different pieces with our own groups (our score/ music sheets were separated to many guitar parts/sections) so that we can learn well together. We will also appoint seniors to guide the juniors on how the piece should be played. After practicing in sectionals, we would then play as a whole ensemble so we can see and learn from each other the mistakes we made.” Fun practices: “Alex Lee is a vibrant conductor. With his comical characteristics and sense of humour, practices are so much livelier. He is like a friend to us, and we have no communication barriers with him. Rather, we always look for him when we need help or have any ideas to share. He’s helped us a lot during this bout of rehearsals!”
tremendously. Year 2 student Nadiya who was there at front row with her friends, was pleased with the settings for the opening. “We knew about this event from the publicity done around the school, and our friends are performing so we are happy to come down to support them and would gladly do so again next year.” Zaini Tahir, director of Reflections 2010 said, “I’m satisfied with the turnout, after weeks of planning, the student performers really gave it their all and the audience soaked it up, overall it was a success as it served as a grand opening to Reflections 2010”.
Can’t Wait: “The group feels a little nervous, as this performance is considered the first platform for a majority of the members to present our skills. But overall, everyone is feeling really excited for this concert!” Lim Hui Yi is GEnRe’s current president, student instructor, and a second year student in Republic Polytechnic’s School of Information and Communications Technology (SIT). She harbours a great passion for music.
happenings
Opening Launch
Who’s to know what goes behind all that steely playing? That’s why Reflections 2010 goes behind the scenes to uncover what it’s really like behind the stage’s limelight. - Grace Phua
Issue 17 Dec 2010
Behind closed curtains
9
Issue 17 Dec 2010
10
The Singapore’s King of Swing
Jeremy Monteiro
happenings
By Phoebe Cheong & Pamela Soh
The Singapore’s King of Swing, Jeremy Monteiro is not only a wellknown Jazz Pianist but also a singer cum composer. Some of the great performances that Jeremy has performed locally would be the Inaugural Mosaic Music Festival at the Esplanade-Theatres by the bay, and the Singapore Arts Festival in Year 2003. Jeremy Monteiro has worked with well-known artistes such James Moody, Toots Thielemans and also Quincy Jones. Being a Singaporean... Jeremy’s national identity inspires his music career. Many of his music work feature Singapore as a central theme. In year 1990, he composed the popular national song “One People, One Nation, One Singapore.” In recent years, Jeremy has taken classic Singapore songs, infusing them with a unique Jazz feel, releasing the album – “Singapore Swing”. About Jazz the genre... Jazz, unlike the common mainstreams we know such as Hip hop and Pop, is a music genre originated in New Orleans, USA at the turn of the 20th century. Bringing influences from both African and European music cultures, Jazz has evolved into a music genre that encompasses unique synergy in its melodies. This creates a unique and enjoyable experience for the listeners that no other genres can emulate. Taking a cue from more mainstream media, Jazz has branched out into more variations such as Jazz Pop, Acid Jazz (infusion of hip hop) and also Jazz Rock. Jeremy Monteiro’s Current Performance @ TRCC... It is great honour and privilege to have a person of Jeremy Monteiro’s stature to perform for crowds in Reflections 2010. Collaborating with NUS and RP Jazz bands, the performance will be a blast! So Jazz fans, get your tickets now and get a chance to catch them live at TRCC in Republic Polytechnic!
Issue 17 Dec 2010
12
M happenings
alay, Indian, hip hop, Latin, modern; dance Interest Groups (IGs) from Republic Polytechnic with clearly distinct dance styles but all working together for the choreography of MUSE III. In line with the theme of Reflections 2010 – Confluence, MUSE III is going to be a showcase of different ideas, thoughts and technology converging as a single entity.
MUSE III dancers gathered on one side of the dance studio to watch their fellow performers, while waiting for their own turn.
All different, but
gathered
for the same reason Where Music and Passion merges into a Great Show by Kris Vanessa Teo
Stitching together this third installation of MUSE are familiar choreographers: Zaini Tahir, Fathurrahman Said, Kavitha Krishnan, Arvind Naidu, Melissa, Larry Liu Zhanyao and Louis Ng Yee Loon. They are the ones who have been instrumental in leading the dancers from five of Republic Polytechnic’s Interest Groups (IG) for Reflections 2010. Promising to grab our attention, MUSE III makes sure to exhibit the different dance forms by having segments that feature one dance genre at a time, and other segments that combine more than one genre on stage at a time, giving allowance for the various dance styles to complement one another. With the theme being ‘Confluence’, an opportunity has definitely risen for people with different interests and ideas to work cohesively. That being said, this common platform also provides for everyone to share their own unique styles and concepts, to piece together as one performance on stage. Besides the performance itself, the video component at the start of each segment are provided by the students from the School of Technical Arts (STA) in Republic Polytechnic.
At the rehearsal, the choreographers shush all who were present as the performers stood at their respective corners in the dance studio, waiting eagerly to show what they have been churning their energy into for the past few months. While passing time in between the segments, some dancers were mentally going through the choreography in their minds, in an attempt to squeeze in some last-minute revision before they were up. In order to simulate how the actual performance day would be like, lighting cues and such were called out verbally, after which the respective video clips were played. The interval time was used as a short break for most, as the dancers in the next item did quick costume changes. Dancers who already had their turn to practise sat there silently watching their counterparts. To be a part of MUSE III is without a doubt, a privilege and a learning experience for both the people involved, and the audience watching; performers get a chance to understand genres that are foreign to what they are familiar with, while the audience is able to enjoy seeing distinct dance genres, complementing and balancing one another.
Issue 17 Dec 2010
14
lifestyle tidbits
k o o b d n a H s ’ tarist
i u G A
ners n i g e b r ll guita a r o f to the y a s d p i t e h t w o s d-tokn q save e fi e a n y u S o s ’ y ang! h 7 allGEnRe w t t i s w t i s p u e ding to ke w o h f by provi o s secret d n a r a t gui Phua e c a r G -
#4 Finger Tips #1 Buss Begone!
In order not to have any buzzing sound when you are trying to play/strum, you have got to keep your playing fingers as near to the frets (metal bars) as possible.
#2 Reading Tabs
It is actually easy to read tabs. The line at the top represents the thinnest/ highest string, etc.The numbers are the frets that you have to put your fingers on. Tabs dont show specific durations of the notes, though.
#3 The Perfect Guitar?
Laminated guitars generally sound deader than Solid woods, but are more durable and less sensitive to humidity. Solid woods are more vulnerable to changes in temperature, and they are also less durable.
Keep your fingernails short. When playing, try also to keep your wrist straight, so you dont strain your muscles after long hours of playing
#5 Sqeaky Clean
Scrub those fingers! Dirt and oils can wear down/ weaken your strings.
#6 Ouch, It’s hurts
For hurting fingerstips, soak them in icy water for 60 secs. This will prevent blisters and quicken the building of calluses. (p.s. calluses help toughen finger)
#7 Scaling
One of the basic scales that you can practice is the C major scale. Check out http://www.learnclassicalguitar.com/ to explore!
Issue 17 Dec 2010
16
Make about 16
editorial
For those of you who are feeling more adventurous, you may attempt this recipe which slightly more challenging. The end result is little mouthfuls of absolute heaven.
Make about 10
We promise your friends will LOVE this easy, no-bake cookie recipe. Ingredients
Method
• • • •
1. Grease and line the base and sides of a 450 g loaf tin with baking paper. Break the fruit and nut chocolate into even-size pieces and place in a heatproof bowl along with the diced unsalted butter.
275 g fruit and nut milk chocolate bar 120 g unsalted butter 90 g digestive biscuits 90 g white chocolate
2. Set the bowl over a pot of simmering water and stir gently the chocolate and butter until melted. Set aside to cool for at least 20 minutes. 3. Break the digestive biscuits into small pieces with your fingers. Finely chop the white chocolate 4. Stir the broken biscuit and white chocolate into the cooled, melted fruit and nut chocolate until combined. Turn the mixture into the prepared tin and pack down gently. Chill for 2 hours, or until set. 5. To serve, turn out the mixture and remove the lining paper. Cut into slices with a sharp knife.
Ingredients
Method
For the cheesecake mixture • 1 egg • 225 g Philadelphia cream cheese (do not use light cream cheese for this recipe) • 50 g fine sugar
1. Preheat the oven to 160C. Line the base and side of a 20 cm/8 inch cake tin with baking paper.
For the brownie mixture • 115 g dark (bittersweet) chocolate • 115 g butter • 150 g light brown sugar • 2 eggs, beaten • 50 g plain flour
2. To make the cheesecake mixture, beat the egg in a mixing bowl, then add the cream cheese and fine sugar. Beat together until smooth and creamy. 3. To make the brownie mixture, melt the chocolate and bitter together in a microwave or in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of gently simmering water. When the mixture is melted remove from the heat, stir well, then add the sugar. Add the eggs, a little at a time, and beat well. Gently stir in the flour. 4. Spread two-thirds of the brownie mixture over the base of the tin. Spread the cheesecake mixture on top, then spoon on the remaining brownie mixture in heaps. Using a skewer, swirl the mixtures together. 5. Bake for 40 minutes, or until just set in the centre. Leave to cool in the tin, then cut into squares.
calendar of events 12 December
01 January
3
3 - 4
Introduction to Service-Learning* Venue: Republic Polytechnic Understand the difference between service-learning and community service and gain a deeper appreciation of the elements at work that will distinguish an effective service-learning project.
6
Service-Learning Awards Venue: Republic Polytechnic Calling out to all Service-Learner Graduates! Hoping to reminisce your Local/International Service-Learning Projects with your team? Ever wanted a day of fun and recognition for your dedication? Come add on to the smiles and joy as a ServiceLearning Family by participating in the Service-Learning Awards 2010! For any enquiry, please email tan_ siao_wei@rp.sg
12 - 17
Demystifying Contract Law* Venue: Republic Polytechnic The course provides the participants with the basic common law principles governing commercial contracts, including pre-contractual processes and remedies for breach of contract.
21 - 22
Using Failure Model and Effects Analysis (FMEA) for Better Products* Venue: Republic Polytechnic This workshop will introduce the concepts of FMEA, the types of FMEA, implementation (steps) of FMEA and developing of control plans.
31 Dec - 1 Jan
Marina Bay Singapore Coundown 2011 Venue: Marina Bay Let’s usher the New Year with your loved ones at Marina Bay. For more details, logon to www.marinabay countdown.sg
02 February Chinese New Year
9
6 - 8
Republic Polytechnic Open House 2011 Venue: Republic Polytechnic RP Open House 2011 is definitely ONE event you and your friends don’t want to miss! Witness state-ofthe-art technologies that created the magical world of Resort World, grab the free tattoos, Subway cookies and goodie bags, and remember to take part in various fringe/diploma booth activities and win for yourself attractive prizes such as iPod! To know what RP Open House 2011 has in stored for you, check out www.rp.sg/openhouse
Taylor Swift Live in Singapore 2011 Venue: Singapore Indoor Stadium Singapore will be the first stop in Taylor Swift’s Speak Now Asian Tour! Ticketing details can be found on sistic.
11 - 12
Chingay Parade 2011 Venue: Pit Building Chingary Parade Singapore 2011 will be filled with another round of colourful sights and sounds, brought to you by thousands of performers from Singapore and around the world! For more ticketing details, log on to www.chingay.org.sg
12 - 16
Art Stage Singapore Venue: Marina Bay Area Art Stage Singapore will feature museum-style exhibits presented by 100 strictly selected galleries from around the world.
19 - 29
The Guru of Chai Venue: DBS Arts Centre Home of SRT Out of ideas on how to spend the weekend? Why not catch a play with your friends! The Guru of Chai will leave you begging for more!
23
SAFRA Avventura 2011 Venue: SAFRA Country Club (Yishun)
*For more information on CPD programmes, log on to www.rp.sg/cpd. Club Republic members would get to enjoy the programes at a discounted rate.
12
Trans-Cool Tokyo Venue: Singapore Art Museum It’s your last chance to experience the best artistes from the Japanese art scene!
F
or this issue of dream, we are giving away 3 pairs of Golden Village movie voucher. All you have to do is read the magazine and answer the following question.
Get
d e d r a w e r reading for
dREam!
In the article, ‘Bowling for Gold’, name any recent international sporting event that bowler, Shayna Ng, participated in? To participate, simply email your answer to dream@rp.sg with your name, NRIC and Club Republic membership number. Closing date for the contest is 30 December 2010. 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.
n o i t u l refosr o2011!
my
For more information, please visit our website at www.rp.sg/cpd. We are also contactable via email at Enquiry_CPD@rp.sg or phone us at 3100 1699.