Issue 34 l March 2015
Open House
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RP Alumnus gets ahead of peers with IT degree
Doalers Achieved! www.rp.edu.sg/grad
CAREER FA R 2015
Our Biggest Ever
The Career Fair may have ended but our career fair 2015 job
portal is still live till end May so, what are you waiting for? Apply your jobs online at
http://rpfair.jobscentral.com.sg/
Apply Now
ONLINE JOB PORTAL
CONTENTS
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4
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Open House 2015
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Chingay 2015
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Manage Your Future with SIM University
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RP Alumnus gets ahead of peers with IT degree
8 Snapshots @ Open House 2015 10 Doalers Achieved! 11
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Weight Gain Myths
12 Money Sense – Marriage 13 Think Giving, Feel Giving, Act Giving
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Notice: Do you have outstanding library fines?
15 Alumni@RP Email 5 ways to stay connected 16 Calendar of Events
Quiz
dREam. An RP Alumni Magazine. Everything starts from a dream. dREam is a quarterly publication to keep graduates informed about the happenings in RP, continued education, career opportunities, networking sessions and more, in the hope of achieving their aspirations. No part of the 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. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited. Copyright Š Republic Polytechnic
Publisher Office of Student and Graduate Affairs Republic Polytechnic 9 Woodlands Avenue 9, Singapore 738964 Editorial Editor Nurhadi Khan B H K Designer PurpleCircle Design Pte Ltd Editoral Alumni Kelda Chua, Nurul Ain, Irene Tan, Garrett Yap Student Faith Ng General Enquiries Email dream@rp.edu.sg Enquiries www.rp.edu.sg/grad Facebook www.fb.com/alumniRP
Editor’s Note
Hello
2015!
It signifies new beginnings and exciting new events. Once again we were humbled by your presence (more than 400 alumni came back!) for Open House 2015 and we were glad to see you guys enjoying yourselves. For those of you who participated in the recent Graduate Employment survey 2014…
Thank You!
The employment rate in 2014 remained high at
89.2% for fresh graduates, and 92.4% for post-NS graduates. The percentage of graduates engaged in full-time permanent employment was
59.4% for fresh graduates and 73% for post-NS graduates. For more information on the Press Release, you may log on to www.polyges.sg
Keep your profile current! Just drop us an email at helpgraduate@rp.edu.sg with your NRIC/ FIN, and most up-to-date personal particulars; we promise not to send you Nigerian bank transfer requests, lame forwarded jokes or chain letters.
Do your prefer to receive your dream in hardcopy Simply login to Graduates’ Portal at www.rp.edu.sg/grad to indicate your preference under your personal profile now! (applicable for local addresses only)
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Open House 20
15 Ms Irene Tan
Alumna of Class 2011
After graduating from Republic Polytechnic (RP), this is my first time attending the RP Open House as an alumnus. As I wasn’t really involved in Open House during my years in RP, returning back as an alumnus definitely was an eye-opener for me. Over the years, RP has definitely made great improvements not only to the course structure/modules but also introduced more equipment to create a more experiential learning for the students. In addition, I saw many great inventions and creations done by the students of various schools. For instance, School of Infocomm (SOI) has created new applications for different uses such as creating a 3-D pop-up visual effect on a flat surface when being viewed on a tablet. The showcases of the different courses from the different schools were very informative to all the students and parents who visited RP Open house over the past three days. It allowed them to understand and find out more about the various courses available in RP and also helped to clear their doubts.
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Ms Kelda Chua
Alumna of Class 2014
In conjunction with SG50, Chingay 2015 celebrated the nation’s jubilee. The word Chingay is equivalent to the Mandarin Zhuang Yi, which means “the art of costume and masquerade” in the Hokkien dialect. This year’s Chingay happened on the 9th and 10th day of the Lunar New Year. Both nights saw spectacular performances involving 11,000 Performers of different races, ages and estates. Joint by the largest number of international acts in Chingay’s history, it was definitely a parade not to be missed. This year, an approximate number of 3,000 volunteers came together to be part of the parade management team. Joining for the second time with People’s Association (PA), I took up the role as a crowd control management volunteers leader, assisting the crowd flow and also ensuring safety of spectators. In my team, it consisted of volunteers from all walks of life, ranging from housewives to exchange students from China. Some task includes deployment of volunteers to aid crowd management, cheering of the guest-of-honors and packing of goodie bags. With me were other leaders, some of which were graduates of RP (Reemal, SOH, Class of 2013 and Jun Heng, SEG, 2012) and students of RP (Nian Ying, SOI and Yu Xuan, SAS). This year, Chingay also brought its parade to the streets of Orchard Road. Covering the stretch from ION Orchard to Ngee Ann City, the road was filled with Singaporeans and foreigners from all over the world. Spectators walked the streets of orchard road with the floats and performers right next to them, it was definitely an experience that shouldn’t be missed. It was an experience that taught me skills that I can use in other areas and would definitely join PA again to meet new friends and share my knowledge and experience with others. Do join Chingay 2016 if you can!
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Manage Your Future WITH SIM University Sonam Teku Sadhnani, a former Republic Polytechnic(RP) student, graduated with a Diploma in Business Computing, shares her study experience with SIM University (UniSIM). “Having been exposed to several marketing concepts during my final year of study at RP, I knew then that it was indeed Marketing that I wanted to pursue as a career.” she said. What made her choose UniSIM was the unique flexible learning environment. Sonam’s courses combined not only classroom interactions but also online learning, allowing her to have meaningful participation with her classmates. UniSIM enables her to better manage her work and study commitments effectively as she is able to access her learning materials electronically anytime, anywhere. The most significant thing that Sonam has learned during her study in UniSIM is that
“whenever you put your total heart and mind into something, you can achieve all that you want to.” With the willingness to excel in her work as well as her studies, she is determined to go the extra mile to achieve her career ambitions. In the year 2014, Sonam successfully graduated from UniSIM with a Bachelor in Marketing and the degree has helped her to achieve her career goal in securing a marketing position with a multinational corporation.
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RP Alumnus
gets ahead of peers with IT degree
1. What programme and subjects did you enrol for at Ngee Ann-Adelaide (NAA)?
I am currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Computer Science, offered as a part-time programme by the University of Adelaide through Ngee Ann-Adelaide Education Centre. Modules that students can choose to enrol for this programme include:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Foundations of Computer Science Computer Systems Mathematics For Information Technology Algorithm and Data Structure Analysis Software Engineering and Project Advanced Programming Paradigms Artificial Intelligence
8. Computer Architecture 9. Computer Networks and Applications 10. Distributed Systems 11. Event Driven Computing 12. Operating Systems
2. What made you continue to pursue a higher education in IT through the Bachelor of Computer Science after having completed a Diploma in Business Information Systems earlier at Republic Polytechnic?
Studying for my Diploma in Business Information Systems earlier at RP was great! I experienced many business aspects of IT which gave me cross-domain knowledge which played a huge part in getting my promotion at work faster in comparison with my peers as my employers appreciate my holistic views on improving the business, in addition to my technical expertise.
However, acknowledging the need to make up for my lack of the detailed technical know-hows, I decided to study further to acquire better technical skills required as I embark on a different role to create new software products for SMEs.
for me to complete my studies at my own pace without any worry of feeling being overwhelmed. In addition, I also have several friends who have studied at NAA. Based on their experience, feedbacks and my own research on the different programmes available in the market, I decided NAA would give me the best learning experience, an optimal work-study balance and an enjoyable academic path.
Students of the Bachelor of Computer Science programme are given complimentary membership to the Singapore Computer Society, where they can learn about IT news and industry’s best practices, enjoy networking sessions with peers and industry players, participate in fun-filled social and learning activities at discounted rates and more.
The University of Adelaide also sends their professors and lecturers to Singapore to share their knowledge and expertise with the students. NAA students undergo the same curriculum, receive the same sets of lecture notes and sit for the same examinations as those over at the University in Adelaide.
Students, who qualify for the Honours program, will also get the opportunity to embark on a one-year full-time study on Adelaide campus. Graduating students can opt to attend their conferral ceremony in Australia or Singapore.
3. What made you pick NAA?
With the desire to further my studies while holding a full-time job, I realised that I would need to juggle both carefully. When I was researching for a highly reputable, world-class tertiary education institution to further my studies in, I chanced upon the University of Adelaide and its suite of programs offered through Ngee AnnAdelaide in Singapore.
Consistently ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide, the University of Adelaide is also part of Group of Eight, and one of Australia’s top research-intensive universities. With this knowledge, I believe that the University of Adelaide offers comprehensive and professional education to their students through Ngee Ann-Adelaide, allowing local students a chance to pursue an Australian tertiary education in Singapore. In addition, the program structure, centrallylocated campus and international learning opportunities via exchange program draw me greatly into pursing my degree education with NAA. With up to three intakes a year, NAA also provides the best flexibility
4. When did you start your degree course at NAA? When will you graduate from your course?
I started the programme in Trimester 2, May 2014, I will have completed the programme in late 2016 or early 2017, depending on the number of modules I enroll for in a trimester.
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In my opinion, judging from my experience, NAA gives the best flexibility and academic 5. After graduation, do you intend to pursue a postgraduate degree or find a job in a related field, IT in your case? What’s experiences. Lecturers are able to give your long-term career goal? How do you think this course will personalised attention to individual’s help bring you closer to that? performance and to assess his/her I will continue to pursue my passion in software applications and hopefully, take on new roles and responsibilities at work. My main aim is to help create and level of understanding on any implement successful systems for businesses to meet their goals, no matter if my role of the modules as well as of a is in technical, project management or in any other business aspect. In the long-term, particular subject matter. NAA I hope to be part of a company, be perceived as a trusted partner as a software vendor, implementing and ensuring successful implementation of software with value, going also inculcates a sense of beyond technology. I believe with this programme, I will be equipped with the necessary belonging in the students, knowledge and expertise which will enable me to achieve my career aspirations. to ensure that they 6. How different is it studying at NAA, as compared to your student life at RP? feel a part of the At NAA, students are encouraged to read up on their course materials before the start of class. class, school In addition to the textbooks, they will have access to all the course materials and library resources, (University to help them fully understand the subject. It also takes a lot of efforts to do research while ploughing through previous years’ assignments and exam papers. of Adelaide) and Ngee Ann7. Tell us a bit about the curriculum, the teaching methodology and your favourite Adelaide. lecturers. What stands out most?
Every of my lecturers is very passionate about what he/she teaches to the students. In addition to citing examples from past experiences, the lecturers are also more than willing to share and explain to us many other concepts in great detail besides content from the textbooks, to provide us with a more complete ‘picture’ of how the theories interlink with each other.
8. How do you find the course so far? Which subjects or modules do you find most interesting/ useful? Which do you find most challenging? What are the most important skills/knowledge that it has equipped you with?
All the modules offered at NAA are definitely very useful and interesting. I would normally read the course contents in advance before enrolling, so as to determine if the subject matter aids in my career aspirations. So far, all of the modules that I have enrolled in are intriguing as students get to learn new theories and concepts, along with hands-on practical assignments. One of the challenges that I encounter is trying to understand concepts in advance before it is taught or discussed in class at times. Students will then have to self-study and build on their ability to solve problems by first breaking them down and analysing them in detail, before coming up with efficient solutions. Students are also encouraged to discuss their proposed solutions together in class. Such an approach has enabled students to better analyse and solve algorithms more effectively, by first delving into the root causes.
9. How would you describe the school environment and campus culture in NAA? What do you like most?
Even though we are put through long intensive learning sessions, the school environment promotes a cosy ambience which is akin to the comfort of one’s home.
A quiet learning environment, the atmosphere at NAA is certainly conducive for students to concentrate and to study in peace. I am quite sure my overall experience at NAA, is going to be a fun, exciting and fulfilling experience for me, going through this enriching programme.
10. What advice do you have for students looking for a course or school? Why would you recommend NAA?
It is always best to choose a programme or a school that meets your needs, be it the campus culture, easy availability of resources, course fee affordability or curriculum relevance.
In my opinion, judging from my experience, NAA gives the best flexibility and academic experiences. Lecturers are able to give personalised attention to individual’s performance and to assess his/her level of understanding on any of the modules as well as of a particular subject matter. NAA also inculcates a sense of belonging in the students, to ensure that they feel a part of the class, school (University of Adelaide) and Ngee Ann-Adelaide.
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Open House 2015
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DOALers Achieved! n Lee Singh d by Rakesh
Compiled by Alla
n a few of tracked dow SHL recently e currently umni who ar our DOAL al e, a company amp Challeng working at C evelopment es in Youth D that specialis ng, outdoor riential learni through expe character e camps and w and adventur . The intervie t programmes t ou ab g developmen in shar e interesting e th ed sparked som pp ui eq in DOAL has how studying to p Challenge team at Cam r oo td ctive ou become effe d on! leaders. Rea
Edite
DO? AT DO WE H W D N A E HO ARE W PART A: W aduates in this so many DOAL gr
there are Why do you think at Camp am te i mn alu y? compan the reasons. about this D0AL ship here is one of ern int So tell us more the nk thi I : SS ecial Challenge? 2010. graduate of the Sp and I graduated in r ma Ku si Sa e our boss is also a I’m us mp ca Ca . be L). 13 is SS: Hi! it 20 OA in be (SD d ay KD: M nture Learning ra here, I graduate ies to Outdoor and Adve nit . in KD: This is Kassand rtu 13 a po 20 lom op in d Dip ny ate ma du ep, also gra Adventure offers us to PD: And I’m Prade Challenge / Focus not been exposed of me so e new areas we have rib lop sc this ve de in de d d nt an an y, me re an on plo vir mp ex en co ng nt role in the Personally, the worki I was What is your curre or are good with. myself to be in when ed I tur . ? pic ge ies en ve ilit all ha I sib Ch at on wh mp o Ca als in is r your resp y an cto tru mp co re Learning Ins / camps that PD: I’m an Adventu younger. m, run the programs tea ns l tio na era tio Op Na ent oversee the nagers, head the ma t jec pro nsibilities to experim the by the Instructor me with a lot of respo sts as ll have been secured tru . y we an tem as mp sys m co e the gra Th ve PD: Award pro w ideas to help impro Youth Achievement and come up with ne e. mm gra Pro nt me Develop venture Challenge / Focus Ad and sell them to rtunities that Camp ls po ls and sa op oo po sch the pro d, th wi ad up ly ft To se : dra SS t manager. I ss. We work clo dle the camp t en sis are as to ough ers thr ed rtn s ne pa KD: I’m the projec I gives its rning outcome are programmes, allows me to ve their intended lea hie job ac clients. When there My to d. ies un an gro mp co rs or on the ble programmes chief in admin matte our programmes. y where I craft suita ctl ire ind ts an cip rti e a impact pa rk? Can you shar ful experiences. to in your current wo n ys to give them meaning io jo cis e de th e ur ar yo t Wha inted that affirmed po rk ap wo reen at be t en ve id ha , but particular inc th Camp Challenge FOCUS the outdoors. and my SS: I started out wi sister company its th wi r pursue a career in ge lleagues, my clients na Ma es mm gra pro ip the people – my co rsh is as a Facilitator/ in this de ve joy lea ha d in an er ma ev nt e n me Th ca : u lop KD m deve feeling that yo ter-based st wa ate w gre one ne e Adventure. I do tea me Th ng so ts. ati to an cre particip t an impact s. Currently I am u know you have me yo en for corporate adult wh . is ies try an us mp ind group of co and remember you. programmes for the and they appreciate ? try us I did r in this ind idly is a camp that a young practitione t I can remember viv to question my the tha d me nt ten ve What is it like being ide ga ts It inc en . cli ne led e O ab : us PD hard beca intellectually dis riod of pe the the for l re lly oo the cia t sch pe S tha es KD: It was initially with MIND them know y know my age; prove them ir friend and to let to y the rd the be ha capabilities when the o to d y wh rke nit for wo rtu I m . po op fresh graduate and accept the th re wi ca en o be wh ve re ha me I the d t time when I was a ce sin try. It helpe are people ou o a lot easier now I looked at this indus wrong. Things are als is changed the way Th . ar. e. are ye a rsu n pu tha to re nt career I wa the company for mo decide that this is the tlook ou sh fre a ng bri to able mpanies and about this industry, we are ople with th more than 200 co pe wi d ed rke ne wo ge and We e . I’v PD: As a newbie in try us te, SS: To da th different knowled ll a growing ind in the outdoors Everyone comes wi some on things. This is sti ng le. d op rni ad pe u lea 0 yo ke ,00 le ma 20 op pe to tivities to know these a young ng ing tti Be ge kes . By ful fresh ideas and ac ma . n ing ds tur an un backgro y, which in the same time me into your own librar ergy, thinking g ge en un led of interesting but at yo ow for ms kn e ter ir mm in the gra of helps a lot nducted a pro . co I ion le. rat ab ne ge s ge r led wa ge e practitioner actually ow un on yo you more kn ir lives as no le to click with the d all given up on the ha e, ey nc Th process and being ab rie ce. pe on ex rs de ge offen Challen ctitioner in m. Through a Camp n s being a young pra there to support the es better and I ca wn elv do d ms an the s y, d up btl an its su rst d de ve an ha un sly es to is ou do Th rnt r. sci It lea on tte : bc be SS for the they have corporate world, su them have changed he whiter the industry. In the dently say, some of u are much older. “T nfi yo co en re. wh he r ten lis ree ly e” ca pursue my people tend to on ”. This “challeng got me to stay and experienced you are so that re mo rld wo your hair the more the to re, expose myself forces me to read mo rporate participants. and value-add to co ge ga en ll more energetic my sharing wi I t young is tha am ing be t ou ab ng thi The good ickly. These traits are embrace changes qu d an to t ap ad I d an . important for this job
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in your current work? What are the challenges working during rs during peak periods and KD: … Long working hou ry. ust nature of this ind weekends. I guess this is the understanding e family members who are PD: I agree. It helps to hav do. about the job and what I is a challenge!” line “Where every moment SS: FOCUS Adventure’s tag e in a form of com can ges pants. Challen is not just meant for partici s from clients, request, difficult demand a last-minute programme lar idea. With ticu par ing support for a creative ideas and garner . ges llen cha se the overcome more experience, I learn to did you do to tinuous learning? What Does this job require con lls? k up new ski sharpen your skills or pic introduced) for us things (eg, new activities d and gives KD: There are always new t our company stays update to do. This also ensures tha simplest the t” fec per do. “Practice makes a variety of things we can pts. phrase that everyone ado
your stuff. If you mme, you have to know SS: When doing a progra dible. So I have cre to think you are not don’t, people are going write my own and s del mo e lysing som to read books, critically ana understand to t tain models and concep articles and papers on cer tand and ers und to s hop to go for works them better. We also have ls. skil ing sell and ls skil aking better our skills, such as spe rning. I seek advice jobs require continuous lea see if they PD: Actually I believe all n in my position before and from people who have bee research and up d rea something. I also s and are able to share with me tem sys tain cer on e rov how to imp about t on certain things to see jus is it , e in place. Ultimately by ach procedures we already hav pre we at wh Like . the experience . trying and learning from nce erie Cycle, learning through exp the Experiential Learning
PART B: REMEMBERING THE TIME IN RP What was your most memorable time in RP and DOAL? PD: My most memorable time is when we had our outdoor classrooms - be it waterbased experiential learning, challenge course management or land-based. Outdoor classrooms were the things that I always look forward to.
What advice would you like to give to the current DOAL students? Top 3 hot tips!
SS: Coming late for class and getting a “minus 0.5” in the daily grade (haha!); and having lessons in the swimming pool while everyone else is studying in a room. And I kinda miss the long walk from MRT station to school.
2. Don’t just study for the UTs. LEARN!
3. Lastly, but most importantly, Don’t forget to Have Fun!
KD: We had the opportunity to choose the places we would like to go for our overseas trip. The most memorable trip was when a group of us signed up to go China in 2011 together with a bunch of seniors. The place we stayed at and the weather is awesome. We climbed their mountain and experienced their High Elements. What was the best thing/highlight of studying in RP and DOAL? PD: PBL. I am not a text book kind of person which is why RP’s style of learning is suited for me. SS: Yes PBL is the best thing that ever happened to me, as I am now faced with problems and challenges every day. The PBL system has better equipped me to be ready for the ever changing environment. KD: The PBL also allowed us to interact with our teammates to solve problems and also gain self-confidence through presentations. It’s trained me well in how I can interact professionally with my clients and participants. Being a DOAL student, we are also exposed to many adventure elements that most people are not able to do. Now think back about your journey in RP and DOAL, what would you do differently? SS: Make an effort to understand the models and concepts a little more, than to just merely memorize them. These are so important for my corporate training programme. Also, taking part in more DOAL events.
SS: 1. When in doubt, ASK! – There are no wrong questions, the more you ask, the more you learn.
PD: 1. Passion. Many hours away from your family, frequency of camps that will tire you out, the only thing that will keep you going will be the passion you have.
2. Principles. Many things that we learn in our course of studies will be put to the test in the real working world. Many principles that we hold dear to will be stretched. My advice, stick to your principles.
3. Adaptation. Changes are always there. Changes in the camp schedule, changes in the industry, changes that may affect us and may not affect us. Adapting to it rather than to complain will bring us a long way.
KD: Three Ps from me: 1. Be POSITIVE – Always have an open mind and do not let your weaknesses bring you down.
2. Be PASSIONATE – Always be passionate about what you are doing, do not lose the passion and persevere.
3. Be PROUD – Be proud to be a student of RP/DOAL.
PD: I would have used the opportunity to take my certification courses and also to be more involved in the overseas trips that were organized by DOAL. It would have given me more experience in this industry. Also to go class more often. KD: I would have gotten myself more involved in some events so I could gain more exposure and experience.
Photo above from right: Sasi, Pradeep, Erwin (not in interview), Kassandra, Joey and Yusoff. The latter two are part-time Specialist Diploma in Outdoor and Adventure Learning (SDOAL) alumni.
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Myths Myth 1: Carbs are all bad Truth:
Not all carbs are created equal. The ‘bad’ carbs include added simple sugars and refined carbohydrates from white flour, and are easy to digest with little real value for your body – so limit candy, desserts, pastries, white rice, white bread, syrups and sodas in your diet. The ‘good’ carbs, on the other hand, are complex carbohydrates with fibre. These include vegetables, fruits, whole grains and beans, which take longer to break down into glucose. Such foods do not cause a surge in sugar levels in our blood and generally keeps us feeling full longer. They also contain essential vitamins and minerals for healthy skin and immune system. So what does it all mean? It does not mean you have to avoid ‘bad’ carbs altogether. Just make sure you have a balance diet with more good carbs than bad.
Myth 2: Slimming pills are effective for long term weight loss Truth:
Weight loss medication requires medical supervision and is only prescribed for a short period. A healthy weight can only be achieved with a balanced diet and adequate exercise.
Myth 3: Eating after 6pm makes you gain weight Truth:
What matters is not the time you eat, but how many calories you consume. If you use more calories than your calorie intake, weight loss will happen.
Myth 4: You have to work out to lose weight Truth:
All activates requires calories, and contribute to weight lost. However in a fast-paced society like ours, it’s important to optimise the time we spend to achieve weight loss. A vigorous workout would burn more calories in a shorter time than a low-intensity workout. Aerobic exercises such as brisk walking, cycling and swimming are recommended workouts for everyone.
Myth 5: Excessive fat and skin laxity around the tummy, thighs and elbow can only be reduced by surgery. Truth:
There are non-surgical treatments for skin tightening, volume reduction and body contouring. For example, the Exilis device uses a combination of radio frequency, ultrasound and skin cooling technology to break down fats and tighten skin without surgery.
Dr Liu Han Ping practices at Thomson Well Women Clinic 9 Scotts Road #10-02 to 06 Scotts Medical Center at Pacific Plaza Singapore 228210 T: 6735 0300 E: contact@thomsonwellwomen.com www.thomsonwellwomen.com
WEIGHT LOSS TREATMENT PACKAGE@ $250 • • • • • • • •
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In last few issue, we shared about some tips and advice on how to manage your money when you start working and while you are serving the nation (National Service). Let’s talk about marriage!
Congratulations, if you are ready to settle down to married life.
MONEY SENSE
Consider attending a marriage preparation programme which prepares couples for a healthy and enriching marriage and family life. These programmes help couples to understand themselves and their spouses better, as well as learn practical skills on communication, financial planning and conflict management. Sign up for a Marriage Preparation Programme. You can refer to Marriage Central for more information.
Planning a wedding Everyone looks forward to their wedding and to the start of married life. Decide together how much money to set aside for organising your wedding. Remember that this should be pegged to how much you earn and feel comfortable with, not what your cousin or buddy spent on their weddings! Major events like weddings can be expensive and costs can often feel like they are running away. Take charge, prioritise what you need and manage expenses carefully. Years from now, your wedding should bring back beautiful memories, not make you cringe whenever you think of how much you spent or how much you still owe your lender.
Planning your finances together One essential aspect of living together is to learn how to manage your finances jointly. You and your spouse may have different attitudes towards money. What may seem sensible and prudent to him or her, may seem stingy to you. Money matters can cause a strain in any relationship. Courting couples who lavished each other with extravagant gifts may find that this is no longer as desirable once they get married and have their own home to pay for. Find less expensive but still meaningful ways to celebrate significant milestones in your marriage.
Here are some tips to deal with your money amicably: • Know each other’s style of managing money well and adapt to it. If he or she is more of a spender, agree on some limits and be a saver to complement. Make your expectations for your partner clear and find some common ground. • Make an effort to draw up budgets jointly. This will help you both track how your incomes are being spent and how to improve your financial position. • Find a way to share responsibility for all household expenses as well as savings for common goals like emergency funds or retirement. Find agreement on each partner’s contribution; it may be in proportion to each person’s income. One could be servicing the house loan while the other could be paying the bills, for example. • Set goals and take responsibility to live within your means. Remember that you won’t always be a young couple just starting out with promising careers. One of you may have to stop working one day when kids come along or to take care of elderly parents, so be mindful of the need to save from early on. Expenses will soon go up as your family grows. Encourage each other to work towards your shared goals. • Avoid impulsive spending or borrowing. Do not make large financial commitments on your own without reaching consensus with your partner – do not agree to lend your brother money to buy a car or start a business before asking your spouse first. Always keep within your means; as a guide, your debt to income ratio should not be more than 35%. • Get important things sorted out first – consider health & life insurance. If you are planning to buy a home. The above information is prepared in collaboration with the Ministry of Social and Family Development and Monetary Authority of Singapore
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NOTICE
Do you have outstanding library fines? You can now pay your library fines through bank transfer! Name of Account: Republic Poly Operating (Library) Bank Name: OCBC Bank Bank A/C Number: 501-727192-001 Bank Code: 7339 Bank Branch: 501 Please ensure that you include the following as the Payee Name/Comments: RP Library Fine, “Your NRIC”. Do provide us with a screenshot of the transfer if you are using Internet Banking (IB) or the bankslip and email it back to us.
BSC MANAGEMENT AND SECURITY STUDIES
BUSINESS ANALYTICS
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION WITH MANAGEMENT
If you would like to contact us regarding library fines, please email us at help-graduate@rp.edu.sg
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WAYS TO STAY CONNECTED WITH YOUR ALMA MATER! Read dREam Magazine
Be updated on campus activities through this complimentary quarterly publication. Also available online at www.rp.edu.sg/grad
Le ma t you t yo er o r alm ur r ga gan a Hav t e ise he you soc met ial and r profe ring ssio thro per n of a ugh ou sonal n al, r div lum e ed ni p rogr erse ra s ng amm es. e
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16
Calendar of Events Mar — May 2015
Mar 2015
6 Mar
Graduates’ Night Venue: Republic Polytechnic
RPAC Meeting Venue: Republic Polytechnic
7 Mar
15, 16,17 Apr
7-8 Mar
May
12 Mar
1 May
Graduates’ Night Venue: Nanyang Technology University SMU Open House 2015 Venue: Singapore Management University RPAC Meeting Venue: Republic Polytechnic
12 Mar
NUS Open Day Venue: National University of Singapore, University Town
21 Mar
Apr 2015
9 Apr
NUS-ISS Career Fair 2015 Venue: National University Singapore
3 Apr
Good Friday
8-10 Apr
*ACE@RP Programme NICF Android Programming Venue: Republic Polytechnic
Orientation Programme Venue: Republic Polytechnic Xplore.Xtend.Xcite Sports Series Venue: Republic Polytechnic
May 2015
Labour Day
4-8 May
Graduation Ceremony Venue: Republic Polytechnic
14 May
RPAC Meeting Venue: Republic Polytechnic
16 May
One Heart Venue: Republic Polytechnic
25 - 30 May
Momentum Venue: Republic Polytechnic
* Dates subject to changes
** For more information on ACE@RP and NTU-edUtorium programmes, please visit www.rp.edu.sg/grad. Club Republic members would get to enjoy the ACE@RP and NTU-edUtorium programmes at a discounted rate. For more information on other RP events, please email us at help-graduate@rp.edu.sg
Get Rewarded for reading Winners get cash vouchers
Quiz for January issue Name the Alumni that participated in the Camp Challenge? To participate, simply email your answer to dREam@ RP.edu.sg with your name, NRIC, and Club Republic membership number. Closing date for the contest is 31 May 2015. All winners will be notified by email.
dREam December Contest Winners There are no winners for December issue