dReam Alumni Magazine June 2012 Issue by Republic Polytechnic, Alumni Services

dREam

Alumni Magazine

Issue 23 | June 2012

Everything starts from a dream

Graduation 2012! RP alumnus Travels to the Past and Seals it Love Conquers All in RP

Contents 4

RP Alumni Advance to World Floorball Championship

A Night to Remember!

Graduation 2012 at Republic Polytechnic

Snapshots!

Welcome to the RP Alumni Family!

Republic Polytechnic Alumni Club Workplan Retreat It is Always New and Exciting!

Pursuing a Career in Social Work

Love Conquers All in RP

Beyond the Boundaries of a Sports Education

RP alumnus Travels to the Past and Seals it

ExplorAsians Brings New Depth to Cultures

University Fair 2012 @RP RP’s Largest Career Fair Offers 3,400 Jobs for Students

Calendar of Events

Publisher

Office of Student and Graduate Affairs Republic Polytechnic 9 Woodlands Avenue 9, Singapore 738964

Editorial

Editor Nurhadi Khan Copy Editor Lilynne Seah Designer Zhang Miao

Contributors

Alumni • Kevin Lam • Maya Murni • Muhammad Hafiz Izad B Salleh • Nur Ashikin Bte Anuar • Randy Nonis • Ruzanna Abd Rahman Staff • Wong Li Wern Student • Erma Jani • Mohammed Noor B Talat Mahmood

General Enquires

Email URL

dream@rp.edu.sg www.rp.edu.sg/grad

dREam. An RP Alumni Magazine. Everything starts from a dream.

dREam is a quarterly publication to keep graduates informed about the happenings in RP, continual education, career opportunities, networking sessions and more, in the hope of achieving 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.

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Editor’s Note H

ello Graduates!

Time flies and half of 2012 have passed! Hope you are doing well and enjoying 2012. Over at RP, we have been having a blast of a time with the Orientation Programme 2012, the Graduation Ceremony and the newly minted Republic Polytechnic Alumni Club (RPAC). Congratulations to the 2012 graduating cohort! We hope that you have enjoyed reading the Yearbook 2012, which was produced by the Office of Student and Graduate Affairs (OSG) and RPAC. A big ‘thank you’ to those who had signed up for Club Republic when collecting the yearbook; and for those who have yet to join Club Republic, what are you waiting for? You will get to enjoy the many perks and privileges that the club has to offer. We also hope that you had fun taking photos with your friends and loved ones at the instant photography booth we provided during the yearbook collection. Missed out on watching your friends taking their photos? Don’t worry, you can view all the photos at www.fb.com/AlumniRP. Read about love that blossomed right here on our campus! Our alumni Veeramah Devi and Murali finally tied the knot a couple of months back. RPAC committee members also planned fun and exciting activities for 2012/2013 during their very first retreat. Read on to find out what happened during the retreat! To keep up-to-date with the latest happenings on alumni matters, feel free to visit RP Graduates’ Portal at www.rp.edu.sg/grad and “Like us” at RP’s Alumni Fan Page www.fb.com/AlumniRP. Do also feel free to email help-graduate@rp.edu.sg with your personal updates, queries, or comments and suggestions on our services.

Thank You!

To all our Alumni who turned up at Orientation Programme 2012, thank you! We are humbled by your presence and glad to see you guys enjoying yourselves.

Keep your profile current! Just drop us an email at help-graduate@rp.edu.sg with your NRIC/FIN, and your most up-to-date personal particulars; we promise not to send you Nigerian bank transfer requests, lame forwarded jokes or chain letters.

As always, the Graduate Services Team welcomes enthusiastic graduates to join us in the editorial team. Please contact us if you are interested in sharing stories! That’s all for now, from us at Graduate Services.

Do you 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)

Get instant access to the Graduates’ Portal by pointing your phone camera at this QR code. Photos by Kevin Lam, Graduate of 2006

Note: To scan QR code, you need to install a QR scanner app (free) on your mobile device.

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RP Alumni Advance to World Floorball Championship Article by Ruzanna Abd Rahman, Graduate of 2012

he Singapore Floorball National Team is currently ranked number one in Asia after swooping in on the gold medal at the 2012 Asia Pacific Floorball Championship in early February. On top of that, we have much to celebrate about this achievement. Half of the national team consists of Republic Polytechnic (RP) graduates! Only the first and second-placing teams can compete on the world stage with the other top 14 teams from America and Europe.

▲ Abdul Khalique Bin Arshad Graduate of 2006 Diploma in Biomedical Science ◄ Hazmi Bin Hasan Graduate of 2008 Diploma in New Media

Together with the Japanese team, our local competitors will be representing Asia for the prestigious competition held in Switzerland this December.

As for Abdul Khalique, he had to brush off the negative stereotype about goalies.

Hazmi Bin Hasan, 23, a Diploma in New Media graduate and the team’s Centre or Forward, found floorball perfect to sweat it all out at in RP as he was an active person who also played soccer and sepak takraw. It was beyond his wildest dreams to not only represent Singapore but also to achieve the number one ranking in Asia.

“Being a goalie may be deemed as ‘Aiyah, he’s fat and can’t run. He’s big-sized, that’s why the coach placed him as a goalie to block shots.’ That is the common perception that most people have about goalies. However, I feel that the goalie has one of the most important responsibilities in the team. The goalie has to remain focused throughout the hour-long duration of the game, keeping a positive mindset even if the team is losing, and taking many shots which can cause a significant amount of bruises.”

“It’s a great achievement for us to be able to sustain that position in Asia for a long time. But credit has to be given to the coaches and management staff as well as the players for working hard and juggling time between training, work and studies as most of us are very young. It feels extremely great to clinch the gold medal at the end of the day!” exclaimed Hazmi. Also part of the team is 26-year-old Abdul Khalique Bin Arshad, who is a Diploma in Biomedical Science graduate. He was an avid gamer before becoming a regular sportsman, which contributed to his competitive nature. As an aspiring goalie, he admitted that the journey to the top was never easy. He applied what he learnt through Final Year Project (FYP) when working with the national team.

Nonetheless, Hazmi and Abdul Khalique are thankful to have people to turn to during tough times. “I am fortunate to have two supporting pillars who helped in my floorball foundation; my coach, Mr Amir, and my advisor, Mr Wilson Ang. Though there were difficult times, both of them really helped me and the team by giving us tough trainings and challenges that helped to motivate us to climb high in the POLITE and IVP games. And of course not forgetting the players who grew with me in RP; without them I don’t think I will even be where I am now,” Hazmi said in appreciation.

“There are ups and downs as well as a “final presentation” to determine our “grades”. So normal training regimes are like your normal meet-ups, usually fast-paced and hectic. Sometimes there are dramas but the most important thing is to learn how to cope with it. All these build up to the final moments, which were the actual games against our opponents. This finally led to our grades, which was the first placing!” said Abdul Khalique.

Abdul Khalique also added: “I’m fortunate to have met many friends and colleagues who have played along and coached me during my seven years of floorball. Three main people I am truly grateful for are Mr Khairul Ashab, the one who painstakingly introduced me to floorball goalkeeping at Lido’s McDonalds; Mr Amir Hamzah, my coach that I’m forever indebted to, whose drills still made me cower with fear as it brings out the very best of my abilities; and last but not least, Mr Rajiv M, my mentor and also my goalkeeping buddy, whom I share a close connection to.”

The distance between dreams and reality is called discipline. The team-training base is in RP. Both men agreed that exposure is key in developing RP’s floorball team. Training with the national team helps in giving a gauge of the level of competitiveness in the region and raising the standards of RP’s floorball team. Hence, when in search of new players, Singapore Floorball Association (SFA) can turn to RP.

When asked for words of wisdom for aspiring floorball players, Hazmi advised: “Work hard, stay committed and dedicated. Floorball requires a lot of discipline and it always helps to learn a few techniques from experienced players. Be open to feedback for your own development and always master the basics before learning new fanciful techniques as the basics are the one that will win you games.”

There were many challenges which these men had to endure. Hazmi had been struggling with injuries even during the lead up to the qualifiers. Not being in top condition was frustrating, hence, he was diligent in visiting the Chinese physician and using protective gears to aid in his recovery.

Abdul Khalique jokingly recommended: “Please consider buying a helmet, rather than sticks which is what people will normally do. But whatever your dream is, keep living it. Nobody can live your dreams other than yourself. Always keep the faith!”

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A Night to Remember

very February, one event cuts across schools and departments, and unifies us as one – the Graduation Party. It is many things to many people. Regardless of which school or diploma the students were from, the One-RP spirit held strong as the graduating students crowded into Agora Hall 3 and 4 on this night held especially for them by their juniors from the 9th Student Council. A total of over 300 students attended this year’s graduation party with the theme “The 80s”. The hall was decorated with posters of singers and actors from the 80s, and students came dressed to the theme. There was a Best Dressed competition and we were greatly entertained. It was a fun-filled night with music and performance proudly presented by students from CREATE. Delectable food lined the sides of the halls, and nicely decorated cocktail tables dotted the hall floors. After the performances, students filled the dance floor and the party was brought to a high when $1,000 worth of lucky draw prizes were given out. It was a night of mixed emotions as students went wild in the company of their friends while reminiscing the good old times they spent together in this very same place. Below is an article written by a graduating student, Randy Nonis, whose emotions were aroused during the Night To Remember.

Moments

Article by Randy Nonis, Graduate of 2012

Everyone lives for moments like this. Moments which define who we are as we move onto our next challenge or milestone in this mysterious journey known as life. Days like today prompt us to look back on the past three years, and we give ourselves a pat on the back on how much we have matured, adapted and evolved through the various problems we have faced in school everyday. Tonight, however, is not about the problems. This night is about finding closure, reflecting on our accomplishments, and spending time with the people we have met along the way. Graduation night is about cherishing the strong bonds we have built through the semesters – how individuals went from complete strangers to friends, lovers, or maybe even more.

The halls of Agora were painted a slew of colors as the DJ rocked the dance floor cluttered with fresh graduates. Fancy neon lights filled the room as I witnessed the dance floor bounce to life before my very eyes. While many flocked to the dance floor to party, I stood back and soaked in the aura of it all. Years filled with memories of this sacred ground played in my mind as I recollected everything I had accomplished in this institute of education. We all strive for moments that will forever live within our hearts. And for the many other graduates like me, this was indeed a night to remember. Not because it was the last day we would see each other but because it reminded us of the greatness we found together in this school – the greatness we found in ourselves.

Article by Ruzanna Bte Abdul Rahman, Graduate of 2012

raduation 2012 was a sweet success! On 17 May, Centre for Communication and Communication (CCC) and School of Technology for the Arts (STA) gathered at The Republic Cultural Centre (TRCC) to celebrate the achievements of Republic Polytechnic (RP) students as well as their hard work and dedication throughout their three years of study. The theatre was packed with graduands and parents. Gracing the occasion was Mr Lee Han Shih, founder of multi-media platform company Potato Productions. He shared his insights about his business and the growing demand for social media which youths are increasingly dependent on. Mr Lee also advised the graduands to equip themselves with a good foundation as well as “to think beyond Singapore, keep making mistakes, and believe in yourself.” The presentation of diplomas came next, with each graduate approaching the stage with pride and joy to receive the certificate that symbolised the reward of his or her hard work.

Writer Ruzanna Rahman with valedictorian Nur Fadzleen after the graduation ceremony.

One graduate in particular had an extra reason to jump for joy. Nur Fadzleen Niza Bte Mohd Arriffin was the Valedictorian for Class 2012! She also received a module prize for Development Journalism and Diploma in Communication and Information Design with Merit. Never expecting that she would be valedictorian, Nur Fadzleen shared: “I felt accomplished knowing that my three years of hard work was recognised. Being valedictorian is a great honour as I’m representing my course mates, and standing before hundreds of audience members including my parents. Knowing how proud they would be seeing me up there makes me really happy. This was also the perfect opportunity to thank them personally on stage for their years of support.” The ceremony ended on a high note with performances by RP students from various interest groups such as Silat, Wushu, Hip Hop and many more.

Writer with family and close friends.

Graduands and parents then took their leave to the reception area for a scrumptious lunch and photo-taking. It was indeed a memorable day for everyone and this experience will definitely be embedded in our hearts. Congratulations to all graduands of 2012 and all the best for your future endeavours!

Donate your Graduation Gowns to your Juniors! Collection Details Drop your Graduation Gowns at • Counter 8 in One-Stop Centre • 18 to 22 and 25 to 29 June 2012 • 8:00 am to 6:00 pm This project is brought to you by Republic Polytechnic Conservation Interest Group.

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Graduation 2012 at Republic Polytechnic!

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Club Republic

is an alumni club exclusively for RP graduates. With a Club Republic membership card, you will enjoy a series of privileges, which include the use of campus facilities, invites to exclusive events and waiver of the library membership fee. Plus, you get to enjoy special discounts offered by Club Republic merchants and Continuing Education & Training (CET) programmes conducted at RP.

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Sign up for your Club Republic membership today and enjoy the various benefits that allow you to maintain your RP lifestyle. Please log on to the Graduates’ Portal at www.rp.edu.sg/grad

Benefits Republic Polytechnic Library RP Library membership is available to graduates at $200 per year. Membership is waived for Club Republic members. Sports Facilities The privilege of being a Club Republic member also means the opportunity to use all the sporting facilities available here at RP.

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Continuing Education and Training Programmes RP provides adult learners with skill and knowledge upgrading programmes for those who wish to enhance their careers or for personal growth. Club Republic members enjoy up to 10% off the nett fees payable for courses published on www. rp.edu.sg/ace Club Republic Merchants As treasured members of the RP family, Club Republic members enjoy the best deals from our Club Republic merchants, located island-wide, offering a wide range of discounts to suit your every need.

Graduates’ Portal

www.rp.edu.sg/grad

help-graduate@rp.edu.sg

RP Alumni Facebook www.fb.com/AlumniRP

Please scan this image with a QR Reader App to gain instant access to the RP Graduates’ Portal.

... and many more!

For more details , please visit www.rp.edu.sg/grad.

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Republic Polytechnic Alumni Club Workplan Retreat Article by Muhammad Hafiz Izad B Salleh, Graduate of 2012

epublic Polytechnic Alumni Club (RPAC) gathered on 17 March for the very first alumni retreat this year. During this retreat, the committee discussed about the alumni work plan as well as brainstormed ideas that the alumni committee can initiate in this upcoming academic year. Apart from that, the committee also established an organisational structure consisting of events and programmes, marketing and outreach, and finance departments. These departments were formed to ease in the execution of the activities we will embark on this year. To increase the prominence of RPAC, we talked about the kind of activities that will be of interest to the fellow graduates of RP including that of organising interesting workshops and networking

sessions as well as leveraging on existing RP events or festivals such as the Orientation Programme, and explore how the alumni can play a role in the execution of these events. The RPAC committee has also targeted to contribute to the Needy Student Fund by running possible fundraising events with prospective sponsors. The marketing strategies have also been brainstormed to increase the participation of the alumni in the initiatives by RPAC. In conclusion, it was great to have graduates from different graduating years to be present at this retreat. This was the time where we manage to come together to bring RPAC to a whole new level. Anticipate for more to come from Republic Polytechnic Alumni Club!

It is Always New and Exciting! Article by Nur Ashikin Bte Anuar, Graduate of 2012 Interview by Mohammed Noor B Talat Mahmood, Diploma In Communication and Information Design, Centre for Culture and Communication

eing part of Orientation Programme 2012 (OP) was yet another exhilarating experience for me. Even after being part of it for two years, I am still learning and experiencing new things. Personally, it has always been a learning journey for me. Every year has always been different for me. Each OP is ever-changing and different kinds of unexpected obstacles always manage to appear. It gives me a sense of satisfaction. The best part for me is to be able to see my juniors succeed as well as enjoy the experience as much as I do. It’s definitely great to be able to connect with RP, even after I have graduated, through events like OP, and to be able to pass the knowledge and experience I have gained to my fellow juniors. 1) Why did you come back to help out in the Orientation Programme 2012? Simply because I wanted to see the new batch of freshmen, and to also pass on my knowledge of my two years’ experience running the event. Also, there is always something new I can learn from participating in the Orientation Programme 2012. 2) How did you find Orientation Programme 2012? Orientation Programme was a different experience compared to

past Orientation Programmes. There are still the favourites like tug of war, jam and hop and Principal’s Cup, but there were new additions like the SLA Fiesta and Admin Day. This constant change keeps the Orientation Programme refreshing. 3) I heard that there are quite a number of alumni who are back to lead and assist. Yes, besides myself, (Shikin) Hafiz from STA/8th SC Vice President actually kick-started the Principal’s Cup on the first day of OP 2012. I also managed to bump into Syamil (SEG), Lesden (SOH), Darshini (SAS) who are also from the 2012 cohort. Kevin from SOI’s 1st cohort also came by to take some beautiful photos! It’s actually heart-warming to be able to see other graduates come back to lend their support. 4) Would you come back for another year? Yes, I would definitely come back next year as I am always interested to see the new batch of students coming in, and also see what new installments RP has. It’s a good thing that RP has platforms like Club Republic to bond the graduates together and update us on upcoming events for us to drop by and lend our support.

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Pursuing a Career in Social Work Article by SIM University

“Choose the right university and degree programme. That will be your career path!”

aking career decisions has never been easy, especially when you have just graduated and are choosing a path to embark on. Leong Kah Chan, an RP graduate with a Diploma in Biomedical Sciences, opted for a very different career path from what she has studied and got herself an internship in Social Work with Geylang East Home for the Aged, a month right after she graduated.

Why Social Work?

Kah Chan has been doing volunteering work since her secondary school days as she enjoys reaching out to and working with people. “I’m more of a people-person,” she said. She has Dr Wong Luh Cherng, Assistant Director of School of Applied Science to thank for, the mentor who encouraged her to pursue her passion and inspired her to explore all aspects of social work. “Social work is not just about volunteering,” she shared. “You need some social work background knowledge and skills to help you solve the problems.” And for that, Kah Chan started searching for local undergraduate degree programmes in Social Work but found out that most programmes do not specialise in Social Work as they are either Arts or Social Sciences degrees. Then, she came across SIM University’s Bachelor of Social Work and enrolled herself for the programme. “This programme provides the theoretical knowledge and practice skills that help me understand the developments in late adulthood. As I’m working as a programme coordinator in a day activity centre, it is very important to know the developments that the elderly are going through, and from there, I would then be able to plan suitable activities for them,” she said.

Why SIM University?

Until her supervisor and colleagues at Geylang East Home for the Aged, who are graduates from SIM University, shared their studying experiences with her, Kah Chan wasn’t sure if she would be able to balance her work and studies. As an encouragement, the Home sponsored her degree in Social Work with SIM University. With the support from her fellow social workers, her learning experience has been most enriching. “If you do not manage your time well, taking part-time study is not going to be easy. For some of the courses, they provide recorded lectures which could be useful for working adults,” she said, “If you are tied up with work and not able to attend classes, recorded lectures will be useful for you to catch up with your studies.” As the University for working adults, SIM University understands and helps to provide opportunities and a conducive learning environment, making it possible for adult learners to pursue further education, even with work commitments. Kah Chan’s lecturers are professional practitioners who are able to share their industry

Leong Kah Chan

RP Graduate, 2011 Diploma in Biomedical Sciences SIM University Student Bachelor of Social Work

experiences through their teaching and help students solve problems faced at work. “It is trial and error. I monitor their (the elderly) behaviour day to day. Human Growth, the course that I’m taking now, helps me understand why they behave in this way.”

The Right Career Path

“Stick to your passion. Some of my friends ended up in jobs that pay higher but they do not enjoy the work,” Kah Chan said. “Choose the right university and degree programme. That will be your career path!” SIM University. The University for Working Adults. Learn more at unisim.edu.sg or call 6248 9777.

Love Conquers All in RP! Article by Ruzanna Abd Rahman, Graduate of 2012

for reading dREam

t was through a mutual friend that brought the two people together in 2006. Veeramah Devi and Murali first met outside the 7-11 in Republic Polytechnic (RP). Murali felt the spark when he saw her and immediately struck a conversation with her. Their friendship deepened through the social networking platform Friendster. It was a case of opposite attraction. Devi was taking a Diploma in Business Applications while Murali was taking a Diploma in Industrial Operations Management. Despite the difference in courses, Murali fell in love with Devi’s inner beauty. In that instant, he knew that she was the one for him. However, things did not go as he wished it would be. Murali made the first move but Devi turned him down as she was afraid it would just be puppy love. “I wanted more time and space to get to know each other before being committed. But when he pursued and asked for the second time, I agreed because I felt more assured,” 25-year-old Devi explained. Murali, 28, added: “I didn’t give up when she rejected me once but instead I persevered in getting her to accept my proposal, which she did. I thought that moment was one that she should never be let down by me, and she must stay happy for the rest of our lives. I am responsible for that.” When asked about juggling between schoolwork and love life, they were in harmony. “It was tough but I think both of us had set our priorities right before committing into a relationship; no matter what, our relationship is secondary to our schoolwork. And we felt it was very important to give each other sufficient space and time,” Devi explained. With the support from their peers, which they are grateful for, the lovebirds went on together shouldering the demanding workload in school. Six years later, they are finally getting married! They will be tying the knot on 26

Get rewarded

Congratulations

to the winners from the March 2012 issue! • Siti Nurkhairiyah Bte Abu SXXXX836B May 2012. So what made Devi say the magic words “I do”? “I know Murali is a focused, responsible, farsighted and mature man. He plans matters far ahead in time. When I said yes back in 2006, I knew he will do what it takes to reach this far.” When their family and friends got wind of the great news, they were ecstatic. “Our families were really excited and they started planning everything before us, proactively giving us suggestions and all. The feeling of receiving their support is just great!” exclaimed the delighted bride-to-be. As for their pre-wedding album, Devi emphasised that RP has scenic spots and gave insight on how all the buildings are connected, which made meeting each other easier during their courtship. They chose the lawn at level three as the location for their photo shoot. Reminiscing the good old days, Devi and Murali pointed out the Agora canteen as the place they spent much time with each other. “At the very mention of RP, the both of us will instantly smile as RP definitely speaks great volumes when it comes to our love life! Tying the knot is very much part of a large step forward in our lives, and RP is the reason for whom and where we are now,” Devi said. “RP will always be close to our hearts. Thank you for the amazing journey and beautiful memories.”

• Ameerul B A Rahim SXXXX832I • Nadhirah Bte Rahmat SXXXX110G

dREam is giving away 3 pairs of

movie passes All you have to do is read the magazine and answer the following question correctly.

When was the first Alumni Retreat held? 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 July 2012. 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

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Beyond the Boundaries of a Sports Education Article by SMa Institute of Higher Learning

strong passion in sports science led undergraduate Jennifer Chen, to pursue a degree in Exercise and Sports Science from Edith Cowan University (ECU) at SMa Institute of Higher Learning. Where did you study before joining SMa Institute of Higher Learning? I studied at Republic Polytechnic’s Diploma in Sports and Exercise Sciences. What is your current occupation? I am a Technical Support Officer at Republic Polytechnic. I assist the facilitators in the School of Sports, Health & Leisure at Republic Polytechnic. I help in the troubleshooting of research and testing apparatus as well as giving instructions to students on how to operate them for their final year projects. On top of that, I ensure that the sports science labs are free from hazard and all equipments are in good working condition. How did you get to know about SMa Institute? I found out about SMa Institute through my friends whom are involved in sports and have plans to further their studies. They have recommended SMa Institute as there are exemptions for our diploma which will aid us in graduating faster. The faster route to a degree at SMa Institute is an attractive point that made us decided to take up a course with SMa Institute. Thus, having friends studying in the same course is indeed a bonus to me. What made you decide to choose the ECU Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science? After looking through the course modules, I feel that they are well rounded to complement my diploma qualification which lack in rehabilitation knowledge and practical. In addition, the shorter duration to completion of the course after further exemptions was a plus. What do you like about the school and programme? Part of our modules and lab classes are conducted by lecturers directly from ECU. This arrangement gives us a feeling that we are part of the school in Australia. Our tutors hold strong credentials and despite us being in Singapore and them in Australia, they are always willing to go the extra mile to help us in our understanding and meeting the assignment requirements. What is your greatest achievement? My greatest honour is to represent Singapore in the sport of Dragon Boat during 2010’s Asian Games held in Guang Zhou, China. In that same year, my team clinched the 2nd position in the Asian Dragon Boat Championships, coming in behind the Chinese team. Can you share with us more about your passion in sports? In my early days, I was very active and enjoy participating in various sports and games. I represented my school in badminton, the outdoors, running and volleyball before an opportunity from kayaking brought me to first try a team water

Jennifer, center, with her team mates during the Asian Games 2010 ▼

▲ Jennifer proudly representing Singapore for the Dragon Boat games during Asian Games 2010 at Guang Zhou

Singapore National Dragon Boat Team, Asian Games 2010

sport - dragon boat. I enjoyed it so much so that I went on to try for the national team in 2007 with my coach’s blessings and it has been an amazing journey since then. Did this course help in your interest in dragon boating? I am able to apply what I have learnt in class to my sport. For example, one of my modules which is known as ‘Sport Biomechanics’, has indeed increased our knowledge towards sports. During the process of analysing the dragon boat paddling stroke, my group and I had revealed many interesting facts regarding sports performance. What are your plans after graduating from this programme? I would like to progress in the field of Exercise and Sports Science. I believe I can contribute more by sharing my newly acquired knowledge learnt with the people I work with and those who are still involved in sports like myself and my fellow dragon boat team mates. Believing in this, I would like to be a sports educator for the young by spreading my knowledge with them pertaining to sports science. With all that you have experienced in SMa Institute, would you recommend the school to your friends and family? It has been a fruitful journey getting to know more friends in this course who are as sport lover as me. This indeed gave all of us the drive that we need to achieve our aspirations in this growing field. I will definitely recommend SMa Institute to my friends as I would want my friends and family to also have a fruitful and enjoyable journey as I had in SMa Institute.

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RP alumnus Travels to the Past and Seals it Article by Ruzanna Abdul Rahman, Graduate of 2012 Photo by Victor Goh - LASALLE College of the Arts

ravelling back to the past was not an easy feat. Republic Polytechnic’s (RP) Diploma in New Media alumnus Marjory Kho had to work on a fading practice or tradition, be it local or foreign, as part of her Design Communication degree at LASALLE.

Marjory, first from left, with her friends from LASALLE

Marjory, who was inspired by the “unfinished” effect of the seal, the motif and decorations of the Chinese culture, remarked: “My project is about type and informative posters [representing] the making of Chinese seals - a topic that I have selected to work on this semester. The theme we were given was ‘Culture Preservation’.” Marjory further explained: “As I am working on Chinese seals, it is pretty much the same as that of a stamp except that the name on it is being carved with a graver as compared to that of a rubber stamp. The posters are based on the overall look of the characters’ arrangement on the seal itself and also the typeface, which is in the zhuan shu style, an old style of Chinese writing.” Hoping to graduate by 2013, she is pulling out the all stops in ensuring that everything goes smoothly. Besides the project being part of her degree requirement to showcase their work, the exhibition also meant business. “I could be hired by a graphic design agency, advertising or media firm if they do come by to view the exhibition. If the lecturers think your work has the potential in participating in a design award or competition such as Crowbar Awards, they will request for you to refine your work and sponsor your application fees for the respective competition.” With every opportunity comes a sacrifice. Marjory felt that the 16 weeks was not enough to put together the vision. Exclaiming that 24 hours pass too fast, she had to sort out her time management and priorities. Even during her free time, she would be looking at the design books which she bought, and see what interesting icons and layouts there are that she can learn from. “I also trawl the Internet for graphic design-related stuff like editorial layouts, illustrations, posters and websites. If it is good and I feel inspired, I will try to work on my school assignments. In all honesty, there is very little free time that we as graphic design students have. Technically, we are working around the clock and we sleep very little.” When asked what she has learnt in RP that has played a part in conceptualising her project, Marjory pointed out the PBL system and how it sets her imagination off.

“PBL allows me to incorporate the 5W1H (Who, What, Where, When, Why and How) when I am exploring the topics or things that I am working on. LASALLE’s study system differs from RP, as LASALLE’s curriculum and teaching methods involve the use of the mind map system, which aids one in expanding and developing their ideas.” She admires Julien Vallée, a great paper crafter with amazing out-of-the-box ideas, who ignited her passion for art. As an advice to the younger crowd, Marjory urged: “Go for it and never give up; keep trying and the possibilities are endless. Do not always be pressured by the people (and their works) around you, do what you can and what you think works best for you.”

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ExplorAsians Brings New Depth to Cultures Article by Wong Li Wern, Staff of The Republic Cultural Centre

omentum has been a significant part of the dance community not only in RP but also on the Singapore dance scene. In its fifth year, Momentum 2012 brought new heights to its vision of promoting dance as a form of expression as well as showcasing the best dance talents from schools and institutions of higher learning in Singapore. The festival ran from 21 to 26 May, ensuring a piece of dance for everyone over the span of six days. The theme adopted this year was “ExplorAsians”, which aimed to showcase the influences of traditional ideas to the dance scene in contemporary Singapore. The audience was enthralled by different dynamic dance genres ranging from ballet to breakdance, from traditional to modern contemporary, which still held true to our Asian spirit. Catering to every dance lover’s needs, Momentum’s fringe events covered a wide array of dances, seen evidently from the Malay Contemporary, Asian Contemporary, Bollywood and Korean HipHop dance workshops catered for secondary school students from schools including Greenridge and Presbyterian High. Not quite a dancer but love the sport? There were film screenings that generated the buzz of Hollywood and past Momentum performances. Curious to get an insight on how the arts scene

is really like in Singapore? The dance dialogue featuring esteemed dance choreographers and dancers provided a better understanding on looking back at your roots, when “retro” and “old school” are in fact not as outdated as you think.

stayed back to catch the awesome and fierce moves of the crews competing in RPresenting. RPresenting is organised by our very own Hip Hop IG, whom themselves have won first runner-ups in many national competitions in 2011!

However, there were three events at the festival which snatched the most limelight. They were the main highlights of the festival: the student choreographer’s showcase LEAPS!; RPresenting Hip Hop Competition; and the annual most anticipated event, the Momentum Main Showcase.

Finally, the big finale to the dance festival and what we’ve all been waiting for a year since the last dance phenomena in RP – the Main Showcase on Friday and Saturday! Dance comes in all forms, genres and artistic expressions, and the Momentum Main Showcase compressed all that into a 90-minute dance performance embodying the theme of the festival, “ExplorAsians”. Each year, the Main Showcase envisions to showcase the best talents in Singapore schools, and is also a platform for choreographers to feature their exciting and innovative dance pieces. This year’s showcase featured Anglo-Chinese Primary School, Nutz Crew, Raffles Institution (College), Yishun Secondary School, Singapore Chinese Girls School, NUS Dance Ensemble, Dance Spectrum International as well as our own dance talents from Hip Hop, Indian Cultural Group, Malay Cultural Group, Modern Dance and Latin Dancesport. It was a feast for the eyes and an inspiration for every dance enthusiast.

LEAPS! is running for the third time in Momentum history. A dance concert produced and choreographed by our very own RP student dancers from Hip Hop IG, Modern Dance IG and Tarian, it is the fruit of labour and a result of many intensive training sessions of seven student choreographers mentored by TRCC’s Zaini Tahir. Someone once told me that choreographing is like “expressing inspirations”. It is exhilarating to realise how someone’s thoughts and emotions could be brought into a dance, tapping into the audience’s senses so deeply. RPresenting Hip Hop Competition was finally back in this year’s Momentum! Anticipation was abound in South Agora on Wednesday afternoon, and students who were originally heading home

I can’t wait for Momentum 2013! And I’m sure many others agree too.

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University Fair 2012 @RP Article by Office of International Relations

s school draws to a close, you can finally start to relax. However, university applications are pestering you as you take your well-deserved break. Then there are those who refer to the academic or reputation rankings of a university, select the top few and pin all their hopes on those selective colleges. What is it about the college ranking system that can turn people into such pressure cookers? Is it because Singaporeans have always desired the best for themselves? Only a few decades ago, just making it to a university was a great achievement. Now that tertiary education has become widely available, that accomplishment bears less weight. There is less room for improvement, and to produce an illusion of progress, the demand for brand-name education grew. But what is a brand-name education if there is nothing to set apart the best universities from the good? This is where rankings come in. There are hundreds of college ranking systems in the world, of which the Times Higher Education (THE) and the QS world

rankings are among the most famous. We, Singaporeans, love these lists. But does it really matter which college you go to? Does it really mean that you will have a better life if you graduate from an elite school? It’s not just Singaporeans who think that it does. Competition among schools on these lists has climbed higher than ever. Having been to big name universities can impress your future employers, friends and partners. But that is not all. Intuitively, going to a better school will pay off with higher returns. Data also supports this stand, with graduates from established universities having higher standards of living and increased earnings. It is with the above data in mind that Republic Polytechnic (RP) holds the annual event “The University Fair @ RP” to showcase the Articulation Agreements (AAs) that RP have with leading universities from around the world. An AA is an official agreement that matches coursework between RP and these universities. It allows you to receive credit exemptions of a year or more off a

degree programme. At the University Fair, we have the best universities present from the Group of 8, the Russell Group, Times Higher Education, and the QS ranked universities. Also present at the fair are our local autonomous universities like the National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore Management University and not-for-profit institutions like SIM Global and MDIS. Stay tuned to find out more details, and block out the date 19 October 2012 when University Fair 2012 @ RP will be happening. This may be that single journey that can change your life! Do watch out for the lucky draw prizes too!

RP’s Largest Career Fair Offers 3,400 Jobs for Students Article by Erma Jani, Diploma in Communication and Information Design, Centre for Culture and Communication

0 employers from various industries participated in Republic Poly’s (RP) Career Fair 2012 organised by RP’s Student Career Services. Over 3,400 jobs were offered during the one-day fair ranging from telecommunications, hospitality, healthcare, engineering and media. Participating companies hailed from both public and private sectors, and included Marina Bay Sands, Singapore Press Holdings and Baxter Healthcare SA. In addition, the fair attracted media attention such as Channel NewsAsia and Berita Harian. Many students who visited the fair found it to be very informative and engaging. “It’s good that the fair is held in RP because graduating students will need to understand their future job prospects, and compare the different the options available to know what suits them best,” said Diploma in Biomedical Science student Yi Chiun Heng.

The fair also offered on-site interviews for companies such as Singapore Airlines (SIA). A representative from SIA noted that there were a good number of participating companies, and that the students were eager to learn about the opportunities available to them.

Students checking out the jobs offered at RP’s Career Fair 2012

Diploma in Business Information System student Cassandra Ding was one of the candidates who was successful in her application and interview for SIA. “My friends persuaded me to give it a go and I did. It was a really good experience.” “RP’s Career Fair has grown by leaps and bounds over the years. With the participation of 60 employing companies offering plenty of job opportunities this year, we are happy for our graduates who can choose shop for suitable jobs right at their doorstep here in RP,” said Mr Tui Jurn Mun, Deputy Director of RP’s Office of Industry and Collaboration, the organising department for Career Fair 2012.

Singapore Airlines was one of the 60 participating companies at RP’s Career Fair 2012.

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Calendar of Events June 2012 1 June Advisor Appreciation Ceremony & Student Leaders Investiture

Venue: Republic Polytechnic Campus

2 June Managing the Media*

7 June Republic Polytechnic Alumni Club Meeting

9 June Communicating in a Crisis* Venue: Republic Polytechnic Campus

Venue: Republic Polytechnic Campus

22 June Glitz 2012 - Sports Excellence Award

4 - 8 June Problem-Based Learning Foundation Course*

Venue: The Republic Cultural Centre

Venue: Republic Polytechnic Campus

7 - 8 June Design Thinking for Non-Designers*

Venue: Republic Polytechnic Campus

July 2012 2 - 31 July

6 July

Wellness Campaign 2012

Hair For Hope 2012 RP Satellite Event

Venue: Republic Polytechnic Campus

Venue: Republic Polytechnic South Agora

6 & 7 July IGNITE! Music Festival 2012

Venue: Republic Polytechnic Lawn

9 July - 21 August POL-ITE Games Season 1 Venue: TBA

12 July

7 July

Republic Polytechnic Alumni Club Meeting

The Republic Run 2012

Venue: Republic Polytechnic Campus

20 July Republic Polytechnic 10th Anniversary

August 2012 7 August National Day Observance Ceremony Venue: Republic Polytechnic South Agora

9 August National Day

16 August Republic Polytechnic Alumni Club Meeting Venue: Republic Polytechnic

19 August Hari Raya Puasa

*For more information on ACE@RP programmes, please visit www.rp.edu.sg/ace. Club Republic members would get to enjoy the ACE@RP programmes at a discounted rate. For more information on other RP events, please email us at help-graduate@rp.edu.sg Information is correct at time of print.

Academy for Continuing Education @RP Academy for Continuing Education @RP (ACE@RP) is Republic Polytechnic’s

Continuing Education and Training (CET) arm which promotes lifelong learning to working adults so that you can stay relevant and competitive in the knowledge-based economy. ACE@RP offers a suite of CET programmes ranging from personal interest and self-improvement to job-specific training. The programmes are categorised into:

Academic Programmes

Part-time programmes for academic upgrading, career switching, and knowledge-deepening. • Part-time Diploma • Specialist/Advanced Diploma • Certification courses

Executive Programmes

Short courses designed to enrich understanding of a specific area and knowledge. • Education & Facilitation • Management & Communication • Science & Technology • Service-Learning • Sports & Health • Teambuilding & Experiential Learning ACE@RP’s programmes are conducted using well-researched pedagogical practices and learner-centred approaches. All programmes are structured to fit the schedules of working adults.