The Nanyang Chronicle Vol 23 Issue 01 by Nanyang Chronicle

THE NANYANG

CHRONICLE

VOL. NO.

01 5.09.16

ISSN NO. 0218-7310

Shuttle bus blues Students see red because of crowded buses, long queues | Page 3

News

NTU remembers late president S R Nathan Prisca Lim Gowri Somasundaram

WHILE the nation mourns the late Mr S R Nathan as its sixth and longest-serving president, NTU remembers him as a man who highly valued education. Mr Nathan’s passing on 22 Aug hit especially close to home for the University. The late former president was the founding Director of NTU's Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies — now called the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS). “Mr Nathan put in place certain key principles that have guided us all these years, and is still very much a foundation for RSIS today," said RSIS Dean Joseph Liow. “Right now, it is a period of mourning and reflection for the faculty,” he added. Several days before Mr Nathan suffered a stroke and went into a coma, some RSIS faculty members had a private lunch with him. They also received handwritten letters from him after the meal, Dr Liow said. To honour the late president, RSIS has been publishing a series of essays about Mr Nathan’s contributions in its faculty publication, RSIS Commentary. In addition, the faculty plans to come up with a more lasting way to

The University commemorated Mr S R Nathan's passing with a condolence book signing on 25 Aug at the North Spine Plaza.

remember and honour their mentor in the weeks and months to come, said Dr Liow. NTU President Professor Bertil Andersson also paid tribute to Mr Nathan in an email sent to faculty and students the day after the former president's passing. He described the former president as someone who had “always

been intimately involved in NTU’s development”. Two weeks ago, the University also held a condolence book signing at the North Spine Plaza for students and staff to pen down their final thoughts for Mr Nathan. It was an opportunity that many students appreciated. One student who penned a trib-

ute was second-year School of Computer Science and Engineering student Cherrie Chong, 20. She said that she only became aware of Mr Nathan’s many contributions to Singapore after his passing, and that writing a last message of thanks was the least she could do for the late president. Another student, Sufianto Goh,

PHOTO: ZHENG JUNCEN

24, said that honouring the late president was a must for him. The final-year student from the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering said: “He (Mr Nathan) was an honourable man who did a lot for Singapore. "Having such a tribute event is not an issue of importance, it is more of a necessity.”

Lukewarm response towards new Alumni Houses Former students unsure if they will use the new facilities more than once or twice a year Gracia Lee Cheryl Tee THREE new alumni houses with function rooms, rest areas, and a bar are set to open next year, but some NTU alumni are less than enthusiastic about frequenting them. The first such alumni house, a 10,000 square feet facility at Marina Square mall, will open in November with free-of-charge admission for alumni, faculty and staff. This is in contrast to the sole existing Alumni Club at Buona Vista where, according to the Alumni Affairs Office, alumni have to pay an initiation fee on top of a monthly

fee to stay as a member. The second facility will also open by the end of this year at North Spine Plaza, while the third, located at one-north, is scheduled to open next year. But most alumni the Nanyang Chronicle spoke to said they have no plans to use the new facilities unless reunions are held there, which may occur, at best, a few times a year. “I’ll go if my friends decide to meet there, since it’s free,” said Ms Yap Ai Tin, 50, who graduated from the School of Accountancy and Business — now the Nanyang Business School — in 1989. Her former classmates organise gatherings at least twice a year, but besides that, she said she “has no reason to visit." Mr Lek Siang Hwa, 52, an alumnus of the School of Mechanical and Production Engineering —

now the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering — said that it would be “a great place” for reunions due to its central location, but added that none of his past reunions with classmates have been held at the existing Alumni Club in Buona Vista. Others said they would use the new alumni houses regularly only if the amenities prove satisfactory. “I’m hoping for affordablypriced food at about $10 to $25,” said Ms Fiona Nah, 25, who graduated from the National Institute of Education in 2015. She added that geographical convenience and reasonably priced food options will provide enough incentive for her to visit the alumni house once every few months. Ms Michelle Cheong, 31, who graduated in 2007, said she hopes to bring her three children, aged five, three and one, to the alumni

houses if there are sufficient childfriendly amenities. “I will definitely go if there are any facilities such as indoor playgrounds or ball pits inside the restaurants that could cater to my kids,” said the Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information (WKWSCI) alumna. NTU Chief Alumni Affairs Officer Guo Sam Nan also revealed plans for undergraduates to use the new facilities. “Apart from a restaurant and bar, the alumni house at Marina Square will have three partitioned function rooms. “These rooms can be put together to form one large room that can hold 100 people, which schools can use for classes,” he said. He added that some of the University’s faculties are already planning to hold short courses there after the facility is open.

Mr Guo added that the main purpose of the alumni houses is ultimately to provide opportunities for alumni to stay in touch with each other and the University even after graduation. Still, others feel there are better ways to foster strong ties among the alumni. “People get more emotionally connected when they give in a meaningful way,” said WKWSCI alumnus John Cheong. The 33-year-old noted that having alumni participate in career talks would better improve student-alumni interaction, and provide current students with networking opportunities for future recruitment. “Finding ways to engage alumni in various activities that can help the school and student body is better than just providing alumni these facilities and benefits,” he said.

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New semester brings old woes for campus bus users

SHUTTLE BUS BLUES: Some students said they wait up to 40 minutes to board a shuttle bus, while others wake up almost two hours before class to account for delays.

Common complaints include waiting 20 minutes — four times the fiveminute interval promised on the bus schedule — to be able to board a bus. Gracia Lee DESPITE living on campus, firstyear student Hazel Tan sometimes has to get up almost two hours before her 9am class just to make it on time. To avoid being late, the Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information (WKWSCI) student, who stays in Hall of Residence 10, adds about 45 minutes to her travel time to account for the slow campus bus services. “The bus frequency is really low, especially from 8 to 10am. It’s also difficult to board because every bus is crowded. Most of the time, the bus driver doesn’t even stop to take passengers,” the 21-year-old said.

Long waits and full buses

Frustrations with the Red and Blue Campus Loops have resurfaced since the semester began last month, as students — who rely on these two lines to get around the

2-square-kilometre campus — often get to class late after being unable to board already-full buses. One common complaint was waiting up to 20 minutes for a bus in the morning — four times the five to six-minute interval promised on the bus schedule. Some commuters also told the Nanyang Chronicle there were instances when they were unable to board up to three consecutive buses because of the crowds.

“The bus frequency is really low, especially from 8 to 10am. Most of the time, the driver doesn't even stop to take passengers.” Hazel Tan, 21 First-year student Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information

The NTU GO! mobile app, which uses GPS technology to track the location of campus buses, was also down for the first three weeks of the semester. The app was fixed only on 25 Aug. “Without the app, I couldn’t decide if the fastest way to get to

class would be waiting for the campus bus, taking the public bus, or walking,” said Damian Goh, 24, a third-year School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering student.

A long-standing problem

Some added that poor campus bus frequencies and packed buses are a perennial problem, and little has been done to improve the situation. “The bus system is as bad as when I entered NTU two years ago," said Hoong Shi Xiang, 23, a third-year School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering student. "Buses still take up to 40 minutes to arrive, and are packed to the brim in the mornings and during lunch time,” he added. Another commuter, final-year National Institute of Education student Ng Yang Han, 25, said that two years of frustration over the state of campus buses in the mornings drove him to buy a bicycle and cycle to classes instead.

Regulation in progress

However, the University is now seeking to regulate the frequency of buses. NTU Students’ Union vice-president Kwok Meng Kei said in an interview that starting from September, a controller from Tong Tar Transport — the company which

owns and runs the campus bus service — will be stationed daily at the Chinese Heritage Centre, which functions as a terminal for the internal shuttle buses. The controller will ensure that buses run according to schedule, and arrive within five to six-minute intervals of each other during peak hours. The assigned controller will also see that the NTU GO! app accurately reflects bus locations when plying NTU roads, Kwok added.

“The bus system is as bad as when I entered NTU two years ago. Buses still take up to 40 minutes to arrive, and are packed to the brim in the mornings and during lunch time.” Hoong Shi Xiang, 23 Third-year student School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

“I hope the new system will alleviate bunching, especially in the mornings,” said Chen Jia Yi, 23, a second-year School of Chemical

PHOTO: ZHENG JUNCEN

and Biomedical Engineering student. Bunching occurs when multiple buses arrive at the same time. Apart from improved regulation of buses, students also said they hoped for better information about arrival timings and available space on buses, such as through electronic boards at bus stops. Christy Yip, 20, a second-year WKWSCI student, said: “The narrow doors and limited standing room (on buses) make it very difficult for people to get on and off, causing delays." "We should get buses with more standing room and fewer seats,” Yip added. Sabrina Ang, 21, a second-year student from the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, said that she hopes the NTU GO! app can soon provide data on the available space in buses. But for now, students said they are just relieved that the app is working again. George Toh, 22, a second-year student from Nanyang Business School, said: “Thankfully, the app is fixed so I know when the buses are coming and can decide between taking the Red or Blue lines.” He added: “It’s frustrating that students’ main means of travelling around campus is so unreliable. I hope the system improves soon."

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Striving for a smoke-free campus Blanket ban on campus smoking might be passed in tertiary institutions, including NTU Sophia Tan STARTING next year, lighting up on campus might just be illegal. The National Environment Agency (NEA) is exploring proposals to pass new regulations aimed at making tertiary campuses entirely smoke-free, the Nanyang Chronicle has learnt. Consultations between NEA and representatives from polytechnics and universities are underway to decide if this is feasible. There is no fixed date set for a decision to be made. When contacted, the NEA declined to comment on the issue. This is the latest in a series of moves by the government agency to increase the number of smokefree areas in Singapore. In June, the agency expanded the smoking ban to include reservoirs and over 400 parks in public and private estates. Currently, there are no designated smoking areas in campus set by NTU. Instead, smokers are expected to comply with NEA guide-

Should a campus-wide smoking ban be passed, smokers will have to leave campus for smoke breaks.

lines. This includes rules on smoking only in open areas such as car parks, which must be at least five metres away from buildings. The Office of Housing and Auxiliary Services, the Office of Development and Facilities Management, and the Office of Health and Safety (OHS) are jointly responsible for enforcing smoking regulations on campus. Besides regular patrols, the Uni-

versity’s security team also relies on tip-offs from students and staff on smoking activity. A blanket ban, however, would not result in a large change to the University’s current anti-smoking enforcement measures, said OHS Deputy Director Goh Chin Foo. Dr Goh added that NTU does not have a strong smoking culture, and the main reason for enforcement on campus is to limit the impact of

PHOTO: VALERIE LAY

second-hand smoke. Those in favour of the blanket ban cited this as the main reason for their support. “As someone who dislikes the smell of second-hand smoke, I will appreciate the cleaner environment,” said Stephanie Khoo, 21, a second-year student from Nanyang Business School (NBS). Most smokers said they were aware of smoking regulations on

campus, but felt a total ban was too extreme. “It will be inconvenient for us to take a bus out of campus just to smoke, especially because we only have short breaks between lessons,” said Jianan Tng, a first-year NBS student. The 21-year-old added that designated smoking areas would be a better compromise for students, as it saves time travelling out of school and limits second-hand smoke in other areas. Another concern raised was the difficulty of enforcing the ban, as those who light up on campus include contractors and part-time employees. “Enforcers may have to single out smokers to ask whether they are students or individuals not connected to NTU,” said Celine Mok, 23, a second-year student from the Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information. Some smokers added that ban or no ban, they will still seek out ways to grab a puff on campus grounds. “I will find a way to smoke as I need a cigarette break every few hours,” said Edwin Ng, 24, who smokes in car parks on campus. The third-year student from the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering added: “I have been smoking for a long time and it has become part of my lifestyle.”

Pokemon Go, going, gone Cheryl Tee Sophia Tan GRADES are far more important than “catching ‘em all”. Many students the Nanyang Chronicle spoke to said they are not casting their assignments aside for new gaming app Pokemon Go, as grades are a far higher priority than doing well in the game. “I prefer to use the limited time I have for more constructive purposes,” said Lee Ming Rui, 23, a third-year School of Art, Design and Media student. "I don’t want to let the app take control of my life." The popular app was released shortly after the new semester started. Second-year Nanyang Business School student and Pokemon fan Marcus Ong, 22, has clocked considerable hours on the game during his leisure time.

But he said he stows his phone away during lectures in order to stay focused. Others, like Ng Jing Xi, 21, a second-year student from the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, said the game has not been a distraction during lessons simply because there are no PokeStops near any of his classrooms. At such PokeStops, players can obtain free in-game items that advance their progress. Experts said that gameplay on campus is limited because of the app’s design. “Pokemon Go has a simple game design without features that facilitate addiction, and Pokemon choices are limited on campus, so it is not difficult for students to disengage,” said Assistant Professor Vivian Chen from the Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information. “This is unlike games such as Defense of the Ancients (DotA),

NTU houses 88 Pokestops on campus, where players can collect in-game items such as eggs and potions.

which have longer gaming cycles and focus on repetitive actions from the user to gain reward,” she added. Wheeliz Gourmet, an eatery at the North Spine Plaza, has tried placing Lure Modules — which make Pokemon appear in the vicinity — at a nearby PokeStop during different times of the day to attract more customers. But owner Wayne Koh, 39, said

it has had little effect. “Afternoons pull in the biggest crowds, but it’s also when most students are done with their classes,” he said. “I don’t think they come here because of the Lure Module, but because they happen to have lectures nearby and need to eat.” Even so, students who used to play the game religiously have already begun to tire of it. Goh Pog Siew, 20, used to play

PHOTO: VALERIE LAY

Pokemon Go on campus all the time, but recently found himself spending less time on it as the novelty wore off. Goh, a first-year student from the School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, said: “Getting really good in the game requires a lot of dedication and commitment. You need time to gain levels, and that is something most people in university don't have.”

Lifestyle

The Ultimate School Edition Pokemon Manual

Lifestyle writer Linette Leong hikes the hills and swamps in school, putting together a nifty manual to help you battle your way to become the best Pokemon Go trainer yet.

ver 400 aspiring Pokemon Go trainers swarmed Hougang Avenue 10 last month when a wild Snorlax unexpectedly appeared. We might be a stretch away from the Snorlax or Gyarados hiding over at Hougang, but you can have an equally intense time Pokemon hunting here in school. To aid you in your quest to be the very best, we’ve journeyed from the North to the South (of NTU) to put together a list of top hunting spots of your favourite Pokemon.

North Spine Plaza

Before you start devouring your meal, you might first want to recede into a comfortable corner and collect your PokeStop rewards from the four PokeStops here — the Global Lounge, Lee Wee Nam Library, Lee Wee Nam Opening Plaque, and the Lee Wee Nam Statue. A heads-up from some of our Pokemon-hunting friends: you might even find lures at these PokeStops, generously placed there by fellow schoolmates.

Lee Kong Chian Lecture Theatre

If you’ve been missing out on your workout routines lately, take a rewarding stroll from the North to the South Spine to make up for it. Plenty of PokeStops — sometimes with lures — line the row of lecture theatres (LT) leading up to the Lee Kong Chian LT.

The Hive

Nanyang Auditorium

The stretch outside The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf is not only dotted with PokeStops, it is also home to a Pokemon gym. Pit your skills against fellow students and fight for the coveted position of gym leader. (Warning: It could get more competitive than an exam.) In the event that you run out of potions to revive your beloved Pokemon with, sprint over to the nearest PokeStop to collect a few more.

Pioneer Hall Pond

Rumour has it that Dratinis have been spotted near the pond beside Pioneer Hall. These rare Pokemon evolve into Dragonair, and finally Dragonite — one of the strongest creatures in the game. Also, water bodies are home to many water Pokemon such as Magikarp, Psyduck and Slowpoke, which you might also fancy to fill up your Pokedex with or collect candies to evolve your Pokemon.

Canteen 13

Nobody would bear to turn down an adorable Eevee if it appears in your way. Drop by Canteen 13 for a meal as you will not only walk away with a filled tummy, but also an inventory full of Eevees. Eevees commonly evolve into Flareons, but if you want your Eevee to evolve into Vaporeon or Jolteon, one tip from our trainers is that you rename it to Rainer or Sparky respectively before choosing to evolve it.

Join the colony of Pokehunters and get bee-zy Pokemon hunting at The Hive. The PokeStop at The Hive, one of 88 PokeStops in NTU, can sometimes have lures all day, thanks to fans of the app who frequently drop them here. Like sweet nectar, these lures attract Pokemon to the vicinity, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for that rare Beedrill.

GRAPHIC: LIM PEI YI

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GRAPHIC: FIONA LIM

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Feast With

EASE

Food delivery is gaining traction in Singapore due to the convenience it provides. Lifestyle writer Syed Ebrahim Al-idrus shares what to expect from some of the top delivery services when you want some comfort food delivered to your doorstep.

GRAPHIC: BRENDA LEE

ntering the gates of school can be like signing up for a new season of Survivor — isolated in the far west of Singapore and left to fend for yourself. Few want to make the cumbersome journey out of school and back just to satisfy a food craving. In this case, food delivery services emerge as the next best option. Riding on this lifestyle hack, we’ve scoured some of the top delivery services that could very well be your SOS hotline when you’re sick and tired of school food. Foodpanda www.foodpanda.sg Rating: 4.5/5 Comfort is one of the many reasons food delivery remains a popular option among NTU undergraduates. We’d opt to snuggle under our blankets in the comfort of our beds instead of walking under the hot sun to the nearest canteen. Pleasing us with its fast and direct-to-door deliveries is foodpanda, which delivers cuisines from over 24 restaurants to NTU. On the list are crowd favourites such as Pastamania, Woo Ricebox and Carl’s Junior, which are available for delivery from 9.30am to 10.30pm daily. Its no-frills website is easy to navigate, as the food options are grouped into differ-

ent categories such as Western, Chinese, and Halal. Alternatively, you can order from the foodpanda mobile application, which allows you to track your order on a live countdown, giving you a rough estimate of when your feast is arriving. It took 40 minutes for us to get our hands on the Chicken Katsu that we ordered from 4Fingers, but delivery speed and charges differ depending on location. Most of the restaurants also require a minimum order of about $20. Even though you’re given the choice of paying cash upon delivery, we suggest you pay by credit card, so there isn’t the problem of small change. Deliveroo www.deliveroo.com.sg Rating: 4/5 Thirty-two minutes — that’s the time Deliveroo promises it will take to deliver food to your doorstep. True enough, our beef pad thai order from Thai Express arrived in 30 minutes. Launched just over seven months ago, Deliveroo is making a big splash here in Singapore, offering food choices from over 1,300 partner restaurants, with over a thousand delivery men. Currently, Deliveroo only offers nine res-

taurant options if you’re ordering from school but is looking to expand its services. On top of that, it will also be rolling out a series of Halal-certified cuisine over the next six months. Navigating the Deliveroo website and mobile application is a straightforward process — just punch in your postal code, select the food of your choice, and your meal is well on its way. The website is also aesthetically pleasing, plastered with sliders of mouth-watering photographs of all the food options you can choose from. A fixed delivery charge of $3 is added to the total bill regardless of location. Last orders are at 9.30pm and both cash and online credit card payment are accepted. What To Eat www.whattoeat.com.sg Rating: 4/5 American-style fish and chips, bak kut teh, and a plate of crispy Korean fried chicken. These are the types of food you can expect when you scroll through the long list of places available to order from What To Eat. There is a good mix, ranging from comforting hawker food to chic pubs and posh restaurants. Bringing over 200 cuisines across the is-

land directly to us, What To Eat operates from 11am to 11pm – so order early if you’re looking for a midnight supper. Our Yoshinoya meal arrived at our school in 40 minutes, well within the 50-minute average that it promises. Similar to the other delivery services, you can make payment with cash, credit and debit card, as well as Paypal. Its delivery charges are fixed at $2.99, with a minimum order of $30. Gourmet To Go www.gourmettogo.com.sg Rating 3.5/5 Gourmet To Go’s bright and colourful website functions as an online menu of over 39 restaurants to choose from. Besides categories such as Mediterranean, Fusion, Vegetarian and even zichar, the website also allows you to filter restaurants according to distance and budget. After looking through the menu, orders can be placed by phone from 11am to 2.30pm and 6pm to 9pm from Monday to Friday, as well as 11am to 9.30pm on weekends. But one drawback is that its estimated delivery time ranges from 90 minutes to two hours. There is also a starting delivery fee of $4, as well as a minimum order of $25 per restaurant.

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Less For More

Singapore's thriving thrift shopping scene is a treasure trove if you know where to look. Lifestyle writer Megan Koh shares great places to pick up lots — for a lot less.

he wardrobe dilemma is a daily challenge that robs many students of time and sanity as they rifle through piles of clothes to hunt for a great outfit. As undergraduates, few have the financial capacity to go on shopping sprees whenever we covet a new wardrobe. Instead, we pounce on ASOS discounts, flea markets and the cheapest deals we can find. Buying second-hand clothes is often a much cheaper alternative to retail shopping, which makes thrift shopping a go-to option for savvy shoppers. Take a trip around familiar neighbourhoods with this list of thrift shops and bag some unexpected gems along the way.

SOMETHING OLD SOMETHING NEW Block 499 Jurong West Street 41, #01-812 S187967 Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday: 9am - 5pm

Praisehaven Mega Family Store (centre, right) houses a wide range of second-hand items such as shoes and paintings while New2U Thrift Shop (left) has its fair share of dresses to be excited about. PHOTOS: VALERIE LAY

If you have free time between your lessons, Something Old Something New might just be the place for a short respite from school. Just a 10-minute walk from Lakeside MRT station, the thrift store is located under a block of flats, making shopping in the void deck a quaint experience of its own. While a random charity run T-shirt may sometimes appear when browsing, the shop still houses its fair share of hidden gems. A Zara men's polo shirt and Fred Perry work shirt were spotted going for just $3 each, while a DKNY denim jacket here costs only $10. An assortment of jeans and blazers is also available at a small fraction of the original price.

NEW2U THRIFT SHOP

MINDS SHOP PLUS @ NTUC HEALTHCARE

THE BARN

PRAISEHAVEN MEGA FAMILY STORE

96 Waterloo Street S187967

Block 71 Redhill Road, #01-29 S150071

11 East Coast Road, #01-14/15 S428722

500 Upper Bukit Timah Road S678106

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 10.30am - 2.30pm

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 9am - 6pm

Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday: 10am - 6pm Friday to Saturday: 10am - 9pm

Flaunting its wide collection of apparel, New2U Thrift Shop parades its range of tops, dresses and bottoms from inside its air-conditioned store to the corridors outside. There is also a small men’s collection tucked in the corner. Manned by the Singapore Council of Women’s Organisation, the 16-year-old thrift shop has been raved about by numerous bloggers and featured on Youtube channel Clicknetwork, which has more than 800,000 subscribers, making it one of the best known thrift shops in Singapore. Additionally, with a prime location in the bustling streets of Bugis, New2U makes for a convenient shopping expedition near town. Clothes here are largely priced below $10, and students enjoy a 50 per cent discount every Tuesday.

While some might associate thrift shops as cramped and in disrepair, a single trip to MINDS Shop Plus @ NTUC Healthcare will quickly dispel that notion. Tastefully decorated with sleek wood furnishings and modern wall art, the thrift shop can easily pass off as a retail outlet at an upscale shopping centre. Apart from the aesthetically-pleasing interior, what’s worth noticing about the shop is its mix of trendy pieces – think dainty sundresses and cable-knit tops – and formal wear, including neoprene dresses and structured blazers. The shop’s best recommendations are hung on rotating racks, while the rest of the clothes and accessories are stacked neatly in clear plastic boxes – with some temptingly labelled “$1 shirts”.

From plus-sized garments such as branded jumpsuits and dresses to eccentric bright prints – including a two-toned salmon and red sweater and a colourful dress of dizzying patterns – volunteer-run thrift shop The Barn surprises its shoppers with its refreshing variety of apparel. The shop also offers an extensive winter wear selection of fleece jackets and plaid coats, all for less than $30. Its men’s options also have a decent range of flannels, sweaters, work shirts, polo tops and dri-fit tops. The tops here do not exceed $5 and its dresses are no more than $10. On top of that, The Barn also houses a variety of affordably priced books, bags and furniture. If you're lucky, you may even walk into a sale, where prices are slashed further to between $3 and $8.

As one of the biggest thrift shops operating under The Salvation Army’s social enterprise arm, Praisehaven Mega Family Store is the most accessible of all the stores on this list, located right beside the newly opened Rochor MRT station. It is home to an array of styles, from chic leather jackets to stylish designer gowns, but you can also find cheaper goods, such as an Esprit maxi wraparound skirt going for just $10 and a series of tops for $5. The spacious shop floor also plays host to an assortment of books, paintings, music instruments and furniture, making it ideal for a weekend outing for families or friends with different interests. With the proceeds channelled towards the organisation’s humanitarian efforts, you will feel less guilty about shopping here.

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DAPPER

We may not have the glow of an Olympic champion like Joseph Schooling, but it's hard not to feel triumphant anyway when you're decked out in gold. Wear it heavy or light, subtle or loud â&#x20AC;&#x201C; gold is surprisingly versatile. We're convinced it is the new neutral.

Photography: Gary Khoo Text and Styling: Desiree Ng Assisted by: Roy Tan Models: Lim Ziyu, Amos Tay Make-up: Teh Xia Yin Special thanks to Nanyang Executive Centre

12-13 DAPPER

Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re for worn-out kicks or shiny loafers, here are three ways to get your shimmy on for your everyday look.

Gold, Bold or Go Home

Gold paired with graphic elements serves up extra oomph to your everyday wear. The trick is to make sure the rest of the outfit does not compete with both of the loud elements â&#x20AC;&#x201C; keep it in light hues or dark-coloured combinations, and opt for minimal accessories for maximum impact.

On Ziyu: Reversible bomber, from Stradivarius, $129.90 Top, from Dressabelle, $23.00 Skirt, from Pull and Bear, $45.90 Shoes, from Stradivarius, $39.90 Necklace, from PSLove, $18.90 On Amos: Jacket, from Bershka, $69.90 Top, from Pull and Bear, $29.90 Pants, from Pull and Bear, $39.90 Bag, from Stradivarius, $49.90

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On Ziyu: Cap, from Stradivarius, $22.90 Top, from Bershka, $29.90 Jacket, from Pull and Bear, $89.90 Shorts, Model’s own Shoes, from Bershka, $69.90

Diamonds in the Dirt (right)

On Amos: Reversible bomber, from Stradivarius, $129.90 Top, Model’s own Pants, from Zara, $89.90 Shoes, Model’s own

Gold is timeless – but with a twist, it’s also for the ones with a too-cool-to-care attitude. For instant polish, just add a light touch of gold by throwing on a cap or a bomber jacket to pair with deconstructed denim.

Metallic Luxe (left)

A little metallic does a lot to add interest to your monochrome wear. Pair heavy metallic pieces with lightweight complements. If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, go for neatly-tucked knit with slits that help to break up the weight of all that gold. On Ziyu: Top, from Dressabelle, $32.00 Skirt, from Bershka, $49.90 Shoes, from Zara, $69.90 Choker, from PSLove, $18.90 On Amos: Top, $39.90 Pants, $69.90 Shoes, $69.90 All from Zara

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EDITORIAL Students must step up in the face of terror threats During his National Day Rally address, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong brought up the threat of terrorism on home soil, following recent attacks in neighbouring Malaysia and Indonesia. A dozen Singaporeans have been arrested under the Internal Security Act (ISA) over the past two years. Last month, Indonesia arrested a group of militants who had planned to attack Marina Bay with a rocket. While the Republic has been fortunate to evade attacks, we should not take our internal stability for granted. Counter-terrorism must be considered a community effort. As undergraduates forming the future generation of leaders and influencers, our role remains crucial. Sadly, young Singaporeans are often deemed the “strawberry generation”, idealistic and apathetic about things outside of their own world. This is an opportunity to prove this claim wrong. Our degrees should go beyond the mere thought

of securing better employment opportunities. We have to lead the way by educating each other about the nuances and characteristics of terrorism, and that danger lurks in the most unexpected of places. The public is aware of the threat. According to a Sunday Times poll of 500 people in March, three in four Singaporeans believe that it is only a matter of time before an attack. But passive awareness is not enough. Pick up a newspaper and update yourself about the latest terror developments. Lead discussions with others on terrorism and get involved. Singaporeans must also be psychologically ready to respond to a possible attack or crisis. Mr Lee spoke about the upcoming launch this month of SG Secure, an initiative aiming to prepare the public in the event of an attack. The challenge for us students – regardless of our fields of expertise – will then be to step up and lead on the ground.

THE NANYANG

CHRONICLE CHIEF EDITOR

LIFESTYLE EDITOR

LAYOUT ARTIST

MANAGING EDITORS

SPORTS EDITOR

LAYOUT SUPERVISOR

CHIEF SUB-EDITOR

DAPPER EDITOR Gary Khoo

PRODUCTION SUPPORT

Nicholas Tan

Matthew Mohan Rachel Chia Serena Yeh

SUB-EDITOR Louisa Tang

NEWS EDITOR Rachel Chia

OPINION EDITOR Matthew Mohan

Dewey Sim

Ignatius Koh

PHOTO EDITOR Zheng Juncen

GRAPHIC EDITOR Brenda Lee

Hao Anran

Yeo Kai Wen Joe Tok Kenny Wong

FACULTY ADVISORS Edson Tandoc Zakaria Zainal

BUSINESS MANAGERS Sheena Wong Vanessa Tan

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

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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

GRAPHIC: TAN ZHUO HUI

Just another solitary animal Gowri Somasundaram

ne of the questions I have pondered the most in my past two years at university is this: is it okay to be alone in public? As someone who enjoys spending time in solitude, I find the very thing that brings me joy constantly being frowned upon by others. Why are you always alone? Don’t you have friends? These are common questions that I get. But this leaves me wondering why there must be a correlation between having friends and being alone. Being part of a group does not guarantee protection against loneliness. Similarly, the assumption that one is alone because they have no friends is also misguided. For instance, the very idea of having a meal alone in school seems an unfathomable situation to many. I have even heard stories of people who would rather not have lunch than eat alone in school. Are we so bothered with how others perceive us that we must deprive ourselves of alone time? Even in the animal kingdom, the existence of solitary animals is acknowledged and accepted as natural. Many species, including cheetahs, jaguars, snow leopards and bears, are all classified as solitary, preferring to live in seclusion for most of their lives. To science, this descriptor is neutral, factual. So for mankind – who some may argue are also animals – should it still be coloured with the

negative judgement I have regularly observed? Interestingly, spending time alone seems to be a trend that is here to stay. According to a 2015 Visa Global Travel Intentions Study, the number of first-time solo travellers more than doubled from 16 per cent in 2014 to 37 per cent last year. Furthermore, the survey revealed that such travellers tended to have a set destination in mind but were more flexible with their itineraries — one of the best advantages of travelling solo. This negative perception of people who frequently spend time alone is not something that is unique to NTU, or even Singapore. This topic has been covered multiple times in news publications such as the Washington Post and the Huffington Post — which published an article titled “The Stigma of Doing Things Alone” earlier in the year. It explores the assumption that we dislike and fear being alone, then points out the need for a “degree of confidence and initiative" in order to be comfortable in your own skin during “me” time. However, this is not to say that the desire to be around others is bad — or about to die down anytime soon. For some of us, being surrounded by people gives us the enthusiasm and energy to get through our day. It is important to understand the significance of social connections

as well as to be able to manage a healthy dose of it. But, every coin has a flip side. While it is rejuvenating to spend some time alone, there is scientific evidence, most notably by social neuroscientist John Cacioppo from the University of Chicago, which shows that spending excessive time by yourself can be detrimental not only to your mental health, but also to your physical state.

Are we so bothered with how others perceive us that we must deprive ourselves of alone time? What then becomes crucial is knowing our personal state of mind, and striking a balance between recharging and spending quality time with friends and family. In this regard, there is no one form of acceptable behaviour. Everyone has personal preferences, be it being alone or hanging out with friends. The best thing we can do for each other is to respect one another’s inclinations. As I pen my first draft for this piece, it is 3am and I am alone in my room, but somehow I feel far from lonely. This is when I am reminded of one of my favourite quotes by American poet Henry David Thoreau: “I never found the companion that was so companionable as solitude.”

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OPINION

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01 CHRONICLE

canteen talk

Recently, some students have voiced displeasure over the reliability and frequency of the NTU campus bus services. What are some changes you would like to see on that front?

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Having an electronic board at bus stops to display bus timings is quite a good idea, especially during the peak periods. Clarissa Quah, 19 HSS, Year 1

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I think the current bus app (NTU GO!) is unreliable. I would use it if bus locations are shown correctly and accurate estimates of arrival timings are provided.

PHOTO: VALERIE LAY

Augmented Reality games: The next level

Ng Lianjie, 22 MAE, Year 3

Jasmine Koh

“

Since I don’t stay on campus, I’m not very sure where the buses stop. It will be good if the bus routes are made clearer. Ariq Ezzuddin, 22 EEE, Year 2

“

I would prefer it if the campus bus loop starts and stops at Boon Lay Interchange. It will be more efficient, especially in the evenings, when the public buses that go to Boon Lay are very crowded.

Thiri Htun Wai, 21 CEE, Year 1

ith Pokemon Go taking most of the world, including Singapore, by storm, it seems that the future of Augmented Reality (AR) media is a bright one. Although AR media is not new in the scene, experts say the hype surrounding the game has brought a fresh wave of interest in this form of entertainment. AR is the use of technology to overlay digital information on the reality that we see. Previously, games and devices, such as Minecraft and Google Glass, were introduced to the market — to mixed success. The Pokemon Go game features a virtual view of the real-world environment using the Global Positioning System (GPS). Players navigate their surroundings to catch Pokemon, as well as fight against opposing teams in PokeGyms, which are tied to a certain location, to take over them.

Pokemon Mania

In today’s context, it is no surprise that AR games such as Pokemon Go are popular, said Associate Professor Dion Goh, a researcher in the gamification and serious games industry from the Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information (WKWSCI).

According to Dr Goh, there are several reasons why many people are attracted to these games. Player interaction during gameplay is a key contributor to quick uptake among users. This means that games and devices, which allow users who share similar interests to meet up both virtually and physically, have increased popularity. AR games are usually designed for players seeking all forms of entertainment, ranging from casual to serious gaming, with Pokemon Go “challenging enough for fierce competition, and easy enough for beginners,” said Dr Goh. This has resulted in the game creating "greater fun and purpose,” Dr Goh added.

Smartphone-savvy nation

In a digital and individualistic age like today, using handheld devices for social bonding is familiar to many, said Associate Professor Jung Younbo, an expert in the interactive media industry who is also from WKWSCI. According to a 2015 survey conducted by Deloitte, Singapore ranks the highest in the world for smartphone penetration. This is a possible indication of the potential that AR media can have here. In the past few years, technological improvements also have been

astounding — this includes voice and gesture control, virtual reality and cloud gaming, among others. Nonetheless, safety guidelines for using AR media have to be adhered to, said Dr Jung. Gamers should be responsible for the gameplay and devices that they use, ensuring they do not harm themselves or others in the process. Dr Goh noted that the potential pitfalls of any games still apply, including addiction, violence and various forms or trouble. “Ensuring the game does not affect one’s work or studies dramatically, and that others are not inconvenienced, are also essential practices,” he noted.

More on the horizon

With the success of Pokemon Go, experts also noted that the development of AR media is likely to be fast-tracked. Improved designs and enhanced functions of wearable devices such as Google Glass, digital learning, as well as more engaging entertainment are plausible prospects of AR media that we can look forward to. If technology allows, the ideal experience would be to visualise reality through a virtual lens, said Dr Jung. Dr Goh added: “But regardless of what form of new games will be invented, the future of AR-related media will continue to be an eyeopener for all."

Sports

Best bat for gold NTU cricket team's fouryear SUniG title run is all down to the players' cohesion. They are gearing up to win it for the fifth time this month Natalie Choy

old or nothing. The NTU cricket team is setting its eyes on a fifth title at this year’s Singapore University Games (SUniG). “It’s either gold or we have lost,” said captain Singaram Venkatachalam, 22, a final-year student at the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering. The defending champions will not be satisfied with just a fourth straight championship. They want to win it in convincing fashion. “Winning is a baseline, a culture we have built up over the years. We want our opponents to fear us," said 23-year-old vice-captain Siddharth Karthikeyan. Team spirit Their dominance stems from more than just the 12 hours of training clocked every week and the technical expertise from the handful of players that are also part of the national squad. Ask Singaram what the team’s biggest asset is and ‘team spirit' will be his response. “Bonding is most important in any team sport,” he said. “It precedes individual skill.” This team spirit was evident in the way they edged out National University of Singapore (NUS) in the Singapore Cricket Association Corporate League last year. Fresh out of the summer break with a single training session prior to match day, NTU's cricketers were up against an NUS team in better physical condition. But the team upstaged NUS by a wafer-thin margin of four runs, which Siddharth described as “the football equivalent of scoring a goal in the 119th minute”. The unexpected win was due to the team’s fighting spirit, which gave them the mental edge over NUS, said Singaram. “It was a close fight, but we believed in our game and played as a team to achieve the victory,” he added.

The NTU players are keen to build on their success by winning the SUniG title for a fifth consecutive year.

Obstacles Like any other sport, the road to victory has been littered with sacrifices and challenges. The team needs a large training area, so it cannot share the Sports and Recreation Centre field with other sports teams. The players usually have sole access to the field only at 9pm. Members often have dinners past 1am, and some even have classes in a few hours’ time. The team trains twice a week, and Saturdays are reserved for matches or day camps in school. Siddharth, a final-year student at the Nanyang Business School, currently shuttles between his semester-long internship with the L’Oréal Group and cricket trainings. “It’s a lot of commitment. But since it is a sport I love, the passion makes it easier,” said Siddharth. Returning the favour The captains also stressed the importance of integrating new players into the team. “We’re lucky to have seniors who

still come back to guide the new players,” said Singaram. “Now we hope to do the same for the youngsters in the team.” One such senior is alumnus player Dr Mustafa Hussain Kathawala, 27, who has represented NTU for seven SUniG seasons. He joined the team in 2008 as a second-year student and played competitively throughout his undergraduate and PhD years at the School of Material Science and Engineering (MSE). “Cricket opened a lot of doors for me. I met most of my close friends through cricket,” he said. He implemented new changes when he was the team captain in his final year as an undergraduate student. “I got us a cricket coach, held proper trials and put us through a vigorous training regime,” he said. The training camps also played an important role in team-building. The two to three full days of intensive training before each season coincided with the new batch of players coming in.

PHOTOS: GARY KHOO

“It’s tough. But when you go through hardship as a team, you will bond over these challenges,” he explained. “It builds chemistry on and off the field,” he added.

This age-old unity is what puts the spirited cricket team ahead of the rest of the field.

Beyond the game The success achieved that year was the reason Dr Kathawala remained both as a player and a mentor. “I want this success to continue and I want to keep this spirit alive,” he said. Currently a research fellow at MSE, Dr Kathawala no longer competes in SUniG. But he still plays for NTU in corporate leagues and remains close to the undergraduate team. He shares his experiences with the new players and helps guide the team during tough matches. “In NTU Cricket, it’s never seniors above everyone else. There are a lot of helping hands. We all want what’s best for the team.” Dr Kathawala said. “We’re just a bunch of friends who really love the game.”

Captain Singaram Venkatachalam emphasises the importance of team spirit.

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SPORTS

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Masters of land and sea NTU's aquathlon team aims for the summit after last year's second-place finish in the SUniG. There will be no lack of motivation for the team members Fiona Mei Robinson

TU aquathlon team members spend their Saturday mornings at Sentosa, but not to relax at the beach. They train every week at Tanjong Beach for the upcoming Singapore University Games (SUniG), which will start on 24 Sep. For the athletes, the bitterness of defeat weighs on their minds. Last year, both the men's and women’s teams came in second behind National University of Singapore. And in 2014, the men’s team were also second, while the women’s team emerged champions. Emerging victorious The team, however, has seen significant improvement since the heartbreak at East Coast Park last year. In June, they won the overall Singapore National Aquathlon’s school category. The race, comprising a 750 metre-swim followed by a 5 kilometre-run, was a similar distance to that of SUniG. The team garnered more than twice the number of points of second-placed Singapore Institute of Management. Overall team captain Ang Jun Xiang, a final-year student from the Nanyang Business School, attributed the victory to their diligent training from August to the time of the Singapore National Aquathlon in June. The team has official two-hour trainings on Mondays and Wednesdays, with an additional brick session on Saturdays. Brick sessions are short high-intensity swim-andrun sets that get athletes used to the racing pace. Members also go for a swim and hit the gym in their own time. While the triathlon is growing in popularity, the aquathlon, a dual discipline race that comprises swimming and running, is much lesser known. “An aquathlon is only raced in open water. We don’t race in a pool, so we train very differently from normal swimmers,” said Ang, 24. Specialised training To simulate competition and prepare better for races, the team has brick sessions at Sentosa, and tailored swim trainings. The swim is done in the sea, where visibility is low and the water movement is unpredictable,

Team members, led by captain Ang Jun Xiang (second from right), have hours of training under their belts.

compared to the controlled environment in a swimming pool. For trainings held at the school’s Sports and Recreation Centre, the team removes the lane ropes, which allows the players to swim in a pack. “The start of the swim makes you feel as if you are in a washing machine, so training like this helps make sure everyone is used to it before they race,” said Ang. Guiding the team More than just their rigorous training sessions, the team also has a mentor in teammate and national triathlete Chew Yi Heng. Chew, a second-year Renaissance Engineering Programme student, was first exposed to the aquathlon when he was in Singapore Polytechnic, and has been in the multisport for the past four years. He won the 18-24-year-old category for Ironman 70.3 Bintan in Indonesia last month, qualifying for the Ironman 70.3 World Championship to be held in Chattanooga, Tennessee next year. Vice-captain Phua Jian Ming, 24, said Chew’s presence in the squad motivates the team to improve. “While we know we won’t be able to reach his standard over a short period of time, internal competition helps bring the team to

greater heights,” said the third-year School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering student. “Having a national athlete in the team makes me want to push harder.” Team member Seah Fung Ling, 21, highlighted Chew’s propensity for guiding his teammates, despite them being less experienced. “The best thing about having (Chew) in the team is that he doesn’t look down on us, but instead helps us improve,” said Seah, a third-year School of Material Science Engineering student. “This makes the aquathlon team feel like a family.” The team’s family-oriented approach provides a great support system, said Phua. This is especially so during pre-season when they train up to 11 times a week. He said: “As a vice-captain, my primary goal is to bring the team together. For instance, even if I’m not training, I’ll still come down to help train and support the team.” After the disappointment of being double runners-up last year, nothing less than a gleaming gold medal will do for the aquathlon team this time. “After last year’s SUniG, I told the team that we needed to come back in 2016 to win this,” captain Ang said. “This is our year to win it.”

PHOTOS: ZHENG JUNCEN

Team captain Ang Jun Xiang ensures that members are ready for competition.

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VOL. NO.

CHRONICLE 01

Playing like a pro

Students get the opportunity to play in professional stadiums via the Great Eastern Amateur Football League Khairul Anwar

or two years, Ong Kang Sheng warmed the bench for his school football team. His lack of previous match experience meant that he was an unused substitute for most games. The then-Victoria Junior College student had only stepped on the pitch at the Jalan Besar Stadium once – to warm up when his team played in the finals of the A Division Football Championships. “It was disheartening to be on the bench the whole time,” said the second-year National Institute of Education student.

"I want the younger generation to have this experience – to play on a nice pitch with people watching. That’s probably as close as you can get to being a national player." Mr Shaun Lin, 32 PlayPal co-founder

These days, Ong, 22, plays in a corporate football league on Saturdays, but only on secondary school pitches – never at a stadium. But all that changed when his Hall of Residence entered the Great Eastern Amateur Football League (GEAFL). The league is organised by Great Eastern (GE) whose partners are event consultant group The eXperience Concept, and online social football platform PlayPal, which connects amateur football teams. Professional stadiums All GEAFL matches are played at S.League stadiums. A notable difference between the Jalan Besar Stadium pitch, home to S.League team Garena Young Lions, and a school pitch is the different artificial turf laid out. For school fields, the turf is rated by its manufacturer but the Jalan Besar Stadium is rated ‘2 Stars’ – the highest rating in the system – by FIFA, the world governing body for football. Ong, who plays as a centre-back for Hall 16, said: “The atmosphere

Hall 16 defender Ong Kang Sheng (left) has felt a difference in the pitch size and atmosphere at the Jalan Besar Stadium.

at Jalan Besar is very different because it’s a proper stadium. The field here is bigger and there’s a lot more space to play the ball.” PlayPal takes charge of the weekly operations, such as scheduling games, providing logistics, and securing stadiums for games. Its co-founder Mr Shaun Lin, 32, said: “It’s an experience to play at Jalan Besar. Not everyone has the chance to play here, let alone other stadiums.

"The atmosphere at Jalan Besar is very different because it's a proper stadium. The field here is bigger and there's a lot more space to play the ball." Ong Kang Sheng, 22 Hall 16 footballer

“I want the younger generation to have this experience - to play on a nice pitch with people watching.

PHOTO: FIONA MEI ROBINSON

That’s probably as close as you can get to being a national player.” Professional pitches aside, the matches will also be officiated by referees provided by the Football Association of Singapore. New experience The league kicked off in August at the Jalan Besar Stadium. It comprises several NTU and National University of Singapore halls, GE agencies, which are companies that represent GE, and Sunday league teams. Like his Hall 16 teammate Ong, Derrick Lim, 21, has watched live matches at the stadium but never imagined he would step onto its pitch as a player. “It was phenomenal. It’s a different experience putting my boots on and actually playing,” said the first-year School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering student. New pitch problems But playing on a new turf also provides its own set of challenges for the players, which second-year School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) student Dave Lee experienced. The 22-year-old Hall 12 captain

Hall 16 midfielder Derrick Lim (second from left) can now play on the Jalan Besar pitch instead of cheering from the stands. PHOTO: ZHENG JUNCEN

said: “The grass is short and I felt that the pitch was slightly slippery – it could be due to the lack of rubber bits, which increases traction.” Echoing his teammate’s view, Adam Malik, 23, also noted that the ball moves faster and bounces higher on the pitch. But the second-year MAE student relishes the opportunity to

play in an actual S.League stadium. “The field might be a little slippery but it’s definitely better than the usual pitches I play on,” the left-back said. “I’ve always wanted to play at Jalan Besar but my junior college team fell short of reaching the semis. So just being here now gives me an adrenaline rush.”

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SPORTS

THE NANYANG

01 CHRONICLE

Rio 2016: Steering through the waves

Five must-watch competitions this month 1 PARALYMPICS (7-18 SEP) In the largest ever Paralympic Games, athletes from over 170 countries will compete in more than 20 sports in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Team Singapore’s 12 athletes will take part in six different sports, with five members making their Olympic bow in archery, athletics, boccia, and sailing. Swimmers Theresa Goh and Yip Pin Xiu, the 2008 Paralympics 50 metres backstroke gold medallist, are expected to be in the running for a medal. The Games will, for the first time, see a refugee team compete as the Independent Paralympic Athletes Team.

NTU windsurfer Leonard Ong relished the opportunity to compete against world-class opponents.

Ignatius Koh Sports Editor

TU’s sole Olympian at the 2016 Olympics, Leonard Ong, arrived in Rio de Janeiro for prior training a month before the Games began. The 23-year-old RS:X class windsurfer was one of 10 sailors in the Republic’s largest-ever Olympic sailing team — which windsurfing is grouped under. He is also Team Singapore’s first Olympic windsurfer since 1984. But no amount of preparation was enough for Ong to tackle prerace jitters in his maiden Olympic Games — despite his experience in last year’s Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, where he finished second. “When you realise that you’re part of the competition, you naturally get nervous. Initially, I blanked out as it overwhelmed me a little,” said Ong. “But I told myself that this race was no different from any other, so I snapped out and got ready. I couldn’t control how well my opponents raced, but I could control my own race.” The first-year Nanyang Business School student eventually finished 34th out of 36 competitors, and thought positively of his first Olympic experience. He was initially disappointed, but the result was not what mattered most, he said. “At times, I looked at my competitors and wondered if I was

really that lousy. On days that I raced well, it felt awesome, but on other days, it pulled me down,” said Ong. “Thinking back, I realised how hard the journey to Rio was as I had to compete against many people to secure my ticket. I may not have been the best in the field but I was part of the best,” added Ong. Being at the Olympics also meant that the windsurfer could engage with other star athletes, including one of his inspirations.

"I realised how hard the journey to Rio was as I had to compete against many people to secure my ticket. I may not have been the best in the field but I was part of the best." Leonard Ong, 23 National windsurfer

“Someone whom I respect is (British silver medallist) Nick Dempsey. This was his fifth Olympics and for him to be at the highest level for so long, it speaks a lot about his drive and passion,” said Ong. “In the Olympic Village, I saw world-class athletes everywhere, so I didn’t want to mess around in front of them,” he added. “After a while, I realised that I should have carried out my usual routine as it’s

PHOTO: BRIAN SNYDER

the same for them; everyone just wants to do his best.” On race days, Ong followed a standard routine in Rio – an hour’s warm-up in the gym, followed by breakfast before the team travels to the Marina da Gloria by bus at 10am. At the beach in Guanabara Bay, the sailors would go through their final checks, and then head out to the water to test the conditions. A race day consisted of three races that started at 1pm and could last between two-and-a-half to five hours, depending on the weather. “The wind is never consistent, especially in Rio where the airport and mountains affect the direction of the wind,” said Ong. The sailors had two consecutive days of racing, followed by a day of rest. They competed in 12 races over five days. “Sometimes in the middle of the race your competitors make mistakes but you realise that these guys are good enough to recover well so one mistake from me can be costly,” said Ong, whose calloused palms offered an indication of the hard work he put in. For now, Ong is back in NTU to resume his studies after taking a semester off to train. “I haven’t studied in a while so it’s something for me to overcome,” said Ong with a smile. Almost 16,000 kilometres away from Rio, Ong has been back for almost a month now and he is ready to hit the books – until the Tokyo 2020 Olympics comes calling.

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE: MANCHESTER UNITED VS. MANCHESTER CITY (10 SEP)

This season’s first Manchester derby promises to be a fiery one, with Jose Mourinho’s rivalry with Pep Guardiola expected to reignite from their time in the Spanish La Liga. Guardiola has the edge over the Special One with his seven wins to Mourinho’s three. Both the Red Devils and the Citizens have the firepower needed to win the tie as Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Sergio Aguero have hit their stride for their respective clubs.

DAVIS CUP SEMI-FINAL 3 TENNIS: (16-18 SEP) Defending champion Great Britain have set up a semi-final clash against Argentina on home soil in the Davis Cup tournament. World No. 2 Andy Murray, who recently clinched his second Olympic gold medal to match his two Wimbledon crowns, will return to lead the team after an abrupt withdrawal from the quarter-finals in July. In the other semi-final, Croatia will face France following a 3-2 win over the United States.

F1: SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX (16-18 SEP)

Formula One returns to Singapore, with the Mercedes team expected to continue their dominance over the rest of the grid. Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton leads the table, after the Briton overcame a 43-point deficit to leapfrog teammate Nico Rosberg in spectacular fashion. Rosberg’s capitulation, coupled with the duo’s less-thanfriendly past, will set the scene for an explosive race at Marina Bay. Don’t count on the chasing pack of Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo and the Ferrari duo of Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel to settle for second best either.

GOLF: RYDER CUP (30 SEP-2 OCT)

Golf’s biennial team competition returns after the conclusion of the four majors this year. Both Europe and the United States boast two of this year’s major champions in their ranks. Cup holders Europe have Masters and Open champions Danny Willett and Henrik Stenson respectively, while the US can call upon Dustin Johnson and Jimmy Walker, the US Open and PGA Championship winners. With most golfers well-rested after skipping the Olympics, expect more pars and birdies to land in Chaska, Minnesota.

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ARE YOU MISSING OUT? The Career & Attachment Office (CAO) is here for you! Let us help you SODA your Way to Success! We have been expanding to bring to you more Career Services. Visit us at www.ntu.edu.sg/CAO and like us on our FaceBook page - NTUCAOsg. Some of the services and events we offer: • Group and 1-to-1 Career Coaching & Mock Interview • 1-to-1 Career Exploration • Career & Professional Development Workshops • Industry Awareness Events

HIGHLIGHTS

M IALS FRO TESTIMON E STUDENTS TH SOME OF VE HELPED: WE HA

September Event Highlight: Built Environment Networking Session Date: 9 Sept 2016 Time: 12.30pm to 5pm Venue: Nanyang Auditorium Foyer

Career Service Highlight: Drop-in Career Advisory Date: Every Tuesday & Thursday Time: 1pm to 3pm Venue: Student Services Centre, Level 1

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“It was through your updates that I got to know of the recruitment for GSK's Future Leaders' Programme. It was a long process of interviews and all, but I would like to share with you the good news, that I managed to get the offer after the assessment centre last week. I definitely wouldn't have gotten this far if not for your efforts in updating everyone about the various offers and opportunities, as well as the plethora of workshops for students. The skills I picked up from the resume workshop and interview skills workshop has helped me greatly too! Once again, I wish to extend my thanks to everyone in the team who've spent numerous hours on the updates every week; it definitely had a great impact for me. Thank you!” ----- Lim Jie Sheng, Chemistry. 2016 Graduate

“Events manag ement has al ways been m passion since I was 13. In m y y PI, I was assi the director of sting an events man agement compa for all his major ny events and man aged to climb th ranks quickly with him. After e our first succes event together sful , he offered me a fu company and was extremely ll time job in the pleased with work. I wor my ked on som e advertorial marketing for and the company designing an as well usin d PR skills g I had learne WKWSCI and d in the company managed to ga from my contrib in ution. I had a great experienc with my PI and am very thankf e ul to WKWSCI NTU for having and an attachment semester as pa of our curriculum rt .” ----- Namreena Bharat Samtani , Communicatio n Studies. Year 4

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