Geosphere: Uncover(ed)

GEOSPHERE UNCOVER(ED)

Geosphere

Uncover(ed) MCI (P) 150/03/2019 Published in March 2019 Publisher NUS Department of Geography Faculty of Arts and Social Science AS2-0301, 1 Arts Link Singapore 117570 Editor-in-Chief Gilbert Mak Editors Felicia Chua Sarah Jane Tan Print iPrint Express

Geosphere is an annual publication by the National University of Singapore Geographical Society. We love all things geographical and wish to share our passion with all who have geographical interests. For enquiries or partnerships, leave us a message at: nusgeosphere@gmail.com

in this issue.

WORLD 8 speaking across the line 12 biodiversity conservation and GIS 16 on his two feet 22 memoryscapes

HOME 28 human geography at home 32 blue blood 34 costs of a global city

GEOGRAPHY @ 90 38 90th anniversary gala dinner 40 reflections of the department

PEOPLE 48 interns 56 careers

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 63 contributors

editorʼs letter.

2019 is a special year for both the NUS Geography Department and Singapore. The Department is celebrating its 90th anniversary while Singapore is commemorating its bicentennial in the same year.

Both events involve looking back at our journeys and learning new insights for the future. Similarly, Geosphere Uncover(ed), in its verb form, engages with issues and stories of the past and future, exploring the rich fields of knowledge they hold.

This issue of Geosphere begins by looking at the global scale. The section on ‘World’ explores how Geographers navigate social circumstances and appreciate the world around them. From peacemaking projects in Cyprus to biodiversity conservation, it comes as no surprise that many Geographers are actively making changes in the world. The next section considers how Geographers are equally involved in local initiatives. ‘Home’ documents how Geographers are participating in social change for the physical environment and in human communities.

Whether you are a physical or human Geographer, ‘Home’ is a pertinent reminder that there is much to be done in our backyard.

Geosphere Uncover(ed) also celebrates Geographers through a feature on the Department’s 90th anniversary! In this special feature, we invited former faculty members to recount their days with the Department as they advanced from undergraduates to faculty members. Current undergraduate, Sarah Tan who attended the

Department’s 90th Anniversary Gala Dinner also recalls some highlights of the night in her article.

The remaining articles present a host of stories about Geographers and their experiences on and off campus, ranging from undergraduates on internships to alumni careers and their recollections of life in NUS. The limits of knowledge are boundless when we engage in meaningful conversation and listen to the stories and experiences of others. Without a doubt, conversing with other Geographers was my favourite undertaking as I worked to have Geosphere Uncover(ed) published.

Once the past has been explored and the present unpacked, Geosphere Uncover(ed) as a verb then transitions to its past tense, but do not let the information gleaned from Geosphere stop here!

My dream is for Geosphere Uncover(ed) to inspire you to take action in the world. May the lighthearted musings and thought-provoking stories enrich and motivate you to find your unique way of contributing back to society!

Gilbert Mak Editor-in-chief

world speaking across the line creating and removing conflict lines in Cyprus

8 biodiversity conservation and GIS GIS provides new ways of organising and presenting data in conservation efforts

12 on his two feet exploring Europe through ultra-trail marathons and leisurely strolls

16 memoryscapes winning entries of the NUS Geography Photo Contest 2019

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speaking across the line a feminist understanding of the Cyprus conflict SHARON CHEONG

Feminist interventions in political geography aim not only to incorporate women’s voices (and those of other marginalised groups) back into analyses, but to also investigate the situated and embodied experiences found in large-scale geopolitical events. This essay takes the feminist understanding of ‘the personal is political’ to detail the gendered dimensions of the Cyprus conflict. How does the conflict affect women differently than men? How does this feminist understanding point to the masculine nature of the conflict?

What implications does it hold for peace?

Background: Famagusta-Varosha Border | Photo by Hulki Okan Tabak

Cyprus has long had a troubled history of intercommunal conflicts between its two largest communities, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. For one, the significance of the Greek and Turkish legacies has been a topic of contention between nationalists in both communities.

The Greek legacy in Cyprus is often traced to the Byzantine Empire, while Turkish legacy is explained by the rule of the Ottoman Empire.

These histories continue to be contested, even after the declining Ottoman Empire ceded control over Cyprus to the British in 1914. Under British colonialism, bicommunal tensions in Cyprus was aggravated according to the governance strategy of ‘divide and rule’. It was also during this time, when Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot nationalisms gained ground, first as a form of anticolonial resistance, but subsequently also as a means of ‘Othering’. To elaborate, Greek Cypriot nationalists had called for Enosis, the union of Cyprus with Greece, which aimed to not only get rid of the British rulers, but also the Turkish Cypriots. In response, Turkish Cypriot nationalists had called for Taksim, the partition of Cyprus to form a separate Turkish Cypriot state.

With this in mind, the subsequent independence of the Republic of Cyprus was something that neither Greek Cypriot nationalists nor Turkish Cypriot nationalists wanted. Furthermore, the post-independence constitution had introduced a bicommunal system of power-sharing, and three guarantor powers (Greece, Turkey, the U.K.) who had an obligation to intervene should intercommunal conflict resurface. While this was intended to keep Taksim and Enosis at bay, it instead legitimised an institutionalised dualism, and the presence of the powerful Greek and Turkish armies in Cyprus, paving the way for the events of 1974.

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In 1974, the military dictatorship of Greece, increasingly dissatisfied with the leadership of Cyprus, launched a coup d’état to install a Greek-nationalist regime on the island.

Many Turkish Cypriots, fearful for their lives, withdrew in large numbers into the north.

Yet, despite obligations to intervene, the British did not respond. This led to Turkey embarking on an invasion, on the premise of protecting Turkish Cypriots on the island.

Despite calls for a ceasefire from the United Nations, the Turkish army did not withdraw and remain in Cyprus to this day. The outcome was the partition of Cyprus, and subsequently in 1983, the establishment of the unrecognised ‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC)’ in the north, separated from the rest of the republic by a United Nations Buffer Zone (also known as the Green Line) (Figure below, in red)

Background: United Nations Peacekeeping Force Headquarters in Cyprus | Photo by Sharon Cheong

While many studies have explored the various factors leading to the Cyprus conflict, gender as an influence remains persistently unaccounted for. It is important to understand that the conflict was produced by masculine nationalist narratives in both communities alike.

These narratives of ‘us versus them’ worked to conceive and perpetuate differences with the ‘Other’.

In moments of anger and fear, a line emerges and materialises as a fence separating both communities. It becomes emblematic of the divide across the island, in which passage across the line is policed by uniformed men at checkpoints. The physical Green Line is therefore representative of the mental and emotional divisions that masculine nationalist narratives in both communities have socialised one to believe. Accordingly, this masculine divide worked to doubly victimise women on both sides of the conflict. Both Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot women were subjected to not only the initial violence of war, but also the added gender violence that used their bodies as platforms for revenge (such as, in cases of rape and sexual assault).

‘the ways we understand conflict cannot change until we understand how it intersects with gender identities.’

As seen so far, a feminist analysis highlights the disproportionate impacts of conflict on women. As such, it also points to gender as a crucial factor to consider in subsequent conflict-resolution processes. In Cyprus, intercommunal women’s groups often recognised and utilised the common vulnerability of women in both communities as a starting point to speak across the divide.

Through their intercommunal dialogue, new spaces of encounter are created, and interaction and cooperation with the ‘Other’ becomes possible. Yet, there remains a worrying lack of recognition of women’s voices and efforts in peace-resolution processes. It is important that political geography works towards including women’s (and other marginalised) voices in understanding of conflicts—the ways we understand conflict cannot change until we understand how it intersects with gender identities.

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biodiversity conservation and GIS DR DIPTO SARKAR Making decisions based on geographical considerations is an intuitive yet powerful technique. Geographic Information System (GIS) allows us to collate and organise geographic data from different sources for visualising and analysing them to make informed decisions. Making such data driven decisions is imperative to tackle the greatest mass extinction of biodiversity since the downfall of the dinosaurs.

Conservation refers to the protection, management, and restoration of natural resources, including plants and wildlife. Conservation scientists striving to protect the biodiversity from the peril of mass extinction find GIS a valuable tool to help manage and monitor various aspects of conservation efforts.

Photos by Dr Dipto Sarkar

Even before conservation plans are formulated, scientists need to know the different types and locations of flora and fauna present in an area. For flora, scientists often use satellite imagery along with ground surveys; for fauna, surveys along with images from camera traps are used.

Organising and storing this information in GIS based systems is a very crucial and timeconsuming step because GIS based analysis is only as good as the data available. Thus, bad, incomplete data will produce incorrect results.

Moreover, the population and distribution of species may change over time. Unexpected changes in population and distribution may need further analysis due to disease outbreaks or exotic species interference.

Knowing what and where the changes are can facilitate quick response to limit damage. Thus, biodiversity assessment and

monitoring are ongoing processes which need to be carried out periodically to ensure correct, up-to-date information is available.

Figure 1 shows a conceptual layer-based organisation of various data in a GIS based system.

Good representative data of forests helps all the tasks associated with forest management. GIS tools can be used to simulate situations to help with ‘whatif’ analysis. Understanding how potential problems will impact the forest helps the management to be pro-active in minimising and preventing harm. For example, forest fires are a big problem in dry regions such as in Western United States and Australia.

Knowing where a potential forest fire can start and being able to simulate how the forest fire will progress along the landscape helps forest rangers take preventive steps that minimise the threat.

Figure 1: Conceptual diagram of the layer-based data organization used in GIS. Each layer should ideally contain only one type of data.

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Technology has greatly augmented our ability to learn more about the lives of elusive animals. These technologies include camera traps and GPS tracking. Camera traps are special rugged cameras that can be left in the forest to automatically take pictures when an animal passes in front of it. Camera trap pictures, such as the one in Figure 2, are particularly useful for monitoring nocturnal or reclusive animals such as cougars and nocturnal curassow. GPS trackers on the other hand are attached to the animals usually using collars. These GPS trackers record the location of the animal every few minutes.

Analysing the movement of animals provides valuable information about the animal’s behaviour in granular detail. The information of the animal’s movement on the landscape enables scientists to look deeper into questions such as: which habitats do the animal prefer? Where do they forage? How far does the animal travel in a day? How large is the home-range of the animal? These are all important questions

to help us understand the behaviours and preferences of animals in order to develop appropriate conservation plans.

For example, tigers are generally solitary animals but can travel up to 650km/s to reach other tiger populations. Thus, for a successful tiger conservation project, enough space needs to be set aside to account for their solitary lives and large movement requirements.

Figure 3 shows the GPS tracks collected for seven migratory white-fronted geese over a period of two years. The map clearly shows the distance travelled by these birds. The rectangle box is derived from the data and shows a rough region where the birds may be found. The colours on the map are also derived from the data and highlight areas with high density of points. These regions are where the birds spent some time. Since the GPS trackers records location every few minutes, multiple points are reported from the areas where the birds spend time.

Figure 2: A cougar (Puma concolor) caught on a camera trap in Saguaro National Park, Arizona.

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Figure 3: Map showing the GPS locations of 7 white-fronted geese. The box shows the extent of the data. The colours show the density of points in different areas. The colours go from No Colour to Green, Yellow, Orange, and Red with brighter colours implying higher density of points

While citizens have always been engaged with conservation activities, GIS-based technology has helped make these projects easier to organise and coordinate, especially when more people are involved. Through apps and websites, citizens can contribute valuable information that can be beneficial for conservation science. For example, citizens of the United States participate in the Audobon Society Christmas Bird Count which provides valuable largescale information about bird population distribution and diversity. By comparing this data year-by-year, scientists are also able to understand the changes and health of the bird population.

The technologies also enable communities living near protected areas to report humananimal conflict. For example, in many African national parks, crop-raiding by elephants pose a challenge. SMS-based technology to report, monitor, and map crop-raiding help

in better conservation planning.

While GIS-informed conservation planning and management are efficient and effective, it is important for scientists to reflect on the limitations of the tools, analysis, and the perspectives it presents. Conservation planning is a multi-faceted phenomenon as protected areas rarely exist in isolation.

Communities living in and around the park have traditionally been using and are dependent on forest resources. Thus, a myopic view to protect biodiversity by excluding locals from resources, without providing viable alternatives, may significantly impact many people’s livelihoods and wellbeing. The values that drive conservation decisions are hence not black and white. A nuanced understanding of the dynamics of conservation and accompanying humanitarian concerns should be included in data driven decisionmaking processes.

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on his two feet LUA JIONG HOW The student exchange experience often involves independent travelling after the official exchange programme. After completing the formal programme at King’s College London, NUS geographer Jiong How embarked on exploring Europe, combining it with his passion for mountain ultra-trail marathons.

Read about his experience as a solo traveller participating in running marathons and discovering new cultures abroad.

Photos by Lua Jiong How

My Student Exchange Programme (SEP) began with a leap of faith. During my time abroad, I felt as if I was perpetually in motion, constantly trying to fit in yet never quite feeling a sense of permanence and belonging. I left London feeling fulfilled, knowing that I had seized every opportunity to follow my instincts, to truly learn as a student of the world. From the three-hour long coffee sessions with strangers in the Balkans, to the missed flights and nights spent sleeping with my backpack in airports, I am thankful for these experiences as a solo traveller have taught me how to appreciate kindness and serendipity. Que sera sera.

London is brilliant when it comes to theatre, music, nightlife and food, but there is only so much you can do with less than eight hours of daylight in winter. Falling ill within my first three days in the miserable UK winter began with a foolish decision to take a stroll down the River Thames on a chilly evening. Even as I quickly recovered under the care and support of my housemates, the miserable weather, coupled with seasonal affective disorder, continued to affect me tremendously. Reminded of the dreams I had set out to chase, I wrapped myself up in layers and battled through cold weather to prepare for unpredictable mountain conditions.

The hard work paid off when I participated in TransGranCanaria, one of the early-spring races in the Ultra-Trail World Tour. Three days before my flight, a poorly-mounted mirror had fallen from the wall and lacerated my finger extensor tendons, requiring emergency specialist surgery at the Royal London Hospital. You could say I had the full UK student experience, including an (unfortunate) visit to the A&E to seek treatment under the National Health Service (NHS).

Right after my surgery, I planned to fly to the Canary Islands with my arm in a cast, which led the flight crew trying to stop me from boarding the flight. I mentally prepared myself to be disappointed and forfeit this trip. Thankfully, I successfully persuaded them to let me continue my journey and was finally reunited with the rest of my (WAA Ultra) teammates. I felt fortunate to see the Canary Islands during an incredible road trip, while enjoying amazing Spanish hospitality. Despite the injury, I chose to live dangerously. I would rather risk possible reinjury than resign and enjoy the island as a tourist without trying.

The next morning I found myself at the starting line at El Garanon, a campsite located 2000m above sea level. Armed only with a five euro hiking pole and caution to not fall and rupture the recently repaired tendon, I somehow made it to the finish line in one piece. Looking back, it may not have been the most sensible decision, but certainly not one that I regret.

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TransGranCanaria Race

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Two months later I arrived at the Portuguese island of Madeira to compete in the Madeira Island Ultra Trail. I was still barely capable of holding a pair of hiking poles correctly, let alone clench my fist completely. It was no longer a matter of pain management but an issue of how to regain agility on technical terrain. Once again, I could not bring myself to not explore the island on my two feet, certainly not after paying for an expensive flight to land in one of the world’s most dangerous airports.

It was not only racing and living at high altitudes that I treasured, student exchange also marked the beginning of friendships forged with kindred spirits. From Scottish countrysides to the fells in the Lake district, I felt fortunate to have my new friends take me on their regular weekend escapades to the British countryside to connect with the great outdoors. Our friendships eventually crystallised as we battled through the SILVA Great Lakeland 3 Day orienteering race despite our poor map reading and navigation skills.

During a bus ride between Machico and Funchal, I was blown away by the locals who built their lives and gravity-defying homes directly into the steep mountainous terrain.

Partaking in the local tradition of sliding downhill in a toboggan made me appreciate the exhilarating habits and unique cultures that emerged from literally living on the edge.

Weaving through the unending laurisilva forests in erratic weather and running along the cliffs was a once in a lifetime experience to explore and experience the unique topography of the island.

I found pleasures other than mountain running as I gradually learned to appreciate the ordinary. I fondly remember strolling along the beach after sunset in Barcelona where I stumbled upon a gem—Can Mano, a three-generation old family casual diner that served seafood prepared only in three ways: raw, grilled and fried. I had to share a table with a stranger, an English jazz musician who happened to be performing in town that day. As we ate and shared stories about our sojourns, a jazz trio barged into the restaurant and played a rendition of Dave Brubeck’s ‘Take Five’. Watching

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Breakfast at Can Mano

Sciascia Caffè 1919

social life unfold spontaneously within the walls of a small cramped restaurant was genuinely magical as an elderly couple stopped to dance to the tune for a minute.

The applause which followed radiated with so much positive energy. At that instant, I knew that this was not just any ordinary restaurant but a true Barcelona institution.

in a country that still very much prefers tea, my leisurely wanderings in London’s West End led me to discover the historic Algerian Coffee Stores, a 131-year family business which strives to preserve Italian-style coffee traditions. In such an expensive city, the owners still believed firmly in serving espressos that cost only one pound each.

As a barista trained in the specialty coffee tradition, I was always out and about discovering new haunts in London. It was in the humble working-class neighbourhood of Bethnal Green where I stumbled upon E Peccilli, a century-old ‘greasy spoon’, where the owners warmly welcomed me on a rainy morning, gave me a short history lesson about the place and the neighbourhood, and fed me like a son. Every single customer who walked in was treated like an old friend, and each visit felt as welcoming as returning home.

Near Seven Dials where the ever-popular Monmouth Coffee promoted coffee culture

I still think fondly of those days of wandering freely and encountering something new every day. My travels were not always about iconic landmarks or the much raved about museums. Exploring cities and mountains, free from the pressures of time, made me finally understand how some of my favourite photographers can roam the same streets day after day for decades. I am constantly reminded that the city is a universe of possibilities. There are no wrong turns or mistakes, only new paths to explore, and an opportunity to discover something new.

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SHERISSA CHUA WINNER OF NUS GEOGRAPHY PHOTO CONTEST 2019 - MEMORYSCAPES Situated in Salzburg Old Town and at the foot of the hill where the Hohensalzburg Fortress stands, the annual Austrian Christkindlmarkt (i.e. Christmas Markets) are held during the four weeks leading up to Christmas. At the Christmas Markets, families, couples and friends bask in the festive atmosphere. Despite their modern appearances and fusion goodies on sale, these markets in Austria date back to Vienna's December Market in 1298. These Christmas Markets are definitely worth a visit and are an interesting sight amongst the historical and architectural wonders of Austria.

MAX CHAN WINNER OF NUS GEOGRAPHY PHOTO CONTEST 2019 - MEMORYSCAPES This photo was taken on a wintry day in Stockholm. I was astounded by how the snowcapped rooftops complemented the serenity of this city. Stockholm represents a site of peace and a space of recovery, in contrast to the hectic pace of life in Singapore. Being away from Singapore for a while led me towards avenues of self-discovery, deeply etching memories of this photographic scene in my mind.

home human geography at home hopes and aspirations of migrant communities in Singapore

28 blue blood horseshoe crabs’ rare blood and their conservation challenges

32 costs of a global city the tension between global city and heritage conservation

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At Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2), volunteers offer advice and support to migrant workers whose lives have been changed by workplace accidents | Photo by Shona Loong

human geography at home In this two-part feature, Shona Loong and Mark Sim put the ‘human’ back in human geography. Shona provides deeper understanding on the aspirations of Bangladeshi migrant workers in Singapore, while Mark explores how 1.5 generation migrants hope to be integrated into Singapore’s society.

MIGRANT WORKERS SHONA LOONG

What does it take to be a Bangladeshi migrant worker? A debt in the range of S$6,400 and heaps of faith. In a country where the average household income is S$824, migrant workers often borrow money from banks, moneylenders, and family members to pay for their first job in Singapore. The money borrowed is used to pay for the training required by Singapore’s construction industry, flights, and fees charged by brokers to arrange for their work permits and job in Singapore. It is an exorbitant sum. On average, a migrant worker will take 16.5 months to repay these debts, amounting to more than a year’s salary in a foreign country, working in a ‘dirty, dangerous, and demeaning’ (‘3D’) job. Only after the migrant worker has repaid his debt then can he save the salary for himself.

Yet migrant workers continue to do this to seek a better life for their families back home. Migrant workers are spurred on by their obligations to wives, parents, and children. You have probably seen migrant workers chattering away on the phone, maintaining these relationships while they are overseas. I know of Bangladeshi men who have never met their children or who hear their child’s first words over a mobile phone rather than in person. I have also met migrant men who can only console their tearful wives by phone, having left for Singapore only weeks after their marriage. To migrant workers, owning a smartphone is not a symbol of wealth, but evidence of the comfort that long-distance ties enabled by the phone can provide while they are away.

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I volunteered at Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2) for four years. TWC2 is a local organisation that supports migrant workers in difficult situations. Every month we meet workers whose employers refuse to pay them their salaries. We also meet hundreds of workers who have been injured while doing ‘3D’ work. Bear in mind that nearly every migrant worker in Singapore is in debt when he first arrives. Debt makes injuries and workplace problems more likely because it increases the power that employers have over their workers.

Fearful that they may lose their jobs for ‘complaining too much’, migrant workers would rather stay silent about dangerous workplace conditions and abusive employers. TWC2 has argued that the government should regulate this situation more closely, but many Singaporeans remain unaware of how debt affects migrant worker’s lives. Hence the government has no incentive to improve this situation.

This situation is why human geography remains important. Human geography directs us toward focusing on the people affected by impersonal policy decisions. Who are the winners and who are the losers of economic growth? Human geography is also important because it shows us that the world is diverse and highly unequal. It is hard for Singaporeans to relate to migrant workers because we will never have to make the same decisions. Many Singaporeans think about ourselves—our careers, our dreams, our comfort—first, and our families second. We desire to visit another country for leisure, not to do dangerous work.

Human geography helps us to make decisions based on empathy, rather than numbers alone.

THE 1.5 GENERATION MARK SIM

In this age of globalisation and increased mobilities of people all around the world, migration has become a way of life for many. We live in a time where the direction and composition of migration flows are constantly evolving. That being said, much of academic, policy and popular discourses have been about first-generation migrants, with little focus placed on 1.5 generation migrants—migrant children who move as part of the family unit.

They are regarded as adolescent immigrants but, more importantly, perceived as dependents with little to no decision-making power in migration decisions. However, the effects of migration do not stop after migration; rather, the effects have to be continuously negotiated by migrants in both home and host societies. Thus 1.5 generation migrants who migrated to another society in their formative years straddle the cultures and lifestyles of two societies.

Many of the 1.5 generation migrants in Singapore had migrated from various Southeast Asian countries in pursuit of educational opportunities. In 2002, Singapore’s initiative to position itself as a ‘global schoolhouse’—a place where international students are encouraged to pursue their education—subsequently encouraged migrant parents to relocate their families to the city-state. With a predominantly English language schooling environment, Singapore is seen by migrant parents as an ideal location for their children to

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acquire an education and, for some, as a stepping stone to relocate once more to other global cities.

While Singapore encourages migrant integration through National Education programmes, these programmes may be met with apathy or resistance. National Education programmes serve to educate the general public about Singapore and its history, but both migrants and the local populace recognise that the state intends to promote a Singaporean brand of civic nationalism.

Instead, the social connections that 1.5 generation migrants actively maintain with locals and fellow migrants fosters a sense of belonging that they feel most strongly about. The agency of migrant children in negotiating their selfhood and identity should not be discounted. A common reason my migrant friends cite for wanting to remain in Singapore are the connections and relationships that they have forged with Singaporeans, creating a sense of community which they fondly call home.

Kaung Sett Moe Myint from Myanmar. He identifies as a Singaporean but goes by ‘Kelvin’ out of convenience and to be treated as a fellow Singaporean by those around him.

Photo courtesy of Kaung Sett Moe Myint

With increased global migration, migrants and locals are more likely than ever to share social spaces. Harmonious co-existence with migrants will not come about solely from accepting the state’s brand of nationalism and integration.

Instead, harmonious co-existence can be established when we, Singaporeans, adopt an open mind to warmly welcome migrants into our communities. After all, Singapore was built on the contributions of our migrant ancestors. As ‘children of diasporas’, Singapore’s progress in the next 50 years will depend on locals and migrants working together harmoniously.

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blue blood

Foo Tun Shien is a first year Bachelor of Environmental Studies (BES) student with a particular interest in the marine environment.

He shares with us his experiences of volunteering in the Horseshoe Crab Rescue and Research Programme organised by the Nature Society Singapore and how it has enriched his learning experiences in BES. When one is asked about Singapore’s coasts, most people would mention the bustling ports along the Southern coastline or the famous Marina Bay. It becomes easy to forget about the marine ecosystems along Singapore’s coastal fringes. These ecosystems house mangroves and mudflats, which also serve as ‘pitstops’ for migratory birds to rest or feed as they fly along the East Asian Australasian Flyway. The coral reefs, intertidal zones, mangrove forests and mudflats that line our coasts are also home to a plethora of native flora and fauna.

Many juvenile marine animals, including horseshoe crabs, use these areas as nurseries since they provide shelter and protection from potential predators.

I had the opportunity to volunteer with the Nature Society Singapore (NSS) in their Horseshoe Crab Research and Rescue Programme (HSCRR) at the Kranji Mudflats.

The NSS comprises of volunteers who are passionate about conserving the local environment. According to the NSS, there has been a drastic reduction in local horseshoe crab populations over the past years. The Kranji Mudflats used to thrive with horseshoe crabs—volunteers were able to find one with every step through the mudflats. Over time, the number of horseshoe crabs has started to decline. I started wondering about the life cycle of horseshoe crabs. What started as mere curiosity to know more about local marine conservation efforts turned into a

Photos by Foo Tun Shien

monthly commitment when my unanswered questions, along with the beauty of the mudflats, drew me back regularly month after month.

volunteers were able to find one with every step through the mudflats Horseshoe crabs are crucial to medical practices. The blue blood in horseshoe crabs is highly demanded by the biomedical industry to synthesise Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL), a compound used in the process of bacterial detection. The substance is highly sensitive to the detection of endotoxins, which assists in advancing modern-day methods of bacterial detection.

A large number of crabs have their blood extracted each year to meet the demand of the biomedical industry.

Blood collection begins with draining up to a quarter of the animal’s blood followed by releasing the crabs back into the ocean.

This process, although deemed sustainable by many pharmaceutical companies, has adverse effects on horseshoe crabs.

Many horseshoe crabs, which had their blood extracted, were observed to develop changes in their behaviour and physiology, with some even experiencing death. With overharvesting, horseshoe crabs are now listed as ‘Vulnerable’ under The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. The status of the crabs was determined based on a reduction of their population size given current and projected future levels of exploitation.

On my trips to the mudflats, I noticed another potential threat to the balance of the estuarine ecosystem. Invasive American brackish-water mussels were found in abundance. This invasive species, that is not native to Singapore, was first discovered along Singapore’s coastlines in 2015. Forming large mounts, these mussels latch onto one another for survival and propagation. The rapid increase in mussels affects the livelihood of the horseshoe crabs as the former competes with the crabs for shelter and food on the mudflat. It is possible that the mussels were introduced into our environment from the ballast water released from ships sailing across the Straits, but the actual cause is unknown. Clearing the mussels by hand is unsustainable in the long term as their short life cycle means that the invasive species blooms regularly. Unless the threat posed by such invasive species is addressed, the steady decline of horseshoe crabs may one day lead to the disappearance of these fascinating animals in our homeland.

Due to coastal development, aquaculture and marine debris, few of Singapore’s estuarine ecosystems remain in their natural form. In an effort to preserve the remaining ecosystems, the Mandai Mangrove and Mudflat has been designated as a nature park to improve conservation efforts, and it is scheduled to open by mid-2022. This is a significant step forward in Singapore’s nature conservation as it promotes awareness of the importance of mangroves and mudflats. Hopefully, with greater exposure to these locations, more Singaporeans will take action to conserve our natural gems and preserve biodiversity.

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costs of a global city In this issue’s Junior College (JC) Essay Competition, the Publications Cell wanted to provide a platform for JC students to engage with Singapore’s bicentennial commemoration, and encourage critical reflection of Singapore’s development.

How is Singapore establishing itself as a global city? What aspects of our heritage and culture have we given up in the pursuit of the status of a global city?

CHERIS CHNG DUNMAN HIGH SCHOOL

A global city is one that is well connected, has strong financial power and influence over international affairs. In the age of globalisation, as firms strive to achieve spatial flexibility in the global production network, cities are also marketing themselves to firms with their comparative advantages.

By utilising our comparative advantages, Singapore has been able to attract foreign investors and attain its status as a financial hub.

Singapore has built a reputation of being a financial node where firms can enjoy connectivity, accessibility and agglomeration when they set up their headquarters in Singapore. Being strategically located in the heart of Asia, Singapore is able to facilitate trade from different parts of the world and be a springboard for firms to have a stake in the Asian market. Another reason why Singapore is chosen by many Transnational Corporations (TNC) as the location for

Background by Gilbert Mak

their regional headquarters is due to its well-developed global transportation and communication network, which makes for easy contact with other geographically dispersed parts of the TNCs. With a large proportion of headquarters concentrated in Singapore and the city-state’s provision of high quality quaternary services (such as banks and government agencies as well as skilled labour), Singapore is becoming a global city where ideas are shared and made into reality. Singapore functions as a command and control centre that has a part to play in coordinating economic operations beyond our borders.

However, in the pursuit of a global city status, it seems Singapore has given up part of its heritage in order to remain relevant to the world and international affairs. This tension is evident when traditional buildings are sacrificed for redevelopment. For instance, the decision to demolish the Old National Library to build the new Singapore Management University was passed despite opposition from the public who wanted to preserve Singapore’s first public library.

Concessions such as these have to be made if progress is believed to be of utmost importance to Singapore.

As for Singaporean culture, it has been diluted over the years through thepursuit of a global city. For example, Singaporeans are advised to speak standard English instead of Singlish, presumably to portray our professionalism as a global city, but this means Singaporean colloquial language—a product of our multicultural society—has been labelled with negative connotations. Singlish is deemed a hindrance to global communication as it may not be comprehensible to the rest of the world. In order to be understood and

maintain our competitive edge as a global city, Singaporeans are expected to change our speaking styles to ensure that we remain relevant to international society.

On the issue of culture and heritage, Singapore lacks the soft power that can influence global events, such as those found in other global cities like Tokyo or New York.

Although Singapore is establishing itself as a peace-loving, green sustainable city and a food haven to tourists, these selling points are not unique. Singaporeans and foreigners may find it difficult to identify with the idea of Singapore as a global city as there is no clear Singaporean identity to promote.

Moreover, the lack of a lively cultural scene as compared to those global cities means that Singapore is less recognised as a cultural powerhouse internationally.

Nonetheless, it is important to recognise that Singapore is still a young nation and still in the process of establishing our own unique characteristics. We may bemoan the loss of heritage and culture, but in the process of becoming a financial hub, Singaporeans have inadvertently formed a Singaporean culture based on competitive, pragmatic and adaptable values.

In conclusion, Singapore’s strong financial power is on par with other global cities but it lacks influence over global events comparable to other global cities. More efforts are needed to continuously developing Singapore into a full-fledged global city. I believe that with the passage of time, together with a strong economy, Singapore will be able to further nurture its soft power to influence global events, and with a strong national identity, Singaporeans can then proudly announce that Singapore is a global city.

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geography @ 90 90th anniversary gala dinner collecting the memories created during the celebration of Geographers

38 reflections of the department a look at NUS Geography Department’s history through the eyes of former faculty

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90th ANNIVERSARY GALA DINNER SARAH JANE TAN

The NUS Geography Department held its 90th Anniversary Gala Dinner on 18 January 2019 at Novotel Singapore on Stevens. The theme, ‘Asian Nostalgia’, not only commemorated the Department’s 90 years long journey but also celebrated the alumni, faculty, staff and students who helped shape the Department. The days leading up to the Gala Dinner were filled with anticipation. My friends and I were, in millennial speak, stoked (excited).

Laughter and busy chatter filled the room all evening at this intergenerational event.

Not only was the event a wonderful reunion for the geography fraternity, it was also a feast for the eyes. Some wore cheongsams or batik ethnic wear, while others were dressed in simple yet elegant dresses or suave suits. What caught my attention were geography undergraduates who wore their secondary and junior college uniforms in nostalgia. They even took the effort to construct props which included geography textbooks (not forgetting the memorable ‘O’ Level Ten Year Series) and familiar childhood snacks like chocolate wafers and smarties. If there was a prize for bestdressed table, it would have been undoubtedly awarded to them!

The Acting Head of Geography, FASS Dean and Guest of Honour, Mr Ang Hin Kee, kickstarted the event with their uplifting speeches, sharing with us the history of the department, and their personal memories and wishes for the department.

The photo booth was a hit with the students, alumni and professors alike as many wanted to seal the night’s memories with instant photos they could take home.

My friends and I had fun posing with the array of sassy props provided—our goal was to take a picture after every dish served!

From centre to right: Guest of Honour Ms Caroline Seah and Mr Ang Hin Kee, FASS Dean Professor Robbie Goh, and Acting Head of Geography Professor Henry Yeung with former and current geography faculty Photos by NUS Geography Department and Max Chan

PAGE 38 | GEOGRAPHY @ 90

Dinner consisted of a delectable eight-course Chinese New Year meal accompanied with table games, lucky draws, entertaining performances, and even ‘Geography @ 90’ themed cookies.

The table games provided an opportunity to know the Department better as we were asked to complete trivia questions based on the Department’s history. The lucky draws saw tables clamouring for attention as they shouted their numbers, in hopes of walking away with prizes.

The performances that night proved that NUS Geographers are a talented bunch!

Undergraduates, Joanne Heng and Gordon Oh, played a rousing piece on their cellos to signal the start of the dinner. I also saw a different side to Assistant Professor Jamie Gillen that night as he flaunted his guitar skills accompanied in song by Ms Nuraziah Bte Abdul Aziz, a manager in the Department.

Another undergraduate, Sebastian Tan, demonstrated his flair for magic with a card game that left the two guests who were invited on stage wondering how he read their minds. Alumnus Syed Rabia started his song performance with a joke that had the audience in stitches: ‘What’s more “Asian” than a brown guy wearing a batik shirt singing a Mandarin song?’ He proceeded to sing a Mandarin song with close to perfect enunciation.

This year’s Gala Dinner is a testimony to the strong bonds amongst the NUS Geography community, which has and will continue to impact the lives of all who enter its doors.

Last but not least, this celebration would not have been possible without the help of the organising committee, the NUS Geographical Society and graduate student helpers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that the event ran smoothly.

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REFLECTIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT The Geography Department has gone through many changes since it started in 1929. Our former faculty members candidly recount their time in the Department and its manifold developments over the years.

FORMER HEAD OF DEPARTMENT DR VICTOR SAVAGE UNDERGRADUATE MEMORIES My first sampling of the Department was when I became a first-year student in 1969—a ‘freshie’ in the University of Singapore (SU).

Memories of the Bukit Timah campus, when the Geography Department was in one of the ‘houses’ on campus, remain vivid. The student population in SU was about 5,000 at that time, and Geography had approximately 40 majors and over 60 minors. Geography also had 10 faculty members: five Singaporeans and five foreigners. The Department’s curriculum followed the British Geography tradition with a litany of external examiners coming from Britain and Commonwealth countries to assess final-year and honours exam scripts.

1969 was a memorable year for different reasons. This was the last year when the Students’ Union organised a student and faculty confrontation during the annual Prime Minister’s talk. The tense and combative episode was best captured by Kishore Mahbubani, editor of the Singapore Undergrad, in his front-page headline questioning the PM’s behaviour: ‘A Question of Decorum’. The resulting effect of the PM’s admonition of expatriate faculty led to an exodus from the University the following year.

It was also a major year of University change with a new undergraduate system: a four-year honours programme which has remained till today. A compulsory one-module science programme (physics, biology and biochemistry)

was introduced for first and second year undergraduates. This programme came from the Vice-Chancellor Dr Toh Chin Chye who felt the Arts students needed to know basic science.

My honours year cohort (1972-73) was the last year when male students outnumbered females in the class of nine, five males and four females. Our undergraduate geography cohort produced two Members of Parliament, civil servants, bankers, and executives in MNCs and government-linked corporations.

The Head of Department then was Professor Ooi Jin Bee, who was well known for his book, Land, People and Economy of Malaya; a reference book for both O- and A-level students. He was also an avid sportsman excelling in cricket and golf. Together with Professor Tengku Shamsul Bahrain, his University of Malaya Geography counterpart, they institutionalised an annual golf tournament between the two universities—a 50-year old tradition that celebrated its golden anniversary in 2018.

Student days were exciting times for all of us.

In those days, we had a fairly active Geographical Society with much less resources but made up through lots of fun and naive mischief. There are too many stories that lit up my life as a student, but many are not permissible to narrate in print.

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THE FACULTY EXPERIENCES The University and Department underwent changes in 1980. After the closure of Nanyang University, the Nantah staff and faculty were integrated in the Department thus doubling the faculty and staff numbers. Subsequently, the University of Singapore was changed to the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nantah became part of the University.

After I received my PhD in 1982, I began as a lecturer in the Department, teaching two full modules. The first-year students had to take two first-year modules in geography: one in physical and one in human geography.

Teaching was taxing and arduous. We followed the British one academic-year system which meant a module was taught over a whole academic year and the final exams were held only at the end of each academic year (MarchApril). Given that the university policy then was for small group tutorials (8 students per group) held fortnightly, I had 25-30 tutorial groups for year one alone. This meant there was no time for research during term; I was exhausted from teaching.

However, in 1996, we switched to the American semester system with two independent semesters per year. I was fortunate to be involved in a small committee, headed by former Dean Ernest Chew, which was responsible for the change from a British to an American system. This was perhaps the biggest academic and administrative change that the University had ever gone since its inception as a University. The new system had an impact on university activities in many ways. The new modular system meant that the student’s academic progress is based on an

accumulative system of grades from Year 1 till graduation. In many ways, getting into honours was more difficult under the modular system since you had to be consistent from Year 1.

Besides Faculty social activities, the crowning glory of Dean Thumboo’s tenure was his interest in bringing the fine arts to campus.

LT13 was converted into the NUS theatrette and I was put in charge of running the Lunchtime Concerts fortnightly. The concerts proved to be very popular among staff and student audiences, as well as artistes who wanted to perform on campus. Nearly all the major local celebrities had performed at the Lunchtime Concert including Dick Lee, Gurmit Singh, as well as Xinyao groups, acapella ensembles and local rock bands. The success of Lunchtime Concerts gave rise to the building of the Centre for the Arts. The arts expression from the Faculty gave rise to a well-known choreographer Zaini Tahir, Ganesh Kalyanam (Director, Republic Polytechnic) and the famous fashion choreographer, Daniel Boey.

All three were from the Geography Department. It just shows that the Geography Department had talented students who went on to develop their talents as careers.

As Head of Department, I institutionalised the Geography Challenge School Quiz. The Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) sponsored our Geography Challenge for ten years. In addition, I also sealed a deal with National Geographic to sponsor a school team from Singapore at their international Geography Bee Contest, which they did for three years.

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FUTURE OF THE DEPARTMENT Geography remains a subject which opens students to a wide range of careers in urban planning, oil companies, government ministries and private-sector corporations.

As a department, we not only receive students but also send out students as teachers to teach geography in schools. It is through our network of geography teachers that the outreach of geography alumni is kept robust and alive.

As we celebrate the 90th anniversary of our Department, I would like to wish all staff and faculty in the Department all the best in their various administrative and academic endeavours. The Department has come far from its 1929 origins of Raffles College, its university foundations as the University of Malaya, its University of Singapore transformation and finally, the National University of Singapore as the foremost University of the nation-state. I would also like to wish all our alumni the very best in their careers and to all the students studying in Geography a fruitful and fun academic experience.

Associate Professor Victor R. Savage was previously Head of the Geography Department at the National University of Singapore. He is currently a Visiting Senior Fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University.

FORMER FACULTY MEMBER DR AVIJIT GUPTA I was in the department from 1975-1997. These included the last few years in the old Bukit Timah Campus, a very efficient move to Kent Ridge, and setting up of a large department there including more spacious laboratories, which included map and book collections. I also remember giving the first-year lectures in human geography, being a physical Geographer of course, and introducing the modern concepts of mental maps and spatial diffusion. Subsequently, I taught courses in geomorphology and environmental management.

Teaching these courses and carrying out fieldwork in Southeast Asia made it easy for me to write books which I enjoyed very much. I should add, however, that going on fieldwork for research happened less frequent then as compared to now.

‘Teaching these courses and carrying out fieldwork in Southeast Asia made it easy for me to write books which I enjoyed very much.’

We certainly had less resources then, except my very last years when I lost a bit of joie de vivre, I came to the Department every morning expecting new and interesting findings, especially in the day of the week when we had the seminar session preceded by drinking of good coffee, it was impossible to do otherwise if Ausufur Rahman or Wong Poh Poh was in charge. We were used to communal tea-drinking every morning and the famous SJTG dinner once a year. All such experience came in useful when we were asked to hold the regional conference of the International Association of Geomorphologists in 1995. People are still talking about that meeting.

Dr Avijit Gupta was previously a faculty member of the Geography Department at the National University of Singapore. He is currently an Honorary Principal Fellow at the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Wollongong.

Professor Lily Kong was previously a faculty member of the Geography Department and Vice Provost at the National University of Singapore. She is currently President of Singapore Management University.

FORMER FACULTY MEMBER AND VICE PROVOST PROFESSOR LILY KONG I began life at NUS Geography as a fresh-faced undergraduate, eager to learn, if somewhat mystified by a new environment at university. Life was initially a bit bewildering. Just as one example, signing up for tutorials involved running from tutor’s door to tutor’s door to scribble one’s name on “sign-up sheets” pasted on faculty office doors in the pre-hyper digital age. At the same time, the intellectual world also opened up in a wondrous way, as I learnt about a whole array of human and physical phenomena and processes, challenges and innovations in spatial, landscape and human-environment terms—the disciplinary insights that students of Geography will have imbibed by the time they leave the portals of the Department. From notions of reciprocal access to primate cities to tragedy of the commons to hydraulic civilisations and much much more, the vistas opened up and my understanding of worlds beyond multiplied.

As I moved from student to faculty member, it was a gratifying journey, allowing me to contribute to education, research and service to the Department, Faculty, University and larger community. I have been proud to be associated with a department that has matured on the world stage, standing tall in contributing insights to global knowledge from our location in Asia. I have applauded the delivery of insightful, innovative and impactful education with rigour—and heart—keeping a balance of our mission in education and research equally. I have witnessed our contributions to community and society in myriad ways, playing our part in ensuring that academia and society are not separated in deep canyon-like proportions.

The Department, at 90, has scaled peaks. There will always be other peaks. Creating an ecosystem, a community—of committed faculty and staff, interested students, and engaged alumni—integrated into the international community of Geographers, is an art. The Department has succeeded in this in a precious way that deserves to be preserved, supported and further enabled. I wish this special Department the very best for the next 90 years and beyond.

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people interns Geographers share their internship experiences at various organisations 48

alumni gain insights from geography alumni working in Singapore and abroad 56

interns

Orlando’s Disney Castle

Photos by Hanna Diyana

dcp WITH

hanna

Everyone dreams of going to the most magical place on earth at least once in their lifetime. Imagine working for Mickey Mouse, watching parades and fireworks, and meeting Disney characters every day—it is a Disney lover’s dream come true! That’s what I did during the semester break in 2018, and I got to eat, sleep and breathe all things Disney! My parents were worried about me staying abroad on my own, but like what my favourite Disney character Moana said, cast your worries aside when it comes to being adventurous because there’s just no telling how far you’ll go!

Taking part in the Disney College Program (DCP) meant that I got to experience everything that Walt Disney World had to offer, ranging from attending welcome parties and exposure fieldtrips to learn American culture, to dining with Disney characters, and even spending every other day-off in the parks as a guest.

Nowhere else in the world do you get to attend parties jamming to Disney Classics remixes; have dinner at the Beast’s Castle and try the ‘grey stuff’ that Lumiere sang about in song ‘Be Our Guest’; meet your favourite characters at the 3 o’clock parade; or end every night with a spectacular firework show. The experience was so overwhelming that ninety days into the program, I still teared up when Mufasa boomed ‘Look inside yourself. You are more than what you have become’.

I was assigned to the Outdoor Vending (ODV) department where we had to work in fast-paced environments at the Magic Kingdom theme park. On top of operating food services, we also had to maintain top-notch safety procedures while doubling up as Guest Relations cast members whenever guests approach us with questions. What immediately struck me was Disney’s positive working culture. The staff have a strong learning culture and asking questions was the norm. Everyone was always ready to learn and lend a helping hand if you had doubts that needed clarification. As Walt Disney once said, ‘you can design and create, and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it

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Hanna, front row middle, on one of her many post-shift Steak n Shake runs

takes people to make the dream a reality’.

Everyone was determined to work together to make sure guests received the magical experience they deserved, living true to Walt’s vision. Supporting each other was key to ensure we gave our fullest efforts in our roles, and because of this, we knew we could always count on our fellow cast members to be there for us. They became our ohana (family) without realising it!

Despite the positive work culture, working in Walt Disney World does have its lows.

Celebrating important days and festivities, such as Hari Raya, being away from home was one of the more isolating events I had to experience. On such days, words of encouragement from fellow cast members, guests or even best friends who are miles away can help one get through the difficult days. It was also difficult getting used to working in 33°C weather for 12 hours a day. In the heat of their excitement (pun intended), some guests take their frustration

out on cast members when their requests are unmet. The constant interaction with people 24/7 took a toll on me, given my introverted personality. Nonetheless, my stint with Disney reminded me about the importance of being kind to service providers; in the wise words of Eeyore, a little consideration, a little thought for others, makes all the difference.

I was given the opportunity of a lifetime to make magic happen for guests in Walt Disney World but the friends I got in return and an incomparable magical experience far exceeded my expectations. This programme has taught me to stay open to different experiences, As Mary Poppins declared, ‘you may find a you there that you never knew was yours. Anything can happen’. I know I will be back with my ODV family in Magic Kingdom one day. Till then, may we be brave enough to listen and bold enough to pursue the dream that will lead us on a journey to discover who we are meant to be!

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Geralyn, 2nd from right at the Vanda Suite, Women Tennis Association Finals

STB WITH

geralyn

Last semester, I embarked on a semesterlong leave of absence to pursue an internship with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB). I decided to join STB as I always had a keen interest in the tourism industry and wanted to gain a deeper understanding of the workings of the industry.

I was assigned to be part of the F1 planning team in the STB’s sports division. My main responsibilities were to assist with the planning, execution and operations management of the Singapore Suite for 2018 Singapore F1. The Singapore Suite is an exclusive two-storey corporate hospitality suite that caters to STB’s stakeholders. I worked closely with an Assistant Manager, who was also the overall in-charge (OIC) of the Singapore Suite. As my mentor, he allocated me tasks and guided me when I encountered difficulties.

The tasks that were assigned to me included assisting with the suite’s design and fitout, sending out invitations, volunteer management and suite operations on race day. My job duties extended to taking charge of planning the post-F1 appreciation party together with a fellow intern, and to assist in other sporting events such as the Women Tennis Association (WTA) Finals.

Photos by Geralyn Tay

It was interesting to see how geographical concepts such as identity and placemaking were relevant and could be applied to real-life projects. When international sporting events, such as F1 races, are held in Singapore, there is a conscientious effort to present the Singaporean identity on a global platform. This endeavour was materialised through the suite’s theme titled ‘A Lap of Honour’ which aimed to showcase Singaporean culture through the suite’s design and services: Singapore’s history was represented through curated local art pieces that lined the suite’s walls, with local talents who performed and displayed Singaporean music culture, and even guest chefs who created and served dishes that embodied local flavours. The overall experience in the Singapore Suite enabled its special guests to experience Singaporean culture in the comfort of the suite.

Personally, it was memorable to see how international sporting events bring people together through a variety of hospitality and entertainment offerings. Singapore is presented as a tourist destination with more to offer than only sporting entertainment.

This internship has exposed me to how various government agencies and organisations work together to ensure the smooth operations of largescale international sporting events. The teamwork, compromise and negotiations required between the various stakeholders presented challenges that appealed to me.

By observing their meetings to streamline execution procedures, I was amazed at the effort required to collaborate. The tireless efforts to ensure the success of such events often go unnoticed but my experience with STB’s Sports Division made me more appreciative of the race overall.

At STB’s Dinner and Dance themed “Once Upon A Time”, my department dressed up according to a retro sports theme

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2018 Post-F1 Appreciation Party, interns attempted to dress up like Mickey Mouse

This internship has also forced me to step out of my comfort zone to hone my leadership and communication skills. Leading a project does not come instinctively, hence when I was tasked to plan and execute the F1 appreciation party, I found the task daunting initially. Finding a starting point was the most challenging hurdle as I was clueless as to where I should begin. However, with the help of mentors, I gradually made progress and was able to ensure the smooth execution of the event. The sense of satisfaction gained after achieving something I never thought I could have accomplished made the hard work worthwhile.

I was given an eye-opening experience into the real-world tourism industry through the internship with STB. It granted me the opportunity to observe first-hand how sports and tourism are intricately linked, and how sporting events are used to promote Singapore as a holistic tourist destination.

The tourism landscape in Singapore would not be what it is without the efforts of many passionate individuals working together and contributing in their own unique ways. In the future, I aspire to be part of this community and contribute to this industry too.

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JTC WITH

FIona

Picture of Fiona Seng, current year 3 undergraduate, former JTC intern

Prior to my internship, I had taken GISrelated modules during my second year at NUS and these modules showed me the manifold possibilities that GIS offers in engaging socio-economic issues. During the internship, I learned even more about the capabilities of GIS and the insights it offers for urban planning.

JTC Corporation entered my radar when I attended NUS Career Fairs. I was drawn to the corporation’s unique position as both a developer and a statutory board, and it offered dynamic work environments. JTC deals with a multitude of portfolios from heavy industries to food industries that demand a variety of skills. It did not take long for my interest to be piqued after hearing about projects that previous interns had engaged with.

Being assigned to the Planning and Policy Division gave me insights into the pivotal role that GIS plays in shaping Singapore’s future industrial landscape. I was tasked with two projects to digitise and to analyse phenomena or conduct projections. The first project was to explore better waste management strategies across JTC sites while the second project was to expand on and test the capabilities of 3-Dimensional (3D) mapping for JTC’s operations. Off the

Background by Ng Jing Wen

bat, I had limited experience with the uses of GIS and had no background in 3D routing— think Google maps but 3D routing considers elevation and a building’s interior design as well.

Learning on the job was to be expected but truthfully, it was a steep learning curve.

Given only a one-liner project brief to ‘3D map the One North estate and explore the uses of 3D routing’, I turned to Google for more contextual information. Thankfully, there is a conducive environment for exchanging GIS based knowledge with other GIS users within JTC and other statutory boards.

While GIS boasts an array of automatisation capabilities, 3D routes need to be manually digitised. 3D routing maps out routes by cross referencing building plans from a design and drafting software called AutoCAD. With no background in blue print drawings nor an understanding of building design, I relied on colleagues from other departments for clarification. As I explored the applications of 3D routing, I was challenged to improve existing practices by putting myself in the shoes of potential users. One good example is by considering how a location might accommodate wheelchair-bound individuals. Whilst digitising, I had to

account for wheelchair friendly routes and terrain by noting the location of stairs, lifts, escalators and ramps. One thing that stood out was the interdisciplinary skills this job demanded, and the tight cooperation required between different departments within JTC and across statutory boards.

This dynamic learning environment was incredibly engaging as I gained exposure to knowledge beyond my immediate training.

Apart from these projects, I had the opportunity to tour various JTC sites. Such learning opportunities include excursions to various JTC sites, such as Tuas South Reclaimed land and One North, regardless of the divisions in which the interns are based.

JTC has offered me a rigorous and enriching internship program that went beyond the opportunity to engage with on-going projects in order to better understand what the company does.

The time I spent at JTC was no doubt an eye opener to GIS and I am excited to further explore the capabilities of GIS. For those considering an internship in GIS, do not worry about your level of competency. As long as you are equipped with a willingness to learn, you will thrive. Enter the internship with an open mind to the possibilities that GIS offers, and most importantly, have fun.

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alumni.

Geographers take on the world post-graduation. From public service institutions to private corporations, get a glimpse into the working world. Read about how geography is versatile and continues to be relevant in their lives

URA WITH

davina

Davina Koh Graduated 2016 Planner, Urban Redevelopment Authority

When I was first exposed to geography in secondary school, I knew it was going to be my favourite subject within the matter of a few classes. Teachers spoke highly of their university days as students in the Geography Department. The anecdotes they recounted were positive and filled with excitement, and confirmed my goal of reading geography at NUS.

Before entering NUS geography, I had the chance to speak with a few seniors and they recounted many overseas and outdoor opportunities to learn beyond the setting of the classroom. My personal experience in geography lived up to these stories when I got the chance to learn overseas. Through living and interacting with foreign communities, I got to exchange information and ideas, and forge friendships across borders, religions and nationalities. Till today, I still keep in contact with my friends. We reminisce about the experiences when we meet— such is the warmth of the people and professors alike in geography!

I have always wanted to work in the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) but I didn’t get the chance to experience a URA internship. Managing to land a position in this organisation was a huge blessing. In my scope of work, presentations are key.

We face the public and people in building industries every day, and they do come prepared with many questions. The way lessons are carried out in FASS, especially in geography, means you got to be ready to present and answer questions any time. To think quickly on your feet and be confident of your answers. At work, that’s my daily challenge!

Success is subjective, so I find my success in small wins. Ultimately, life is 10% of what you make it out to be and 90% of how you take it. Let every experience count for something!

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CAAS WITH

wei seng

Woon Wei Seng Graduated 2015 Manager, Airport Development and Planning Division in CAAS

what I learnt in class was applicable to my work in SAVE and vice-versa.

I started my career at the Singapore Aviation Academy, a division of CAAS. I was involved in a wide portfolio: from strategic and corporate planning, to partnership and business development with partners and prospective customers. My training as a Geographer allowed a deeper appreciation of the complexities of the political and sociocultural contexts of the countries where my customers came from. The training also helped me to interact and build bridges with partners and customers.

As a Geographer you are trained to think inclusively, write eloquently, embrace diversity, be open-minded, and hear the voices from the ground.

Geography engages with the world and its (human and non-human) inhabitants, through maps and human and physical landscapes that we see, experience, shape, and are shaped by. I studied geography during my pre-university years, but only in NUS did I further understand and appreciate the diversity of geography. You can study and relate to literally “everything under the sun, including the sun itself” (a quote by one of our professors). I enjoyed my time in NUS, especially learning outside the classroom through fieldwork and the opportunity to go on student exchange to King’s College London in 2013.

In my current division at Airport Development and Planning (ADP), I am involved in land-use planning both within and around the airport, and environmental sustainability of airport infrastructure. Though I did not have prior knowledge on the technical aspects of airport operations and infrastructure, the concepts and perspectives gleaned from a geographic education remain relevant, particularly spatial awareness and understanding (environmental) sustainability.

In my first year at FASS, I joined Students Against Violation of the Earth (SAVE), an environmental student group in NUS. I managed the implementation of Singapore’s first plastic bag tax as Project Director, before taking on the role of Vice-President (Projects) and even staying on as a mentor to guide and support my peers in their endeavours. There is a strong relationship between SAVE and geography;

Aviation is inherently geographical and international, especially in a Singaporean context. I have thoroughly enjoyed my work in CAAS and find it meaningful to safeguard Singapore’s aviation interests, and contribute to the development and growth of our aviation sector.

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OCBC WITH

junjie

Yam Junjie (JJ) Economics Minor Graduated 2016 Business Development Manager, OCBC Bank

Although I started off as an Economics major, I was drawn to geography to gain a wider appreciation for the discipline, and to further my longstanding interests in natural environments. I considered working for National Geographic once, making a living from exploring various natural landscapes and societies worldwide. These days I keep that dream alive by travelling frequently, and volunteering at a local non-governmental organisation, where I lead corporate and student groups on educational foot trails and kayaking activities.

University is not all about studying and job-hunting. In my third year, I had the opportunity to support a geography professor conducting fieldwork in Khon Kaen, Thailand. For 10 days, we studied liver fluke disease prevalent within the local communities. I also fondly recall my student exchange at the University of Copenhagen and the interactions with my Danish friends and other international students—till today, we keep in touch. These memories are all about encounters and connections; grades are but a distant memory!

Problems in society today require multifaceted considerations and proposals.

Graduates need to be able to demonstrate confidence in their decision-making processes, know how to provide and receive critique, and cope with uncertainty. I believe in constantly being uncomfortable and dissatisfied in order to succeed. During one’s job search, graduates should muster the confidence to assess if they are able to ease into the company’s culture and work well with their immediate managers. As Jack Ma has rightly pointed out, following the right bosses and mentors early in one’s career is more important than the “dream” job.

Having the drive to do things we may not be 100% certain or confident in allows us to learn from our mistakes and experiences, and grow as a person. Being dissatisfied provides us with the mindset to always demand something more, something better, something bigger...it keeps us hungry!

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SCMP WITH

yi hui

Tan Yi Hui Graduated 2005 Subeditor, South China Morning Post in Hong Kong

At the height of a new age in geopolitics, a geographical understanding of how identity, space and boundaries work have never been more relevant. As a copy editor and subeditor for the Hong Kong desk at the South China Morning Post, my job is to be on top of all news in Hong Kong, especially political affairs. I copyedit articles from local journalists who cover the ground in Cantonese and file their work in English.

I’m also required to guide reporters and beef up their stories where needed, thus a good knowledge of current affairs, particularly in the local context, is required.

The nature of news—documenting how Hong Kong evolves, shapes and manifests into societal narratives—is what makes this job feel alive. In my current job, digesting news on a daily basis, and having to package them into bite-sized information for readers, requires an acute understanding of

geopolitical trends, tensions and concepts. geography has equipped me with critical thinking and analytical skills through the numerous essays and presentations I worked on in my coursework. Everything I’ve learned from population studies to urban and cultural interpretations of territory and space have been crucial in my everyday understanding of the work I do.

The skills and experiences I absorbed while studying geography at NUS went beyond what I had expected, in terms of training one to think critically, and honing presentation skills in front of an audience. Most of all though, were the friends I made while at NUS. If I could advise prospective students now, I would say, ‘study hard, play hard and take pride in whatever you do. University days will be one of the fondest periods in your life and can never be replicated, as are the friends you make’.

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grab WITH

lorraine

Lorraine Lai Graduated 2008 Regional and Marketing Manager, Grab

After graduating from the Department of geography, I started my career at the Singapore Tourism Board where it was exciting to be part of developing the first integrated resorts in Singapore.

Subsequently, I landed myself marketing roles at Standard Chartered, Google and now Grab. My work has taken on a regional function, which means I lead the brand direction of a product, whilst working closely with in-country marketing teams to execute localised marketing initiatives.

I love the regional nature of my marketing role because I get to work with colleagues from different geographical locations and cultures. While I guide local marketing teams on the brand vision of an overall product and ensure they are aligned across markets, I appreciate the efficacy of localised marketing initiatives, all thanks to an education rooted in geography and the social sciences.

Being part of the geography Honours class of 2008 remains one of my fondest memories of being part of FASS! Exam periods turned out to be most memorable part of my

NUS experience: from studying through the night, to late night prata suppers and “choping” (reserving) seats in the Central Library for study sessions.

My FASS education helped me to think analytically, to structure and crystallise thoughts and ideas, and present them in writing or in speech effectively. That is largely what a marketer’s job is about— presenting ideas persuasively. But for a marketer to do this successfully, one must know the targeted audience. In learning about the social sciences and humanities, we are led to consider the joys, gaps and problems that humanity experiences. Only when equipped with this knowledge can we then find solutions to address real human needs.

Finding your dream job may not always be straightforward from the onset but, as a full time working mum of two boys, I encourage you to not sweat the small stuff. Stay curious, stay curious and always be open to learning beyond your comfort zone, and stretch all possibilities!

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contributors Geosphere Uncover(ed) would not have been possible without the help of the following people:

Dr Elaine Ho and Dr TC Chang Associate Professors, National University of Singapore Staff Advisors to the NUS Geographical Society Publications Cell

Dr Dipto Sarkar Lecturer, National University of Singapore Biodiversity Conservation and GIS (12)

Shona Loong and Mark Sim PhD Candidate, University of Oxford; Undergraduate, National University of Singapore Human Geography at Home (28)

Sharon Cheong Masters Candidate, National University of Singapore Speaking Beyond the Line (8)

Dr Lily Kong, Dr Victor Savage and Dr Avijit Gupta President, Singapore Management University; Visiting Senior Fellow, Nanyang Technological University Honorary Principal Fellow, University of Wollongong Former Faculty Reflections (40)

Davina Koh, Lorraine Lai, Tan Yi Hui, Woon Wei Seng and Yam Jun Jie Alumni, National University of Singapore Alumni (56)

Max Chan and Sherissa Chua Alumnus, National University of Singapore; Undergraduate, National University of Singapore NUS Geography Photo Contest 2019 - Memoryscapes (22)

Lua Jiong How

Fiona Seng, Geralyn Tay and Hanna Diyana

Undergraduate, National University of Singapore On His Two Feet (16)

Undergraduates, National University of Singapore Interns (48)

Foo Tun Shien

Cherise Chng

Undergraduate, National University of Singapore Blue Blood (32)

Junior College Student, Dunman High School Costs of a Global City (34)

artists Febryan Rhys Cover art @ofstreetsandnature

Hulki Okan Tabak Speaking Across the Line @hulkiokantabak

Pngtree Interns; Alumni pngtree.com

Creative Commons Biodiversity Conservation and GIS Figure 1: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Creating_maps_with_Qgis.svg Figure 2: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Puma_concolor_camera_trap_Arizona_1.jpg