dReam Newsletter June 2009 Issue by Republic Polytechnic, Alumni Services

Issue

June 2009

Alumni Newsletter www.rp.sg/grad

Everything starts from a dream

Vote Earth!

100,000 Plastic Bottles Challenge

Travelogue

Get

rewr raearddinegd fo

dREam!

In Cambodia with the Service Learning Team

Happenings

Graduation Night 2009

Contents Issue

2 3 4

5 7 10 13

June 2009 New to View: Chua Qizhen From the e-mailbag

Light my Fire! Graduation Ceremony 2009 A Graduation Night of Elegance Graduate Spotlight! Sherlyn Lee Small Step, Giant Leap Lifestyle Tidbits: Overseas Insurance Coverage

Vote Earth! 100,000 Plastic Bottles Challenge

Travelogue: In Cambodia with the Service Learning Team

Calendar of Events

Publisher Office of Student and Graduate Affairs 9, Woodlands Avenue 9 Singapore 738964 Editorial Editor Celine Yeo Artwork Zhang Miao

Contributors Abigail Yeo Amy Choong Bob Tan Boey Shumin Eileen Catherine Tan Chin Kaile Chong Weileng Chua Qizhen Dave Chua Dr Jasmine Heng Dr Michelle Siow Fatimatuz Zahrak Azman Grace Tan Jin Xiang Lester Kelly Kuan

Kelvin Tan Kevin Lam Laine Tan Marjory Kho Maya Murni Nur Juazlina Binte Mohd Ali Nur Syazwani Binte Mokhtar Nurhadi Khan Sherlyn Lee Siti Erni Siti Sarah Supri Tay Ding Shan, Dickson Tay Ling Won Choong Yun

General Enquires Email dream@rp.sg URL www.rp.sg/grad dREam. An RP Alumni Newsletter. Everything starts from a dream. dREam is a quarterly newsletter 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

P o t r

In support of RP’s Lights Out Day, this editor’s note was drafted in the semi darkness of the office. As the words were hitting the keyboard, the dREam team was also brain-storming how else we can support this global effort to combat climate change. The end result is a brand new look for the magazine. By changing the paper stock, we’re saving the forest and our environment! Speaking of change, we’re also introducing a new segment in the magazine for you to share your thoughts and feedback. In every edition, we will be featuring a couple of letters from the mailbox so do write to us. Those selected to be published in the next edition of dREam will stand to win a limited edition dREam goodie bag. The last couple of months were a smorgasbord of events. And this issue of dREam includes extensive coverage of what’s been happening. From the graduation ceremony to the orientation program, our team of writers and photographers have gone all out to present the best of these events to you. And if you’ve been bitten by the travel bug, there is a feature article about our students going on a service learning trip to Cambodia. Also, read about two of our graduates currently pursuing further education in Melbourne, Australia in an up-close and personal interview. So go on, get caught in the dREam. Enjoy! Celine

New to View: Chua Qizhen

Qizhen is a fresh graduate from the School of Technology for the Arts (STA), Diploma in Technology and Arts Management (DTA). During her course of study in RP, she acquired a wide range of knowledge which spans across stage production, talent management, arts facilities management, production design as well as arts marketing. These skills give her a better understanding of how arts event works, especially from the backend where people do not usually see. Today, Qizhen is a proud staff member of The Republic Cultural Centre (TRCC). And one of her first major project was Momentum, RP’s annual Dance Festival. From planning to executing the festival, the event allowed her to use what she had learnt to good use. Through her work in TRCC, Qizhen hopes gain more insights and experience in the field of arts management before pursuing further studies. Text by Chua Qizhen

e t t Le

by a STA Student

I am happy to see that the management of RP is paving way for a more open and Dear Sir, transparent approach to our education system. However, I do feel that graduates I am writing to you to express my grateful should be more involved in the process. appreciation of RP management’s decision to engage in a dialogue session with the You mentioned in your speech that the current students. school needs graduates to speak well and act as ambassadors of RP. May I suggest I graduated with a Diploma in New Media to you to include and engage the existing from STA in 2008 and am currently a first graduates in this journey? I know that the year Communication Studies student in new system will not directly benefit us but NTU. this will be our way of contributing to the school’s continual pursuit of excellence. I chanced upon the video of the dialogue session that was uploaded onto the RP Lastly, I would like to extend my thanks to home page. It is heartening for me to the school for implementing an internship see that students are concerned about program. This was something that I felt was the academic changes made in school. I lacking in the past. I believe the internship thought your address to the students was program will make RP-PBL an even more very timely and that level of openness in comprehensive way of learning. In that your engagement with them really touched way, I am actually jealous of the new batch my heart. of RP students who are given this privilege, because we didn’t have that when we were Like many other stakeholders of RP, we are in school. filled with uncertainty whenever changes are announced. But as you have put it aptly, Branding is the buzz word now. And as change is the only constant. And change is I end this letter, I would like to share my necessary for the betterment of students. hope, as well as my fellow graduates’ to see RP making it to prospective students’ I think the holistic and comprehensive top choice of school. With RP’s enhanced revamp of the system will improve the learning approach, it will one day be a quality of learning amongst the students symbol of what ‘learning with a difference’ and inject a dose of confidence into potential stands for. employers and prospective schools of our graduates. In that sense, I applaud and Thank you for your time and God bless. appreciate the school’s effort to do more for the students.

from the e-mailbag

editorial

Hi all,

Issue 11 Jun 2009

‘Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire’ William B. Yeats

An air of anticipation fills The Republic Cultural Centre Theatre as the students from the class of 2009 wait for the commencement of the graduation ceremony. Dressed smartly in their graduation robes, the music of Andrea Bocelli served as a dramatic backdrop for the ceremonious event. The academic procession led by Dr Alwis, Director of Academic Affairs marked the start of the ceremony. With the academic torch standing symbolically in the centre of the stage, the event was officially opened with an address by Principal and CEO of RP, Mr Yeo Li Pheow. In the delivery of his speech, Mr Yeo quoted Willam Yeats, famous Irish poet and dramatist whom in his infamous words, captured the essence of education. Like an ignited fire, education is a life-long journey that never ceases. This message is accentuated by the valedictorian’s speech which both inspired and touched the audience. As a staff member sitting amongst proud parents, I can’t help but share the infectious sense of pride as each graduand walks forth to receive their diploma. Three years that culminated in that one minute of fame on stage carry with it many memories, new friendships and a wealth of knowledge. Congratulations once again to all graduates! The road ahead is long, possibly arduous but remember that you’ll always have your education to fall back on. Text by Celine Yeo

The evening started with our Principal/ CEO Mr Yeo Li Pheow giving our graduates a final farewell speech. The motivating speech was followed by the dinner reception. With a sumptuous

Elegance

such a spot. I only felt much better after hearing my friends cheer for me. It also helped that my partner for the evening was my best friend since Year 1! The contestants did the usual cat-walking and Question & Answer session. All of us on stage were praying and hoping that we wouldn’t get a difficult task. Throughout the contest, I was so worried that I would trip over myself during the cat walk. Even though the entire experience was really scary, I think was quite fun on hindsight. The excitement level in the air was kept high with the performances by students from the International Student Club. Their beautiful vocals and mesmerising

Graduation Party 2009 dinner buffet presented before us, all I could say was, Yummy! Dinner time was also the time for us, the graduates to mingle with our school mates in one last time official school event. As the graduates feast on the wide variety of food and chatted with their friends, they were also entertained by a series of performances. First up was an exciting street magic show presented by Create’s Magic Interest Group. This was followed by ‘Tiffany’s band’, a rock band that enthralled the audience with their performance of a few rock songs. The band received, resounding cheers from the ground. The lead singer of the band even got flowers from an audience member, obviously a fan! Social Dance was awesome! Their lively performance added much hype to that evening, astonishing everyone with their moves and beautiful costumes. It’s never easy dancing in heels. I, for one could never do it, but the ladies on stage made the whole ordeal seem so easy. The most memorable part of the evening was the much anticipated “Mr Simply Hunkilicious” and “Ms Originality Gorgeous” contest. Being one of the contestants, I was extremely nervous as it was the first time that I was put in

performance captivated all of us. And have you ever seen a DIRECTOR dance?! Well, we did! Dr Victor Valbuena (Director of STA) got invited by the emcee to do an impromptu sexy dance under the spotlight. All of us were in awe. How often do you see a director dancing so spontaneously? Towards the end of the evening, the dance floor was opened to the graduates. You’ll be surprise to see friends whom you never thought could dance, let loose and grooved to the music. While some were dancing, the rest were queuing at the photo booth which was set up at the front of the Convention Hall for the graduates to capture ‘the moment’. Having all your friends dressed to the best, spells, PHOTO-TAKING TIME! And everyone was trying to capture these memories with the help of the professional photographers and cameras. It was indeed one of the best nights in RP for many Graduates. I bet all of us will really miss RP and all the friends made in these three years. Text by Chin Kaile 2009 Graduate, Diploma in IT Service Management, School of Information and Communication Technology

happenings

A Night of

The annual Graduation Party was held on 8th April 2009 at Suntec Convention Hall. Dressed up to the theme of Elegance, the graduates made their way to the long awaited event, turning heads of the people on the streets.

Issue 11 Jun 2009

7 Issue 11 Jun 2009

Realizing that passing my day without any goal in life, living off my parents, was simply unacceptable. I needed to make my life worthwhile. Following this ‘eureka’ moment, I started sending out my resumes to various hospitals and companies through job websites and career fairs. I really am a typical Singaporean. The word ‘kiasu’ seems to be encoded in my DNA. After my seemingly gargantuan effort of sending out resumes to various ends of Singapore, there was nothing else I could do besides biting my nails and wearing down the wooden floors with my mindless pacing.

Sherlyn Lee,

Graduated 2009 Diploma in Pharmaceutical Sciences School of Applied Science My hope of getting a job was re-ignited when I received yet another call from Tan Tock Seng Hospital offering me another chance for an interview as a Patient Service Associate (PSA). As a Pharmaceutical Science major, I had doubts about taking a job as a PSA but I grasped at the chance of this interview. After the interview, I realized that as a PSA, I have more contact with patients than a pharmacist assistant does.

Today I work in a specialist clinic that deals with five different areas; Colorectal, General Medicine, General Surgery, Gastro and Oncology. My counter duties include Finally, after two months, I got a call from a prospective registering patients, billing them and fixing appointments. employer- Tan Tock Seng Hospital. I was to be interviewed There are other aspects to this job such as assisting for the post of a Pharmacist Assistant. But I was naïve. I doctors in rooms, appointment line, data- entry and selfmade the mistake of turning down the offer because I had registration. The rotation of duties makes going to work to attend school. It seemed like such a reckless thing to less monotonous as I get to try my hand at the various do and I was berated in all directions. But the damage duties, learning more along the way. I am enjoying my was already done. When I contacted them again on two time as a PSA. occasions, I was told that interviews were only conducted on certain dates. I love the experience that I’m getting from being a PSA and I get satisfaction from knowing that I have served the I doubled my efforts in applying for a job, seeking out patients well. Sometimes, there are difficult patients. The job websites and job agencies that were previously key is in maintaining a cool head and patiently explaining unexplored. With each passing day, the hope that I would to them the various procedures. From this job, I seek to get a job was slowly extinguishing as the ugly term, achieve better public relations skills, social etiquette as ‘unemployed’ grew in its stronghold. The pressure was well as being more meticulous and providing better patient piling on tremendously. Finding a job was not easy in care. such bleak times when people were getting retrenched in droves. Text by Sherlyn Lee

graduate spotlight

It all started about a semester before I was due to graduate. My mind was wandering aimlessly when it struck me that I would be graduating from Republic Polytechnic, soon. Time seemed to be moving too fast. What was I to do a couple of months down the road? How was I going to pave my way in the murky obscure future?

SLA Fiesta

SR Nathan Challenge Cup

snapshots

Issue 11 Jun 2009

SAS High Tea

! s t o h snaps

It was a heartening autumn evening when I caught up with a bunch of RP alumni over cheap pizzas in Melbourne’s snazzy shopping enclave of Chapel Street. A treacherously hot summer had just thankfully departed, and the cool air called for dinner over warm pizza. Over dinner, I found out that two of our very own have been hard at work carving out shiny prospects for themselves in the field of biomedical science. In just two years after leaving our esteemed halls, Joanna Goh Mei Shan (Joanna) and Siti Shaherah Anwar (Erah) have a great story to tell. Joanna is currently a masters candidate (by research) at Monash Uni and Erah has found employment as a cancer researcher in the Monash Institute of Medical Research. dREam traces their inspirational journey thus far... Stalwarts of RP’s second batch (20042007), Joanna and Erah arrived in Melbourne to pursue undergraduate study in Monash University (Monash Uni) as part of the School of Applied Science’s (SAS) International Program in Biomedical Sciences. The SAS alumni did not have much time to settle after graduating in 2007. Their graduation ceremony had to take a back seat as the girls had to virtually board the next available flight to Melbourne. Orientation at Monash Uni and a new life overseas beckoned.

prime motivation enough, “At that time, there was not enough time to really ponder about how I felt about studying aboard. I was too busy packing, planning, getting things settled to think about my feelings. All I had in mind was to work hard, score as well as possible and get a degree at the end of the year.”

what you gotta do and do it well. When work is done at 5pm or when you are done with an assignment, it is time to have fun!”

Small steps,

Siti Shaherah Anwar

Joanna Goh Mei Shah

chemotherapy sensitivity and resistance assay using human cancer tissue specimens”, she shared. Her supervisor had initially wanted her to embark on PhD candidature but Erah had to turn it down as repaying her student loans was high on the agenda. All was not lost though, as the very same supervisor recommended her for the job she enjoys today. And it came with a bonus - she was given a ‘open ticket’ to start any time after having sufficient ‘recuperation’ from the toils of her honours year.

Finishing their undergrad study in Biomedical Sciences in just a year meant they had a ready launchpad to move on the bigger things quicker than others in their cohort. They graduated with a Bachelor’s The prospect of moving out of in Biomedical Sciences capably and Singapore was exciting for Erah. moved on to even greater pursuits, A lover of big challenges, the defying the common paradigm that traditional route towards a degree poly study was the end of the road did not appeal to her. Erah recalls, for ‘O’ level graduates. “I don’t see myself being in NUS or NTU, especially after having a taste After completing her honours year, of JC for 3 months. The thought of Erah secured a job as a research getting out of Singapore and moving assistant at the Centre for Cancer As for Joanna, her candidature as a elsewhere is simply exciting to me!” Research at the Monash Institute Masters research student revolves For Joanna, getting straight into the of Medical Research. “My current around investigating the effects final year for her Bachelor’s was project is to develop a high content of alcohol during late gestation

Joanna on the other hand, spends her free time satisfying the travel bug, “Since I’ve been in Melbourne, I have visited most of the tourist attractions here. There isn’t much time to travel during the semester but during the breaks!” Having said that, Joanna has managed her fair share of ‘touristy’ getaways amidst work. She lists the Great Ocean Road, the breathtaking

giant leaps on the developing heart. Thankful the breadth of the core units in her undergraduate study at Monash, Joanna was able to tap on that experience to decide on the scope for candidature. She was keen on the projects offered in two departments Anatomy and Developmental Biology, and Medicine, in the Monash Medical Centre. “I was interested in doing work on specific organs and how diseases actually affect them. My first stop was at the Anatomy Department and I got offered 2 to 3 different projects working on the heart. This was when exposure to alcohol during gestation caught my eye.” Outside of work and school, and this is perhaps the most heartening bit of all - both have managed to find a healthy mix between work and play in Australia. For Erah, ‘awesome’ was how she summed up her life here. When not hard at work, she spends her free time at gigs, festivals, house parties and vintage markets; for something quieter she would head eastwards up the mountain ranges of Mt. Dandenong for brunch has become quite a past-time. She sums it up quite simply, “When it’s time to work or study, then you ‘gotta’ do

sights of the Grampians, the famous penguin march at Philip Island and the gold-mining town of Ballarat as boxes ticked in the travelling checkbox. She also had time to squeeze in a road trip exploring the great wide open of Australia. She conquered Australia’s east coast, driving down to Sydney from the Gold Coast, and then back to Melbourne. She added, “Imagine going around telling everybody about studying in Melbourne but when they ask about specific tourist attractions, and you haven’t visited?!”

To top off their achievements, both have taken their first steps to become published authors of original work. Erah presented her honour’s year thesis at the Australian Health and Medical Research Congress in Brisbane while Joanna travelled to the Perinatal Society of Australia and New Zealand (PSANZ) conference at Darwin to share her findings. Both were pretty gratified with their step-up in contributing to the body of medical knowledge. “It feels pretty good to have an abstract in the conference book and seeing “Anwar S. S.” printed. It was a huge bonus to my honours year and it would be an advantage when I apply for PhD scholarships,” Erah said. Joanna echoed, ““Although I only have an abstract being printed in a booklet, it is a first step and hopefully, I will one day be able to write and publish a research article.” There is much to be proud of, for both RP and Erah and Joanna. From baby steps in poly to university study in a top Australian university to applied science researchers contributing to mankind’s understanding of life sciences, RP wishes both the best in their next giant leap. Text by Bob Tan

lifestyle tibits

11 Issue 11 Jun 2009

Issue 11 Jun 2009

13 Issue 11 Jun 2009

dREam is giving our readers a chance to win attractive prizes. All you have to do is read the magazine and answers the following questions. 1)

Name any of the Club Republic merchants listed on the Graduate Portal

2) 3)

Where was the RP Graduation Party held this year? When is IGNITE! Music Festival?

(hint: www.rp.sg/grad)

Get

rewr raearddinegd fo

dREam!

There are 3 Topshop vouchers, each worth $20 as well as limited edition IGNITE! Music Festival t-shirts up for grabs! 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 15 July 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.

decision to embark on your studies overseas! I am sure that you are looking forward to an exciting phase of life where you can enjoy a new learning experience aboard and enjoy being independent.

Your overseas studies could be one of the biggest ticket items you will purchase to embark on the road to success. As students and parents prepare a list of things to buy for the trip, many of them tend to forget about the smaller ticket items to ensure a smoother oversea studies trip. In my years as an educator, I have only seen a few students who include an insurance plan to cover their trip. Yet I am sure that with all the excitement, there would be a tinge of uncertainty of whether you can cope with the stress of studies and living away from home for the first time. Not only that, you may worry about study interruption due to unforeseen circumstances, unexpected accident, medical and sickness expenses.

lifestyle tibits

Congratulations on your

Have assurance over your overseas studies trip

extra cash after paying the course fees. In a situation where Emergency medical evacuation is required, it will be arranged by the insurer and the expenses paid for by them too. These plans also provide for a round-trip air ticket for compassionate visit and accommodation expenses for student or family member should the need arises. There is also coverage for checked-in Lost Luggage & Personal Effects which includes hand-carried laptop. These plans also provide a full range of 24-hour worldwide emergency and assistance services such as providing There are currently a few affordable pre-trip assistance services, baggage Overseas Student Travel Insurance service, legal service, medical plans that actually cater to such advice, and referral to doctors, free of needs. Many students were misled charge. to think that a good travel or medical plan is sufficient but a typical travel The premiums for such plans are insurance plan will cease its cover affordable and start from $1 a day. if you are away from Singapore for There are both short term (one month) more than 180 continuous days. And and long term plans (up to four years) a personal accident plan or medical which cater to the different needs of plan will cease its cover if you are different students. overseas more than 90 days. A degree may be an insurance plan There have been many cases where to your future and it makes sense a student is unable to continue to ‘insure your insurance’ so that his or her school semester due to your dreams are not dashed by an serious medical or compassionate unforeseen circumstances. So do reasons. An Oversea Student Travel keep an insurance plan in mind as Insurance plan will provide tuition you plan your overseas study trip. It fees reimbursement should you face can help provide you with a peace such misfortune. It will also provide of mind as you embark on the next reimbursement should there be any exciting step in your life! accident and illness medical expenses. This is useful as we cannot use our Text by Kelvin Tan Academic Associate Medisave monies while overseas School of Applied Science, and not many of us will have much Republic Polytechnic

happenings

Issue 11 Jun 2009

An environmentally-friendly project proposed by Jasper Soh, winner of The Bayer Young Environmental Envoy (BYEE) Competition in 2008 was executed from January to March 2009. Held in collaboration with Earth Hour 2009, the aim of the project was to increase environmental awareness amongst the youth. As part of this project, we invited secondary schools in the neighbouring areas to participate in the Republic Polytechnic’s 100,000 Plastic Bottles Challenge. The objective of this event was not to compete for the highest number of bottles collected by each school but to engage as many youth as possible and to cultivate in them the habit to reduce, reuse and recycle. The project started out within RP

where we gathered thousands of bottles from the recycling bins stationed at the South Agora. After which, we had them washed, dried organized by Conservation and counted by hand. Little did we Interest Group realize the process of washing, sorting and counting could be this appreciative of their kind help and tedious! commitment to this environmentally On 11 February 2009, we organized friendly challenge. It may be a tiring our first external collection session month for our Conservation IG with the secondary schools. Working advisors and members but we stood closely with the students, we counted by each other and encouraged each and sorted the thousands of bottles other to persevere! The laughter and into four different categories; Small fun we had each day made up for the (250ml), Medium (500ml), Large tiredness we experienced. (1.5l) and Extraordinary (odd shaped bottles). Although it was a long day, After four collection sessions, it was definitely worth the effort. The the participating schools and RP schools that we went to were very amassed 133,326 plastic bottles, supportive of this project: they made which greatly surpassed the 100,000 special arrangements for student plastic bottles target! Everyone was helpers to help us sort and count the on cloud nine! bottles. Some of the students even came back to school despite their With the collected bottles, we term break to help us. We are greatly proceeded to piece the largest plastic bottle mosaic in Singapore in support of Earth Hour 2009. This was an idea proposed by Sabrina Choo, Secretary of Conservation IG as well as a finalist of the BYEE Competition. On 16 March 2009, conservation IG members and RP staff began piecing the mosaic. Since the mosaic was made in support of Earth Hour, we

bottle was placed into the mosaic, we felt a great sense of achievement. Each of the 106,060 bottles represents a collaborated effort from all the participants. With the last bottle finding its place in the mosaic, awards were given out to the schools, signifying the end of the competition. We were pleased to receive feedback The task was definitely a race against from some participants that they would time as we had only nine days to like to continue to collect the bottles complete the mosaic before Earth because it showed that our message Hour 2009 on 28 March. Apart from of recycling had gotten through to the time, one of the other major obstacle youth. We had achieved our main we faced was how we could piece the objective! And this event will forever mosaic in the most environmentally be etched in our hearts and the way. In order for the bottles to be Singapore Book of Records. recycled, we could not use glue, or

any other materials to hold the bottles together. After some research and experiments, we decided to use water as weights to stabilize the structure. It was a great success!

After the mosaic was dismantled, the bottles were sent for recycling to Eveready Manufacturing, where the bottles will be reduced to flakes and subsequently shipped overseas to be made into polyester yarn for making Even though we ended each day with clothes. exhaustion, we felt a tremendous satisfaction and that kept everyone’s Collectively, we could do this much. spirits up. By the end of day five, Together with you, we can do even we were way ahead of our planned more! Since we pledge to continue schedule! And with each passing our recycling efforts, will you join day, we were another step closer us? Reduce your usage of bottles to the completing the mosaic. By and use other alternatives like glass the seventh day, the mosaic was or carton boxes. If you need to use ready for the completion ceremony. a plastic bottle, recycle it after use. Looking at the almost completed Let us all do our part in environmental mosaic (30.2m by 21.2m), we were protection! amazed at how we had managed such a colossal task. Special thanks We would like to acknowledge the to Riverside Secondary School who following Secondary Schools who sent 30 students to help us with this participated in Republic Polytechnic’s mega project! 100,000 plastic bottles challenge and contributed bottles towards the largest On 27 March 2009, our Guest-of- plastic bottles mosaic in Singapore: Honour, Dr Amy Khor was invited to complete our mosaic! As the very last 1. Ang Mo Kio Secondary School

2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17.

North View Secondary School Orchid Park Secondary School Riverside Secondary School Sembawang Secondary School Yio Chu Kang Secondary School Boon Lay Secondary School Bukit Panjang Government High Fajar Secondary School Fuchun Secondary School Hillgrove Secondary School Hua Yi Secondary School Jurong West Secondary School Yusof Ishak Secondary School Zhenghua Secondary School Unity Secondary School Woodlands Ring Secondary School 18. Swiss Cottage Secondary School 19. Deyi Secondary School 20. Naval Base Secondary School We would also like to thank the following departments who have kindly supported this event: Office of Industry and Career Services , Office of Corporate Communications, Office of Estates, Office of Student and Graduate Affairs, School of Applied Science, Centre for Science and Mathematics, RP’s Green Committee Staff who contributed bottles for the project and volunteered their time to help us piece the mosaic. Organizing Committee: Soh Zhi Hao; Sabrina Choo Li Qi; Kuay Jun Ting Jeremias; S Sharlini Hui Shan; Huang Xiangfang Alena; Yew Kai Ling Carine; Tan Jin Xiang Lester; Yong Yun Hua; Tay Jit Ling Jackeline; Boey Shumin Eileen; Chew Yao Jie; Ang Wei How; Loh Peiyu Meryl; Chin Zi Hui; Stephen Carlson Wijaya; Kek Siyu Rachel; Ngoh Jing Hao; Glenn Tan Wen ; Chew Shyh Shyurng; Zeng Huiqi; Lim Yu Sheng Staff Advisors for this event: Won Choong Yun; Amy Choong; Eunice Tan /SAS; Dawn Ong; Song Sin Nee; Priscilla To; Grace Tan; Tan Kok Hui; Ngeoh Siew Chin; Jamson Chow; Matthew Wong Article by Tan Jin Xiang Lester & Boey Shumin Eileen (Conservation IG members) Edited by: Won Choong Yun, Amy Choong, Grace Tan

happenings

Have you ever wondered just where our plastic bottles go after we discard them? Or how harmful they could be? Well, unless we discard them properly into the recycling bins, they will only cause more harm than good! Do you know that baby seabirds starve to death by ingesting plastic bottle caps as the mother birds thinking that the caps were food, fed them to their young? Plastic bottles and their derivatives last for hundreds to thousands of years.

Singapore Book of Records listing for Republic Polytechnic for the largest mosaic made from 106,060 plastic bottles

thought a light bulb would be the most suitable image. Although a light bulb is small, it signifies something larger. It is a representation of hope that if everyone could do a little bit for our Earth, we will collectively make a huge difference to stop environmental deterioration.

Issue 11 Jun 2009

Republic Polytechnic’s 100,000 Plastic Bottles Challenge

happenings

Issue 11 Jun 2009

Orientation Watching the new batch of first year students go through orientation brought back fond memories for me. For some of these students, the three-day orientation program was an exciting one because it marks their first step to a new beginning as RP students!

Programme 2009 Check out this exclusive photo spread of the event which had our students trudging all over campus over three days to have fun, make friends and be oriented to the RP family. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cheer to this new beginning! Text by Sakina Khaliq

Team ReachOut

The first Service-Learning project that I participated in during my three years in RP was the trip to Cambodia.

and their Service-Learning Experience in Cambodia

A facilitator once shared with the class about his experiences from a ServiceLearning trip and how impactful the experience could be to an individual. ‘If there are any opportunities for you to go for a Service-Learning Trip, don’t miss a chance.’ Those were the motivating words that encouraged me to sign up for my first trip to Chiang Rai, Thailand and the subsequent trip to Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

I are n a wo rld dri it a ba is inev ven by where peo ck s itabl mo he Volu lp othe eat. P e that a ney an ple d ntee rs w eopl l e of truism power rism hen t t Hav is fo we n en as akes , r pe eed k Cam ing ex ople help , ‘why by m bodia perien with ours ano oney , the re ced on dee elve p po s? are ther fo is that spons e Serv cke r v e i e m c o ts’. valu ffectiv of in lunte I hav e-Lea e fo e v e a r n e r l b y i i s s l e re kno tme enr m c r tho ng tr i w t a i n you ledge urns yo ching y t. By h n be s se mo p to t , o i e t e u v w h participating any ink a isdom can g urself. lping en as ated ls o A a c were – to nev ommu o chan and e in from nd the thers, yo xp e n g learn, to gain que r occur ity volu es wh erienc the ex most u e p re s e n n and to give. be c tions re d star teer se you in . The w erience ally t app rvic ritic v a al th e. Q olve y y in w are mak ear o i i n u e n u kers The powerful you g in y estio rself hich Tay . n thin o i question and three Din k an ur hea s that n gS h d d tr han objectives led me to ain . Thes ad , Di u s to e cks my second Serviceon Learning Trip. Although the trip had its challenges, I felt made more use of my mental than physical strength. With some preparations changes and last minute assignments, ‘being prepared’ was my slogan for the second trip.

As RP students, clearing CE points is one of our top priorities. And I admit that getting the CE points was one of my objectives when I signed up for my first S-L Trip. However, with each day of training, discussion and pre-trip preparations, my objectives Nur Syazwani Binte Mokhtar changed. ‘Serve to learn or learn to serve?’ was the question that was posted to the team during one of our meetings. That was the question that had made me realise what my main objectives for

Even though overseas trips are memorable, the learning outcomes are key to a person’s future. Learning- their culture, to adapt changes, to be contented, and to be appreciative. Gaining- more knowledge, skills, and friendship. Giving- a helping hand that meet their needs. Be prepared.

I was in Kandal Province, Cambodia from 2nd to 11 February ‘09. During my stay there, we were attached to the Centre for Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CCAMH). We stayed on their compound which was near the villagers and were a part of them. The most memorable activity for me was going out to the village, educating the children about anaemia and the imparting our origami skills to them. The children were really enthusiastic about learning and I felt free to teach them. The children were happy and so was I.

to the culture and living conditions. For ten days, I lived with my newly acquainted team mates and caring for one another. I remembering the times when we had to queue for our shower in the dark; everyone had the same feeling of apprehension. With the hot weather, unfamiliar food and constant struggle to complete the work set out by our host, I felt that my soul was drying out. At times, I even felt that I had lost myself. All in all, this trip to Cambodia was not only an experience, but also a challenge that made pains and efforts worthwhile.

Back at CCAMH, we scrubbed the dirty paint off the walls and repainted them. For days, we got dirty, sweaty Chong Weileng and paint stuck to our hair, hands and faces. It was tough work, especially under the hot sun but we overcame it together. The entire trip was a challenge in terms of finding myself as well as adapting

It was a wonderful learning experience being helping people from the hospital in Cambodia. We painted the walls with bright colours, mingled with the children and also even made an educational brochure for the hospital. Even though we were away from home, the thought of giving up and going home never crossed our minds. With the strength within the team, we managed to accomplish a lot during our trip there. At the end of the day, the children’s smiles were very rewarding for us volunteers.

Other than the ‘official business’, we also managed to have some fun and games. The trip taught us about Cambodian culture and history. The visits to the museums and historical sites were a real eye-opening experience for us. My learning outcome from this trip is not take things for granted and be contented with what we have. I’ve also learnt to help whoever is in need to the best of my ability. Fatimatuz Zahrak Azman

The Centre for Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CCAMH) in Phnom Penh, Cambodia was the place we visited. During our stay there, we re-painted the walls of the institution and made an educational brochure for them. The work was tiring but the innocent and cheerful smiles of the children brightened up our days and their hugs warmed our hearts. Twelve days in Cambodia without TV and internet made me feel like I was in a rehabilitation camp. But seeing how the Cambodians lead simple, carefree lives taught me a lesson about being contented with what I have. Going out of my comfort zone had made this trip a transformational one. The smiles and thank you by the community made us feel contented and appreciated. It was hard for me to leave the children at the end of the trip but the memories will always have a place in my heart. Nur Juazlina Binte Mohd Ali

travelogue

A meaningful insight by recent graduates from the School of Applied Science in Kandal Province, Phnom Penh, Cambodia from 2 to 11 February 2009. Let them share their personal experiences with you…

I didn’t know what to expect, but I joined with an open mind. Believe or not, that was my first ever plane ride out of Singapore. “Cambodia, here I come!” There was a fear of the unknown but curiosity and excitement motivated me.

Issue 11 Jun 2009

calendar of events 06 June

07 July

08 August

Glitz ‘09 Time: 5.30pm Venue: TRCC

RP turns 7 today!

Let’s celebrate Sports Excellence in the way we know best. Who will win the award? Come down to support our juniors this 1st June!

6 Exploring the Diana F+ Jun 6 - 13 Venue: OBJECTIFS Sign up for the long awaited photography workshops.

8 Animation with Final Cut Pro Jun 8 - 29 Venue: OBJECTIFS Come experiment with Final Cut Pro and Photoshop to create short animated work!

13 Portrait Photography Jun 13 - Jul 4 Venue: OBJECTIFS Come develop your skills essential to capture the essence of Portrait Photography.

28 Republic Run Time: 6.30am Venue: Republic Polytechnic The Republic Run is an inaugural charity fun run to raise funds to provide free medical services for the needy. Come show your support and stand a chance to win exciting prizes!

7 National Day Observance Ceremony

10 Round De Campus Relay ‘09 Time: 5.30pm Venue: RP Sports Complex Calling all graduates seeking for some adrenalin rush! Form a team of 4 and compete in RP’s annual Round De Campus Relay. Let’s show that the graduates still have the Team Republic spirit in them!

15 Singapore HeritageFest2009 15 – 26 Jul Festival-goers would be treated to 12 days of non-stop activities ranging from a photography competition to exhibitions and our all time favourite, music and food events! For more information, log on to www.heritagefest.sg

24 - 25

Join RP in this year’s National Day Observance Ceremony. Let’s celebrate Singapore’s 44th Birthday together as One Nation, One Singapore!

8 Ice Cream Workshop @ Always wanted to learn how to make delicious, mouth watering ice cream? Sign up for the workshop now! Simply drop us an email at dream@rp.sg.

9 National Day Happy 44th Birthday Singapore!

14 RP Splash ‘09 Time: 5.30pm Venue: RP Swimming Pool The annual Mass Swim is back again guys. So form a team, suit up and come on down to RP swimming pool and have a great time. It’s not about winning; it’s about testing your limits!

IGNITE! Music Festival 24 & 25 Jul Venue: RP Lawn Admission is FREE!

28 - 30

Party with some of the best local music talents at this annual music festival

Not sure what to do today? Feeling hungry? Then come down to Singapore Expo today and enjoy an array of Asian Cuisine. Admission is free!

*Club Republic members get a discount off course fees

Asian Food Delight 2009 Venue: Singapore Expo