The Nanyang Chronicle Vol 22 Issue 02

THE NANYANG

CHRONICLE

VOL. NO.

22

02 31.08.15

ISSN NO. 0218-7310

WHAT’S THE

BUZZ?

THE MIND BEHIND THE DESIGN PHOTO | 10 GET CLASSY WITH

BEN KHENG DAPPER | 15

LET’S PARTY

IN NANYANG AUDITORIUM

NEWS | 02

News

Students hit the club in NTU

Clubbing in NTU is no longer a fantasy with seven DJs spinning through the night at JASH Loh Pui Ying

S

tudents had the chance to club on campus when the annual Joint Hall Welcome Dinner & Bash (JASH), was held on campus for the first-time since 2008, when the event was first held out of NTU. Held on 21 Aug at the Nanyang Auditorium lobby, lights pulsed and music throbbed from 8pm into the early hours of Saturday morning. Seven DJs, including DJ LeNERD from the Grizzle Grind Crew, spun for JASH. A Hall 15 alumnus, LeNERD is one of Singapore’s most recognised turntablists.

The chairperson of the JASH organising committee, Chew Zhan Lun, said that the party drew around 1,000 students and its turnout was better than expected.

Holding JASH on campus was a bold move, said Chew, as the party had always been held off campus at different clubs, such as Zouk and Azzura.

Last year’s JASH was a foam party at Sentosa’s Azzura Beach Club, a venue which appealed to

OH SNAP: Party revellers dressed up in their old school uniforms for games at JASH.

students. A campus party, however, was harder to sell.

Chew said: “We wanted to do something different. In western countries, it’s common to party in school, but here it seems uncool, so we hoped to change that perception.”

The theme of JASH was First Year Project, and its aim was for freshmen to interact with other students and make friends outside their social circle.

The party suffered a slow start, with the crowd growing after 11pm. The DJs warmed them up with games such as Simon Says, dance and selfie-taking challenges.

Yee Wan Ling, 20, a first-year student from Nanyang Business School, said: “The atmosphere and DJ were great, just lacking the people. Maybe it’s because of the venue, and it wasn’t free.”

Tickets to JASH cost $5 for freshmen and $7 for seniors.

PHOTO: HILLARY TAN

“It was a safer environment for freshies who were clubbing for the first time, and we seniors could see and take care of them.”

Natalie Tan, 20 Second-year student School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Yee added that the party’s dress code was “school uniform”, which put many of her friends off. Fewer than 50 students wore their school uniform to JASH. Celestine Goh, 20, a third-year student from the School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, said: “The school uniform theme was very restrictive because it’s a clubbing event and some uniforms are very uncomfortable.”

She added that having a clubbing event on campus was awkward, in addition to the lack of alcohol sales Chew, a third-year NBS student, said that the crowd picked up after 11pm — the time people usually start heading to clubs.

He said: “No one will turn up early to party. The early start time was for warm-up and stage games.”

Natalie Tan, 20, a second-year School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering student from Hall 7, enjoyed herself when more people arrived.

She said: “The music was good, the energy was infectious and everyone was high together. A few exchange students even went on stage to dance.”

She also felt that the location was very convenient as students did not need to take a cab back.

“It was a safer environment for freshies who were clubbing for the first time, and we seniors could see and take care of them,” she added.

NTU alumnus pops the question at Dancetitude Prisca Ang & Shaun Tan News Editor

NTU’s biennial hip-hop concert Dancetitude became the site for a marriage proposal when alumnus performer Faliq Rais popped the question to his girlfriend, Shazielah Rahim.

A video of the surprise proposal on 15 Aug has since received over 73,000 views on YouTube.

An unsuspecting Ms Rahim had been asked to be part of a surprise performance for her good friend’s proposal. Midway through the dance item — which took place offstage after the concert — a bemused Ms Rahim was pulled onto a chair.

It was then revealed that she was the one being proposed to.

“The whole experience was very much of a blur. I didn’t know why it was me sitting on the chair. I was simply overwhelmed,” said the 25-year-old NTU alumnus.

“I’m probably the only person who has performed for her own

proposal,” Ms Shazielah added.

Ms Rahim was moved to tears when Mr Faliq — her boyfriend of four years ­— stepped out of the crowd singing a song by Bruno Mars. He declared his love for her in a speech, and asked her to marry him.

Remembering the chase

Mr Faliq and Ms Shazielah studied at the School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, and graduated in 2013.

He majored in Mathematical Sciences. She studied Chemistry and Biological Chemistry.

They first met when they joined NTU’s Modern Jazz (MJ) Hip-Hop society in late 2009, and started dating about a year later.

“The first year was when I chased her. I was very persistent in wooing her, but she kept pushing me away,” said Mr Faliq, 29, a financial services consultant and part-time dance instructor.

This changed after they worked on a dance concert together in 2011. As an experienced dancer in local dance group, Freekzy Nuts,

SHOCK AND AWE: Mr Faliq successfully surprised Ms Shazielah with a proposal, with the help of fellow dancers. PHOTO: FAUZI RASHID

Mr Faliq guided Ms Shazielah, who was new to choreography.

“He won me over with his good leadership and responsibility, and struck me as someone who would takes matters into his own hands,” said Ms Shazielah.

Stephanie Sheriff, vice-chairperson for MJ, said: “MJ is extremely excited for their shared life ahead.

Faliq took this big step in front of us all, even involving us. It’s truly a special memory that we’ll keep in our hearts,” Ms Sheriff added.

This year’s concert at NTU’s Nanyang Auditorium involved 118 undergraduates and 53 MJ alumni dancers spanning eleven batches.

Over 2,900 concertgoers attended the two evening performances on 15 and 16 Aug.

THE NANYANG

VOL. NO.

22

NEWS

CHRONICLE 02

03

Saving wildlife one photo at a time National Geographic Live renews partnership with NTU until 2018 Holly Matthews

W

ildlife photography is not just the documentation of animals in their natural habitat, but also chronicling the impact they have on human lives.

This was the stance that National Geographic photographer Mr Steve Winter shared with the rapt audience of 180 photo enthusiasts at the Lee Foundation Lecture Theatre in the Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information on 26 Aug. One of his most poignant photos was of a corpse being bathed after the man was killed by a tiger. He addressed the confusion that could arise with how society views such an act.

“That person was killed by a tiger, and yet both of his brothers are (still) forest guards who protect tigers. It’s not an easy picture to look at, but it’s part of the story,” he said.

“If you took pictures of a bunch of tigers — and we’ve all seen tigers — people won’t learn anything.

What you need to do is tell a story… to give people a reason to care,” Mr Winter said.

Human lives are also important in the narrative — attacks on people are one of the reasons why tigers are hunted, said Mr Winter.

CAT MAN: National Geographic photographer Steve Winter believes that the key to getting people to care about conservation is to tell stories through his photos.

The nature photographer, who is well-known for his use of camera traps to photograph big cats like the critically endangered Sumatran tiger, added that National Geographic is a great platform to spread awareness.

Referring to its large social media following — more than 37 million likes on Facebook and almost 30 million followers on Instagram — Mr Winter said it was important to take photographs that reach out to the right people.

“You have to get to that small percentage of people that are going to participate (in conservation efforts),” said the veteran photographer, who has worked at NatGeo since 1991.

NTU Provost Professor Freddy Boey said: “NTU’s enhanced partnership with National Geographic represents a natural fit for both our institutions that share the same concerns about environmental issues and conserving the planet.”

Mr Winter is the first of three

Wet welcome at North Spine RENOVATION works at the North Spine were responsible for the overflow of water from heavy rainfall on the first day of the semester, said an NTU spokesperson.

According to reports by Channel 8 and Channel News Asia, the water began rising around 1.40pm.

At its highest, the water levels reached 15cm, submerging parts of the walkway between LT1A and several food and beverage (F&B) outlets.

Pictures of the deluge quickly spread on social media, as students posted about the “flood” in NTU on 11 Aug. Chief Executive Officer Paul Chain Shau Woo from NTU Development and Facilities Management told Channel 8 the overflow of water was not sufficient to be considered a flood.

Mr Chain said that the downpour was so heavy that water accumulation arose quickly, and water mitigation channels could not be opened in time to prevent it.

An NTU spokesperson said cleaners swiftly cleared the water within half an hour.

The F&B outlets located at the North Spine that the Nanyang Chronicle spoke to said they were not affected by the overflow.

speakers scheduled to make appearances at NTU, along with National Geographic photographer Brian Skerry, and Mr Kobie Boykins, space engineer at NASA. The university recently extended its term as the series partner of the National Geographic Live in Singapore for an additional three years through to 2018.

The talks, which are integrated with NTU’s compulsory undergraduate course on sustainability, engage students and the public on

PHOTO: HILLARY TAN

conservation issues in an entertaining and accessible way.

Mr Winter and Mr Boykins spoke on campus on 26 Aug, while Mr Skerry is scheduled to speak in January next year.

Mr Winter concluded his talk by emphasising his goal of raising awareness — that everyone can do their part for sustainability.

He added that saving big cats also helps save the forests they live in, which are the “lungs of the world”.

Snakes on a plain A KING cobra and python were spotted in a life-and-death battle by the road outside the Research Techno Plaza (RTP) last Thursday afternoon, 27 Aug. The python was constricting the king cobra, with the cobra fighting back, biting the python. The 30-minute long tussle ended when the cobra broke free of the python's deadly grip and escaped back into the bushes.

Pest control officers removed the python on arriving at RTP. They flushed out the king cobra by pouring sulphur powder into the drains. It eventually emerged at about 10pm that evening and was removed by pest control as well.

PHOTO: ABHISHEK AMBEDE

WATERWORKS: Cleaners are seen clearing the overflow of water on 12 Aug. PHOTO: HILLARY TAN

A McDonald’s spokesperson said the flood “wasn’t much of an inconvenience”.

Students, however, complained of the disruption on social media.

“I just wanted to get out (of the North Spine) as soon as possible,” said Nerissa Lee, 20, a second-year student from the Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information, who climbed over the railing outside LT1A to avoid the pool that formed.

Other students were less fazed by the wet weather.

Lander Chin, 21, a first-year student from the School of Computer Engineering, said he was wearing slippers and was able to wade through the water while on the way to the South Spine.

The renovation works are part of NTU's new lifestyle hub, which will be ready in the last quarter of 2015.

-Holly Matthews

04

NEWS

THE NANYANG

VOL. NO.

22

CHRONICLE 02

general election: what you need to know • Day 1 of campaign period • All GE candidates are to submit their nomination papers at a Nomination Centre depending on the ward they are contesting in, between 11am to 12pm • Nine Nomination Centres across the country • Candidates can also give thank you speeches to their supporters after the close of nomination, kept to within a minute for solo candidates and three minutes for teams contesting a GRC

Nomination Day

9 days of campaigning

• A 24-hour cooling period when all political parties are legally prohibited from campaigning to give voters time to reflect on issues raised • Introduced in the 2011 GE • Certain campaign activities are allowed, including party political broadcasts on television; reports in newspapers, radio and television relating to election matters; approved posters, banners and Internet advertising that were already up, and books previously scheduled for publication

Cooling-Off Day

Polling Day

Sept 10

Sept 11

Sept 1

KEY TERMS

PARTIES CONTESTING

UP FOR GRABS

Democratic Progressive Party

National Solidarity Party

SMC: Single Member Constituency An SMC is an electoral division represented by one MP. Every constituency was an SMC until the 1988 General Election, when GRCs were introduced.

People's Action Party

People's Power Party

GRC: Group Representation Constituency GRCs were introduced in the 1988 General Election, to ensure minority race representation in Parliament. Parties must field a team with at least one member of a minority group to contest a GRC. The race of the mandatory minority member is stipulated by the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee before a general election.

Reform Party

Singapore Democratic Alliance

Singapore Democratic Party

Singaporeans First Party

Singapore People's Party

Workers' Party

Constituency: Electoral divisions, which may be represented by single or multiple seats in the Parliament of Singapore

KEY QUESTIONS Q: Am I eligible to vote?

A: You are if you're a Singapore citizen aged 21 or above as of 1 Feb this year, and are on the registers of electors.

Q: How can I find out which constituency I'm in?

A: You can check your electoral division on the Singapore Elections Department website: http://www.eld.gov.sg/online. html Q: How do I know where rallies will be held?

A: You can check the various political parties' websites and social media platforms, or also check mainstream media reports for rally information updated day-by-day.

Q: Is my vote secret?

A: Yes. Ballot papers, which contain serial numbers, can be examined only under strict conditions, and safeguards are in place to make it difficult to find out how any particular elector voted. The ballot papers and election documents are sealed and kept at the Supreme Court for six months before being destroyed.

Q: Can I discuss the election on social media?

A: Yes. If you are not a candidate or election agent, and you are a Singapore citizen, you can discuss the election responsibly. Standard laws on Internet conduct apply.

• The day that electors cast their votes • Designated as a public holiday • Polls are open from 8am to 8pm • You can only go to the station indicated on your polling card — sent to your last-known address on your identity card within three days after Nomination Day — to cast your vote • Bring your polling card and original identification documents, which can be your identity card or passport • Scheduled classes on this day have been cancelled, as announced by NTU's Chief Planning Officer/Registrar

KEY FIGURES

89 10 Number of Parliamentary seats to be contested

Number of political parties contesting

2,460,977 Number of eliglble registered voters

13/16 Number of SMCs and GRCs to be contested, respectively.

SMCs *Bukit Batok Bukit Panjang *Fengshan Hong Kah North Hougang *MacPherson Mountbatten Pioneer Potong Pasir Punggol East Radin Mas Sengkang West Yuhua

4-member GRCs Chua Chu Kang East Coast Holland-Bukit Timah *Jalan Besar *Marsiling-Yew Tee West Coast

5-member GRCs Aljunied Bishan-Toa Payoh Jurong Marine Parade Nee Soon Sembawang Tampines Tanjong Pagar

6-member GRCs Ang Mo Kio Pasir Ris-Punggol *These wards are newly created or existed before GE2011

Lifestyle foodsnoop

BABY IT’S

COUTSIDE LD

A new frozen dessert wave has taken over social media.

Lifestyle Writer Claudia Chong embarks on a mission to find out if these icy treats are worth the hype.

Frozen Custard

W

hile frozen custard might sound like a gastromolecular creation formulated in the ultramodern kitchens of the likes of Noma, the dessert actually dates all the way back to 1919.

A pair of New York City ice cream vendors discovered that churning egg yolks into ice cream created a smoother texture and helped it stay cold longer.

On first look, the scoop of Apple Pie frozen custard ($7.50) at Density Frozen Custard looked no different from any regular ice cream. But the first spoonful clarified why frozen custard is quickly gaining traction here.

The custard, which was bursting with the authentic taste of apple pie, had none of the granular texture common in most ice creams, and it was the perfect complement to the cinnamondusted waffle.

I was also pleased that it did not rapidly dissolve into an unpalatable puddle and ruin the crisp waffle.

Health-conscious diners will be pleased to know that this frozen delight is lower in calories and sugar as compared to ice cream, making each scoop just a little less sinful. I couldn’t

help but have another serving.

Deciding to be adventurous with the Affogato ($7.50), I opted for the Oreo Cheesecake custard instead of the classic Vanilla flavour to go with my shot of espresso.

The result was pleasantly rich and surprisingly harmonious, with a taste reminiscent of tiramisu.

Density only offers three flavours a day from its repertoire of flavours on rotation. But what they lack in their daily selection, they more than make up for in quality — their custards are made fresh daily.

They are also currently working on 60 new flavours, including exotic options like Buttered Popcorn and Gingerbread.

With frozen custard’s rich and creamy textures, I know I’ll be back to try out the new flavours that Density has to offer.

DENSITY FROZEN CUSTARD 4 Short Street S188212 Operating Hours: Tuesday to Thursday: 3pm 1am Friday to Sunday: 12pm 1am

PHOTO: HILLARY PHOTOS: HILLARYTAN, TAN,CLAUDIA CLAUDIACHONG CHONG COLD AND GOLD: Frozen custard tastes like more than just ordinary ice cream.

Ice Cream Rolls CURRENTLY ruling the local dessert scene is the ice cream roll, a sweet treat that made waves on social media after a video of a Thai vendor expertly crafting it went viral.

Since then, this cold dessert has been selling like hotcakes here, with more and more stalls jumping on the bandwagon.

It is easy to understand the hype over ice cream rolls. There is something almost magical about watching an unappetising lump of ice cream mix transform into neat rolls of frozen curlicues.

One such store is Happy Rollies, which has been setting up temporary stores at various pasar malams (night market) islandwide.

This means that catching Happy Rollies in action will take some amount of pre-planning — I had to do a Facebook search to locate them.

Customers get to choose from a range of daily mainstays like Nutella and Lychee, as well as premium flavours such as Kinder Bueno and Brownie among others.

Each cup of ice cream rolls costs $5, and comes with two free toppings. Patrons get to decide between corn flakes or rainbow rice, and maple syrup or chocolate sauce.

It was hard to hide the disappointment when I finally dug in. I was expecting a lot more

ROLL CALL: The hype over ice cream rolls might just chill off in the near future.

given all the hype on social media and anticipation that built up.

But disregarding the form, it was very much an ordinary cup of Thai Milk Tea ice cream.

The taste was commendable as far as ice cream goes. The flavour of Thai Milk Tea came through strongly, and the mix-ins provided a satisfying crunch with every bite.

Try it for the novelty as well as the viewing pleasure from watching the creating process. But

the gimmick does not hold any lasting appeal.

After all, a regular ice cream parlour can deliver the same taste at a much faster time.

HAPPY ROLLIES www.instagram.com/ happyrollies Opening hours dependent on individual pop-up stores.

Bingsu ORIGINATING from South Korea, bingsu is a popular shaved ice dessert that is typically topped with condensed milk, fruits and chewy jelly.

The refreshing dessert first exploded onto the local food scene early this year on the back of its aesthetic appeal — vibrantly coloured ingredients wedged snugly into an impressive mountain of shaved ice.

One of the first cafés that pioneered this surge of interest is O’ma Spoon. The popular bingsu café uses milk instead of water for its fluffy ice shavings and the result is a creamier, richer taste.

The store serves up six varieties of bingsu flavours, from the original patbingsu (shaved ice with sweetened azuki beans, $11.90) to more unique choices like Mango Berry Cheesecake ($22.80).

I tried the Green Tea Bingsu ($15.80), which comprises of shaved frozen milk slathered in matcha sauce, topped with sweet azuki beans and a scoop of matcha ice cream.

The classic pairing of matcha and red bean was elevated by the complex combination of textures — the milk shavings were soft and airy, as opposed to the

GREEN WITH ENVY: The Green Tea Bingsu is one of O’ma Spoon’s top seller.

heavier and denser consistency of the green tea ice cream, and the sprinkling of almond flakes added a satisfying crunch.

O’ma Spoon also provides a cup of condensed milk on the side to allow customers to customise their preferred sweetness levels.

With so many flavours and possibilities packed into a bowl, O’ma Spoon’s bingsu is definitely more than just a glorified and overpriced ice kacang.

It is no wonder that the bingsu

craze sees little sign of cooling off anytime soon.

O’MA SPOON KOREAN DESSERT CAFÉ 313 Orchard Road #04-20/32 S238895 Opening hours: 10am - 10pm daily

06

LIFESTYLE

THE NANYANG

VOL. NO.

22

CHRONICLE 02

HIT ME WITH YOUR BEST SHOT

Sports like archery and volleyball have been given a new lease of life in these exciting team-building games. Lifestyle Writer Ariel Pang takes a look at how they set themselves apart from similar counterparts in Singapore.

Bossaball

V

olleyball, trampolining, soccer and Bossa Nova beats — these are groups of unrelated fields that come together seamlessly in Bossaball, an eclectic sport that brings together the unique elements of these arenas.

For the uninitiated, Bossaball is an amalgamation of volleyball and the Brazilian music derivative, Bossa Nova, both of which are distinct features of the sport mashup.

Very much like the game of volleyball, the aim of Bossaball is for players to land the ball in their opponents’ court.

But the similarities end there.

Players are not just limited to using their hands, they can also use their legs to kick the ball to the opposing team.

This requires a certain level of flexibility and coordination that may deter first-time players.

Mr Mohamad Saifudin, the founder of Bossaball Singapore, brought this unique sport to our shores back in 2007.

What sets the sport apart as a different ball game is the use of inflatable platforms with built-in trampolines. With it, players can perform spectacular trampoline stunts while making passes.

More than just a novelty,

Archery Battle THE masked archer bends down stealthily, his bow stretched and arrow nocked.

His comrades watch him as he releases his arrow.

The arrow flies and slices through the air, hitting the enemy with a strong thud.

This is not a scene out of Lord of the Rings, but rather a common sight in Archery Battle, a bonding activity where locals try to be Singapore’s answer to

LEAP OF FAITH: Try three different sports rolled into one with Bossaball.

PHOTOS: SCHOOL OF BOSSABALL, ARCHERY BATTLE SINGAPORE

Bossaball is gaining traction in Singapore, requiring definite athleticism to excel in it.

The game now has its own annual tournament, and is also part of Yuying Secondary School’s Physical Education curriculum.

Ball control and teamwork are

essential in Bossaball — the game moves at an incredibly fast pace, and so does the ball.

Players have to react fast and work together to keep the ball in the air.

Passing is no easy feat, especially when bouncing and staying balanced while attempting

radical archers like Legolas and Katniss Everdeen.

The team-building game was started by Mr Jack Chen in 2013, and features a simple premise — players are split into attackers or defenders, where they choose to either hit targets to score points, or eliminate as many opponents as possible.

Thrown into the battlefield with props like medieval-style shields and zombie masks, teams can fully immerse themselves in whatever narrative they choose to come up with.

Archery Battle is played simply with bows and arrows, which lends a rustic feel that is conspicuously missing in other similar recreational team sports.

The weapons also require quite a bit of skill to utilise, adding a layer of difficulty absent in gunwielding sports like paintball and laser tag.

New players should be prepared to face a steep learning curve, as they are only able to truly familiarise themselves with the bow as they play the game.

As I have never given archery a try, the bow felt unwieldy and bulky in my hands when I tried lifting it.

That said, I quickly got used to it as time passed, and soon found that maneuvering the battlefield with the gear while shooting targets was rather satisfying.

The sport is also a safer and less painful alternative to paintball and laser tag.

Mr Chen explained that players appreciated the fact that they are less likely to get bruises due to the foam arrows that are used in Archery Battle.

To me, the most attractive draw of Archery Battle would be the intensity of the sport which

BLOCK UP: Spice up your game with a variety of props.

to take a shot.

Those with weak knees should take note: I found that the game can be taxing on the joints over time, and players should always be cautious of injuries.

One of the more popular stunts is the bicycle kick, a basic trampoline stunt performed when

deflecting the ball.

Experienced players can exhibit their skills and perform stunts of greater difficulty while waiting for the ball to be passed back to their court.

Being someone who isn’t a big fan of sports, I particularly appreciated the infectious Bossa Nova beats which help players overcome their physical limits.

It helps build momentum and brings an additional surge of adrenaline for players, instead of being a mere background track to the game.

The usage of a trampoline also grants players added jumping power.

Being an activity that teeters between competitive sports and recreational play, Bossaball is undoubtedly a new form of exercise and serves as a great activity for players who are up for friendly competition and a ball of a time.

Prices start from $375 for a game of 10 to 15 players.

SCHOOL OF BOSSABALL Yuying Secondary School 47 Hougang Avenue 1 S538884 Opening hours: Saturday: 9am - 10.30pm

TAKE AIM: Get ready to test your accuracy with Archery Battle.

makes for an extremely fun teambuilding activity.

For thrill-seekers looking to enjoy a fast-paced and challenging activity, Archery Battle definitely hits the spot.

The only thing that might hold people back is the hefty fee, with prices starting from $610 for a two-hour session catered to groups of 10.

ARCHERY BATTLE SINGAPORE Kovan Sports Centre 60 Hougang Street 21 S538738 Opening hours: 9am - 10.30pm Daily

Reviews movie review

INSIDE OUT

Animation, Comedy (PG) Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Bill Hader, Mindy Kaling, Lewis Black



T

he human mind is an interesting thing — why do we feel happy at the end of a three-hour lecture, or sad when we don’t get the modules we want even after two weeks of Add/Drop?

Director Pete Docter of Monsters Inc. and Up fame attempts to answer these questions with his latest film Inside Out, the result being a cinematic masterpiece that manages to be funny, emotional and thought-provoking all at the same time.

Inside Out follows the story of 11-yearold Riley and the five personified emotions that reside in her head.

Operating from the aptly named “Headquarters”, Joy, Sadness, Fear, Disgust and Anger work together to guide Riley through her everyday life, and are faced with their biggest challenge yet as she moves to another state with her parents, trying to adapt to a new environment.

One of Inside Out’s biggest strengths is the world in which the narrative takes place.

PHOTO: WALT DISNEY PICTURES ALL THE FEELS: Inside Out’s cast of characters are emotional in every sense of the word.

The film takes the complexities of cognition and simplifies it, portraying our memories — which are colour-coded to their respective emotions — as the building blocks for our personality.

It’s an innovative concept, yet simple to understand, and the visuals presented are so vivid that you might never view your thoughts in the same way again.

The five emotions are voiced by a multitude of seasoned comedians including Bill Hader as Fear and Mindy Kaling as Disgust, and it is Amy Poehler and Phyllis

Smith who lead the cast as Joy and Sadness respectively.

The two complement each other well — Poehler brings a likeable sense of perpetual positivity that is befitting of her character, while Smith manages to strike a delicate balance between despondence and sympathy that audiences will grow to love.

One surprising standout performance comes from Richard Kind as Bing Bong, Riley’s long-lost imaginary friend from her childhood.

While his initial appearance might have audiences passing him off as a whimsical plot device, the character actually serves a much deeper purpose in the film.

In one scene, Bing Bong comes to terms with his diminishing importance in Riley’s life, and his subsequent actions are a poignant reminder of the realities of growing up.

In addition to a stellar cast, Inside Out succeeds from a storytelling perspective as well.

Much like the iconic opening to 2009’s Up, everything you need to know is succinctly presented within the first ten minutes of the film, and every subsequent scene serves its intended purpose without overstaying its welcome.

The movie never misses a beat, taking audiences on an emotional roller coaster of ups and downs before reaching a satisfying conclusion.

Like so many Pixar movies before it, Inside Out is a film that will appeal to audiences of all ages.

Younger viewers will be captivated by the colourful visuals and inspired character design, while older audiences will marvel — and might even shed a few tears — at its highly relatable story.

The studio has always been the gold standard for animated films, and Inside Out continues that tradition as one of the year’s best films thus far.

-Jared Alex Tan

desktalk

FANTASTIC FLOP? In the wake of its negative feedback, Reviews Editor Jared Alex Tan dissects the recent Fantastic Four reboot to make sense of where it all went wrong.

A

s Reviews Editor of the Nanyang Chronicle, friends of mine would sometimes ask for my opinion on upcoming movies.

When it came to the Fantastic Four reboot, I was rather optimistic that it would succeed.

The film features one of the most iconic teams in comic books, and the cast is strong — Miles Teller can do no wrong after Whiplash, and Kate Mara delivered a career-defining performance in House of Cards.

Also, superhero movies have reached a point where even a character as obscure as Ant-Man can be accepted by mainstream audiences.

It came as a surprise, then, that the film was universally panned by critics and audiences alike upon its release earlier this month.

Viewers criticised the film for taking itself too seriously, the absence of a proper plot, and how a team most known for being a family didn’t act like much of a family at all.

Despite the overwhelming criticism, I still decided to watch Fantastic Four for myself to form an informed opinion on the matter.

My prior optimism, however, faded as the movie ran on — everything that everyone had said was indeed true.

It says a lot that this lacklustre attempt at a gritty reboot even manages to make the barely passable 2005 version look better in comparison.

It’s confusing, to say the least, to see a flop of such magnitude in a post-Avengers era of cinema.

Who exactly is to blame? Is it director Josh Trank, who allegedly failed to maintain creative control of his own film?

Or does the fault lie with 20th Century Fox for refusing to sell the character rights back to Marvel Studios, which might have done the quartet justice?

It might be a stretch for the latter — the Fox-owned X-Men movies are one of the better superhero franchises, and the recent Deadpool trailer has shown much promise as well.

Regardless of what might have caused the film to fail, one thing’s for certain: The Fantastic Four franchise has to start over (again) if it wants to even try reaching the standards of superhero movies today.

It might not be very reassuring to have to reboot the reboot, but who knows?

Maybe fourth time’s the charm.

F IS FOR FAIL: The new Fantastic Four movie is anything but fantastic.

GRAPHIC: MINH NGUYEN

08

REVIEWS

THE NANYANG

VOL. NO.

22

CHRONICLE 02

spotlight

BLOCK

SHOPPING How does it feel to have an assortment of pop culture goodies delivered right to your doorstep every month? Reviews Editor Jared Alex Tan checks out the Nerd Block — a subscription box service that promises to satisfy all your geek merchandise needs.

PHOTOS: HILLARY TAN

THROWBACK: The August edition of the Nerd Block was a nod to 80s pop culture, though some of the included items did not fit the overall theme.

I

t’s not easy being a geek in Singapore.

More often than not, collectibles are significantly overpriced when compared to their overseas counterparts, and you can count the number of comic book stores here on a single hand even if you lost two fingers.

Unless you’re willing to shop online every time a new Funko Pop! figure is released, it’s near impossible to get a good deal in local stores.

Enter the Nerd Block — a subscription box service that delivers an assortment of geek-related merchandise to your doorstep every month.

Depending on the theme, the items could be anything from watches to plush toys, with every block guaranteed to include one limited edition t-shirt as well.

The Nerd Block comes in four different varieties: Classic, Arcade, Horror, and Comic.

The Classic features collectibles from mainstream pop culture (think Star Wars and Doctor Who), while the other three — as their names suggest — cater specifically to a particular genre of geekdom.

The cost of a Nerd Block is dependent on the length of your subscription.

Classic, Arcade and Horror blocks can cost up to $45.50 a month (inclusive of a $17.50 shipping fee) if you choose pay-per-month subscription, but the price can drop to $40 if you’re willing to commit to the service for one full year.

On paper, the Nerd Block sounds like a good deal — the merchandise included is advertised to have a combined value of about $85, but is the price tag justified when the items you receive are more or less random?

There was no better way to find out than to order a Nerd Block for myself.

Like a box of chocolates

The procedure to sign up for a Nerd block is simple — after creating an account on their website, simply select a variation, your preferred subscription length and t-shirt size.

All you need to do after that is wait for your Nerd Block, which typically ships on the 15th of every month.

For a package that was prepared on the other side of the world, delivery was surprisingly prompt.

The Nerd Block arrived in the mail only 11 days after it was shipped from Canada.

To get what I assumed was the most

authentic Nerd Block experience, I opted for the Nerd Block Classic.

According to an information card that came with the box, the theme of the month was "Summer Mix Tape”, with all the items supposedly having a retro vibe to them.

To fit with the theme, three of the six included items were from one of the most beloved movies of the 80s: Ghostbusters.

There was a t-shirt that featured the movie’s four main characters, a lunchbox modelled after the iconic ghost trap, and a plush of fan-favourite Slimer.

Also included in the block was a Game of Thrones coaster set, a Rubik’s Cube stress ball, and a collection of “Awkward Family Photo” postcards.

Though the information card tried to connect these items to the theme through a short write up, they still seemed a little out of place among the aforementioned three — how exactly does a TV show with the tagline “Winter is coming” fit into a “Summer Mix Tape” theme?

WHAT'S IN THE BOX?

Less than meets the eye

While the items were interesting enough, one question still remained — did the combined price of the six items really add up to its advertised value?

Using Amazon and other online reviews of the Nerd Block as reference, I calculated the individual cost of each item, and was disappointed to find out that they were only worth a total of about $75.

Despite the items being worth more than what I paid, the complete lack of choice in what you get will be a deal breaker for many.

Considering that I only found value in three of the six items, the overall price ends up matching that of the overpriced geek merchandise available in Singapore.

I will admit that I see the novelty of the Nerd Block — there is a tangible sense of excitement when a box arrives at your doorstep, and you have no idea what you’re going to get.

While it might make for an attractive package in western countries, the addition of high shipping fees make it harder to recommend to locals.

Unless you’re in it solely for that element of surprise that occasionally pays off, this is not the box that you’re looking for.

GHOSTBUSTERS T-SHIRT

GHOST TRAP LUNCH BOX

GHOSTBUSTERS SLIMER PLUSH

This limited edition T-shirt from online retailer ShirtPunch features the four protagonists of Ghostbusters, and the movie's iconic catchphrase. The website only offers its designs for 24 hours, so you probably won't be able to find this anywhere else.

Billed as a Nerd Block exclusive, this lunchbox is modelled after the Ghost Trap used by the Ghostbusters team. While lunchboxes might be an obselete tool these days, it might still be a valuable collectible for die-hard fans of the movie.

While not usually known for its stunning good looks, the Nerd Block team has managed to transform the Ghostbusters character into an adorable plush.

Both freaky and cute at the same time, this exclusive is easily one of the best items in the Nerd Block.

ESTIMATED VALUE: $14

ESTIMATED VALUE: $14

ESTIMATED VALUE: $14

(Source: www.ShirtPunch.com)

(Source: Online Nerd Block Reviews)

(Source: Online Nerd Block Reviews)

RUBIK'S CUBE STRESS BALL

AWKWARD FAMILY POSTCARDS

GAME OF THRONES COASTER SET

For most people, Rubik's Cubes are usually a source of frustration, so its ironic that the vintage puzzle has been turned into a stress ball.

Unlike some of the items included in the Nerd Block, this item can be found easily at online retailers such as Amazon and Ebay.

Designed to "help you stay in touch with loved ones in the most uncomfortable way possible", this book features 35 of the most cringe-worthy postcards you've ever seen. Like the Rubik's Cube Stress Ball, the book can be found at various online retailers.

Based on popular TV series, this four coaster set features the house sigils of the Stark, Baratheon, Lannister and Targaryen families.

The information card lists it as a Nerd Block exclusive, but it will probably be of value to only the most ardent of fans.

ESTIMATED VALUE: $12

ESTIMATED VALUE: $13

ESTIMATED VALUE: $7

(Source: www.Amazon.com)

(source: www.Amazon.com)

(Source: Online Nerd Block Reviews)

VERDICT: With a combined value of $75, the actual price of the six items is slightly lower than what is advertised, though the Nerd Block-exclusive merchandise might be a point of interest for die-hard fans.

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20/8/14 5:33 PM

10-11 SPOTLIGHT

THE NANYANG

VOL. NO.

22

CHRONICLE 02

INTO THE HIVE The Hive, which recently opened for classes, is fast becoming the most recognisable building in NTU. Photo Editors Hillary Tan and Matthew Chew explore the ideas behind its design and construction.

B

ehind other prominent buildings like the Innovation Cent r e a nd t he C h i nese Heritage Centre, the Hive can be seen peeking over the skyline of its neighbours.

More affectionately known as “The Dimsum Building”, tutorial classes have been held on its premises since the start of the new academic year.

For Mr Ole Smith, a Project Leader from Heatherwick Studios, the Hive represents a labour of love.

From sending in a 40-page proposal at around Christmas in 2011, to winning the bid to design NTU’s new building — the project team has had its fair share of challenges during the building process.

“We had to find a way to use only concrete for the building in order to adhere to Singapore’s eco-friendly markers and utility scores,” said Mr Smith.

The London-based Heatherwick Studios worked with Singaporean firm CPG Consultants to craft a building with better student interaction and a co-operative learning experience in mind.

W hen asked how Mr Smit h was feeling now that the buildi ng i s comple te d , M r Sm it h said,“We took 4 to 5 years for

this project from start to end.

Finishing a building like this feels great.”

Tutors and students who have been using the rooms have praised the layout of the classroom, which helped facilitate discussions and group work.

“There are multiple monitors, which allow us to look in different directions instead of just the front. It helps to complement the round seating arrangement,” said Winston Wong, 21, a first-year Sociology student.

However, other design choices have raised eyebrows.

“It’s quite weird when other people can look into the tutorial rooms,” said third year Economics student, Foo Shi Jun, 22, referring to the rooms’ glass doors.

M r Ete r na l it y Ta n , 27, a n Introduction to Film Studies tutor, agreed with the sentiment, and added that “this is a design that needs a bit of time to get used to.”

“The school could invest in blinds or curtains to give lecturers and students the option of privacy,” he said.

Mr Smith himself recognises that there is still work to be done.

“We’ll definitely be back for minor touch ups,” he said.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: THE VIEW FROM ABOVE: The Hive is one of the tallest buildings in NTU, standing at eight stories tall. The open roof provides a breathtaking view of the campus — symbolic of the boundless opportunities and ambition of all NTU undergraduates.

METICULOUS INDIVIDUALITY: Each of these facades are made by setting warm concrete into a silicone mould that contains movable metal bars. The bars are adjusted for each batch of concrete, giving the Hive’s exterior a unique curvature and design.

COMMISSIONED DRAWINGS: Italian illustrator Sara Panelli’s commissioned drawings were turned into the sandy brown concrete installation placed around The Hive. The unconventional brown tones are created by adding pigments into the concrete. Like the panels, the half-meter thick concrete is set in a mould and removed 25 hours later.

GREEN BUILDING: The Hive utilises an eco-friendly ventilation design. Massive “pipe-like structures” hidden in the hollow walls, keep the building cool.

This is achieved by a convection system, where cool air falls through these “pipes” and dissipates the heat.

CLOSED CIRCULAR ROOMS: The tutorial rooms are oval-shaped, pod-like structures meant to facilitate discussions. These tutorial rooms also have no windows — “Why does one need to look out of a window during class?” asked Mr Ole Smith, when explaining the concept behind the closed rooms.

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WHAT DOES OPPORTUNITY LOOK LIKE?

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Singaporeans & Singapore permanent residents are eligible to apply

21/8/14 3:58 PM

VOL. NO.

22

THE NANYANG

01 CHRONICLE

DAPPER 15

16-17 DAPPER

He is a singer, actor and prolific Instagrammer (just check out his grid at @benjaminkheng). You might know him as one quarter of rising local indie band The Sam Willows, but there is so much more to this dynamic triple threat.

We are proud to present Benjamin Kheng as our headliner — one part singer, one part actor, and a whole lot of Dapper. In an exclusive interview with Benjamin, he reveals his tips on fashion, advice for a guy’s wardrobe, and for the ladies — what you should wear to catch his eye.

1. Who are your fashion icons?

I must admit to paying more attention to the aesthetic vibe someone gives off, rather than actual articles of clothing. By that logic, Brandon Flowers, Bob Dylan, and Steve McQueen.

2. When did you start becoming interested in fashion?

Ever since I had to put together a “formal wear” outfit for my school’s prom night.I ended up in a blazer that resembled a lab coat; it was pretty stellar. And by stellar I mean tragic. So I’ve tried to not look as tragic ever since.

3. What are the 3 essential items in a guy’s closet?

An all-purpose snapback, a fitting black or navy shirt, and fresh underwear.

4. What is your number one fashion faux pas?

I’m all for freedom of expression, so it would have to be people who play it safe out of fear. Dare to experiment!

5. How does your ideal woman dress?

With confidence and cheerfulness, and clothes, preferably.

6. What advice do you have for youths to start dressing better?

Have a good idea of what you’re comfortable with, and then take it one notch further in the “daring” section. It might be a colour or piece that you never thought would work well on you before, but you’ll never know if you don’t try! And if it doesn’t work, at least you had a good laugh. And dress for

the occasion, of course.

7. What are you up to now?

Filming some new music videos with The Sam Willows and prepping for our album launch and concert, as well as getting ready for a year-end musical with W!ld Rice (Emperor’s New Clothes).

8. Any exciting projects coming up soon?

I’m looking to put out more spoken word pieces and music collaborations on YouTube. It’s time to get the engine moving again.

THE NANYANG

VOL. NO.

22

CHRONICLE 02 Daniel Wellington St Mawes Classic Watch: Zalora, $327.

Daniel Wellington St Mawes Classic Watch: Zalora, $327.

Porter (Center Loop) Fedora, $69; Kobe Vintage Shirt, $89.90; The Fitzroy Blazer, $398; Lapel Pin, $19.90; Print Pocket Square, $15.90; Piccadilly Shorts, $129; Wright Brogues, $260: all from Benjamin Barker.

Mayer (Summer) Cotton Linen Hat, $49; Market Lane Shirt, $99.90; Oxford Tie, $39.90; The Richmond Suit, $398; The Richmond Vest: $158; Market Lane Shirt, $99.90; The Richmond Pants, $178; Tan Brogues, $250: all from Benjamin Barker.

PHOTOGRAPHER: JOEL LIM ASSISTANT: JULIA JAFFAR STYLIST: LYDIA TEO ASSISTANT STYLISTS: JESS NG, VALERIE CHUA AND JAYNE LAM MAKE-UP: AUDRIANA WIZ HAIR: SHUNJI MATSUO MODEL: BENJAMIN KHENG (FLY ENTERTAINMENT)

Get featured in Dapper!

Check out The Nanyang Chronicle Facebook and Instagram to find out how.

Explore #NYCxDapper for more exclusive Dapper content.

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18

DAPPER

THE NANYANG

VOL. NO.

22

CHRONICLE 02 5 HAIR TIPS WITH SHUNJI MATSUO The professionals behind Benjamin’s sleek hairdos dish out some advice on how you should treat that crowning glory of yours.

1. General routine for healthier hair: FOR ladies with dry scalps, wash your hair once every two days with normal or dry hair shampoo. If your scalp is itchy and sensitive, use a slightly heavier conditioner or a hair masque.

For oily scalps, wash your hair once or twice every day and using a cleansing or exfoliating shampoo once a week. Also, only apply conditioner to the bottom half length of your hair.

For guys, wash at least once a day with normal or dry hair shampoo to treat dry scalps, or sensitive scalp shampoo if your scalp is itchy and sensitive.

For those with oily scalps, wash with oily scalp shampoo at least twice a day. If you also use a lot of styling products, swap your normal shampoo for a cleansing or exfoliating shampoo once a week.

2. Hair care don’ts: CHANGING hair colour too frequently is very damaging. Try maintaining the colour for at least six months before dyeing it again.

Also, cut off chemically treated hair before undergoing another treatment. As for perming, only do it once every four to six months.

3. For coloured hair: CONDITIONING after shampooing, and leave-in treatments, are a must to keep the colour shiny and intense. Drying your hair with a hair dryer with warm air or fanning after showering will also prevent bleeding. Lastly, avoid direct sunlight.

4. Foods to eat:

Ray-Ban Cubmaster Folding Sunglasses, $410; Mango Man Cotton CashmereBlend Sweater, $69; Daniel Wellington Bristol Classic Watch, $327; Mango Man Chino Slim-Fit Smart Cotton Pants, $89; Aldo Shan Dress Shoes, $107: all from Zalora.

DRINK lots of water and cut down on sodium, sugar and oily foods. Yellow ginger (turmeric) is also good for the scalp. Fruits and vegetables are natural antioxidants that prevent hair loss, while seaweed can help with healthy hair growth.

5. The most important tip: CONSTANT trimming is essential, as cutting off damaged ends helps to ensure that the rest of your hair remains healthy. Treat your scalp and hair with care. They are your crowning glory!

Opinions EDITORIAL

In view of SG100 THE upcoming General Elections (GE) has been touted as a game changer, even more so than the 2011 GE, for two main reasons: it is Singapore’s first election without the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew, and the political landscape is more fragmented than ever.

For the first time since 1963, all constituencies are being contested — including Mr Lee’s former Tanjong Pagar Group Representation Constituency, which has enjoyed walkover victories since its formation. The sheer number of contestants has seen opposition parties combine forces to avoid multi-cornered fights, as even disgraced bloggers and their lawyers throw their hats in the ring.

But even more importantly, whoever gets elected into Parliament will have a part in determining our nation’s progress in the coming years, which have been dubbed the post-Lee Kuan Yew era.

It is thus important that we, as Singaporeans, be ready to embrace the growing complexity of the next 50 years and the issues we will face. We should think about how our future leaders can address them — and not just in the short term either.

When we find out more about the different parties and candidates through the rallies and speeches over the next two weeks, we should be cognizant not only of their promises to

improve our wards, but also how they can make a lasting impact on Singapore in the next few decades.

In an interview with TIME magazine last month, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong highlighted the nation’s three biggest challenges for the next 50 years: enhancing our economy, addressing the issue of an ageing population and maintaining a national identity.

These are weighty issues, and not easy ones to overcome.

It is up to the people whom we vote in, and perhaps even up to some of us, as the generation that will take Singapore forward till SG100, to address said issues several years down the road.

In his Facebook post after he announced the GE, PM Lee said: “More than that [choosing who will govern the nation], you will be choosing the team to work with you for the next 15 to 20 years, and setting the direction for Singapore for the next 50 years.”

It is thus critical that we keep a broad perspective, and not just think of this GE as only that will only affect our lives temporarily, till the next round of elections.

If this GE is to be the game changer everyone believes it is poised to be, choose wisely — so that our votes will change the game for the better in the long run.

THE NANYANG

CHRONICLE CHIEF EDITOR

OPINIONS EDITOR

SUB-EDITORS

SPORTS EDITORS

Louisa Tang

Abigail Ng Austen Choo Kerri Heng Ng Jian Yang

NEWS EDITOR Shaun Tan

LIFESTYLE EDITORS Chelsea Tang Fabian Loo

REVIEWS EDITOR Jared Alex Tan

PHOTO EDITORS Hillary Tan Matthew Chew DAPPER EDITORS Joel Lim Lydia Teo

Leila Lai

Matthew Mohan Nur Amyraa

GRAPHIC EDITOR Kimberly Ang

COMMUNITY EDITOR Gabrielle Goh BUSINESS MANAGERS Jolyne Tan Sheena Wong

FACULTY ADVISORS Debbie Goh Edson Tandoc Zakaria Zainal

PRODUCTION SUPPORT Joe Tok Kenny Wong

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

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frankly, my dear

A column by Chronicle Editors on issues close to their hearts

Brotherly love

FINDING YOURSELF: Being comfortable in one’s own skin is more important than living up to the expectations of others.

N u r A m y r aa Sports Editor

G

rowing up, I was always regarded as one of the boys.

It probably had something to do with my masculine speech patterns and unfortunate fondness for cracking crude jokes.

I enjoyed being a bro.

Unfortunately, my grandmother has expressed concern and scorn at this ‘tragedy’, claiming that I will lose my femininity before I turn 30 years old.

“Keep hanging around those boys, and you will embarrass yourself, not knowing how to cook for your future mother-inlaw,” was the common refrain on her lips as she watched me bumble incompetently around the kitchen.

Now that I am much closer to the prophesied age, I would like to assure all concerned parties (grandmother included) that I do have female friends, enjoy shopping, and occasionally gush over cute celebrities — especially when David Beckham uploads photographs of himself with his children Brooklyn, Cruz, Romeo and Harper on Instagram.

Yet, at the heart of it all, I still prefer the excitement and thrill of outdoor activities, and boisterous sports like soccer.

I blame this on my childhood years spent playing sports and participating in outdoor activities with my only brother, who was

born just 15 months before me, and his friends.

Family excursions during my primary school days included fishing trips, when my dad would teach us how to hook live bait and cast a fishing rod.

Back then, I should have recognised the signs that my love for such activities was not quite typical, when my female classmates expressed disdain at my fishing escapades.

I could not understand their lack of interest in the excitement and accomplishment of catching mudskippers with a fishing rod.

But I was content as long as I was having fun with my brother and our neighbourhood friends.

Weekends were spent cycling, rollerblading, or playing badminton and soccer at the void deck.

The boys would disregard my smaller frame and constantly volunteer me as goalkeeper in our soccer games.

Needless to say, I was spared no quarters despite my gender, and received hard balls to my head on more than one occasion as I tried to keep the boys’ shots from passing the goal line.

But I was unfazed and continued hanging out with boys until I turned 11 years old, when puberty set in and I started feeling more self-conscious.

As a result, I spent more time playing hopscotch with my two female friends than playing ‘catching’ with the boys every recess.

My interactions with boys remained limited during my four years of secondary school, but all the while, I missed the funny and casual conversations I used to have with my guy friends.

GRAPHIC: MINH NYUGEN

I resumed playing sports with boys in junior college when I joined the hockey team.

But my enthusiastic passes and raised voice to my teammates around the pitch only earned me taunts of my masculinity.

“Are you sure you are a girl?” the boys jeered.

Initially, their offensive remarks made me dread having to liaise with them on behalf of the girls’ hockey team.

However, after a few months of working with them, I realised that perhaps it was not my fault that they were uncomfortable with my behaviour. Maybe some of them were just not used to seeing a girl embody ‘boyish’ qualities.

Upon realising this, I began to accept myself and became more at ease around them.

I regularly found myself laughing with them at the crude sense of humour we shared – something which I could rarely enjoy with my female friends.

My interests aligned more closely with theirs than with those of my girlfriends, because while I was into sports, most of my female classmates were more interested in gossip. Hanging out with the guys was more liberating as well, since I felt free to speak my mind and be as candid as I liked.

Growing up around boys has taught me to toughen up, take stereotypical expectations of me with a pinch of salt and become comfortable in my own skin.

I can now enjoy interactions with my female friends while still hanging out with boys much of the time.

More importantly, I have learnt to embrace the person I have come to be.

20

OPINIONS

THE NANYANG

VOL. NO.

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CHRONICLE 02

Rocking the first-time vote

When Singapore goes to the polls in under two weeks, every seat in Parliament is expected to be contested — ­­ a first since independence.

Alfred Chua discusses what the upcoming election means to the first-time voter, and the importance of voting for our future.

GRAPHIC: KIMBERLY ANG

W

hen news first broke that Polling Day was to be on 11 Sept, I was thrilled, to say the least.

The news came when I was in class and I could barely contain my excitement. Neither could I focus for the remainder of the lesson.

It was to be my first time voting in an election, and as part of the generation of digital natives that witnessed how the internet swept the elections in 2006 and how social media was de rigueur in 2011, I was raring to exercise my right to vote.

This general election is especially meaningful to me, having missed the previous elections by a hair's breadth in 2011.

I was a few months shy of reaching the legal voting age of 21 that year and I recall lamenting the wasted opportunity — especially so when it was one that many called a watershed election.

I am eager to make my vote count for something this time round.

Between GE2011 and the impending elections, the nation has seen two by-elections — in Punggol East and Hougang — and a Presidential election. The political buzz has remained high, and only looks set to rev up in the coming days.

Reasons for the hype

My peers, many of whom are firsttime voters too, share the palpable excitement, for a variety of reasons.

One wants to see how the opposition, who intends to contest every ward, fares this time around.

A variety of voices in Parliament would do the nation good, he said.

Since GE2011, the political buzz has remained high, and only looks set to rev up in the coming days.

Another friend told me he is interested to see how this generation votes.

"We lived in a relatively sheltered environment, having grown up in ‘first world Singapore’.

I would like to see what kind of political direction we want to set for Singapore," he said.

Young and eager to vote Then there are those who are simply excited that they are, well, able to exercise their voting power.

This election is the first time that the majority of Singapore citizens aged 20 and above is made up of individuals born post-independence.

It is perhaps comforting to note that despite the perception of our generation being ignorant, there are some who still take an interest in local politics.

Yet, despite the enthusiasm among first-time voters like my peers and me, it is disappointing to

note that the parties have not done much to target our votes.

Granted, there is now more engagement by parties in the social media sphere — often seen as an attempt to appeal to younger voters — but proper engagement with youth goes beyond a wellfiltered Instagram photograph of a walkabout, or having thousands of likes on a Facebook page.

It’s about talking to youths to find out what matters, and what concrete steps can be taken to resolve our concerns.

Many of us are still in school, or just starting out in our careers.

Matters like costs and quality of education, and employment after graduation, have not been thoroughly addressed by candidates so far.

When campaigning officially starts, I would like to hear candidates cross swords over job security for university graduates, or debate the importance of getting a degree in the current job market.

It would also be intriguing to hear their views on issues such as arts censorship and tolerance and acceptance of more diverse family structures. We want to hear how, or whether, they will tackle these issues further if they are elected to Parliament.

There has been some efforts to address the hard issues between the last GE and now, with initiatives like SkillsFuture, but it still isn’t enough. Arts censorship was not greatly discussed after last year’s

National Library Board saga, for example.

Relevant issues If the trends of GE2011 are anything to go by, young voters are more likely than the average voter to support opposition candidates.

Merely dangling carrots like housing subsidies, paternity leave and new facilities in the neighbourhood do not cut it anymore for such voters.

A survey by Blackbox Research in June this year revealed that “young Singaporeans are… less satisfied than older Singaporeans with public transport, population management and civil liberties.”

The fact remains that the needs and wants of this generation differ from those of our parents or grandparents.

Proper engagement with youth goes beyond a wellfiltered Instagram photograph of a walkabout, or having thousands of likes on a Facebook page.

In the coming days, the hustings — both online and on the ground — will only get more intense.

Starting with Nomination Day on 1 Sept, leading up to Polling Day on 11 Sept, there is no better

time than now to be immersed in the process of electing a new government.

Making your vote count

The temptation may be strong among first-time voters to think of their single vote as an insignificant drop in the ocean, and so trivialise the whole process.

This may be an oft-exhorted cliché, but every single vote counts.

Yes, every one of more than 2 million votes.

The very act of going to the polls acts as feedback to those in power about how you, the younger generation, view their policies.

It is intrinsic in any democratic process, and provides a check for those in power.

Because the act of voting carries much weight, it is also useful to weigh the options of what parties and candidates have to offer before arriving at a decision.

Voting based on ‘peer pressure’, or voting purely based on the desire for a change, should never be the way to choose parliamentarians.

And even after the heat and dust have settled, we need to remain politically engaged to ensure the MPs we voted for are actively voicing our concerns in Parliament.

Ultimately, we are the generation who gets to see the beginning of a new stage in Singapore’s history, and will continue to watch the momentum we start this year, for many years to come.

VOL. NO.

22

OPINIONS

THE NANYANG

02 CHRONICLE

21

Results reflect privilege, not merit Leila Lai opinions editor

I

n his Founder’s Day speech late last month, Raffles Institution’s (RI) principal Chan Poh Meng caused a stir when he criticised his school’s middle-class status as a hindrance to meritocracy in Singapore.

Once, only the best students were admitted based on their grades in the Primary School Leaving Examination, said Mr Chan.

Today, the admission criteria at RI remains as rigorous, but the pathway to admission is no longer based on the sole efforts of the student.

Instead, RI boys come from well-to-do segments of the population. Wealthier parents have the means to give their children an academic edge through private tuition and enrichment lessons.

As they also tend to have higher levels of education, they are often actively involved in their children’s academic growth.

Here lies the problem. Using academic performance as the benchmark of success breeds elitism. When children of means compete with others who lack similar advantages, their resulting scores are not entirely based on individual merit.

Yet these students are rewarded for their supposed academic excellence, which can cultivate an attitude of superiority.

Diversity as a solution

To address academic-based elitism, Mr Chan discussed ensuring socioeconomic diversity in the student population.

Having more students from lower-income backgrounds in RI will certainly bring in such variety.

Helping them reach the standards that qualify them for admission, however, is a challenge in itself, as many are struggling with problems beyond academics.

As wealthier parents tend to have higher levels of education, they are often actively involved in their children's academic growth.

I see this problem firsthand at my part-time job in a tuition centre.

Located at a void deck next to a neighbourhood primary school, the centre provides tuition at $10 to $15 per month, targeted at lowincome families.

Among the students who enroll in our programmes, we look out for students who need financial aid and readily waive their fees.

Because we avoid turning anyone away, we receive students from a variety of backgrounds — residents of one-room rental flats, as well as children whose families live in nearby condominiums.

It is apparent that the students from lower-income households tend to do poorly in their studies.

Coming from homes where their parents struggle to put food on the table, financial aid is often the only means for them to stay in school.

But attending school doesn’t mean they are learning.

One of my nine-year-old students is stumped by words as

simple as “the” and “cat,” while others his age are writing entire compositions.

For the wealthier kids from the condominiums, the tuition is merely supplementary.

For the less privileged kids, tuition is a necessity for them to grasp the bare essentials.

As I watch kids like my nine-yearold struggle in class, I get a small taste of the dilemma his teachers at school must face daily.

It is difficult to slow down the entire class for his sake, so he is left behind.

To break down the income gap in top schools, there must be a targeted approach for lowincome students that address issues beyond academics.

Serving with humility

Mr Chan also highlighted that engaging in community service can serve as a means of social, emotional, and spiritual growth.

While community service can help wealthier students connect with and better understand the circumstances faced by their peers in the rest of society, we must not inadvertently perpetuate the problem of elitism.

Bhas Kunju, a former RI student, wrote to socio-political blog The Online Citizen that his concern with school-initiated community service programmes was that it could backfire and reinforce the elitist mindset.

Having participated in these programmes while at RI, he said the subliminal message they received was that they were superior. “’You are better and thus you must help the rest,’ is the unfortunate message that is

GRAPHIC: KIMBERLY ANG

getting relayed over and over,” he wrote.

Thus, the importance of establishing the right attitude toward such outreach activities cannot be over-emphasised.

All things equal

Community service should not just be a checkbox in a list of school accomplishments.

It should be about helping privileged students realise that they may be better off because they were born into wealthier families, and that they should not fall prey to a sense of entitlement.

Instead, they should, as Mr Chan advised, “cultivate a sense of gratitude” for what they have.

One of my Primary Two students at the tuition centre comprehends math concepts more quickly than his peers.

But as he comes from a non-

Louder than words: The JCRC Conundrum

ILLUSTRATION: JENNIFER SOON

English speaking family, his English abilities are weak and he stumbles at problem sums.

His grades do not necessarily reflect his merit, but rather his circumstances.

These students need our help, but they do not need our pity.

We must keep in mind that given a level playing field, they could equal or even exceed the academic achievements of those who are better-off.

Changing mindsets

The Singapore government has implemented multiple schemes such as financial aid and affordable preschool education to help the financially disadvantaged “get on the same starting line,” said Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam earlier this month.

But given that the current schemes attempt to cover many levels of financial need in one fell swoop, those who struggle with basic needs on top of academics should be the focus of more targeted programmes to ensure that they do not fall behind.

The standard Financial Assistance Scheme under the Ministry of Education provides subsidies for food and transport, among other necessities.

To aid these particular students, I suggest that tuition could be a similarly subsidised item.

We must reconsider our perceptions of academic excellence and actively help the lowerincome groups through targeted community and volunteer services.

As we uphold the importance of achieving good results in school, we must acknowledge that on top of talent and hard work, students’ economic and social circumstances play huge roles in shaping their academic lives.

And if we believe that grades should remain the highest measure of ability in meritocratic Singapore, then we all have a duty to ensure that every citizen achieves the equality of opportunity they deserve, so they can receive their fair grade.

Sports

Powering through rough waters

Cassandra Yeo

H

aving successfully vanquished opponents at the 28th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, national swimmer Clement Lim will now turn his attentions to a familiar foe — one that has plagued him more than any competitor in the pool.

The swimmer, who bagged two gold medals and established two new Games Records (GR), suffers from Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), a condition that causes swelling to the vertebrae, back pains as well as stiffness.

The rigours of the SEA Games, coupled with Lim’s condition, means the second-year student at the School of Sports Science and Management (SSM) will need to take time off from trainings to rest and recuperate.

The 22-year-old said: “I am taking a break from swimming to catch up on my school work and to allow my body to recover completely.”

Worrying symptoms

Lim said the first sign of trouble surfaced when he was serving National Service in August 2012.

He was admitted to the National University Hospital after losing his vision in his right eye, a result of Uveitis — one of the first few signs of AS. Fortunately, this vision loss was

GOING SWIMMINGLY: Lim finished with two golds at the 28th SEA Games.

only temporary.

What affected his performance more, however, was a persistent pain in his back.

According to Lim, a simple tumble turn to change directions by pushing off the pool walls could instigate back pains.

Common colds and other illnesses would also exacerbate the

pain he experiences.

On top of battling AS, Lim had to cope with multiple other injuries.

In the year he was diagnosed with AS, he had to undergo two shoulder surgeries.

By then, the surgeries to treat a tendon tear in his shoulders had already been delayed by four years due to trainings and competitions.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF ATHLETE

Lim also revealed that despite the two operations, his shoulder injuries have not completely healed.

Beating the odds

However, Lim who described himself as a “stubborn” athlete, refused to fold in the face of overwhelming odds.

His reason for persevering was simply due to the fact that his competitions were approaching at the time of his AS diagnosis.

The 22-year-old said: “I have never thought about giving up on swimming. Especially with upcoming competitions and trainings then, I did not really have time to be upset.”

Lim pressed on, securing a gold and a silver medal in the 4x100m Freestyle Relay and 4x100m Medley Relay respectively in the 2013 Myanmar SEA Games.

Despite going through an AS flare­-up in April 2014, Lim went on to clock a personal best of 23.26s in the Men’s 50m Freestyle Category at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

This year’s SEA Games was the cherry on the cake when Lim, together with Quah Zheng Wen, Joseph Schooling and Danny Yeo, set a new GR in the Men’s 4x100m Freestyle Relay, clocking in at 3:19.59s.

He then teamed up with Schooling, Quah and Lionel Khoo, and finished first in the Men’s 4x100m Medley Relay, smashing yet another GR, with a record of 3:38.25s.

Unwavering support

But mention his feats in the pool, and Lim is quick to play down his achievements, highlighting how he owes his current success to the support from his family members — his mother in particular.

“My day usually starts as early as 5.30am but my mother would always wake up earlier to prepare breakfast for me,” said Lim. Lim’s mother would also always be around to celebrate his wins and motivate him whenever the going gets tough.

Besides his family, Lim draws strength from his teammates of eight years — Schooling and Quah.

The duo’s words of encouragement motivated him to train harder despite persistent backaches and stiffness. “They would tell me how much they need me in the team and emphasise on finishing every race strongly together,” said Lim.

Next step forward

TASTE OF VICTORY: Lim (first from left), along with Schooling, Khoo and Quah celebrate their 4x100m Medley Relay victory.

PHOTO: INTERNET

Although he is taking a short hiatus from swimming, Lim revealed he still has one more goal in mind — the Olympics.

Lim’s 4x100 medley relay team are currently ranked 16th in the world and hope to qualify for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

He said: “The Olympics is the world’s most prestigious sporting event, and it’s every athlete’s dream to make it there.

“It will be my top priority to train and compete in it.”

THE NANYANG

VOL. NO.

22

SPORTS

CHRONICLE 02

23

Tchoukball making SUniG debut

Lynn Chia

T

he university’s tchoukball teams will aim to create history this year, as they vie for the first ever Singapore University Games (SUniG) tchoukball title.

The sport, which has been gaining popularity in Singapore, will be included in the Games’ roster following the Singapore University Sports Council’s (SUSC) approval in January.

The SUSC operates on a biennial rotational basis among the six competing local universities, with NTU taking over the chairmanship last year.

NTU men’s tchoukball team captain Chia Kun Yang, 22, said: “I am very glad that tchoukball is officially in SUniG and it’s because of our seniors' efforts to make this happen. More people will now be exposed to this interesting sport.”

Chia also described the sport’s addition into the Games as a breakthrough.

Women's tchoukball captain Jesslyn Chua said the inclusion of the sport in SUniG was “very timely” as it followed the Singapore Under-18 boys' historic win over powerhouse Chinese Taipei, currently ranked first in the world, at the World Youth Tchoukball Championships.

While tchoukball has yet to feature in SUniG, it has already been contested at the Inter University Tchoukball Championship since 2011, with NTU’s teams finishing with mixed results.

The men’s team missed out on the title, finishing second on three occasions and falling to fourth in 2013.

The women's team, on the other hand, finished third on three occasions since the inception of the sport four years ago.

Overcoming obstacles

But Chua said her team has faced its fair share of struggles.

“Our team consisted mostly of

SHOT ON GOAL: An NTU player attempts to score a point against rivals NUS

players who are new to tchoukball, and we used to train without a coach for the past few years,” Chua said.

“It's difficult for us to go into competitions without any guidance on our attacking and defensive plays.”

Despite this, the team was motivated to better itself by signing up for external competitions.

The girls won the Singapore Management University (SMU) Invitational Games and achieved 3rd runner-up in ROMP, a tournament held on 15 Aug. Chua Ying Hui, 20, a member of the NTU women’s team, said: “External competitions are a good platform for us to gain experience, which is really important because it will expose us to different playing

styles so we can adapt to various attacking and defending strategies.”

The sport's inclusion in the Games also followed four years of lobbying by The Tchoukball Association of Singapore (TBAS).

TBAS General Secretary Mr Jeff Ang said: “I think it is very encouraging to see tchoukball in SUniG, especially for those who have been working very hard to promote the values of the sport, and to raise its profile on the local scene.”

A sport for all

Mr Ang, who also sits on the Executive Committee of the Asian Pacific Tchoukball Federation, said that the sport has “great potential” for growth.

“It is a sport suitable for Asian

PROCESS OF THE GAME: The team in grey scores a point if they catch the ball before it bounces outside the 'D'.

PHOTOS: TAY KAIXU FREDDIE

athletes as it is more focused on agility and quickness," he said.

He added that the sport's athletes face lesser risk of injury, and anybody can play it recreationally, regardless of ability, size or fitness level.

“I believe that tchoukball has its place in the sports scene as it offers a refreshing and different perspective," he said.

Tchoukball was introduced to Singapore in 2003, when team captain Julio Calegari was invited to conduct a teaching course in Institute of Technical Education (Dover).

The sport has been on a rapid ascent ever since. Tchoukball has garnered interest, particularly in tertiary institutions, since TBAS organised the first Inter University

GRAPHIC: KIMBERLY ANG

Inter University T'ball Championship YEAR

MEN

WOMEN

2011

2nd

3rd

2012

2nd 4th 2nd

3rd 3rd 3rd

2013 2014

PAST PERFORMANCES: NTU's men's and women's teams hope to improve from their past performances at this year's SUniG.

Tchoukball years ago.

Championship

Going for gold

four

Both team captains said they have high hopes for NTU’s debut at the SUniG. Recognising the tough competition they might face, Chia said: “I hope that our team will be able to at least maintain the first runnerup position achieved by our seniors in the Inter University Games from 2011 and 2012.

"I want us to work hard together as a team and encourage one another to do well during training and on the day of the competition.”

Chua added that her team will target nothing less than a victory.

She said: “Recently, we hired a coach and we have a couple of new players joining us. I believe that with this new team dynamic, we will be able to perform better than before. We are definitely aiming for the gold at SUniG." The tchoukball competition will be held on 19 Sep at SMU. The men's team will open their campaign against the National University of Singapore (NUS), with the women's team facing hosts SMU.