The Nanyang Chronicle Vol 17 Issue 03

CHRONICLE The grunge urbanite PAGES 18-19

the nanyang

o c t o b e r 11 , 2 0 1 0 | V o l 17 n o 3 | i s s n n o 0 2 18 -7 31 0 | W W w . n t u . e d u . s g / c h r o n i c l e

INSIDE

TOUCH DOWN:

Touch football player Wong Jingyu (right), 21, fends off an opponent and scores for NTU during the Singapore University Games 2010. Turn to page 20 for more photos.

Eye for an eye Watch Asian ghosts wreak terror at fright trails for Halloween.

PAGE 9

Lifestyle

Hands All Over Maroon 5’s latest album looks to be a crowd pleaser.

PAGE 14

Reviews

@New Twitter

PHOTO | NG JUN SEN

The web is not dead; Twitter serves up competition to third-part applications, with an overhauled website.

Tech

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韩星G.NA 来新造势 不只要做性 感女生

Students still have faith in NTU’s future New ranking considers only some aspects of school; and employers less interested in positioning than student quality Goh Siew Luan

26页

南苑

Exercising freedom responsibly “One should not be overly reliant on some higher authority...”

Opinions

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STUDENTS remain confident of their prospects despite NTU’s 174th position in the latest Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, but some are still concerned about the implications.

According to final-year accountancy student Nur Adillia Ayoub, the good reputation of NTU’s schools would not be undermined by a new ranking system.

“Rankings aside, if you compare business schools in Singapore, for example, we are still prestigious. My employers still know who are the better students to employ,” said the 21-year-old.

Nanyang Business School is ranked in 69th place, as well as 6th in Asia, in The Economist magazine’s latest global rankings of full-time Master in Business

Administration (MBA) programmes.

In 2009, it was ranked 71st, and when it first appeared on the list in 2004, it was ranked 93rd. For the past six years, the Nanyang MBA has maintained its position as one of the top 100 MBA programmes globally.

Final-year business student Seow Kuang Ting, 23, felt that abilities of students mattered more.

“What employers look for are the soft skills you have after your university education such as your ability to present yourself and your critical thinking skills,” he said.

“Also, they look at your maturity and if you are able to handle the job.”

Employers also said that rankings are secondary to the quality of the graduates.

Deputy Editor of TODAY, Mr Quak Hiang Whai, 47, said: “I would still hire NTU graduates. These rankings are not too scientific and I would not hire based on what the ranking says. I want to see for myself that the graduate is able to communicate, write and has integrity.”

Human resource manager of Deutsche Bahn Schenker, Ms Eryn Chi, 32, said: “Of course a higher ranking will improve

the image of the university but employers are more concerned about the individual’s competency in their specialised field. For example, if you are in the marketing department, you need to be outspoken.”

NTU’s latest rank, nonetheless, has caused misconceptions and raised concern among some students about the new system.

They felt that schools with higher rankings give students more opportunities in life, especially when they apply for certain scholarships.

They also wondered about the disparity between the National University of Singapore’s 34th place ranking and NTU’s.

Final-year mechanical aerospace engineering student, Sim Tze Siang, 25, was concerned about the implications the change in ranking criteria could have on opportunities for the students. “Ranking could affect our chances of getting a research scholarship,” he said.

Sim has applied for the PhD research scholarship of A*STAR Institute.

In response to such concerns, NTU president Su Guaning wrote an email on September 29th to all faculty, staff and >> CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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>> CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

NTU will improve itself students of NTU. In his email, Dr Su stressed that the rankings, designed

by THE, and its new partner Thomson Reuters, operates on a completely different methodology that “lean(s) towards classical research parameters that advantage older, more established universities”.

He explained that while NTU had been operating as a university for 55 years, it only star ted its practice-oriented teaching approach in 1995, and accelerated its focus on research significantly only after 2006.

Dr Su also stressed that universities worldwide have raised concerns about THE’s revamped methodology.

In addition, NTU students doubted the new ranking criteria and found it unfair for a university to be judged solely on a rigid set of criteria.

Final-year civil and environmental engineering student Heng Wei He, 24, said: “The criteria for ranking the universities are not comprehensive. It shows only certain aspects of a university and ignores many

others, for example, teaching of undergraduate and general happiness of population in the university. ” Despite these explanations, misconceptions and qualms over the ranking system still exist for some students.

Dr Su emphasised in his email that measures are being taken to ensure the continual improvement of the university.

“The NTU leadership is confident that we will continue to make great strides and that we will realise our potential to be a great global university,” he said.

Dr Su cited examples of how NTU is making progress. Close to $900 million was poured into research by external organisations over the past five years, which will impact the university’s ranking in the years to come, he said.

“This is not empty talk but stems from the confidence bestowed on us by our worldclass faculty and partners, our students, our alumni and their employers,” Dr Su said.

Additional reporting by Maryam Mokhtar

BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE: NTU president Su Guaning ensures that measures will PHOTO | EUNICE CHAN be taken to improve NTU.

MBA up two positions in world rankings Ju Xinhang THE Nanyang Business School (NBS) Masters of Business Administration (MBA) rose two places to 69th position in the latest global ranking of the top 100 full-time MBA programmes.

This yearly ranking is conducted by and was published in The Economist this September.

In Asia, NBS is ranked sixth on the list, behind University of Hong Kong and Hong Kong University of Science and Technology respectively. Topping the international chart is the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business.

A diverse and international cohort and faculty, as well as good career prospects to its graduates are the reasons for the Nanyang MBA’s improvement in ranking, according to Mr Soriano Nicanor Lazaro, deputy director of the Nanyang MBA programme office.

Associate Dean of Nanyang MBA, Chung Lai Hong, who is also an associate professor at NBS, said that international students from 27 countries make up close to 90 per cent of this year’s full-time class.

“The consistency in our MBA rankings reflects the high quality of our programme and this has led to a steady increase in the number and quality of applications,” said Associate Professor Chung.

Every year, the programme admits approximately 100 fulltime and 50 part-time students through a stringent selection process. This consists of an assessment and invitation-only interview for the shortlisted candidates, before a letter of offer is made.

Distinguished alumni of the Nanyang MBA programme include Mr Udi Dahan, head of wealth management division of UBS Israel, a global asset management firm, and Ms Jill Lee, who is the Senior Vice President of Neptune Orient Lines Ltd, a global transportation and logistics company.

According to Mr Lazaro, NBS hopes to further improve its MBA programme to stay relevant to market needs.

“We will continue to make the programme relevant to business requirements and thus update our curriculum so that it aligns with the current and, in some cases, future trends,” he said.

Many business undergraduates are pleased with the ranking.

First-year business student Melvin Tan, 21, said: “I feel proud that our school is doing well on the international stage.”

He added that he is considering doing an MBA at the NBS. “I am assured of the quality of education here as some of the professors teaching the MBA programme are also teaching the undergraduates,” he said.

what's up on campus DECALICS LUCKY DRAWS Like the Decalics Facebook page and stand a chance to win a wall decal (decorative wall sticker). Decalics’ products are sold at affordable prices at the pushcart beside the radio booth at Canteen B. The pushcart also features The Funky Geek, which sells stationeries and is owned by an NBS student.

SWEDEN DAY There is more to Sweden than meatballs or Ikea. Come down for information on exchange studies or simply a glimpse of Sweden. Expect to win Lucky Draw prizes, mingle with Embassy representatives and Swedish exchange students, plus more. Free lunch and cake will be served from 11.30 am on a first come first serve basis. Keep an eye out for the yellow and blue posters all over campus.

13 OCT 10AM-3.30PM SCHOOL OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES (LOBBY)

TABERNACLE FELLOWSHIP ACTIVITIES Boardgaming Fun Play fun and exciting board games, including Saboteur and Monopoly Deal, at Boardgames Café and get to know more people.

14 OCT 6.30PM CANTEEN 13 Contact Jocelyn (94500602) or William (90258320) Visit to Old Folks Home Interested in doing something for the elderly? Take a break during recess week and come along for a visit to an Old Folks Home. The Tabernacle Fellowship will be giving donations in kind and putting up a performance.

22 OCT Contact Jocelyn (94500602) or Ngak (98336015) or William (90258320)

SAILING X Sail away with the NTU Yachting Club, and meet national sailors. No experience is needed. Lunch and a free T-shirt will be provided. The Club is also looking for new members – no sailing experience required.

21, 22 OCT 10AM-5PM CHANGI SAILING CLUB Sign up by emailing ntuyc2010@ gmail.com GASPP: A GAY ANTHOLOGY OF SINGAPORE POETRY AND PROSE The launch of Singapore’s first-ever collection of gay writers will showcase voices from different generations. A festive evening of readings plus Q&A is planned at one of the most popular gay clubs in the city.

Entry is free.

29 OCT For more details, visit gaspp.wordpress .com

http ://

NTU BLOOD DONATION DRIVE 2010 The NTU Chapter of the Red Cross Humanitarian Network is having its first blood donation drive of Academic Year 2010/11. Interested donors can register online to get priority during the drive. Give blood, save life.

The chapter's Blood Awareness Week will be held on the preceding week of 25 to 28 October.

news flash More than 14,000 PEOPLE paid their final respects to Mrs Lee Kuan Yew over two days of public mourning at the Istana State Complex. She was transported, on October 6th, to Mandai crematorium on a ceremonial gun carriage, usually used for state and military funerals.

FORMER SINGAPORE L AND Authority manager Koh Seah Wee has been arrested for defrauding the government of about 12 million Singapore dollars, in the biggest criminal case involving a civil servant since 1995. Assets recovered include a Lamborghini and a Ferrari. toxic sludge that burst from a Hungarian factory’s reservoir has reached the Danube, Europe’s second-longest river. European Union and environmental officials fear that half a dozen nations could be affected and are currently monitoring the situation.

More than 1,000 TEACHERS have been fired in Kenya for sexually abusing girls over the past two years, said Kenyan authorities.

Better communication, through mobile telephones and a nationwide confidential helpline, has been key to revealing the scope of the problem, said senior government officials.

R e p o r t s t h at o v e r 5 0 swimmers at the Commonwealth Games have fallen ill has prompted an investigation into the swimming pool’s water qualit y. Among the retired swimmers are two Australian bronze medalists, who pulled out due to “gastro” problems according to a team spokesman.

NE W THAI AR M Y CHIE F General Prayut Chan-O-Cha has vowed to stay out of politics, saying he did not hate the anti-government Red Shirts. He was reported to have overseen the military response to the Reds’ Bangkok protests in May. the sun's influence on global warming may have been overestimated, said a research study published in the journal Nature. But humanity’s role as the dominant cause of climate change, through the production of greenhouse gases, remains unchallenged.

The United Nations’ Haiti refugee camps have been condemned by US charit y Refugees International as being inexperienced and dysfunctional.

According to the charity, reports of gang rapes were common and UN police were ineffective due to a lack of translators .

29 OCT, 2-4 NOV 11AM-5PM STUDENT AC TIVITIES CENTRE Register at http:// clubs .ntu. edu.sg / redcross For more information, contact K ai Lin (92330526)

the 2010 NOBEL PRIZE IN literature has been awarded to Peruvian Mario Vargas Llosa.

The last South American winner was Colombian Gabriel Garcia Marquez in 1982. Llosa’ is bestknown for Conversation in The Cathedral, The War of the End of the World and The Feast of the Goat.

If you have any exciting campus events, do contact us at chronicle@ntu.edu.sg

facebook has revealed A new groups feature. Users will be able to share updates with specific groups of people, join in group chats and plan events together.

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New SU head wants to engage students More emails and Meet-the-People sessions to build better relationships with students Amelia Tan Being forced to drop out of junior college did not deter Yeo Kai Xiang's drive for excellence.

The newly elected president of the Students' Union is a finalyear student from the School of E lec t r ica l a nd E lec t ron ic Engineering, who transferred to Ngee Ann Polytechnic after his junior college failed to promote him for the second time.

Yet, he took the setback in his stride.

Yeo, 26, was elected president of the 20th NTU Students’ Union (NTUSU) on September 21st.

Previously holding the position of NTUSU's logistics executive, he was appointed by Council members from a pool of selected Union representatives.

This year’s NTUSU slogan of “Voice, Service, Vibrancy”, with its focus on ser ving students, also captures the new president’s strengths.

Ex-president Dimas Har r y Priawan, 23, said: “Kai Xiang is very different from me. He’s more of a people-person.”

“Instead of just commanding, he will be willing to work with you and also do things that are more time-consuming,” he added.

Yeo plans to be an advocate of the students by addressing their concerns.

“Last year, we have built up quite a good relationship with the Student Affairs Office,” Yeo said.

“This year, we feel that we need to build up trust between us and the students.”

Yeo acknowledged some students are sceptical of NTUSU’s efforts. Previously, even he thought it “could not do anything and (was) being controlled by the school”.

A poll of 10 students conducted

by The Nanyang Chronicle found all respondents clueless about the workings of NTUSU. In response to students’ comments on insufficient publicity about the new NTUSU president, Yeo said a mass e-mail would introduce the committee to the students after its investiture.

“Previously, the only publicity of the new committee was done through Tribune and our website.

To take it a step further, we would e-mail the students, just like what school committees have been doing,” he said.

Other plans to engage students include a photo exhibition showcasing NTUSU’s events and a “Meet-the-People” session each semester so students can raise their concerns to the committee.

Despite his hopes, Yeo said time is needed to build mutual trust and understanding between students and the Union.

“Educating the students—not just telling them about our plans, but allowing them to see what we have done—it is an ongoing process.”

He added: “Slowly they will understand that they can depend on us.”

A MORE PEOPLE-PERSON: The new NTUSU president Yeo Kai Xiang, 26, hopes to gain trust from the student population through his new plans.

PHOTO | JEANETTE LIM

students say A poll of 10 students by The Nanyang Chronicle showed that none of the interviewed students could name the exNTUSU president.

Some reasons given were:

• Students were not involved in the Union's activities • President’s lack of exposure with the NTU community • Lack of communication with students through emails or festivals • Effects of Union's changes not felt by students

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NTU-Pioneer shuttle bus changes route Samantha Boh The NTU-Pioneer shuttle bus route has been shortened, reducing the turnaround time but leaving the south spine community without this service.

The decision, made by the Student Union (SU) and Student Affairs Office (SAO), was announced last month.

Also known as shuttle bus D, the service now heads to Hall of Residence 6 after making a u-turn at the Administration Building, omitting the bus stops between the School of Art, Design and Media and Hall 5.

The move follows the recent introduction of the “No Standee" r ule by t he Land Transpor t Authority, which reduced the passenger capacity of shuttle buses. The increased frequency of the buses, due to the shorter route, is meant to help with the shortfall, said SU Student Services Executive Yan Xia, 20.

The buses are usually already full after the bus stop at the Administration Building, said Yan Xia. It hence made sense for the buses to make a U-turn there rather than continue on.

“Students affected are expected to take other shuttle bus services to go to their schools, halls or to bus stops where route D buses stop," Yan continued.

The change benefits residents of halls near the Pioneer entrance of NTU, halving their commute to

Pioneer MRT. Nanyang Business School second-year and Hall 2 resident Fawn Cher, 20, said: “It is definitely convenient for us as it takes a shorter time to leave NTU." But students who relied on the shuttle bus to get into school felt the new route contradicted the bus' role as a free, efficient alternative.

“It is now pointless to take it (shuttle bus D) since it does not stop at the main bus stops of NTU such as the one at Lee Wee Nam," said Zheng Wei Liang, 22, a second-year student at NIE. Others said their use of the internal shuttle buses minimised

the effects of the change in route.

“There are still buses A, B and C that go to the omitted bus stops, so it does not really pose much of an inconvenience for me,” said Rachel Tan, 20, a second-year School of Humanities and Social Sciences student.

However, she noted the omitted bus stops were mainly located at schools, which could inconvenience students.

The SU said it was working closely with the school's administration to improve the quality of the NTU shuttle services. This would include asking for additional funds for the deployment of more buses.

A BIG SQUEEZE: A student looks at the new bus route taken by the NTU-Pioneer shuttle bus.

PHOTO | CHARMAINE YAP

EOS welcomes first PhD students Lei Jia Hui Ask Daniel K r imer why he became a geologist, and he would say it was all because of a bet.

Challenged by his sister and a friend, both geographers of a related field, the Hungarian d ropped pla n s of bei ng a n e conom i s t on a wh i m a nd pursued geology.

Little did he know he would find his calling in Earth Sciences.

Krimer, now 29, is one of the six students pursuing his doctorate degree under the Earth Observatory of Singapore (EOS) and NTU’s newly established Division of Earth Sciences (DES).

A f ir st among loca l u n i ve r sit ie s , t he d i v i sion , which comes under the School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences (SPMS), welcomed its pioneer batch of PhD students when the semester started this August.

T he four-year long programme offers students the platform to conduct in-depth research in climate, volcanoes and tectonics, broadly defined as earthquakes and tsunamis.

The six students come from

diverse academic backgrounds and hail from different parts of the world.

It is t h is c u lt u ra l a nd educational mix that enriches the learning experience, said Shawn Sim, 24, a Singaporean who joi ned t he progr a m me after he graduated from NTU with a degree in Environmental Engineering earlier this year.

“We have a lot of opportunities and freedom to be in control of our own work.”

Annie Winson PhD student Earth Observatory of Singapore

However, nationality and academic background is just about where their differences end. They are on good terms, and bond through their common interest in earth sciences. “ We w o u l d e n g a g e i n discussions over dinner,” said Társilo Girona, 25, from Spain.

It is this thirst for knowledge that led all of them to take up this programme. “ You r mot ivat ion comes from inside. You are actually doing research for yourself,” said Krimer, who is researching on volcanoes.

T he st udent s fol low a curriculum that includes some compulsory modules.

H o w e v e r, t h e y a r e n ot rest r icted in ter ms of work schedule.

Said Annie Winson, 26, from Britain: “We are ver y lucky because here, we have a lot of opportunities and freedom to be in control of our own work.”

Directed by Professor Kerry Sieh , EOS wa s lau nched i n February last year to conduct research on earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunami and climate change in South East Asia (SEA).

Funding by the government, coupled with proximity to natural disasters in the SEA region, makes Singapore an attractive place to conduct research in natural hazards and climate changes, said Girona.

A n u ndergr aduate a nd master’s programme in Earth Sciences are in the works.

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Aviation MBA takes to the skies Lim Yi Han NTU is the first Asian university to establish a Masters programme in aviation management.

Chosen by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the University will be collaborating with Geneva-based IATA to offer an Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) in aviation management, and also to explore research, development and education opportunities in the global aviation industry.

NTU President Dr Su Guaning and IATA Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Giovanni Bisignani signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to effect the collaboration at NTU on September 21st.

IATA represents some 230 airlines worldwide and accounts for 93 percent of international scheduled air traffic, and have partnerships with institutions such as the University of Geneva in Switzerland, Stanford University and Harvard Business Publishing in the United States of America.

Dr Su Guaning said: “NTU and IATA will explore the possibility of launching a joint EMBA programme, specialising in aviation management to train professional aviation leaders for Asia and the rest of the world.”

In the new EMBA, special emphasis will be placed on cultural intelligence issues, which refers to the ability of individuals and organisations to be effective across cultural and geographical boundaries.

Mr Bisignani said: “The future

of air transport is in Asia Pacific.

We must be able to develop a new generation who can work beyond borders to run Asia."

The aviation management programme developed will add on to the three specialised tracks under the EMBA programme, which are shipping, offshore and finance, and entrepreneurship and energy management.

Mr Bisignani said: “This MOU allows both IATA and NTU to take a leading role in aviation talent development in the region, reinforcing Singapore’s status as an aviation hub and an education hub.”

“We must be able to develop a new generation who can work beyond borders to run Asia."

Mr Giovanni Bisignani Chief Executive Officer International Air Transport Association

The estimated yearly intake for the EMBA aviation management programme is 20. It will take about 18 months to complete the programme. Participants will spend about 10 to 12 months attending basic accounting and finance courses before specialising in the track.

Professor Gillian Yeo, Interim Dean at the Nanyang Business

COLLABORATION FOR AVIATION: NTU President Dr Su Guaning (left) and IATA Chief Executive Officer Mr Giovanni Bisignani(right) PHOTO | WALLACE WOON signs the collaboration for the first aviation Masters programme in Asia.

School, said that the details and curriculum of the new EMBA programme would be shared in a few months time as the programme is “still premature”.

There was positive feedback about the new EMBA from students at Nanyang Business School.

Final-year student Angeline Gao said: “Aviation management is a very specialised course, and NBS has a good reputation in its MBA programmes. I’m sure it will

Beware of what you do online Candice Neo Students ca n now t u r n to the Community of Information Technology Experts (CITE) for advice when they run into online legal issues.

CITE, an advisory committee headed by Professor Ang Peng Hwa from the Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information (WKWSCI), seeks to provide legal information to local Internet users and small online businesses.

C I T E is suppor ted by t he Singapore Internet Research Center (SiRC), which conducts Internet research across Asia.

Common concerns faced by Singapore netizens that CITE expects to address are defamation, privacy, content regulation and intellectual property rights.

“We will give information on what defamation entails, and how intellectual property works,” said CITE member Br yan Tan, who is Director of Keystone Law Corporation.

V i sit i ng pr ofe s sor at t he National University of Singapore, Dr Lim Yee Fen, who is also a mem-

ber of CITE, said: “As technology infiltrates people’s lives, everything you do (online) has an impact. So there is a gentle increase in the need for technological law.”

Many Singaporeans are unaware of such legal details, said Dr Lim. Such information is provided on a need basis, said Ms Yvonne Lim, Senior Manager from SiRC, who manages requests sent to CITE. The CITE team conducts group consultations on received requests before giving its feedback.

But the team works as an education model, Ms Lim stressed, and does not provide specific legal advice.

“There is a gentle increase in the need for technological law."

Dr Lim Yee Fen CITE

CITE's scope of expertise extends to social media issues as well.

Students are not only concerned about speech and defama-

tion issues, but also invasion of privacy online.

“When the public says something about their lives, this information may be used by some people to their advantage,” said Qin Ge Meng, 20.

T he S c hool of Compute r Engineering first-year is worried about the commercial use of private information.

An advisory committee like CITE will let users know what information can be posted online, said Charissa Lee, 20.

“There are no clear cut restrictions on what we can and cannot say (currently),” said the second-year student from the School of Humanities and Social Sciences.

There may be a pitfall for this legal information portal.

As CITE only provides information based on requests, approaching the group may be more of a reactionary, rather than a preventive, measure.

“People generally only look at legal concerns when they get into trouble,” said Associate Professor Erin Goh, who teaches the Business Law course.

be an effective programme.”

Jamie Chia, also a final-year student, agreed. She said: “It is attractive for people who are interested in the aviation industry.”

Prior to this, NTU has already started working with IATA. Senior professors from NTU were part of the expert faculty for the Intercultural Leadership Engagement and Development programme, which was jointly launched by NTU and IATA. 20 IATA executives at-

tended the programme, held at NTU, in September.

In addition, NTU and IATA will team up to develop other programmes for human resource development with special emphasis on leadership and cultural intelligence issues.

Dr Su said: “These programmes would serve top aviation executives to maximise their performance in the global business environment.”

More Ventures to come Results of the Venture projects pave their way for upcoming cars Edwin Loh The NTU solar car team has set grander sights for the Venture project after their recent win at the inaugural G1 Eco-car race, and plan to send their cars to more competitions for exposure.

The Venture II solar car was first in the solar car category, beating rivals from Temasek Polytechnic by 0.7 seconds.

Team member Ng Junyang, 24, a final-year student from the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE), said: “We started out slower but eventually caught up just before the finishing line.”

The 100-metre drag race held between Turn 17 and 18 of the Marina Bay F1 circuit was a build up event to the Singtel Singapore Grand Prix.

Organiser Singapore Environment Council hoped to encourage green technologies in transportation in an effort to reduce carbon emission.

Venture II and its sister solar car, Venture III, have paved the way for the concurrent development of two new projects – a diesel-powered Venture IV and a solar-powered Venture V. Supervising tutor Associate Professor Ng Heong Wah said that the solar cars will be competing in the Shell Eco Marathon and World Solar Challenge next year.

T he Shell Eco Marat hon prizes fuel efficiency while the WSC values speed and reliability.

The development process for such projects can take between two months to a year but it did not stop final-year MAE student Lester Chia from coming back for more.

The 24-year-old was in the team behind the Venture II car and has since signed up for the Venture V car as his Final Year Project.

Chia said: “Venture II was more like a trial, filled with technical challenges but you feel an emotional connection to the project.”

“It is the satisfaction of seeing the car take the win (for G1).

We want to push it (Venture V) on further and aim for top ten in next year’s WSC,” he added.

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T h e na n ya ng c h ron ic l e

Students turn passion into reality Sharp rise in number of student-initiated clubs in recent years Leonard How C y ber gaming and v isits to animal shelters are just some of the new activities students can join to expand their interests at NTU. More st udent s have been stepping forward in recent years to start new clubs.

According to the Students Affairs Office (SAO), there are now 113 clubs and societies in NTU, a jump from 77 in 2004. As many as 15 have been formed in the last two years.

The more unusual ones include Divisional director of SAO Mrs Seah Wai Choo said: “This is a positive trend. We have always encouraged students to take the lead in such initiatives and those who are interested to star t a new club can put forward their proposals to us.”

Students first have to gather at least 20 people interested in forming the club before applying to SAO, which will then assesses fac tor s suc h a s i nterest s, sustainability and operational

costs of the club. Approved clubs are put on a two-year probation to prove t heir sustainabi lit y before getting recommendation for registration to the Registrar of Societies.

Mrs Seah said that SAO funds the initial set-up of the clubs, which starts from $100 depending on the club’s needs. It also helps to draft club constitutions and source for advisors.

Among the newer clubs in NTU are the Cyber Games Society (CGS) and Animal Lovers’ Society (ALS), both three years old.

Com mu n icat ion St ud ies graduate Ms Fong Kam Ling, 26, who founded ALS said: “I believe in promoting animal rights as it’s something I’m passionate about.

But beyond that (the club) was also really for the whole of NTU, for animal lovers to gather together.”

For NTU CGS founder Mr Ho Pin Yan, 25, however, getting his club off the ground was no easy feat.

T he recent elec t r ica l a nd electronic engineering graduate had to battle misconceptions and stigma about gaming as a legitimate hobby.

“Mostly, it was a two-man show with my co-founder Thye Boon,” Mr Ho said.

Today the ALS and CGS have

Putting things in Mosaics perspective HSS team to come up with play about Down Syndrome Lim Yi Han Students from the School of Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) have come up with a play slated to perform in March next year, a week after the World Down Syndrome Day. Mosaics, a play directed and produced by HSS students, aims to address the stigma associated with disabilities and allow the audience to reflect about the relationships presented.

Ms Geraldine Song, a part-time tutor at the HSS, wrote Mosaics last year as part of her trilogy, “To Thee Do We Cry, Poor Banished Children”. She explained that the name of the play was derived from a form of the disorder, the Mosaic Down Syndrome.

Director Stephen Fernandez, a graduate student at the HSS, said: “The play is about a love relationship between these two protagonists. The male lead has Mosaic Down Sydrome but leads a regular life.”

He explained that the purpose of the play is not to change the

audience’s perceptions on disabilities, but to expose the stigma associated with mentally or physically disabled people.

Producer Crispin Rodrigues, 22, a second-year HSS student, said: “If you have a disability, you cannot contribute as much,” he continued.

While Down Syndrome is an element present in the play, Fernandez stressed that the crux of the play is not on the disability. Instead, the emphasis is on the various relationships between the characters.

He said: “Audience can reflect on their own relationships with

memberships of 200 and 300 respect ively, w it h each club organising var ious events to promote their interests.

T he A LS holds an i ma l awareness road shows on campus, while the CGS hosts a biennial e-gaming competition among NTU’s 13 faculties and devise plans to conduct cyber wellness talks in secondary schools.

Although Mr Ho had to juggle between CGS and studies, he never regret the effort he invested.

“It’s not easy to bring a club up from zero. Starting the club was like taking 40 AUs,” he said.

“But if you really want to start a club, you need to have a specific aim, and commit to that."

Howe ve r, not e ve r yone succeeded at setting a club.

Mechanical and aerospace engineering student Toh Jing Poo’s efforts to start a boxing club have been put on hold because of a lack of space and facilities.

The 22-year-old has turned to organising independent weekly training sessions in school with interested students.

“The school sounds pretty firm that the door is closed. But if I can get enough people and show them enough reason why boxing should be a club, I will approach them again,” Toh said. others through this play and draw the connection between the play and their lives.”

Besides dialogue, audience can expect dance in the play, which will be a significant element. “We tend to look at a play as purely linguistic and not to see it in terms of expression of the body," he said.

“Seeing conveys certain ideas more clearly,” added Fernandez.

As a production by students, the crew has met their fair share of challenges, as “it is quite hard to get funding without any established names,” said Rodrigues.

The students are in the process of seeking sponsorships and a collaboration with The Arts House.

Rehearsals will commence later this year, and application for roles in the play is open till end of this week. An audition will be held on October 20th.

GIVING AID: (From left) Rodrigues, Farnandez and Ms Song. PHOTO | WAN ZHONG HAO

05

Visually impaired professor breaks barriers

AN INSPIRATION FOR STUDENTS AND COLLEAGUES: Assistant Professor Wong Meng Ee overcomes disability and strives to make a difference in education.

PHOTO | WU HAN

NIE professor goes on about his normal life Sulaiman Daud THE professor in the child psychology tutorial at the National Institute of Education (NIE) is punctual and has all his slides ready for the day’s lesson.

What sets this class apart, however, is the fact that the professor is visually impaired.

Assistant Professor Wong M e n g E e o f N I E 's E a r l y Childhood and Special Needs Educat ion ( ECS E ) de pa r tment was born with a rare genetic condition called reverse Retinitis Pigmentosa.

He started losing his sight when he was about 10 years old, and is now left with only peripheral vision.

“What little sight I have is like looking through frosted glass or like looking through a jam jar. You can see a bit, but there’s no clarity at all,” said the 40-year-old bachelor.

Dr Wong conducts his lessons with ease, assisted by Job Access with Speech (JAWS), a software that reads out text on the computer screen to him.

He is able to tell which slides his students are viewing by hooking up earphones to his laptop and listening to what JAWS reads out.

But even with assistive technology, teaching a class remains a challenge.

This is especially so when he meets a new class for the first time, and has to break the ice.

“New classes (are) scar y because I have to break the ice.

Can you imagine (walking) into a class, you're blindfolded, everyone is staring at you,” he said.

He overcomes this by developing an open relationship with his students.

“I tell them it's a partnership. They have to help me so I can help them,” he said. “It takes

time, but progressively they feel more at ease.”

Making a difference in students’ lives remains his main motivation.

“There are the teachers who disparage, undermine and belittle you. I think they sent a signal to me that these are the examples I definitely do not want to emulate,” he said. “I want to be the teacher that makes a difference.”

Dr Wong’s dedication to his job has not gone unnoticed by his students or his colleagues.

“It’s emotionally inspiring.

You wouldn’t know he’s visually impaired, the way he portrays himself,” said student Jane Tan, 26.

Another student Loh Mei Yin, 21, said: “He’s someone who expresses a lot of gratitude.” She said Dr Wong would email her to thank her for helping him prepare for his tutorial.

“I’m motivated by him when I see the effort he puts in memorising his slides over the weekends,” she said.

Dr Wong’s colleague Assistant Professor Linda Gan, 62, finds him an inspiration too. She occupies the office beside his, and often escorts him to his classes.

“He has a remarkable physical and emotional resilience in overcoming the challenges presented to him. It’s a ver y humbling experience to see a man who has overcome so much become a professor,” she said.

Outside the classroom, Dr Wong is a spor ts enthusiast who completed the Standard Chartered marathon two years ago. He hopes to take part again this December.

While training on the treadmill, he listens to audiobooks like Neal Bascomb's The Perfect Mile, which describes athletes' attempts to run a mile in less than four minutes.

“All these are human stories in which they overcome challenges by themselves—the seemingly impossible and then they break it,” he said.

06

news

o c to b e r 11, 2010

T h e na n ya ng c h ron ic l e

IEM pioneers worry about their jobs Wang Chenyu The pioneer batch of students taking the Information Engineering and Media (IEM) course will graduate next year, but now they are concerned about their job prospects.

When this batch entered the programme in 2007, they were told that they would be highly demanded by employers after graduation, especially in the media and infocomm sectors.

But students find that there are not many jobs catering to their specific degree in the market. Most jobs are provided for engineering students from the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE).

IEM is a hybrid course that combines engineering, arts and media aspects. In NTU, the IEM courses are offered by the Schools of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Art, Design and Media, Computer Engineering and the Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information.

Final-year student Kate Tan, 22, said: “We may be termed as ‘specialised’ but there are less than a handful of jobs in Singapore that is catered for us.”

When searching for a job on big companies’ career websites, IEM students sometimes find it hard to fit the descriptions.

“I think most employers are still unsure of what we can do, but from our training it looks like we're poised to fill in the gap between engineers and artists in a design or engineering firm,” final-year student Cletus Chua, 25, said.

Despite these concerns, some companies actually showed interest in such a hybrid

form of students, having skills in engineering, media and arts.

A recruiting personnel from Lucasfilm Singapore said: “With understanding of engineering principles and skills, plus knowledge on 3-D modeling and design, hybrid talents really score in this industry.”

Final-year student Dai Miao, 22, did her

“When I was testing games and checking scripts, my programming skills made it a lot quicker for me to get on the right track."

IEM

EEE

Subject weightage

Engineering: 60% Arts and media: 20% GER-PE: 20%

Engineering: 77% GER-PE: 23%

Internship opportunities

The School of EEE provides almost the same list of companies for both IEM and EEE students. However, the IEM students are strongly encouraged to source for their companies.

Examples include: All EEE companies, Lucasfilm Singapore, MediaCorp and Singapore Press Holdings

Dai Miao, 22 Final-year student School of Electrical and Electrionic Engineering

internship at Lucasfilm Singapore’s game division this summer, testing games and solving problems for artists with her engineering skills.

“What I learnt at school really helped a lot during my internship,” she said. “When I was testing games and checking scripts, my programming skills made it a lot quicker for me to get on the right track.”

Some students, however, would like to see improvements in the current syllabus,

GRAPHIC | ALAN CHOONG

especially in integrating the engineering, media and arts aspects.

Final-year student Li Xiang, 24, said: “I want to get into the software and gaming industry, so I hope there are more basic courses that give us skills to facilitate our further learning.”

Another final-year student Wu Han, 22, said: “I wish we had more integrated courses that engineering and arts are combined.”

Programme coordinator Chua Hock Chuan, also an associate professor at EEE, explained that IEM is a multidisciplinary

Promoting the entrepreneurship spirit Students fulfil minor in Entrepreneurship by providing an avenue for budding entrepreneurs Pearl Lee Rather than start a business to fulfill a Minor in Entrepreneurship requirement, one group instead started a fair promoting entrepreneurship.

BuddyS Fair was a three-day event at Canopy K (outside LT1A), which some 38 vendors participated.

See Zhao Kai, 23, from the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, was part of the team of four who launched this initiative.

“We decided to launch this because there are actually a lot of people who are interested in starting a business, but there is little or no platform available to them.

Getting a booth at an external venue is also very costly,” said See. Two of the booths at the event were run by NTU students.

The Regular Service Project for the Visually Handicapped (RSPVH), a committee founded by the NTU Welfare Services Club

(WSC), was one of them. The stall sold little trinkets like key chains, bookmarks and hand phone straps.

“We want to channel the sales proceeds into organising events for our beneficiaries from the Lighthouse School,” said Aysha Farwin, 20, the business manager of WSC, referring to the school for the visually handicapped and hearing-impaired children.

“There are actually a lot of people who are interested in starting a business, but there is little or no platform available to them."

See Zhao Kai, 23 Final-year student School of Civil and Environmental Engineering

“Sales have been quite good, exceeding our expectations,” added the second-year student from

Examples include: Credit Suisse, IBM, Honeywell, Quantum Automation, Apple, E x xonMobil, SIMTech and Siltronic Singapores

the School of Biological Sciences.

The event also displayed advertisements of companies ran by other students pursuing a minor in Entrepreneurship.

Alfred Lee, a 21 year-old undergraduate f rom the School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences felt that the event should have more stalls run by NT U students.

“If more booths belonged to NTU students, it would make the fair more meaningful, promoting entrepreneurship culture in students,” said Lee. See added:“We want to encourage the culture of entrepreneurship in our school, to help one another, while creating friendly competition".

However, See and his team mates also faced numerous obstacles along the way. While sourcing for external vendors, they met with a lot of rejections.

Despite that, they managed to secure an overwhelming amount of external vendors, and student turnout was consistent as well.

See said: “This was definitely tough, but it was an enriching as well. I would consider the event to be a success looking at the crowd, number of vendors we managed to secure, and our profits.”

programme, focusing on Information and Communications Technology and Digital Media.

In response to the students who worry that their degree lacks focus, Associate Professor Chua said: “Nowadays industries have the tendency to hire people with wider exposure and knowledge.”

In addition, the school will also be improving the course, he said.

“The School will be continuously making improvement to the curriculum to fit the students and the industry’s needs.”

What about genital warts HPV, the most common STD that affects both men and women Trinh Hoang Ly T h e human papillomav ir us (HPV) not only increases risk of cervical cancer in women, but can develop into genital warts, penile cancer and other diseases in men and women.

Highlighting the different infections caused by HPV at the annual HPV health talk on September 23rd at Lecture T heat re 4, M r s A licia Lim, Health Education Officer from the Student Affairs Office said the change in topic was to reach out to male audiences.

For the past two years, the annual school campaign focused on how it causes cervical cancer.

Other infections by the virus were neglected.

HPV is the most common sexually-transmitted disease.

There are more than 40 type of HPV that infects both women and men.

According to Mrs Lim, the shift in focus was a bid to reach out to a wider audience. As cervical cancer only affects women, male students and staff may not pay attention.

The campaign, which took

place from September 21st to 23rd, included a talk on its last day and a three-day road show at NTU North Spine.

Dr Su L i n L i n f rom t he National University Hospital told an audience of approximately 100 that genital warts are extremely common and that, "one new case of genital warts being diagnosed every second”.

She also warned about the dangers of HPV infection and said that most HPV infections do not show symptoms until the infection becomes more serious.

She advised female students and staff under the age of 26 to vaccinate as soon as possible,. There is currently no vaccine for men.

Students who attended the talk found it informative.

“I plan to take the injection soon, before this talk, I did not know these diseases could be prevented.” said Charmaine Lim, 20, a first-year student from the National Institute of Education.

Volunteer Nguyen Quynh Phuong, 20, a second-year student from Nanyang Business School said: “The response was very good and a lot of people stopped at the booth to find out more”.

Students and staff can make appointments at the NTU medical center to be vaccinated. Three doses of the vaccine is taken over a period of six months.

news

o c to b e r 11, 2010

T h e na n ya ng c h ron ic l e

07

Giving kindness to receive Siti Maziah Masramli Several Halls of Residence have been organising events, activities and trips overseas over the past few years to help disadvantaged children.

A year-long fund-raising effort by Hall 4 culminated in a carnival at Plaza Singapura Atrium, which raised more than $18,000 for the Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore (MINDS).

The main event on September 18th and 19th was part of Hall 4’s annual Touch of the Hearts (TOTS) charity initiative. It was held in the Central Business District for the first time, and was kickstarted

by Mr George Yeo, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

According to TOTS chairman Desmond Toh, 23, a third-year Nanyang Business School (NBS) student, they invited Minister Yeo “as we saw from his Facebook profile and articles that he is a very regular patron of charity events”.

At the TOTS opening ceremony, Minister Yeo spoke of celebrating Mother Teresa’s hundredth birth anniversary this year.

He said: “Of course not all of us

can be Mother Teresa; (that is why) we hold her in such honour. But all of us in our own way, in our daily lives, can do a little bit to ease the burden of others.”

Secondary school students were present to help raise funds and support their schoolmates taking part in dance, song and martial arts performances.

“But all of us in our own way, in our daily lives, can do a little bit to ease the burden of others.”

Minister George Yeo, on how one can contribute to the society

Visitors donated small amounts to decorate cupcakes, balloon-sculpt and have their portraits drawn. Bookmarks made by MINDS students and photo opportunities with animal mascots were also on sale.

For $2, visitors could pen wellwishes on a note. 2,250 such notes

will be used to form a giant montage of a hand framing a heart, to be presented to MINDS as a gift.

Similarly, Hall 8 has a committee dedicated to raising funds for charity and increasing public awareness for charity. Called MAXAR, its main beneficiary for the past three years has been the Spastic Children’s Association of Singapore (SCAS).

In June, they held Treasure8, MAXAR’s biggest fund-raising event of the year, selling postcards of winning entries of an art competition. They collected up to $20,000 in public donations.

In the coming recess week, MAXAR, together with Colgate Palmolive will be taking SCAS children to the Singapore Zoo as part of Colgate’s corporate social responsibility program, said MAXAR vice-president Wong Jibin, 21, a third-year Mechanical Engineering student.

Meanwhile, Hall 9 has been going overseas to help orphanages in Nias, Indonesia, for the past two years for their Overseas Community Involvement Project (OCIP).

OCIP chairman Daniel Toh, 21, said: “We plan to go to Nias again this year and recruitment is underway.”

Validation of key cards enhances hall security New feature provides greater security for residents Lau Liang Tong A new security system requires residents of Halls 3, 8 to 16 to validate their key cards weekly to enter their rooms and toilet.

This means residents will have to scan their card key at least once every seven days at the reading room, television lounge or laundry room in order to open their room and toilet doors.

First-year Nanyang Business School student Ong Si Ling, 19, who did not know about the new feature, was stranded outside her room for 15 minutes when her card did not work.

Fortunately, a senior walked by and told her to scan her key card at the block’s television lounge.

Mr Choo Choon Huat, Assistant Manager (Student Accommodation) said: “(The validation) was introduced to provide a higher level of security by offering layered protection against any unauthorised use of lost cards.”

He said that the feature was introduced this academic year although the system was installed last year during the renovations for Youth Olympic Games. Before that, keys were used.

The feature was explained to

the residents by the respective hall offices during check-in, Mr Choo added.

It seems that residents are still adapting to the new feature.

Vice-President of Hall 11, Chew Wei Le, 23, said: “I have seen a few residents locked out of their rooms, but most of them knew that all they had to do is just go to one of the common areas to validate their security cards.”

Lydia Lee, 20, from Hall 14 said: “I go to the reading room and television lounge quite often so my card is always validated.”

However, the newly implemented feature causes inconvenience to some.

The third-year NBS student added that they mainly do rebuilding and refurbishment work such as cleaning water tanks, basic education, and cultural exchanges.

And true to Minister Yeo’s words that everyone can make a contribution, Hall 1 is expanding their camp for disadvantaged children, and are planning to increase the duration from two to three days.

Started two years ago, UniQkidz Children Charity Camp brings disadvantaged children to

NTU to play games and visit the Singapore Science Centre or the zoo over one weekend.

The committee raises funds to provide the children with food, goodie bags and necessities, said last year’s camp chairman Hubert Tay, 23, a third-year NBS student.

Hall 1 is also considering organising events for intellectually disabled children next, as last year’s camp invited a childcare centre with a mix of children from needy and well-off families, said current chairman Stella Ling.

MONTAGE OF WELL WISHES: Students paste sticky notes to form a giant montage of 2,250 notes.

PHOTO | DEREK FOO

URECA system undergoes revision

Lee added: "Several of my neighbours gOt locked out of their rooms. They have to go all the way to the common area and walk back to their rooms."

Mr Choo said that to date, he has not received any complaints and “there is no reason to, as this is for the safety and security of the residents.”

Ong, who is now more familiar with the system, said that she now sees the need for increased security, as she has more valuables, such as a printer, in hall.

“It is quite commendable that NTU is taking the effort to upgrade security features to protect us,” she said.

GRAPHIC | ALAN CHOONG

The scholarship adapts to greater demand from students Shahida Binte Hassim W ith effect t his academic year, NTU students who take up the Undergraduate Research Experience on Campus (URECA), will no longer earn academic units (AUs) and a stipend simultaneously.

Instead, they will choose between 4AUs for two semesters, and if eligible, an hourly stipend, capped at $400 per month.

The revision was officially announced on the URECA website prior to the start of the new term.

Previously, students were also required to be on the Dean’s List to qualif y for the elite undergraduate research programme.

However, due to the rising number of appeals, the URECA board decided to introduce several changes to its previous system.

These changes involve including students from the School of Physical and Sports Science (PSS) and CN Yang Scholars into the list of eligible URECA participants.

Unde r t he ne w s y ste m , URECA students will be divided into three categories, depending on whether they are recipients of a scholarship or bursary of

at least $3000, non-scholarship recipients and recipients of scholarships and bursaries of not more than $3000, or CN Yang scholars.

Associate Professor Appa Iyer Sivakumar, Director of the URECA programme, revealed that these new changes were made so that more students will have the chance to undertake research projects.

Highlighting that the university places high importance on research, he added that by the budget channelled into the programme remains the same.

Even though more students are now eligible for the programme and more are expected to apply, some may choose to receive the AUs instead.

“We do not think that these changes will affect the number of URECA participants in a negative manner,” said Ms Wenny Puspadewi, Assistant Manager of URECA. “We believe that these students are genuinely interested in research,” she added.

Howe v e r, s ome U REC A scholars, like third-year English Literature major Carmen Ng, are torn by the new revision.

“With the need to choose between AUs or a stipend, it somehow gives me the feeling that students are supposed to view this program either academically, or as a part-time job,” said the 22-year-old.

Lifestyle A good reason to get out of bed.

- Page 12

Honey, I sAW a Giving an Asian touch to Halloween, these fright trails feature ghosts from Asia. Lifestyle Editor Kenneth Goh screams his heart out Halloween Horrors

Night Safari 80 Mandai Lake Road Opens 7.30pm – 12 midnight, every Fri & Sat (including Oct 31, Sun), in October Admission price: $45 (Oct 15 – 23), $50 (Oct 29 – 31)

THE sight was enough to send shivers down my spine. A lone dilapidated building, flanked by tombstones, stood against the ominous backdrop of a moonless night.

Flickering funeral lamps, which lined the road to the Gui Mansion, made me nervous.

Gui means ghost in Chinese.

So did the ‘ghost’ who zipped past me and injected a loud clash of the gong into the eerie atmosphere. This ghoulish mansion is the newest attraction at the Night Safari’s Halloween Horrors.

Getting to the Gui Mansion, which is nestled within the dense canopies of bushes, is no walk in the park.

The paths are dimly lit, which make visitors vulnerable to hysterical screams from ‘ghosts’ lurking around. Some daring ghouls even chased the terrified visitors.

And that was a mere appetiser to what loomed ahead.

The only clues to what went on inside were piercing screams and rowdy slams, which shook the one-storey structure with mini tremors.

Equipped with a wild imagination after a 20-minute wait, it was time to face my fears.

The mansion consists of a maze-like trail, with actors dressed as ghosts loitering at every turn, shrill wails floating in the background.

Each turn led to an elaborate scene, like a kitchen helmed by a hulking cook, who lurched towards me with a spatula.

Another turn led to a bloody bedroom scene, where a deranged lady combed her hair furiously.

Look out for hidden partitions in the walls, which slide out to reveal screams from glaring disfigured creatures.

Preying on the blind spots, the ‘ghosts’ appeared in places least expected.

Out of shock, I returned the favour to a screaming ‘ghost’.

I barely had time to catch my breath before being jolted by the next scare.

The finale , a Chinese funeral procession, made my hair stand.

I tiptoed past a distraught mourner crying over a coffin, only to receive a bigger shock—a line of mourners in bloodstained

fright night @ acm

funeral wear.

With bowed heads in a stationary position, it was impossible to tell if they were mannequins or humans.

Feeling a little tug on my shirt, I jumped in fear and sprinted towards the exit only to have a cage with a dead bat shoved in my face.

Other Halloween attractions include the popular train of terror and walking trail for the undead.

The ghost lineup is distinctively Asian— with the likes of hantu pocong (Indonesian ghost), meng po (Mythical lady of forgetfulness) and bomoh (a Malay shaman).

For something less heart-thumping, hop onto the train of terror. Imagine a Night Safari tour, with a Halloween makeover.

During the 30-minute ride, look out for surprise attacks from ghosts.

Some are armed with chains and erupt in howling cries.

The train passed through ghastly sets like a Chinese wedding gone wrong, where the disfigured couple haunted passengers.

Making my hands clammy was the Chinese puppet show set.

I was so engrossed by the headless puppet act that I failed to notice a bloody one-eyed lady staring at me.

Sitting at the tail end of the tram also proved to be scarier, as some actors would “attack” from the back and cling onto the tram as it moves.

With spooks at every turn, there is nary a safe moment to spare this October 31.

Sentosa Spooktacular

Asian Civilisations Museum 1 Empress Place Opens Oct 30, 7pm – midnight Free admission

THE museum’s colonial façade does not make it difficult to imagine ghosts and spirits roaming on a regular day.

Com e O c tob e r 3 0 t h , t h e A s i a n Civilisations Museum (ACM) will be dressed up for Halloween with skulls and cobwebs.

This free event features a supernatural-themed museum tour, a spine-tingling screening of “The Real Pocong”, an Indonesian horror film about ghosts trapped in dead bodies, and a horror trail.

It is not all fun and screams.

The museum has tied up the event’s attractions with themes of its exhibitions.

“Besides having a fiendishly fun time, visitors can discover supernatural stories behind our artefacts with our special Halloween guides,” said Ms Loretta Foo, ACM’s Assistant Manager of Programmes.

The screening of “The Real Pocong” in the auditorium ties up with a current exhibition, Sumatra: Isle of Gold, which showcases Indonesian artifacts.

The supernatural museum tour features current exhibits like the Dayak Carved

TRICK OR TREAT: One of the many gruesome ghosts waiting to send shivers down your spine at the Night Safari’s Gui Mansion.

PHOTOS | ZOE LIM, SENTOSA LEISURE GROUP & WILDLIFE RESERVES SINGAPORE

Various venues at Imbiah Lookout, Sentosa Opens Oct 22, 23, 29, 30 & 31, 7pm – 11pm Admission price: $28 (purchase before Oct 22), $38

BLOODY–EYED: A crazed zombie strikes a menacing pose at ACM.

Human skull and the Ten Courts of Hell scroll from China, which shows the unfortunate conditions at the 10 levels of hell.

The horror trail includes spooky creatures like the ‘pontianak’.

Look out for ghostly characters by the Singapore Paranormal Investigators, while browsing artifacts at the galleries.

If you fancy some blood drippings on your face to immerse youself in the ghastly mood, there are free face-painting services.

There is also free ice cream to seek solace in after a night of scares.

NO PLACE is safe from ghosts during Halloween.

Not even when you are 131 metres above sea level.

At the top of Tiger Sky Tower at Sentosa, visitors can enjoy the panoramic views of Singapore’s skyline.

When they reach the ground, a terrifying mass of ‘pontianak’ and ‘spirits’ await at the foot of the tower.

The Tower of Fear is one of the four trails designed to cause screams and frantic heartbeats at Sentosa Spooktacular. Held for the second time, this event is held at three venues at Imbiah Lookout.

Located within a five-minute walk from each other, each ticket allows a total of four entries to the attractions. Each trail lasts 30 minutes.

Take a closer look at the life-sized wax models of historical figures at Images of Singapore. For Halloween, the museum, which features exhibitions about the history of Singapore, will see ‘ghosts’ roaming its premises.

DON’T MESS WITH HER: A bomoh on Sentosa.

The scare factor? The ghosts closely resemble the wax figurines.

Breathing life into the myth of Sentosa being a pirate hideout, the Merlion Tower will be flooded with vicious sea creatures and zombie pirates, waiting to pounce on visitors.

The traditionally western celebration has been given an Asian twist.

There will be more than 90 ghostly characters lurking around the compounds.

Some of them are familiar favourites like the ‘pontianak’. There are also mythical creatures from the 10 levels of Hell.

10

lifestyle

o c to b e r 11, 2010

T h e na n ya ng c h ron ic l e

travelogue

Adventures in the gr assl ands HORSING AROUND: The writer perched precariously on her horse, which was thankfully docile.

Step out of the concrete jungle and feel the soft grounds of the vast plains of grass in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia. Woo Sian Boon spends a night in a yurt and lives to tell the tale A TOWERING SIGHT: Mongolian nomads performing a religious ritual in front of the Aobao, which are stone heaps used for worship.

H A R D beds, sa lt y tea, cold shower s and an aching butt—Mongolia is a hard place for a sof t cit y girl.

Strange then, that I went there because I was tired of the hard concrete jungle that is Singapore, and seeking green v istas and to gaze out over a sof ter landscape.

Hohhot delivered exactly that while I was there to recover from a six-month internship.

I embarked on a trip from there for a one night stay on the grasslands.

After a three–hour coach ride, I was greeted by vast plains of grass —the Xilamuren Grasslands—that stretched to the hor izon.

Grabbing my gear, I collected my keys a nd headed towa rds t he y u r ts, dodging cowpats and goat droppings, cou r te s y of loca l a n i ma l s wh ic h Mongolians allow to roam free.

A traditional yurt is a round wooden str ucture covered in felt.

Sp e c i a l l y bu i lt for tou r i s t s , t he yurts were far from the traditional ones that I expected.

M y y u r t w a s m a d e of c l a y a nd whitewashed, retaining only the trad it iona l y u r t’s rou nd shape and t he elaborate pattern on its roof.

Inside was about the size of a room in a HDB f lat with two single beds, two chairs and a small television which had no signal when I switched it on.

The bathroom was similarly spartan, with a small sink, squat toilet and shower.

I then decided to get out into the grasslands—on horseback.

I had never r idden a horse before, but after the tour guide told me that the horses will be led along by a Mongolian

nomad, I cautiously climbed on.

Trotting along, I navigated through a well worn path to visit the sites showcasing the Mongolian way of life.

Standing alone against the horizon was an Aobao, a pill-box shaped pile of stones which the Inner Mongolians use as a place of worship.

People get off their horses at the Aobaos, and circle it three times before making a wish and throwing more stones onto the pile.

Fighting hard not to grimace, I swallowed the salty milk tea with difficulty while my host smiled and nodded, confident that I had enjoyed the drink.

Next, I stopped by an old Mongolian woman’s y ur t and sampled the local version of milk tea. As sugar is rare on the grasslands, Mongolians f lavour their tea with milk and salt.

I was not expecting this.

C h i l le d a f te r r id i ng a ga i n s t t he wind, I eagerly picked up the cup and took a huge mouthf ul, only to f ind it salt y instead of sweet.

Fig ht i ng h a r d not to g r i m ac e , I swallowed the milk tea with diff icult y wh i le m y hos t sm i le d a nd nodde d , conf ident that I had enjoyed the drink.

Af ter almost three hours of riding

PHOTOS | WOO SIAN BOON

on the plains, we returned for dinner, gathering in a ‘mess hall’ which was a large y ur t for 50 people.

Accord i ng to Mongol ia n c u stom , the main dish for guests is a roasted goat, ser ved on a huge platter and tied with a ribbon.

A n appointed lord and lady of the feast preside over the age-old tradition of thank ing the animal with a toast for sacrif icing its life, before making the f irst cut.

I do not like mutton, but it would have been r ude not to eat, so I held my breath to block out its smell and managed to f inish a small piece of meat with big mouthf uls of r ice.

Af ter dinner, the night’s enter tainment began with a campf ire.

We w e r e t a u g h t t h e s t e p s t o a Mongolian fol k dance and ever yone was invited to dance along.

W hile one nomad sang a mournf ul folk tune to serenade us, another played a traditional musical instr ument, the morin k huur, or horse-head violin.

It is said that it received its name when a wicked lord slaughtered a poor M on gol i a n b o y ’s pr i z e d h or s e —t h e s w i f t e s t on t h e g r a s s l a nd s — ou t of jealousy.

The horse’s spirit came back to the boy, telling him to make an instr ument out of its bones so t hat t hey wou ld never be separated again.

The evening ended with a spectacular display of f ireworks, which the nomads lit and then scrambled for cover.

The 10-minute walk back to my yurt was diff icult with no light to guide the way. A rmed with only a weak f lashlight, I once again threaded my way through the cowpats.

Tired after the day’s activities, I was looking for ward to a hot bath, but there was none to be had.

Nor mally, water is heated up by a solar panel on the roof of the y ur t, but as the day had been overcast, I had to shower w it h ice cold water pu mped from deep in the ground.

Shiver ing, wear y and sore in t he butt from horse r iding, I jumped into the bed, hitting it with a loud thud.

Instead of a mattress, the ‘bed’ was a wooden plank covered with a sheet.

At least the pillows weren’t made of stone.

Lying in the relative darkness (I’d left the bathroom light on), I was struck by the absolute silence in the y ur t.

I had never tr uly paid attention to what silence actually sounded like.

Of course, I heard nothing, and it was discomf iting to me, a tr ue blue urbanite.

Even the creaking of my plank bed when I turned to f ind a less uncomfor table spot seemed to be amplif ied a thousand times.

Despite being tired, I could not fall asleep. So t here I remained, star ing w ide eyed, unt i l I was plunged into total darkness at 2am.

The power supply in all the y ur ts are usually cut off in the middle of the night to save the electr icit y supplied by generators.

Af ter a sleepless night, I stumbled into the dining y ur t, where my tour guide greeted me with a cheer y “good morning! ” She went on saying that I must have slept well in such a tranquil environment so enthusiastically that I simply could not tell her other wise.

A f te r a qu ic k br ea k fa st of ma ntous (steamed bun), noodles and huge t u r e e n of goat i n na r d s s te w wh ic h nobody touched, I lef t the Xilamuren grassland.

Look ing back , while stay ing in a commercialised y ur t may not be one’s idea of roughing it out, it was an exper ience that was def initely out of my comfor t zone.

W hile I had been eager to escape from an urban lifest yle, I realised there are plent y of little luxuries in life, like hot bath water or a comfor table bed, which I take for granted.

I missed these comfor ts when they are not available to me.

Much as I enjoyed my adventure in Inner Mongolia, I was ready to go home to our concrete jungle once more.

lifestyle

o c to b e r 11, 2010

T h e na n ya ng c h ron ic l e

11

quiet is the new loud

GET

REEL

The screening room

December Liow looks out for screening places that show exclusive arthouse and local film fare that often miss major cineplexes.

The Arts house

provide a platform for local filmmakers to showcase their work.

1 Old Parliament Lane “It was our idea to create a multidisTel: 6332 6919 ciplinary environment,” said Mr William Opening Hours: Phuan, director of arts and development Mon - Friday: 10am - 8pm of The Arts House.

The cinema bears slight resemblance Sat: 11am - 8pm to an ordinary lecture theatre in school, simply decorated with classic parquet flooring, and red and grey chairs.

It is small, so the seats are staggered. If there is someone blocking you, you would have to lean to one side to catch the action.

This is vaguely reminiscent of cinemas from the days of yore, conjuring up a sense of nostalgia.

However, the seats are comfortably spaced from each other with enough legroom allowance.

COMFORTABLE: The simple decor does not The Screening Room also works with discount the movie watching experience. embassies to bring in foreign films, and PHOTO | CHARMAINE YAP even hosted the Italian Film Festival held MANY cinemas do not screen classic in 2009. films in their original 35mm format.

Film festivals are frequent features of the But with its dual projector system, Screening Room.

The Arts House makes it easier to apHaving held The Singapore International preciate classic films.

Film Festival and The Singpore Sun Festival, Yet within the same building is Screening Room has proven that it is a force to a cosy 75-seat cinema dedicated to be reckoned with in the indie cinema market. screening independent movies.

One example of a recent collaboraKnown as the Screening Room, tion is the screening of local director the cinema has been operating since Madhav Mathur’s The Insomniac at The 2004.

Arts House.

The Screening Room aims to proThis proves that The Arts House is fast mote the local film industry, and to becoming a home for local filmmakers.

LUXURIOUS VIEWING: You cannot go wrong with sofas, food and film.

12 Ann Siang Road For reservations, call 6221 1694 Opening Hours: Mon - Sat: 12pm - 2.30pm, 6.30pm - 10.30pm THE Screening Room at Ann Siang Hill is a unique establishment that houses a cinema, a restaurant and two bars under the same roof.

“Marr ying both film and food, which are two of the most celebrated pleasures in life, was the idea of coowner Ms Samia,” said Ms Sara Alonso, marketing manager of The Screening Room.

Its restaurant regularly serves special three-course dinners ($68++ per pax inclusive of movie ticket) designed to fit the theme of the movie shown in its cinema.

The cinema screens many art-house and classic movies, such as Casablanca and Coco Before Chanel. Movie tickets are priced at $20, which is more expensive compared to mainstream cinemas where tickets normally cost around $10.

However, to make up for the price difference, much effort is placed on the luxurious décor to enhance the overall experience for film enthusiasts.

The substation 45 Armenian Street Tel: 6337 7535 Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 11pm KNOWN primarily for staging plays and theatre performances, The Substation has been revamped into a versatile arts venue that is able to hold many types of arts events from visual art exhibitions to music gigs.

The Substation converted its black box theatre space into a cosy 108-seater simply known as The Substation Theatre.

Founded in the 1990s by the late theatre veteran Kuo Pao Kun, it was intended as a platform to nur ture Singapore artists by providing an open space for artistic experimentation.

However, The Substation’s former artistic director T. Sasitharan realised that there was no space for young filmmakers to showcase their work.

He then came up with the idea of

MOVING IMAGES: Besides showing indie films, it also houses plays and gigs.

a film programme, called Moving Images, said Ms Aishah Aby Bakar, who is The Substation’s programming manager.

Moving Images is a programme that nurtures local and Asian filmmakers, and helps them connect internationally.

The programme also organises screenings and festivals focusing on experimental

PHOTO | VIONA WANG

films, short films and documentaries.

Today, The Substation has evolved beyond its theatre roots, and showcases movies in diverse genres, especially experimental films.

The Substation has also seen events like the Singapore Short Film Festival and the Asian Film Symposium. It is also the

PHOTO | COURTESY

Instead of the usual cinema seats that tend to get uncomfortable after a while, patrons at The Screening Room are treated to a whole new level of comfort with individually designed sofas by renowned French product designer, Philippe Starck.

The arrangement of the seats can be reconfigured to suit the needs of the function.

Peckish moviegoers have a choice of snacks ranging from herbed popcorn cooked in olive oil to gourmet burgers, or the South Asian Sharing Platter ($32++ for two), which consists of a selection of finger food.

Included in the platter is the crab cake with tomato chutney sauce.

Interestingly, the crab's seafood flavour complements the sweet and spicy sauce.

The mushroom spring roll with black bean sauce is another highlight, providing an alternative savour y taste to the dish.

After the movie, moviegoers may simply choose to relax at the rooftop bar.

The bar provides beautiful panoramic view of the Tanjong Pagar area.

The winning combination of quality food and film, as well as nightlife in the city, enhances the otherwise standard movie-watching experience.

organiser of Singapore Indie Doc Fest, a biennial international documentary festival, and also hosted the biennial Singapore Short Film Festival this year.

Besides major festivals, one highlight of the Substation’s regular programme is First Take, which runs at the theatre every first Monday of the month.

New local short films will be screened, followed by a question and answer session with the filmmakers.

Besides providing a venue for local filmmakers to showcase their works, The Substation also actively supports other film related activities.

Independent film festivals they have supported over the years include the Migration Film Festival, which is a new initiative to produce.

It also showcase films on migrant workers and migration.

The Substation Theatre regularly houses plays and other performances.

But its film screenings and festivals are something to look forward to, as a wide selection of local and Asian works are available for the discerning eye.

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lifestyle

o c to b e r 11, 2010

T h e na n ya ng c h ron ic l e

foodsnoop

Brunching out

Waking up just got a lot easier as Ng Tze Min looks out for brunch places to spend your lazy mornings at

CANOPY garden dining & bar Bishan Park II 1362 Ang Mo Kio Ave 1 Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 9am - 10pm Sat - Sun: 8am - 10pm

CRADLED among the lush foliage of Bishan Park, the restaurant is squirreled away from housing estates.

This glass-panelled enclave promises a peaceful sanctuary for diners.

The newly revamped menu has a wide selection of both breakfast and lunch items, which also includes a section wholly devoted to eggs.

The simple egg is the staple of the brunch here, with choices ranging from their popular Eggs Royale to eggs cooked in any manner you prefer.

Sometimes, eggs get complicated. A new creation by the chef, The Ham & Egg Tart ($12) is a deceivingly simple name for an exquisitely executed dish.

Crispy ham serves as a mould that holds two wobbly poached eggs, which are delicately smooth on the tongue, and break apart readily to release rich oozing yolk.

Two fingers of garlic toast and a small green salad with tangy sun-dried tomatoes complement and balance the eggs.

The garlic toast is so addictively crunchy that it could sell as a side dish on its own.

For those who are inclined towards having heartier fare for brunch, the Gourmet Chicken Burger ($14) is something to consider.

Sandwiched between soft and buttery bun halves, the homemade patty is well-seasoned

SUMPTUOUS TREATS: (Clockwise from top) Tartufo di Montagna, Gourmet Chicken Burger and The Ham & Egg Tart.

and tender with a smoky char-grilled crust.

There was a taste of stewed tomatoes that added an extra ‘oomph’ in every mouthful.

One can even add sides such as bacon, a sunny side up, or cheese at an extra charge of $3 onwards to pack a bigger punch in every mouthful.

A side of onion rings and tossed green salad complete this dish.

But the burger is remarkably large for its price, which made it a challenge to polish off the entire meal.

The Tartufo di Montagna ($17), spaghetti tossed with Portobello and button mushrooms toasted with truffle paste, sounds

more enticing than it tasted.

The spaghetti was slightly too firm, and despite the generous serving of mushrooms, was not sufficiently infused with the flavor of the truffle paste, leaving it tasting rather bland.

To counter the rich food, Canopy has a list of healthy blended fruit juices and smoothies.

Replenish ($9), a dragonfruit and pineapple mix, and Refresh ($9), a strawberry and red apple blend are two such examples, and they come with helpful information on how each benefits health.

Replenish, a vibrant purple drink that apparently helps lower cholesterol, has a

pleasant bite thanks to the dragonfruit seeds.

Refresh, on the other hand, is light, frothy and sweet, and they claim it helps whiten and hydrate skin.

All their juices are freshly squeezed, and free from sugar and preservatives.

However, one of the best drinks was the Creamy Avocado ($9). Blended with soy milk and a touch of maple syrup, the avocado smoothie is deliciously creamy and thick, while the syrup gives it a touch of honeyed sweetness.

Ser ving up wholesome and affordable brunch fare in the seclusion of the heartland, Canopy is a fine place for a lazy weekend.

STRICTLY PANCAKES 44A Prinsep Street Opening Hours: Mon - Thurs: 11.30am – 10pm Friday: 11.30am – 12mn Sat: 10am - 4pm, 6pm - 12mn Sun: 10 am to 10pm

NEWLY opened establishment Strictly Pancakes is devoted to living up to its namesake and rolls out pancakes in various inventive forms.

T he panca ke house is t he brainchild of fresh graduates Eunice Leow and Joanne Chuah, who lamented at the lack of places that serve all-day pancakes in Singapore.

“We were inspired by the various pancake parlors in other countries when we were studying abroad, and we wanted to have something similar here,” Ms Chuah explained.

Their determination led to the birth of this double storey eatery on Prinsep Street, a cozy café with a cheery colour palette and a comfortable cushy lounge under a sloping skylight.

CHOCOHOLIC: (From left to right) Chocolate pancakes with a scoop of chocolate ice cream and Nutella Shake.

The menu is scribbled on a large chalkboard.

Cheeky slogans adorning the walls and radio-friendly hits wafting from the background give this eatery a mellow vibe.

The menu has savoury and sweet pancakes.

Diners can customise them and choose to order a small (two pieces), medium (three) or large

stack (four), the type of butter (salted, unsalted, garlic and herb, and rum raisin), and savour y companions such as bacon, eggs or sautéed mushrooms.

The Druggie ($11) is the perfect fix for chocoholics.

The epitome of self-indulgence was a medium stack of chocolate pancakes sprinkled with chocolate flakes, drizzled in chocolate sauce

PHOTOS | DEREK FOO

and topped with a scoop of chocolate ice cream.

The pancakes are satisfyingly thick and infused with a subtle chocolate scent that does not overpower, but could be better with more moist fluffiness that is the hallmark of a true American pancake.

For t unately, t he r ich and bittersweet chocolate ice cream more than compensates for its

dryness, providing a delightful hot and cold contrast.

The Garlic Butter Prawns ($12) brings on a heap of generously buttered prawns atop a medium stack of pancakes.

Coated with aromatic and herby garlic butter sauce, the prawns are wonderfully fresh and succulent.

Their original pancakes are buttery and thick, though still a tad dry.

The dish also comes with a shot glass of maple syrup and a pat of butter.

The maple syrup is specially imported from Canada, so it doesn’t have that artificial metallic taste you get in lower quality syrups.

Milkshakes are a great beverage to complement the pancakes, and the Nutella Shake ($5) is popular.

It is thick and slushy, and topped with crushed cookie bits.

I ended up eating spoonfuls of the creamy hazelnut shake with relish, as it was almost impossible to drink it through a straw—and I was impatient.

Not only are prices wallet-friendly, students get to enjoy special perks as the café offers a Student Set at $6, comprising of a medium stack of pancakes and a soft drink.

ADVERTORIAL

13

Eat, Chill, Love @ Canteen 9 Lau Liang Tong gets off the beaten NTU track in search of an oasis she can eat, chill and possibly fall in love with.

CAnteen 9 Hall of Residence 9 24 Nanyang Avenue Singapore 639811 Opening hours: Mon – Sun: 8am - 9pm

Canteen 9, with its signature high ceilings (comparable to that of NIE’s canteen) and huge clean tables, works to charm its patrons even before they sink their teeth into the meal of choice.

Stepping into spacious canteen, my first instinct was to get a plate of chicken rice. It is after all, one of the nation’s most well loved dish. A bite later, epiphany struck, this is definitely NTU’s most uniquely flavoured chicken rice.

The chicken was drizzled with a brown sauce made especially by the chef, who has experiences working in some of Singapore’s top chicken rice restaurants. Light and slightly sweet, the sauce complimented the rice and tender chicken. The tangy chilli helps to steer the dish towards a refreshing finish.

The vegetarian hot pot ($3.00), generously sprinkled with wolfberry, stuffed with fresh mushroom, seaweed, tofu, broccoli and carrots was a treat for the sight and the taste buds. Its broth was surprising smooth and had me slurping till the very last sip. With this, hot pot has definitely been taken to a whole new level.

You know what they say about not judging a book by its cover? The same applies for the Stir-fried Vegetables served with rice ($3.00).

A heap of perfectly browned brinjal, onions, potatoes and capsicums sit on top of the steaming rice with

ALL-STAR TEAM: (From Left) Stir-fried Vegetable Rice, Vegetarian Hot Pot and Chicken Cutlet

such bliss. This meatless dish, by the same store that brought us the chicken rice, is an old-time favourite in many parts of China.

Do not be deceived by its plain exterior, as often enough, the simpler the dish, the harder the execution.

The potatoes have to be cooked till chewy and golden brown and any mistake on the chef’s part would see the potatoes being burnt. Those looking for a home-cooked meal will be glad to know that it is within reach.

Canteen 9 is well-known for its Western/Muslim/Japanese store. Poultry lovers should not miss out on the Crispy Chicken Cutlet ($4), and BBQ Chicken Kebab ($3.80). It is hard to find fault with the former, a piece of golden brown chicken cutlet that is soft on the inside and crispy on the outside. The latter is gloriously succulent, with just the right amount of pineapple and capsicum alternating between each lovely piece of chicken chuck.

Steering away from rice, the

Chicken Stew Noodles (Da Pan Ji $3.50) from the Xian Noodles store was ordered. Topped with chucks of braised chicken that easily peels away to reveal a beautiful well-cooked interior. The combination of earthy ingredients and racy spices will score with star anise lovers and those looking for a change from the usual offerings.

Homemade Yong Tau Hoo (forom $2.10) is a healthier alternative for the diet conscious. Choose from a selection of food items including fish balls, crab sticks, bittergourds, cuttlefish, lettuce, ladies fingers, as well as chilis, and various forms of fresh produce.

Dessert comes in the form of an ice-blended cappuccinos ($1.50).

It looks deceivingly like a “highclass” blended version of the popular Milo dinosaur. Caffeine lovers can find solace in “Kopi” or “Teh” priced at just 50 cents, the strong cuppa will leave you energised and ready to overcome your assignments.

Drop by the canteen in the

FOOD FIESTA: (From Left) Homemade Yong Tau Hoo, Honey Glazed Chicken, Chicken Stew Noodles and Chicken Rice

late afternoon and a rare treat for the ears awaits. Canteen boss, Mr Lim Hoi Chong, who ran old canteen A for 22 years, might just be strumming a tune on his guitar while you sip your drink. This is definitely a spot you want to consider chilling out at.

Maybe it was the clean minimalist tables, the fantastic array of ice-blended drinks or the generous serving of each dish...I’m not sure but I think I finally felt in love with a canteen in NTU. Away from the hustle and bustle of the NTU community, Canteen 9 can be reached by Bus B, C or SBS Bus 199.

Promotion!

First 500 people to present this coupon at Canteen 9’s Chicken Rice Store will get a free can drink with every plate of Chicken Rice purchased.

PHOTOS | NEO WEN TONG

14

lifestyle review

BOOKS My Mother She Killed Me, My Father He Ate Me

Various Authors (Fiction) $24.61 available at Kinokuniya Published by Penguin Group USA

Mention ‘fairy tale' and one usually thinks of stories told to children.

However, a quick glance at the tales in My Mother She Killed Me, My Father He Ate Me will show that they can be just as grim and horrifying as any story meant for adults.

If the whimsical title hasn't already tipped you off, this anthology compiles 40 macabre creations by some of today's best fantasy writers.

Each contributor based his or her own story on an existing fairy tale. The stories are thus infused with the same sense of wonder, mystery and just a hint of danger that we recall from our childhood.

Some of the contributors are well known to fans of the fantasy genre. Neil Gaiman, author of The Sandman series, is superb as ever. His story, written in the form of an official police interrogation, hints tantalisingly at events that took place off-screen, allowing our minds to fill in the gaps.

Other tales are more explicit, like Kim Addonizio's retelling of popular children’s tale Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

Except this time, the dwarfs are humans struggling to stay alive in a cruel city, hoping for a visit from a princess who never arrives.

The book will appeal most to readers interested in dark fantasy and gritty urban literature, but might not be as palatable for a bit of light reading.

Still, to its target audience, the book most definitely finds its mark and will keep one awake long into the night.

o c to b e r 11, 2010

T h e na n ya ng c h ron ic l e

“We’re a band that does their own thing.

There’s no puppet master.”

Adam Levine, frontman of Maroon 5 in an interview with Idolator, on creating their own content despite being a pop band

MUSIC Lisbon The Walkmen (Rock)

,,,,,

The title track of the album was almost cut from the lineup, due to its length of seven minutes.

If you don’t want me, you can tell me/I’m the bigger man here, rasps frontman Hamilton Leithauser, on the melancholically -titled Stranded off The Walkmen’s latest album.

Such is the case with this five-piece band, oft appreciated but rarely the recipient of explosive hype or raving acclaim.

The 10-year-old band has remarked that Lisbon was inspired by two trips to Portugal. Despite the constant rain, they were impressed by the warmth of locals and the impressive yet grounded architecture.

It results in a is beautifully crisp production, allowing the amazing instrumentation with a dash of Latin influence, like horns in aforementioned single Stranded, to reverberate in one's eardrums.

There is a deliberate scratchiness in the record’s sound, a deliberate throwback to more nostalgic times.

The end result is possibly the sunniest soundscape The Walkmen has ever produced.

Standout tracks include Angela Surf City, which sounds like a beach anthem but is actually about unfulfilled romantic longing. You took the high road, I couldn’t find you up there, croons Leithauser.

Also uplifting is While I Shovel the Snow, a mellow number about how life is not so bad even if you have been stumbling through it.

Tempering the otherwise bright ambience is Leithauser’s gritty and bluesy vocals, with its yelps and growls, as he sings about longing, solitude and aging.

With Lisbon, The Walkmen prove why they are stalwarts of the post-punk rock scene.

They may be moody, restless and at times explosively angsty, but they will always be there, just under the radar, touring for their fans and recording yet another album full of their trademark melancholic anthems.

-Chng Chao Han

-Sulaiman Daud

Nothing To Envy

Hands All Over

Barbara Demick (Non-Fiction)

Maroon 5 (Pop)

,,,

$25.68 available at Kinokuniya Published by Granta Books

The model featured on the album cover is 19-year-old Rosie Hardy, who took the photo herself in her own bedroom.

Think about North Korea and images of tanks and missiles may spring to one’s mind.

As one of the most reclusive countries in the world, her inner workings are a mystery to most.

In Nothing to Envy, journalist Barbara Demick uncovers what life in North Korea is like for its people, and how they struggle to get by in a country plagued with chronic food shortages.

The book, based on Demick's conversations with North Korean families over seven years, recounts the lives of six individuals, their families, and the varying circumstances in which

Maroon 5’s third studio album Hands All Over proves that they still have what it takes to vie with the reigning and upcoming pop acts despite having been around for eight years.

In making this album, the band collaborated with renowned producer Robert ‘Mutt’ Lange, who previously worked with AC/ DC and Shania Twain.

The result is a mixture of extremely danceable tracks, the band’s trademark pop fusion tunes and their funky guitars and sprite keyboards, inspired by the likes of The Police and Stevie Wonder.

Standout tracks include Stutter and Give A Little More, both infectious and mischievous. They marry elements of sleazy glamour with slinky beats that will have listeners grooving along.

Hands All Over also walks listeners through familiar ground with lead single Misery, a toe-tapping number that is anything but what its name suggests.

Yet, the catchy drumbeats and repetitive chorus is a little too reminiscent of ubiquitous hit single This Love.

The 16-track deluxe album contains a couple of rare gems in its midst. A surprise comes in the form of Out of Goodbyes, an unexpected mid tempo country-pop duet which features the vocals of Grammy-winning trio Lady Antebellum.

The band still has a few new tricks up its sleeves and is able to step out of their boundaries, experimenting with new genres to great success.

The sultry bonus track No Curtain Call, found in the deluxe edition, sees frontman Adam Levine crooning I won’t stop until it’s done.

With that bold declaration, fans will be glad to know that Maroon 5 is far from done in making their mark in the mainstream pop scene.

they grew up.

Amongst them is Mi-ran, an attractive young lady whose future is uncertain because of her father’s past (that of a South Korean soldier), and Dr Kim, a doctor who is devoted to the well-being of her patients even in times of crisis, but at the same time reveres the state unquestioningly.

Under the harshest conditions, the North Koreans found various ways to sustain themselves. Despite the danger, they snuck across national borders into China to search for food, and created black markets to obtain their daily produce.

Unlike much of the contemporary scholarship on North Korea which focuses on its politics, this book provides insight into the lives of ordinary people living in turbulent times, a truly captivating piece of work.

-Wesley Chia

BOOKS FROM KINOKUNIYA

,

PHOTOS | INTERNET

-Melissa Tham

lifestyle

o c to b e r 11, 2010

T h e na n ya ng c h ron ic l e

contest

FILMS

I Love You Phillip Morris Comedy/Drama

,,,,,

Jim Carrey, Ewan McGregor, Leslie Mann 102 min

I Love You Phillip Morris is based on the real-life story of Steven Russell (Jim Carrey), a Texan family man who comes out of the closet after nearly losing his life in a traffic accident.

Unable to keep up his extravagant gay lifestyle with boyfriend Jimmy Kemple (Rodrigo Santoro), Russell turns to fraudulence.

He creates false accounts to embezzle from the finance company he is working for but is sent to jail when his misdeeds catch up with him.

15

It is here that he meets the shy and withdrawn Phillip Morris (Ewan McGregor).

Written and directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa, the movie continues with a series of misadventures that sees conman Russell traipsing in and out of jail and into high-flying jobs, all with the power of his glib tongue.

The film is a courageous attempt to regain some of the crazy sass that established Carrey as one of the most prolific comedians around.

PHOTOS | INTERNET

For the most part, it works.

Hailed by critics as his best performance in years, Carrey pulls off his trademark slapstick brilliance while delivering the more emotional scenes with panache.

His performance is honest and believable throughout, and breathes life into Russell’s weird but lovable character.

However, McGregor fails to match Carrey’s zesty presence.

His portrayal of the sensitive and innocent Morris is subtle to the point of being nondescript, causing Morris to fade gradually into the background despite being the titular character.

The film manages to integrate the idea of homosexuality without the sweeping, grandiose melodrama of Brokeback Mountain or giving in to crass caricatures of gay men like I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry.

Morris and Russell's romance is instead subtle and understated.

One may also be surprised to witness traditionally taboo topics like gay sex and AIDS incorporated into the film.

Yet these are executed in a tasteful manner and do not overpower the main theme of the show—the poignant love between Russell and Morris.

-Lim Zuohan

As an assassin, Jack (George Clooney) is constantly on the move and always alone.

After a job in Sweden ends more harshly than expected, Jack retreats to the Italian countryside.

Savoring the peaceful quiet he finds in the mountains of Abruzzo, Jack pursues a torrid liaison with a beautiful woman, Clara (Violante Placido).

Jack and Clara’s time together evolves into a romance, one seemingly free of danger. But by stepping out of the shadows, Jack may be tempting fate in dangerous ways.

In cinemas 14 October 2010

The Nanyang Chronicle has five posters and five pairs of movie tickets to give away. Simply answer this question: The American opens in cinemas on the 14th of October. True or False?

Email your answer to chroniclereviews@gmail.com before Friday, October 15th, midnight. Include your name, matriculation number and contact number.

Prizes are courtesy of Shaw Organisation.

Buried Drama/Thriller Ryan Reynolds, Robert Paterson 95 min

IT MAY be hard to imagine how Buried, a movie about one man stuck in a distressingly limited amount of space, can remain interesting throughout 95 minutes.

However, Spanish director Rodrigo Cortes manages to think out of the box with clever camera manipulations, intense suspense and painful irony.

Paul Conroy (Ryan Reynolds) is an American truck driver working in Iraq.

The film opens with him waking up to find himself in a wooden coffin buried underground, with little memory of how he ended up in such a situation.

Disoriented, anxious and suffocating, he fights to stay alive with a lighter and his handphone, buried alongside him.

Conroy, unaware of the identity of his kidnapper, then tries to get help from the outside world via his handphone.

He is only buried a few feet underground, and therefore can obtain a signal.

However, his efforts are rendered maddeningly futile as he repeatedly reaches voicemails and cynical phone operators.

Juxtaposed against the safe

,,,,, and comfortable positions of the people on the other end of the phone, Conroy’s life-or-death situation seems even more urgent and frustrating.

Meanwhile, the intensity of the film heightens as Conroy struggles not only physically, but also mentally.

Soon, the k idnapper calls Conroy, menacingly warning him to follow his instructions.

At the same time, Conroy manages to reach Dan Brenner (Robert Paterson), a Special Forces agent who advises him not to give in.

Conroy is thus caught between his desperation to listen to the kidnappers, and trusting Brenner.

Despite the bleak premise of the film, Cortes manages to throw in some comical moments during Conroy's phone conversations.

These allow the audience to steal a breath in the tightly wound plot.

When a police officer asks Conroy where he was, he sarcastically replied: “In a coffin."

From fear and frustration to hope and despair, Reynolds masterfully exhibits Conroy’s emotional turmoil through facial expressions and desperate physical struggling.

While trapped, he writhes and

contorts uncomfortably in the small, choking space.

While the inclusion of political discussions on terrorism and the Iraq war is well intended, some of these messages seem a little didactic for the average viewer.

A noteworthy feature of Buried is its cinematography.

The quick cuts, skillful angle

changes and pull-away shots give variations to an otherwise stagnant landscape.

While trapped, Conroy's main source of illumination is either his cell phone or lighter.

Yet the low lighting is enough to ensure that the film is realistic, heightening the tension Conroy faces in his underground prison.

Buried has done a good job as a thrilling suspense story.

It is not a long film, but the claustrophobia builds towards the end, immersing the audience in the action onscreen.

If this creates some discomfort for the audience, it is all part of film's experience.

-Becky Lo

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THEATRE Blackbird

Singapore Repertory Theatre Blackbird, the critically acclaimed play written by David Harrower, is as stark, violent and powerful as putting the barrel of a shotgun into your mouth and pulling the trigger.

It is a tragic love story built upon a social taboo, and is unnerving yet strangely compelling.

Una (Emma Yong), a woman in her 30s, confronts aged family man Ray (Daniel Jenkins), about an illicit relationship they shared over 15 years ago. He was 40 then, and she, hardly a teenager.

Ray, who has since taken on the name Peter, struggles with his denial of the affair, and at first we glean most of the events from Una’s frenzied tirade.

Her stream of consciousness is fraught with guilt and sorrow, demanding answers when Ray has none to offer.

The play is set in the dingy cafeteria of Ray’s workplace. Dirty, smudged windows block out the rest of the world and shroud the

characters in their own private hell.

Fluorescent lights illuminate the set, as harsh and unforgiving as their memories that come flooding back.

Both characters are rife with unresolved issues and deep remorse, with Ray repeatedly claiming that he never loved another 12-year-old besides Una, and the latter admitting her naïve passion for him.

Despite the controversial subject matter, neither character is vilified, both having suffered equally for their past.

“I did your sentence,” cries the anguished Una, part of her youth lost to the repercussions of her choices.

The entire play is a flashback, a recollection of the past, and it is to the actors’ credit that they recreate, completely through dialogue, scenes gripping and realistic enough to draw the audience in.

However as the play progresses, Yong as the melodramatic Una becomes a little tiring to watch, her

PHOTO | SINGAPORE REPERTORY THEATRE

frenzied ranting becoming just a tad grating.

Blackbird is a short slice of time in the lives of Una and Ray, a glimpse into their pain that the

audience is made privy to.

It is not an easy play to watch, sobriety hanging in the air long after the actors have made their curtain call.

Yet it invokes reflection of the fine line between passion and transgression, and the point at which disappointment and regret collide.

-Edwin Loh

tech review

Search while you type Ng Su Ying

GRAPHIC | INTERNET

USERS who have Google as their default search engine may have noticed a significant change in their search experience of late.

But as Google puts it: “ F e e l i n g s of e u p h o r i a a n d weightlessness are normal. Do not be alarmed".

Google, widely recognised as the leader in online search engines, recently unveiled the new feature known as Google Instant that they expect will revolutionise web search.

T his programme ta kes Google Suggest (also known as Autocomplete) a step further in displaying the search results for the top-ranked suggested keyword while you type, updating the page every time the keyword suggestion changes, even before you hit “Enter".

Users may be sceptical about t he i m med iate benef it s , but Google has calculated that the near-psychic prediction of results could “save users two to five seconds per search" since they no longer have to completely type out their search terms befor e r esu lt s a r e d i splayed almost instantly.

The immediate feedback offered by this feature could allow users to save even more time in the long run.

That is, if your quer y isn’t a naug ht y one. Even w it h SafeSearch switched off, there a r e no ke y word suggest ion s for terms that Google classifies broadly under “pornography, violence and hate speech”. Google Instant simply turns itself off in such cases.

But despite all the supposed benefits, some users are finding Google Instant more trouble than it is worth.

Fee l i ngs of euphor ia a nd weightlessness being non-existent, users may be slightly taken aback by f lashes that accompany each page update.

There are those who even claim that they are distracted from their initial search by the displayed results. Having to delete unwanted word suggestions is a pet peeve of Koh Meezhen, a first year undergraduate at the School of Biological Sciences.

Moreover, the fact that several searches are performed at an instance, may result in more expense on network and system r e sou r c e s , pos si bl y slow i ng down Internet speed and compromising computer performance. However, this slowdown is considered much less when compared to video streaming.

For t unately for some, t he good news is that you can turn off Google Instant with ease, just by clicking on the drop-

dow n menu “I n sta nt i s on ,” which is located on the right of the search button.

By default, the feature is not available on connections with low bandwidth.

“Google has calculated that the near-psychic prediction could save users two to five seconds per search since relevant results are displayed almost instantly.”

To turn it on, you will have to head to “Search settings” at the top r ight hand cor ner of the page and look for Google Instant.

Currently, Google Instant is available to users on Chrome versions 5 and 6, Firefox version 3, Safari version 5 for Mac and Internet Explorer version 8.

Some users may be required to clear their cookies or cache and sign into a Google account for it to work.

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tech review

@NewTwitter Kenneth Wee MICRO-BLOGGING sensation Twitter is revamping its website to give users a better experience comparable to third-party applications like TweetDeck and Seesmic.

Designed like a standalone application, the new Twitter website makes consuming content easier with embedded pictures and videos, removing the need to download additional client applications.

The grim reapers at Wired magazine have declared the death of the web as we know it. The new media environment is less about searching and more about getting, they said.

Users' needs are best served via applications on smartphones, such as Twitter’s own official mobile app, instead of the web browser. These simpler services save time, and often work better or fit better into users' lives.

Yet, the web is not dead; the updated version of Twitter.com proves it, says CEO Pete Cashmore, founder of Mashable, a

popular social media news blog ranked one of the largest on the Internet.

But the “dramatic overhaul” of the Twitter website is indeed a change in Twitter’s strategy, he said.

Some of the best features of popular third-party Twitter clients like TweetDeck are included.

Unfortunately, having multiple accounts, a feature well-liked by users, is not supported.

Twitter has engaged in partnerships with 16 different companies including DeviantART, Vimeo and YouTube, using their expertise in online media to make the redesigned website robust and stable.

However user reception is mixed and much uncertainty surrounds the success of “New Twitter”, as it is called among users.

Since the new website was introduced three weeks ago, there are many complaints of the interface being slow and clunky.

Just after it was released, a mouse-over bug wreaked havoc on the new website. Users were redirected to third-party websites without consent when their mouse passed over a link.

The serious security flaw was resolved within hours. “Our primary concern is to keep the site stable,” said former Twitter Chief Executive Officer Evan Williams.

“We have more than enough team members to work on it and on the new design.” He recently handed over his duties to Chief Executive Officer Dick Costolo on October 4.

Those using Twitter's app for the iPad will find the new website's user interface uncannily similar. The iPad app certainly had an influence, Mashable said.

Twitter’s new website may be perceived as just another featurerich site competing with other desktop clients like TweetDeck and Seesmic.

But critics also say that if Twitter is reborn as a destination site like Facebook, the website would have greater control of the user experience and more real estate for advertisers.

As a business model, Twitter is required to serve up impressions to advertisers to survive and grow.

Some find the financial incentive to keep people engaged to Twitter's website disappointing.

“But it is clearly the most pragmatic way for Twitter to capitalize on its substantial and growing network," former Twitter employee Alex Payne wrote on his personal blog.

PHOTOS | INTERNET

The new textbook standard Kenneth Wee WE MAY look forward to dumping our textbooks in the future.

Major educational publishers such as McGraw-Hill and Kaplan are trying to roll out their textbooks onto the tablet-computer plat for m . T he y have sig ne d u p w i t h s of t w a r e c om p a n y Scrol l Mot ion, wh ich a lready has titles from Kaplan available, to develop their products on the iPad. McGraw-Hill is keen to make content available on every possible platfor m, For t une Tech wrote in May. “Quite frankly, we’ l l le t t he s t ude nt s d r i ve the distribution channel,” said President Rik K ranenburg of McGraw-Hill Higher Education.

But the “second coming” of textbooks will certainly not be on the Kindle, reported The New York Times in September.

The popular Amazon e-book r eade r i s a l ig ht we ig ht a nd ingenious dev ice for reading electronic text. With the new Kindle 3, it is ever y thing an iPad will never be: small, light and inexpensive.

Te x t b o ok s , howe v e r, a r e not often read cover to cover; instead key chapters are referenced when needed. E-ink devices, like the Kindle, come with dull black and greys, and do not support full-colour diagrams or figures found in textbooks.

The iPad, on the other hand, has a colour touch screen with audio and video playback.

Textbooks are the most complicated form of print media, explained CEO Josh Koppel of ScrollMotion. But now it seems feasible to create a 1,000-page mat h tex t w it h 10,000 more pages of homework assignments, complete with the graphic side, the text side, the notation, assessment and remediation, on a digital platform.

The iPad has the ability and t he for m factor to prov ide a much more compelling, reading experience.

Tech websites like Mashable praise the iPad for having an environment perfect for real-time news consumption, maintaining the sophistication and style of traditional print magazines and newspapers.

Wolf in sheep’s clothing The issue with the iPad is that it may not be ideal for creating content. But it is perfect for consuming it.

Apple wants to create a new group of consumers with the iPad that will perform "far better at some key things," which include web browsing, watching videos and reading ebooks, Apple's CEO Steve Jobs said.

Others have been more blunt.

Columnist David Pogue for the Ne w Yor k T i me s' p e r s on a ltechnology, calls it “a gigantic iPod Touch.”

The iPad is indeed not just another electronic reading device. It is a platform for consuming rich content in digital form,

and then some.

“It’s an educational wolf in sheep’s clothing,” says e-reading expert Evan Schnittman, a managing director at Bloomsbur y Publishing. “Students will buy one for enter ta i n ment , t hen realise it’s the perfect reader.”

But cynics ask why would anyone carry around a third machine when they already have a smartphone and a laptop?

It is simple: so that we do not need to carr y volumes of textbooks for school, a book for the commute, and a magazine for those free periods.

A textbook solution remains elusive, but there are great expectations on future developments to the iPad, which has begun to pave the way.

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dapper: your essential style guide ON HIM// Red rectangle print tee, $22, Indiesin; Classic dark wash jeans, $69.90; White canvas sneakers, $26.90, both from New Look. ON HER// Yellow triangle print tee, $22, Indiesin; Biker boots, $49.90, New Look.

STREET BEATS

Tonight we bring you into the underground. Listen to the pulse of the cuff of a sleeve, the rip in a jean, the folds of leather, the breeze beneath your hair, and how they all move perfectly in sync with the rhythm of your playlist

ON HER// Cuffed sleeve flannel shirt, $43.90; Grey basic tank, $9.90, both from New Look; High-waisted cuffed denim shorts, $29.90, Victoria Jomo; Brown waist belt, stylist’s own. ON HIM// Falcon tee, $54, FALSE by Anti-Anti; Classic dark wash jeans, $69.90, New Look.

photography by TAN JINGLIANG styling by AUDREY LIM & TAN JINGLIANG

STOCKISTS// Anti-Anti; www.weareantianti. com. Indiesin; www.indiesin.com New Look; Suntec City Mall #01-151/157 Victoria Jomo; 9 Haji Lane Wicked Laundry; 76 Haji Lane MODELS// Tan Sihan & Cheryl Lim HAIR// Mark Cheng

ON HER// Rhinestone studded cuff, $42; Red studded zipper cuff, $15, both from Wicked Laundry; Hitler ring, $39.90; Cassette tape ring, $39.90, both from Victoria Jomo.

ON HER// Striped knotted top, $33.90; Grey tier shredded skinny jeans, $69.90; both from New Look. ON HIM// Black faux leather jacket, $109.90; Bleached straight cut jeans, $69.90; both from New Look; Ombre tie-dyed tee, $18, Indiesin.

ON HER// Vintage printed long tee, $34.90, Victoria Jomo; Biker boots, $49.90, New Look; Brown waist belt, stylist’s own.

ON HIM// Green tartan shirt, $49.90; Bleached straight cut jeans, $69.90; both from New Look. ON HER// Nude draped cardigan, $59.90, New Look; Distressed denim shorts, $19, Indiesin; Rainbow plaid scarf, stylist’s own.

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photo: spotlight

Gunning for gold They came together— people of different backgrounds. They trained, regardless of rain or shine, to reach their personal bests. Victory is never easily earned. Here is a tribute to our sportsmen and sportswomen who have poured out their hearts and souls for our school, and that one chance at glory in the inter-varsity games.

LEFT: Geraldine Chai from NTU's touch football team exploits an opening in SIM's defence and makes a break for the touch line. Despite putting up a strong fight against a side that fielded several national team players, NTU lost the match 4-5.

BELOW: NTU's floorball team captain Omar Basri kisses the championship trophy after winning 4-1 against SIM in the SIM Inter-University Floorball Championship.

RIGHT: Marcel Kian Darysch dribbles the ball to victory in the team's opening match against SMU. NTU won with a score of 83-45.

BELOW: Women's touch football players huddle together for a half-time cheer before heading out for the second-half. NTU eventually clinched second place.

LEFT: After three days of intense competition, only NTU players remained in the individual men's and women's squash finals. Here, NTU's Nur Adawiyah (left) and Jerryca Teo shake hands at the end of the final match of the Singapore University Games, with Nur claiming the title of overall champion.

PHOTOS | NG JUN SEN, ELSA WANG, WAN ZHONG HAO

店铺两家，弘扬独立文化 —— 刊25页

新闻

别处实习 见识发展中国家 走出校园，到外实习累 积经验，已是大学生一 贯的作风。但有一群学 生却选择到较落后的发 展中国家，寻找另类的 实习经验。 廖哲豪●报道

到

乌干达（Uganda）旅游 或许对众多学生来说是 较冷门的选择，而要在当地实 习工作，应更是从未想到的。 会计系二年级生林施君却远 赴当地实习，负责账目管理工 作，与在偏远的小村庄讨债。 在国际经济学商学学生会 （AIESEC）的介绍下，21岁的 她前往当地小额贷款公司进行 为期两个月的非学术性实习。 实习期让林施君对本地和当 地的工作效率差别有所感悟。 她说：“在新加坡员工一般 都很忙，可是在那里，工作量 少得可以让一半以上的员工整 天无所事事。” 随着环球化的趋势，有越来 越多南大生选择到国外实习。 其中有不少学生选择到发展中 国家进行两到六个月不等的实 习计划。 根据就业与实习指导处 （CAO）提供的资料，每学年 大约会有10多名学生选择到南 亚地区实习，寻求有别于其他

同学的实习经验。 处主任卢沛华表示，参与这 样的活动能让学生掌握这国家 的第一手资讯，而这些国家崛 起时，他们能运用在当地汲取 的知识于工作上，更占优势。 在南大，学生可通过指导处 的配对，或参加例如国际经济 学商学学生会的非学术性实习 计划到这些国家实习。指导处 也会鉴定学生的实习申请书， 看是否符合该学生的课程内 容，给予学分。 拉妮达（Ranitha）也同样 通过国际经济学商学学生会到 孟加拉实习，两个月的经历让 她留下深刻的印象。 除了在当地公司从事行销工 作， 这名22岁的文学院四年级 生也获得机会到市区外的田园 参加一周的实地考察，令她大 开眼界。 她说：“这里的一切都超出 我想象，起初来到这里时所感 受到的文化冲击相当大。” 对于基础设施，拉妮达说， 孟加拉卫生水平欠佳，且电源 切断次数频繁，一天内会有三 到五次在黑暗中摸索，与本地 舒适生活形成强烈对比。 舒适生活 不再理所当然 在尼泊尔实习的尤索夫 （Yusuf，25岁）也有类似经 验。这名传媒系四年级生工作 首日便获指到首都加德满都

在肯尼亚内罗毕非盈利组织实习的李彤，也不忘和当地的小朋友 结交互动。

在尼泊尔出外采访时，尤索夫也兼起摄影记者的职责，拍摄当地的示威活动。 （Kathmandu）城外采访一组 新兴乐团历时14天的巡回演 出，并与他们共乘一辆小巴。 回想起当时体验，他说： “那段期间天气很寒冷，又没 自来水，所以也没办法冲凉， 完全没有什么舒适可言。” 尤索夫今年初由指导处安排 到尼泊尔ECS Media进行六个 月实习计划。 主要负责写作和新闻制作 的他发现，当地媒体的做法与 本地的截然不同。尤索夫说： “以一个传媒机构而言，当地 的做法会比较古板。” 除了实习，了解与融入当地 文化对这群实习生来说也是不 可缺少的。 前往巴基斯坦实习的刘美云 说，由于当地人很喜欢做饭， 所以她经常与同事一起做午 饭，因此学会烹煮一些当地传 统食物。 但是，这名22岁的黄金辉 传播与信息学院生四年级生形 容文化差异也会令她觉得不习 惯。她说：“当地人习惯大声 说话，我刚去的时候甚至以为 他们是在吵架，日子久了才慢 慢习惯。” 此外，刘美云也提到当地女 性不习惯过度暴露的衣服，因

此开始作当地人的打扮。 她解释：“我不希望人们 总是以看待外国人的眼光来看 我，所以希望自己能融入当地 的文化中。”

“我不希望人们总 是以看待外国人的 眼光来看我，所以 希望自己能融入当 地的文化中。” 刘美云 传媒系四年级生

照片|受访者提供

李彤到肯尼亚的非营利组织 实习，从事爱之病预防和宣传 的工作。 令她感受最深的就是一 个由她工作的组织发起，名 为“Women Therapy”的活 动。在这个活动上，她同身患 爱之病的妇女交换自己制作的 小礼物。 她说：“礼物本身并不贵 重，但是你能感觉到她们虽然 身患重病，却仍然坚持用积极 心态去面对生活，用双手养活 自己，帮更多需帮助的人。” 选择实习地点考量不同

在发展中国家，安全也自然 成为实习生所需注意的事项。 林施君回忆起当时在乌干达和 朋友用餐后几小时，该餐馆就 发生了爆炸案，令她感到十分 震惊。 到肯尼亚首都内罗毕（Nairobi）实习的电子与电气工程 学院二年级生李彤（20岁）也 有同感。 她说：“内罗毕是非洲最乱 的城市之一，那里偷窃抢劫横 行。当地人因此劝我们在晚上6 点之后就不应出门。我也尽量 避免在夜间使用小巷。”

虽然到发展中国家实习可以 增广见闻，但并不是人人都支 持这种做法。 下个学期即将在本地进行专 业实习的张骏毅（23岁）说， 自己不会选择到这些发展中国 家实习。 对这名材料科学系三年级生 而言，实习中学习的技能日后 能否在职场上运用是要素。 他说：“我认为这些国家的 工业水准不是很发达，因此并 不能提供我想要的科技与职业 训练。”

（姚天枢补充报道）

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缩短路程 过程有待改善

返短程巴士的素质，唯一行驶 于南大与先驱地铁站的D线短 程巴士在周日缩短路程。 当巴士驶进南大范围时，依 旧经过第一宿舍、第二宿舍及 食堂，接着便前往学生服务中 心和陈振传礼堂，然后就沿着 反方向回返先驱地铁站。 但在周末，基于A和B线的 短程巴士没有运作，D线短程 巴士则会照着旧路线行驶。

“得转换多趟巴士 才能到地铁站，其 实让大家行程变得 更加不方便。” 徐曼儿 黄金辉传播与信息学院新生

插图｜徐汉权

白雪宁●报道

往

返先驱（Pioneer）地铁 站的短程巴士改道，有 学生认为更方便，但有人持反 对意见，也觉得校内有关部门 在实施新路程前筹备不足。 对于居住第六宿舍的莎扎 娜（Shazana Bte Mustaffa，22

岁）而言，新路程的实施让她 回家更方便。 这名文学院四年级生解 释：“在这计划之前，公共巴 士的频率比短程巴士来得多， 但新实施推翻了这个现象。” 现在她只要在宿舍外的巴士 站乘搭D线短程巴士，就能直 接前往先驱地铁站，而不像以 前那样还要绕校园一圈。

许惠芳（20岁）也有同感。 这名英文系二年级生说，过去 巴士都太拥挤，因此巴士到站 也未必上得了车，但现在问题 大大改善。 她补充：“我虽然在文学院 上课，但还是能走到附近的学 生服务中心乘搭D线短程巴士 回家。” 从9月20日起，为了提升往

而在新路程实施的三天前， 南大学生会和学生事务所在电 邮中告知，此举是为缩短巴士 的往返时间，以便增加发车的 频率。 D线短程巴士司机王先生就 举例说，过去巴士往返一趟， 需要约35分钟，但现在只需20 分钟。 他补充：“频率增加，现在 很少人站（着乘巴士）了，就 算繁忙时间也很少。” 尽管如此，王先生认为改道 确实会给一部分的学生带来不 便。来自国立教育学院的张玛 丽就是一个例子。 这名26岁的中学教育研究生 说，该实施的确改善了原来巴 士拥挤的现象，因为每三到五 分钟就能看见一辆短程巴士。 但是，她认为自己并没有从新 实施中受益。 由于D线短程巴士不再途经 国立教育学院附近，因此该学 院的学生若不想乘搭公共巴士 回返地铁站，就必须先乘搭其

它路线的巴士前往D线其中一 个巴士站转车。 面对耗费时间和浪费金钱这 两难，张玛丽说自己选择不乘 搭短程巴士。 同样的，来自黄金辉传播 与信息学院的新生徐曼儿（21 岁）现在就需先乘搭A或C线短 程巴士，才能转乘搭刚改道的 短程巴士。 徐曼儿说：“得转换多趟巴 士才能到地铁站，其实让大家 行程变得更加不方便。” 此外，大多数的受访者都 觉得新计划的传播手法不够彻 底，因为在新路程实施当天， 还是有乘客不晓得短程巴士已 改道。 据记者观察，许多受影响的 巴士站直到当天都还没张贴告 示，最后姗姗来迟的告示，讯 息也稍嫌模糊。 而且直到上周五，受新路 线影响的巴士站还未更新车站 牌。南大学生会发言人表示， 设施策划与管理处已经在和承 包商洽谈安装新的车站牌。 而电机与电子工程学院二年 级生刘恩赐（24岁），对新实 施通知电邮所附上的，以及在 巴士站告示板张贴的地图表达 不满。 他说，图片没有清楚显示新 路程，因此新路程实施当天毫 不知情，坐上巴士后，在路上 兜了两圈才发现路程已经有所 改变。 对此，南大学生会也表示会 在近期内更换不明确的告示。 对于巴士改道，他认为新路 程很不经济，因为路线太短， 巴士都未能充分利用。 但是他补充，既然D线主 要是方便没有住宿舍的学生回 家，因此没有必要经过宿舍区 如第八宿舍。 他说：“不过经综合考量， 这改变还是不值得的。”

改编戏剧 意圆梦筹款 林坪

中

●报道

文系学生发起召集对戏 剧有兴趣的朋友，一同 追求未完成的梦想，并通过剧 作为有需要的学生筹款。 这一群对戏剧颇有兴趣的学 生，将重新改编郭宝 的经典 之作《棺材太大洞太小》，并 搬上舞台。 在访问中，副导演陈勇安不 时透露出中文系学生对戏剧的 热忱。 这名25岁的中文系四年级生 说：“身为中文系的学生，应 该要做一些戏剧的东西。” 这项计划，是导演刘晓义 （28岁）的心血结晶。也是上 届毕业生的他本想赶在毕业以 前实现这项计划，可惜万事俱 备，只欠东风。 原本应该在去年就落成的

计划，因为指导老师柯思仁教 授一学期都在国外的关系而告 吹。没有老师的指导，他们也 不知从何做起。 直到再次谈起这项计划，大 家也想到已经走入历史的“茶 霓思剧团”，就觉得中文系需 要一个代表作。 对搬演这出剧的热忱又再重 新点燃，他们也决定与iGave合 作，把这次演出所得捐给该计 划回馈社会，帮助家境不好的 学生。 《棺》会在11月于校内举行 小型演出，明年3月也将在学校 礼堂举行更大型演出。他们希 望这不是一次性的计划，而是 一个开始。 他们最终的目标是希望戏剧 能成为中文系的年度活动。 这场演出，将成为中文系 的结晶，可说中文系与戏剧脱 离不了关系。他们所学的是郭

宝 的戏剧，因此决定学以致 用，把他经典作之一《棺》搬 上舞台。 《棺》的时代背景与现代 相差不远，观众也比较能够感 受及了解郭宝 想要传达的讯 息，从而看出改编后的剧本如 何与新加坡社会息息相关。 他们会以创作的方式进行再 创作，让导演及众演员参与编 写剧本。 演员们都不可以事前阅读剧 本，因为导演希望演员能够带 着开放的心态，以一个实验性 的方式参与表演。 非中文系学生也参与 这次剧作也迎来非中文系 的学生，演员林礼颖（20岁） 说：“我们的参与会为这出剧 增添色彩及创意的元素。” 对这名黄金辉传播与信息学

担任这次舞台剧导演的校友刘晓义，亲自出马给演员上课，让他 们掌握基本演艺技巧。 摄影|Nguyen Thanh Trung 院一年级生而言，能够加入幕 后的制作过程让她感到有趣， 也更有参与感。 她觉得，当一切都还是个未 知数，才能激发大家对剧中的 讯息有不同层面的思考，而这 就是整个计划精彩的部分。 由于现在还是创作初期， 所以他们还没决定要如何呈现

《棺》。刘晓义目前已开始为 演员上课，让他们掌握基本演 艺技巧。 他们希望能与观众有互动， 届时可能以论坛剧场的模式或 是让演员穿插在观众之中。 陈勇安说：“戏剧最基本的 一个要求，就是要让观众进行 反思。”

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言论 编辑室

重燃热忱 重视课外活动

苏文琪 中文编辑

进

入10月份，蜜月期对我 们来说老早结束了，大 部分的同学现在应该正忙于兼 顾课业与课外活动。 过去一个月，为了找寻心仪 的学校团体活动，不少学生或 会大伤脑筋。身边的外国留学 生和那些住家离学校很远的朋 友，因要累积足够的课外活动 积分，争取宿舍名额，在考虑 选择社团活动时，不免会以积 分的多寡决定。 而有些学生也会参选团体委 员会席位以获得最高的积分。

当然，担任要职也能在个人 简历上多添几笔，好让自己往 后成为社会新鲜人时，手中能 握有多些筹码。 说到这里，似乎鲜少有人是 以兴趣为出发点。笔者好友甚 至还作了总结，说在中学时期 是被逼参加课外活动，在理工 学院时则是主动参加自己感兴 趣的活动。 可是，进入大学参加课外活 动，成为委员会成员，目的却 是使自己个人简历精彩一点。

有名同学曾向她诉苦，其实 自己根本不喜欢所参加的社团 活动，不过为了个人简历还是 忍了下来。 课外活动本是让学生在课堂 以外，能有机会和途径发掘或 追求兴趣。 可在这个功利社会，普遍 上学生们渐渐变得务实，要保 持热忱，追求自己所爱好的事 物，似乎变得遥不可及。 因此，单纯想尝试自己喜欢 的事物，单纯想为学生服务的

同学，可说是非常难得的。 美国著名演讲家、激励大师 丹尼斯·威特利（Denis Waitley）曾说，人们该追求的是热 情，而不是养老金。 简单的一句话概括人们应持 有的生活态度，但常常被忽略 遗忘。或许是务实的社会塑造 务实的人，谈热忱和梦想会被 视为不切实际。 可事实上，热忱的力量是无 限强大的，能够让人发挥出意 想不到的能力，达到未曾料到

的成就。 不久前逝世的李光耀夫人 柯玉芝，做人处世态度向来低 调，但她内在所蕴含的热忱， 让她能尽力完成生活的方方面 面。不论是事业、家庭、社 会，李夫人都将自己的角色扮 演好。少了对身边人事物的热 忱，很难想象她会如何应付。 最后，不管参加课外活动 的理由是什么，希望心存热忱 的学生能继续努力，而还未找 到热忱的，就要用积极的态度 对自己所从事的活动有深入了 解，产生热情。 一个能力平平却有热忱的 人，想必能超越一个能力特出 却毫无热忱的人。

改善竞选制 展现真本领 刘榛楠

前

插图｜钟佳唐

爱 心最 加 细 心

李惠钰

近，搭乘地铁上班及上学的朋友们一定对“点心 宝贝”（Dim Sum Dollies）的歌声非常熟悉。 在本月初开始的新一轮公共交通优雅行为宣传中， 这个歌舞剧团体取代了《鬼马家族》的潘厝港和罗西 （Rosie），以歌词提醒大家排队进地铁、往车厢内移 进和让座给需要人士等。 相较之下，今年的宣传片更具创意、旋律也更加朗 朗上口，至少在喧闹的地铁站，听起来不会像杂音。 但是，还是有很多人对于宣传片采用新式英语 （Singlish）有意见，并且质疑这类花费庞大运动的实 际效用。根据《海峡时报》两周前的言论文章，此运动 相信耗资了40万元。 如此担忧也并非是多余的。根据《联合早报》9月初 进行的调查，本地人对于他人不雅行为，抱的是“不妨 碍我就无所谓”的态度。这种以自我为中心心态，缺乏 互相督促提醒的意识，不会主动指责恶习，反通过社会 压力制止这类行为。 所以在现阶段，教育还是改变态度的不二法门。这 运动起到的正是提醒和教育的作用。形象鲜明的本地人 物，配搭上鲜艳亮丽的色彩和通俗易懂的宣传片，在亲 切同时也营造一丝新鲜感，成功吸引乘客的注意，从而 传达优雅社会的信息。 新加坡行善运动理事会今年初进行的调查发现，公 众对公共交通服务的满意度提升了4％，显示这运动也 达到一定的效用。 话虽如此，良好社会素养并非一朝一夕培养出的， 奢望通过这运动彻底改变人们习惯简直是天方夜谭。 车门关闭时间和中央广播系统不一致，可说是造成 乘客出现不雅行为的原因之一，这点其实是可以避免 的。因此，在教育及劝请国人改搭公共交通的同时，公 共交通理事会也应和地铁巴士公司深入探讨如何进一步 改善系统运作的有关情况。 只有多管齐下，我们才能看见情况的改善。但是，一说到解决 办法，奖罚制度不免被拿出来讨论。试想，如果哪天连让座都有 奖赏，笔者敢打包票，上巴士时一定有位子坐！

旅 程 才 开 心

些时间，校内学生会、 学生自制宿舍管理委员 会（JCRC）、学院俱乐部等组 织都进行了选举，陆续交棒给 新一届的委员会，让组织以全 新姿态迎接新学年。 然而，胜出学生能否胜任职 位难免会让人质疑。因为校园 现在的选举制度，似乎无法让 大家清楚鉴定竞选者的能力。 就目前的制度来看，竞选者 需进行宣传、发表政见，获得 多数学生支持才能走马上任。 准候选人大多通过选举演 讲、在讲堂课通过简报自我介 绍，或发放名片、小礼物来提 升人气。 有些也会在社交网站上通过 照片和文章介绍自己，希望能 够让更多学生认识。 演讲反映口才及号召力， 与学生选民互动则表现交际手 腕，都是一个优秀学生干部必 不可少的能力。 但是，个别职位的要求是不 同的，单靠上述方式是无法全 面了解候选人是否合适。 比如，能够对团队进行有序 组织，冷静应对突发事件等能 力就无法展现。再或者，财务 经理要具备理财能力，策划经 理更要拥有创新思维。 显然的，候选人在目前的 竞选制度都无法展现本领，因 此在说服选民时显得牵强。学 生也难以判断候选人的综合素 质，做出正确选择。 唯一具说服力的理由，或许 就是自己曾在初院、理工学院 或服役时拥有类似经验，所以 就算出任未曾接触的职位，也 能在学习上驾轻就熟。 再者，拉票对竞选者也是 个艰辛的过程。由于多数学生

对选举漠不关心，要获得支持 票，就得通过朋友互相拉票。 但这不禁让人发问，选举 难道选的是人气，能力只是其 次？看来，要找真正有能力的 领导人、探讨选举新模式，以 及构造公平展现竞选者综合素 质的平台是至关重要的。

显然的，候选人在 目前的竞选制度都 无法展现本领，因 此在说服选民时显 得牵强。 若以重庆大学的选举制度为 例，有意参选者需通过笔试， 接着在没指定领导的情况下对 某课题进行小组讨论，然后由 教授、学生会干部等代表组成 的评委团进行针对性提问。 通过此举，竞选者能展示其 参与积极性，评委也能从中找 到适合的人才。

不过，这种模式让学生没 有完全的决定权，甚至会出现 “被代表”的现象。我校的选 举方式则相对自由多了。 “优中选优”模式或能选拔 出素质较好的学生，但很多希 望通过委员会工作锻炼自我。 而综合素质不突出的学生，很 可能永远与委员会无缘。 笔者认为，校方可以借鉴其 他高校，探索出具南大特色且 有效的选举方式，给更多学生 一个展现自我的平台。 比如说，增加一道考试的关 卡，让候选人的才能在一定程 度上得到评定；再如，设试用 期给候选人，让他们能充分了 解职位的工作内容，从实践中 判定他们的工作能力。 但是，在现有模式限定的 情况下，竞选者也要给自己创 造能表现专长的机会，扬长避 短，必定会给自己加分。 毕竟，大家都还是学生，竞 选委员会职位，正是学习当领 导人的过程。所以，秉持着诚 恳心态竞选，无论在选举还是 执行任务，想必会有所作为。

插图｜张舒

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生活

独立小店 特立独行

近年来，本地出现越来越多别具特色的独立 店铺。这次就让记者蔡韵和樊笛带大家走访 其中两家，看看店主的巧思妙想。

疯狂世界 地点: 24 Temple Street, Singapore 058569 营业时间: 星期天、 星期二至星期四 下午2时至晚上11时 星期五至星期六 下午2时至凌晨2时

在

设计独到的本子、便条纸、书签等纸制品，现在是“苏格拉底猫”的主打商品。

苏格拉底猫 地点: Bras Basah Complex #03-39B, 231 Bain Street, Singapore 180231 营业时间: 星期一至星期六 中午12时至晚上8时 星期天和公定假日 下午1时至晚上7时

被

常客亲切称为“猫 店”或“苏猫”的时 尚小铺兼咖啡厅“苏格拉 底猫”，一路来以其自身 独特的文化和魅力，悄悄 成为本地文艺风尚指标。 即使老套的人不能完 全理解，开业近两年， “苏猫”已在新加坡成功 打出不小的名气，成为小 资一族淘宝聚会的圣地。 店主蒋航蕾说：“这 里的市场相对较小，人们 对事物的接触面因此受到 一定限制，有趣的东西并 不常见。” 所以，她希望提供一

个平台影响和引导喜爱这 文化的顾客，形成一种流 行风格。 按 照 蒋 航 蕾 的 说 法，“苏猫”是一家“杂 货铺”，没有限制主题， 没有固定的构成，只要是 符合这家店精神的物品都 可以“入驻”。 比如开店最初，中文 书籍的售卖占据了较大的 比例，而后再根据顾客的 需求逐步调整，设计独到 的本子、便条纸、书签等 纸制品逐渐变成主打。 此外，最近店中正尝 试推行手工布艺，于是增 加许多有关手工制作的介 绍。一整柜形态各异，独 家定做的复古铁皮玩具亦 是猫店一道亮丽的风景。 蒋航蕾六年前来到新 加坡，设计师出身的她机 缘巧合下离开本行，开始 经营这家概念独特、属于 自己的小铺。 从未接触过零售业， 摸索走路的开始自然很艰 难。因店面是在百胜楼三 楼走廊尽头，开张初期并 不是很多人知道其存在。

虽躲在百胜楼角落，猫店依然受到瞩目，获顾客支持。

在近旁商店逛逛、有 着相似兴趣的人群，陆续 发现惊喜后，在朋友间口 碑推荐，猫店现今已经拥 有相当固定的顾客群。

“这里的市场 相对较小，人 们对事物的接 触面因此受到 一定限制，有 趣的东西并不 常见。” 蒋航蕾 苏格拉底猫店主

问及店名由来，蒋航 蕾笑说，其实没有想象中 那么深层哲学的含义，只 是曾经和丈夫听说故事， 里面一只猫就名叫“苏格 拉底”（Socrates）。 于是就把它作为家中 所养猫咪的名字，再后来 开了店就似乎理所当然地 以它命名。 开店之初，店里定期 都会组织观影活动，推开 白天的货架，变成戏迷暂 时的小小剧院。 而今越发紧密的货品 排列已不太允许大型活 动，但店内每一两个月会 更新主题的照片展示墙， 依然吸引众多摄影爱好者 寄来自己生活中的记录。 如果近期走进猫店， 继 “ 猫 ” 、“ 旅 行 ” 和 “宝丽来”后，店铺目前 以“双重曝光”为概念的 创意相片集，继续给人不 少审美享受与创意启发。

牛车水新开张的 “ 疯 狂 世 界 ” （Crazyworld Cafe），可 能会让首次光顾的朋友感 到新奇。 地方虽不大，但三分 之一的面积是咖啡屋，另 三分之一是精品店，最后 的空间则留给舞台。 店主林仕豪（29岁） 与太太因同是五月天的歌 迷而相识。那时，林仕豪 是广告设计师，太太则是 音乐制作人。 后来，两人想共同开 创一番有关音乐的事业， 并希望给本地音乐人和设 计师展现创意的空间。 几年来，他们造访许 多亚洲独立店来获取灵 感。最终在台北的女巫 店，他们看到属于自己的 疯狂世界。 这家与五月天首张专 辑主打曲同名的店面，装 潢格局活泼明亮，是林仕 豪朋友设计的。推开玻璃 门，右边是桌椅，左边是 收银台。 收银台两侧陈列许多 本地设计师所设计的限量 笔记本、空运邮件袋、T 恤、徽章等——图案简单 独特，文字精辟诙谐。 顾客在等待上餐时， 可欣赏精美设计品，或在 拐角处试听本地和马来西

踏进“疯狂世界”之前，顾客还可以在店外重温儿时游 戏，玩一玩“跳飞机”。 摄影|黎淑仪 亚一些知名度较低，但具 实力的音乐人的创作，有 喜欢的可以买下。

“希望大家能 在这认识本地 音乐人和设计 师，纠正新加 坡是个文化沙 漠的误解。” 林仕豪 疯狂世界店主

试听角落上方更摆放 一架HMV留声机和11台 不同年代的盒式磁带录音

店内摆放着留声机和盒式磁带录音机，颇具复古感。

机，富有复古的氛围。 再向内走，是一个小 型舞台。在咖啡屋中办音 乐会，便是“女巫店”给 林仕豪夫妇的灵感。 店内的桌椅都是特别 设计的，开办音乐会时， 能够拆开收起，给店里腾 出可容纳50人的场地。 从洗手间至舞台的走 道中间，有个能拉下收起 的落地布帘，举行音乐会 时，可拉下形成后台。 而店内的聚光灯和特 别的凹凸吸音墙壁，都会 为音乐会营造更好的气氛 和音响效果。 林仕豪夫妇也都尽量 亲力亲为，老板负责泡咖 啡、做甜点和收银，老板 娘则和一名厨师负责烹煮 餐点。而其中一道“妈妈 的咖喱鸡”还真是林仕豪 母亲的私家菜。 不过，“疯狂世界” 可不是民歌餐厅噢！音乐 会进行时，店里不售卖餐 点，而受邀的表演者也不 会接受点歌，以便大家将 注意力都集中在音乐上。 林仕豪说：“希望大 家能在这认识本地音乐人 和设计师，纠正新加坡是 个文化沙漠的误解。” 所以，他积极在网上 和市场联系本地设计师和 音乐人，希望将他们的创 作带进店里，塑造“新加 坡制造”的概念店品牌。

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娱乐

重闯乐坛 G.NA畅谈生活中的舍弃 王辰宇●报道

无

论是感情事，还是日常 生活，韩国新声G.NA都 做出了牺牲，也更深一层地了 解牺牲。 目前单身的她说，这是选择 在娱乐界工作的一个牺牲，但 谈及爱情，G.NA并不避讳。 她说：“我第一次喜欢的男 生是在高中，很遗憾我当时要 回韩国了，没机会告诉他。” 但是，G.NA将自己的心情 写照都注入这张专辑里面。 平常不能和家人在一起、和 朋友聚会，做个普通23岁女生 可做的事，G.NA觉得这些都是 私人生活上留下的遗憾，不过 她认为这样的牺牲是值得的。 然而，令她欣慰与珍惜的是， 自己在事业上获得的肯定。 此外，手机是大多数人寸步 不离的生活必需品，但G.NA说 她没有手机。 她解释：“我们时时刻刻都 被联系着，我想看看自己能不 能不用手机呢。” 于是G.NA开始不带手机， 因为觉得手机不仅打扰工作， 而且放弃使用手机也是一种牺 牲，同时让自己更了解牺牲。 问及需要打电话给家人时会

怎么做，她笑说：“我用我经 理人的。” 出生在加拿大温哥华，能说 一口流利美语的崔智娜（Gina Choi）两周前来到本地宣传首 张迷你专辑“Draw G’s First Breath”。 迷你专辑共收录五首歌 曲，G.NA尝试了流行和R&B曲 风，也分别和Rain、龙俊亨还 有饶舌歌手Swings合作。 经过老板的穿针引线，她得 到和Rain同唱一首歌的机会， 让作为新人的她更是难以置 信。回想听见喜讯，G.NA当时 激动地说：“哇，真的吗？我 和Rain合作？不会吧！”

G.NA坦言因压力，很多次 想放弃。她自问是否要在这条 路走下去，而答案一直是肯定 的。 她说：“我每次都对自己 说，没关系，我一定可以。因 为我知道这就是我想要的。” 对于未来取向，G.NA在回

答本报记者时，希望可以走更 国际化的路线，这也正和自己 的唱片公司Cube Entertainment 的发展策略不谋而合。喜爱 Christina Aguilera的她也希望， 将来能够和小她一岁的Rihanna 一同合作。 人们称赞G.NA性感，起初

她觉得很奇怪。她解释：“我 之前从来没觉得自己性感。 但后来有人这么夸奖，我就觉 得，嗯，挺不错的。哪个女生 不喜欢别人这样说呢？” 但她话锋一转补充：“我 可不想自己唯一的长处就是性 感。我需要有真材实料啊。”

“我可不想自己唯 一的长处就是性 感。我需要有真材 实料啊。” G.NA 韩国歌手

谈及如何从众歌手脱颖而 出，G.NA说是自己曲风多样 化，以及需保住地位的心态。 她补充：“你需懂得这行业 的思考方式，和学会适应。”

能说出一口流利美语的G.NA，希望通过自己多样化的曲风，以及需保住地位的心态，让自己从众多 韩国歌手脱颖而出。 摄影|王辰宇

不动摇 张靓颖勇于做自己 蔡韵●报道

有

第一届《超级女声》季军张靓颖希望将来能够观赏偶像Mariah 摄影|吴静婷 Carey的现场表演。

“海豚公主”和“灵魂 歌手”之称的张靓颖坚 信自身信念，面对他人负面看 法也不受影响，敢于做自己。 五年前凭中国人气选秀节目 《超级女声》第三名出道的张 靓颖，上月第一次来新宣传个 人的第四张专辑《我相信》， 近距离同媒体真诚分享内心的 想法。 她说这次为专辑同名主打歌 《我》，第一次以中文填词， 歌曲中流露她出道以来的经历 与感受，其最初的想法就是为 自己作一点记录。由于感触颇 深，在半小时内一口气成稿， 却没想到会得到唱片公司的高 度赏识和重视。 问及歌词中反复出现的 “你”是谁时，张靓颖颇具哲 理地解释——“你”既可以是 泛指，也可以被理解为与歌曲 中的“我”一样都是指自己， 是一场与自我的对话。 张靓颖的自我，在于她最重 视自己的理念和看法，他人的 言语并不会产生太大的影响。

她说：“我的人生，需要自己 来规划要走的路。” 说这句话时，她的神态特别 严肃和坚定。 张靓颖坦言，出道以前会比 较容易相信别人。从小生长的 环境无拘无束，性格自由的她 说：“出道后在很长时间里， 陌生感和跟着别人步伐走的巨 大落差都让我很难适应，就容 易产生戒心。” “一直到了一两年前，才算 找回了最初的感觉。” 不想做王菲的接班人 近期有报道称林夕盛赞张靓 颖为“王菲的接班人”，她个 人却不太认同这样的说法。 她说：“我就是我，并不希 望成为谁的接班人。天后王菲 留下了许多脍炙人口的作品， 这会是我希望努力的方向。” 抛开舞台上的魅力光鲜， 张靓颖也被指在日常生活中感 觉不够正式，没有“星”味。 对此，她坦言自己不会隐藏个 性，即使在媒体云集的场合聊 天，聊久自然就恢复本性。 最后与歌迷合照的环节，张

靓颖毫不掩饰其洒脱不造作作 风，竟穿着高跟鞋轻松地从高 舞台上跳下来。 摄影记者建议她是否去补 妆后再拍，她也说“不需要 啦！”，还一直把热裤往下拉 避免太性感。 张靓颖的歌唱事业可谓是越 来越大气与国际化，今年先后 与两位天王刘德华和张学友合 唱上海世博会以及南非世界杯 中文版的主题曲，其歌声更是 出现在各大影视剧中。 作为拥有国际市场的当红艺 人，张靓颖大部分时间都在各 地飞来飞去。她笑道：“我常 常都开玩笑说空姐才是我的第 一职业啦！” 对张靓颖来说，由于此行 才短短逗留两天，最大的遗憾 就是因一天之差，无法观看著 名的世界一级方程式（F1）赛 车，更会错过她的偶像Mariah Carey的现场演唱。 当被问及是否有想过与偶 像“海豚合音”时，张靓颖 马上流露出小歌迷的一面， 说：“无法完成的。因为一听 到偶像唱歌就会忍不住哭得稀 里哗啦！”

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Olivia Ong校园音乐会

刘力扬现身同台合唱

由南大文化活动协会 在上月举办的校园音乐会 中，Olivia一共带来七首 收录在《夏夜晚风Live影 音专辑》的歌曲，其中包 括扣人心弦的《如燕》。 害羞的Olivia 或缺乏感情经验

歌曲能成为经典。 她在音乐会前接受访 问时说，很多人都告诉 她这首歌是属于她的。 但是，Olivia认为功劳应 归功于陈佳明老师，因 为他将词曲写得非常有 画面感。 巅峰未达 还会努力

外形帅气的刘力扬（左起）、师妹Olivia Ong和电台100.3的司仪阿栋在台上谈笑 摄影|欧彦兰、王扬 风生，互动极佳。

张健俊●报道

出

席上个月校园音乐 会的观众，除了能 欣赏Olivia Ong带来首首 动听歌曲，还遇上额外的 惊喜。 来自同一家唱片公司 的“表姐”刘力扬，以特 别嘉宾身份到场助阵，现 场气氛一时喧闹起来。 对于表姐这身份，刘

力扬说：“我们两人的 关系就像表姐妹，而吴 尊也就是表哥。” 言下之意，大家都同 属一间唱片公司，关系 十分密切，感觉就像亲 人一般。 首次登台合唱的她们 就为观众带来经典歌曲 《我愿意》。这曲巧妙 地把美丽的Olivia和帅 气的刘力扬相结合，将 现场气氛推向另一个高

潮，让Olivia的校园音乐 会格外星光璀璨。 此 外 ， 刘 力 扬 也 说：“第一次听Olivia现 场唱歌，我觉得是个很大 的惊喜。” 如果有机会的话，她 希望能再听到Olivia的现 场演唱。 刘力扬接着演唱由蔡 健雅作词作曲的《崇拜 你》和耳熟能详的电视主 题曲《寂寞光年》。

在演唱的首首动听歌 曲中，让Olivia排斥的竟 然是由金牌制作人王治平 钦点的经典歌曲“Have I Told You Lately”。 她解释：“这首歌的 歌词很深，感情生活可能 要非常精彩。” 来自电台100.3的司仪 阿栋开玩笑地提问：“你 是不是缺乏这一方面的经 验呢？” 这问题一抛出，她不 禁露出害羞的一面。 亲切的Olivia在演唱 时，主动地向台下热情的 粉丝挥手，双脚也跟着轻 快的节奏摇摆，在舞台上 显得非常自在。 为了和现场的观众有 更近距离的互动，她在 演唱专辑主打“You And Me”时，走下台边唱边 和观众握手，让前排的观 众兴奋不已。但由于音乐 会全场爆满，梯级也坐满 观众，所以无法进一步和 后座的观众互动。 拥有娘惹血统的她， 演唱家喻户晓的电视主题 曲《如燕》后，希望这首

15岁参加了歌唱比 赛，组成乐队Mirai出道 的Olivia说：“家人一 开始是反对（踏入演艺 圈）的，可是讨论后， 他们最终让我到日本发 展。直率的爸爸曾经告 诉我，一旦下定决心做 一件事就不能畏惧。” 她补充：“可是如果 过了巅峰时期，那就是 引退的时刻。我目前还 未达到这个巅峰时期， 所以我会继续努力。”

在谈到未来的计划， 勤学华语的Olivia希望在 不久的将来能推出一张只 有中文歌曲的专辑，也不 排除以后会返回校园进修 的可能性。她还表示自己 对演戏有兴趣，唯一希望 参演的不是一部恐怖片， 而目前为止排除主持的可 能性。 问及求学时期如何 时，她说：“我那时还是 一个蛮顽皮的女生，可是 发现学业还是一个值得去 做的事。” Olivia提到自己可能比 较不善于表达，在台湾 上《康熙来了》时，心 里其实特别紧张，显得 “文静”，可是实际上内 心是“痛苦”的。 出道近10年的她感慨 地说：“到目前为止，我 的人生过程没有丝毫一点 遗憾。”

亲切的Olivia Ong在演唱的同时，不忘和热情的观众 挥手。

乐评 音乐Jukebox 专辑：《梦想启航 It’s My Time》 歌手：林育群 推荐： “I Will Always Love You” “It’s My Time”

短

,,,,,

短一个多月内，他用 歌声征服台湾、美 国、香港等地。网络上热烈讨论的“小胖”林育群， 终于开启歌手生涯，发行了首张专辑《梦想启航 It’s My Time》。 这张专辑收录了10首耳熟能详的经典英文老歌。挑 战经典歌曲毕竟有难度，多少会被原唱所局限，但林 育群在专辑中还算发挥得淋漓尽致。 他在第六届《超级星光大道》PK赛一战成名歌曲 “I Will Always Love You”，以全新的专辑版正式登 场。这首献给阿嬷的参赛歌曲，在林育群优美及带着 一丝丝悲伤的歌声，传达出歌曲的感动。 林育群重新演绎去年欧洲歌唱大赛优胜者Jade Ewen比赛歌曲“It’s My Time”，唱出小人物的心 声，听起来更能引起共鸣。虽然歌曲的旋律并不是很 完整，但在他的巧思之下，整首歌曲听起来仍然优美 悦耳。 缺憾的是，林育群演绎“Hero”时少了Mariah Carey的爆发力和激情，歌曲因此稍微逊色些。此 外，“Amazing Grace”和“A Moment Like This”听 起来相当戏剧化，始终唱不出原来的那种感动。 虽然首次出专辑，林育群表现亮眼，但希望他在下 一张专辑能在曲风和唱功上能突破。（文／林佐翰）

专辑：《太热》 歌手：飞轮海 推荐： 《太热》 《心疼你的心疼》 《继续爱》

暌

,,,,,

违了近两年，飞轮海终于推行他们的第四张 专辑《太热》。在这张专辑里，他们甩掉了 大男孩风格，挑战成熟型男的风格和曲风。 造型上，飞轮海展露性感熟男的肌肉，相信会 迷倒不少女粉丝。专辑的概念以清凉酷劲为主题， 并且融入了飞轮海对工作、家人以及粉丝的热忱和 热情。 首波主打是由音乐人Michael Lin热血打造的同 名单曲《太热》，而这是飞轮海首次尝试电音舞曲 的曲风。歌词主要说明大家每天应该抱有热忱，过 得充实，因为青春一去就不会回头了。 抒情摇滚《心疼你的心疼》虽然带有淡淡的忧 伤，但简单的旋律还是让听者感到相当舒服。第二 波主打的旋律和歌词，仿佛带人走进歌曲意境里， 提醒着应照顾和珍惜所爱的人，不要将来才后悔。 《继续爱》则是笔者个人推荐，歌曲意表达即 使遇到再多艰难，都要继续爱下去。因为“还没到 地球尽头”，所以没有什么是不能解决的。《继》 让飞轮海展现他们独特的歌喉，证明他们不只凭外 貌闯乐坛。 飞轮海这次在造型和曲风虽然有了不少改变， 但是希望在下张专辑能听到他们在唱功方面有更多 进步。 （文／欧彦兰）

专辑：《萧洒小姐》 歌手：萧亚轩 推荐： 《狂想·曲》 《梦境II》 , , , , , 道已10年的萧亚 照片｜网络下载 轩，再次转型潇 洒亮相，参与五首歌曲的创作和三首歌曲的制作， 让人耳目一新！ 专辑中的歌曲不仅在风格和题材上多元化，唱腔 突破以往的直线技巧，更加柔软细腻，富有韵味。 首波主打歌《潇洒小姐》是首电子舞曲，节奏强 劲紧凑，歌词简单上口。在MV中，萧亚轩以电玩女 战士的造型出现，活力展现“潇洒舞”。独有的中低 音与配乐完美结合，很让人上瘾。只可惜，歌曲旋律 与其他同类舞曲相似，难以留下深刻的印象。 《狂想·曲》描述热恋中的女孩满脑子的粉红色 泡泡狂想，从“才在路口跟你分离／人形立牌全变成 你”，到“让你双眼变成心形”，有着恋爱中天真浪 漫的感觉。整首恋曲甜美，电音动感十足，歌词也很 有画面感，仿佛在看少女漫画一般。 非常励志的《梦境Ⅱ》是萧亚轩的创作之一。稳 健的旋律和积极的文字，发挥着正面力量，像在草原 上奔跑一般。中间一段童声演唱，增加了音乐的丰富 性，也让歌曲更加充满希望。 今年初经历丧母之痛的萧亚轩，在新专辑中唱出 许多新感悟，也让我们听到她的勇敢与坚强。但愿听 者也能从专辑找到正面的力量，即使痛苦困难时也能 喊出“I’m not afraid”，坚持下去。 （文／樊笛）

出

Opinions frankly, my dear

EDITORIAL

A column by The Chronicle editors on issues close to their hearts

I am student hear me roar Three weeks ago, The Straits Times published an article on the university rankings based on the revised Times Higher Education (T HE) World University Rankings.

The article opened with a sub-heading t hat t he university’s rankings had “plunged” in the revamped list. It also highlighted that we had “tumbled 101 places”.

Since then, there has been much concern about our university, its rankings, a nd by e x te n sion , t he qualit y of education we receive.

P r e side nt of N T U, Dr Su Guaning recently wrote a commentar y on the issue in the Straits Times with regards to the original article, a letter with reference to a second article, and an email to students to clear up any doubts we had.

Amidst the chaos that the article has sparked, it is encouraging to know that students are concerned enough to send “emails

and letters of concern… about recent media stories saying NTU has dropped 101 places in university rankings”, according to Dr Su’s email.

The emails and queries highlight a new breed of students that is emerging, and a more ‘open’ education system that N T U offers — on e t h a t a l lo w s t h e active participation of the individual student.

W h at i s e v e n mor e encou r agi ng i s t hat a s students, our voices have been heard.

T he univer sit y has listened to our concerns, a nd t a ke n t he t i me to address them, not just once or twice, but thrice.

While there will always be a med ia repor t t hat paints a different picture of the actual situation, we can be proud of our university and the education that we receive, in knowing that as students, our voices have been heard.

No mat te r how you chose to read the situation.

CH R O N I C L E THE NANYANG

chief editor Shereen Naaz Charles MANAGING editor Law Shi Ming Elizabeth sub-editors Kwan Hui Xian Lau Liang Tong Lin Jieming Melissa Neo Wen Tong Shahida Bte Hassim News editors Aw Yeong Jia Jia Maxie Wang Simin Lifestyle editors Goh Shang Zhe Kenneth Jennifer Dhanaraj Reviews editor Lock Mei Jin Clara TECH editor Goh Yimei Gillian dapper editors Lim Hui Ching Audrey Tan Jingliang Chinese editors Su Wenqi Wong Kang Wei

opinionS editors Chan Xiu Fen Rosemary Goh Jiamin sports editors Eve Yeo Yu Ping Loh Jiaju Ronald layout editors Loh Jun Qi Mak Jinfa Joseph photo editors Chan Wan Wai Eunice Ng Jun Sen graphics editor Choong Jia Tang Alan ONLINE editor Tan Jun Long Jeremy business manager Lim Pei Yi Vivian 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 News Hotline: 6790 6446 Letters: chronicle@ntu.edu.sg Opinions: chronicle.opinions@ ntu.edu.sg Please include your full name, contact number, faculty and year of study.

What mother says, goes

GRAPHIC | ALAN CHOONG

Ng Jun Sen photo editor

T

h e r e c e n t d e a t h of a Si ngapor ea n e xc ha nge student in London, Tan Mingwei, has struck a chord with parents here, because many of them have sons and daughters studying or working abroad.

Which was probably why my mother sat down with me last week and recounted me a dreary story about someone in my family.

Apparently, some distant uncle of mine was once a journalist, but then quit his job because it was too tough to handle.

Distant Uncle, whom I cannot name because he’s most probably fictional, was an accomplished reporter.

One day, he decided t hat enough was enough. So he left the newspaper to become a sales marketer, English teacher, or for all intents and purposes, a bar-top dancer if he so desired.

Then, my mother began to give a lengthy round-up of the reasons why Distant Uncle quit.

Bac k ac he s due to he av y equipment. Tight deadlines and quotas. Late hours. Measly pay.

It wa s t he sor t of t h i ng that made you think that the whole newspaper industry was a Cambodian sneaker sweatshop run

by Nike that paid 25 cents per hour.

My brot her, an aerospace engineering student in NTU and an aspiring pilot, was not spared.

L i s te n i ng to m y mot he r, aviation today is no different from the Battle of Britain.

In her world, planes tumble

from the sky, and then crash and burn in some grassy field in Woodlands.

Of course, you might think that my mother is a bit paranoid, believing that our hair will catch fire from overusing handphones, and t hat eat i ng genet ica l lymodified food will ensure that our future offspring will have two heads, four eyes and eight legs.

But she is not.

What she was doing, however, was a thinly veiled ploy to scare us away from jobs that are dangerous, unpopular, tiring and low-paying.

Instead, we should be hoping to work in a safe, monotonous but high salaried business job, where the most exciting thing that can happen may be a vuvuzela battle between two co-workers.

Many parents wish this to be true, apparently.

The students in the English tuition class where I teach all tell me the same thing—that they would settle for a job with the above properties, just because their parents said so.

Not surprising at all, since a large demographic of our society come from a conservative and traditional background.

What is more intriguing to me is the comical and sometimes highly exaggerated fashion in which parents try to inf luence their children.

As today’s youths become increasingly independent, parents can no longer use authority to force their children into a career.

It becomes more difficult to convince their kid by solely using the mantle of parenthood.

To a child today, obey ing because of that is simply rank

stupidity.

So, parents must now opt for the softer approach of logic and reasoning, which can sometimes yield terrible results.

I know a friend who loved art, and desired to pursue it as a career.

After her A’ Levels, she decided to enroll into the School of Art, Design and Media (ADM) here.

But unfor t unately, it was against her parents’ wishes.

Her parents tried to convince her that art in Singapore was not a viable job.

When that failed, they started to give negative comments about her artwork.

In the end, her self-esteem took a hit and she withdrew from ADM, and is now pursuing another course in mathematics.

W h i le t he se ac t ion s may have affected her negatively, it is also important to consider their intentions.

Accidents do happen, just like in the tragic case of Tan Mingwei.

The dangers might be remote, but they do scare people.

As today’s youths become increasingly independent, parents can no longer use authority to force their children into a career.

So, we shou ld not bla me our parents for their incessant nagging, because one day we might be in their position too.

How else can a parent voice their concern for their child’s safety?

This is especially important for me. Like many others, I will be going on an overseas exchange next semester.

It will be to the United States, and if time flies by quickly enough, I will be in a new environment, making new friends and learning new things about the world.

But until then, I will have to endure listening to my mother.

To her, the United States will be dangerous and alien, and I have no doubt that she will try to impress that upon me.

I will not complain though.

30

opinions

o c to b e r 11, 2010

T h e na n ya ng c h ron ic l e

Exercising freedom responsibly

GRAPHIC | ALAN CHOONG

Chan Xiao Yi

N

TU’s Student Affairs Office (SAO) sent out an advisory early this month containing a one page list of ‘guidelines’.

This list that consists of seven do’s and 10 don’ts, according to the email, is meant to address an “urgent need for students to be kept informed and be aware of their responsibility”.

Late last month, Channel News Asia reported on a group of IT and cyber law professionals who have gathered to form Community of Information Technology Experts (CITE), a non-profit organisation.

The manner in which SAO worded its ‘Do’s and Don’ts’ email has received much flak from students.

It aims to provide assistance to the public by answering their queries about the rights they have on cyberspace.

I feel that it would have been more useful for the school to direct students to CITE, to find out for themselves the consequences of their actions.

In this digital age, easy accessibility to the Internet and the appeal of anonymity have oftentimes been taken for granted.

It is therefore understandable that the school should feel concerned and take action to

caution the students on their behaviour online.

The manner in which SAO worded its ‘Do’s and Don’ts’ email has received much flak from students.

A final-year English major, while appreciative of the school’s efforts to highlight the facts and reality of the pervasiveness of cyber-crime, feels that the message could have been more specific.

His initial reaction to the email was that some students must have flouted these rules so the school is taking preventive action.

However, as the school made no mention of any incident, it is likely to be perceived as a random email that people are unlikely to pay attention to.

He points out too that several terms in the advisory, such as “racist” and “seditious”, would have been better explained with examples or real-life cases.

This is necessary especially since these are hard to define and subjective.

The vague mentions would only cause people to eventually err on the safer side.

At that point, it would no longer be a question of acting out of responsibility, but of the fear of stepping on the line.

Where then, would freedom of speech lie?

In addition, all information could risk misinterpretation when not gleaned with a discerning eye.

The sender’s intention might not be conveyed in its entirety to the receiver.

As such, examples of the do’s and don’ts’ would therefore help in a clearer understanding.

That said, a final-year accounting student mentions how the email seems to lean towards

dictating how one should behave rather than advise.

He fails to see the need for the advisory to be compiled in a list of dos and don’ts instead of a more neutral and informative manner.

For an email meant as an advisory, it could be better received if the guidelines came in the form of “Please refrain from…” instead of “Don’t do…”.

He worries talking down to students in a dictatorial manner might cause some to take offense.

He believes that they might simply choose not to read it and delete the information.

If that happens, the school should not be in any way held liable for failing to teach us how to exercise our freedom of expression responsibly.

According to their website, “CITE primarily provides onlinerelated legal information services to online individual users and small businesses, whose financial circumstances or lack of resources precludes them from obtaining legal information elsewhere.”

I feel that informing students of such an organisation and directing them to it would encourage them to be more proactive.

As adults, we are responsible for our own learning.

One should not be overly reliant on some higher authority and wait to be ‘spoon-fed’ information.

It is our responsibility to conduct ourselves with the proper decorum and to take the initiative to find out how to if we are in doubt.

In a nation where the workforce is becoming better educated, competition for jobs is rife.

It is therefore essential for one to distinguish him or herself from the rest.

Initiative is a good value that one should pick up, to be proactive about one’s education.

It is our responsibility to conduct ourselves with the proper decorum and to take the initiative to find out how to if we are in doubt.

The list, as emailed, merely tells people how to act.

It does not inculcate in them the ability to weigh for themselves the consequences of their actions.

Conversely, by highlighting the existence of CITE to our students and encouraging them to send their queries, the information sought and obtained through effort would be more effectively retained.

In this way, the decisions they make would be informed and of their own will.

canteen talk

We find out what students think of NTU’s email on exercising freedom of expression responsibly and the new initiative Community of Information Technology Experts (CITE).

It affects me to a small extent but it may be useful to others who find such information necessary.

”

Sherwin Kaur, HSS, Yr 1, 19

“

What we say on the Internet can hurt, so it is good that we are reminded. It may be too troublesome to turn to CITE. Amirah Bte Mohamed Iqbal, NBS, Yr 2, 19

Because CITE is more informal than approaching the authorities, people will be more willing to consult them.

”

Aretha Poh, HSS, Yr 2, 20

“

I do not think people will use CITE’s services. People with guts to say what they want to will do so in any case.

Nafeesa Saini HSS, Yr 1, 20

I do not think the email influences my decision on what to post online as I know how to censor myself.

”

Zhou Qi, EEE, Yr 3, 21 TEXT | ROSEMARY CHAN ; PHOTOS | EUNICE CHAN

opinions

o c to b e r 11, 2010

T h e na n ya ng c h ron ic l e

31

Progress matters, not place it came to the diverse nationalities that make up its staff and students, that only accounted for a small percentage of the overall score.

The criteria that formed the bulk of the overall score, such as teaching, research and citations, was where NTU fell behind.

This system attempts to revolutionise THE’s previous ranking method whereby employer reviews and analyses of the university by academic experts were included among the key determinants of a university’s ranking.

THE’s method, according to Dr. Su, “is entirely new and its criteria have yet to be widely accepted.”

It claims to be more rigorous and objective.

However, one criticism of the new method is that it favours universities with a long history of research.

Dr. Su stated, “it typically takes 10 years or more from the time one starts on a research, gets it published to the time citations build up for that research project.

This parameter is in effect comparing the performance of NTU against that of other universities from as far back as 1995.”

This is an arena that NTU would not be able to compete in, having only been established as a practice-oriented, teaching university in 1991 despite its 55year history.

The criteria used in THE’s ranking system also differed from the one used previously.

However, one criticism of the new method is that it favours universities with a long history of research.

GRAPHIC | WANG WEI LOONG

Innovation, collaboration and holistic education more important than ranking.

Muhammad Hidhir Bin Md Razak

W

hen the Straits Times reported that NTU plunged by 101 places in the recent Times Higher Education (THE) ranking from 73rd to 174th, reactions from students, staff, and alumni ranged from shock to rage.

The news, reported on September 17 2010, sparked online discussions, complaints and even prompted NTU President Dr. Su Guaning to email the NTU community addressing the issue.

Even though it was not a drop, but a new form of ranking, it caused concern.

But does it really matter how high our institution is ranked in the greater scheme of things?

But does it really matter how high our institution is ranked in the greater scheme of things?

And while there is little doubt that feathers have been ruffled and voices raised in protest, there exist a number of students who regard the news with indifference.

Among them is a 20 yearold second-year student from the School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering.

He says: “I’m just here to earn

my degree.

“That’s my motivation for being here. I do not really care about the rankings.”

Others expressed reservations.

“I think that Singapore is too uptight about rankings.

We should not look at the university’s ranking and judge whether or not that university is good,” said a 21 year old first year student from the School Of Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS).

He added: ”Instead of focusing on the rank, we should focus on how we were ranked.”

So how were we ranked?

THE stated in their website that universities were assessed according to a few indicators.

These included teaching (30%), research (30%), citations (32.5%), industry income (2.5%) as well as international mix of staff and students (5%).

While NTU scored well when

To state that NTU has fallen in rankings is thus making an unfair comparison.

According to the criteria used previously, NTU ranks at 74, dropping only one place as compared to 101 places.

This is not to say that NTU should take comfort in this revelation and forget about the need to improve.

A more productive course of action would be to reflect on the areas in which NTU can make progress.

This can include areas in which the school has already been working on over the past few years – the arts, humanities, social sciences and research.

There is a need to think of new ideas and innovate constantly to improve our standards.

This is not simply for the sake of seeing our university climb the ranking ladder, though that would make for some bragging rights.

Instead, it is to strive towards upholding the essence of such institutions which is to provide the best environment possible for learning and discovery, where education of oneself and the quest for knowledge drives everyone to better themselves.

With NTU striving to be more academically diverse, students too have to make an effort to contribute to newly established faculties and organisations.

In this way, new ideas can be formulated and exchanged.

Students from different faculties should collaborate to generate fresh perspectives.

A second-year student from the School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, 24, is one who has taken advantage of a new organisation in NTU. Last semester, he participated in a play put up by Epiphany, a club under the English division in HSS. “I gained interpersonal skills and improved working relationships with peers—attributes that the nature of my course does not give me the opportunities to work on”, he commented.

With NTU striving to be more academically diverse, students too have to make an effort to contribute to newly established faculties and organisations.

These are skills he will eventually take into the workforce.

This would eventually raise the university’s status in the eyes of employers and its ability to provide an environment in which holistic education is encouraged.

Academia aside, co-curricular activities can also aid in bettering the quality of education in NTU. “As long as the students are willing to work hard, they can build a bright future for themselves.

This is regardless of the ranking of their university,” says a 60 year-old retired civil servant whose son is a freshman at NTU. She said that she did not think the it would affect the prospects of her son and other students from NTU. “It’s the student, the person, who determines if he or she is successful in life. Not the school,” she said.

“The school is important, yes, but the drive to work hard and to achieve is even more important.

And no school, no matter how highly-ranked, can teach that.”

This is an attitude that students at NTU will do well to adopt.

32

opinions

o c to b e r 11, 2010

T h e na n ya ng c h ron ic l e

a matter of perspective

Censorship in the heartlands

Goh Jiamin opinions editor

A

recent proposal by the Censorship Review Committee (CRC) for R21 films to be available in the heartlands was rejected by the Ministry of Information, Communication and the Arts (Mica).

Mr Liu Tuck Yew, the acting minister of Mica, stated that in making the decision, they “were mindful to allow parents to decide on and control access to these choices for their children”.

By extension, keeping R21 films out of the heartlands is aimed at protecting the young in Singapore.

It includes both children and teenagers who are not ready for the mature content that R21 films offer.

This, however, is not reflective of the progressive society that Singapore aims to be.

While keeping R21 films away from children seemingly protects them from mature content, it arbitrarily removes the need for parents to educate them.

With literacy rates at 96.3% as of 2009, placing the responsibility of looking after the innocence of children on the state makes it seem like many parents are choosing the easy way out — keeping mature content as far away from children as possible rather than educating them about what they should and should not be watching.

However, is this choice as beneficial to children as believed?

While keeping R21 films away from children seemingly protects them from mature content, it arbitrarily removes the need for parents to educate them.

This may be detrimental to children as they are not accustomed to actively avoiding content which they would eventually be exposed to and which they are not old enough to see yet.

Said a mother of two children, 38, “Whether R21 shows are available in the heartlands or not is not the issue.

What is more important is for parents to educate their children”.

Since children are often accompanied by their parents when they visit heartland

shopping malls, such education can be carried out.

Commented a father of one child, 38, “People underage who are curious about R21 shows would be old enough to go to town on their own to watch them”.

Banning R21 films in the heartlands only serves to prolong the time in which people remain as unexposed to mature content as possible.

However, when people are educated from a young age about the age restrictions of films, a culture in which people are active in allowing or curbing their own exposure to such mature content can be cultivated.

By nature of the R21 rating, teenagers who are curious and wish to have a peek at such films will be prevented from doing so whether they are in the heartlands or in town.

Disallowing them in the heartlands merely adds a layer of redundancy to the law.

Said mother of two teenagers and a young adult studying in NTU, 49, “the R21 policy already denies teenagers access to such films so I don’t see a need for them to be banned in the heartlands.”

It thus is not about where R21 films are available but whether children and teenagers are taught the significance of film restrictions.

A student from the School of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, 22, agrees.

He states that “in this technological age, acquiring restricted material is so easy that public theatres are obsolete as an option to access them.

Parents have a bigger problem at home than on the streets”.

Emphasis must thus be placed on education rather than avoidance as avoidance can only be carried out for so long.

Having been brought up to recognize the significance of film ratings, a 19 year old student from the School of Art, Design & Media says that she will not be rushing to watch R21 films and will wait until she is of age.

She commented: “It is pointless to impose such a ban because the education of such morals should begin at home.”

The saying ‘give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach a man to fish and he will eat for a lifetime’ is a common one.

It is, however, one that has not been applied to the issue of censorship in Singapore.

Banning R21 films in the heartlands is one of many instances of censorship in which people are seemingly protected but not taught to think and evaluate for themselves.

This may lead to a well fed but immature and unthinking population.

This is a consequence any first-world country can and should avoid in order to carry on progressing.

watch movies with pornographic undertones.

While many R21 movies do not have such undertones, younger children might assume this is what the term implies and may be driven to sneak in to watch them out of curiosity.

Therefore, what needs to be done is for young people to be educated, instead of dismissing the issue due to a moral code.

Once they understand, perhaps they might have less of an inclination to sneak in and find loopholes in the ticketing system.

However, it is because of these loopholes that we should exercise greater caution and censorship in the heartlands.

The fact that more students have snuck into films they were not old enough to watch should not be overlooked.

A fourth-year electrical and electronic engineering student admitted that he watched an M18 movie with his friends at a cinema in Ang Mo Kio when he was just sixteen years old.

“We did not even have to sneak in discreetly. They did not ask for our identification cards when purchasing tickets. Maybe because we were not in school uniform so we looked a bit older.”

GRAPHIC | JIANG ZHUO QING

Natasha Alvar

O

n the September 15th 2010, The Censorship Review Committee (CRC) has recommended that R21 content be allowed to be shown in the cinemas in HDB estates with restrictions on screening times and the amount of advertising.

Because this recommendation to move R21 movies to the heartlands was met with outrage, especially among parents with young children at impressionable ages, it was rejected by the Ministry of Information, Communication and the Arts (Mica).

Not only parents, but students were similarly concerned.

A 21 year old third-year business student responded saying, “Heartlands equate more students in their teens.

If R21 films are made available, especially in theatres where the ticketing staff are not vigilant, these young ones will be able to sneak in.”

Her mother agreed with her, adding that by freeing the restrictions, this shifts the entire power balance onto the shoulders of the parents.

“The more we try to control and prevent our children from watching these movies, the more curious they are to do so.

This might even make them

turn to the internet as a possible remedy to satisfy their curiosity.”

A fourth-year engineering student had the same view, feeling that things should be kept as they are.

He said, “Allowing screenings in the heartlands will allow more kids to be exposed to such content. I feel that it is better to keep mature content away from kids.”

Even the students under 21 are not exactly jumping for joy at this recommendation.

A second year sociology major admitted that she is uncomfortable with the idea, but feels that if the CRC made such a recommendation, they must feel that Singaporeans are somewhat ready to have more freedom and are able to exercise self control.

She believes that some measures should still be enforced such as stringent checks of identification.

Admittedly, many people get the wrong idea about R21 movies, believing it to be a euphemism for soft pornography.

That is the general feedback the public has been giving on the Straits Times Forum page.

They feel that making R21 films available in the heartlands encourage the notion that watching pornographic material is socially acceptable.

This may lead to our youths assuming that it is all right to

The fact that more and more students have snuck into films they were not old enough to watch should not be overlooked.

Regardless of their looks, it should be enforced on cinema staff to check the identification of all youths at the ticketing counter for rated movies.

Moreover, many students have brought up that sneaking into a movie they are not old enough to watch is not illegal and hence, they are not breaking any laws, just the theatre’s rules.

Kudos to the CRC for wanting to promote greater freedom of artistic expression, but intrinsically, HDB estates are family-oriented areas, and this belief should not be over-ridden.

The HDB estates are called Heartlands for a reason; it is where the heart and soul of Singapore exists, a place for our children to grow up.

Obviously, the government shared the same sentiments.

They announced on September 30th that they would not be allowing R21 movies to be shown in the heartlands.

They are concerned about the spill-over effect that it would bring to the public.

I guess the outrage was a moot point after all.

sports

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letters from readers

Why should ragging be sugar-coated?

I STILL remember my first month in Singapore in which I opposed to being "initiated" by seniors from my new polytechnic.

As my "punishment" I was screamed at on the phone, summoned to meet them, and I got a very tight slap on my cheek.

After four years in Singapore, this event still resonates in my mind, psychologically affecting me till this day, reminding me of my (then) helplessness and timidity.

As I read your article on the Nanyang Chronicle published on September 20th 2010, titled "A special Indian initiation," I was immediately reminded of the above memory I had been trying to forget and move along in my life.

There is nothing special about this practice, and I find it absolutely misleading to call it an "initiation."

I find it unacceptable that you can take this demeaning practice and package it in a nice way by calling it "initiation," instead of openly mentioning what it actually is.

This practice is, and must be mentioned as a minor form of ragging, which is (as the article itself mentions) prevalent in colleges and universities in India.

It is only because of laws in Singapore that the ragging practice done by Indian seniors in NTU is not as harsh as the similar practice in India.

The seniors would treat freshmen like slaves, commanding them to perform "duties", demanding that they behave "respectfully" and even extorting money from them.

A few years later, these freshmen, now seniors themselves, would have their turn ragging the incoming freshmen, an unending vicious cycle.

Such demeaning behavior is not found in seniors of other races.

Instead I am delighted to find them friendly and welcoming to freshmen, engaging them in activities while building friendships.

I'm deeply troubled that you have published an article attempting to paint something

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION | RACHEL LOI

bad as being good.

Perhaps it was to avoid offending Indian students (although I cannot see how they will be offended for being open about the truth), or maybe there

were other reasons.

But I do hope that such sugar-coating will be avoided in future articles as I enjoy reading the paper whenever I can get my hands on a copy.

Arundas T.C. School of Computer Engineering, Year 3

sports talk

World of sports stricken by growing malignancy Bhavan Jaipragas THE allure of professional sports has always been in its unpredictability—the unscripted drama where minnows have a fighting chance against the proverbial Goliaths.

In a way, this is what defines the unique relationship between athletes and their ardent supporters. The faith that the heroes will bring their A-game no matter the circumstances is what ‘stitches admirer to athlete’, wrote veteran sports journalist Rohit Brijnath.

However, the corruption scandals that have engulfed the top echelons of professional sports—from test cricket to international football—are now compelling millions of fans around the world to reconsider their unconditional adulation for their favourite sportsmen.

The longstanding bond that has existed between athlete and fan may be facing its toughest test yet.

Scepticism inevitably creeps into the minds of even the most hardcore supporters.

Have these supporters been taken for a ride by opportunists making wealth by illegally scripting the drama of professional sports?

Like an unstoppable plague, corruption in sports has spread across continents, with almost no top league or competition left untouched over the years.

The debate about its prevalence in the sporting world reopened recently, with a spot-fixing scandal that crippled Pakistani cricket.

18-year-old wunderkind fast bowler Mohammad Amir was alleged to have deliberately bowled no balls in matches against England, in return for payment from a betting syndicate.

T he I nter nat iona l Cr icket Council has suspended Amir and two other Pakistani cricketers pending investigation.

Elsewhere, Chinese football has been mired in a graft scandal with top-level football officials. A Nike executive was even hauled up by authorities for investigation.

British newspaper The Daily Telegraph reported that illegal bookies could have made millions of dollars in the match that saw the Bahrainis surprisingly beating the team from Togo, which was not the official national side.

Even with Singapore’s austere attitude towards corruption, it has not been able to avoid mention in discussions about illegal sporting activities. Singaporean Wilson Raj Perumal has been named by some sources as the agent behind the friendly match between the bogus Togo football team and Bahrain.

W hile many inter national sporting organisations have made grandstanding remarks about efforts to eradicate corruption, they are usually found to be reacting to

GRAPHIC | ALAN CHOONG

scandals. Instead, a comprehensive framework is needed to pre-empt the issue.

On the other hand, the sporting world has fared far better in its war against doping.

The World Anti-Doping Agency and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation International Convention against Doping in Sport have institutionalised anti-doping measures across countries and sports.

Efforts to curb corruption in sports should mirror anti-doping

methods, with an international regulatory body policing corrupt sporting practices in all countries, and an international anti-corruption code that governments are legally bound to.

While vigilance against corruption is necessary in all sports, special attention must be paid to cricket and football.

Both sports have global audiences in the billions and thus are popular targets for match-fixers and illegal bookmakers.

With the world at his feet,

teenage sensation Mohammad Amir may have just thrown away the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of cricketing greats, such as his idol and compatriot Wasim A kram—all for the ephemeral pleasure of easy money.

Yet, he is but a small part of the giant machinery that promotes graft in the sporting arena.

T he ‘scr ipt wr iters’—illegal gambling syndicates and match fixers—must be stopped to rid the sporting world of its growing malignancy.

34

sports

they said that?

“He is mostly racing behind me. In this respect there is no value in my beating him.”

McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton on his recent victory over rival Michael Schumacher

“He was trying to pull off the country gent look with a few hunting jackets.

Let's just say he was alone in thinking that he looked good.”

Manchester United defender John O'Shea giving his feedback on teammate Wayne Rooney's (below) dress sense

o c to b e r 11, 2010

T h e na n ya ng c h ron ic l e

sports profile

Captain fantastic Annabelle Liang SH E capta i ned t he nat iona l floorball team during the World Floorball Championship (WFC) last year in Sweden.

Serena Tiong, 22, was not done.

She then went on to skipper the NTU frisbee team, despite only picking up the sport two years ago at a sports clinic.

Her talent for sports was recognised when she became one of two athletes to receive the NTU Sports Grant this year. It is awarded annually to outstanding athletes who have brought credit to the university and nation.

“Because I was already playing sports regularly, it was easier for me to pick up and excel at a new sport. I always challenge myself to not only pick up new sports, but to play them at a competitive level,” said the fourth-year student from the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering.

Unli ke f r isbee, which she picked up only in university, Tiong has been playing floorball since secondary school.

She has gone on to represent Singapore in seven competitions since her debut for the national team in 2004.

"Serena takes the initiative to share her skills with players who have less experience. She motivates and gains the respect of the team as their captain," said Mr

LEADING BY EXAMPLE: Tiong has captained floorball at school, club and national level.

PHOTO | NG JUN SEN

Alvin Tay, coach of the InstituteVarsity-Polytechnics floorball team.

He recalled an incident at the floorball trials where Tiong slowed down in her drills to guide the inexperienced players.

Besides the school team, Tiong plays for floorball club Skools OSB

Owls, and frisbee club Chuckies.

With so many sporting commitments, Tiong said it is common for her to train six days a week.

“She comes for frisbee training and rushes for floorball training after that. The next morning, we see her again at frisbee training,”

said Ng Zhi Xian, co-captain of the NTU Ultimate Team and a second-year student at the National Institute of Education.

Tiong plans to use the $2000 from the Sports Grant to travel to Australia, for the Asia Pacific Floorball Championship, and Switzerland, for the WFC should the national team qualify.

“As floorball is not recognised in major competitions like the South East Asian Games, athletes are not sponsored entirely.

Although we get a little bit of subsidy, it covers less than half of our travelling expenses,” she said.

Tiong plans to continue contributing to the Singapore Floorball Association after she graduates by coaching athletes and helping to organise events and competitions.

Tiong’s f loorball teammate, Lai Soak Kuan, 26, said that Tiong sends regular emails to inform the team about events, and also leads training sessions when the coach is absent. Last season, the NTU floorball team won the championship under her leadership.

“During free time between trainings, she tries to get senior players to mingle with the newer players to keep the team morale high,” said the postgraduate from the School of Biological Sciences.

She added: “I really enjoy playing with her. She is a good friend, a good player and a great captain who is able to motivate and inspire the team.”

bpl talk GRAPHIC | VISHAKA MANTRI

“I don’t know if shops are open here in New York on Sundays, but I’m sure something is open.”

Roger Federer on his shopping needs

”I'm not a violent player, most times I was sent off for protesting rather than the actual tackle.”

Barcelona midfielder Javier Mascherano on his hard tackling style

The makings of a Premier League team Ronald Loh sports editor

FANS of Reading Football Club thought their team struck gold when The Royals finished eighth on their Barclay’s Premier League (BPL) debut in 2007.

They certainly did not expect relegation in the following season, as Reading joined the unfortunate list of clubs that come and go from the BPL. Survival in the most physical league in Europe requires a gameplan which goes beyond teamwork and skill.

Teams fighting relegation lack the financial clout of Manchester City or Chelsea, which rules out the option of buying better players.

Over the years, managers have adapted their methods to challenge the established Premiership outfits.

Close examination of Stoke City and their tactics reveals manager Tony Pulis’ preference for a physical and defensive game that has so far paid dividends. The Potters have since developed into a seasoned Premier League team that has managed to stay afloat in the league

since their promotion in 2008.

Their claim to fame? Putting as many players as possible behind the ball, and heavy reliance on set pieces. Spearheaded by Rory Delap’s discus-like throw-ins, the Britannia has become a fortress of sorts, repelling even the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool.

Sunderland’s defensive record is impressive as well; on average conceding only a goal a game this season. Manager Steve Bruce prefers to shore up his defence against tougher opponents by fielding two defensive midfielders.

The emphasis on defence, which once prompted then-Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho to complain about teams ‘parking the bus in front of the goal’, has been shifting towards a more attacking football.

Newly-promoted Newcastle United’s decidedly attacking mindset has earned them plaudits this season, especially after their mauling of Aston Villa.

The Magpies won over critics by scoring six without reply in front of a shell-shocked Villa home crowd.

While their cavalier style of football backfired against Chelsea, On current form Newcastle looks

NO HOLDS BARRED: Newcastle's attacking policy might just keep them alive in the BPL. PHOTO | INTERNET

to avoid a similar fate as Reading.

The attacking verve is now being employed by teams expecting to be entrenched in a relegation battle. It is no secret that these clubs simply have to beat teams at the bottom of the table, and avoid defeat against the top teams.

And in order to win games, one needs to score goals.

Teams like Newcastle and Blackpool, who have apparently sacrificed defence for attack, one

hedging their survival on their goal haul.

Should they concede more than they score, it could be a swift return to the Coca-Cola Championship.

So, will it be a watertight defence or an all-out attack that prevails in trying to avoid the drop?

Chances are, history will repeat itself. Stoke and Sunderland will frustrate opponents and fans with defensive football, but they will stay up.

sports

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35

moments of glory at the games The inter-varsity games have seen great action over the past weeks.

Lai Junjie and Ng Hoe Guan report

THE NTU bowling team bagged seven medals this year, up from five last year.

The tally includes two gold, three silver and two bronze med The team struggled early als. in the day against the difficult oiling pattern but staged a ng comeback in the last game stro of the morning session and mainta their performance in the later ined half of the day.

Women’s captain Reg Rodricks, 21, said: “We improvina ed our standings from last year’s two gold, two silver and one bro medal but we are definitely hunnze gry for more.”

Women's Soccer: Defended their crown

>>

Bowling: Ups the medal haul <<

THE women's team won the SUniG tournament this year with consecutive victories over SIM, NUS and SMU. In the final, NTU managed to edge out NUS with a 1-0 victory.

Oh Shi Yi scored the winning goal, assisted by a pass from her team captain, Ang Kwan Ren. “It was a tough fight though we were expected to maintain our SUNIG title this year. It was a good team effort by everyone,” Ang said.

Floorball: up The long way >> derdog am was the un in the TH E men’s tete r placing last hnic ec this year, af eyt ol -P Varsity 09/10 Instit ut Games. ds , N T U clawared Despite the od ye ’s to become this (4 -3), their way up de U SM g feat in champion s, ) whi le fighting to a ar’s and SI M (3-1 ith N US, last ye 2-2 stalemate w champions. n’t won a competition to “We have , so the hunger in a long whie,le” said team captain, win was ther g, 22.

Kenneth Leonk Ow Jia En, 23, was N TU’s Nic t Valuable Player of os named the Mon . the competiti

PHOTOS | ALEX NG, JASON QUAH, WANG CHENYU, WAN ZHONG HAO, NG JUN SEN

Women's Touch Football: Misses out on gold >> THE women’s touch football team retained their runner-up position from last year, winning two out three of their matches. NTU defeated SMU 13-2, and NUS 2-0.

NTU started poorly against SIM, trailing 3-1 in the first half and eventually losing 5-4.

“What’s important was that we had a positive attitude throughout the games. The team was very encouraging to each other and we never gave up,” said team captain Philicia Lim, 22.

<< Squash: Clean sweep of medals IT WAS an all-NTU affair in the men and women’s finals this year.

Nur Adawiyah beat teammate Jerryca Teo (3-1) while team captain, Samuel Wong lost to national player, Marcus Phua in three straight sets.

Wong, who is also room mates with Phua, said: “Marcus’ pace was very fast. We always make jokes about our rivalry but we’re really good friends.”

NTU's squash team made a clean sweep of the four gold medals in the men and women’s singles and team events and picked up another two silver medals in the individual matches.

Sports

Find out what happened at the Games on Page 35

University sports go digital Eve Yeo sports editor FOR the first time, the public will be able to catch highlights of intervarsity matches online.

VOXSPORTS, a sports casting website, will provide video highlights and photographs of the Singapore University Games (SUniG) and Inter-Varsity Games (IVP).

It is the first-ever official media partner for the Games and was appointed by the Singapore University Sports Council (SUSC).

Chairman (2010/2011) of the SUSC, Mr Kenneth Chan, said of the collaboration: “We hope to increase awareness of SUniG among local universities.”

Director and co-founder of VOXSPORTS, Mr Darren Ho , said: “Coverage is free, extensive and indefinite. Highlights of each match in SUniG are available but not of the entire game because we hope that viewers would show their support by attending the Games.”

The 28-year-old is currently doing a Masters of Science in Technopreneurship and Innovation

at the Nanyang Technopreneurship Centre.

VOXSPORTS was founded earlier this year and aims to promote both local and international sporting events held in Singapore.

The organisation adopts an ‘open media’ model that allows visitors access to interviews with local sportsmen, video highlights and photographs of local sporting events Besides promoting local sports, VOXSPORTS will provide a boost to the local music scene with a locally-produced soundtrack for SUniG and IVP this year.

“Sports is an umbrella of entertainment and we hope to promote both sports and music locally by bringing recognition to the less-featured athletes and music groups,” said Mr Ho. Put together by local composers, the new soundtrack features eight local bands including electro-accoustic band, Dropbeat Heartbeat, in 13 tracks.

Bands and composers sent their produced work to VOXSPORTS before a final selection was made.

Trailers and other video productions of the 13 tracks are currently available on the website and

MEDIA PARTNER: The VOXSPORTS team will provide video highlights and photos of the Games.

the group’s Facebook page. They will be distributed to the respective universities and tertiary institutes for internal circulation.

It is slated for release at the closing ceremony and will be used as the official soundtrack for the IVP.

PHOTO | VOXSPORTS

For more information, please visit: Website:

http://voxsports.net/

Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/voxsports.net

Food for thought in sports A proper diet can go a long way in optimising one’s sporting performance Alvin Chia

EAT RIGHT, PLAY WELL: Mr Derrick Ong (above, right) shares the importance of nutrition in sports.

PHOTO | JASON QUAH

FOR athletes, meeting nutritional requirements in their sport requires planning and guidance.

This is according to nutrition consultant Mr Derrick Ong, who gave a brief over view of the nutritional requirements for athletes in a talk organised by NTU on September 29th at the Sports and Recreation Centre.

“Guidelines have to be tailored for each individual, according to the level of intensity in their training, competition schedule and their food preferences,” he said.

He advised on the amount of carbohydrates and proteins athletes need, in order to provide the optimum energy required in each sport.

For example, an athlete engaging in 1-2 hours of exercise is recommended an intake of carbohydrates measur ing 5-7 grams per k i logram of body weight. However, he debunked the widely believed myth that protein is a major source of energy in sport.

He stated that protein mainly functions to repair tissues and build body muscles. Therefore, he warned against the excessive consumption of protein.

Mr Ong also singled out some food t hat can increase one’s stamina.

“Yam or pasta would help an athlete sustain his energy levels for a long period of time.”

A spor tsman requiring an immediate burst of power can turn to rice or watermelon, he added.

Besides food, Mr Ong stressed the importance of hydration, because even a minimal two percent of body weight loss of f luid can impair sport performance.

Students present found the

talk to be helpful in understanding how important their diet is in supplementing their level of performance.

As they frequently engage in sports exercise, they are now able to work out how much, and what k ind of food should be taken before, during and after exercise.

A third-year student from the School of Biological Sciences, 22-year-old Nur Diyana Zakaria, who plays badminton, tennis and cycles regularly, said the ta l k helped her “u nder sta nd dietar y requirements to better suit my exercise”.

Nat iona l ca noei st Sea n Chua, 22, a second-year student from the National Institute of Education, found the talk relevant, and is keen to put what he has learnt into practice.

He said: “My teammates and I have problems recovering from our trainings, and thus, we cannot push as hard as we want to.

I will try to apply what has been taught to see if it really works.”