The Nanyang Chronicle Vol 17 Issue 10

THE NANYANG

CHRONICLE

VOL. NO.

17

10 18.04.11 ISSN NO. 0218-7310

NTU COMMUNITY ANTICIPATES

SWIFT LOVING

GE 2011 A lecturer running for election & students engaging in grassroots work.

NEWS | 3-5

Now that they’ve taken a bow...

We pay tribute to NTU’s very own artists, for their passion and dedication to beauty.

SHOW | 32-34

TASTE OF TAIWAN LIFESTYLE | 17

MONKEY MUSIC Began in NTU

REVIEWS | 18

02 NEWS

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News Bites NTU Making data centres ‘green’ NTU has adopted the High Performance Computing Centre (HPCC), a blueprint launched by Infocomm Development Authority for companies that want to build an energy-efficient data centre or retool their existing facilities to become ‘greener’. This measure can help save up to $110,000 of NTU’s annual electricity bills.

COMMUNICATION STUDIES students PUBLISHED COOKBOOK FOR CANCER PATIENTS A COL L A BOR AT ION bet ween NTU’s Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information and the National Cancer Centre Singapore has resulted in a cookbook published for cancer patients.

The book, Sharing Plates, is a cook book containing 40 homemade recipes, as well as reflections from cancer patients about their battle with the disease, and their careers.

NTU SETS UP INNOVATION BASE IN GUANGZHOU NTU has set up an Innovation Base in Guangzhou Knowledge City. NTU President Professor Su Guaning said the cooperation would provide strong support for various exchange activities between Singapore and China.

China would be able to learn from Singapore’s experience of industrial transition, while Singapore could benefit from expanding into the new market in China.

microvision to open its first global r&d centre in ntu

SINGAPORE’S ELECTRONIC SECTOR HITS RECORD GROWTH RATE

MICROVISION has signed a memorandum of understanding with NTU to set up its first R&D facility outside of the US. A company involved in ultra- miniature display techonology, MicroVision will devote up to 25 engineers to collaborate with NTU on key areas such as augmented reality and laser physics.

WITH A SOARING demand for electronic products such as iPads and iPhones, Singapore’s electronic sector posted its fastest growth rate in the past 20 years in 2010.

It chalked up an impressive 27 per cent growth rate, three times that of the global industry rate, to record $89.9 billion in output, said the Economic Development Board (EDB) on April 6th.

Spanish wind giant sets up research lab in Ntu SPANISH wind conglomerate has signed a memorandum of understanding with NTU to develop cutting- edge wind- technology applpications. Housed in NTU’s Research Techno Plaza, the Advanced Materials Research Centre is its first in South-east Asia. The R&D centre plans to employ 30 engineers by 2014.

SINGAPORE

CHINA-SINGAPORE VISA-FREE AGREEMENT TO TAKE EFFECT THE MUTUAL visa-free agreement for Chinese and Singaporean passport holders will come into effect starting April 17th, according to China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The agreement states that Chinese citizens holding valid diplomatic, official and official ordinary passports, and Singaporean citizens holding valid diplomatic and official passports will enjoy 30-day transit visa-free service for entering the other contracting country.

S’PORE LUXURY HOME PRICEs RANKed WORLD NO.3

Japan raises severity level at nuclear plant

SINGAPORE has seen the third biggest increase in prime housing prices across the world, behind only Shanghai and Mumbai, according to the Wealth Report 2011.

There was an increase of 18 per cent in luxury property prices in 2010, costing $3,173 per sq feet on average.

THE JAPANESE government has raised the severity level at the Fukushima Dai-ichi plant to level 7, placing it on the same category as the Chernobyl nuclear accident.

Despite level 7 being the highest step on the international scale, the Japanese government assures the international community that radiation levels around the nuclear plants are no where close to the amount emitted during the accident in Ukraine in 1986.

WORLD FRANCE STARTS BAN ON MUSLIM FULL-FACEd VEILs

OSCAR NOMINATED FILM DIRECTOR SIDNEY LUMET DIES AT 86

FRANCE’S ban on full-faced veils came into force on April 11th.

Under the regulation, anyone wearing the Muslim niqab or burqa in public will be fined 150 euros ($272).

Police arrested two protesters wearing niqab veils on the first day of the ban in Paris. France is home to Europe’s biggest Muslim population.

ACCLAIMED film director Sidney Lumet, whose films were regarded as classics, has died on April 9th at the age of 86.

Lumet rose to prominence with the jury-room drama 12 Angry Men; other major films included Dog Day Afternoon, Network, and Serpico.

He directed more than 40 films, garnering some 50 Oscar nominations.

CHINA DENIES THAT AI WEIWEI’S ARREST IS POLITICALLY MOTIVATED

US CONGRESS AGREES on BUDGET DEAL JUST BEFORE THE DEADLINE THE US Congress reached a deal on the US budget just an hour before the deadline.

Should the budget have not been approved, it would have resulted in a government shutdown on April 8th and a furlough of 800,000 civ ilian federal employees.

With a US$38.5 billion spendingcut compromise, it is the biggest annual spending cut in history.

AUSTRALIA DEFENDS INTENTION TO BLOCK ASX-SGX DEAL

LIM BOON HENG STEPPING DOWN

AUSTRALIA defended its preliminary decision to block Singapore Exchange Ltd’s $11 billion bid for Australia’s ASX Ltd on April 6th, restating the nation’s standing with foreign investors.

The Finance Minister said Australia welcomed foreign investment. But he declined to spell out his reasons for the earlier block of the deal, which was agreed by the two exchanges

MINISTER in the Prime Minister’s Office Lim Boon Heng announced on April 10th that he will not seek a re-election. But he will continue his roles in the People’s Association and National Trades Union Congress.

The 63-year-old Mr Lim, who was first elected in 1980, said that he offered to stand down as an MP at the 2006 general election but was asked by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to stay on for one more term.

CHINA confirmed on April 7th that Chinese artist Ai Wei Wei has been detained for allegedly being involved in economic crimes.

Authorities said that the arrest has nothing to do with human rights issues or the expression of freedom.

He was arrested on April 3rd at Beijing Capital International Airport when he was boarding a flight to Hong Kong.

12th June

19th June

Upcoming Events 3rd to 5th June

5th June

PUMPFEST 2011

X-PHYSIQUE

NATIONAL VERTICAL MARATHON 2011

Join the annual, nationwide bouldering competition organized by the NTU Outdoor Activity Club (ODAC).

Various categories include Men/Women (U17, Novice, Intermediate, Open), Team category and Fun Climb.

Form a team of 3 and take pary in the annual X-Physique Urban Adeventure Race.

Categories include JC Shield, I nter- Va r sit y Cha l lenge, Mixed Open, Men’s Open, NS Full- time challenge & Lover’s Challenge.

Early Bird registration ends on 20th April 2011.

Registration ends on 9th May 2011.

Venue: One Raffles Place Register at: http://nvm.ntusportsclub.sg

Venue: Millenia Walk For more information and registration, go to: http://pumpfest.ntuodac.com/

For more information, visit http://xphysique.ntuspor tsclub.sg

For more information, email nvm@ntu.edu.sg

282 metres and, 63 storeys.

Come challenge yourself in the national vertical marathon 2011.

ADVENTURE TRAIL CHALLENGE 2011 Interested in taking part in a suburban race with elements of trail running, cycling, kayaking, and river crossing?

Register for the Adventure Trail Challenge by 23rd May, 2011.

For more information, call Benjamin at 92378555, Jun Liang at 90939059 or visit: http://atc.ntuodac.com/

If you have any exciting events to publicise, please don’t hesitate to contact us at chronicle@ ntu.edu.sg

News

Cosy corners of cleaners – Page 11

NTU abuzz over elections Shannon Chau

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Dr Intan Azura Mokhtar hopes to bring her expertise in education to policymaking.

PHOTO | Jane Koh

NIE lecturer becomes candidate Her experience as a student in NTU inspired her to join politics, says Dr Intan Siau Ming En To always seek a variety of perspectives and think critically—that is National Instutitute of Education (NIE) lecturer and new People’s Action Party (PAP) candidate Dr Intan Azura Mokhtar’s motto.

This philosophy was passed down to her by her two mentorsAssociate Professor Shaheen Majid of the Wee Kim Wee School of Communciation and Information (WKWSCI) and Professor Schubert Foo, Associate Dean of the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, when she was undertaking her Masters and PhD at WKWSCI. Both professors taught her what she reckons to be one of the most useful skills as she takes her first step into politics—to view everything from different perspectives.

Applied to her potential role as a Member of Parliament (MP), Dr Intan would try and look at a wide range of views ranging from residents, stakeholders and parties involved in policymaking.

Dr Intan, 35, is the first female Malay candidate unveiled by the PAP for the upcoming 2011 General Elections.

She is running as part of the PAP team for the Ang Mo Kio Group Representation Constituency, anchored by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

The mother of three is an Assistant Professor in Policy and Leadership Studies at NIE. She completed her Post Graduate Diploma in Education at NIE in 1999 where she first learnt about educational theories and pedagogies and cemented her passion for teaching.

Dr Intan then moved on to graduate studies in WKWSCI in 2002. Her research studies in education and information literacy helped pave the way for her foray into the political field.

She said that the opportunity to look more closely at policies during her course of study, where she did a lot of reading, “piqued her interest in policies, not politics, first”.

Her interest in education policies made her realise that she could take it one step further with politics.

Dr Intan’s colleagues support her venture.

Associate Professor Dr Jonathan Goh at NIE’s Policy and Leadership Studies department said: “I think she will do well as she is able to relate to people and comes across as genuine.”

The students in Dr Intan’s class also see qualities in her that will complement her role as a politician.

Ranging from undergraduates

to postgraduates and Heads of Department (HOD) of schools, most of them believe that her background in education will be useful in improving educational policies.

Dr Intan could also contribute in areas related to women and families, they noted.

Despite the broadening of her career interests, Dr Intan hopes to be able to stay on with her current position in the Policy and Leadership Studies Academic Group.

“I get to do everything here in NIE—teach, research, sit in lessons in schools; this is like a dream job, I get paid to do what I love and I believe there’s no better way to live your life,” she said.

For budding politicians, Dr Intan advises them to look at the perspectives of not just the ruling party, but of the non-ruling parties as well.

“Look at each policy in its own merit and listen to alternative views,” she said.

ON the pulse The Nanyang Chronicle brings you an NTU special on the upcoming General Elections NEWS Pg. 3: Students and staff react to GE fever NEWS Pg. 4-5: We hit the trail with student activists CHINESE Pg. 25: Q&A with WP's Lim Zi Rui OPINIONS Pg. 36: Does Tin Pei Ling deserve to rule?

Excitement for the upcoming General Elections (GE) is high among the largely firsttime voters on campus.

Expected to happen in May, this GE promises more new candidates and greater participation from opposition parties.

“There are many new candidates from various political parties being introduced and fielded. I expect intense competition between the various political parties,” said Gina Foo, 21, a second-year student from the School of Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS).

With all constituencies likely to be contested, expectations are high.

Nur Syuhrah Samad, 21, a first-year student from the Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information (WKWSCI) said: “I expect the People’s Action Party to really show how they will improve lives. People are saying that they have lost touch with the grassroots, that they are getting complacent. I want to see how they will reassure these voters.”

The influx of new candidates also has students expressing a desire to see what newcomers would bring to the table.

Said third-year student from the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering Annabel Tan, 21: "I want to know more about the candidates—how they would handle situations and their ideas."

Candidates' personalities and leadership experience were other factors cited by students as key.

Hot-button topics like housing, cost of living and education are central for some students and staff.

Said first-year student from SBS Kayli Goh, 21: “Housing is important for us citizens, while education is also key for future generations."

"These are basic needs and I will be looking out for what promises political parties can come up with to improve housing and education," she added.

Likewise, the high price of housing is a concern for Nanyang Business School lecturer Arthur Soh. “This affects my ability to

provide for my family. Our standard of living will be affected,” he said.

First-year student from the School of Materials Science and Engineering Lee Teng Ming, 21, wants political candidates to focus on issues like national identity as he feels that it is blurring with the influx of foreigners.

“I do not want to feel like I am just an occupant instead of a citizen of this country 10 years down the road,” he said.

Compared to previous elections, Assistant Professor Yu Wenxuan, a Public Administration lecturer at HSS, said that people can expect more thorny political, economic and social issues to be publicly and thoroughly discussed.

“Different opinions should be given more chances to be brought up and elaborated. In this postmodern society, only through thorough public deliberation can public policies be soundly designed and implemented,” he said.

“I expect intense competition between the various political parties."

Gina Foo, 21 Second-year student School of Humanities and Social Sciences

The changing media environment is also mixing things up.

Assistant Professor Natalie Pang from WKWSCI, said this election is different as “there is a noticeable increase in participation and consumption of information coming from new media so these factors make this election an interesting one to watch”.

Amid the excitement surrounding the elections, election fever has not hit second-year HSS student Jeremy Khoo. He feels that Singapore elections are too predictable as the ruling party has shown that they can fulfill its promises. He raised the example of PAP constituencies being the first to get perks in redevelopment, like estate upgrading.

Said the 22-year-old: “I don't really think it will differ much from previous elections. There may be a bit of a fight from the opposition, but nothing too serious to knock the PAP off.”

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NTU students engage the community on the campaign trail Singaporean youths’ apathy towards politics is a well-known gripe among older generations. Aravinda Karunaratne speaks to four NTU students who buck the trend, giving up precious time for schoolwork, friends and family, to make a difference politically.

Potential Candidate

Aerospace engineering student Lim Zi Rui, 24, could be the first ever NTU student to stand as a candidate—while still an undergraduate.

Reform Party Chairman Kenneth Jeyaretnam recently mentioned that the party’s Youth Wing co-head had the potential to be fielded.

The fourth-year student from the School of Mechanical and Aerospace engineering fielded a question to Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong at last year’s NTU Ministerial Forum, which first inspired his interest in politics. The question, which touched on Singaporeans’ feelings of identity, also caught the attention of mainstream and online media.

“The forum made me rethink what I am defending as a Singaporean. I was approached by many people who shared with me that whatever I shared resonated with them,” said Lim. “Policies affect everyone hence I believe that everybody should be involved in politics and it’s our responsibility,” he added.

Lim joined the Youth Wing of the Reform Party in January 2011, where he serves as the co-head.

He spends about six hours per week on party matters, taking part in planning, rallies and recruitment.

His involvement has exposed him to a diverse group of people with different ideas, leading to a steep learning curve, said Lim. His parents are “quite worried” about his political involvement with the opposition as they are concerned this will limit his future employment prospects.

Said Lim: “Even I understand

that I would not get certain benefits that come along with established political movements.”

He finds a contrast between himself and some of his friends, whom he describes as “armchair activists” who agree with his views but do not step up to be involved in active politics. Recently, however, he noted a change.

“Slowly, some of my friends have started understanding the importance of active involvement.

A couple of them recently joined me of their own will.”

“My message to fellow NTU students is that they should take more responsibility for the way the country is being run, as all of us will be affected in the future by current policies,” he added.

Grassroots leader

Involvement at the grassroots level gives Budiman Mohamed Saleh, 26, the satisfaction of helping to change someone’s life.

The fourth-year student from the School of Humanities and Social Sciences is the Young People’s Action Party (PAP) Chairman for the Kaki Bukit ward and the Regional Chairman for the Marine Parade Group Representation Constituency (GRC).

As the Ward Chairman, he leads a team of 20 volunteers aged 18-38. As the Regional Chairman he co-ordinates the activities of five other wards as well, involving approximately 120 grassroots activists.

His responsibilities include overseeing the Young PAP’s involvement in branch activities such as socio-political dialogues, including the Meet-the-People Sessions (MPS), and social events such as tea parties.

CHIT-CHAT: Reform Party chief Kenneth Jeyaretnam (extreme left) has noted the candidacy potential of NTU student Lim Zi Rui (centre).

PHOTO | NATASHA HONG

WORKING THE GROUND: Lim ZiRui visits residents of HDB flats along West Coast Road, in the West Coast GRC.

In addition, he leads his team to conduct recruitment drives which includes induction of the recruits to their political party as well as integrating them to the internal culture.

Saleh’s interest in politics was sparked by the enthusiasm surrounding the last General Election (GE) in 2006. He found himself wanting to learn more about the ruling party and politics from an insider’s perspective.

“Since then, I recognised that a heavy part of politics is actually community service, which allowed me to identify the problems faced by those in my community. Most importantly, I have the opportunity to voice out my opinion,” said Saleh.

Saleh said that his involvement in grassroots activities moulded him to be an active listener, as “we need to listen to the residents and put ourselves in their shoes”.

Although residents’ complaints are usually generic, regarding problems with neighbours and liftupgrading, some issues are unique, said Saleh.

“We discovered this old disabled lady, who depends on minimum food rations, partly relying on her neighbours’ assistance.”

“It touched me personally, to find such a person in my neighbourhood which reminded me that I must devote my 100% to this cause of helping residents,” he added.

FACE-TO-FACE: Helping to meet needs in his Kaki Bukit ward is one of Budiman Mohamed Saleh’s primary motivations to be a grassroots volunteer.

PHOTO | GOH CHAY TENG

PHOTO | NATASHA HONG

Volunteer turned politIcal activist

Cindy Chng, 22, believes that governance can make an effective change in shaping society and the lives of people.

“Personally, I want to learn how to inspire others to serve society. Political involvement helps me in building better skills to achieve my target as it enhances my people management, leadership and communication skills,” she said.

The third-year student from the Nanyang Business School currently holds the position of Executive Secretary of the Executive Committee (EXCO) of Young PAP. In grassroots, she is active in the Keat Hong ward of the Choa Chu Kang GRC in the coming GE. She first became active in the grassroots, with in a project initiated by the Lam Soon Community Centre called “Go Green For Community”, which exchanged recyclable goods for necessities such as rice for needy families. The project was difficult to sustain as it was a yearly project driven by youths.

“We approached the political establishment for help. I perceived them previously as ‘elitist’ and ‘not in touch with the ground’ but after this incident I figured out that the PAP has a support structure to help the needy residents.”

“I first used them as a channel to do my community service but later I got involved in the political process actively.”

As the EXCO Secretary, she helps the Young PAP Chairman to co-ordinate activities. She is also still involved in the grassroots, es-

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Business library gets learning pods Presentation and project work facilities open in time for the peak assessments period Jasmine Ng

ON THE BEAT: Bhavan Jaipragas (centre) questions the Workers' Party during its Chong Pang walkabout, alongside the mainstream press.

PHOTO | COURTESY OF THE ONLINE CITIZEN

pecially in organising the MPS. “I am occupied by politics almost every day. It is not much of a problem as I enjoy what I do,” said Chng.

"As a final year student, I try to work smart to manage my time between my studies, Young PAP, volunteering and a social enterprise which I am a part of.”

“Personally, I want to learn how to inspire others to serve the society."

Cindy Chng Third-year student Nanyang Business School

The young people of Rwanda are an inspiration for Chng. They were involved in fighting a bloody civil war which ended in 1994, but are pioneering the growth of their country today.

“Young people like us have to be critical thinkers who can evaluate what is right and wrong for them, so that they can make progressive and wise decisions for themselves, for their community and for their country,” she said.

Media man

Second-year student from the Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information Bhavan Jaipragas frequently works around the clock covering stories related to the upcoming GE. The 23-year-old’s passion is to connect politics to the media landscape from a “non-partisan” point of view.

He contributes to `journalism. sg' and `The Enquirer', the alternative NTU student newspaper. He also volunteers as the correspondent covering The Worker’s Party for “The Online Citizen” news portal.

“My definition of politics is that it is how power affects people. I am a heartlander and I see the issues that are being faced by the people of the lower strata of

our society,” said Jaipragas.

“I want to serve them and I do it in my way as a Journalism student who is interested in politics, which is by telling stories,” he added.

Recently, he covered the Ministerial Forum at Kent Ridge and has done news coverage of Workers’ Party developments and events.

Perks of the job include exposure to the world of political journalism, and tangible benefits such

“I want to serve (the lower strata) and I do it in my way as a Journalism student who is interested in politics, which is by telling stories."

Students who have difficulties finding meeting places for group projects and presentations now have more options.

The Learning Pods, which are the first upgraded feature in the business library to be completed, were made available for student use during the second week of April.

Existing computers in the library have also been rearranged from rows to clusters to facilitate group-based learning.

The Learning Pods consist of seven individual chambers, with full presentation facilities such as projection touch screens and data projectors.

They are currently available on a first-come-first-serve basis, but may have to be booked online in the future, said Head and Senior Assistant Director of the Business Library Akbar Hakim.

Second-year student at the School of Biological Sciences (SBS), Chua Shi Kiat, 24, who was among the first to try out the new facility, believes that the Learning Pod allows presentations to be prepared in a more effective manner.

“Before this, we had to discuss presentations or have dry runs in quiet little corners in school. Now, we have a proper designated space to discuss and prepare for presentations,” he said.

His fellow group member, Sun Kar Mun, 21, a second-year SBS student, echoes his view.

She said: “The equipment, layout, and even to the way seats are arranged facilitate group learning. I think this is a better utilisation of space.”

The reconfiguration of space in the business library saw the addition of new facilities without the loss of existing spaces.

In addition to the Learning Pods, new initiatives include a career research area, language practice and learning area and a cinema room. They will be opened to all NTU students for booking.

The facilities will be launched in phases by the next academic year, said Mr Hakim.

The renovation is part of the NTU Library’s efforts to address the growing demand for library spaces by maximising existing spaces.

A similar learning commons was launched earlier at the Lee Wee Nam (LWN) Library in March 2010.

Learning Pods were also opened at the South Spine early this semester.

When asked if the facilities will be made available in the other libraries in NTU, Mr Akbar said it is currently not feasible given the space constraints they face.

“It is possible in the LWN and business libraries because they are the biggest libraries in NTU,” he said.

“However, that being said, there are pockets of it (new facilities) in the other libraries, such as the cinema room in the ADM library,” he added.

While exchange student from Norway Maria Grimsgaard, 22, agrees that the Learning Pod is ‘perfect for doing projects’, she believes that there should be doors for the individual chambers.

She said: “Sometimes, it’s either we’re making too much noise in these ‘rooms’, or the people outside are making too much noise.

The doors will help maintain a conducive environment for everyone in the library.”

Bhavan Jaipragas Second-year student Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information

as contacts.

Overall, Jaipragas believes that students should speak up more on issues that concern them.

“I do not buy the idea that political discussions are only for politicians. Discussing politics is natural as it is discussing what affects us. For students, it can be about fee hikes or hostel places, which are essentially politics that concern them,” he said.

“To be labelled as `armchair critics' is unfair and restrictive. I do not think this label is valid for my generation of Singaporeans.”

TALK TO ME: Cindy Chng writes to relevant authorities about complaints received at this meetthe-people Session in Choa Chu Kang.

PHOTO | WAN ZHONG HAO

FOUR WALLS: The new Learning Pods offers a suite of services to help groups simulate presentation situations.

PHOTO | JASMINE NG

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Foreigners seeking local roommates A new rule in the allocation of hall spaces has made it harder for international students to find local roommates.

Brenda Xie To secure a place in a hall of residence on campus for next semester, Zhang Wen Yu, 21, who is from China took extra care to find a local student to room with in—a move that will give her an extra two points on top of her 13 already obtained from her work in the Cultural Activities Club.

The first-year student from the School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences visited many halls to distribute slips of paper with her name, particulars and contact details.

Dear NTU staff and students, Thank you for your participation in The Chua Thian Poh Annual Speaker Series 2011.

The Chua Thian Poh Public Lecture saw a huge success and received an overwhelming response on 21st March 2011. More than 800 attendees were present at the public lecture delivered by Mr. Patrick Molle, President of EMLYON Business School in France. It was an insightful talk for attendees as Mr. Molle shared his views on the various South East Asian policies that support entrepreneurship in detail.

The two case dialogue sessions had also given a chance for participants to interact up close with and learn from Mr Molle in person. It was an inspiring session, especially for students interested in becoming entrepreneurs themselves.

“I’m just thankful to have found a roommate for now.

I can always swop roommates later if I am unhappy."

Zhang Wen Yu Undergraduate School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences

Out of the 50 slips of paper she gave out, not one of them generated a response.

Finally, after going door-todoor in the halls, she found a local student who was interested.

“I got the idea from my other friends. They found roommates through this way so I decided to give it a try too,” she said.

She has since added her roommate on Facebook and both have chatted a few times through the social media website.

“She sounds nice and caring, but I’m just thankful to have

found a roommate for now. I can always swop roommates later if I am unhappy. But some of my other friends haven’t even found their roommates, despite searching for so long,” Zhang said.

Her story is not unique. Since hall application for academic year 2011/12 opened on March 28th, international students in NTU have stepped up their game in seeking local roommates for the additional 2 points given in the willing-to-share option.

Going from door to door in the various halls, placing slips of notes under room doors, and sending out mass emails to the students taking the same courses as them, the means to seek a common end vary.

This has come after the 5th Hall Application Scheme (HAS) Implementation Committee reviewed and fine-tuned the criteria for the qualification of 2 points for willing-to-share option this year.

The new stipulation is that the “difference in total weightage points must not be greater than 2 points between both the applicant and roommate.”

This change only applies to the willing-to-share option beween local and international students.

Second-year Malaysian student from the school of Materials Science and Engineering, Ang Wun Ion, 21, found his prospective local roommate through a friend’s friend.

“It was very difficult and pressurising and I only found him 3 days before the hall application closing date,” he said.

Similarly, first-year Malaysian student from the Nanyang Business School, Esther Lam, 21, shared that the new change in criteria has resulted in more inconvenience for international students.

“Before this, it was relative easy because we could just choose any local roommate. But now it is harder to find local students with the new criterion,” she said.

The Chua Thian Poh Annual Distinguished Speaker Series 2011 ended on a high note with Mr. Molle urging attendees to act on their dreams now. We hope all had benefited from the events as much as we had enjoyed hosting them.

Once again, thank you for your support. We look forward to seeing you at The Chua Thian Poh Annual Distinguished Speaker Series 2012.

Regards, Nanyang Technopreneurship Center For information about entrepreneurship programs and events at Nanyang Technological University, visit www.ntu.edu.sg/ntc LETTER UNDER YOUR DOOR: Some international students slipped notes under hall doors to reach out to potential roommates.

PHOTO | SIAU MING EN

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10 CHRONICLE According to NTU Student Affairs Office, the rationale for the new stipulation is to ensure that only joint international-local applicants who truly want a room will be awarded two bonus points for sharing.

Previously, there have been cases of international and local pairs who exploit the system.

For example, a student could get the two bonus points he needed by simply applying for a room with a partner with extremely low points, and who does not need a room.

The partner would eventually not qualify for a room, while the student would still retain his two bonus points, and the room.

This made the system unfair because students could easily get a room with help from a friend.

Injuries in hall remain mystery; security enhanced

“Before this, it was relatively easy because we could just choose any local roommate.

But now it’s harder to find local students with the new criterion."

Esther Lam First-year student Nanyang Business School STITCHED UP: A cut on Shaun's face that required stitching.

Imposing the two-point difference in their joint application will ensure only genuine applicants will be attended to.

However, some students dislike the willing-to-share option altogether.

Prerna Mishra, an Indian student from Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE) who has yet to find a local roommate, finds the change in the HAS criteria unfair to those who have worked hard for their points.

“It is very hard to find a Singaporean with sufficient number of points as local students tend to have low distance points. And if a foreign student had 13 points, and he or she were to find a Singaporean roommate, that would put that person on equal standing as those foreign students who have worked hard for their 15 points,” she said.

But Mark Tay, 22, secondyear Singaporean student from the Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information, who has applied to room with a Malaysian foreign student, sees it as a ‘win-win’ situation.

He added that it is a “smart move” by the school to ensure a fair system for all other applicants.

Many international students who do not accumulate enough points have to rent off-campus housing, which is often more expensive and inconvenient.

Furthermore, with the 9-87 point system implemented last year, the 9 distance points given to international students would be reduced by a point every new academic year, making it is harder for them to meet the hall cut-off point.

Siau Ming En An NTU student who woke up in his hall room with bruises and cuts on his face is frustrated and upset that five months after the incident, he still doesn’t know what happened.

A spokesperson from NTU’s Student Affairs Office (SAO) said that the University takes the safety and security of students very seriously and is helping the police in their investigation.

“The University will take appropriate action once the outcome of the investigation is known," he said.

Shaun Yap, 22, a first-year Nanyang Business School student, said he woke up with throbbing pain in his face at around 8am on November 22nd. last year.

There was blood on his pil-

low and the floor of his room in Hall of Residence 3.

Shaun said he went to the mirror and saw cuts on his face.

He immediately checked on his roommate, Hui Chi Weng, 22, who was uninjured, and woke him up. Hui, a first-year student from the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, told Shaun to wash up and then accompanied him to the Nanyang Medical Centre.

Dr Yeo Lock Teow, 50, who treated Shaun, said he had a slight swelling on the right cheek and “a laceration above his left eye that required stitching.” The stitching was done at the Medical Centre.

Both Shaun and Hui said they did not know how the injuries happened. They said that after dinner, they spent the evening together on their computers in their room. They went to bed at 2am, they said.

BLOOD-STAINED: Traces of blood were found on Shaun's pillow and the floor next to his bed.

PHOTOS | COURTESY OF SHAUN YAP

Shaun recalled waking up twice that night. He said the first time was because he was snoring and Hui woke him up to stop the noise. Hui said he did not see anything unusual then. The second time Shaun woke up was when he felt pain in his head. He said that he thought nothing of

He woke up with throbbing pain on his face. There was blood on his pillow and the floor of his room in Hall of Residence 3.

the pain and went back to sleep.

When he woke, his face was bleeding and he and Hui went to the Medical Centre.

That afternoon, Shaun informed the hall office of the incident. Two hall officers went to his room to photograph the bloodstained floor and pillow.

Shaun and his father, Mr Yap Peng Ann, 60, a retiree, then went to the Nanyang Extended Police Post to file a police report.

Police officers and a forensics team went to Shaun’s hostel room to collect evidence. Neighbours saw the police taking photos and rummaging through the rubbish bins along the corridors near

Shaun’s room.

Hui said the police also talked to him that night in his room about what he knew. He added that he had not heard anything from them since.

Shaun remains anxious that five months after the incident, he is still not clear about what happened.

He contacted the Nanyang Chronicle with photographs and details of his injuries in February hoping that more information can be obtained after the incident is publicised.

Investigating officer Aloysius Ho from the Jurong Police Division said on Thursday, April 14th 2011 that the case is still "undergoing investigations" and he is unable to comment further.

Shaun said he would like safety measures to be taken to prevent such an incident from occurring again.

After the incident, Campus Security has increased the frequency of its patrols around Hall of Residence 3.

An SAO spokesperson said that the Halls of Residence regularly issue reminders to residents to be vigilant at all times and to take precautionary measures, such as not to leave doors unlocked even when they leave their rooms for a short while.

Both Shaun and his roommate have since moved out of the room.

Shaun currently lives at home.

Hui took the hall office’s offer to move to another block during the December break. The hall office also offered him counseling services but he turned it down.

08 NEWS

THE NANYANG

VOL. NO.

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CHRONICLE 10

Students’ bad habits main cause of road accidents

Siau Ming En

A jaywalker from NTU fractured his arm after a van hit him in front of Hall of Residence 10 last month.

Such accidents in NTU have highlighted the bad habits of NTU students when they are on the roads.

Common bad habits include speeding or using mobile phones while driving or crossing the roads, said NTU’s Office of Health and Safety (OHS). The OHS was set up in August 2008 to promote workplace health and safety in NTU. Another bad habit is how students often cycle or jog on the roads at night. They do not wear bright-coloured clothes which will enable drivers to see them, observed Carene Tan, 23, a thirdyear student from the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.

Under the National Road Traffic Act, the speed limit in NTU is 40km/h, which is lower than the speed limit on the roads outside.

The accident-prone areas on campus, most students said, are

the roundabout along the junction of Nanyang Avenue and Nanyang Drive, and the filter lanes along Nanyang Walk towards the SIMTech Tower.

Common habits that cause accidents include speeding, using mobile phones while driving or crossing the roads and jaywalking.

One student who had a close shave in this area is Gerald Ng Bo Rong, who is in his second year in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering.

The 23-year-old was driving along the filter lanes at Nanyang Walk when he almost knocked into a student talking on his mobile phone. Despite the near-accident, the particular student continued his conversation on his mobile

ROAD SAFETY: Students ignore the zebra crossing, choosing instead to jaywalk.

phone.

Dr Lee Kien Wah, Chief Health and Security Officer from the OHS said that the OHS works closely with the Office of Facilities Planning and Management, Campus Security Division and the Student Affairs Office to promote road safety on campus.

To promote awareness, OHS conducts a safety briefing for freshmen covering road safety issues, particularly on pedestrians and jaywalking.

In lieu of the latest accident along Hall of Residence 10, hall offices have also sent out e-mail reminders to caution students on

PHOTO | FOO CHEE CHANG

the importance of road safety.

But Ong Eng Siong, 24, a finalyear student feels that more can be done.

The final-year student from the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering said more zebra crossings could be added on the roads to prevent jaywalking.

NTU and Hebrew University announce joint PhD programme Kenneth Foo NTU has announced a joint Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programme in environmental life sciences with Israel’s top university, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU).

This new partnership is part of NTU’s strategic plan to develop its Five Peaks of Excellence to to become a top-notch global university over the next five years.

According to NTU PresidentDesignate and Provost, Professor Bertil Andersson, tie-ups with a world-class foreign institution like HU will enhance NTU’s growing stature as a research-intensive university of global repute.

“Environmental life sciences is a fast-growing and exciting area of research, development and education,” said Professor Andersson.

“The training of more postgraduate students in this field is therefore crucial to develop the talent base for related environmental, life sciences, biomedical and pharmaceutical industries in Singapore, Asia and beyond,” he added.

The agreement was signed by Professor Lam Khin Yong, NTU’s Associate Provost and Professor Yaacov Schul, HU’s Vice Rector, on April 5th 2011 at the HU campus in Jerusalem.

The joint PhD programme will leverage on the complementary

BLUE MOSAIC: 350 litres of rain water were collected and used to form this water mosaic.

PHOTO | WAN ZHONG HAO DEAL SEALED: HU’s Vice Rector Professor Yaacov Schul and NTU’s Associate Provost (Graduate Education and Special Projects) Professor Lam Khin Yong signed the agreement PHOTO | COURTESY OF CORPORATE COMMUNICATION OFFICE

strengths of both universities in key research areas such as environmental microbiology and nanomaterials.

It will also help develop NTU into an international hub in the new discipline of Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, said Professor Yehuda Cohen, Deputy Director of the Singapore Centre on Environmental Life Sciences Engineering at NTU. According to Professor Cohen, this cross-disciplinary research in life sciences and environmental engineering focuses on environmental sustainability and involves

processes such as the recycling of used water and degradation of harmful pollutant.

Enrollment of the first batch of PhD candidates from Singapore and Israel will commence this August.

They will be co-supervised by faculty members from both universities, and spend at least one year at the partner university.

NTU and HU will offer scholarships to students accepted into the programme and successful candidates will be conferred a doctorate degree under the seals of NTU and HU.

The blue right to water A group of final-year students from the Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information centred their Final Year Project (FYP) around the idea that access to water is a basic human right.

The group higlighted water issues in Asia, specifically China and Vietnam, through an event that includeed a photography exhibition and the creation of a water mosaic.

The event was carried out in NUS, NTU and SMU last month.

The water mosaic was created with 12,000 cups of rain water collected by the group. Participants could take part by pouring paint into the cups and pledge their support for the right of clean water.

Explaining the motivation behind the project, one member of the group, Yu Qinyian, said: “We wanted to do something meaningful for our FYP. Although water is a basic survival need, many of us tend to overlook its significance or take it for granted.”

The project was commissioned by the Lien Foundation and NTU.

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NEWS 09

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10 CHRONICLE

Student claims top prize in gameshow WKWSCI's Terence Heng answers tough questions on Singapore to net a cool $10,000 Felicia Lim Which city in Britain is Singaporean Designer Ashley Isham based in? Which airport served as Singapore’s first civil airport?

Correctly answering these questions and others like them won first-year communication studies student Terence Heng $10,000.

The 22-year-old came out tops for `We Are Singaporeans', a new Channel 5 gameshow that tests contestants on their knowledge about Singapore, in an episode that aired on April 6th.

The game was adapted from its namesake segment in news parody show “The Noose”—where Singaporeans are asked a variety of questions about their homeland.

The attractive prize money first prompted Heng to apply for the show. He went down for

a written test and an audition in front of the camera. But he did not expect to get shortlisted, much less hit the jackpot.

“When I was researching about Singapore, I realised there were many things that I don’t know and so I was worried they might come out,” he said.

“I spent a lot of time searching for information on Wikipedia and compiling them into a Word document to memorise. I anticipated that things like names, dates and origins could be tested.”

Fortunately, general knowledge, memory and a little of what he had studied was enough for Heng to tackle the actual questions.

The hardest question on the show, said Heng, was on which team won one more gold than the shooting team at the Commonwealth Games 2010. He chose the option that “made more sense”.

“I just had to think it through and join the dots together,” he said. to arrive at the correct answer of the Table Tennis team.

Heng intends to save the $10,000 for his exchange trip next semester and his graduate trip, besides donating a thousand dollars

PLAYING FOR STAKES: Terence Heng loaded up on Singapore trivia, and managed to best his competition with a little luck.

to the Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information Freshman Orientation Camp 2011.

Heng’s supporters said the tension was palpable as they watched him through the ups and downs of the game.

First-year communication

studies student Lim Ping Hui, 19, said: “He pondered over the last question for very long! So when he won, I was very happy and the feeling was beyond words.”

Fellow communication studies freshman Teng Weng Wong, 21, said: “Even though he was unsure

PHOTO | JANE KOH

about some of the questions, I admire his confidence for going with his gut feeling.”

When asked what he would have changed in the show, Heng said: “I would have spelled ‘Lavender’ correctly. That was so embarrassing.”

Asia's first insurance centre launched

More students give to iGave

Siau Miing En

Sharifah A. Fadhilah

Victims of the recent earthquakes in Japan could potentially benefit from the research NTU’s latest centre will produce.

NTU and leading global reinsurance company SCOR announced the launch of Asia’s first insurance centre, the Insurance Risk and Finance Research Centre, on March 31st.

The centre will combine market insight and academic expertise to enhance the insurance protection of Asia’s population, said Interim Dean of Nanyang Business School (NBS) Professor Gillian Yeo. SCOR will fund the new research centre, which promotes and conducts applied research in insurance risk and related issues specific to Asia-Pacific.

Coverage for the elderly, inflation and catastrophes, would be the three main areas of research for the centre, said Assistant Professor of Banking and Finance at NBS Shinichi Kamiya.

The last area is especially pertinent within a “diaster-prone Asia-Pacific”, he added.

The collaboration is an initiative by SCOR to support the growth of insurance in the AsiaPacific region.

SCOR’s chief operating officer Julien Carmona added that NBS was a natural choice of partner

The participation rate of a donation programme in NTU increased close to nine-fold within five years, from eight per cent to 71 per cent of the graduate cohort.

Dubbed iGave, it was formed by the Development Office to encourage graduation giving. This year, in a bid to boost participation even further, a hearty lineup of events and activities was put in place. This included a Donut Party in mid-January.

Campaign organisers made up of the Development Office and 60 student ambassadors still have more tricks up their

NO PAPER CHASE: Associate Professor Uditha Balasooriya is one of the faculty overseeing research at the new centre.

PHOTO | TERENCE LEE

for SCOR. He said: “It is one of the best business schools in the region and one that is actively engaged in first-tier research. Its degree course in actuarial science is well recognised in Singapore.”

Students of NBS stand to benefit from this centre through its research work and participation in seminars and workshops.

Furthermore, Associate Professor Uditha Balasooriya of NBS said that the research centre would encourage a greater culture of study and dialogue on actuarial

science and insurance issues.

As for plans for further collaboration beyond the research centre, SCOR’s Business Development Manager, Janice Cowley said they would take the lead from the NBS faculty and NTU. This partnership is one of the latest strategic partnerships that NBS has secured.

Interim Dean of NBS Professor Gillian Yeo said: “This latest partnership with SCOR complements our other initiatives and further strengthens NBS as a premier business school in Asia.”

sleeves. After free donuts and ice cream, students can expect free yogurt in the near future.

Director of the Development Office Marina Tan-Harper explained that the free gifts are an expression of gratitude by the office as well as a way to entice those who have not made a gift to do so.

“This is their first gift to the school so they need to be drawn,” she said.

But freebies are not their only strategy. Having realised that the poor response in their early years were due to the lack of understanding of the purpose of iGave, the underlying objective is to increase visibility and to facilitate the understanding that students are stakeholders of NTU, she said.

SWEET TREATS: Donors are rewarded with donuts.

PHOTO | COURTESY OF DEVELOPMENT OFFICE

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NTU: a home away from home for caretakers Caretakers in NTU make the campus their second home in their own little ways. Cheryl Chan speaks to them to find out more.

The not-so-secret garden

If there is one thing brighter than the potted flowers around the Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information (WKWSCI), it is the smile from their gardener.

Madam Lau Guek Eng, 61, tends to these flowers every day, for the past seven years she has been a caretaker with WKWSCI. “I am exceptionally happy when I see flowers bloom on these plants,” she said. “It instantly makes my day.”

“The school to me is like my own home. I like to do my bit to make it more beautiful and pleasant."

Madam Lau Guek Eng Caretaker Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information

Madam Lau loves gardening, and took it upon herself to look after the plants dotting the school.

Some of the plants she tends to are from professors in the school, many of whom have already left.

Her favourite ones are those on the fourth floor, which are mainly flowers such as sunflow-

GREEN FINGERS: The blooming flowers bring a smile to Madam Lau, who takes care of them on her own initiative.

PHOTOS | JANE KOH

ers and various types of orchids.

“I have been taking care of those plants for a long time and have naturally developed feelings for them,” she says.

“The school to me is like my own home. I like to do my bit to make it more beautiful and pleasant,” she adds, “I also hope stu-

dents and staff will feel happier seeing these plants and flowers.”

Angelynev Koh, 24, a fourthyear student from WKWSCI, is one of the many students who appreciate Madam Lau’s efforts.

“I’ve always felt that these plants and flowers help to make the school look more cheerful but

HOME AWAY FROM HOME: Madam Zainab in the cosy living room she created with her colleague, Madam Misama.

I never knew who were the ones taking care of all these plants,” she said, “the auntie should really be commended for her dedication and care for the school.”

The unlikely living room

If something you have thrown away re-appears in this storeroom at Hall of Residence 7, it is probably because the hall's caretaker Misama Rabe, 63, placed it there.

Together with fellow Hall 7 caretaker Zainab Md Said, 54, they have transformed the storeroom into a living room area for them to rest during their breaks.

Madam Misama, who has worked in the hall for 15 years, had been collecting items thrown away by hall residents for years.

When Madam Zainab joined the hall two years ago, they decided to use the items to brighten up the storeroom.

“We are working most of the time, so we wanted to feel more at home and comfortable,” said Madam Zainab, “The walls of the room were old and dirty, so we decided to buy wallpapers to make the place look nicer.”

“You can usually hear music coming from the room, and the aunties are always happy and would greet me when I walk by,” said James Ee, 24, a fourth-year student from the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering

who is a resident at Hall 7.

“We have our room to relax in, so it’s nice to know that [the caretakers] also have their own rest and chill-out area,” he added.

The walls of the room have been decorated with wallpapers and a mat has been laid out on the floor where they can sit and rest during their breaks. A radio plays music throughout the day and there is even a clothes rack where they hang up their clothes.

“We have our room to relax in, so it's nice to know that the caretakers also have their own rest and chill-out area."

James Ee Resident Hall of Residence 7

All these items were bought using their own money, “Although these items cost us each a bit of money,” said Madam Zainab, “it makes us so much happier and we enjoy our work much better.”

“It’s great to see that the aunties don’t just treat this merely as a place where they work but put in the extra effort to make themselves feel at home,” said Ee.

Lifestyle

Dessert cafés offer sweet respite – Page 15

BLOG S F

H O

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P M

S E

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More men are jumping on the blog-shopping bandwagon as more blog shops stock menswear.

Celine Chen finds out what they like about letting their fingers do the shopping.

I

t is 10pm on a Saturday night and second-year Wee K im Wee School of Communication and Information st udent Keit h Kay has his laptop on standby.

This is not STARS, nor is it a news release of Apple’s latest products. Instead, he is awa it i ng t he release of a new collection from a blog shop that stocks menswear.

What’s the appeal?

“Clothes sold online are really trendy at a ver y affordable price, much more affordable than stores like Zara or Topshop,” said Keith, 24.

He is one of an increasing number of male customers causing blog shops to spawn online, lured by the low prices and convenience of online shopping.

Those who are schooling or serving National Service form the bulk of this increase, said co-owner of blog shop Access-ed (www.access-ed.livejournal. com) Max Lim, 25.

“I target this demographic as they are mostly students without huge spending power, but welcome the idea of shopping online and on the move,” said Mr Lim. He added: “They are usually fashion forward and comfortable with technology.

A ll of this is encompassed in online shopping which is enticing.

“On l i ne shoppi ng i s ha s sle -f r e e.

Payment, ordering and invoices can be processed anywhere at anytime.”

Founder of blog shop Her Vintage Store (www.hervintagestore.net) Jeanie Tan, 23, said: “When buying at stores, the price of a shirt may be marked up many times compared to online stores due to costs such as rental charges and wages.”

First-year Information Engineering and Media student Xie Jian Long, 23, said: “Being a student, I don’t really have time for a job, so my expenses are limited.

"Blog shops give me the option of stylish clothes at cheaper prices, so I don’t have to compromise my sense of style for my lack of budget.”

Ms Tan also attributes this trend of online shopping to the “busy lifestyles” of

her target group. “Shopping is made easy when it is just a few clicks away,” she said.

This factor of convenience is a main draw of buying from blog shops for Keith agrees.

“The Internet has really allowed me to do all my shopping at any place and at any time, in school or at home, and does not require me to travel to a brick-and-mortar shop,” he said.

“I can find a variety of items online that I cannot find in Singapore,” he added.

Jian Long agrees. “I am able to browse many brands from the same blog shop as compared to a single brand from a store,

Access-ed

"Blog shops give me the option of stylish clothes at cheaper prices, so I don’t have to compromise my sense of style for my lack of budget.”

People of Asia

THE LOOK FOR LESS: Blog shops like Access-ed (left) offer tailored menswear at a more affordable price range (Jacket - $27, T-shirt - $23, Bermudas: $25)than big labels like People of Asia (Blazer $189, Pant - $79, Brooch - $39, Shirt - $69, Shoes - $89).

PHOTOS | COURTESY OF ACCESS-ED AND PEOPLE OF ASIA

and the clothes are delivered straight to my house.

"I can also shop anytime I want 24/7,” he said.

But most blog shop owners did not expect to discover a male market when they started business.

“In the beginning, I did not expect much as the percentage of ladies shopping online is higher than men.

"As the months went by, I was surprised to see that there is a niche area of guys who actually love shopping online,” said Ms Tan. In fact, this is why owner of blog shop Robot Ninjas (www.therobotninjas.com) Ivy Lim, 23, began expanding her blog shop to include menswear.

Miss Lim said: “There were requests to bring in men’s clothes so I thought why not give it a try?”

The rising trend means shoppers may even prefer shopping online to hitting the malls.

“Now when I shop around, I would consider if I can find the same type of clothes elsewhere on blog shops at a comparable price,” said Keith.

“I find the large crowds at popular malls stifling. It has made me more inclined towards the hassle-free way of online shopping,” said Jian Long.

Blog shop owners are optimistic about the trend growing even bigger.

“I believe this trend will continue to grow as e-commerce as the male segment of the market are still largely untapped,” says Max. “Furthermore, existing female blog shops will look into the opportunity of selling menswear to gain more customers.”

Shoppers are also looking forward to what the future holds for blog shops.

Jian Long says: “I believe that more blog shops are coming up. With more competition among sellers, it would lead to improved services and better prices.

"Already, a significant number of my friends have begun ordering stuff from blog shops, so I believe the trend is here to stay.”

13 LIFESTYLE

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CHRONICLE 10

EXAM As exams loom, it’s a good time to pick up some study tips. Felicia Lim gathers some of the best tried and tested methods to help you for the upcoming exams.

SURVIVAL

“

Late nights are bad, but they prove to be productive for some. I take a short nap in the evening to reenergize myself for the mugging session ahead. To make sure my nap remains short, I’ll set multiple alarms or get my roommate to wake me.

“

Stop Facebookstalking your friends or check how many new ‘notifications’ you have every five minutes.

Sometimes, I get my friends to change my Facebook password so that I won’t be able to log-in even if I were tempted to.

“ “ “ “ Tay Siong Yong Stacy, EEE. Yr 4, 24

Tay Pei Ru Gina, HSS, Yr 2, 21

Don’t risk studying on the bed. The tendency of falling asleep is extremely high."

Tan Xue Shen, CEE, Yr 3, 24

Studies have shown that tests are the most effective way to retain knowledge of the material you are studying. So don't be satisfied with just reading the material; test yourself on it as well.

Assistant Professor David Henry Adams, Division of Mathematical Sciences, SPSS

I chant my notes out loud, record it, and then listen to them before I sleep. Tan Jingwei Benjamin, NBS, Yr 1, 22

Never let the exams take control o f yo u . I f t o o much is cramped into the brain, it will become immobile and congested. So, always practise moderation and balance during your exam preparations.

Asst Prof Wong Liang Chun, School of Art, Design and Media, HSS

“

I highlight the important points in my notes using different colouredhighlighters. The more colourful it is, the easier it is for me to remember.

“ “

Wong Yuenyin, HSS, Yr 2, 21

Study in conditions that replicate the exam conditions, such as your sitting position.

Prof Ang Peng Hwa, Acting Head, Division of Journalism and Publishing, WKWSCI

If a student shows an active learning attitude, and stops by for extra help, most professors will be happy and glad to help out. They may even mention special techniques, skills, or hints that might not have been covered in class.

Qin Xiao Sheng, Assistant Professor, Division of Environmental & Water Resources Engineering, CEE

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DISCOVERING DUNLOP STREET

A short walk away but worlds apart from the city, Vivienne Chang explores a peculiar street where tourists, foreign workers and locals convene.

A

cheap and good place to chill. How often do you hear that? On Dunlop Street, it’s true.

Cheap rents mean cheap food and cheap beer which have attracted a lively mix of backpackers, foreign workers and students. It’s not particularly clean – but that’s the point.

Singapore has a bad track record of cleaning up any corners of the island where an edgy, real atmosphere gets going. Look what happened to Haji Lane over the last couple of years, and Chinatown before it.

Streets like these become popular with people with little money but a taste for something different – often students and backpackers – and then the money moves in to cash in on this popularity.

Prices rocket until overpriced boutiques squeeze out the quirky stores and bars that made the place popular in the first place.

So 2011 may be the year to catch Dunlop Street before it gets cleaned up. The warning bells are already ringing, after an article on AsiaOne news labelled it the upcoming Arab Street of Little India. It can’t be too long before the money follows, and the magic is lost.

The Dunlop Street phenomenon started when the Prince of Wales Backpacker Pub settled down there six years ago, offering cheap bed and breakfast. The backpackers created a lively atmosphere that became a magnet for locals and expats, resulting in the string of dark pubs and clubs with neon lights pulling in the foreign workers.

They may not be places you’d want to drink at, but they contribute to the culture here that can be found nowhere else.

If the Prince Of Wales is the grand old dame of Dunlop Street, then Zsofi Tapas Bar is the glamorous newcomer that turns heads.

The warm glow of its TikiMexican exterior is immediately alluring, and it comes as no surprise to hear that the place is full every weekend. If you want a good place at the bar, you need to book ahead. And while the free tapas are what everyone has heard about the place (and it is enough to get the party going) there is more to this rustic rendezvous than that.

Spread across two floors, Zsofi has three areas to choose from. The bar on the first floor with a TV screen is a favourite for soccer fans who come here

A CURIOUS CONGREGATION: With cheap beer, live music and cosy interiors, Prince of Wales attracts throngs of local students and foreign backpackers.

NIGHT MARKETING: Many foreign workers do their grocery shopping at Dunlop Street on Sunday nights, when the vegetable markets receive fresh stocks.

THE ALTERNATIVE ATTRACTION: Tourists looking to experience a grittier side of Singapore choose to stay at Dunlop Street’s many hostels.

on weekends to catch a game with their friends.

Upstairs is an outdoor roof terrace which has been extended to make room for the weekend crowds.

High tables and chairs set the mood for couples or larger groups of friends, and fairy lights adorn the walls. Beyond the lights, the grimy backside of Little India is never far away.

The terrace is surrounded by buildings with mouldy walls and peeling paint.

But that’s part of the charm of Dunlop Street, juxtaposing the warm and trendy with the old and crumbling. Rundown buildings mean cheap rents, and an area that has not been commercialised by mainstream pubs and eateries.

Next to the terrace, the indoor space is filled with beanbags and low tables, clustered so the table next door doesn’t listen in on your conversation.

The spot right beside the wide window is the best seat in the house, so you can gaze from the comfort of your sanctuary down at the throng of life in the street below.

There are more locals and expats here than there are backpackers. Leisurely clusters of friends wander down the strings of pubs, choosing one to

settle in.

Cars and lorries plough slowly through the street, pressing on their horns impatiently with little effect on the wandering pedestrians. Tourists stop in the middle of the street if something catches their eye or to snap a shot.

More bustle comes from the veggie markets with their bountiful baskets of fresh fruit and vegetables from India which attract crowds of foreign workers on Sundays.

Dunlop Street is an escape from the fast pace of life. Who cares what you wear here – no one but your friends will see.

This is not a place to see and be seen; it is a place to be mellow with friends.

The whole chemistry of the street works in a way that the modern and the laid-back mesh nicely, without the pressure of the fast-paced modern city life on Orchard Road. Dunlop Street could be next in line to be whitewashed.

But before that happens, this street offers the charms of laidback countryside instead of the busy city life, a pocket of authentic, friendly neighbourhood like an island in the rising tide of commercialism in Little India.

Now is the time to go.

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foodsnoop

SWEET RESPITE

With project deadlines looming and examinations around the corner, Malvin Chua and Christopher Sim visit two dessert cafes that offer some sweet respite from our hectic schedules.

Jean-Philippe Darcis 10 Bayfront Avenue The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands #01-38 Opening hours: Sundays-Thursdays: 8am10pm Fridays-Saturdays: 8am-11pm Tel: 6688 7202

THIS café is the namesake of founder Jean-Phillipe Darcis—who has earned the title of Ambassador of Chocolate for Belgium—serves waffles, crêpes, ice cream, tea and coffee.

We ordered the Sucre Classic-two crêpes, which we had with caster sugar and brown sugar. An attractive light golden yellow with faint brown marbling, they were delightfully chewy, and tasted distinctly of egg and butter.

The brown sugar added a mild bitterness that balances the overall sweetness. Portion-wise, it makes for a great teatime option, but may prove insufficient for a filling breakfast.

For something more indulgent, try the tutti-frutti crêpe—a medley of sliced fresh fruit served with Chantilly cream and vanilla ice cream on two crêpes dusted with icing sugar. The fruit--kiwis, blueberries and strawberries--added a delicate tartness to the overall creaminess.

The café also serves whole-leaf tea blends, such as the Melon Dew

tea and the Vanilla Sencha.

The Melon Dew tea with its a fruity and distinct melon fragrance, was light and clean. It is ideal for cleansing your palette after rich and creamy waffles or crêpes.

While the Melon Dew Tea was pleasantly fruity, the Vanilla Sencha had a stronger woody aroma and tasted similar to green tea.

The café is a roomy, clean and pleasant space. White dominates the panelled walls, bar-top area, tables and cabinets. Pink candy-coloured stripes adorn the walls while the interior has a mix of cushioned teaparty chairs in white and turquoise.

An over-sized pink velvet love seat occupies the corner of the café, while the white-marble bar-top, dainty chandelier and expensive furnishings lend the place a royal feel.

In short, the café strikes one as a grown up girl’s place for the ideal tea party.

Overall, the food was of a high quality, and we left feeling satisfied.

The teas were worth every penny as they are refillable, and there was a good spread of waffles and crêpes.

Being a small cafe, it is relatively quiet and provides the perfect location for a teatime conversation.

However, with waffles and crêpes from $8 to $15 and ice cream from $8.80 to $13.50, Jean-Phillipe Darcis is a once-in-a-while treat for most students.

FRUITY DELIGHT: The tutti-frutti crêpe balances the creaminess of Chantilly cream and vanilla ice cream with the delicate tartness of kiwis, blueberries and strawberries.

SUGARY TREAT: The Sucre Classic is served with a choice of two sugars, including brown sugar, which adds a mild bitterness that balances the overall sweetness.

GIRLY PARADISE: Jean-Philippe Darcis is ideal for a grown up girl's tea party with a white and pink-coloured theme, an oversized pink velvet love seat and a dainty chandelier.

PHOTOS | FOO CHEE CHANG

Jewels Artisan Chocolate 81 Orchard Road Orchard Central #02-31/32 Opening hours: 11am-1pm daily Tel: 6509 8998

JEWELS Artisan Chocolate is owned by SATS Catering Pte Ltd, the company responsible for SIA's inflight food. It is run by Ms Then Chui Foong, an award-winning chocolatier. Jewels Artisan Chocolates prides itself on in making quality chocolates from scratch.

Jewels Artisan Chocolate sells chocolates, including nama chocolate, chocolate gateau, chocolate tarts, ice creams and macaroons.

We sampled five flavours of chocolate—Lavalier, House Truffle, Coral, Chrysolite and Perle Noir.

The Lavalier has a solid outer shell of chocolate, encapsulating a soft interior infused with the taste of lychee. The outer shell crumbled nicely under the bite and the taste of lychee was light and did not overpower the chocolate.

The House Truffle comes lightly dusted with cocoa powder with a rich and creamy interior. The cocoa powder is a great balance to the sweetness of the interior, giving it a mildly bitter dimension.

Coral is a novel and peculiar mix of cola and chilli, with the latter being the latest fad among chocolatiers. We did not like the cola taste as it was too reminiscent of the cola sweets sold at

CHOCOLATE JEWELS: Jewels Artisan Chocolates are original creations that warrant a first-time try, but at $3 a piece, they may be a tad pricey for students.

the local neighbourhood shops. The mild spicy aftertaste however, was interesting and surprisingly pleasant.

Chrysolite is a delicate white chocolate, with a champagne-infused gooey interior that melts in the mouth.

The taste of champagne is strong but not overpowering, while the outer, white chocolate shell leaves a lingering sweet aftertaste.

Perle Noir is the most visually arresting of the bunch. It is a whitechocolate champagne truffle, covered in dark-chocolate coated rice crispies.

The champagne in the fudge is not as rich as the one in Chrysolite, to ensure that it does not compete with the dark chocolate coating. At the same time, the smooth velvety fudge contrasts with the crunchiness of the

rice crispies.

The cafe adopts an open-space concept and is next to Burger King and the Lush 99.5fm radio station.

As such, there is lot of noise with the tunes from the Lush 99.5fm speakers intermixing with the mall music.

As the name of the cafe suggests, the place is modelled after a jewellery shop, complete with black marble display cabinets showcasing chocolate in shapes such as high heels and Easter Bunnies.

The Jewels Artisan Chocolates does have some original creations that warrant a first time try. However, with prices starting at $3 a piece, these chocolates may be pricey for students. Nevertheless, it is a decent place to go to for a chocolate fix.

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chronicle's choice Tel: 68201680 INfo: www.acuriousteepee.com/ idolism (to RSVP for the opening party)

TWENTY FAIRYTALE INSPIRED ART PIECES

Rediscover fairytales as 10 local artists present their take on these stories in 20 art pieces. Featuring characters such as Peter Pan, the Wizard of Oz, Rapunzel and Puss in Boots, the works range from paintings to digital art pieces.

IDOLISM

A tweed jacket, lobster claw heels, four little white stitches, a red gown. Iconography that has been etched into our psyche wittingly (and unwittingly) through the delirious world of fashion.

Idol i sm i s a n e x h ibit ion of i l lust rat ions inspi red by fashion imager y presented by A Curious Teepee and OIC. For this exhibition, illustrators draw inspiration from objects of desire and their inventors, creating original artworks in the process.

PHOTOS | COURTESY OF A CURIOUS TEEPEE

Using different mediums, participating artists with varying backgrounds and st yles—from political cartoons, to abstract surrealism, take their first foray into fashion as subject matter.

All artworks are on display and available for sale.

Where: A Cu r iou s Teepee, 2 Orchard Link, #02-24 When: Till May 22nd 12pm-9pm daily Opening lauch: May 5th 7.30pm-9.30pm Admission: Free

Where: National Museum of Singapore, Level 2, Balcony, 93 Stamford Road When: Till June 13th 10am-8pm daily Admission: Free Tel: 6332 3659 Info: www.nationalmuseum.sg

a da:ns special

They include the works of artists S h a w n Si o w—w h o r e c e n t l y launced his first comic, PROJECT RED, and Antz—who juxtaposes contemporary urban style and traditional Chinese imagery in his illustrations.

As part of this year’s da:ns festival, the Nederlands Dans Theater I (NDT) will be presenting Mémoires d’Oubliettes / Sehnsucht: A double bill, which combines two stunning works by past and present NDT choreographers.

Where: TCC — The Connoisseur Concerto, The Gallery, 51 Circular Road When: Till June 30th Sundays to Thursdays and public holidays: 11am-midnight Fridays, Saturdays and eve of public holidays: 11am-2am Admission: Free Tel: 6479 2445 Info: www.fairitizemyart.com

Done in Jiří Kylián’s signature style, Mémoires d’Oubliettes delves into the delicate relationship between memories and the state of being. Expressed by technically challenging choreography, this creation is backed by a gentle yet haunting soundtrack.

BEAUTY IN BLACK

organised by Her World magazine in 1978 and is renowned for his tailored jackets and suits. His works can also be viewed at this exhibition.

The second piece, Sehnsucht, is a spectacular duet choreographed

by Paul Lightfoot and Sol León.

Against a surreal cubic room as

the backdrop, the dancers play out the struggles of of relationships.

Where: Esplanade When: July 8th -9th 8pm Admission: $100, $70, $40, $20 Tel: 6348 5555 Info: www.sistic.com.sg or www. esplanade.com

WHEN A GRAY TAIWANESE COW STRETCHED

I n h is f i r st appea ra nce i n Singapore, writer and director Yukichi Matsumoto and his award winning company Ishinha create an epic story about a “Sea Road” which links up the people of the islands bordering the Pacific Rim. In 'When A Gray Taiwanese Cow Stretched', people who travel on this “Sea Road” tell their stories one by one – not in a romantic way, but with a 20th centur y visualization.

Known to create unforgettable theatre, Ishinha uses outdoor s t a ge s a nd u nc on v e nt ion a l choreography accompanied by a kind of street “rap music”.

W he re: Fe s t i v a l V i l l a ge @ Esplanade Park

A m a s s e d ov e r t he la s t f e w years through acquisitions and donations, a collection of 18 dresses from the 1950s to 2000s by lead i ng We ste r n fa sh ion designers are on display for the first time. The exhibition includes dresses by Cristóbal Balenciaga, Pierre Cardin, Karl Lagerfeld and Azzedine Alaïa.

Visitors can also view designs by local fashion designer Benny Ong—worn by Diana, Princess of Wales, and who has designed unifor ms for Br itish A ir por t Authorities, British Telecom and Raffles Hotel Singapore.

Works of Thomas Wee—who won the first Young Designer Contest

PHOTOS | INTERNET

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travelogue

TAIWANESE TREATS Taiwan’s tastiest treats are out on the streets, says Winifred Seto.

'COFFIN BOARDS': Zi Qiang Night Market in Hua Lien offers the inauspiciously named yet popular 'guan cai ban'—a thick slice of toasted bread filled with vegetables and meat and topped off with gravy.

T

hey say you have never been to Taiwan until you have tried out their night markets. Last July, I travelled to Taiwan on a shoestring budget and managed to conquer five night markets in a span of 11 days.

There was no need to go off the beaten track in my search for cheap, tasty food in this country. The locals are incredibly passionate about their food—in this case, street food.

Taiwan is known globally as the home of bubble tea and many of its food fads have gained immense popularity here on our sunny little island. Some examples are flavoured shaved ice and XXL chicken.

Aside from the usual suspects, Taiwanese night markets have specialties that are region-specific and the vendors are constantly inventing new items to satiate the adventurous taste buds of the locals.

However, I cannot say the same for our very own night markets in Singapore, also known as pasar malams.

They pale greatly in comparison to the Taiwanese night markets, having a personality similar to that of a piece of fishcake—flaccid, bland and run-of-the-mill.

Old is no longer gold when the predictable fare of Ramly burgers and tea leaf eggs found in every pasar malam cease to excite the crowds.

On the other hand, thanks to their constant innovation, the night markets in Taiwan are never quiet even on weekdays with locals eager to taste new creations or savour old favourites.

I had to queue for half an hour at a stall in Rao He Night Market in Taipei for its famous black pepper pork pastry (hu jiao bing), which can only be found in the Taipei city.

When most of the shops close after dark in YiLan County, Luo Dong Night Market—one of Taiwan’s largest—comes alive with throngs of locals. It is easy to pick out the famous snacks

in the market by looking at the queues.

After instinctively joining the longest queue, and waiting 40 minutes in the summer heat, I found myself with a deep fried vegetable dumpling bigger than my fist. It was a twist on the usual dainty xiao long baos that we usually come across in Singapore.

Moving along to Hua Lien, I explored Zi Qiang Night Market and was thoroughly intrigued by an inauspiciously named snack called guan cai ban, which means ‘coffin boards’. Despite its name, the stall was swarmed with orders.

Guan cai ban is actually a thick slice of toasted bread with its core dug out, leaving a hollow crevice that is filled with your choice of vegetables and meat. It is then topped off with gravy and covered by the top flap of the bread. It is like a creative, localised version of Subway, but definitely better.

My choice of ‘coffin’ stuffing was succulent black pepper beef and it was accompanied by a generous serving of gravy that the bread soaked up. And it just keeps getting better.

While many of us are familiar with the XXL chicken, which is simply deep fried chicken tossed

HUSTLE FOR GOOD FOOD: The Luo Dong Night Market—one of Taiwan's largest—in YiLan County is innudated with throngs of locals seeking famous snacks like fist-sized vegetable dumplings come nightfall.

PHOTOS | COURTESY OF WINIFRED SETO

in a mix of spices and seasoning, Feng Jia Night Market in Tai Chung serves a wicked, upgraded version of it that is aptly named bao zha ji (loosely translated as ‘explosion chicken chop’).

As I sank my teeth into the snack, creamy cheese oozed out from inside the breaded chicken.

It was truly a gratifying treat.

Finally, I visited the famous Shilin Night Market of Taipei, which is a must-visit for almost every tourist.

Here, I got to try their version of the oyster omelet, which unlike the ones available in Singapore, was drenched with brown gravy that was sweet yet tangy.

I also had a claypot dish which featured stinky tofu with pig’s blood. Contrary to popular belief, stinky tofu does smells bad but is not gag-inducing.

Since it is almost impossible to get well-done stinky tofu in Singapore, I savoured each bite slowly.

To rid my mouth of the sour aftertaste of the fermented tofu, I ordered a bitter melon tea with honey to reduce the guilt from piling on the calories.

Surprisingly, the bitter melon tea was hardly bitter—in fact, it was refreshing and I felt healthier instantly.

I left Taiwan with a heavy heart and heavier belly, and made a promise to conquer the rest of the night markets on my next trip.

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spotlight

Hey Monkey, Get Funky A few years ago they were performing at Hall events right here in NTU. Now they’re a famous local rock band. Jasmine Ng goes bananas.

W H I L E K ing Kong Jane might strike most as an unusual name for a band, it is undoubtedly one of the more prominent names in the local music scene.

Comprising of five band members, vocalist Colin Lim, 28, guitarists Ian Ho, 30, Lim Ruishen, 29, drummer Wu Jianping, 28, and bassist Lin Renquan, 28, the band was formed when they were all students in NTU. All of them were from Hall of Residence 10, except frontman Colin, who only joined the band when they were looking for a singer.

He eventually became their lead singer even though he wasn’t staying in the Hall.

“We were the official Hall 10 band back then, and performed for most hall and campus events,” he said.

When asked about the story behind the moniker, Colin jokingly explained that it is a cheeky reinterpretation of the acronym KKJ that Singaporeans often use to describe a part of the male anatomy.

However, they certainly are not monkey-ing around with their music.

Four years in the making, King Kong Jane’s debut album, Waiting for Friday, wa s f i na l ly relea sed i n March 2011.

Within ten days, it quickly made it to the 4th ranking on the HM V sales chart, outselling other albums by

“We were the official Hall 10 band back then, and performed for most hall and campus events.”

Colin Lim King Kong Jane Vocalist

popular international artistes such as Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift.

“We did not expect it. We were just happy to see (the album) out. It was like a lifelong dream being fulfilled,” said Colin.

King Kong Jane has come a long way from performing at school gigs.

They began by covering popular songs by bands such as The Killers and Muse, which were well received by the NTU student population,

according to Colin.

This encouraged them to audition for Baybeats, the annual music festival in Singapore that showcases acts by mostly local and regional musicians.

However, one of the criteria for participation was that the band had to perform original music, which they did not have back then.

It was then that the band started to compose their own music, with Stranger being one of their earliest songs.

They eventually made it through the auditions to perform at the festival in 2007.

Starting out was easy, given they were all in school and could use the hall jamming rooms.

“It was much easier to practise back when we were students. We only had to book the hall’s jam rooms,” he said. All the members are currently working full-time, and they said that it is not easy to juggle their job and their music.

“But we have been doing it for about three or four years since we graduated. I guess you could say we’ve reached a comfortable balance,” said Colin.

A Wee Kim Wee School of Com mu n icat ion a nd Information graduate, Colin now works as an editor.

Ho, who wa s f rom t he School of Computer Engineering, works as a

project manager. Wu is a civil servant from Nanyang Business School, and the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering graduates Lin and Ruishen are now engineers.

Music inspirations typically come from personal or mundane matters, explained Colin. The album title, for example, depicts their experience in day jobs.

“What we really do is to look forward to Fridays, when we can finally do the things that we really want to do. I’m sure this is what most people can identify with,” he said.

Another example is the track U.N.S.W. (Uncle Now Study Where?), which pokes fun at the closure of the University of New South Wales Singapore campus in 2007.

W hen asked about when the audience can expect their next album, a cheeky Jianping chimed in: “Tomorrow?”

Said Colin: “Because we are independent, we had to record the album entirely on our own. But we knew nothing about recording an album before this.”

“Hopef u l ly now t hat we’ve gone t hrough t he whole recording process, we won’t be needing four years next time” he added, to the general agreement of the rest of the band. ,

WAITING FOR FRIDAY (2011) While the five-man band King Kong Jane prefers to experiment with different musical styles, Waiting For Friday comprises mainly of electronic and modern rock tunes. Befitting its name, the debut album contains ten uplifting tracks that are a welcome way to end the week.

Popular songs in the album include the rock anthems Lollipop and If It Wasn’t For You. Stranger is one of the earliest songs that the band composed, notable for its slow-paced yet incredibly catchy intro.

The thumping beat of Go Away gives off a grunge-like vibe that resembles an early Radiohead song.

Lemonade is a downbeat track with a more laid-back style and motivational lyrics about Making lemonade / When lemons are all that you’ve got to start your day with. There is also a streak of rebellion in its beat and lyrics with There’s something in your eyes / That spells defiance.

The upbeat title track Waiting For Friday is a standout and one that most listeners are able to relate to. The days go by / The days go by so slowly describes one’s anticipation of Friday—the T.G.I.F. syndrome.

The band’s efforts and originality that went into the recording of tracks and producing of the album artwork makes Waiting For Friday an album worth waiting for.

The album is available at all HMV and Gramophone stores, and the Esplanade Shop.

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Music Femme Fatale Britney Spears (Pop)

,,,,, The single Hold It Against Me was initially written for Katy Perry, but it was decided that Britney fit the style better.

FEM M E FATA L E i s a n energetic album and could well be the best creative effort of Britney Spears’ career. The 12-track, 45 minutes-long record will get you on your feet and dancing like never before.

Spears had described the album as a versatile creative effort, and aims for it to not just freshen up club dance playlists, but also be blasted in your car on a late night with the windows down.

The album Femme Fatale signif ies an ir resistibly attractive and mysterious woman whose seductive powers over men often leads to dangerous situations. It is meant to represent both Britney’s personality and vocal style.

Spears took two years to create the album, and it is a triumphant return to form after her last album Circus in 2008, which used far more synthesizers and electronic beats.

Hold It Against Me has

been released as the lead single, peaking at the top of the charts in seven different countries.

There is a touch of irony in the song’s lyrics as she proclaims that she wants to escape the crowd somehow, yet the song will most likely be played on a packed dance floor.

Till The World Ends is the solid, dance-pop second single in the album, written by fellow pop star Kesha.

Although the lyrics are less raunchy than a typical Kesha offering, it includes her signature catchy chorus line that will easily hook listeners.

The Big Fat Bass features Black Eyed Peas frontman and producer will.i.am, although the song isn’t up to his usual high standards.

With a length of 4:44, mostly consisting of the cheesy suggestive line I can be your treble baby/ you can be my bass, it isn’t long before the song begins to get annoying.

W hile Spears’ vocals are overshadowed by the electronic sound effects in certain songs, Femme Fatale is a testament to the value of teamwork. Backed by her impressive team of producers, writers and collaborators, Spears performs best in the hands of those who know how to utilise her strengths.

-Marlene Tan

Britney Spears on recording Femme Fatale. Interview with Rolling Stone.

TILL THE WORLD ENDS : Britney Spears is still going strong with the release of her seventh studio album.

Screaming Bloody Murder

Sum 41 (Punk Rock)

,,,,, This is the band’s first album with new lead guitarist Tom Thacker, who replaced former guitarist Dave Baksh.

SUDDENLY I DON’T FEEL SO INSECURE: Sum 41’s lead singer Deryck Whibley sticks to the tried and tested in the band’s new album.

PHOTOS | INTERNET

IT HAS been almost four years since Canadian punk rock band Sum 41, released its last album Underclass Hero.

This time, with their fifth full-length album Screaming Bloody Murder, the band offers 14 tracks with a few genuine gems among them.

However it still lacks the maturity expected from a band that has been on the scene for ten years.

Sum 41 first burst onto the mainstream scene with their debut album All Killer No Filler in 2001, with anthems decrying conformity while glorifying the “lower middle class brat”. Ten years later Screaming Bloody Murder is largely the same formula.

The first song on the album, Reason To Believe, reflects on the familiar themes of teenage angst with lyrics like Yeah give me reasons to believe / This world is not a sick machine.

The title track Screaming Bloody Murder is loud and aggressive with lead singer Der yck Whibley bawling lines that could have easily been lifted straight from the Facebook status of a preadolescent kid—I’m my worst enemy who can’t be saved.

What Am I To Say is a slightly more tolerable attempt to be radio-friendly with allusions to God and relationship struggles with lines like What am I praying for / I don’t believe in help.

Exit Song holds a dual meaning. It speaks of the end of the internal struggle of the song’s character, and is also placed at the end of the album.

Despite including a pianodriven track with Over Now, Sum 41 sticks to what it does best. Catchy punk rock tunes and heavily distorted guitar chords are the mainstay of the album, with little having changed since 2001.

This is a good thing for die hard fans who love their style, but might not appeal to other listeners seeking something fresh.

Perhaps the influence of Whibley’s divorce from pop singer, Avril Lavigne is to blame for the familiar themes of angst and loss.

-Winifred Seto

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reviews

FILMS RIO (3D)

ADVENTURE/COMEDY Jesse Eisenberg, Anne Hathaway 96 min

,,,,, THE MAN behind Ice Age has decided to take a vacation from the cold and venture into warmer (literally) territory.

Director Carlos Saldanha sets his latest film in the tropical city of Rio de Janeiro, the second largest in Brazil.

The comedy-adventure centres on Blu (Jesse Eisenberg), a flightless blue macaw who is smuggled out of the jungle. He ends up by accident in small-town Minnesota, where he meets Linda (Leslie Mann), a bookstore owner.

When bird-rescuer Tulio (Rodrigo Santoro) pleads with Linda to take Blu to Rio so that he can mate with the last remaining female of his species (Anne Hathaway as Jewel), Linda reluctantly agrees. But no sooner are the two placed in the same cage that they are stolen by bird-smugglers.

Despite the large cast of both humans and animals, the city of Rio de Janeiro itself is the main star of the movie. The tropical city was evidently a wondrous source of inspiration for the Brazillian-born Saldanha, whose vision bursts forth from the screen with unparalled colour, imagination and sheer energy.

From its opening scene, the latest animation technology is put to full use to bring alive the colours of the rain forest. Dazzling sights nicely complement the city’s signature

I BELIEVE I CAN FLY: Blu (Jessie Eisenberg) and Jewel (Anne Hathaway) listen to some wise words of advice from Rafael (George Lopez).

samba music, and the Latin rhythms crank up the movie’s energy levels.

Highlights of the film include the action sequences, which are best appreciated in 3D. There is a breathtaking flight over Rio with a panoramic view of Guanbara Bay, and the climactic finale takes place amidst the crowds at the city’s annual Carnivale festival.

The lines of a movie are only as good as the voice cast delivering them, and thankfully, the cast is outstanding. Jessie Eisenberg (The Social Network) infuses Blu’s personal-

ity with a touch of vulnerability while Anne Hathaway (Love and Other Drugs) is delightful as Eisenberg’s spunky foil.

While the movie is a lovingly rendered celebration of the city with its sparkling coastline and vibrant culture, it does not ignore the social problems of the city’s poverty and slums. The city’s problems are represented by a street child who resorts to petty crime and is featured in several scenes.

Unfortunately, the romance between Blu and Jewel doesn’t quite come alive as it

MORNING GLORY

COMEDY Rachel McAdams, Diane Keaton, Harrison Ford 107 min

,,,,,

LAYING THE SMACKDOWN: Driver (Dwayne ”The Rock” Johnson) opens fire on his target.

FASTER

ACTION THRILLER Dwayne Johnson, Oliver Jackson-Cohen

98 min

,,,,, THE ACTION in Faster moves along as if checking items off a list.

It possesses all the elements of a classic 1970s vengeance film, the most important of which is a crazed avenger playing the lead hell-bent on hunting down the people who have done him an injustice.

It bears a resemblance to Quentin Tarantino’s masterpiece Kill Bill, except with a professional wrestler instead of the willowy blonde actress Uma Thurman.

Dwayne Johnson, the heavily muscled and tattooed bruiser known worldwide as The

PHOTOS | INTERNET

Rock, plays the part of the avenger, simply named ‘Driver’. Johnson cuts an imposing figure on screen, as a deadly individual who kills without remorse. Driver does not speak much and prefers to let his fists do the talking.

After ten years of imprisonment, Driver sets out to avenge his late brother who was killed in a botched robbery. He aims to kill everyone responsible for his brother’s death in the most ruthless manner possible.

should, suffering from the relentless pace of the movie and the dizzying plethora of supporting characters. The corresponding friendship between Linda and Tulio also does not get fleshed out sufficiently.

Despite its flaws, it is clear that Rio was made with considerable affection, zest, and good humor. Thanks to a stellar voice cast and delightful animation, Rio is an adventure that will appeal to both adults and children.

-Brenda Xie

But ten years is a long time. The people responsible for his brother’s killings have changed their ways and some have even started families. He finds himself hurting innocent victims as he checks off the list of people he wants dead.

There are not many highlights in the movie, although if one had to choose, the car chase would qualify.

The car chase is an exciting affair with impressive drifting, heart-stopping turns and a lot of skillful manoeuvring.

Unfortunately the fight scenes do not live up to expectations.

When faced with Driver’s intimidating figure , most victims hardly put up a fight and go down pretty quickly.

But Faster makes up for these lacklustre action scenes by focusing on weightier themes like brotherhood and justice. The movie’s tagline of ‘Slow justice is no justice’ aptly describes Driver’s situation.

The action does not revolve entirely around Driver, with supporting characters like Killer (Oliver Jackson-Cohen) adding a layer of complexity to the movie.

Another complicated character with a non-descript moniker, Killer is tasked with the mission of assassinating Driver.

He is introduced as an individual who has had to overcome a debilitating illness in his youth before becoming a dangerous hitman. The mystery of Killer’s past, which hints heavily at a troubled childhood, is captivating.

It could explain his compulsion to finish off challenges, including his most difficult mission to date—the assassination of Driver.

The dynamic between Driver and Killer adds another intriguing element to the movie.

Overall, what Faster lacks in action, it makes up for with an interesting plot.

-Judith Ho

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FILMS

NORWEGIAN WOOD

Romance Toru Watanabe, Rinko Kikuchi 133 min

,,,,, FOR THE film’s protagonist Tor u Watanabe (Kenichi Matsuyama, Death Note), the Beatles song Norwegian Wood never fails to invoke nostalgic recollections and bring him back to the past.

Based on the bestselling 1987 novel by Haruki Murakami, Norwegian Wood revolves around the themes of love, loss and tragedy.

Vietnamese director Tran Anh Hung decided not to change the whimsical title for his film adaptation, and it remains faithful to much of the novel’s plot.

Set in Tokyo in the late 1960s (hence the connection to The Beatles) the movie revolves around Watanabe, a high school student and his relationship problems.

He is torn between his first love, the emotionally unstable Naoko (Rinko Kikuchi, Babel), and Midori (Kiko Mizuhara), a vivacious young woman who seems to be perfect for his current life.

Naoko was the girlfriend of Watanabe’s best friend Kizuki (Kengo Kora), until Kizuki committed suicide.

His suicide paralysed both Naoko and Watanabe

emotionally. Naoko descends into despair and eventually checks herself into a remote sanitarium.

Feeling like life has lost all meaning, Watanabe also disengages himself from the world.

He struggles to get by from day to day, and even sex becomes a mere physical activity for him.

Yet, the death that is the cause of all their anguish is ironically what binds Naoko and Watanabe together.

They fall in love but they are denied a happy ending because their past—the inexpressibly painful loss of a loved one—continues to hold them back.

Watanabe travels between his past and present as he visits Naoko at her facility tucked away in the secluded wintry landscape of Kyoto and goes on dates with Midori back in the urban playground of Tokyo.

He cannot decide where his heart belongs.

The melancholic, keening orchestral score by Radiohead band member Jonny Greenwood helps to create a sombre mood that

SIX SUSPECTS

was based on), Swarup goes the other way and explores the world of the rich. Despite the money and the fame, it is no less seedy or dangerous.

The story of the murder of the rich and influential industrialist, Vivek Rai is told through the eyes of journalist Arun Advani. Six strange characters are detained as suspects of the murder.

The six are a bureaucrat, a handphone thief, an actress, a tribal man, a politician and an American from Texas.

Swarup abandons the conventional chronological style of detective novels.

First, he establishes the characters individually, examining their backgrounds in-depth. He then continues to develop their motives for wanting to kill Rai through each of their points of view.

While the common crime story hooks the reader with suspense, Swarup hooks the reader of Six Suspects with his intriguing characters.

Some are sympathetic, like Munna the young handphone thief with a heart of gold. Others are utterly despicable, like former government official Mohan Kumar who is corrupt to the bone. The mix

Vikas Swarup (Fiction) $23.10 at Kinokuniya Published by Black Swan

IN MODERN-day, India the social hierarchy of the rich and the poor divides the population better than any caste system. The rich are often absolved of blame while the poor are left falsely accused. In Six Suspects, Vikas Swarup explores how inequality permeates presentday Indian society.

Instead of focusing on the slums and ghettos like he did in his first book Q&A (the book Slumdog Millionaire

WINTER OF DISCONTENT: Naoko (Rinko Kikuchi) and Watanabe (Kenichi Matsuyama) struggle to deal with their emotions.

PHOTOS | INTERNET

complements the film’s dark and brooding themes.

Visually striking, the cinematography features Japan’s scenic countryside with the lush greens of the mountains and the snowy, misty forest landscapes.

The establishing shots of the vast landscapes also serve to isolate and further detach the film’s haunted and confused protagonists. The scores chime in time with the

of personalities keeps the book engaging.

While the division of the book into six parts helped to facilitate the logical development and understanding of each character, it also made the read confusing.

It was difficult to keep track of the different characters. You find yourself having to thumb back to previous chapters to figure out if Mohan Kumar (the bureaucrat) was the same person as Home Minister Sahib (the politician).

In the course of the investigation, certain sad but familiar truths about society are brought to life: the corruption of the government and the courts and the greed of normal people.

Six Suspects goes beyond being just another detective-suspense novel. It is also a social critique that will leave you pondering about society, wealth and power.

As for what sets the poor apart from the rich, Munna sums it up best: “There is nothing intrinsically different about the rich. They just wear better clothes.”

-Mark Tay

spectacular images, coming together well.

Despite the cold and rushed opening of the film that lacked an in-depth portrayal of the love between ‘soul mates’ K izuk i and Naoko, the film does develop into an emotional and beautiful piece that captures the essence of the themes of Murakami’s novel.

However, those who have read the novel are likely

DREAMSELLER Augusto Cury (Fiction) $27.77 at Kinokuniya Published by Simon & Schuster

IMAGINE being pushed to the brink, even thinking about ending it all. Then you meet a strange wanderer from the streets who claims he has a dream to sell, to convince you to love your life. Will you buy it, or turn him away?

In today’s world, all of us are caught up in the mindless routine of working at jobs we hate to buy stuff we don’t need to impress people we don’t like. There are

to be more critical of the contextual gaps. The film offers a poor backdrop for the historical university students’ protest riots that went on in the 1960s, the chaos of the riots intended to mirror the internal tumult of Watanabe’s emotions.

Unfortunately much of it was not developed fully and came off as irrelevant.

More importantly, what characterised Murakami’s

novel was the retrospection detail—the inner dialogues and thoughts of the protagonist—that the film unfortunately did not examine thoroughly.

It was undoubtedly a tall order for Tran to translate the critically acclaimed novel into a motion picture, but ultimately he managed to do so without ruining the essence of Norwegian Wood.

endless books, theories and philosophies in life that we create to explain the despair of modern life.

Yet according to Augusto C u r y ’s n e w a ge no v e l Dreamseller, the answer lies in simply stepping back and remembering our dreams.

The novel begins with a man named Bartomelo standing on a 20-storey building, ready to end his life with a single jump. A series of disasters one after another, including a failed marriage and bankruptcy, has stretched him to breaking point.

Just as he is about to take the plunge, the dreamseller steps into his life.

The dreamseller is not a psychiatrist and neither is he a philosopher, but he may be more effective than both.

An ordinary man without any special powers, he talks Bartomelo down from the ledge and convinces him to rethink his decision. He inspires the suicidal man to renew his search for meaning in life.

Bartomelo fields endless questions from the dreamseller, and each answer brings him closer to the realisation that he has lost the will to

chase his dreams.

Roused by the dreamseller‘s words, Bartomelo decides to abandon his plan of suicide and join the dreamseller, intending to follow in his footsteps.

They wander about on the streets as the dreamseller approaches others with the same set of thought-provoking questions.

As the novel moves on, a bunch of misfits including an alcoholic, a con artist and a sham ‘miracle worker’ joins the dreamseller’s journey.

Each of these followers had their flaws, be it their egos, their prejudice, or their recklessness. But each of these flaws is corrected with time and patience from the dreamseller.

Cury’s writing style is straightforward and easy to comprehend. He tends to be preachy at times, but ultimately, the novel is both moving and inspiring.

You will find yourself answering the very questions the novel poses, and looking to see how they may affect your own life.

-Theodora Theresa D’cruz

-Siau Ming En

BOOKS FROM KINOKUNIYA

THE SHOW STOPPER

dapper: your essential style guide

22 SHOW

STYLE IS...

Rohaizatul Azhar Gurung Fashion Writer, URBAN

THE JUDGES

I’ll be giving a portion on it to my friend who I made over, I think that without her I would not even win. I have my eyes on a couple of shoes and bags, you can never have enough of them. I think that in style, the details are the most important.

$500 ZARA VOUCHER...

A Baju Kebaya, it is very unforgiving to my figure, it’s too tight and unlike other kind of clothes you can make adjustments to it making it look better on you, a kebaya is very straightforward.

MY WORST OUTFIT...

It’s actually quite stressful dressing up in the morning, but after a while you get the hang of it, you know what goes with what. I like to play with colours and silhouette. I like to balance the proportions of my clothes, so if I’m wearing a loose big bottom I like to wear something more form fitting at the top. It’s all about balance.

PLANNING AN OUTFIT...

I think the concept of style is being comfortable in your own skin and making people accept who you are. I definitely dress for myself, because if I dress for someone else, I don’t think I can afford their concept of style.

faizah omar Styled by: round 3b winner farhana ja’afar

(left)

17

A few words with Farhana, our Grand Prize winner...

VOL. NO.

CHRONICLE 10

THE NANYANG

THE BOY-NEXTDOOR

(right) assylan akimbayev Styled by: round 1a winner emir

zen tan Styled by: round 2a winner marcus chee

(right)

THE EFFORTLESS CHIC

THE GLAMOUR QUEEN

lee zhi ying Styled by: round 2b winner ong shi yun

(below)

THE ROCKETTE

adzlynn fizra Styled by: round 3a winner michelle yap

(left)

Poh Shae Ching Image Creation, Mediacorp

24 SHOW

THE NANYANG

James Ng MAE, Year 2 “I am not going to wear it to school nor to town. You need to be tall like models to be able to pull this off.

Besides, the weather is too warm to be wearing pants all the time.”

Ciara Hickey NBS Exchange student

THE NEW PANTS

“This trend is refreshing. I can actually imagine this on any guys on the street.

However, Singaporean men always find excuses for not dressing up and are not brave enough to take on these trends.”

17

CHRONICLE 10

dapper report Emily Tan ADM, Year 2

VOL. NO.

“It looks quite good and not too effeminate, but you have to pair it with masculine clothes. The guy has to be lean, tall and slender to pull it off but I like this trend more on myself.”

MEGGINGS Melvin Chua WKWSCI, Year 4 “It is unique, but I will never wear it. It probably does not feel comfortable. It seems like the male population is starting to wear the same thing as the females.”

Reckless Ericka

ELOHIM

Song for the mute

TRENDING

ISSUE

MEN’S FASHION WEEK 2011

Grace Cheong SPMS, Year 4

RAOUL

Joey Samson

LEATHER

“This trend is more suited for partying and fun occasions.

A guy has to be well-groomed with good shoulders to pull it off.”

Edmond Chin SPMS, Year 2

Noelle Yong HSS, Year 1

“This is too hard to pull off because it’s too impractical. But it’s formal without being too serious. The guy cannot wear more leather than I do though.”

Evenodd

“This trend is more suitable for parties than for everyday wear. It simply stands out too much and is not very practical.”

ATZU

THE ‘IT’ SHIRT

Ting Teck Wei NBS, Year 3 “I think that I will only wear it for special occasions, but definitely not as everyday wear. It’s more of a novelty.”

舞蹈团体济济一堂 呈现不同风格 —— 刊31页

南大生林子睿

踏出校园 涉足政坛 张健俊●报道 中文编辑

尚

未毕业，年仅24岁 的南大宇航系四年 级学生林子睿，就已经是 革新党青年团主席。他的 目标，是进入国会。 在今年1月加入革新党 的他，在赶写毕业专题 （FYP）的同时，还要抽 出时间为革新党招聘新 人、组织论坛以及筹备来 届大选的竞选活动。 革新党秘书长肯尼斯 曾经向媒体透露，他不排 除新上任的三名青年团领 袖，会派往集选区竞选。 他若参加来届大选， 年龄就会比最近引起非议 的行动党新候选人陈佩玲 （27岁）还小。 涉足政坛 一时冲动？ 在去年10月的南大常 年部长论坛上，林子睿向 国务资政吴作栋表达年轻 人对国家归属感日趋淡泊 的言论，引起坊间的一番 舆论。 他认为去年的部长论 坛是他人生的转捩点。 他解释：“其实在去 年的论坛中，我并没有打 算加入任何政党。可是当 时没得到令我满意的答 案，使我开始反思，萌起 加入一个政党的念头。”

政治理念 一拍即合 对于候选人的资历， 林子睿以“老王卖瓜，自 卖自夸”这一句歇后语来 形容。 他 语 重 心 长 地 说 道：“人们加入政坛不是 因为金钱，而是有满腔的 热诚。” 在参考了不同政党的 理念后，他最终觉得革新 党最适合自己。 他说:“革新党的理念 最吸引我，尤其是在解决 贫富悬殊的课题上，让我 有共鸣。” 领导经验 有助参政 林子睿曾经是NTU Runners’Club主席，其 领导能力把团体带到更高 的级别（Tier 1）。 现任副主席张峻源 （22岁）说：“子睿 是名优秀的领导，在 Runners’Club的任期致 力于宣传主办的活动。” 离巢风波 影响深远 革新党离巢风波不断 延续，最新一起是革新 党副主席卓金炎的突然离 职。两个月前，包括四名 重量级党员在内的10人也 突然宣布集体退党。 针对此事，林子睿表 示这个决定非常突然，他

也是阅读报章后，才获知 消息。 事件的发生，他觉 得“非常不幸”，可是排 除此事和革新党秘书长肯 尼斯有关。

“人们加入政 坛不是因为金 钱，而是有满 腔的热诚。”

小档案 24岁 南大宇航系四年级学生 Aerospace Engineering Year 4 革新党青年团主席 Young Reformers 前NTU Runners’ Club主席

林子睿 南大宇航四年级生

他说：“看到这些集 体退党的负面新闻，选民 可能会直呼‘天啊’，然 后把票投给行动党。” 他补充，选民最终还 是会把票投给能代表自己 的候选人。 负面印象 人才却步 总理李显龙日前指 出，本地没有足够政治 人才在朝野组成两支“A 队”互相较量。 林子睿不赞同这个说 法，而身旁其实有几名能 干的朋友，可是“反对 党”一词，给人负面的刻 板印象，使人才却步。 他说：“人们认为， 若一个人和反退党挂钩的 话，会有不好的下场，让 许多人不敢挺身而出。因

抱着一个“没什么可输”心态的林子睿在受访时说，他经过两个月的考虑和视察， 才决定加入政党，并非一时的冲动。

摄影|陈伟正 此当我需要他们的意见 时，得到的回复却是‘不 要’。” 照理来说，他认为各 个政党都会把人才召集在 一支所谓的A队。 他问道：“就像4x100 米的接力赛跑，你会把跑 得最快的选手放在同一 队，还是把他们分散？” 被问及反对党不能成 为联盟的原因，他认为各 个政党都有不同的理念和 顾虑，不容易达成共识。 可是他强调，有了反 对党的竞争，本地政坛才 会有所进步。 他语气坚定地说：

“我们的目标是组织最强 的队伍，攻下集选区。” 社交媒体 开放言论 林子睿承认，主流媒 体在这次选前的报道，比 起往届大选，开放了许 多。他把情况归咎于社交 媒体的崛起。 他说：“如果主流媒 体没有呈现真实的情况， 他们将失去公信力。” 意外的是，他也不完 全相信社交媒体上的信 息。他把矛头指向那些“ 扶手椅的积极分子”。 （Armchair activists）

舞蹈大会 为日本灾民筹款 雷慧媛●报道

为

由潘志慧发起的“Dance for Japan”虽然只有一个月 的筹备时间，可是大家却能够为日本大地震的灾民筹 得约1万9000元。 摄影|蓝文志

帮助日本大地震灾 民，南大传播系生 潘志慧（23岁）在短短 一个月内于*SCAPE筹办 两场演出，筹得了约1万 9000元，令人鼓舞。 潘志慧和好友们一同 在网上售卖近900张舞蹈 大会“Dance for Japan” ，票价20元，把筹到的

款项全数捐给慈援组织 （Mercy Relief）。 本身舞蹈经验丰富的 潘志慧在看到新闻转播日 本灾难画面后，就在社交 媒体Facebook上表示想借 舞蹈的力量，为急需援助 的灾民筹款。 两天的表演分别有14 和18组舞蹈团体参与，其 中有两组来自南大。他们 是在上个月校舍闭幕式 （Hall Olympiad Closing

Ceremony）舞蹈大赛的 获冠舞团“Unific”和南 大“MJ”嘻哈舞团。 “MJ”团长曾艾薇 （20岁）说：“我们33名 表演者不是伟大的人，但 我们喜欢跳舞，也能用微 小的力量去帮助别人。” 另类“快闪” 作为宣传 为宣传大会，主办者 邀200名民众聚集在义安

他补充：“最后，我 们还是希望有人能站出来 到基层去。” 挑战艰巨 任重道远 不到两个月就毕业的 他，目前还没找到工作。 在他加入革新党后， 家人其实蛮担心的。除此 之外，身为家庭补习老师 的他，也因这个缘故，造 成三名家长拒绝让子女继 续补习课。 现在没有后顾之忧的 他，是抱着一个“没什么 可输”的心态，来面对今 后的政治道路。

城广场做场另类“快闪” 活动（Flash mob）。 来自国大人文社科学 院的林欣仪（22岁）是这 场名为“浩大社会实验” （The Great Social Experiment）的活动负责人。 参与者会收到一段录 音，并在当天下午抵达现 场，依照录音的指示做不 同的动作，如搔头发或在 小纸条写活动详情，交给 一名陌生人宣传活动。 对于活动的概念，她 说：“这个活动虽然简 单，但十分有趣，能达到 宣传效果。”

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THE NANYANG

VOL. NO.

17

CHRONICLE 10

南大中医诊所

义诊活动响应“世界健康日” 柯怡

首

●报道

次响应“世界健康 日”，南大中医诊 所在日前主办一日义诊的 活动，反应比平日热烈。 每个时段都订满的义 诊活动不但让南大师生受 惠，也增加他们对于中医 的认识。 据了解，南大中医诊 所的求诊者有一半是南大 的师生。 患上流行性感冒而 前来看诊的机械工程二 年级生陈毓君 （20岁） 说：“从古至今，中药的 疗效大家有目共睹，因此 才能流传到现在。” 据中医师傅思佳的讲 解，看诊分为四类：望、 闻、问与切。望是观察病 人的面相、闻是用五官感 觉病人、问则是问诊，而 切指的是把脉。中医通过 这四项来诊断病患的病

情，并且对症下药。 此外，诊所提供了几 个不同的治疗方法：中药 饮片或颗粒、针灸、保健 推拿以及拔罐。中药大多 源于香港和台湾。 当天首次看诊和接受 治疗的，包括来自韩国的 南大生物科学院研究助理 夫妇辛英顺和严基东。

“这是我首次 尝试了拔罐， 治疗之后感到 非常舒服。” 辛英顺 生物科学院研究助理

他们认为，本身虽然 不喜欢中药的苦味，但是 与西药相比，他们还是倾 向中药。 辛英顺说：“这是我 首次尝试了拔罐，治疗之

后感到非常舒服。下次我 还想试试推拿！” 傅思佳说，有肩颈背 酸痛的人士通常采用拔 罐疗法，把体内的湿气排 出，减轻病患的病痛。而 针灸则能让血脉顺畅，调 和气血。 辛英顺的丈夫严基东 则因长期在实验室工作 而有手指疼痛的症状，所 以决定到南大中医诊所看 看。他表示，接受治疗 后，手指的疼痛减轻了许 多，并会继续接受治疗。 但是，也有少数人对 中医保持观望的态度。 有轻微头痛而前来看 诊的材料工程三年级生池 圣凯（21岁）说：“如今 科技发达，使用仪器检测 身体远比把脉来得准确。 因此，西医在这方面还是 占据优势。” 不少受访者也认为， 南大中医诊所的看诊医师 都是实习医师，因此对他

有肩颈背酸痛的人士通常采用拔罐疗法，把体内的湿气排出，减轻病患的病痛。

摄影|吴静婷 们的医术有所顾虑。 对此，中医师傅思佳 表示，为病人看诊的其实 都是资深的中医师，并非

实习医师。实习医师只会 从旁学习，不会参与诊断 的工作。 对于中医是否会成为

Impresario 2011 和 Stella Eccellente 2011

大小选秀比赛 可圈可点

Frostyz造型亮丽，并以杰出的舞蹈表现镇压群雄，赢得 Impresario 2011的冠军。 摄影|蓝文志

张健俊 卓诗婷●报道 虽在参赛时音乐“背叛” 了他，但南大土木与环境工 程系一年级生覃伟敬（22 岁）从容不迫地应对，顺利 克服难关。 这名来自宿舍五的参赛者 在宿舍四、五和七联办的年 度歌唱比赛“Stella Eccellente”演唱曹格的《背叛》 时，音乐突然在副歌后停

止。他细腻的清唱获得观 众如雷掌声，成为亚军。 然而，指定音乐学 院“The Music Clinic” 的评判之一杨雪妮讲评时 说：“音乐停止时，你应 该改进心跳声，否则演唱 时常常会赶拍。” 碰巧的是，覃伟敬和 季军陈恩慧（20岁）在 两个月前以合唱方式打 进全国才艺“Impresario 2011”的半决赛，却因准

备不足，无缘总决赛。 他们推断：“或许因 为汲取了Impresario半决 赛的经验，所以在面对小 型的比赛‘Stella Eccellente’时就得心应手。” 而今年大型才艺比 赛“Impresario 2011”大 决赛竞争颇为激烈。 自半决赛就以洪亮嗓 音出众的爱玲（Eireen Enriquez），这次的表演 曲目评审觉得太冷门，而 无法在众望下夺冠。 爱玲演唱了Jennifer Hudson的“I Am Changing”。她虽尊重评审的 看法，但认为这首百老汇 歌曲其实很受欢迎。 双人组项目也各自风 格独特。 同时参与双人组和创 作组的“双人物”，虽然 在创作组，但是却在双人 组交白卷，。 当评审问及歌曲《我 的错》的创作灵感时，参 赛者陈永权（23岁）却犹 豫许久后才回答。 他之后解释：“这首 歌的精髓在于那段恋情的 内心挣扎。所以，当时我 也不知该怎么回答才较恰 当。” 另一名入围创作组的

参赛者何文亮（32岁）一 人包办词曲、制作和演 唱。评审却建议，应另找 唱功较稳的人代唱。 身为这个比赛年纪最 大的她分享：“因为这首 歌是我要献给心仪的对 象，虽唱得不好，但有一 百分诚意。” 舞蹈方面则由活力四 射的Frostyz夺冠。 这次的比赛，舞蹈组 别大多以哥特式（gothic）造型作主题，被评审 直批没新意，而Frostyz的 亮丽造型因此较为突出。

当音乐停止时，演唱《背 叛》的覃伟敬在台上愣了 一阵子。 摄影|温忠浩

评 判

未来的趋势，她说：“随 着人口的老化，会有多人 寻找保健品，而中药会是 最好的选择。”

Stella Eccellente评判之一杨雪 妮受访时指出：“在比赛即将开始 时，我和另一名评判杨全莲只有一 张评分表格，可见主办单位并没有 做好充分的准备。” 而且，虽然杨雪妮再三提醒工作 人员把参赛者麦克风的回音减到最 低，可是比赛时麦克风仍有回音， 间接影响了参赛者的整体表现。 在另一边厢，Impresario评审 Patrick认为，今年的比赛似乎过于注 重歌唱方面，而忽略了舞蹈部分。 他也因今年舞蹈组合没达到他预期 水准而失望。 曾担任很多大小型舞蹈比赛的评 审的他认为，外头有很多出色的舞 蹈员，主办单位应更努力吸引这些 舞者参赛。 他也相信，Impresario作为一个大 型寻星比赛，应该能够发挥更大的 潜能，发掘更多明日之星。

：

两 场 决 赛 流 程 有 待 进 步

Impresario 2011舞蹈评审Patrick （左）对舞蹈组合的水准失望； Stella Eccellente 2011评审杨雪妮 则认为，主办单位并没有做好准备 的工作。 摄影|温忠浩

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言论 编辑室

真假事物 别傻傻分不清楚

周慧敏 中文编辑

这个世界和年代，什 么都可以假乱真；资 讯爆炸中如何分辨真 伪，是我们都必须具 备的技能，才不会“ 老鼠，老虎，傻傻分 不清楚。”

插图｜黄佳慧

鼠标，便可随心所欲地改造。 网站故事玩弄爱情真谛 除了优惠券这小插曲之外， 更有甚者玩弄爱情的真谛。 新加坡版本的梁山伯与祝英 台现代爱情故事，也如今上演

至面簿。 47岁的Audrey和23岁的Mark 的姐弟恋由于不获家人的同 意，而设立了一个名为“传召 你的祝福，转发给你的朋友” （Calling for your blessings, spread to your friends）的面簿 网站，图寻网友支持和鼓励。

谈确保宿舍名额的秘诀

付晓淳 随着3G网络的出现，加上 智能手机的普及化，让年轻 人更依赖智能手机。但是，我们 应该学习怎样操控科技，而不是 被科技操控。 有了人性化的程序设置以及方 便快捷的数据库，用户能在任何 时间或地点通过手机查看他们的 电邮，更新他们的社交媒体等。

南

大宿舍入住的截分 点在去年高达17 分，使有些学生觉得高不 可攀。对于下个学年是否 能住宿舍，许多学生也感 到十分茫然。 其实，笔者认为，要 住宿舍其实没有想象的那 么困难。笔者向学长请教 保住宿舍名额的秘诀。他 们总结出了两点经验。

第一，妥善安排自己 的时间，争取机会积极参 加课外活动。 课外活动与宿舍挂 钩，能使更多学生参加课 外活动，锻炼他们的领袖 才能，也能促进学校课外 活动的发展。 第二，广交外地来的 学生和他们共同申请宿 舍，可以获得额外分数， 让逗留宿舍的念头不再成 为悬念。 另外，这个加分制度 鼓励学生多和外国同学相 处，开阔视野。这些对学

由于女主角被媒体踢爆已 婚20年，而且网站的很多字眼 十分商业化，不少广告业者怀 疑，这是宣传界的另一起“病 毒效应”（viral effect）。 若被证实造假，宣传效果或 许弄巧反拙。的确，很多网站 留言者对这段恋情持怀疑的态

伴

王南

安排时间 积极参加活动

鉴定网站可靠性的方法 要鉴定一个网站或优惠券的 可靠性，除了应与官方网站对 比其商标，也须查看该网站或 优惠券的更新日期、创造日期 和创造者，若有更多疑虑，甚

最

近网上流传伪造的麦当 劳优惠券，不少人拿着 这些伪造券去兑换。 根据麦当劳的发言人，网上 流传的伪造快餐优惠券犹如“ 洪水般”那么多，却不知有多 少人已陷入这场骗局。 发言人也建议，消费者能通 过查看麦当劳的官方网站或面 簿（Facebook），验证优惠券 的真实性。 乍看之下，优惠券的设计的 确很真实——有麦当劳的典型 芝士汉堡，以及一盒类似麦当 劳的薯条，右下角甚至印上了 条码。 但薯条的盒子上却没有麦当 劳标志，而这也是唯一证明优 惠券造假的蛛丝马迹。 笔者的友人看了伪造优惠 券，觉得又好气又好笑。 她也希望优惠券能像以前一 样有打印固本，省了现在必须 打印出来的麻烦。 这也让笔者反思，有了互联 网和现代高超科技，要在任何 照片或文字上动手脚，也仅为 举手之劳：按按几个键，点点

度，甚至不看好这段恋情。

插图｜黄佳慧

生大有裨益，也体现校方 的用心良苦。 可是，很多学生对于 校方通过课外活动和住家 地址来分配宿舍的制度不 满。客观来说，笔者觉得 现有制度是合理的，因为 应该把宿舍优先分配给住 家离校较远的学生。 也有很多中国学生反 映，在中国的大学，宿舍 是不和课外活动挂钩的， 而校方会确保宿舍能够容 纳所有需要住校的学生。 幸好，在南大2015计 划中，已拟定建设更多宿 舍，确保三分之二的学生 都能住进宿舍，疏解宿舍

供不应求的情况。 宿舍制度 有待改进 当然，要做到真正 意义上的完美，是不现 实的。 虽然学校长期以来 一直不断改进宿舍制 度，但还是会有一小部 分的人在宿舍问题上遇 到麻烦。 比如：不同社团分 数的分配还有待完善。 因此笔者希望，学 校能积极聆听学生的心 声，把宿舍的分配系统 做得更公平完善。

智能手机让我们无处不 在、无时不在与人交 流，但可惜的是，情感 成分也跟着减少：我们 可以很轻松地打出一个 笑脸的符号，但有多少 人真的在笑呢？ 然而在智能手机为生活带来便 利的同时，也制造了不少困扰， 因此，使用者的态度和自控能力 便是减少困扰的关键。 笔者认为，作为向往新鲜事物 的年轻一代，我们更应该懂得怎 么分配我们的时间，不要让科技 成为主导生活的嗜好。 信息化生活 忽略亲友 在享受科技带来的信息化生活 的当下，我们可能会忽略和人与 人交谈的机会。在家庭朋友聚会

至应咨询有关专家的看法。 当然，分辨真伪的方法不计 其数，笔者只是列举一二。 曹雪芹《红楼梦》中，男 主角贾宝玉道出现今社会的矛 盾：“假作真时真亦假，无为 有处有还无。” 这个世界和年代，什么都可 以假乱真；资讯爆炸中如何分 辨真伪，是我们都必须具备的 技能，才不会“老鼠，老虎， 傻傻分不清楚”。

时，很多年轻人会不由自主地 拿出智能手机，查看面簿的更 新或是发送简讯。 很多时候，我们太过专注 于非自然化的交谈，而忘记了 人和人之间面对面沟通的重要 性。这样一来，科技成了疏远 人际关系的罪魁祸首。 但是，当我们把重心放在 智能手机这种通讯工具上时， 就很难再有畅谈时的开怀，书 信往来的真切。 智能手机让我们无处不 在、无时不在与人交流，但 可惜的是，情感成分也跟着减 少：我们可以很轻松地打出一 个笑脸的符号，但有多少人真 的在笑呢？这又带出另一个问 题：频繁的交流，是否会拉近 彼此的心灵？ 对科技矛盾 掌握策略 我们能针对现况探讨一些 应对方式，如：过于依赖智能 手机，可能会影响到我们和家 人朋友之间的直接相处。 我们也需要时常做自我暗 示，提醒自己不要沉迷于智能 手机来沟通和联络。 与其通过手机网络来了解 家人朋友的生活，不如尝试主 动和他们聚会。 我们要用自身的智慧来掌 控智能手机，让它成为我们丰 富资讯生活的催化剂，而不是 左右我们情感的操盘手。

用 智 慧 掌 控 智 能 科 技

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CHRONICLE 10 人物

身兼多职 各自活得精彩 忙得不可开交的小寒和郑春茂医生先后推出新书，发表他们多年来的人生历练和生活热诚。 这一期，就让中文编辑周慧敏和张健俊来为你发掘他们内心深处的一面。

歌词达人小寒

美食达人郑春茂医生

关注本地音乐的直率作词人

热心公益的美食博客

后记：在访问当中，小寒很愿意接受敏感问题，答复显露她直率的本性。 摄影|温忠浩 访问结束后，若还有问题，她会乐意拨出时间回答。

身

为少数出色女性 作词人的小寒能 写出男生不能体会的事 情，在新书 《眼泪是胶 囊》善用科学元素。 之前从事科学研究小 寒觉得人类是胶囊，可 以封住快乐；歌曲也是 胶囊，可以封住爱情。 新书收录12年来发表 的文章，颇受本地读者 欢迎，首印有两千本， 现在已是再版。 小寒也邀到20名圈中 好友在书中写推荐，还 为好友们画肖像图。 对于圈中好友的印 象，她说：“孙燕姿说 话简短；许如芸谈得 来；我跟蔡健雅性格很 像，都是逞强派。” 写词容易有自杀倾向 小寒说：“每次听歌 寻找灵感时，往往会容 易有自杀倾向。”她表 明自己容易沉浸在歌词 里而不开心。 外刚内柔的小寒坦 言，在2008年她必须兼 顾当人母、作词人、科 学研究员等多重角色。 为了孩子，她最终决定 辞去生物研究的工作。 小寒的母亲起初怀疑 她辞去生物研究工作的 决定。

她承认，写词辛 苦，钱也少。同时，她 进一步权衡当作词人的 利弊：“现在我觉得没 有排挤，却因为音乐市 场快速萎缩，而过着清 苦的日子。” 与方文山的小误会 2008年凭《达尔 文》入围最佳作词奖的 小寒，听了方文山在 金曲奖的得奖感言，觉 得“很不是滋味”。 凭《青花瓷》得奖 的方文山说：“我在新 加坡机场碰到一个朋友 告诉我，他为了看懂我 的歌词而去学中文。” 一向直肠子的小寒 评价道：“把他的话对 号入座，很像在挖苦新 加坡人。” 她补充：“最惨的 是，报章断章取义，标 题放大，我又不会帮你 卖报纸。” 离不开本地音乐 由于对本地音乐前 景深感担忧，所以小寒 决定把重心放在新加坡 的市场。 曾经参与多部音乐 剧如《881》等的她自 认离不开音乐，认为音

小档案 37岁 著名歌词创作人 齐天音乐学院 创始人之一 《联合晚报》 《女友》专栏家 新书 《眼泪是胶囊》

乐是一个很享受、好 玩的过程。 写文章可以骂人 和作词相比之下 她认为写文章是一件 有趣的事情。在《联 合晚报》和女性杂志 《女友》有专栏的她 说：“我的文笔尖 酸，连艺人想当议 员，我也不饶人。” 接下来，她计划 以大人为受众，想参 与像《特写》的谈话 节目，让社会看到不 同阶层的生活。 小寒也道出作词 的快感：“身为作词 人，最大的满足感 是，即使没有奖杯， 却碰到好的歌手诠释 我的作品，那种满足 感是无法替代的。”

后记：美食博客在访谈里真诚道出对美食的热爱，也尽所能帮助他人。他 畅谈处事待人的基本原则，让记者获益不浅。

摄影|符志强

本

地颇有知名度的 美食博客不少。 然而，面对圈中的竞 争，郑春茂医生风趣地 说：“如果有人愿意和 我竞争做慈善，我会很 乐意和他竞争！” 他在2006年设立 了“ieatishootipost.sg” 的美食博客。曾经获博 客大奖的他，已是本地 点击率最高的美食博客 之一。 他把博客上四年多 的精髓，浓缩成去年 12月推出的本地第一 本介绍美味熟食历史 及文化的新书《炒 条 的末日和其他小贩故 事》 （The End of Char Kway Teow and Other Hawker Mysteries）。 售书所得造福人群 热心公益的郑医生 把预售两千本书的所 得，捐给马来西亚巴洲 的山打根（Sandakan） 建校的基金。 另外，他也常召集 网站的支持者一起主办 大型吃会，帮助山打根 的贫童。 他说：“我们连同 Goducate.org筹到了大 约22千元，并购买了一 辆小型货车，改善他们

的生活，给予当地的 儿童希望。”

小档案 42岁

结交不少食客好友 在经营美食博客的 过程中，郑医生也结 交不少好友。 访问当天，看到他 和小贩摊主熟络地交 谈，就懂他因“吃” 而和许多摊主结缘。 记者和摄记有食 福，吃到访问当天的 最后两盘炒 条。 然而，语带无奈 的他道出了出书的原 因：“不少本地美食 缺乏年轻一代接棒， 青黄不接，有一天会 销声匿迹。” 不好吃不写 可有例外 针对问题：“若食 物不好吃，你会不会 写出来？” 郑医生回答：“不 会！如果不好吃，为 什么要写？除非那家 餐厅颇有名气，我才 会促请读者亲临那所 餐厅，自己判断。” 不过，他强调他的 用意不是要捣毁这间 饮食餐厅也不想为别 人添麻烦，成为下一 个“维基泄密”。

家庭诊所医生 ieatishootipost 博客创始人 新书 The End of Char Kway Teow and Other Hawker Mysteries

若受邀到餐馆试 吃，郑医生原则始终 是抱着付钱的心态。 未来仍是个迷 至于能否继续经营 博客，郑医生表示虽 然是个未知数，但是 他了解“没有东西是 永恒的”。 他也表示愿意引进 新科技：“现在流行 社交媒体，多数的留 言都在Facebook上， 所以我也设了个户 口。以后博客可能落 伍了也不一定，我想 买个iPhone来尝试一 下那些应用程序。” 这名食客就有这么 一句口头禅：“不要 在难吃的食物上浪费 卡路里。”

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生活

结合教育与娱乐 新旧艺术融为一体 参观艺术展览不再生涩难懂，互动性的安排让你同艺术品有零距离的接触。 这一期，就让记者卓诗婷和林坪 带你感受狮城的人文气息。 滨海湾金沙艺术科学博物馆

Marina Bay Sands ArtScience Museum

旧加冷机场

2

1

Old Kallang Airport

今

特点：

年的新加坡双年展，力求突破民 众与艺术的隔阂。 再次启用旧加冷机场展览空间，采 用亲切以及随性的方式，让大众接触及 感受艺术的实在性。各种在平时不常看 过的艺术作品，在这里会以生活化的方 式呈现。 世界各地的艺术家凭自己的角度反 映新加坡的生活面貌。作品的主题多样 化，公众也能以自己的观点为这些展览 注入自己的释义。 以三元租一台带有讲解的随身听， 其中也能听到部分的艺术家亲自讲解自 己创作时的理念，让公众可以更进一步 了解作品。

1. 成吉思汗展

特点：

作为有史以来最大规模的成吉思 汗文物展，滨海湾金沙艺术科学博 物馆展出了多达300件未在蒙古之外 展出的稀世珍品，例如：丝绸长袍 以及一具木乃伊。 特别的是，这次展览将让公众看 见成吉思汗机智的一面——人们眼 中的暴君，其实是懂得聪明利用科 学与艺术来加强军力的领导者。 展览厅里的荧幕播放着关于成吉 思汗的故事与解说，让人沉浸在13 世纪，感受那风尘仆仆的时代。

1. 拉斐尔（Raphael）《频率和音量》

金

沙艺术科学博物馆的展览经 过专业的编排，体现一个较 正规的观展体验，让公众可以从中 获取有关讯息。 展馆门票分成人30元，65岁以上 乐龄27元，2岁至12岁儿童17元。 而只要购买一张入门票，就能同 时参观大莲花内的所有展览，也就 是可以同时参观以下所叙述三个大 型开幕展。 除了展览品，场地还播放视频。 另外，触摸屏能提高其互动性。

3

5

4

2. 下西洋：唐代沉船珍宝 被喻为现代最重要的深海考古发 现的一艘19世纪的阿拉伯沉船，竟 承载着六万多件文物。 经历过一千年埋藏在17米深海之 中的这批宝物，奇妙得几乎保存得 完美无损。 新加坡已故富商邱德拔后人出巨 资，协助圣淘沙集团于2005年成功 买下了整批沉船文物。 但此后文物一直被库存并接受长 期的修复和研究工作，从未大规模 亮相。 此展以贵重、金光闪闪的展览品 突出。尤其是大厅内排着的三排金 制古碗，更让人叹为观止。 3. 穿越丝路：通往现代的古道 此展览带领访客进入一个历史古 迹的重现。丝绸之路为人类商业、 艺术与科学所作出的巨大贡献。 丝绸之路采用了不少的互动式展 览，包括让访客尝试闻闻吐鲁番夜 市不同香油的气味和游览一本电脑 动画书。展览也包括加扎利发明的 重量驱动的水钟。 呈现艺术与科学的发展 展览让人们穿越时空，深入了解 在历史中，艺术与科学结合背后的 功臣和经典事件。那些对这方面有 兴趣的人将会对这展览感到满意。

墨西哥影像艺术家拉斐尔（Raphael）的作品《频率和音量》用人的影 子调节不同的频率。公众就像是天线, 在不同的地点会听到不同的频道。 这个有别于传统艺术展览的形式， 观众可以亲身参与，通过移动自己的位 置达到不同的频率，从而制造出不同的 音频。 新加坡艺术家李鸿辉《办公室建 筑师》中，虚构一个建筑师角色KS Wong。他利用书箱构造出他眼中的这 名勤奋、认真的工作狂在家中及办公室 的模样。 记者乍看之下，以为是普通的纸皮 作品，但仔细观察后，就会在最意想不 到的地方发现许多迷你的摆设品，例如 迷你的书房、睡房等。 2. 保加利亚艺术家Nedko Solakov

6 1. 科学博物馆展出加扎利（Al－Jazari）发明的驱动的水钟（scribe clock）复制品。 2. 唐代的450件“黑石号”沉船精品，于1998年被发现而首次于科学博物馆公众见面。 3. 科学博物馆展出了有史以来最大规模的成吉思汗文物展，稀世珍品多达300件。 4. 抵达旧加冷机场，记者们正在筹划参观展览的顺序。 5. 艺术家拉斐尔（Raphael）的作品《频率和音量》用人的影子调节不同的频率。 6. Nedko Solakov（奈德科 。 索拉科夫）在墙壁写上文字，大部分与 ”机场” 有关。

摄影| 温忠浩

滨海湾金沙艺术科学博物馆

Marina Bay Sands ArtScience Museum 地址：10 Bayfront Avenue

旧加冷机场

Old Kallang Airport 地址：9 Stadium Link

从Promenade MRT出发，只需10 分钟的路程

从Kallang MRT出发，只需10分 钟的路程

入门费 － 大人: $30

小孩: $17

入场免费

开放时间：早上10时 - 晚间10时 展至今年7月31日

开放时间：早上10时 - 晚间7时 展至今年5月15日

整体艺术感觉： ,

整体艺术感觉： ,

,,,,

,,,,

本身患有”飞行恐惧症”的Nedko Solakov（奈德科 。索拉科夫），为了能 够答应主办者在双年展上展示自己的作 品, 便选中艺术家兼电影人廖捷凯飞往 斯洛伐克与他讨论, 再由廖捷凯以自己 所学到的艺术理论来进行创作。 写在控制塔内墙写上的许多文字， 大部分与 “机场” 有关，例如：一丁 点油漆就被形容成是飞机。此外，廖捷 凯也在最不显眼的地方随意地写上有趣 的感想。 记者感言：一路走上二楼的控制 塔，便在各个角落看到密密麻麻的文 字。起初以为只是建筑的一部分，再往 上走就慢慢看到其实自己置身于艺术作 品当中。 停下脚步细读墙上的文字——在较 高处其中有一行文字让记者印象最深 刻：跟天有关联,即在视野范围内，除 了墙壁，也是窗外的天空。 另外，就论蝌蚪是否是鲸鱼的精子 时，的确让笔者匪夷所思。 但是，如果看到艺术家那一片天空 和墙壁上的微小文字，也就很难不想 象，艺术家心中的天空，其实是无边无 际的。

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VOL. NO.

17

CHRONICLE 10 娱乐

S.H.E和飞轮海师弟媒体见面会

SIGMA默契十足 上厕所都一起

白彦婷

●报道

台

湾新男团SIGMA不只 默契超强，三人的生活 习惯也很像，就连想上“大小 号”的时间都一样，搞得天天 都在争厕所。 成员林维哲在本月初举行 的媒体见面会上说：“太夸张 了，由于我和杰宇共用一间厕 所，我们常常都得等对方上完 才能自己上！” 由团长周定纬率领星光五 班李杰宇和乐坛新秀林维哲闭 关苦练将近一年的时间，于去 年底正式成军亮相的SIGMA， 是希腊文的数学符号Σ，代表 了“总合”的意思。 周定纬说：“我希望SIGMA 能借由音乐、舞蹈和梦想加总 起来，让一加一加一的力量不 只等于三，也号召热血青年一 起join us！” 成员同住八个月 互爆趣事 在台湾闭关训练时，三名男 生共处一间宿舍，说到发生的 趣事时，三人开始爆料。 周定纬爆出李杰宇最爱赖

床，但李杰宇却快速反驳，说 明他梳洗速度快，虽然迟起， 但从未迟到。 同时，李杰宇也不不甘示 弱地说：“维哲很爱乱拉筋， 就连在吃饭时也会把脚抬起 来，有点恶心。”对此林维哲 说：“那是一“举”两得！”

“我希望SIGMA能 让一加一加一的力量 不只等于三，也号 召热血青年一起join us！”

周定纬 新台湾男团SIGMA团长

由于访问当天是愚人节，调 皮的周定纬和林维哲告诉年纪 最小的李杰宇：“我们有准备 东西给你。难道你没发现昨晚 你不在时……”这句话当场把李 杰宇给吓坏，原来只不过是他 们愚人节整人的计划。 视师姐S.H.E为偶像 身为S.H.E和飞轮海等著名 组合的师弟SIGMA不但不会感

SIGMA说，师兄师姐们都很照顾他们，像S.H.E的ELLA师姐总会注意他们的表演，并买养甘茶给他 们喝。 摄影|吴静婷 到压力，反而为此而高兴。李 杰宇表示，其实师兄师姐都是 自己的偶像，所以会把他们视 为目标。 然而，被问到SIGMA是否 要成为男版的S.H.E时，三人大 笑，并风趣地说：“那么我们 早就把团名取为HIM！我们其 实有想过，但是不行，因为华 研唱片的英文缩写是HIM。” 周定纬补充，SIGMA是男子

戏剧盒论坛剧场《多少》

反思性工作者的形象 梁洁欣

●报道

性

工作者的真实处境 及苦楚，成为《多 少》这部戏剧的主题。 有别于一般的戏剧， 戏剧盒与学生基督徒 （Student Christian Movement）运动希望通过论 坛剧场表演，激起公众对 性工作的和性工作者的反 思，并且让观众更改演出 的剧情。 除了在南大演出外， 《多少》也会在联络所和 教堂演出。 《多少》以倒叙的方 式，表现女主角May在人 生各阶段对妓女不同层面 的认识，一反人们对妓女 的刻板印象。 对于当天的现场反 应，编导傅正龙感到相当 满意。 傅正龙说：“当我们

唱跳团体，和S.H.E走的路线完 全不同。唯一和S.H.E相同的就 是，拥有强烈的团体精神和好 感情。 三人同心 破解魔咒 近期又传出师兄飞轮海解 散的消息，是否应证了“合久 必分”的团体魔咒，SIGMA坦 言，现在没有想太多，只想打

响自己的知名度。 周定纬表示，只要三人同 心拥有真感情，就不会有解散 的八卦谣言出现。李杰宇则认 为，如果有难得的机会，各自 应该把握。 而面对来势汹汹的日韩潮 流，SIGMA不怕被拿来和日韩 团体比较。林维哲说：“有比 较才有进步。一定要有自己的 特别元素，才能超越他们。”

影评 电影播映室 电影： 《我的最佳保镖》 导演： Sirippakorn Wongchariyawat 主要演员： 乌汶叻公主、 余文乐、 查克利·彦纳姆

,,,,, 照片|邵氏机构提供

泰 观众的扮演，透露了他们的价值观及对性工作或性工 作者的观念。 摄影|方 婷 在观察别人的行为时，我 们也会对此进行反省。” 戏剧演员也充当义 工在2008年底设立了 “Project X”，旨在减缓 社会对性工作者的歧视与 被压迫问题。执行至今， 此计划的义工每周到芽笼

派发安全套给性工作者， 并提供检验爱滋病津贴。 表演者兼“Project X” 的义工刘伟伶补充：“通 过观众的参与，我们能更 了解他们的想法，甚至可 能在日后借鉴他们模拟的 方案。”

国动作影片《我的最佳保镖》讲述女主播Nicha（乌汶叻公主 饰）由于调查一起新闻而被卷入医疗界惊天阴谋的故事。 Nicha发现由肖恩·李（余文乐饰）创办的外国医药公司正在利用国 人进行最新病毒的人体实验，而奉命监视Nicha的杀手Thud（查克利· 彦纳姆饰），却在不知不觉中爱上了被监视的Nicha。 《我的最佳保镖》由泰国皇室乌汶叻公主与在《曼谷杀手》中有出 色表现的查克利·彦纳姆联袂主演。 此外，港星余文乐也在片中出演重要角色。 片中的动作场面下足工夫，华丽枪战和空手肉博都应有尽有，算是 名副其实的动作片。 片中男星们的表现都相当不俗，只可惜饰演女主角的乌汶叻公主表 演得略为生硬，要让公主演好凡人，也许真的不容易。 值得一提的是，剧末花絮中播出了公主因拍摄动作场面而受伤入院 的场景，打造出皇室千金的敬业一面。 （文/陈婧）

VOL. NO.

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31

THE NANYANG

10 CHRONICLE 蔡健雅Tanya and the Cities演唱会

首次于狮城开唱 走异国风

蔡健雅在安可项目展示了“事 业线”，以黑色晚礼服亮相， “ 全球首唱”了收录在下一张专 辑里的新歌《下次见》。

王裕权●报道

演唱会，名为《蔡健雅Tanya and the Cities》，演唱会以“城市” 作为主题带领歌迷到台北、纽 约、洛杉矶和印度的不同国度。 2005年在音乐的创作上遇到了 瓶颈的她表示，前往印度拜师学 瑜伽，间中也遇到了其他同样热 爱音乐的瑜伽同学。 她说：“在那里没有人认识 我，我们因为热爱音乐聚在一 起，让我非常感动，想把当时的 感动带到这个舞台上。” 在场的“乡亲父老”，让蔡健 雅当晚演唱时感到特别紧张，在 演绎组曲《呼吸》、《谁》以及 《当你离开的时候》时，似乎显 得力不从心。 为了舒缓自己的紧张情绪，她 笑问歌迷：“我这样穿，你们觉 得漂亮吗？”

“新加坡的朋友们， 我回来了！让你们久 等了！” 蔡健雅 新加坡创作女歌手

出

道14年并两度荣获台 湾金曲奖最佳女歌手 的本地创作女歌手蔡健雅， 终于首次于狮城开唱。 开场时，她兴奋地宣 布：“新加坡的朋友们，我 回来了！让你们久等了！” 演 唱 会 的 亮 点 是 蔡 健 雅 在 演 绎 蕾 哈 娜 的“Umbrella”和女神卡 卡的“Poker Face”重新编 曲，加入印度音乐元素，更 请来了日本籍的印度西塔琴 乐手，为曲目注入了浓浓的 异国风。 于新加坡室内体育馆的

天后的合唱 默契十足 与特别嘉宾陈洁仪合唱了爱国 歌曲”Home”，优美的歌声相得 益彰， 默契十足。 由于蔡健雅在演出时，一直 找不到水喝，找到水后，也不好 意思让台下的观众看她喝水，陈 洁仪就传授了蔡健雅如何将喝水 这动作融入表演中。陈洁仪还亲 自示范给蔡健雅，应该如何正确 地“优雅”喝水。 陈洁仪当晚也演唱了张国荣的 粤语经典歌曲《追》，还请了资

深音乐人叶良俊帮忙伴奏。只可惜 两人的互动仅此而已，少了大家期 盼的音乐上切磋和交流。 唱新歌 秀口琴 又跳国标舞 原先以英语歌手身份出道的蔡 健雅，也“全球首唱”了一首新的 英文歌”Key To Happiness”。在 这首轻快的励志歌曲中，蔡健雅也 首次在现场秀了一段口风琴演奏， 让歌迷兴奋不已。 这次的演唱会，蔡健雅也特别 请了美国百老汇的专业音乐剧演 员，与她一同表演高难度的国标 舞。优雅的舞蹈动作衬托了她优美 的磁性嗓音，让观众看见不一样的 蔡健雅。 在演唱会结束前，蔡健雅语重 心长地说：“在国外生活，很想念 大家，也很害怕大家会忘记我。希 望你们会透过音乐记得我！” 而演唱会结束后，歌迷们还依 依不舍，嚷着“安可！安可！”还 跟鼓手节奏拍手“抗议”。 当晚的压轴表演，就是蔡健雅 演唱经典情歌“Beautiful Love” 。前奏刚下，就马上获得全场热烈 的喝彩，大家也一起合唱。

身穿古典洋装的蔡健雅，配上一把 吉他，演唱了如《双栖动物》等多 首动人的情歌。 照片|滚石唱片提供

南大第五届 Joint Dance Concert

舞蹈团体百花齐放 团”Groovyz”的九岁小女孩Siti Nairah可爱的舞步，一出场就获 观众欢呼和掌声。

“重要的是，享受 表演过程，没有竞 争的必要。” 舞蹈并不只是动作与程式套路，更 重要的是传递一种自我表现、一种 感觉。 摄影|李俊贤

蔡韵●报道

舞

蹈汇演（Joint Dance Concert）表演者竞相斗艳，可是 却丝毫比不上两支来自特殊培育院 校的舞蹈团体。 朝 阳 学 校 儿 童 嘻 哈 舞 蹈

Le Duy 南大国标舞蹈团主席

On Air” ，就以广播形式呈 现表演。 惯常的司仪由大屏幕上的 故事线及旁述取代，将南大 七大舞蹈团体不同风格的演 出以故事分享、点歌和空中 竞赛等广播环节组合起来。 国标舞团做为南大七大舞 蹈团体唯一没有舞蹈背景的 成员， 在几个月内开始为汇演集 训。身为主席的Le Duy（21 岁）说：“每团有各自所属 的类别。重要的是，享受 表演过程，没有竞争的必 要。” 舞者落力演出 值回票价

据她到场支持的亲友，这是 Siti自去年习舞以来首次登台表 演，现场的反应让他们骄傲得几 乎热泪盈眶。 由南大文化活动协会（Cultural Activities Club）所主办的第 五届南大联合舞蹈汇演“Dance

这场自两星期前就售完的 舞蹈大会，的确让观众心满 意足。 其中一名观众海振（28 岁）就认为，由于表演者准 备充分，所以周末回校看演 出，让人非常放松。

乐评 音乐Jukebox 专辑：《下一个炎亚纶》 歌手：炎亚纶 推荐： 《下一个我》、 《忽然之间》

继

师姐田馥甄单飞的亮 眼成绩之后，炎亚纶 也发行了首张个人音乐作品 《下一个炎亚纶》，当中收 录了四首全新歌曲、一首翻 唱曲以及一首自弹的钢琴演 奏曲。 炎亚纶通过主打歌《下 照片|网络下载 一个我》的抒情摇滚风格， 半自传式地诠释寻找自我的主题。他在音乐录像带中更全 裸入镜，以最真实的自己面对观众。其中的歌词“同一个 躯壳／不同人生／每个我都陌生”更强调人生变化无常， 充满许多未知数。 《只看见你》是一首典型的情歌，炎亚纶以他那有磁性 的声音，淡淡地唱出对爱人的眷恋。 除此之外，炎亚纶在翻唱自己很欣赏的莫文蔚《忽然之 间》时，在编曲加入了古典音乐的伴奏。这首歌少了原曲 淡淡忧伤的感觉，反而让炎亚纶成功地唱出自己的味道， 使听众沉浸于歌曲的细腻情感中。 虽然专辑强调脱胎反骨的概念，但整体曲风仍与飞轮海 的前几张专辑相似，没有太大的惊喜。与其说这是全新的 （文／林坪 ） 炎亚纶，不如说这是一个人的飞轮海。 881音乐剧

一

人一半， 感情不散。 由 吴文德指导，改编于著 名陈子谦原创电影的881音乐 剧，将通过多首未曾在电影采 用的常青福建歌曲重现七月歌 台的无限魅力。这部音乐剧筹 备了整整10年的时间也结合董 姿彦、鹤天赐 和周崇庆等出色 的舞台剧演员。 日期: 2011年4月15日至24日(4 月18日没有演出) 时间: 星期二至星期六晚上8时; 照片|TOY肥料厂提供 周末下午3时 特别演出: 耶稣受难日 (4 月 22 日)下午3时 地点: 滨海艺术中心剧院 售票机构: SISTIC/6348 5555/www.sistic.com.sg 询问电话: 6222 1526

蔡

依林MYSELF世界巡 回演唱会海外第一站 献给新加坡。 距离上次开唱已有三年 之久，再度来新开唱。这次 演唱会挑战20秒闪电换装。 台湾演唱会上原有的巨 型水晶Disco球、专署舞蹈 员及3位赤膊肌肉男也将一 同登上舞台，呈现热闹无比 的舞蹈场面。 结合了视觉与听觉的精 彩表演，看来这场蔡依林的 演唱会势必会大受欢迎。

照片|滚石唱片提供

蔡依林[Myself]世界巡回演唱会 时间：5月7日 (星期六), 8pm 地点：新加坡室内体育馆 票价：$98, $138, $168, $198, $228 (不包括 $3 SISTIC 收费) 演唱会主办单位：One Production & Galaxy Group

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photo: spotlight

“yes,YOU there, in the crowd The dance troupes under the NTU Cultural Activites Club come together to put up the annual Joint Dance Concert. The concert, now in its fifth year, was a sell-out success this year.

Female lead Venny Chin and male lead Alex Yip from MJ Hip Hop perform the riveting and energetic number: MJ Party.

the

Dance brings people together. Chua Kai Xuan and Jonathan Lee first met each other three years ago in NTU Dance Sport Academy and are now a couple.

extraordinary lives of

YOU

the dancers Zhong Ru, Alvin Susanto, Abdul Hadi, Kenneth Teng (male lead) , Yong Yoon Chee, Grandy Paramananda, Benjamin Chew (left to right) from MJ Hip Hop strike funky poses at the start of their number : Grandparents’ Love Story - retro. In line with this year’s theme of “Dance ON AIR”, this dance piece is a segment of the fictious radio program, FM JDC.

yes,YOU who add colour to our lives.

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THE NANYANG

10 CHRONICLE The Epiphany, NTU English and Drama Society stages the annual Nanyang Literary Festival at the Black Box Theatre at HSS Building. The literary festival showcases dramas directed and acted by students.

Yanni (left) stars as an aged prostitude in the play “I Have Nowhere, Everywhere to Go” written by Geraldine Tan, while Mohammed Shafie (right) plays ‘B’ in the drama “Tall Tale” written

by Carrissa Foo.

the actors

the instrumentalist

Neo Jia Ming, a resident from the Hall of Residence 7 belts out a Chinese classic at Stella Eccellente 2011. This is an annual singing competition organised by Halls 4, 5 and 7.

Lyndsey Long, of the Hall of Residence 8 jam band, performs at Ravehaus’ Pyjamas Party event.

“The ability to relate to a song and sink all emotions into it is the best way of de-stressing and managing my emotions” said Teo Seow Tian, a Hall of Residence 4 resident. Teo was a competitor at Stella Eccellente 2011, held on March 30th.

the singer thank YOU

PHOTOS & TEXT | WAN ZHONG HAO

for giving meaning to this wonderful year.”

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photo: spotlight

34

LEFT : Agatha Koh, Lim Guorong and Shannon Ling man the control room in the Nanyang Auditorium, where the Joint Dance Concert was held.

ABOVE: Lighting technicians from Razes A.V. L. set up additional stage lights near the performance stage.

RIGHT : Members from Contemporary Dance warm up in preparation for their first dance piece.

PASS backstage It is the most sought after ticket in the world — the backstage pass.

Forbidden grounds to unsolicited visitors, the backstage is where magic happens ordinary light fixtures are plotted to give extraordinary light shows, plain faces are transformed into timeless beauty.

Photo editors WAN ZHONG HAO and GOH CHAY TENG take a trip behind the scenes of the Joint Dance Concert 2011. “Dance ON AIR” to unravel its mysterious veil.

RIGHT : Practising a difficult routine, the Contemporary Dance troupe attempts to synchronize in time for the concert on April 9th.

LEFT : The girls from DanceSport Academy make adjustments to their makeup with a make-shift mirror at the Exhibition Hall in the Nanyang Auditorium.

ABOVE : Jilinna Peng and Alan Dai from DanceSport Academy amuse themselves while waiting for their turn to rehearse.

Opinions frankly, my dear

EDITORIAL

A column by the Chronicle Editors on issues close to their heart

Taking responsibility seriously MOST of us probably perceive responsibility within the context of rules and limits. But simply doing what our class, professors, and society require of us would be taking a very limited view of responsibility.

Tr u e r e s p on s i bi l i t y goes much further. It entails proactively holding oneself to account for the choices and decisions that one makes. It means being aware of both the positive and negative impact of one’s actions.

Yet, it is perhaps too easy for us to forget the meaning of personal responsibility in such a carefully planned society as Singapore. After all, a certain meritocratic path to excellence seems to have been programmed for all Singaporeans.

Most who grow up within this ecosystem simply align their decisions with the socially enforced roadmap. Virtually everything has already been taken care of anyway.

What follows then is a constant struggle against

My life as a dog’s brother

complacency. Every once in a while, the slightest sign of youthful lapse of responsibility, like a certain NSman letting his maid carry his field pack, would incite passionate responses from generations of Singaporeans, who wonder: “Do our young have what it takes to ensure the country’s survival?”

We w i l l on ly k now the answer when the time comes for our generation to step up and take the baton.

That answer is but a shadow now, blurred further by people’s ambivalence over some young candidates fielded in the upcoming General Elections.

But what is clear is that we must not wait to take responsibility for our own future. That means thinking ahead, charting our own paths to progress, and putting in the blood and sweat to realise our dreams.

It also means investing ideas and interest in the nation’s governance going forward. Indeed, a thoughtful vote in the elections would be a fantastic first step.

THE NANYANG

CHRONICLE chief editor Agung Santoso Ongko MANAGING EDITOR Tan Ru Ping Celine ART DIRECTOR Vishaka Mantri sub-editors Audrey Lim En-Rui Hong Yu Qing Amelia Low Wei Xiang Sia Ling Xin Tricia Anna Lim Peiyu News editors Cassandra Yeap Trinh Hoang Ly Lifestyle editors Mavis Ang I-Wen Tan Su Yi Kay Reviews editor Sulaiman Daud dapper editors Hong Yu Ran Gladys Ng Chinese editors Grace Chew Hui Min Teo Jion Chun

opinionS editors Ang Xue Ting Eunice Jayashri d/o Lokarajan sports editors Annabelle Liang Lai Junjie layout editors Nicholas Keith Tam Vanessa Dora Godfrey photo editors Goh Chay Teng Wan Zhong Hao graphics editor Goh Wei Choon ONLINE EDITORS Tran Anh Cuong Pham Tuong Minh business managerS Lim Pei Yi Vivian Ng Wei Ying production support Ng Heng Ghee Teacher advisors Andrew Duffy Debbie Goh Xu Xiaoge

A students’ newspaper published by the Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information (WKWSCI) Nanyang Technological University 31 Nanyang Link, Singapore 637718 Tel: 6790 6446 Unsigned editorials represent the majority view of the editorial board of The Chronicle and do not necessarily reflect the policies or views of Nanyang Technological University, its employees, the students or the Council of the University.

Signed opinion columns, letters and editorial cartoons represent the opinion of the writer or artist and are not necessarily those of The Chronicle.

Printed by KHL Printing Co. Pte Ltd, 57 Loyang Drive, Singapore 508968

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU

Facebook: The Nanyang Chronicle Website: www3.ntu.edu. sg/chronicle General Enquiries: chronicle@ntu.edu.sg

GRAPHIC | GOH WEI CHOON

Lai Junjie sports editor

B

eing the youngest in the family has its perks.

Firstly, the entire family dotes on you because you’re ‘the baby’ of the family. My parents always lavished more attention on me than my older brother.

Then there was the Sibling War of the Toys. I always got the better toys and my brother was constantly coerced into giving me part of his share of dinner for the ‘growing boy’ at the dinner table.

When it came to the delegation of household chores, my brother constantly got the lion’s share.

Of course, any childish or recalcitrant behaviour on my part was blamed on my brother for not setting a good example for me.

And I’m almost ashamed to admit that in those inevitable and frequent fights between brothers, my parents naturally took my side

in those squabbles.

After a while, I fell into a comfortable pattern of being the most favoured family member. I never once thought my position may not be secure.

Enter M i m i t he Golden Retr iever. Imagine my shock when the newest addition to the family suddenly usurped all the privileges that I had enjoyed for close to twenty years.

My family fell in love with her (and out of love with me).

This rude awakening as the new middle child of the family winded up with me constantly getting the short end of the stick.

The seemingly inexhaustible favour of my parents towards me suddenly vanished, coinciding with the baffling appearance of doggie treats and toys around the house.

When Mimi appropriated some of my favourite books as her new chew toys, my incessant protests were drowned out to comments of “Aww, she’s so cute!”

Scolding her for ruining my books only brought the immediate wrath of my parents upon me.

“Don’t scold her, she’s only a baby. You used to do the same thing to your brother!”

At that point, my brother gave me a knowing smirk.

The other day, my mother whipped up a delicious-looking pie from a recipe she found on the Internet.

I was so excited until she placed the pie dish on the floor.

Apparently, the recipe only serves one dog, and not one human.

Shooing me off, my mother gestured to the styrofoam packet dinner bought from the nearby hawker centre, while Mimi happily dug into the pie filled with mixed vegetables, potatoes, onions, cheese and sausages.

Dogs are so lucky. They’re fed even better than their human counterparts.

As if that isn’t enough, I can never eat anything without enduring Mimi’s immensely sad eyes, begging me for a share of my food.

And she doesn’t even have to do the dishes or wipe the table or mop the kitchen floor afterwards.

Dogs do so little work and yet get rewarded so much. They must have a great labour union, unlike us humans where the head of our labour union in Singapore exhorts us to work “cheaper, better, faster”.

“Lazier, cuter, hungrier.” That would be an apt motto of the Labour Union of Dogs.

It makes me sometimes wish I had four legs and a tail. Maybe an adorable snout to boot.

The only work I would have to do is give the most forlorn look possible and lay my head on someone’s lap.

Everyone would flock to lavish attention and treats on me. Perhaps dogs are really smarter than we give them credit for.

Introducing a dog into my family has shown me how sneaky these creatures are in worming their way into our affections.

I can’t even complain that Mimi is hogging my bed all the time. Many times I’ve slept on the floor at night because my pampered ‘little sister’ is stretched out on my blanket.

Ca l l me sof t-hea r ted, but who can bear to scold a Golden Retriever who is blissfully asleep?

Maybe it’s time to cease with the complaints because deep down, I really do love my spoiled “little sister”.

And I would gladly spend every night on the floor for her.

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10 CHRONICLE

a matter of perspective

quality, not age, is what matters Oh Zhi Jie “I don’t know what to say,” Ms Tin Pei Ling said. The 28-year-old People’s Action Party (PAP) candidate was seen stomping her feet as she said that at the end of the video.

It was an impromptu interview at a PAP event that has since garnered over 53,000 views.

In a photo taken from her Facebook profile, Ms Tin was seen posing with a bag from designer label “Kate Spade”.

Singaporeans on online forums and blogs have been commenting that she comes across as “materialistic”, “a bimbo”, and even “immature”.

Without listening to what Ms Tin has to say or even allowing her to prove her worth, the public already has a fixed impression of her.

Perhaps the issue is not about Ms Tin’s comments or what bag she carries.

The issue is Singaporeans find it difficult to separate a candidate’s calibre from how social media portrays her to be.

Thus, Ms Tin’s credentials have been under scrutiny as many feel that she is not prepared to lead.

Her Curriculum Vitae (CV), which was released in a press conference by the PAP last month, shows that she has been active in grassroots organizations for the last seven years.

Some may say being active in grassroots does not translate into the ability to lead as an MP, but it is a little like saying that being active in Co-Curricular Activities does not translate into the ability to perform well at the workplace.

Having taken part in one myself, I agree that it does not immediately prepare me to serve as an MP, but it gave me an experience of serving the people.

Singaporeans find it difficult to separate a candidate’s calibre from how social media portrays her to be.

Precious evenings and weekends are sacrificed to organise grassroots events that provide opportunities for community bonding and interaction.

I believe that Ms Tin’s past involvement in the grassroots should at least make her an MP that will be “close to the ground”.

Singapore’s Group Representation Constituency (GRC) policy, though widely criticised as a free pass for many PAP candidates into parliament, is comparable to the Management Associate programmes in organisations.

It allows someone younger to gain practical experience on the

job and learn from senior members.

This is something that is crucial for the leadership renewal of Singapore.

Perhaps Singaporeans should give her the chance to combine her experience in the GRC with what she will learn from seniors before passing judgments on her capability.

Her politically incorrect comments, saying that “Singapore’s widening income gap should not be the responsibility of the government” and healthcare cost being “affordable” have also drawn much fire.

Since making them, she has been defended by senior politicians like Prime Minister (PM) Lee Hsien Loong and Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong.

To date, she has not defended herself and I feel that she is being silenced.

My guess is that this move is made in the hope that the ministers’ testimonies will sway the public opinion.

But it is actually making the situation worse, as she has not spoken up for herself or the comments she made.

Ms Tin recently granted a personal interview with Lianhe Zaobao—a sign that she would be given more opportunities to speak up.

Let Ms Tin make up for her inexperience with her drive and willingness to learn.

As she says in the interview: “I cannot change the fact that I am so young.

“I just hope that Singaporeans can have confidence in me and give me the opportunity to prove myself.”

Ong Yong Roy

C

ritics have been questioning the PAP’s decision to field Ms Tin Pei Ling as a candidate for the upcoming 2011 General Elections.

The online vitriol directed at Ms Tin arose because people questioned her abilities in relation to her age, gender and credentials.

While these are important, what concerns me the most is whether she can live up to her hope to be the voice of the Singapore youth that voters can identify with.

On paper, Ms Tin looks great as a youth representative.

Her CV tolls an impressive list of her involvement in youth-related grassroots activities.

Her academic record is pretty good too, having graduated from Hwa Chong Junior College and NUS’ University Scholars Programme.

And it is great that the government has made a point of reaching out to young voters.

However, her performance since being unveiled as a PAP candidate neither impressed the youth in me nor made me want to identify with her.

You see, as a young Singaporean who is graduating, I expect her to raise issues that matter greatly to me and my peers.

I am concerned about the ris-

GRAPHIC | BEVERLY CHUA

ing costs of living.

Prices of housing, transportation and utilities have all risen significantly.

Beyond these macro needs are the micro ones that my generation, growing up in a culture that espouses consumerism, has been socialised to desire.

These include Kate Spade bags (or Jack Spade for me) and trips to Italy, Japan and the Universal Studios.

How is the younger generation going to afford housing and the

She remained silent, and let the “adults” in her party defend her, leaving me to perceive her as the admonished child who is not allowed to talk.

expected standard of living?

To top it off, we are being pressured to have children to support Singapore’s ageing population, while doing our part as filial children in this Confucian society to support our parents.

These are some of the matters that concern us. I bet that Ms Tin, at 28, has experienced similar concerns and struggles.

Yet, when criticised for her comments and photos that indicated her interest in these things, did she stand up against her critics?

Did she defend why we young people need to do the things we do, from posting pictures of our latest designer acquisitions to where we last had a blast?

What did she do to help the public understand my generation better? Nothing.

As a young person, I constantly have to defend what I buy and where I go, to my parents.

Ms Tin’s critics are like the parent who thinks a child’s desire is childish.

But the difference between me and Ms Tin is that I will defend myself and the things I deem important.

She remained silent, and let the “adults” in her party defend her, leaving me to perceive her as the admonished child who is not allowed to talk lest she gets herself into deeper trouble.

How does that advance her aim to represent the Singapore youth?

At the same time, Ms Tin, who claimed to believe in engaging new media as a platform to give voice and promote understanding amongst youths, went on an online blackout.

Her Facebook page is now only accessible to her friends, and her only other online presence is through the non-interactive PAP website.

Ms Tin could engage Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and a whole host of social media sites to show how she and youths like me share similar interests and problems.

But as a youth representative, how does she expect us to relate to her if she chooses to remain unresponsive, granting an interview only to the Lianhe Zaobao— not exactly youth media?

She’s young but she seems constrained by a paternalistic, top-down administrative style— one where you follow the orders of the seniors who know best.

I think that obedience is not a desirable quality of a politician.

The point is to have diversity, debate and come to the consensus on what is the best for the country.

How is she a good role model for us when she is afraid to stand by what we young people believe in?

If Ms Tin is to be a representative of the youths, the experiences of her seniors in PAP can only take her so far.

She needs to step up and go beyond the tried and tested channels to engage with us.

She should be bold and discover her own voice. Even if she has to take a few tumbles along the way.

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No need test to be Singaporean lah!

canteen talk

The government recently unveiled the Singapore Citizenship e-Journey for new citizens. Will the programme encourage integration as it promises? We ask students for their opinions on this issue.

This programme is a good move. But instead of just a formal one, it could provide chances for interaction.

”

Prashant Reddy, EEE, Yr 2, 19

“

How many Singaporeans know the answers to these questions? If we don’t even know, why are new citizens expected to?

Celestine Seow, SPMS, Yr 2, 21

Shannon Chau

T

he year 1998 was when my family and I gave up our Hong Kong passports for Singapore ones.

After living in Singapore for two years, we received an invitation letter to apply for citizenship from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority. The process was simple in itself.

However, according to a recent initiative by the government, applying for citizenship has become more tedious.

Non—residents who wish to become citizens now must go through the ‘Singapore Citizenship e—Journey’, in addition to the compulsory paperwork and oath that I did.

The programme, which was unveiled last month, comprises an online tutorial and quiz, a half– day tour to local attractions and institutions and a sharing session with grassroots leaders.

Many born and raised here have complained that new citizens are not doing enough to integrate into the Singaporean society.

This programme aims to give them a chance to integrate, by helping them better appreciate and understand Singapore’s culture and heritage.

It is conducted only in English, and consists of five modules covering topics such as national symbols and governance.

Examples of questions include “Who was Singapore’s first Chief

Minister?” and “Who bred the Vanda Miss Joaquim orchid?”

Failure to complete this compulsory programme within two months after applying for citizenship will result in potential citizens having their citizenship application revoked.

While I find it important for new citizens to learn more about Singapore, I feel that it does not necessarily allow them to integrate better into our society.

Some might also question the usefulness of the programme since it is conducted only in English.

“New citizens who are not proficient in English may not learn as much from the programme,” said Chua Jit Yen, 21, a secondyear Malaysian student from the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, who is considering a Singapore citizenship after he graduates.

However, I feel that since our administrative language is English, it is only understandable that potential citizenship candidates are expected to undergo a programme conducted in English.

Also, some Singaporeans expect foreigners to be able to communicate effectively in English.

In addition, no matter how much or little they learn, this programme at the very least familiarises them with a place they will soon call their “home”.

Riddhima Minocha, 18, a first—year student from the School of Chemical and Bioengineering who is from India, feels that it

GRAPHIC | SWARNALI MITRA

is important for new citizens to know some facts about the culture and language of Singapore.

She said: “If someone wants to become a citizen of a particular country, he or she needs to know the basics of the country’s social, cultural, historical and economic background.”

However, she also has reservations about the effectiveness of the programme: “Completing an online quiz and visiting national museums is sensible but will not translate to assimilating into a new environment effectively”.

From my own experience, culture cannot be acquired from a top—down approach.

For my family and I, we would rather learn about the country from the communities we mingle in, such as work, school and church.

And having been here since I was four, learning about the Singapore from Singaporeans around me has made me consider myself a Singaporean too.

Language is not the only barrier to effective assimilation.

New citizens can only know a country truly after living in and experiencing the country’s culture and her people over a period of time.

For me, it took sixteen years.

And as a Singaporean today, I do not know, for one, who bred the Vanda Miss Joaquim.

But I do know where to get the best tau huay and chwee kueh. And this should be Singaporean enough.

The programme is fine. But there are some things that you can only learn through experience such as conversing in Singlish.

”

Zanda Siew, HSS, Yr 1, 19

“

I feel someone who has contributed to the country for many years would be more of a citizen than one who just passes the programme.

”

Monica Premkumar, SCE, Yr 2, 20

I agree with the implementation of the programme.

How well-integrated a citizen would be is unmeasurable based on it.

Hafiyyandi, IEM, Yr 2, 17

TEXT | JAYASHRI LOKARAJAN ; PHOTOS | XU YUANDUAN

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Twenty four hours instead of one Kanika Agarwal

A

month has passed since Earth Hour was held on March 26th. It was hugely successful for those 60 minutes, but beyond that, I still wonder if the initiative has caused any meaningful change in people’s daily behaviour.

Earth Hour is a global World Wildlife Fund climate change initiative.

The real motive behind it is to remind us to continue our efforts to address climate change in our own little ways.

During Earth Hour, organisations and eager coordinators seek to get people around them to observe the temporary shutdown.

In fact, I was there when the ever-illuminated Fullerton Hotel slipped into darkness, as did all the iconic buildings and offices near Marina Bay and the Central Business District.

It was undoubtedly a breathtaking moment but only while it lasted.

Plunging the city into darkness is definitely symbolic, and not feasible on a daily basis due to security issues.

While a large-scale event such as Earth Hour would be able to make people aware of the significance of the Hour, the sustainability of this programme can only be maintained by efforts initiated by individuals.

In NTU, individuals who were not backed by any organisation, but by their want to observe the hour, conducted similar efforts.

Canteen 11 was dark, with only the safety lights on.

This was actually an initiative undertaken by the Vida Cafe

The willingness to participate in Earth Hour needs to come out of one’s initiative and cannot be enforced by someone else.

owner, Mr David Cheng.

He said: “At 8.15pm, I asked everyone to hurry up with their dinner, because I had planned to switch off the lights and fans at exactly 8.30pm.”

The thought of the loss of earnings did not cross his mind

louder than words

GRAPHIC | JIAHUI WEE

and he was determined to observe the hour in its true sense.

Perhaps the willingness to participate in Earth Hour needs to come out of one’s initiative, and cannot be enforced by someone else.

It is more likely that the in-

dividual’s effort will prevail, instead of through an institution’s backing.

Sarthak Agrawal, 19, a second-year student from the School of Computer Engineering, and Recycling Secretary of EarthLink, said: “Everyday we see students using plastic bags to carry their food, when the box can be carried in hand. For example, taking away the wrapped Subway meal in the plastic bag, which is actually not required.

“If 100 people per day refrain from doing this, on an average, this means 200 less plastic bags can be used daily.”

This is why even though Earth Hour was splendid when it lasted, our commitment should not cease simply when the event ends.

Why are people not talking about Earth Hour anymore?

Third-year School of Humanities and Social Sciences student, Ching Wai Ji, 21, says: “I did not

join in the Earth Hour, because I believe that such efforts should be continuous for it to be effective.”

Indeed, she raises a good point.

Cities or other places to be plunged into darkness everyday, but certain initiatives do not require much effort.

Leaving air-conditioners at optimal temperatures or—better still—using fans, would greatly reduce your electricity consumption at home.

When travelling, opt for the MRT or practise car-pooling with friends and colleagues to reduce the carbon emissions from vehicles.

Switching off the non-essential appliances even for half an hour daily will have a huge positive impact on our environment.

Simple daily measures can go towards saving the environment.

Why wait for Earth Hour 2012 when we can act now?

our inbox Do you have something you need to get off your chest?

Or comment on articles published in our paper.

From events absurd and weird, down to the serious and persistent, if they grab your attention, write in to us.

So what are you waiting for?

Write in to us now.

The Nanyang Chronicle wants to hear your voice.

Share your views on trends or incidents in school.

Eunice & Jayashri Opinions Editors Send your letters to: chronicle@ntu.edu.sg Please include your full name, contact number, faculty and year of study.

Goh Wei Choon graphics editor

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bpl talk

The final leg of the title chase Eric Yap THE 2010/11 Barclays Premier League will draw its curtains on May 22nd—the day when we will crown a new champion.

Whether Manchester United fans will finally be able to shut their Kop rivals up with a record 19th Championship win, or if Arsene Wenger can mastermind a first trophy win in six years, it has certainly been a roller-coaster season.

The fall of defending champions Chelsea and a stark dip in form for Manchester City was accompanied by the rejuvenation of Liverpool under manager Kenny Dalglish.

T he M id la nd s pa i r of Birmingham City and Aston Villa have struggled this season, while West Ham, rooted at the bottom of the table since Christmas, are hoping against hope to be the first club in Premier League history to escape relegation from that position.

It is def initely not a good s t a ge of t he s e a s on for t he Champions-elect to be playing teams from the bottom half of the table.

Historically, such matches were seen as manageable ties, since these teams had nothing to play for.

This season, however, is different.

The minimal gap between the 12th and 20th position has transformed them into spirited opponents looking to preserve their lucrative topflight status.

Realistically, only three clubsM a nc he s te r Un ite d , A r se na l and (with the help of a miracle) Chelsea, are still in the running for this season’s Barclays Premier League.

Whichever team lifts the title come end May, the unpredictability and the potential shaping up of a “top-six” that includes Manchester City, Tottenham and Liverpool, will certainly lay the foundations of another exciting season ahead in 2011/12.

“You can fray your opponent’s nerves by methodically bouncing the ball at least ten times before your serves.”

Tennis player Arnold J. Jarett Becker on the mental games he plays with his opponents.

GRAPHIC | VISHAKA MANTRI

MANCHESTER UNITED Current position: First Manager: Sir Alex Ferguson The Red Devils are still in the hunt for a repeat of their 1999 treblewinning feat of the Premiership, FA Cup and the Champions League, but one thing markedly different from 12 years ago is the injury-ravaged squad Sir Alex Ferguson has to manage.

Fergie has the international break to thank for the extra week for his team to recuperate, but players such as Darren Fletcher and Anderson will have to be quickly nurtured

ARSENAL Current position: Second Manager: Arsene Wenger The Gunners’ major advantage lies in the fact that they have only the Premier League to play for.

However, a look at their remaining fixtures suggests that it is going to be harder than first expected.

They face a North London derby with Tottenham, who have Champions League aspirations of their own, trips to Bolton and Stoke, and a crucial clash with Manchester United.

T his means that A rsene Wenger will have to dig deep to

they said that?

motivate his “young side” at a stage of the season where he has historically stumbled.

A month-long winless streak in March has not helped. Even the usually protective Wenger described his team as “flat”, as the Gunners failed to score against a ten-man, travel-sick Blackburn side at the Emirates.

The defence remains the epitome of instability, but Jack Wi lshere, Samir Nasr i and Robin van Persie can prove to be vital cogs in their title chase.

That is, if they can avoid injury.

back to full match fitness.

The return of the pacey Antonio Valencia is a huge boost, and while Nemanja Vidic was rusty and mistake-prone in his returning match against West Ham, the solid performances that followed were up to his usual standards.

Rio Ferdinand’s return also signals the reconciliation of United’s first-choice defensive pairing.

United will have to play both Arsenal (away) and Chelsea (home) in a fortnight, and that will signifi-

cantly shape the fate of the title race.

Relegation candidates Blackburn and the adventurous Blackpool will definitely provide stern tests in their final two matches, if the title race is still undecided by then.

A tough Manchester derby against City in the FA Cup SemiFinals is also likely to strain Fergie’s resources, but a side with both seasoned and youthful players should have no problem going the distance.

CHELSEA Current position: Third Manager: Carlo Ancelotti The defending champions’ recent revival took a stumble at the Britannia, where some would consider them lucky to have escaped with a point against Stoke. This was followed by a 0-1 defeat against M a nc he s te r Un ite d i n t he Champions League.

Chelsea have already been knocked out of the Champions League by United, but seasoned fans will know that overcoming an 11-point deficit with a game in hand and a tie against United is not impossible.

Both Fergie and Wenger

have previously recovered from 12-point deficits to win the title, but it would take Ancelotti tremendous effort and resolve to repeat the feat.

Fernando Torres has yet to score since his £50 million move from Liverpool, but he could prove to be the ace in the pack once he starts finding the back of the net.

The return of Yossi Benayoun, with whom he forged an exciting partnership at Liverpool, might hasten this process.

The question is, how long more can Carlo wait?

“Playing with all the steering wheel dials at 300km/h will be like answering three Blackberry messages while making fried eggs and doing your shoelaces all at the same time.”

F1 driver Vitaly Petrov on multitasking while in a race.

GRAPHIC | GOH WEI CHOON

“I wore that to a sixth-grade dance.”

Tennis player Robby Ginepri on opponent Vince Spadea’s outfit at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami.

“Believe me this is one game I did not want to miss and (I am) still devastated now. (I) will not be made a scapegoat.”

Tottenham’s football player Aaron Lennon responding to fans’ criticism after he pulled out last minute before an important match with Real Madrid.

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sports talk

Endurance athletes: We eat pain for breakfast Danson Cheong AS THE gun went off at the starting line at East Coast Park on March 20th, I charged into the churning waters for what would be the final leg of my half-Ironman quest.

About 1,500 other triathletes joined me in putting our bodies to the test through 1.9km of swimming, 90km of cycling and 21km of running for the Aviva Ironman 70.3 Singapore Triathlon 2011.

The suffering and pain that one experiences during the race no matter how much one has trained is a given.

The elite take about four hours to finish the gruelling distance, while others might take up to eight hours and 30 minutes.

I finished in six hours, halfhobbling, half-running down the finish chute after cramping up badly during the run.

But why would any sane individual choose to subject themselves to punishment of such extent? Indeed, there are people who call us crazy as if we eat pain for breakfast.

Yet this motley crew of endurance sports fanatics—competing in anything from marathons to Ironman triathlons—is ever growing.

This year’s edition of the Aviva Ironman 70.3 Singapore Triathlon sold out months before the registration’s closing date, a first in the event’s five year history.

Other sporting events report similar record-breaking numbers of participants. This fact is startling, considering the financial investment and time required to participate.

Unlike professionals who are sponsored, amateur athletes like

GRAPHIC | GOH WEI CHOON

myself fund our passions from our own pockets.

We spend large amounts of money on race entr y fees and modern equipment. For example, a triathlon bike can cost thousands of dollars. In my two years of participating in triathlons, I have spent almost $9,000 on everything from equipment to race fees.

Every week, in addition to juggling a full-time job and family commitments, athletes squeeze in anywhere from 10 to 20 hours of

training.

The very notion of doing an “endurance” sport entails long and often lonely training sessions.

It is not uncommon for me to knock off five-hour training sets in the morning before getting on with the rest of the day.

Many athletes also fit in one, two or even three training sessions a day. These may range from one to four hours each. Trying to fit such a schedule around a day job can be a monumental challenge.

But all that is necessary to prepare our bodies to take the punishment of a race that we pay to compete in.

For the endurance athlete, competing in races is a chance to break down personal limits and prove that given the right attitude and commitment, nothing is impossible.

Indeed, if you have ever had the chance to look around at the starting line of a triathlon or marathon, you begin to wonder if there is any limit to the potential of the human body.

I will never forget the time I first met single-leg amputee and cancer survivor Mr Ezzy Wang.

It was during my first triathalon. He was prepping his specially made handbike, a three-wheel bicycle powered by the arms.

The 44-year-old lost his leg during a battle with a rare form of bone cancer in 1999 and eleven years later, he is still fighting, competing in triathlons and running races—this time the fight is against his own personal limits.

People like him prove that there really is nothing the indomitable human spirit cannot conquer.

Because many of these endurance races are so demanding on the body, they cannot be done on at whim without risking possible damage to your body. Months of extensive training is required.

If you are lucky, you might be able to find a training companion, team or squad who will help take the monotony out of training. But on most occasions, endurance athletes train alone.

As terrible as it sounds, these lonely sessions help separate the wheat from the chaff.

Individuals who do not love the sport will find the schedule too demanding and stop.

The result of the race directly reflects the effort spent on training.

As the old adage goes, you reap what you sow.

In endurance sports it is often the most hardworking athlete who goes home with the victor’s crown.

For those who persevere, they bring over the endurance athlete’s ethos of commitment, discipline and hard work into their lives.

sports gear With a large variety of brands and designs of swimwear available in stores, how do we find a suit that is suitable?

Writer Marlene Tan speaks to Tan Si Jay, captain of NTU Swim Team on the popular types of swimwear suitable for the different levels of swimmers.

"When trying swimwear in stores, allow the suit to be slightly tight as the material tends to stretch after a few wears."

Tan Si Jay Captain, NTU Swim Team

For beginners

For competitive swimmers

Sonic Wave Splice Jammer

Alliance Team Splice Maxback

Price: $36

Price: $64

The fabric of these trunks have Xtra Life LYCRA® fiber offering a longlasting fit and provides resistance to chlorine five to ten times longer than ordinary spandex.

Specially designed for recreational swimmer, it allows maximum freedom of motion and reduces drag. The wide straps arch around the shoulder blades and lower back to ensure comfort, support and a great fit.

LZR Racer® Pro Jammer

Price: $227 The LZR Pulse® fabric provides muscle efficiency through reduction of muscle vibration and is fast drying. This piece is engineered to optimise a swimmer’s shape and act like a second skin.

LZR Racer® Pro Recordbreaker Kneeskin

Price: $327

The suit sits higher on the chest and closer to the body for greater comfort. Also made of LZR Pulse® fabric which reduces muscle vibration for increased muscle efficiency and an optimum biomechanic fit.

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sports profile

Like father, like son

VOL. NO.

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THE NANYANG

10 CHRONICLE Teo shows readers how to handle a triple threat position.

1

2

The triple threat position allows you to do any of the following

Tsang Wing Han A S A ch i ld, Teo Chu n Hoe spent hours watching basketball games and shooting hoops, not just because he was passionate about the game.

The real draw was his basketball idol—his father.

T he e lder Teo—Teo C h i n Hong, was a former captain of the National Basketball team in the late 80s and early 90s.

T he e lder Teo ha s si nce retired and his son has taken over his role on t he cour t, while the father takes to the stands as h is son’s biggest supporter.

Speaking about his father’s support, Teo, 23, said: “My dad will make it a point to come down to all my matches to give me tips and advice, sometimes he will even help me scout my opponents when I am unable to watch their games.”

Standing at 1.92m, Teo, who plays the centre position for his teams is hard to miss.

He is currently playing for Home United, a leading local basketball team, the Singapore National team and the Singapore Slingers, a professional team playing at the ASEAN Basketball League.

But g iven a c hoice, t he second-year Information Engineer ing and Media (I EM) student would rather play at t he sa me posit ion t hat h i s father once played.

The senior Teo, who is four centimeters shorter than his son, played as a forward and was known for his shooting accuracy in his younger days.

He said: “Although I do not have the same shooting range as my father, I would like to play the forward position because it gives me more freedom to roam on the court.”

One would expect Teo to be happy about his achievements.

After all, he currently plays for three professional basketball teams.

With your back facing the basket, turn inwards using your right foot as a pivot.

Maintain a triple threat position, with your knees slightly bent and ball in front of you.

Make a pass.

Take a shot.

Make a drive towards the basket.

Score one for the masses Edward Teo

TOWER OF POWER: Teo plays the centre position in three professional basketball teams.

He has also been with the national team since he was 18, and won four local National Basketball League Division One titles with Home United.

But the second-year IEM student is humble and sees himself as an “unpolished gem.”

He said: “While I am proud to have my basketball (skills) recognized by both the national team and the Slingers, I still think I am not playing up to my fullest potential.”

Following the footsteps of a father who was a quality player is no easy task.

But Teo sees it as a benefit,

NTU BASKETBALL Team Manager: Mr Chiang Chai Liang Contact Number: 67904749 E-mail: chiangcl@ntu.edu.sg Training: Mondays & Wednesdays for Men, Mondays and Thursdays for Women Venue: Sports Halls 2 & 3, Sports & Recreation Centre

as his father does not give him pressure, but passes down important tips and skills of the game to him.

“My father will talk to me after games, commenting on my mistakes and areas where I should have done better,” Teo said.

Like any son who follows in the footsteps of an accomplished father, Teo needs to endure the external pressures and expectations to match up to his father’s successes.

While it is not easy, Teo has no problem establishing his reputation as a capable player in his own right.

“I may look up to my father but I am who I am and my father is my father. We play differently and there shouldn’t be comparison,” he said.

“I may be able to match my father physically and technically now, but I still need to play with more versatility so that I will able to reach my potential on court,” he added.

But the future is bright for the 23-year old.

His coach from the Home United basketball club, Han Li Jun played with the elder Teo previously.

PHOTO | NATASHA HONG

CHIP OFF THE OLD BLOCK: Teo aspires to be like his father, a former National captain.

PHOTO | COURTESY OF TEO CHUN HOE

He said: “Chun Hoe may not be as good as his father now but he is not a finished product yet.

“But with his physical att r ibutes and w i llingness to improve during training, just give him some time to train more. With more experience, he can develop to be as good as his father.”

And with the elder Teo tak-

ing up the post of assistant coach in t he nat iona l team recently, Teo will be under the guidance of his father once again, albeit in a more professional setting.

“Even though I sort of know what to expect from him, it will still be refreshing since this is the first time that I am training directly under him,” he said.

JITA DESAI powered his way to a dominant victory in the men’s singles finals of the NTU Tennis Novice Open held on April 8th, and here is the surprise: he is not even an undergraduate.

The champion is a professor in the School of Mechanical E n g i ne e r i n g , h a v i n g joi ne d the NTU communit y just four months ago.

The 33-year-old took the finals with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over 24-year-old Hans Guruh Dwi Eko Aribowo, a former NTU student and current project officer in the School of Computer Engineering.

“As long as you are not a current or former Inter-Varsity Polytechnic (IVP), you can join t he Nov ic e O p e n . T he c ompetition is open to the whole N T U com mu n it y,” e x pla i ned Chow Chia Eu, 21, the chairperson of the NTU Tennis Novice Open, and a second-year student in the School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences (SPMS).

Professor Desai and Aribowo are both players who have had pr ior competitive exper ience, having competed as undergraduates in the India Instit ute of Technology, Madras and N T U respectively.

An equally experienced player, Lianne Ang, 23, a final-year student in School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, took the Women’s Singles Championship via majority points in a round-robin tournament.

“I’ve been learning tennis for

SMASH HIT: Men’s doubles finalists Colin Tung (left) and Tan Chin Mian (right) return a rally to their opponents.

PHOTO | NATASHA HONG

10 years now, but it’s been an on-off affair,” she said.

The novice open also saw the debut of many newcomers to the sport.

“This is my very first tennis competition since I started learning tennis one year ago,” said 19-yearold Chen Xi, an international student from Guangzhou, China.

“If I have the ability, I would like to try out for the IVP team next time,” she added.

C he n i s c u r r e nt l y i n he r bridging year at NTU, and will be a freshman next semester.

“While the Novice Open is

open to all, the main purpose of the event is to build the confidence of new tennis players by helping them gain match experience,” explained Chow.

Men’s doubles champions and final-year students Liu Tian Jing and Wang Shu Sen agreed.

“We’ve been learning tennis together for five years now, but we couldn’t make the IVP team during the tryouts in previous years as the standard was a little higher than what we had to offer,” said Liu, 23, a final-year student in the School of Physical

and Mathematical Sciences.

“We took par t in the N T U open last year and we actually lost pretty badly to the IVP players. It was quite demoralizing,” added Wang, 24, a final-year student in the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering.

Many participants expressed that the novice open served as a springboard for budding tennis players like themselves.

“This novice open was actually a very good eye opener for me. I managed to get a feel of what a tennis competition is like.

Plus I also learnt what was missing from my game,” said 23-year-old Colin Tung, a finalist in the men’s doubles finals.

“I only started learning tennis just three months before this competition, and I had no formal lessons actually,” added Tung, a second year student in the School of Humanities and Social Science.

Tu ng’s pa r t ne r, Ta n C h i n Mian, 23, was relatively inexperienced as well.

“My f irst competition was actually during the recent InterHall Games just a few months back,” said Tan, a second year student in the School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering.

Many first-time competitors in the novice open have been receiving coaching from lessons provided by NTU’s Sports and Recreation Centre (S&RC).

Lessons for beginners are $80 for eight lessons throughout one semester.

E x ter na l coac hes a nd t he Tennis Club’s own IVP competition players form the teaching staff.

Women’s Singles first runnerup Kang Yi Ling said: “I have been taking tennis lessons in the S&RC for the past two years.”

“This novice tournament was my first competition, and even though it was challenging for me, it was really fun too as I played with equally inexperienced players,” added Kang, a 28-year-old PHD student in the School of Computer Engineering.

Pa r t ic ipat ion i n t he N T U Tennis Novice Open has grown from 40 to a total of 90 this year.

Sports

Tennis novices' chance to shine – Page 43

Champions at last

A RISE FROM THE ASHES: The NTU Rugby Team lost to NUS in the preliminary rounds, but rallied together to take the title in the finals.

Theodora Theresa D'cruz CONSIDER this: Eight years without a cha mpion sh ip w i n, a n inju red captain, and an embarrassing loss of 2-32 to NUS in the preliminar y round. All looked bleak for NT U's r ugby team in the University Rugby 15s Championship held last month.

But such adversity was exactly what made the team pull themselves together.

The team fought against the odds and claimed the gold when they won NUS 15-7 in the finals on March 18th.

Marah Fahmy, 23, a first-year student from Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE), scored a drop goal worth three points, and a second try worth five points in the final match.

“I’m actually glad we lost terribly in the first match against NUS. It was a wake up call for all of us,” said fourth-year MAE student Dave Singh, 25, who was playing the last time for his team before graduation.

Having lost the championship to NUS last year, the pressure was on the team to turn the tables.

They needed to beat Singapore Institute of Management (SIM) by four points in order to meet defending champions NUS in the finals.

But NTU did more than that, defeating SIM 32-5. This win proved to be a huge morale booster for the team.

“After our first game (against NUS), we were all disheartened and wanted to get off the field and forget about the game. But winning against SIM helped us regain our confidence,” said Albert Tan, 23, a fourth-year student from MAE. Most of the players have been training together since 2008.

The majority are experienced players who have been playing rugby before their university days.

Coach Jeffrey Tay, a former national rugby player, said that the team’s winning formula was the hard work put in by the players, the strong sense of ownership and team spirit.

“They deserve the win. The guys worked extremely hard, and it was a really big effort,” he said.

To prepare for the finals against NUS, the team conducted twiceweekly training sessions and classroom sessions to form their game plan, reviewed recorded matches, and learnt from their opponent’s tactics.

“We came into the game as underdogs. In fact, the pressure was not on us but on NUS to retain their title,” Coach Tay said, when asked about the pressures faced during the game.

Team Captain Fadzil Wahed may

not have been able to play due to a ligament injury, but Coach Tay said that did not affect the team’s chances of claiming victory in the championship game.

“Rugby is played by 15 players. It is a team and not about individuals.

We don’t have a single player running the show,” he said.

Most in the team are final-year students playing for the last time before leaving the team.

This also proved to be a strong motivating factor for them to recover from the initial loss to NUS and win the title.

Singh said: “I told myself I couldn’t leave NTU without winning a gold.

“The NTU rugby culture is so strong that even our ex-players all came down to support the match.

That was how important the game was to all of us.”

For the rugby team, their journey to the top has been an uphill struggle: Eight years long and fraught with challenges.

However, the strong sense of ownership and involvement of every member is what kept the team going.

“Next year, we’re going to start with a clean slate: different players, different strategies and a different game plan.

But what won’t change is the spirit of NTU rugby players,” said Fahmy.

PHOTOS | NATASHA HONG & SABRINA TIONG

Down but not out As captain of NTU’s rugby team, it was a huge blow to Fadzil Wahed, 24, when he found out he would not be able lead the team in the University Rugby 15s Championship due to an injury.

He has been playing rugby for over 10 years now, and was also the captain of his secondary school and junior college teams.

The third-year student from the School of Humanities and Social Sciences injured himself while playing for the Singapore Recreation Club in a match against the Blacks Rugby Football Club (BRFC) in late January.

He suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear when a player from BRFC landed on his leg in an awkward position during the match.

The physiotherapist on site had initially not confirmed that there was any serious injury until Fadzil underwent a MRI scan.

“When the scan showed that I tore my ACL, I knew straightaway that I would not be able to play in this season’s games,” he said.

Fadzil is expected to make a full recovery by the later half of the year.

This is the most serious injury Fadzil has sustained since he dislocated his shoulders two years ago.