THE RIDGE MAGAZINE A NUSSU PUBLICATION AUGUST 2010
*
We heard that the most established publication on campus needed a makeover. So,welcome to the fresh new ridge. Flip open to get a taste. We hope you enjoy.
A DATE WITH JASMINE TYE
STOP STUDYING, SERIOUSLY We tell you how through a fresh approach to school
WHO READS WHAT?
“OKAY I’M VERY AUNTIE LAH!” With looks like hers? Find out why NUS’s favourite Singapore Idol contestant declares herself... well, an auntie
SHOP IN NUSTYLE
Does your reading preferences depend on the field of study? We conduct an investigation across the different faculties of NUS
NUS FLASH
Presented by NUSSU Bizcom, check this initiative out on pg 44
SECURE YOUR FIRST INTERNSHIP The director of NUS Career Services Centre answers your most burning questions about internships and shares a few tips on how to get one
NO PRESERVATIVES ADDED FULL OF VITAMINS..
+ Tay Ping Hui marries one of our own + RunNUS to have chips to track runners’ timings + NUS hosts inaugural Asian University Waterpolo Championship 2010 + We are going to have a comedy club in NUS? No joke?
THIS ISSUE’S THE RIDGE MAGAZINE FEATURES A DOUBLE COVER, CHECK THE BACK FOR THE FRESHMAN BUMPER ISSUE.
19
CONTENTS 22
NEWS
OUTSPOKEN
LIFESTYLE
06 NUS FLASH
14 STUDENT JOURNALISM IN NUS
22 8 MUST HAVE STATIONERIES
08 PHOTOSTORY
15 CIVIL SERVICE THROUGH THE EYES OF AN INTERN
23 SAME SAME BUT DIFFERENT
09 INSTANT CO-OP MEMBERSHIP FOR FRESHMEN
24 I KNOW WHAT I DID LAST SUMMER 16 I HATE STUDYING
10 HALL ADMISSIONS SYSTEM TO CHANGE
27 THE GOOD, BAD AND WASTE OF TIME 18 GUEST COLUMN: A/P MARRANCI
12 RVR FEES FROZEN
28 JASMINE TYE: ALL TYED UP 19 THE HARE PARADOX 30 FASHIONABLY NOTED
ENTERTAINMENT
SPORTS
32 A TALE OF MANY FACULTIES
40 SINGAPORE YOUTH OLYMPIC GAMES PREVIEW
34 SINGAPORE BOLEH 36 THE ANAMORPHIC DIRECTOR 37 BOOK REVIEW: THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES
06
27
02
Ed EDITOR’S NOTE
AIMS A) GRAB YOUR ATTENTION B) CONVINCE YOU TO READ ON C) INTRODUCE MYSELF D) NOT TO CREATE CRAP WORK (NO JOKE)
“Journalism is just a gun. It’s only got one bullet in it, but if you aim right, that’s all you need. Aim it right, and you can blow a kneecap off the world” – Warren Ellis, Transmetropolitan. Journalism is a dying art in this university. The gun self-imploded here last year. Whoever stuffed the gunpowder probably bought the cheap stuff. The shots that were fired didn’t hit the mark. Who’s servicing the revolver now? Well, I have news for you: A new editorial board is in town.
university life this month and we’re part of that package. We know it. We want you to enjoy it. We challenge you to define NUS in your own way (“What is NUS to you?”), explain what to expect when it comes to arts (“An Intro to the NUS Arts Scene”), compare Freshmen camps (“Freshmen Orientation Camp Awards”), write about the annual Rag Day (“Rag Day 2010”) that many of you took part in and help you with some much-needed tech info (“Getting Tech-Ed up for Year 1”).
This is my fourth year at THE RIDGE. I will graduate with a degree of RIDGEness and the editorial board are equally good ridgesters. They understand the power of the written word. That it sticks in your head. It doesn’t fade away like idle conversations on sunny afternoons. Words written on paper should be those that convey an idea in the best manner possible. Thousands of students read this magazine, after all. And words can influence and bring change.
Outspoken, News, Wired, Lifestyle, Entertainment, Creative and Sports are terms that will become familiar to you by the time you finish browsing through this magazine. And while you do, you’ll read about a Sociology professors’ view on religion in Singapore, Jasmine Tye (a former Singapore Idol contestant and our own fellow NUS student), why our Outspoken editor hates studying, the latest campus News, the YOG, all the Entertainment Singapore has to offer and much more.
This issue, in particular, is meant for freshman students. The August issue always has and always will be. It’s your virgin experience of
As Chief Editor, I hope “to bring THE RIDGE to greater heights and make every NUS student proud to identify with THE RIDGE as their
publication” (Nurhayati Khan, Chief Editor, April 2007). Yati’s legacy still drives me on. Last year, unread issues were lying about campus. I couldn’t believe it. I hope this year such a travesty never occurs. We will work our hardest and our darndest to avoid such a thing. Talk to us and send us an email. We’re the platform that you can choose to be heard in this university. And we want to keep getting better. We have a new look, a new team and a new logo but we know that’s not enough. Congratulations to the freshmen for making it here. You’re at one of the top universities in Asia. And to our seniors, welcome back. Enjoy the busybodyness of the first month, reuniting with old friends and the joy of learning something new. Have a great semester ahead. And bang goes the first shot.
SUHAS BHAT Interim Chief Editor the.ridge@nussu.org.sg
EDITORIAL TEAM
03
THINKING OF JOINING US? WE’RE ALWAYS ON THE LOOK OUT FOR TALENTED WRITERS, DESIGNERS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS. ASK US ABOUT RECRUITMENT AT the.ridge@nussu.org.sg
THE EDITORIAL BOARD
Chief Editor
Suhas Bhat
the.ridge@nussu.org.sg
Copy Editor
Arnab Ghosh
a_g16@nus.edu.sg
Creative Director
Kaden Hoe
u0908955@nus.edu.sg
Entertainment Desk Editor
Saheli Roy Choudhury
theridge.entertainment@nussu.org.sg
Lifestyle Desk Editors
Sharon Chen
theridge.lifestyle@nussu.org.sg
Athena Foo
CONTRIBUTORS
Outspoken Desk Editor
Chen Yongquan
theridge.outspoken@nussu.org.sg
News Desk Editor
Meera Nair
theridge.news@nussu.org.sg
Secretary
Anokhi Vakil
theridge.secretary@gmail.com
NUSSU Publications Secretary
Michelle Tan
pubsec@nussu.org.sg
Writers
Jane Antony
janeantony@nus.edu.sg
Nathanael Ps
u0900511@nus.edu.sg
Tng Ying Hui
u0702907@nus.edu.sg
Chua Ai Ni
chuaaini@nus.edu.sg
Bridget Tan
bridget_tan@nus.edu.sg
Tan Hui Yi
u0801648@nus.edu.sg
Chow Yongjun
u0800202@nus.edu.sg
Sabrina Mercy Anthony
u0802534@nus.edu.sg
Jason LKH
u0805887@nus.edu.sg
Vincent Lau
bchvlsl@nus.edu.sg
Heng Ming Fong
mingfong@nus.edu.sg
A/ P Gabriele Marranci
socgm@nus.edu.sg
Goh Ruoyi
u0802479@nus.edu.sg
Michelle Chong
michelle_chong@nus.edu.sg
Shanmugan MPL
shanmugam@nus.edu.sg
Joseph Chin
a0073391@nus.edu.sg
Designer
Peng Yifan
u081540@nus.edu.sg
Designer/Photographer
Eunice Ng
u0702964@nus.edu.sg
Photographer
Matthew Chee
u0908832@nus.edu.sg
04
NUSSU
FLAG DAY 2010 COLLECTIONS a numerical breakdown
508,703.30 total amount collected
3, 167.5
amount by which this figure breaks the past record (2008)
highest faculty count
‘Thank you, all NUS Flaggers for contributing to this positive cause on NUSSU Flag Day!’
78, 812.90
137, 661.20 ALL-TIME RECORD
highest hall count
562.27%
PERCENTAGE INCREMENT OF MEDICINE FACULTY
PRESIDENT’S SHIELD WINNERS FACULTY OF SCIENCE & KENT RIDGE HALL
*further updates on Rag awards can be found at www.nus.edu.sg/nussu THE ABOVE INFORMATION IS CORRECT AS OF 06 AUGUST
05
THE ESSENTIAL VITAMINS IN THE RIDGE MAGAZINE
NO PRESERVATIVES ADDED FULL OF VITAMINS.. NO PRESERV ATIVES ADDED FULL OF VITAMINS Et . Ns. Os. Sp. Ls. Wr.
Ns THE NEWS DESK
One of the largest desks in THE RIDGE, the News Desk is dedicated to bringing YOU the latest news around campus. From fee hikes to counterfeit goods, and even Mas Selamat’s presence on campus (that is, if he’s still alive and makes an appearance!) we are the go-to desk for your monthly dose of information. Now we can’t guarantee a scandal every month, but when one does occur, YOU get to probe right into it. So if you’re a complete busybody (just like the rest of us!), this desk is YOUR salvation. We welcome you with open arms!
06
NEWS
NUSFLASH RUNNUS WITH A TWIST
WORLDMUN COMES TO SINGAPORE
ASIAN UNIVERSITY WATERPOLO CHAMPIONSHIP 2010
GOH RUOYI
MICHELLE CHONG
TNG YING HUI
R
T
unNUS is back, this time with newer technology
he 20th session of the World Model United Nations
rom 8th to 14th July,
F
competitive water polo, it also aimed
NUS hosted the inaugural
to promote interaction among athletes
and a charitable motive. The annual
(WorldMUN) will be held in
Asian Universities Water Polo
from diverse cultural backgrounds.
running event, hosted by the NUS
Singapore in March 2011. Th is is the
Championship (AUWC). Jointly
The participating nine teams came
Students’ Sports Club, will be
fi rst time the conference will be held
organized with the Singapore
from seven countries: China,
collaborating with NUS’s Annual
in this region. WorldMUN brings
Swimming Association, this event
Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Pakistan,
Giving Campaign to raise funds
together youth delegates from around
brought together teams from around
Singapore and Uzbekistan.
for bursaries for needy students.
the world with the aim of providing
Asia to compete on our home ground
These funds will be raised using
a platform for them to voice out
– NUS.
the proceeds from the runners’
their opinions on international
registration fees, as well as through
issues. It also establishes cross-
Despite this apparent advantage,
donations pledged by the runners’
border networks that would facilitate
the NUS men’s team was trailing
friends and family. To ensure the
the implementation of plans at
for most of the competition. They
success of the 10km competitive run
an international level. With the
faced stiff competition from teams
event, a new running chip has also
conference being driven by the
from Korea, Japan and China. The
been acquired. The disposable ‘D-tag’
“WorldMUN Spirit” which idealizes
NUS men’s team clinched the overall
is able to track runners’ timings more
friendship, cross-border cooperation
bronze medal while the women’s
accurately and facilitate the retrieval
and a deep understanding of cultures
team came in 4th.
of these results. It is also easy to
and perspectives beyond one’s own,
use as it is unobtrusively attached
WorldMUN 2011 Singapore will
The AUWC was not just a
to one’s shoe. Over 2,000 runners
have much to offer as delegates get
competitive event, however. Apart
are expected at this event, a number
to immerse themselves in cultures,
from providing a platform for
exceeding the 1,600 that turned up
thoughts and ideals in a whole new
at last year’s event. Apart from the
region.
competitive run, RunNUS 2010 also includes a 5 km Fun Run and a carnival. It will be held on August 15, 2010.
PHOTOGRAPH XINMSN
NEWS
NUS TO HAVE A COMEDY CLUB TNG YING HUI
A
it, why not us!’” said Brintha Anne Loganathan, the creator of the
with technology as your buffer,” said
club in the hopes of increasing
NUS Comedy Crowd. Although
Brintha. Although this plan is still
awareness of both the local and
the NUS Comedy Crowd has yet
in its infancy, the support they have
international comedy scene amongst
to gain approval from the Office of
received from the NUS community
undergraduates. Named the NUS
Student Affairs, it has made plans
has kept them optimistic. The NUS
Comedy Crowd, it also aims to
for the coming semester. These plans
Comedy Crowd has found itself far
encourage the performance of stand-
include the starting of an NUS
surpassing its initial expectation of
up comedy. “The idea came to me
Comedy Crowd YouTube Channel
having about twenty members, with
whilst watching re-runs of the Last
where students can post videos of
its Facebook group having over 200
Comic Standing. In the wise words
themselves performing comedy. “Th is
members.
of a personal hero of mine - Harry
will be the fi rst step in encouraging
Potter - I figured, ‘If they can do
actual live performances of comedy
group of NUS undergraduates
as it’s slightly less daunting to do so
have formed a comedy
NUS LECTURER MARRIES LOCAL CELEBRITY TAY PING HUI GOH RUOYI
D
r Edna Lim, a lecturer from
during the Mediacorp Star Awards
the Department of English
held earlier in April this year. Dr
Language and Literature in the
Lim, whose research interests include
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences,
Singapore fi lm, television and theatre
officially tied the knot in June with
amongst others, has been teaching in
local Mediacorp artiste Tay Ping Hui,
the department since 1996.
who has consistently been dubbed one of the most eligible bachelors on the local acting scene. The couple got married shortly after Tay publicly expressed his gratitude to his future wife and baby in a speech made
07
08
NEWS * PHOTOSTORY
the phases of nus I
lectures and tutorials. Students
corridors were absent.
semester.
catching up on much-needed
Instead, rays of the afternoon
It is the beauty of these phases
revision.
sun streamed through the
that we miss in our quest for
will spend their time in libraries,
corridors and danced across the
academic excellence. With a
This is followed by the term
ceilings. An occasional breeze
start of a new semester, let us all
break. The phase we just got out
gently blew and a sense of
promise to take a step back and
of. The tide disappears. It is this
peace and tranquility enveloped
appreciate the elegance of this
t’s term time. Once again,
phase that is the most elusive
the whole place.
transition.
NUS roars to life with the
to most of us. We aren’t there to
rush of the mighty human tide.
witness it, you see.
It’s the time when chaos fills the linkways as students transit
I swear I could almost feel the gentle puffs of breaths taken,
But I was there.
hear the soft, soothing sigh as
It was a weekday afternoon. Yet
temporal slumber before the
Pretty soon, this human tide will
the throngs of people streaming
human tide roared through it
“the moment of change is the only poem.”
be tempered by the cessation of
through the various linkways and
again with the start of a new
– Adrienne Rich
between different venues.
the place settled into a sweet
AUTHOR MICHELLE CHONG * PHOTOGRAPH MATTHEW CHEE
NEWS
09
INSTANT CO-OP MEMBERSHIP FOR FRESHMEN A
ll incoming NUS freshmen
entitle students to a 10 percent
“If membership can be funded
from computation into their CAP
from this academic year
discount when purchasing textbooks,
by NUSSU, why wasn’t this
score. Cohorts before that did were
onwards will get instant membership
general books, stationery, NUS
implemented years ago?” she
not given that benefit.
at the NUS Co-op when they
memorabilia and personal computer
questioned.
matriculate. Th is membership
accessories from Co-op stores. Also,
will be given at no additional cost
they will be eligible to apply for the
Ho Jun Yi, the President of
freshmen does not put the current
and is valid for the tenure of their
Book Assistance Award of S$400,”
NUSSU, however, explained that
seniors at a disadvantage. In the long
undergraduate studies.
she added.
this policy was only possible now
run, more students will benefit from
because NUSSU has, over the years,
such a scheme,” said Christopher
Th is scheme is the result of a
Despite the benefits freshmen
engaged in “conservative financial
Cheong, the Vice-President of
partnership between the NUS Co-
gain, this policy is not without its
management, successful marketing
NUSSU.
op and the NUS Students’ Union.
drawbacks.
for sponsorship and fund-raising,
“Giving membership to incoming
Funding will come from the NUSSU
thereby resulting in the accumulation
At least one student, however, did not
coffers, which is partly endowed by
of sufficient funds to sustain this
see what all the fuss was about.
a one-time payment students make
collaboration.” Jacintha Gopal, a third-year political
towards Union membership. In return for this bulk purchase, the NUS
He added, “Th is collaboration with
science major, said, “I am slightly
Co-op will offer NUSSU a subsidized
the Co-op is not permanent. There
annoyed but Co-op membership is
rate for membership.
might be a scenario where future
only about 5 bucks after all, so I don’t
batches of NUS students no longer
really care.”
Both the NUS Co-op and NUSSU
receive this privilege, instead getting
stated that this move was made for
other, probably better, privileges.”
the benefit of NUS students. “The Co-op was borne out of concern for
The transient nature of such privileges
the community,” said Karen Lim, the
Leong Liting, a third-year business
can already be observed now, with
senior manager of the NUS Co-op.
major, pointed out that this policy “is
the implementation of the S/U option
unfair to senior students who have
which allowed cohorts from 2007
“Th is scheme will immediately
paid for membership” at Co-op stores. onwards to exempt certain modules
AUTHOR MEERA NAIR + PHOTOGRAPH COOP.NUS.EDU.SG
10
NEWS
HALL ADMISSIONS SYSTEM TO CHANGE THE REVISED HALL ADMISSION POINTS SYSTEM (RHAPS) IS SET TO CHANGE IN A YEAR’S TIME. THE NEW SYSTEM, CALLED THE RESIDENCE ADMISSION SCHEME (RAS), WILL BE SHADOWING THE RHAPS THIS ACADEMIC YEAR BEFORE TAKING OVER THE YEAR AFTER.
F
irst proposed by the Office of
reasons which the RHAPs appeared
The RAS consists of two categories.
Tier 6 which constitutes the general
Student Affairs (OSA), the
to endorse.
Category A contains six tiers. Tiers
senior undergraduate population. Th is
1 to 3 guarantee accommodation
will be balloted again to assign people to the remaining vacancies.
RAS was created in an attempt to counter the problems posed by the
Apart from that, “students will not
for elected members of the NUSSU
RHAPs, namely, that of points
run into commitment issues with
Executive Committee, elected
inflation, abuse and cheating of the
the CCAs they like because they are
members of the Halls Junior
Category B consists of SRC’s
system.
forced to raise their points by joining
Common Room Committee and
Varsity Sportsmen Scheme and
many CCAs,” explained Christopher
elected members of the Constituent
the Halls’ Master List. The former
The RAS allows recognized Student
Cheong, Vice-President of the NUS
Clubs’ Management Committee
offers accommodation to deserving
Organizations (SOs) to recommend
Students’ Union (NUSSU).
respectively.
sportsmen while the latter does so for
students for accommodation instead
students who are able to contribute to
of awarding CCA points as the
He also added that this new
Tier 4 dedicates a quota for elected
RHAPs did. Students will be
scheme was fairer to senior students
members of Societies, Interest
recommended based on the quality of
who would be unlikely to get
Groups and CFA’s Management
Despite the fairness of the scheme,
their contribution to the SO.
accommodation under RHAPs
Committee.
Cheong admits that the system
if they have never stayed in a hall
the vibrancy of their chosen hall.
is not free from glitches. “A
SOs, in turn, will be given the
before. Th is is because RAS, by
Where demand exceeds the number
possible problem is how trusting
flexibility to decide on the criteria
using a tiered system that depends
of places available, balloting will be
we can be to allow SOs to devise a
they wish to use to rank and
on recommendations and balloting,
conducted with those unsuccessful
recommendation plan of their own
recommend students.
specifically takes this group of
being considered under Tier 5
that will be impartial and fair to all,”
students into consideration in one of
where SOs and halls are allowed to
he said.
It is hoped that this new system will
its tiers. It offers all students an equal
recommend names for consideration.
encourage students to participate in
chance at succeeding while at the
CCAs out of interest and passion
same time acknowledging the most
After another round of balloting,
initiated the one-year shadow period,
rather than for purely pragmatic
deserving.
those unsuccessful will be moved to
he added. During this time, SOs will
AUTHOR MEERA NAIR + PHOTOGRAPH PANORAMIO
It is for this reason that NUSSU
NEWS
be given the opportunity to devise a
points,” he added.
system for recommendation. It will
Not all students interviewed were unhappy with the changes, nor did
constantly be reviewed to ensure
His views were echoed by Hong
they need such reassurance. Lee Jia
impartiality. Moreover, SOs will be
Xinlei, a third-year geography major.
En, a third-year geography major,
able to learn from other SOs’ models
However, she also noted a positive
said, “I am certain that these changes
and mistakes.
side to the RAS.
have been thought through carefully with the welfare of the students in
While sound in theory, Aloysius
“Ideally, the recommendation
mind. Even if the new system does
Teo, a third-year life sciences major,
system is fairer because the CCA
not work out, it will defi nitely point
pointed out that it may not be that
leader will be clear as to who really
us in the right direction.”
easy.
contributes as opposed to just taking attendance,” she said, referring to the
With the mixed responses from
“The recommendation system may
common practice of CCAs equating
students, teething problems and
lead to ‘fake’ friendships just to get
participation with attendance.
administrative hassles of a new
into the good books of the CCA
scheme, Cheong aptly concluded,
leader, as well as backstabbing and
Student dissatisfaction is only to be
bad-mouthing to bring another
expected, Cheong noted, explaining
person down,” he said.
that when the RHAPs was put into action close to 13 years ago, it too
“Moreover, students who are more
faced many negative responses.
extroverted will also have an edge over students who do most of the
However, Cheong assured that
work but go unnoticed. The point
NUSSU would seek to address every
system is not fl awless, but at least
concern and provide improvement for
those who do their jobs will get some
the RAS along the way.
“CHANGE IS NEVER EASY.”
11
12
NEWS
RVR FEES FROZEN T
he University has announced
hence there definitely needs to be
said.
that it will freeze the
a difference in the fees charged to
increase in hostel fees for Ridge View
account for the difference in hostel
She also added that given an
Residences (RVR) for AY2010/2011
upkeep,” Loh Ziling, a third-year
inevitable increase in the fees for
and that the fees will be revised again
psychology major, said of the
older RVR blocks in the future,
in AY2011/2012.
decision.
the administration should consider renovation and refurbishment instead
Th is means that fees per week would
With these RVR blocks now being
remain at $75 for single rooms and
cheaper than the other hostels, the
of fee freezes.
$50 for double rooms as opposed
Office of Student Affairs (OSA)
David Cheah, a second-year computer
to around $90 and $60 respectively
acknowledged that the number
engineering student who is staying
for the other hostels. However, this
of applicants to the residence may
at Prince George’s Park Residences
would only apply to the older blocks
increase and said that they will be
agreed, saying that he would not
in RVR and not the newer Tower
monitoring the trend.
consider shifting to RVR despite the
Block (as it is known).
residence’s “central location” unless it Students interviewed, however, do
The decision came after the
not appear to be keen on staying
University conducted two dialogue
there.
sessions with students and received
could boast upgraded facilities.
The Office of Student Affairs (OSA) did not rule out improvements to the
feedback from a NUSSU student
Choo Jiale, a third-year student
existing blocks during this period,
survey.
from the School of Design and
noting that that the fee review in
Environment, felt that the difference
AY2011/2012 would take into
Respondents of the survey pointed
in fees was not worth the sacrifice of
consideration any improvements done
out the differences in the conditions
newer facilities.
to existing blocks.
of older RVR blocks as compared to other hostels on campus.
“If I were to choose, I would go for the newer blocks unless the old blocks
“Conditions of these blocks may
offer hostel fees that are substantially
not be as good as the newer blocks,
lower than the new RVR blocks,” she
AUTHOR CHUA AI NI + PHOTOGRAPH PANORAMIO
THE ESSENTIAL VITAMINS IN THE RIDGE MAGAZINE
NO PRESERVATIVES ADDED FULL OF VITAMINS.. NO PRESERV ATIVES ADDED FULL OF VITAMINS Et . Ns. Os. Sp. Ls. Wr.
Os THE OUTSPOKEN DESK
Not for the apathetic, Outspoken is an avenue for passionate columnists to voice their opinions on a wide range of social issues ranging from the sciences to the arts that are of concern to the NUS student population. While promising a team of shining personalities with fresh perspectives and interesting experiences, Outspoken will not be held accountable for our readers’ addiction! Outspoken currently features a regular guest column whereby prominent NUS figures from the management, teaching staff, alumni and elsewhere touch on issues that are close to the heart of the student population, showcase their research or share their experiences.
14
OUTSPOKEN
STUDENT JOURNALISM IN NUS AN ASPIRING JOURNALIST HIMSELF, INTERIM EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OF THE RIDGE SUHAS BHAT HOPES TO REVIVE THE CULTURE OF ACTIVE STUDENT JOURNALISM IN NUS.
Y
ou don’t see many students
a smaller way, they can contribute
deadlines. Bottlenecks can easily be
past four years, I’ve seen numerous
wanting to become journalists.
by helping us improve through
formed as long as a single cog in the
talented writers, designers and editors
I’ve given this peculiarity much
offering constructive suggestions
machine fails to operate as expected.
emerge and I’m confident that there
thought and although there are
and by providing us with feedback
NUS students are infamously
are more yet to come.
conventional explanations provided,
on what they hope to read in student
never free to meet up and attend
they do not really solve this puzzle.
publications.
meetings and so towards the end of
Kent Ridge Common, an
the previous academic year, THE
independent publication founded by
Many say that freedom of expression is restricted out there while others
But the challenge in raising the
RIDGE was constantly plagued with
a Philosophy student named Lester
believe that there isn’t a strong
quality of journalism within campus
delays which tarnished the reputation
Lim, is a prime example of how
enough publications sector in
does not stop there. There are also
of the magazine and the standard of
student-led journalism can indeed
Singapore.
high turnover rates within campus
journalism within the university.
work within NUS. The new team of
publications as writers don’t stick for
editors and writers of THE RIDGE
But when it comes to journalism
the long haul. Writers are a sensitive
Furthermore, articles themselves
are hardworking and passionate
within NUS, a Catch-22 paradox
lot who take great pride in their
need to have a personality, structure,
individuals who sincerely wish to
exists whereby journalism will be in
work and whose feathers are easily
purpose and quality and writers
bring this magazine back to its glory
vogue once there’s good journalism
ruffled. Editors have to be especially
should be more than just freelancers
days when it used to produce issues
present but that won’t happen if we
careful when editing as creativity is
working from their desks. They
that I personally (among many others)
don’t recruit good journalists in the
apparently easily stifled these days.
should expend a little extra effort to
eagerly looked forward to every
fi rst place! Many potential writers
Such a volatile atmosphere is not
add that extra gloss to the fi nish.
month.
out there do not seek to join campus
healthy and patience is becoming a
publications primarily because they
rare quality. I remember a time when
The common organisational problems
Only time can tell how student
are not happy with the quality of
it took 30 replies before an article
found in other CCAs are also always
journalism will fare over the next
journalism provided within the
I submitted finally got approved!
there - petty politics, favouritism,
decade. As I pen the last article
campus.
Writers should learn to see editors
weak leadership, formation of cliques,
before this magazine goes to print,
as their guides and realise that
cultural differences, lack of discipline
I, for one, am keeping my fi ngers
Well, it won’t spring up overnight like
ultimately they’re the ones that
and inter-organizational confl ict.
crossed..
a magic beanstalk. These potential
will benefit from the changes made
But the problems that I’ve outlined
writers must be willing and have
to their work. I know I benefitted
are particularly acute to publications
to take the fi rst step by bringing
greatly.
and make it difficult for there to be a
*Please write to us at the.ridge@nussu.org.sg
thriving environment for journalism.
and tell us what you think of the new issue of
their ideas to print so that over time a change in the culture of writing
Also, publications generally require
within campus itself can happen. In
consistency and a strict adherence to
AUTHOR SUHAS BHAT
THE RIDGE. There is hope, though. Over the
OUTSPOKEN
J
ust a month ago, I completed
only from the inside that I realized
my internship at a certain
that a lot of efforts were in place to
government sector. When people talk
help improve Singapore.
about the civil service, they think men in white and a dash of red in the
It was not a boring experience. In
form of a lightning bolt. Yes, that’s
fact, people who were passionate
right - the People’s Action Party
about what they do surrounded
(PAP). Singapore’s political system
me and they consistently proposed
has been a matter of much debate ever
recommendations to fi ll up the gaps
since dominant one-party rule was
in the system. No doubt the process
established by the PAP in 1959.
was long and tedious whereby one’s
15
CIVIL SERVICE THROUGH THE EYES OF AN INTERN
HENG MING FONG SHARES HER INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE THAT WOULD CHALLENGE YOU TO RETHINK YOUR ASSUMPTIONS ABOUT THE CIVIL SERVICE.
proposal had to go through weeks and I recall a year back when I was
weeks of vetting and approval but the
working as a temporary staff worker
rewards were satisfying as they were
for a particular government sector.
a service for the public rather than a
Whilst I was on the train, I pulled
concern for the bottom line.
out my work pass and at that
encounter in my working experience
know why. It just felt like the right
with the private sector.
and safe thing to do. Along the way,
moment, an old man stared at me and
There are also initiatives for a good
started to spew words of disdain at
work-life balance. There are bi-
In times of financial crisis, the
was obvious how fast pay increment
my association with the government.
monthly volunteer activity sessions at
public sector is seen as the pedestal
could be in an established Multi-
What have I done? That thought
a home for the aged and special events
of security - an iron rice bowl. Th is
National Corporation. But ultimately
came across to me almost instantly
like the public service challenge
has helped attract graduates into the
she stayed as she felt competent
as I kept quiet and made a speedy
whereby civil servants battle it out
public sector. However, there are also
in her area of expertise. As for her
escape from the train. I guess this
in a series of activities like Captain’s
disadvantages to working in a public
outstanding peers, one of them took
stigma against the government will
ball and Sudoku. Such activities allow
sector. The biggest would have to
a career switch to answer her calling
always be there. The civil service
one to unwind from the stress of daily
be that salary raises and promotions
- teaching.
has long been perceived as a source
work. In addition, there are privileges
are harder to obtain as decisions
of inflexibility coupled with red
like free ice cream day, gym access at
have to be made on a governmental
As a new semester begins, some
tape. The government had executed
work, special movie screenings and
instead of a company level. Much
of you sophomores might still be
some policies that take only a more
many others. Such offers I have yet to
more value is also placed on your
clueless about your career aspirations.
outspoken taxi driver to reiterate
educational credentials and often your
As for the freshmen, you might still
about them to his or her passenger.
starting salary is pegged against your
be searching. Although it might be
qualifications. Th is may be one reason
encouraging to have an idea of what
The image that the civil service
why aspirants work so hard for an
you want to do in the future, not all
presents is a boring and rigid one.
honor’s degree.
ideas materialize. Somewhere along
some regretted their decisions. It
Hence, it is not surprising that the
the way, you might just find a new
younger generation tend to shy away
Back in her time, my Assistant
pursuit in life. You might be just as
from it. I was not an exception. But
Director had graduated top in her
outstanding in the public or private
a certain appeal still draws me to it
class. She was an eager and hopeful
sector but ultimately you have to like
and that is the possibility of doing
graduate along with her other
what you do. What is important is
something that could benefit society.
academically outstanding peers. They
to keep an open mind and to have
As much as I had my reservations
were offered high paying jobs in the
faith. Like the saying goes - life is a
as to how much society could be
private sector but everybody turned
journey, not a destination.
changed for the better, I went ahead
down the offers and went straight
to take up the internship. And it was
into the civil service. They didn’t even AUTHOR HENG MING FONG + PHOTOGRAPH FLICKR.COM/Nigel_4ever/joeylu
16
OUTSPOKEN
I HATE STUDYING STUDYING IS ONE PAINFUL CHORE. CHEN YONGQUAN KNOWS THAT AND HE WANTS TO CONVINCE YOU TO STOP DOING IT.
W
hen someone speaks of studying, I think of thick
textbooks, stacks of lecture notes,
MY MUM WAS WRONG.
choking deadlines for assignments
many others around me had desired.
arts since my lower secondary days. I
The Head of Biology Department
learnt History and English Literature
called me up one morning along with
and loved them.
several others to ask why we had not
and stressful burning of midnight
My mum was wrong. Perhaps all I
chosen to study 8 subjects despite our
The past fascinates me – the people,
oil during the examination period.
had was a little aptitude in drawing
results allowing us to do so.
their practices and the lives they led.
Studying is a painful chore that
those rectangular boxes that were
involves largely an accumulation of a
used to represent mathematical
I did not tell her that half the reason
time was something intriguing to
lot of boring information. I spent the
problems.
was that I wanted to slack more. I
me. Lessons on English Literature
told her the other half that Biology
were equally enjoyable as I found it
last 15 years or so of my life mostly
The change in human behaviour over
studying and I find myself wondering
But as I would learn, Math was not
did not really appeal to me and that
interesting how the private thoughts of
where all that supposedly stored up
my cup of tea. In upper secondary
it seemed a difficult subject. She
each character eventually manifested
information vanished to. You see, I
school, I struggled with Additional
laughed heartily and with a hand
themselves in less than expected ways
had studied without knowing why I
Mathematics because I could not
gesture, swiped my concern off like
in a group setting.
was studying.
understand why I had to study
how one would with a housefly.
numbers so much when all I felt
“Biology is easy!” she exclaimed.
In Junior College, I encountered a new
As a child, I was taught that it was
that I needed back then were simple
Being young and naive, I believed
subject – Economics. I enjoyed learning
just natural that upon reaching a
counting skills so that the canteen
her.
it. I saw how economic theories
certain age, it’s time to put an end
auntie would not cheat me of my
to all those hours spent wasting
rightful change!
on play and to head for school.
and concepts were embedded in the Plus the prevalent view around me
surroundings of everyday life. I went
was that the sciences were more
on to take a Special Paper and was even
During school, I studied without
Later on in Junior College, I even had
prestigious and more practical than
more interested as the focus was on real
an appreciation for knowledge – the
consultation in a small group of four
the arts, so I eventually ended up in
economic events happening around the
acquisition of it and its application
for Math because I was scoring just
the triple science stream taking up 8
world.
to life.
30 marks three months before the
subjects. I knew I had slapped myself
‘A’ level examination. It was not that
in the face with my lack of resolve
Upon completion of my National
I did not try hard enough but that
when I found myself wondering why
Service, I regained my status as a
In sum, I wasn’t truly learning.
Math just didn’t interest me. I failed
I was studying pages and pages of
student and stepped foot on NUS. I had
Back in primary school, Mathematics
terribly at trying to see how Math was
complicated diagrams on cellular
indicated the Faculty of Arts and Social
was my best subject. My mum told
relevant to my life.
structures when I couldn’t even see
Sciences (FASS) of NUS as my fi rst
a cell with my naked eye. Indeed,
choice because I knew that this was the place where I wanted to be.
me that I could work hard on this area and be a Mathematics teacher
In a streaming exercise at the end
studying these subjects was torturous
one day.
of secondary two, I had initially
for me.
indicated that I wished to take up 7 subjects instead of the 8 or 9 that
AUTHOR CHEN YONGQUAN + PHOTOGRAPH SUHAS BHAT
I have enjoyed learning for the past On the contrary, I had a liking for the
2 years in university. It was only in
OUTSPOKEN
17
even an economist to
modules from different faculties. You
predict with certainty.
will never know if you like something
My answer is that
or not until you have tried it yourself.
I learn Sociology because I love it and
Let us set our sights far. If through
I love it because I can
taking modules from different
appreciate how it is
faculties make you realize that there
so relevant to life.
is something else which you enjoy
Sociology allows me
learning more then perhaps it is time
to learn more about
to do some reflection. I have learnt that
others and also about
along the way, a great deal of people
myself.
will tell us what to do and what not to do but ultimately they are not us.
university that I found myself truly
the discipline is to life given that it is
To my readers who are majoring in
learning and not studying. I was
at work every moment in our day-to-
Biology or Mathematics, it is not that
appreciating the knowledge that
day interactions.
Biology and Mathematics are not
I acquired, seeing how they were
important to life or that they are less
STOP STUDYING, START LEARNING.
relevant to my life. These two years
Sometimes, others don’t bother and
attractive subjects per se. It’s about
were a lot different from what I had
simply ask, “So what do you want to
you being able to appreciate their
There is a quote from one of the pages
been doing the past 15.
do next time?”
relevance more than I can and being
in my ‘A’ level Economics course pack
better Biologists or Mathematicians
which I find meaningful and have
in the future than I could ever be.
remembered even till today – “I do not
Today, every now and then, I am
To be frank, I have not much of an
asked what I am majoring in. Almost
idea. It is not that I am ignorant of
every time when I mention Sociology,
what kind of jobs Sociology graduates
To the freshmen: I had chosen a
people ask me, “What is Sociology?”
today do. I always thought that this
course which I am passionate about
At the expense of incurring the wrath
was a rather strange question. Can
and I hope you will too. I have learnt
of my beloved Sociology professors,
anyone say with confidence what will
that passion is a wonderful thing.
I must admit that I have always felt
happen to the job market 10 years
When you are passionate about
that it was a difficult question to
down the road? Every year, new jobs
something, you will find yourself
answer.
are being created and old jobs become
learning and not studying. If you
obsolete through an interaction
are unsure where your passion lies,
I feel that the conventional answer
of a whole array of demand and
it is time to start on a journey of
that ‘Sociology is the study of human
supply conditions in the job market
discovery.
behaviour in the social context’ did
that are beyond the control of the
not emphasize enough how important
individual and too complicated for
remember what I was taught. I only
Get out of your comfort zone. Take
remember what I have learnt.”
So to all my readers: Stop Studying, Start Learning.
18
OUTSPOKEN * GUEST COLUMN
GUEST COLUMN Religion is once again in the limelight with Pastor Rony Tan’s insensitive comments and in a separate case, yet another use of the Internal Security Act. Assoc. Prof. GABRIELE MARRANCI shares with us his research on religion in Singapore and his views on how we can tackle the challenges posed by religion.
R
eligious (and racial) harmony
indeed, studied. This is particularly
Sure, they share spaces, they see
as a Singaporean lifestyle, that the
is central to the peaceful
important since, before moving to
differences, they may even direct
younger generations are exposed,
cohabitation of different, sometimes
Singapore, many European friends
the odd question to a friend of a
secularly, to the practices, places of
divergent, systems of beliefs
stressed how I would teach in a
different faith - but, overall, they
worship, and beliefs of the various
and symbols which constitute
country with severe limitations on
know little on average about others’
faiths in Singapore. This will also
Singaporean multiculturalism.
free speech concerning religion.
religions. When one knows little
help prevent radicalism (or at least
Cases such as Pastor Rony Tan’s
After having lived here for two years,
about a subject, he or she has more
spot it easily) since opposition to
comments on Buddhist and
I can affirm that such impressions
chances of speaking or acting in
this kind of exposure would only
Confucian tenets and the recent
were misled.
such a way as to create offense.
come from those who hold a very
Act (ISA) of a full-time national
This does not mean that in
Take this example: removing shoes
may be. We need new generations
serviceman for self- radicalism
Singapore people, even when
before entering somebody’s home is
of Singaporeans who, although
over the Internet reminds us of the
academics, do not censor
an ordinary courtesy in Singapore.
having a solidly rooted identity
challenges we face concerning
themselves for fear of ‘crossing
The same act in my country of origin,
within their own ethnic and/or
detention under the Internal Security
religion.
On the 17th August 2009, The
essentialist view of what religion
R E L I G I O N
religious community, do not feel uncomfortable with, or even fearful of (as unfortunately I have often found),
Straits Times, in the article ‘PM’s 4
the red line,’ as one friend told me.
Italy, would be considered quite
other religious beliefs and practices.
basic rules for religious harmony’,
As an anthropologist, an outsider
rude. Hence, all that can prevent
Only then can we be sure that ‘live
reported PM Lee’s ‘four basic rules
who has been kindly permitted to
one from, in this case, being rude is
and let live’ is a personal, deeply
that had to be observed in order to
observe and participate in the many
to know, quite well, the tradition of
rooted principle and not the fearful
maintain peace and harmony’. The
aspects of Singaporean life, I have
the other. In other words, knowledge
acceptance of a disliked imposition.
Prime Minister highlighted that all
asked myself why such uneasy
is achieved through experience or
religious and non-religious groups
feelings exist. Nearly two years of
through study - but a combination of
Indeed, fear - regardless of the
have to exercise tolerance and
research (including that pertaining
both is best!
source - can always be overcome in
restraint, keep religion separate
to religious issues) on young people
from politics, maintain a secular
in Singapore has helped me to
My experience, through my field
Assoc. Prof. Gabriele Marranci is a visiting senior
government, and finally, maintain
advance a hypothesis that has been
research, suggests that young
fellow at the National University of Singapore,
the common space that all
confirmed several times by fieldwork
Singaporeans often know little,
Sociology Department. He is also Honorary Professor
Singaporeans share. Within these
experience.
and experience even less, of
at Cardiff University, Centre for the Study of Islam
each others’ religions. It is urgently
in the UK. For more of his writings, you can visit
wise parameters, nowhere did the
the end.
Prime Minister suggest that religion
Young Singaporeans often have
needed, if religious harmony is to be
his blog :
cannot be discussed, debated or,
very little exposure to other religions.
not only maintained but internalized
marranci.wordpress.com
AUTHOR GABRIELLE MARRANCI + PHOTOGRAPH GABRIELLE MARRANCI
OUTSPOKEN
19
THE HARE PARADOX WE ALL KNOW THE TORTOISE AND THE HARE RACED EACH OTHER. BUT WHO WINS, REALLY? VINCENT LAU EXPOSES THE FALLACY OF QUICK FIXES, SHORT CUTS AND FAST TRACKS.
L
earn golf fast! Lose weight in
it? What comes quick usually goes
Even after years, you have no problem
Learning, sadly, requires a tad more
1 week. Master Photoshop in
quick as well. Ever tried picking up
recalling them from your cerebral
effort than assembling a writing desk
3 days. Chisel your abs in 1 month.
a language briefly over the Internet?
attic.
from an IKEA furniture store.
Get your MBA in a year. Th ink
If your answer is yes, you probably
yourself successful! Swarmed with
would have found yourself blabbering
Quick results don’t tend to last. One
marketing messages such as these, we
grammarless vocabulary at best. Your
such example is weight loss. You can
spend large amount of time searching
brain just doesn’t retain this new
lose your pounds quickly by caloric
for quick ways to accomplish our
language, does it?
restriction or what’s better known
fickle interests.
as ‘going on a diet.’ However, such
IT IS ALMOST AMUSING TO KNOW THAT A FRIEND, ON THE VERGE OF GRADUATION FROM LIFE SCIENCE, DID NOT KNOW WHAT THE ACRONYM DNA STANDS FOR.
Th rough evolution, the human
resorts consequently lead to extreme
Having such notions put all the
brain has long traded resolution
starvation, subsequent binging
masters of their trades to shame. For
for the art of association. That is,
and the lost fats come back with a
what they paid their priceless youth
the brain becomes adept in
for, you can now spend a weekend
retaining patterns but not
‘understanding’ the essence from an
details. Time is needed
online e-book. Long gone were the
to initiate new neuron
days when tailors committed their
connections in your
whole lives to sartorial excellence
brain and to retain
and artists made to draw nothing but
electrochemical
You have to face it.
he had to do was to paraphrase his
eggs.
information. To
There will be no
senior’s submission templates.
vengeance.
He had it easy, though; the nights we stayed up working on our reports, all
prove my point, try
gain without all
Capitalists are taking advantage of
regurgitating now the
that endearing
gullible consumers. It didn’t take long
multiplication tables
for marketers to realize that to sell
which the young
wear and tear from exertion. In the
you something you don’t need, they
you used to
process, suffering the grueling pains
have to innovate and come up with
chant before
of muscle aches cannot be prevented.
new gimmicks.
every
To maintain muscle bulk and volume,
meal.
one has to repeatedly stimulate it with
And voila, they make you promises
You will
consistent workouts. Modern day
to solve your problems in the shortest
realize
artificial protein concoctions sell you
time possible, with convenience of
that the
the idea of rapid mass growth. Guess
plug-and-play. That actually sounds
repeated
what? Due to an enormous distorted
like an offer too good to ignore isn’t
chanting has paid off.
increase in muscle mass within a
AUTHOR VINCENT LAU + PHOTOGRAPH DISNEY.COM
pain.
Everyone knows that to build muscles, fibers fi rst have to endure
20
OUTSPOKEN
short period, your body’s metabolism
adolescent acne.
goes into gear four. What do you get
Some might even contend that we
It was then I came to suspect that
are gradually losing our ability to
probably most over-the-counter
when you stop your religious devotion
Robust groundwork and a fi rm
know people and uphold a genuine
products, regardless expensive or
to supplements and workouts? Yes.
foundation is laid when one spends
conversation. So many couples would
cheap, might actually work, but only
Man boobs, all over…
considerable amount of time
fight the crowds to watch fi reworks,
if you stick to it. Are you guilty of
familiarising oneself with the basics.
but miss out on the grandeur of
getting a new product you just saw
Practice can make perfect. In his
Ever wonder why bamboo forests are
routine romance. Ask any couple that
on television and throwing away the
book ‘Outlier’, Malcolm Gladwell
particularly resilient to strong winds?
have braved the storms and stayed
old one even though it was still half
illustrated an intimate relationship
The secret lies in the structure of their
in love all these years on their most
full, simply because you couldn’t see
between success and the number
flexible vegetative construct: a hollow
precious lesson learnt. The answer
immediate results?
of hours spent on practice. He
stem reinforced with hard cross-
more often than not is learning the
highlighted that exceptional
partitioned circular rims at regular
art of sewing shreds and appreciating
So does the tortoise or the hare
individuals do well, regardless in
intervals along its length. What many
the beauty of a colorful patched quilt.
win the race? I hope I have given
sports or music because they had
do not know is that the plant takes
opportunities to engage in formal
a painstakingly long time investing
Focusing excessively on the ‘X’ on
choice. So the next time before you
umpired practice. His equation
nutrients to create these rigid joints
a map can be punishing. You can
pick up a book titled ‘(Place a verb/
was simple. As long as you clock
before any rapid growth spurt can
almost be assured of a mundane
noun here) in 3 days,’ think again.
10,000 hours in what you do, you
happen. Over time, the result is a
and lonely school life if you spend
will imminently excel in it. Th is is
weatherproof survivor.
a huge portion of your time solely
because with greater practice, you
you enough reasons to make a right
worshipping a Cumulative Average
become aware of the underlying
Playing music is one of many
concepts behind that particular
activities that require a compulsive
activity. Your technical skills also
solid foundation. A couple of months
Have patience. In reality, the red
improve. Moreover, when confronted
ago, I was enticed by a newspaper
Mario mushroom does not exist.
with a problem, it is likely you can
advert from a music school claiming
One does not grow in a split second.
troubleshoot if you have understood
‘Play and sing the guitar in 10 weeks!’
Contrary to the notion that wisdom
each procedure thoroughly, as
Point of 5.
comes with age, aging, of late,
compared to frivolously going
Having no background yet hoping
is gradually becoming a word of
through the motion.
to impress my significant other, I
abhorrence. Similarly, an endeavor
enrolled for a class without hesitation.
that takes too long to fruition is
Yet while perfection entails practice,
10 weeks later on a scenic romantic
shunned.
the inverse is not true. Practice does
beach, the best I could muster was
not always produce perfection. One
strum and sing ‘Kumbaya.’ I almost
My nanny, 60, has managed to retard
of my mom’s Wednesday dishes is the
lulled myself to sleep.
youth deterioration as visually evident
steamed egg, much like an upsized
through a comparison with three
Chawanmushi. I love its taste (well,
Embrace the process. Sometimes,
of her sisters. When asked for her
I suppose that’s the only thing I can
the goal pales in comparison to the
secret youth elixir, she brought out
possibly like it for!) but the surface of
process of pursuit. I dare say this
something unexpected. Not SKII or
the egg always looks like that of the
is true of love. Many rush into a
some famous label product; it was a
moon: fi lled with undulating craters.
relationship, only to find themselves
bottle of baby lotion. Since some 20
dying to rush out. Other pursuers
years back, I have seen her use this
Despite having attempted the dish
of love tend to go straight to deep
product religiously every morning
umpteen times, my mom’s egg never
French, missing out on the crucial
and night.
fails to look like it had full-blown
process of courtship.
THE ESSENTIAL VITAMINS IN THE RIDGE MAGAZINE
NO PRESERVATIVES ADDED FULL OF VITAMINS.. NO PRESERV ATIVES ADDED FULL OF VITAMINS Et . Ns. Os. Sp. Ls. Wr.
Ls
THE LIFE STYLE DESK Live in style. Like they said, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
22
LIFESTYLE It was definitely love at first sight! This A A5 felt notebook is perfect for school as it combines aesthetic appeal and ffunctionality into one. Good for jotting down notes in lectures and tutorials, this notebook will definitely be the object of envy from your fellow friends! (From kikki.K - $39.90)
THE HOLIDAYS ARE COMING TO AN END AND SCHOOL IS LOOMING AROUND THE CORNER. ARE YOU READY FOR SCHOOL?
These fanciful A4 string folders make a
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SPLURGING ON NEW OUTFITS TO ATTRACT
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THE ATTENTION OF THE GUY/GIRL OF
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colours. What’s more, it doubles as a pen
these clips are a must have! With
now, take a closer look... Holy crap, that’s
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5 to 6 modules on hand each semester, I’m
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remind you which stack of papers are ‘To Do’,
when I chanced upon this kitschy mechanical
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something different from the good ol’ shaker
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not so for the boys, but I’m sure the girls out
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hour in this planner and you’ll never miss another
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These pop-out and glittery stickers just
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scream out ‘CUTE’ in your face, don’t they? (From Made With Love - $6.95 - $9.95)
AUTHOR TAN HUI YI + PHOTOGRAPHS EUNICE NG
LIFESTYLE
23
SAME SAME BUT DIFFERENT W
e trust that before the
flood you. Don’t say we didn’t warn
term started, most of the
you!
freshmen students have been on ‘orientation camp sprees’ - joining
HOLIDAYS ARE PRODUCTIVE
Faculty camps, Sports Camp, Union
EXPLORING THE GROUNDS
because if there’s one thing we’ve Most faculty camps ensure that the
learnt, the signboards usually take us
incoming freshmen know their home
on a detour.
faculties like the back of their hands.
Camp, O-week and signing onto
Just as you made full use of your
basically any registration form that
post A-level/polytechnic holidays
Some people still have no idea where
you could get your hands on!
to attend orientation camps, you’ll
the Chinese Library is or where the
soon realize that holidays in NUS
bridge linking Engineering and
While some might be quick to call
even if it’s for a day, are awesome…
Central Library can be found. And
orientation camps an idealistic bubble
For catching up on your lectures,
some have to carry the school map
disconnected from the realities
tutorials, assignments and test
like a bible for fear of getting lost.
of NUS life, we at THE RIDGE
revisions.
beg to differ. As it turns out, those three or four days bear an uncanny
useful when you’re running late)
Happy fi rst week everyone!
We also recommend that you know FOOD HUNTS
where the short cuts are (extremely
resemblance to the next three or four years of your life.
While we’ve had seniors from the Arts and Social Sciences never setting
SLEEP IS A LUXURY
foot into the Science canteen for 4 years, the truth is that knowing the
It’s no secret that sleeping is optional
variety of food offered in most, if not
in camps. Which is why we chock up
all, faculties is good for your tummy.
hours of sleep debt after each camp. Plus, we heard that there are new Well, the good news is that it’s good
stalls opening up in some of the
training for your body clock in sleep-
faculties! Shuttle buses ain’t just for
resistance. The bad news is it’s going
ferrying us to lectures and tutorials,
to be like this for the coming term
you know.
when term assignments and projects
AUTHORS ATHENA FOO & SHARON CHEN + PHOTOGRAPH WIKIMEDIA.ORG
24
LIFESTYLE
I KNOW WHAT I
Wonder what your fellow NUS mates did with their three months of fr
HELLO, I’M NG ZHI YING & I INTERNED IN WASHINGTON D.C.
still had some ways to go to nurse a broken heart. He was my first love, and things seemed perfect. The hardest thing to do was to let go. I’d always thought that if you worked hard enough for something, you’d get it. Wrong. Doesn’t work with love.
Thankfully, I met the most whimsical, funny and crazy people on this programme. Weekends were spent going out with my group of girls who hailed from Ohio, Boston and Connecticut. We went to bars and clubs where I’ve found drunken people who speak with
G
sober hearts. iven my interest in
After two weeks I realized that
journey of being a political journalist
American politics and
if I stayed on, I might start do
and I had not fulfilled that desire.
I remember meeting a marine at
foreign affairs, I knew that
something criminal. So I quit. The
When I heard about an opening,
one night. He was tall, probably six
Washington D.C. was the place
next internship I took on opened
I jumped at the chance to apply
feet, well built, with gleaming blue
to be for the summer. I applied for
my eyes to the world of broadcast
for the post of reporter at another
eyes and a boyish smile. I smiled
The Washington Center’s Media
journalism.
organisation. And I got it.
at him. He walked towards me. We
prepare myself for the world of
We produced business shows for
Run by Susan and Joseph Trento,
“Why did you join the marines?”
political journalism.
business people shown on sixty-
I knew I was in good hands. Joe
He said, “I wanted to kill people. I
two channels and on the internet.
used to work for CNN’s Special
wanted to kill those terrorists.”
But things didn’t go as planned.
Perhaps the most memorable
Investigation Unit and has won
I didn’t meet any politician or
experience was getting to rub
several Pulitzer prizes. His agency
So there I was, juggling two
intellectual at my first internship.
shoulders with ex-Prime Minister
was the one that exposed the
internships, running around like a
Neither did I get to write about
Anwar Ibrahim. I asked him about
secret dealings between Saddam
young professional whilst enjoying
national security issues. Frustrated
the time he was incarcerated and
Hussein and President Ronald
all that D.C. had to offer. If there is
and disappointed, I felt jaded,
snapped a picture for my dad.
Reagan. I learnt a tremendous
anything I’ve learnt this summer,
amount under his guidance.
it’s that things don’t always go
& Communications program to
spoke. I got curious and asked him,
robbed of my huge ambitions and dreams.
But I still was unsatisfied. I had come here to embark on the
AUTHOR SHARON TAN + PHOTOGRAPH NG ZHI YING
according to plan, but they do get When summer started, I knew I
better.
LIFESTYLE
25
DID LAST SUMMER!
of freedom? THE RIDGE gets three students to share their summer tales.
A
nother summer has come and gone, and
most of my friends spent those precious three months busily interning at various companies or taking part in the rigorous planning of freshman orientation projects. Me? Well, I spent the summer practicing Yoga.
HELLO, I’M SOO WEI LI & I DID YOGA EVERY SINGLE DAY FOR 3 MONTHS
“Say what?” was the general
for a few Yoga classes before,
person. It taught me about
reaction I got from most of my
how much harder could Hot Yoga
endurance, perseverance and
friends and family.
be? However, within the first 30
patience. It stripped away my ego
minutes, I was lying down on the
and taught me that it’s not about
Yes, you heard me right. I spent
mat feeling lightheaded, dizzy,
being the best student in the class.
the entire summer practicing Yoga.
and ready to crawl out of the Yoga
Rather, I learnt to love and listen to
‘Hot Yoga’, to be precise. Prior to
studio vowing never to return again.
my body, and not push it beyond
this, I’d never in my wildest dreams
its limits.
have imagined I would one day
They weren’t kidding when they
contort myself into a pretzel in a
named it Hot Yoga. My clothes
room heated to 40 degrees Celsius
were soaked, sweat dripped off
I could feel myself getting stronger
and 50% humidity.
my hair and rivulets of perspiration
and becoming more flexible. I
ran down my arms and legs. 30
could touch my toes and beyond!
It all started with my decision
days of this, I thought to myself, is
My sleep was sounder, my mind
to sign up for H.om Yoga’s 30
impossible.
was sharper and I found myself
Days Hot Journey, a challenge
In a short period of two weeks,
focusing a lot better. I dropped
to complete 30 hot yoga classes
It took three more agonizing
two kilograms as I naturally craved
within 30 days. The benefits of
classes for me to get used to the
lighter and healthier foods due to
hot yoga sounded promising:
heat. But once that happened,
the detoxification my body had
improved flexibility, detoxification,
everything seemed so much easier.
been subjected to.
strengthening of cardiovascular
It also definitely helped that the
system, weight loss… What’s not
instructors at the studio were so
I soon became an absolute Yoga
to love?
encouraging, pushing all of us to
convert. I started doing two classes
achieve more than we could.
a day, and then three. Before long,
I went into my first class feeling optimistic. I mean, hey, I had gone
I’d completed the 30 classes even Yoga made me a much happier
before the end date! I continued PHOTOGRAPH SOO WEI LI
26
LIFESTYLE
going for Yoga every day, because it had become a daily practice and habit for me.
Looking back, I have zero regrets having spent nearly 3 months of my time practicing Yoga. It really was a transformation, detoxification
HELLO, I’M MAX XU & WENT TO SOUTH AFRICA TO WATCH THE WORLD CUP the tourists talked to each other
best time to have traveled South
about how beautiful South Africa is
Africa. The security measures there
and purification of the mind and
coincided with the World Cup, we
and, in the same breath, about how
were heightened for our protection
body and I will most definitely be
should really consider this once in a
their teams were doing thus far.
yet many locals were ready to meet
practicing Yoga regularly for the
lifetime opportunity.
rest of my life.
I
and greet visitors like us. Once It brought a smile to my face
when we walked past a local on
The first thing we did was ballot
when many people said they
the street, he shook our hands and
for tickets online and we were (un)
also supported ‘Bafana Bafana’
greeted us, “Hello stranger!”
t was a graduation trip unlike
fortunate to get the South Korea
despite coming to cheer on their
any other. Never in my wildest
vs Nigeria match in the group
homelands. After all, it was a
It all added to the atmosphere of
dreams would I have thought I
stage. Even though it wasn’t a “big”
special occasion for them this
this amazing experience. All in all, I
would be in the midst of the action
match, we decided that the match
World Cup, and it really would have
felt the trip was worth every penny,
at the world’s greatest sporting
wasn’t as important as being at
been nice for them to advance as
even for a lukewarm soccer fan like
event. How did this adventure
the World Cup. Once we had
far as they could.
myself. It undoubtedly tipped the
come about?
confirmed the tickets, we began planning the details of our trip –
Like my fellow graduates-to-be, I
plane tickets, accommodation, day
wanted to make the most of my
tours and things-to-do.
last holiday before I started work at BCA. One day, I was chatting
We eventually decided ongoing to
with my JC classmate, Qian Li, an
Cape Town for 3 days then moving
avid Barcelona/Spanish/soccer
on to Durban for another 3 days.
fan, while we were still in the midst
When we reached South Africa
of our final year projects. We
itself, I felt as if the whole world had
realized that since our graduation
converged there. The locals and
PHOTOGRAPH MAX XU
scale for my travel partner. This World Cup was definitely the
LIFESTYLE
*HOW TO GET THAT JOB/INTERNSHIP
27
THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE WASTE OF TIME
Go Get It! For those looking for that elusive internship next summer, Corrine shares some tips that just might give you that extra edge.
Have Direction Be clear on what you are required to do during your
WITH COUNTLESS WAYS TO SPEND THOSE THREE GLORIOUS MONTHS, HADN’T YOU WISH THERE WAS SOMEONE WHO COULD TELL YOU JUST WHAT TO DO? THE RIDGE SITS DOWN WITH MS CORRINE ONG, DIRECTOR OF NUS CAREER SERVICES CENTRE TO GET YOU THE ANSWERS.
internship stint. You’ll have a better idea if this is the
R: What is the best way for students
R: What about other enrichment
internship for you.
to use the 3 months of holidays?
activities like Work and Travel, Summer School, Rag and Flag, Orienta-
R: Is it better to get a temp job or an
Pay Attention
C: Students should aim to develop
tion Camp planning, CIP and Special
internship, especially since temp jobs
Be on a constant look-out
themselves through meaningful
Semesters?
pay better and a student might be able
for opportunities offered
experiences that allow them to
by the NUS Career Centre,
better understand themselves, their
C: Yes, these are certainly enrich-
the faculties/schools, NUS
passions, interests and strengths.
ing activities that students could
International Relations Office
Students should also look for avenues
take part in during the vacation. An
C: The key deciding factor should not
and NUS Enterprise.
to harness their leadership, organisa-
NUS student undergoing a 3-year
be remuneration but instead the job
tional and interpersonal skills.
degree programme has two 3-month
scope. The question to ask would be
vacations and hence it is important
whether the job scope offers a mean-
Go Online
goals.
to find a temp job in the industry he/ she is interested in?
Participate in social media
R: Does it matter which year you are
that students identify the skill sets
ingful working experience that will
such as Linked-In to build your
in? For example, should Year 3 stu-
that they would like to acquire and
help you to acquire the competen-
networks with employers and
dents be especially concerned about
prioritise accordingly.
cies and knowledge to enhance your
recruiters.
getting an internship?
marketability and employability. R: What is a “good” internship and
Make the First Move
C: It is never too early to take up
how can students go about selecting
Write directly to the companies
internships. If students are interested
and securing one?
that you would like to work
to gain experience in the working
and propose an internship
environment, they can start taking up
C: A “good” internship is one that
job scope you think you can
internships as early as Year 1. Increas-
provides students with meaningful
contribute within. This will
ingly, employers are looking at intern-
learning opportunities and a chance
leave a good impression with
ships as a talent pipeline for future
to experience working in the industry
companies that value initiative.
hires. Very often, internships provide
that they are planning to enter upon
a platform for graduating students to
graduation. Internships give a reality-
Talk it Out
gain a potential employment offer and
check on what it is like working in
Make an appointment with an
the work experience gained from the
an industry and enables students to
NUS career coach to get a
internship could give them a competi-
assess whether there is a good fit.
clearer picture of your career
tive edge when seeking employment
If there is an absence of a good fit,
objectives and find out ways
after graduation.
students could re-evaluate their career
to maximise your chances of securing an internship. AUTHOR SHARON CHEN + PHOTOGRAPH SOCIALISBETTER ON FLICKR
28
LIFESTYLE * FEATURE
*ALL TYED UP THE RIDGE catches up with Jasmine Tye, former Singapore Idol contestant and third-year student at NUS. We find out that really, she’s just like the rest of us: busy, busy, busy.
J
asmine Tye has no illusions
earn money and still survive.”
about herself or her future.
She knows that the music industry
When we meet her she is dressed
in Singapore is still not established
simply in a sundress and flip-flops,
and doesn’t count on it as a means
no make-up. She confesses,
of stable income in the future. She
“I’m actually a very, very boring
also knows just how far she can
person.” Her days are mostly spent
go, and what she can do in terms
in school, rehearsing or writing
of music. That’s why she decided
songs. While preparing for ‘A Cozy
to get a degree here at NUS. “I
Affair’, a concert she organized to
wanted to gain an upper hand and
showcase her original songs, she
not be pushed around or taken
had to put in 3-5 hours of solid
is that she knows exactly what she
what was wrong with me [when I
advantage of within the industry,”
rehearsals a day while studying for
wants to do, something she feels
did not do well the first two years]
she says.
her exams (which she still managed
many around her are still searching
and these profs really helped me.
to ace). With her ambitions, she
for. That’s why she advises her
So NUS students, you don’t have
So this aspiring singer-songwriter
hardly has time for leisure activities
fellow students to use NUS as a
to be afraid of your profs, you know
chose to major in Biomedical
like watching movies and hanging
platform to find out what they really
you can go and talk to them if you
Life Science. Yes, we were just
around after school.
love.
need advice.”
accounts for this peculiar choice
Well, she does have time for one
LOOSE ENDS
On the music industry: “It is very
by reflecting on her mother’s side
other thing… When asked about
of the family. “They are all brilliant:
her relationship status, Jasmine
On NUS: “I’m really glad that I
who are] into drugs, they do
scholars, scientists, doctors,” she
giggles coyly as she admits she
went to NUS, I’m really proud of
whatever they can to move up to
lists, rolling her eyes slightly.
thinks she has found the one. But,
NUS . I’m very lucky I made the
the higher level, to get fame. It is
as surprised as you. Jasmine
easy to stray… [there are those
she would only tell us that he is
right choice. Cause I went to SIM
quite sad but it does happen not
Jasmine, who describes herself
not a student from NUS and only
yesterday… I really had a culture
only in Singapore but everywhere
as a closet introvert makes sure
dabbles in the music industry here
shock… I don’t think I can adapt
else. The more I am into it the more
that we understand she has her
and there. What is more important
there”
I realize I know nothing about it and
priorities right. She disdains fame-
to her, she says, “is that we trust
hungry people and emphasizes
and compliment each other.”
repeatedly, “I don’t want to be
I really have to learn more. I think On the Profs at NUS: “Profs like
I have to be more disciplined and
Rudolph Mayer…. They changed
focus.”
taken as an artsy-fartsy kind of
Ultimately, Jasmine is just another
my life. They actually make me
person, always living in her own
university student trying to juggle
want to come to school, look
On her fellow Idol-contestants: “I
world.” She wants to be seen as
the demands of family, friends and
forward to going for their lectures.
have 3 very close friends, Levin,
someone who is practical: “I can
school while working towards a
It’s because of them I didn’t lose
Siew Woon and Wan Hua… Last
do something that I love and still
successful career. The difference
my confidence… I kept asking like
Sunday we just had a barbeque together, that’s how close we are!”
AUTHOR SHARON CHEN + PHOTOGRAPH JASMINE TYE
LIFESTYLE * FEATURE
WHAT’S IN
29
JASMINE’S
SCHOOL BAG?
1
2
1. WALLET
7. ORGANISER
I need a very big wallet because
Usually my organizers are
sometimes I have to put name
worse that this but now I use
cards and things inside.
my Blackberry… I rely on my Blackberry a lot… If I lose my
2. SUNGLASSES
Blackberry, I think I’ll die!
I hate to wear make-up so
3
4
sometimes when I need to meet
8. POUCH
clients or my friends I just put them
Oh no I have so many obiang stuff
on
lah! Okay this my mum gave it to me, she bought it from Hai Nan
3. PLASTIC BAG
Tao. It has all my creams and lip
Okay I’m very auntie lah!
balms and things like that.
4. DECORATIONS Because I’m performing for OMG [One More Green] campaign…
5
6
so I have to bring my own stage decorations. They have no budget for the campaign so I sponsored it myself. I feel very strongly about it.
5. PENCIL CASE I have a matching pencil box with my bag. I’m quite a sports person and I like Adidas
7
8
6. MAKE-UP POUCH I have to bring [this] everywhere I go because I never know when I have to meet clients
“Okay I’m very auntie lah!”
30
LIFESTYLE
FASHIONABLY NOTED “WHO SAYS HAVAIANAS CAN’T BE FASHIONABLE?”
D
uring one of my lectures
school.
last semester, a lecturer
of what to wear everyday whether or not you’re staying in hall. And
casually asked how many students
I’m not saying we have to wear
sometimes, when we’re up to our
in the theatre were staying in
ball gowns to school, of course.
necks with deadlines to meet,
halls. To which a tutor promptly
In fact, I’m fully supportive
being stylish is the last thing we
of wearing fl ip-flops to school
want to worry about.
replied,
occasionally. Who says Havaianas “Oh, you just need to look at what can’t be fashionable? (But I draw
But before those dreaded term
they’re wearing!”
the line at Crocs.)
assignments return to haunt
Well, as much as I was miffed at
One of my hall mates once
academic year on a fashionable
that remark because I stay in a
defended himself, “I’m
note? I trust most of you made
hall myself, it was kind of true.
comfortable with who I am. I
full use of the Great Singapore
(Disclaimer: I dressed well that
don’t need to dress up to feel
Sale during the holidays to update
day.)
good about myself.” That’s a
your wardrobe so show off your
nice thought but I still think it
stylish steals!
us, why not start off the new
While it’s nice to know most of
doesn’t hurt to take more pride in
us live on campus long enough
your appearance. After all, Karl
Or if you’re contented with your
the erase the distinction between
Lagerfeld once said, “Vanity is
FBTs, take heart that you can
home and school, I can’t help but
the healthiest thing in life.” And
still wear them in your university
feel exasperated at times when
he is 77 this year.
days before the working world
I see my fellow hall mates roll
beckons!
out of bed and go to school in
Then there’s the age-old fashion
whatever they were sleeping in.
debate about comfort versus
Surely, their wardrobe has more
style. But whoever said one has to
than hall shirts and FBT shorts
sacrifice style to be comfortable in
right? I don’t know about you,
their clothes?
“VANITY IS THE HEALTHIEST THING IN LIFE.”
I admit it can get tiring to think
- KARL LAGERFELD
but I’d feel naked wearing just a shirt and a pair of FBT shorts to
AUTHOR ATHENA FOO + PHOTOGRAPH NUS ADMISSIONS ON FLICKR + YOGOEGO.COM
THE ESSENTIAL VITAMINS IN THE RIDGE MAGAZINE
NO PRESERVATIVES ADDED FULL OF VITAMINS.. NO PRESERV ATIVES ADDED FULL OF VITAMINS Et . Ns. Os. Sp. Ls. Wr.
Et
THE ENTERTAINMENT DESK A certain Douglas Adams once dashed our hopes by saying, “It is a mistake to think you can solve any major problems just with potatoes.” Very well Douglas, we’ll just make French fries out of it. Here at the Entertainment Desk, we like our French fries with a bucket of rock salt. This is also the place where the East blends in with the West, and you, dear reader, can expect a healthy dose of the local and the global, the contemporary and the classic, the modern and the postmodern and of course… our obsession with French fries. We operate round the clock (no, really we do!) to bring you our remarkable acumen over entertainment matters with reviews, previews, interviews, and occasionally our own thoughts on music, dance, film-making, and literature. And if you are an expert at reading between the lines, you might just find your lucky Toto combination!
32
ENTERTAINMENT
A TALE OF MANY FACULTIES B
ooks are more than the words
to do with my faculty… sadly, I think
printed and the worlds they
I’m in the wrong one!”
take us into. They often stretch the human imagination, by creating the
Koo Lim Sung, Year 2, adds “I’m a
impossible – like perfection, love and
moderate reader. Words don’t interest
beauty, to name but a few.
me as much as codes do. For that reason I like Dan Brown – especially
While there are countless testaments
‘Digital Fortress’.” Well that’s SoC
to the immortality of the written
folks, with their mixed opinions.
word, this article will try and explore why specific books seduce a certain
Amelia Richards, Year 3, Faculty of
group of people and why others leave
Science (an exchange student from
them frustrated.
Boston), “Well I love romantic books like ‘P.S. I Love You’ and stories
The Question: Does your reading
from life; particularly ‘Tuesdays
preferences depend on your field of
with Morrie’. Some people fi nd
study? Or does your taste in literature
them maudlin, I suppose but there’s
determine the faculty you are in? Or
a magical quality about them that
are you the rare Omnivorous reader?
helps you connect with emotions that aren’t your own. But on an
Says Nirali Jivrajani, Year 3, School
intellectual level, I love ‘Robin Cook’
of Computing “I am a big fan of
and medical mysteries as they involve
classics but I love my dose of thrillers
a fair amount of biochemistry and
and detective fiction. And the
life sciences. And these tidbits of info
occasional chick fl ick would be my
stay better in my head than my course
zero calorie guilty pleasure. ‘Tess
material!”
of the d’Urbervilles’ is one of my
AUTHOR JANE ANTONY + PHOTOGRAPH PAW.PRINCETON.EDU
favorites; in particular the ‘Life is a
I don’t know about books, but I have
mishap’ quote. What I read has little
seen Grey’s and I do know that feeling
ENTERTAINMENT
of internalizing stuff you don’t need
of Fortune’ (Jeff rey Archer) would
experiences, and at other times things
to.
be my all-time favorites. I like them
we wish we could be or that we could
action packed and don’t have patience
experience.
“My top three would be ‘White
for the heart tugging emotional stuff.
Teeth’ (Zadie Smith), ‘Kafka on
Philosophy puts me to sleep most
Occasionally, they’re like the travelers
the Shore’ (Haruki Murakami)
of the time. I think girls like more
we meet on the train and who keep us
and ‘Shantaram’ (Gregory David
in-depth books. I’m a guy, ergo more
occupied – they can sometimes give
Roberts). The fi rst ticks because
immature. And proud of it.”
us a headache, or keep us in splits
of humorous, colourful characters
33
of laughter and even make us feel
and an unrivalled style of writing.
Divya Sivasankaran, Year 3,
melancholic. They can enter our lives
The second is spiced with a tinge of
Computer Engineering continues
by chance or by choice and like most
the unusual and Freudian scenarios
“I find crime fiction and thrillers
people in our lives, they always leave
mixed with some fundamental life
attractive. I hate books on
a mark on us.
questions worth thinking about. The
philosophy.” Now I know even a
third is an action-packed novel that
philosophy major who says the same
And what about me, you may ask?
gives a bird’s eye view into all that is
thing. No clear reason why, but she
Well I’m the little worm who nestles
wrong with Mumbai, the metropolis
claims it is a torture, intended to
between different pages each night –
in the limelight post-Slumdog
make you numb and dizzy. Darrin
it could be a tête-à-tête with romantic
Millionaire” rattles off Akshita
Mei Rui adds, “I like books that
tragedy or a serenade with mystery
Ganesh, a Year 3 Economics major.
are to the point and don’t go about
but to know more you’d have to ask
with long flowery languages and
me yourself!
Arti Srivastava, also from Faculty
metaphors. They take longer to give
of Arts and Social Sciences says
you the same information. Why talk
“Classics such as ‘David Copperfield’,
in riddles and waste everyone’s time.?
‘Oliver Twist’ and ‘Tale of Two
And of course the cherry on the
Cities’ had a silent sadness about
top from a source who refuses to be
them. Personally, I find Austen
acknowledged - “Dude, the last book
too feminine to my liking. I enjoy
I read was Dr. Seuss. I haven’t gotten
Shakespeare for his complexities –
past the fi rst twenty pages of Harry
the double meanings and clever play
Potter. I don’t read!”
of words and puns. And also, Thomas Friedman’s ‘The World is Flat’.”
Hearing that, I decided it is time to
What’s an Economics major without
stop trying to fi nd a clear cut pattern;
an interest in globalization, eh?
although it’s evident that it’ll be hard finding an Engineering student who
And now of course we move onto
can stomach Kant or Socrates. Or an
Engineering where the responses I
Arts student who will have fun with
got astounded me.
a medical mystery or code related thriller.
Rakshit Gupta, Year 4, Electrical Engg, begins “‘The Lord of the
Maybe the most obvious link is that
Rings’ (JRR Tolkien), ‘The Seventh
books are sometimes a reflection
Scroll’ (Wilbur Smith), and ‘Sons
of what we see in ourselves, our
PHOTOGRAPH HUMBOLDTLIBRARYFOUNDATION.ORG
34
ENTERTAINMENT
*Boleh means ‘can’ in malay
I
f you think about it, your top five
available on TV, cinema and the
films are likely to be multi-million
entertainment circuit. During the
the average Singaporean.
vivor Rap, to educate Singaporeans about the disease. He also made
dollar Hollywood blockbusters
blockbuster season, we eagerly
This leads me to the crux of this
an appearance on the third season
that swept through every award
wait for the next mega-hit while off
article. While this heavy western
of ‘The Amazing Race’ as a clue
ceremony that exists – from the
season we fulfill our entertainment
influence is inevitable and, in
presenter – the show’s international
Oscars to the Nickelodeon Kid’s
needs with a variety of other films
certain circumstances, welcome
audience gave him a very healthy
Choice Award. Chances are,
– including a rise in popularity of
in the age of globalisation, are
exposure.
your favourite musician is an
Bollywood and Korean dramas
we doing enough to preserve
international heart-throb whose
among all Singaporeans.
our unique Singapore brand
We have yet to see PCK’s
and culture? I can envisage
successor emerge from the ranks.
record has gone platinum and have been played on radio stations
Surviving this onslaught of
several critics snickering upon
worldwide. Not forgetting books,
globalisation of culture with a
this statement, wondering if I
It’s not that Singapore’s arts
your must-have book could be a
heady concoction of Western and
accidentally fell off my chair and
scene is not well developed. The
twentieth century post-modernist
Eastern influences has always
knocked myself against the edge
infrastructure and the supporting
masterpiece written by a man from
been a concern for Singapore. Our
of the table (which I did, and it is
framework are there – but it has
the other side of the Atlantic.
ministers always emphasise on the
extremely painful!).
to continuously compete for both
need to build a stronger national
attention and airtime with the vast
Putting aside these generic
identity, to preserve our Asian roots
Remember the days of ‘Under
echelons of Hollywood and the rich
assumptions, let us think about the
as we regularly encounter the rest
One Roof’ or when ‘Phua Chu
Eastern cultural heritage that flows
significance of this cultural trend
of the world in various capacities.
Kang Pte Ltd’ first aired in the
in. In Economics, we call this the
prevailing in Singapore today.
This interaction is better facilitated
aftermath of the former’s swooping
crowding-out effect where certain
by the emergence of powerful Web
success (that earned it an Emmy
elements get pushed out of the
The Republic is unique because of
2.0 social networking tools like
nomination)? Phua Chu Kang
frame in light of overcrowding.
its ability to combine the timeless
Facebook and Twitter.
(PCK) and Gurmit Singh went on
wisdom and values of the East with
to become a national icon. During
Despite the formidable hurdles,
the dynamism and creativity of the
Using Facebook and the English
the Severe Acute Respiratory
there is no need to despair. We
West into a modern cosmopolitan
language with its Western Internet
Syndrome (SARS) outbreak, PCK
have a flourishing arts culture
blend. We see an amalgam of
terminology to discuss Korean
teamed up with the Ministry of
in the youth community. The
this in the variety of programmes
drama or Bollywood is passé for
Health to come up with the Sar-
Singapore Youth Festival, primarily
AUTHOR SAHELI ROY CHOUDHURY
ENTERTAINMENT
35
an annual event to celebrate the
that hype faded as The Dark Knight
newest theatre company, whose
has done Singapore proud. We
achievements of youths on all fronts
rolled out from the silver screen.
artistic directors are our very own
hope to remind our readers that
Adrian Pang and his wife, Tracie.
while we continue to enjoy our
allows performing arts groups like Guitar Ensemble, Concert Bands
For the stage-lovers, The
among others to shine. At NUS,
Singapore Repertory Theater
To pay homage to these,
Girl, we can also make time for
we have our very own NUS Arts
(SRT), founded in 1993, is one
sometimes unsung, heroes,
some of our own talents.
Festival that affords performers
of the leading English language
creative geniuses and budding
the opportunity to showcase their
theater companies in Asia.
actors, we will be doing frequent
talents to the NUS community
staples like Glee, CSI and Gossip
features, appreciating our
and to the public. By actively
They have staged both original
homegrown talent – filmmakers,
promoting these avenues for our
productions like Forbidden City:
musicians, production companies,
youth to showcase their talents in
Portrait of An Empress and highly
poets and just about anyone who
the fields of performing arts, we are
acclaimed plays like Rent, Hamlet
laying a strong foundation for our
and M Butterfly.
future musicians, thespians and performing artistes.
And remember last year’s successful stage adaptation of ‘The
But can this momentum sustain?
Full Monty’; based on the book by Terrence McNally? Another
Recently, Ng Chin Han’s part in
local hit production, containing
one of the biggest Hollywood
some household names including:
blockbusters The Dark Knight
Daniel Jenkins who has worked
caused a buzz in this part of the
extensively in theatre both here
world – and rightfully so. Hailing
and in the UK, Lim Yu-Beng whom
from a country of just 4.5 million
you might remember as Sergeant
people, his inclusion in a speaking
Alan Leong from Channel 5 drama
role in one of the highly anticipated
series Triple 9, among others. The
films of the year gave people
stage adaptation is produced by
something to talk about. However,
PANGDEMONiUM! – Singapore’s
PHOTOGRAPH SWAYMYWAY.COM + CARICATURE.COM.SG
36
ENTERTAINMENT
THE ANAMORPHIC DIRECTOR T
hat Wes Anderson is a funny
Born and raised in Houston, Texas,
is that his
man.
to a father in the advertising business
fi lms are often
and an archeologist mother, Wes
tragicomedies
With two Academy Awards
expressed his early interest in fi lm-
and revolve
nomination and six highly acclaimed
making by shooting crude Super 8
around a broken
fi lms under his directing repertoire,
movies and staging highly elaborate
or an unorthodox family circle. He
fi rst time he shot a full length stop
he has developed a huge cult
school plays (later parodied in his
is highly selective with the acting
motion animation feature.
following in the last fi fteen years.
fi lm Rushmore). It was while reading
talent he uses in his work, often
Philosophy at the University of Texas
working with a few select actors in
With the likes of George Clooney,
Famously known as the ‘new Martin
at Austin that he honed his ideas and
recurring roles for different projects.
Meryl Streep, Jason Schwartzman
Scorsese’, the title given to him by
culminated them into actual tangible
Th is has led to famous (or infamous
and Bill Murray voicing the
the very man himself, Wes is famous
work.
- depending on your frame of mind)
characters, Wes proved that he still
the term ‘Wes Brigade’ featuring
has the ability to lure Hollywood A-listers to his projects.
for his unique takes on fi lm and art direction. Every Wes Anderson
As chance would have it, he
Owen Wilson, Luke Wilson, Jason
creation, be it a short take, an advert
befriended another young and
Schwartzman, Andrew Wilson,
or a full length feature fi lm, is
idealistic talent (Owen Wilson) who
Bill Murray, Kumar Pallana, Dipak
Currently, he is in the midst of
instantly recognisable because of its
had a similar eye and passion for fi lm
Pallana, Brian Tenenbaum, Stephen
fi lming ‘The Rosenthaler Suite’
trademark characteristics. They are
art. The two worked on what would
Dignan and Anjelica Huston.
which adapts Patrice Leconte’s 2006
so distinctly identifiable with Wes
be lauded as his greatest achievement
by the audience that it has almost
in fi lm - ‘Bottle Rocket’ (1994) –
Technique-wise, Wes almost
Exact details about the re-make are
become a signature mark of his.
which also launched his career as
exclusively uses wide-angle
still shrouded in secrecy with many
a director. A short but extremely
anamorphic lenses which give most of
fans speculating it to be a significant
He achieved the impossibly tricky feat
powerful fi lm, centering on a group
his work a semi-distorted viewing.
departure, in terms of style, from his
of producing unique and quirky fi lms
of young men from a wealthy Texan
while working within the notoriously
community, it would go on to enter
Although many have argued that
restrictive mould of the Hollywood
in the Sundance Film Festival and
most of his latter work has been
Whatever the case, Wes Anderson
studio system. If traditional fi lm
garner enough interest to be made
lackluster (‘The Life Aquatic’ and
still remains a household name the
making was a religion, he’d be a
into a full feature length fi lm.
‘The Darjeeling Limited’), his latest
fi lm industry and shows no signs of
work ‘The Fantastic Mr. Fox’ opened
fading into oblivion for years to come.
heretic. One of Wes’s classic trademarks
AUTHOR NATHANAEL PS + PHOTOGRAPH CINEMATICALLYCORRECT.WORDPRESS.COM
French feature ‘My Best Friend’.
early work.
to much critical acclaim. It was the
ENTERTAINMENT
37
BOOK REVIEW: SUE MONK KIDD’S
THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES “I HAVE MORE MOTHERS THAN ANY EIGHT GIRLS OFF THE STREET. THEY ARE THE MOONS SHINING OVER ME.”
he Secret Life of Bees is an
T
the significant role of a mother in
The Secret Life of Bees also
into a movie as well as produced on
artful Bildungsroman that
a person’s development. As Lily
demonstrates Lily’s struggles with
stage; both of which received mixed
follows the stream of consciousness
discovers, a person does not always
her own, inbred racism. Kidd moves
reviews.
of 14-year old Lily Owens. The
need to share a biological connection
beyond stereotypes to portray whites
story is set in South Carolina and its
to call someone a mother.
and blacks with the multifaceted
For my part, I would say the movie
personalities that we fi nd in real
adaptation is one of the few that lives
Silent symbolisms also are woven into
life. Lily imagines that all African
up to the high standards set by a
the novel in an intricate manner and
Americans are like Rosaleen; coarse
book; it was capable of evoking core
To escape from her cruel and angry
leave the reader free to interpretation
and uneducated. Encountering the
emotions without seeming maudlin.
father and to discover the truth
and imagination; reminiscent of
educated August Boatwright changes
Alicia Keys (June Boatwright) and
about her late mother’s past, Lily
Archibald Mcleash’s famous line in
her stereotypical perception of the
Dakota Fanning (Lily Owens) were
flees with her caregiver Rosaleen to a
Ars Poetica ‘A poem must not mean
African American community. Th is
exceptionally mature and graceful in
small town in South Carolina where
but be.’
social awakening propels her forward
their portrayals.
significance is tied to its role in the American Civil War.
she is taken in by the bee-keeping Boatwright sisters.
to fight against the inherent prejudice Bees serve as Lily’s unspoken guides
in her sub-consciousness.
To echo the words of the author,
throughout her development. Lily
‘The Secret Life of Bees’ has a
Kidd has a poetic eye for detail and
follows the trail of the honey label
In the course of the story, when she
rare wisdom about life – and it is a
develops her characters and plot with
to Tiburon - and learns the truth
begins to develop romantic feelings
soothing exploration about mothers
an imagination that many readers lose
about her mother. The worker bees’
for Zach (a charming, handsome,
and daughters, and the women in our
themselves in. Minute details which,
industrious care for their queen
African American teenager), Lily
lives who sometimes assume the role
at fi rst glance, seem insignificant
mother, their continuous ability to
once again encounters her own subtle
of a mother.”
help us re-evaluate our own live as
persevere and carry on working,
prejudice.
made evident by Lily’s ardent love
and their strong will to survive
for reading and the implication of
inspire Lily and their reliance on an
The book has enjoyed a two and a half
using stories as a way to escape her
all-female community resembles her
years stay on the New York Times
circumstances. Kidd also highlights
own.
best seller list, and was adapted
AUTHOR JANE ANTONY + PHOTOGRAPH AMAZON.COM
THE ESSENTIAL VITAMINS IN THE RIDGE MAGAZINE
NO PRESERVATIVES ADDED FULL OF VITAMINS.. NO PRESERV ATIVES ADDED FULL OF VITAMINS Et . Ns. Os. Sp. Ls. Wr.
Wr THE WIRED DESK
The only world you know is the tech world? Do you know tech tricks that we don’t? Do the acronyms LED, RAM, 5MP, VGA, 3GS, HDTV, Web3.0 and 3.5G make any sense to you at all? Yes, yes and yes? Then, please join us and take the NUS population to school with lessons from the IT world. But please don’t call us ‘noobs’.
THE ESSENTIAL VITAMINS IN THE RIDGE MAGAZINE
NO PRESERVATIVES ADDED FULL OF VITAMINS.. NO PRESERV ATIVES DDED FULL OF VITAMINS Ns. Os. Sp. Ls. Wr.
Sp THE SPORTS DESK
Those who live and breathe sport are not that hard enough to come by. Those who live and breath sport and somehow manage to write well enough so that their passion and excitement can be shared with other sports fans are a little more rare. It’s something like finding a Cristiano Ronaldo, a Kobe Bryant or a Johnny Wilkinson to play for your team. Well, our game plan is for you to come to us instead. Got game?
40
SPORTS
SYOG 2010 PREVIEW F
or approximately a month, the
world. Singapore would create yet
world was divided as it came
another milestone in her history.
together for World Cup 2010 held in South Africa. Even in Singapore,
The International Olympics
we donned the colours and jerseys
Committee President Jacques Rogge
of different nations, supporting our
revealed that the YOG had been
favourite teams and football stars.
a concept pondered upon since
While Spain basks in its glory, being
2001. It would be an international
in sports in order to keep a healthy
opportunity to work with the Main
only the 3rd team in history to be
event coupling sports with education,
lifestyle and to play sports the right
Press Centre, providing news,
concurrent champions of Europe and
and act as a catalyst to engage
way.
interviews and reports for the YOG
the world, it’s time for Singaporeans
young people around the world.
to unite in red and white and support
These young athletes would be
our young athletes in the next big
ambassadors of their communities
The atheletes will be housed in
event of the summer.
and given fi rst-hand experience of
the Youth Olympic Village, an
participating in an international
accomodation area within the
event.
confine of Nanyang Technological
Come 14th August 2010, Singapore
website and digital platform.
University (NUS was initially
will play host for the inaugural Youth Olympic Games (YOG). Held from
The sports in YOG have been
supposed to be the host until
the 14th to 26th August, this two-
modified a bit. In order to
construction problems led to the
week event will see some 3,600 young
encourage interaction between
athletes from 205 countries gather in
countries, there will be events where
Though there are similarities with the
Singapore and compete for honours.
athletes from different countries play
actual Olympics, the Youth Olympic
An integral part of the Olympics is
in the same teams. There will also be
Games place a larger emphasis
the Torch Relay and it will also be
The young athletes are aged between
mixed-gender events, such as fencing
on education. Not to be seen as a
a highlight for the Youth Olympic
14 and 18 and will compete in 26
and judo. In the sport of Basketball,
mini-Olympics, the Cultural and
Games. In March 2009, the
different sports, ranging from the
the format will also be altered to a
Educational Programme aims to
International Olympic Committee
common likes of football, basketball
3-on-3 event.
educate youth in Olympic values,
decided from then on that torch
healthy lifestyle habits and their
relays were to be held only within the
social responsibilities.
host nation but an exception has been
and volleyball to the more obscure sports such as triathlon, modern
YOG will be a good platform for
pentathlon and wrestling.
young athletes to pursue sports on
abandonment of the plan).
made for the inaugural YOG.
a professional level and at the same
The YOG encourages participation
Th is major event will require the
time develop a strong sporting
and involvement from youth from
The Journey of the Youth Olympic
teamwork of over 20,000 volunteers
culture amongst the young ones. It
around the world. Besides the
Flame (JYOF) will connect youth
and expects a crowd of at least
emphasises not just excellence but
athletes, young aspiring sports
across the world as it passes through
370,000 spectators from across the
also encourages youth to participate
journalists will also be given the
a city from each of the 5 continents.
AUTHOR CHOW YONG JUN & SABRINA ANTONY + PHOTOGRAPH SINGAPORE2010.SG
SPORTS
41
the YOG website.
Role model athletes have also volunteered to become ambassadors to this event. Some famous profi les include 12-time Gold Medallist Swimming Phenomenon – Michael Phelps and the fastest man on earth – Usain Bolt (although both said they would not be able to make it to YOG on July 31) and Yelena Isinbayeva, the Pole Vaulting World Record holder.
representative for the event.
be honed if one wishes to compete at professional level.
The JYOF embarked from Greece,
Bolt said: “I know how important it is
“I hope to see a sporting scene where
travelled to Berlin, Dakar, Mexico,
to have mentors and role models when
all sports are accessible and enjoyed
Singapore has achieved commendable
Auckland and Seoul before arriving
you are young to help give you focus
by all Singaporeans, rather than just
results in the sport of table-tennis
in Singapore.
and dreams to aspire to. I couldn’t
the common ones."
from our foreign talents in recent years. It will be interesting to see how
be happier to be an Ambassador It then went on in a 6-day round-
for the fi rst Youth Olympic Games
"I hope that we can build a sports
our youth match up against the world.
island relay and even passed through
and to provide inspiration and
culture in Singapore where everyone
National University of Singapore,
encouragement to the young athletes
can have fun together recreationally,
And if you are suffering from World
making a special appearance at this
participating in Singapore this
and support the athletes who choose
Cup withdrawal, do purchase tickets
year’s RAG event, with President
summer and to kids everywhere.”
to take up the sport from school
to the football matches at Jalan Besar
S R Nathan gracing the
level, club level and up to national
Stadium; you might spot the next
occasion.
level” related Lian Han, when
Kaka or Messi in the making! The
asked about what he hopes for the
final costs a mere 30 dollars!
A total of 2,400 torch
future of sports in Singapore.
bearers had the honour of
While the not-so-pleasant song of
being part of this significant
Clearly, the decision of the
JJ Lin is still stuck in our minds, let
celebration.
Singapore Olympic Committee
us all support your young athletes as
to not send in any representative
they do us proud. At the same time,
seems to go against this ideal.
do not forget to give way to the YOG
Besides the physical torch relay, YOG also has a virtual relay
In an interview with an aspiring
Buses on the road! (I hope you have
to celebrate the Olympic Values of
youth athlete, Loh Lian Han, 18, we
Personally, I believe it is necessary
noticed the new markings on the
Excellence, Friendship and Respect
looked at Team Singapore’s prospects
for our young athletes to gain the
roads!).
in an initiative named the Million
at the Games. Lian Han was in
experience in these big games,
Deed Challenge.
the running to represent Singapore
whether or not they have a decent
Here's hoping to a great month of sports ahead.
in a fairly uncommon sport, the
shot at gold. These experiences help
For this event, youth across the world
Modern Pentathlon. However, he
them to grow not just physically, but
are encouraged to post their acts of
was unable to pass a final trial, and
also mentally and mental toughness is
excellence, friendship and respect on
Singapore decided not to send in any
an important attribute that needs to
19-20
TH
AUGUST
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44
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Dear Freshmen, We are
Brought to you by ...
PLEASE FLIP OVER NOW. PLEASE FLIP OVER NOW. ... Home of the Welcome to Dear Freshmen,
14
FRESHMEN
C
ongrats for making it here.
work is done and stored in remote
Furthermore GDocs allows you
storage space - music, video,
You have many exciting
servers safely and securely. Sounds
to collaborate in real time. For
pictures,
things to look forward to! Your
expensive? No, absolutely not… at
instance you and five other friends
GDocs allows you to share these
stay here will be filled with meeting
least not if you follow me!
Zip
files…
anything.
can work on the same document
files with others as well. You could
deadlines that seem impossible,
simultaneously! All of you can see
back up media files and pdf files in
exams which sneak at you almost
what the others are typing in real
GDocs but this will use up the 1GB
at the speed of light, projects and
time. Thus there is no need to
in no time.
appointments. Don’t worry, you’ll
I hereby introduce you to Google
constantly email each other the
get used to it, sooner or later. But
docs (docs.google.com). Google
latest copy of the document. Being
Want more space? That’s where
with a bit of technology on your
Docs will redefine the way you
quite convenient and handy, you’ll
Dropbox comes in!
side, all of this can be a piece of
look
soon discover it to be very useful for
cake. Let your resident tech guru
more constant “saves”; no more
help you out with a bit of tech
corrupted or lost or misplaced
advice that could save you time.
files; but sadly, no more excuses
Google docs has spreadsheets
hassle and (hopefully) a few bucks!
which start with “oops,i left my doc
and presentation vapabilities as
at
word
processing.
No
your work.
in my desktop!”. With GDocs, all
well. Each user is granted 1GB of
I am sure most of you have recently
your documents stay online safely
storage space for all their storage
invested in a fast new laptop or net-
residing in Google’s servers. So
needs. To sweeten the deal, GDocs
book for your computing needs.
there is no reason to save your files
ensures that all documents created
If you don’t already own one, I’d
constantly, they are automatically
and stored in the GDocs format take
highly recommend you to invest in
saved. Best of all, you can access
up NO space at all! So you can be
one soon.
your documents from any computer
sure all your documents are safe in
with Internet access. You are not
GDocs servers.
Your laptop or net-book might have
even restricted by what OS you
shipped with the complete MS
use! It works flawlessly in Windows,
Well now that you have taken care
office, but what if it didn’t? Stuck
Mac, and Linux.
of your precious documents, lets
with that dreadful 60-day trial? All you need to get started is a Gmail Fret not, I shall introduce you
account to use it, which is free and
to
quick to set up.
cloud
computing!
In
cloud
computing, all or some of your
AUTHOR SHANMUGAM MURUGA PALANIAPPAN + PHOTO UWEC.EDU
FILE SYNC & BACKUP Dropbox
(dropbox.com)
is
an
application that allows you to store any file to their servers.
look at other important files that you
Dropbox is incredibly easy to setup.
might want to safe-keep.
Register for an account, download a client which is available for all OSs
In GDocs, you can now upload files
and even most mobile phones -
of ANY format into your GDocs
iPhone, Android and Blackberry.
FRESHMEN
15
Now you’ll have a folder in your
for projects. Although Gdocs would
affordable although they are usually
modules before. So while bidding
computer called ‘My dropbox’ and
considerably reduce that, doodle.
slow while running Windows 7
in the future, make your decisions
any file in that folder will be synced
com is a website that allows you
(although a more netbook friendly
carefully and wisely after taking their
to their servers (it will bei instantly
to schedule events easily. There is
OS like Ubuntu Netbook remix
counsel.
uploaded online) and kept safe.
nothing to download, registration
works like a charm).
is optional and it just works! You can access these files from anywhere using a browser. This
INTERNET BROWSER
is extremely useful if a group
For those who get their modules When getting a netbook, usually
allocated and wish to start studying
more RAM is better. I suggest an
ahead, you’d need to get your
upgrade to at least 2 GB RAM.
textbooks. Head over to IVLE and
needs to collaborate and produce
I’d also like to enhance your
Ensure your battery life is sufficient
under “Others” you will find the
different parts of a whole (like when
browsing experience - try Google
also i.e. it lasts at the very least for
“Used Textbook Forum” and here,
designing a magazine!).
Chrome
3 hours.
there are seniors willing to sell their
as
an
alternative
to
your previous browser. You will Although
the
free
version
of
dropbox only gives you 2GB, for
used books for a lower price. The
immediately see the huge difference
When purchasing a laptop with an
best part is they usually give you
in speed of rendering pages.
Intel chip, I suggest to go for Intel
notes too!
each successful invite to a friend
Core i3s and Intel Core i5s instead
you get an additional 250mb and
Chrome
you can grow up-to 8GB! You can
that allows you to sync all your
also share files using dropbox.
bookmarks, themes and extensions
has
a
sync
feature
across your computers! If you really crave for more storage
of the Core 2 Duo alternatives as the
They will also be able to give you an
newer chips have hyper-threading.
insight on what’s in store for you! so its a good place to make friends.
Unlike with older processors, hyperthreading enables the operating
And thus ends the list of the few
space, I suggest Windows Live
I’d also like you to take note that
system
to
see
each
physical
quintessential tricks and tips that
Skydrive (skydrive.live.com). It
although Chrome is faster and
processor as two logical processors
any NUS freshman would need
offers 25GB of free space but there
better in many ways, not all NUS
and thus you can run two tasks
to make his academic life a LOT
websites support it fully (use it for
simultaneously on each increasing
easier. We at THE RIDGE truly hope
general web browsing apart from
the efficiency of the processor.
that these nifty tools help make your
NUS websites). For this you can
academic life more productive and
use alternatives better supported
In short, your laptop responds
by NUS such as Firefox or IE.
quickly and doesn’t get sluggish as
LAPTOP LOOKOUT
a bit more enjoyable!
easily!
Lastly, I’d recommend a laptop is a catch - each uploaded file
If you haven’t purchased a net-
with
cannot exceed 50MB. There isn’t a
book/notebook yet, and are looking
dedicated
syncing feature either but that’s a
for one, here are the details I’d like
more
trade-off you pay in order to enjoy
you to watch out for. Get a light
to use the processing power of
more space.
weight device - lugging a 3kg laptop
the graphics card these days.
SCHEDULING MEETINGS
everyday isn’t fun.
a
minimum graphics
applications
of
256MB card
are
as
starting
NUS TECH
If you aren’t going to game or run heavy applications on your device
Module-review.com is a website
I am sure you will have to arrange
I suggest to go for a netbook as
which has reviews by fellow NUS
meetings with your team members
these are small, light-weight and
students who have taken various
PHOTO TECK.IN + DROPBOX.COM
WHAT IS
TO ? YOU
FRESHMEN
13
FRESHMEN HAVE TO MAKE COUNTLESS DECISIONS SEEMINGLY AT ONCE. JASON LKH HOPES THAT THEY CAN ULTIMATELY TAKE A LEAP AND CHALLENGE THEMSELVES IN THEIR COMING YEARS IN NUS.
W
elcome freshmen of
of names. NUS, for all you know,
your Cumulative Average Point
For the more visionary, perhaps
AY10/11! You’ve probably
stands for National University of
(CAP) or even 4.0 which is already
work towards an abolishment of
Somalia.
impressive! Look at the other things
the created boundaries. for level
you can achieve! Perhaps being the
ground General Elections are just
heard that this is the time of your life before you take the plunge into the real working world. I think
This play of the NUS acronym is not
most revolutionary Junior Common
around the corner and boundaries
they are right as in this phase of
new right here on campus. Some
Room Committee (JCRC) member
will be questioned throughout the
our development, we are full of
in exhaustion took ‘S’ for Stairs, of
or Resident Assistant who has
country as well.
ideals, hope, and energy - the best
which you might be already aware
brought about good changes to
concoction to usher in change. And
and perspiring from climbing them.
campus life? How about the Singa-
The irony of hard work is that those
best of all, you’re in the right place
Or maybe ‘S’ for Stress, because
pore version of Martin Luther King
who work the hardest are not well
to make that change.
the normal curve simply refuses to
Jr., lifting derogatory terms against
appreciated. When was the last
be normal. Or to be swept by the
certain foreign groups of people
time you thanked the bus driver,
During the colonial era, tertiary
‘green’ wave, we have National Uni-
simply because they are different?
the cleaner or the gardener? When
institutions in this region had played
versity of Sustainability.
Why can’t we be influential in our
was the last time you greeted them
‘civilized’ culture, if it is really that
with a smile, or with a simple greet-
awesome, Persia?
ing? Or did that even cross your
an instrumental role in political awakening, which had led to the
Whichever the acronym, it is
independence of Malaysia as
your call. Each and every one of
well as Singapore. Today, you are
us will shape this university, this
Is the lecture theatre always too
embarking on the same journey as
society and this world, but under
cold despite SAVE *’s call for
I therefore challenge you, to see
the past heroes of NUS. What is
one condition, that we must all
25°C temperature for all rooms?
beyond your CAP to things around
NUS to you?
be intentional in our actions and
Can YOU do something about it?
you that matter too. After all, a
choices, gearing towards truth and
Design an automated system to ad-
bunch of you with scrolls in hands,
righteousness.
just temperature of 3 lecture halls
sharing a common apathy towards
of different sizes and capacity that
the humanities, politics, and envi-
are linked to a central ventilation
ronment are ‘just another bunch of
NUS DEFINED BY US When I first broke the wonderful
MORE THAN MEETS THE CAP
news to my college teacher back
mind?
system? Or challenge the simplistic
graduates’. It’s time to ‘value add’
home in Malaysia that I’ve success-
Pun intended. Let’s fast track to
meat-out theory to combat climate
to your graduation.
fully enrolled in NUS for my Bach-
your graduation in 3 or 4 years. You
change? What will you do to con-
elor’s, she asked, not surprisingly,
only receive a scroll, a scroll that
tinue to put NU.Sustainability as the
*Students Against Violation of the
“What is NUS?” It’s not that the
cost you about S$7,000-10,000 per
leading institution in Singapore for
Earth – Pro-environment group in
National University of Singapore is
annum. Really, is that it?
green initiatives such as Campus in
NUS
not known. It’s just her unassuming
a Tropical Rain Forest or conduct-
attitude towards acronyms that can
Surely, there’s more than a scroll
ing recycling studies for the Singa-
be very well interpreted to a variety
and more than the number 5.0 for
pore society? AUTHOR JASON LKH + PHOTOGRAPH MATTHEW CHEE
10
FRESHMEN
FRESHMAN’S GUIDE
THE TO THE
NUS ARTS SCENE
DON’T PANIC! On my first day at NUS, I came to school with my battered copy of ‘The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy’. My rationale? It had the words DON’T PANIC written in bold on the back.
Making the transition from high school can be a daunting task as things move at a lightening pace in university. You are forgiven if you feel a little overwhelmed. In the various pulls and pressures from academia, social life and from friends, one great way to keep afloat is to explore and engage in the vibrant arts scene on campus.
Some wise men will argue about its soul cleansing value; however, this writer believes the arts provide a meaningful way to relax and allow the mind to calm down. Fringe benefits include CCA points, new friends and an avenue to discover or brush up on your existing talents.
In this article we hope to provide you with an easy-to-understand, The Exxon Mobil Campus Concert their biggest opening number (EMCC) will be celebrating its
UCC. You will enjoy upbeat
Timbre Music Academy. And,
being the Timbre MusicFest on performances by Timbre artistes oh yes, did we mention there’s
25th anniversary this year. EMCC Campus. It falls on 13 August and our very own NUS students, free beer and a chance to win is a series of concerts held on campus, 2010, 6 p.m. onwards at the
AUTHOR SAHELI ROY CHOUDHURY + PHOTOGRAPHS CFA
handpicked and trained by
an Apple iPad?
pocket-sized companion that will help you to navigate the arts scene on campus and choose what suits
FRESHMEN
11
MUSICAL NUMBERS The exciting thing about the
reputation of being one of Singapore’s
you an opportunity to explore the rich
performing arts in NUS is that there’s
premier wind orchestras. NUS Wind
heritage of Chinese and Indian music.
something for everyone! Here’s a
Symphony has performed extensively
selection for those who love to play
both on local and international stages.
musical instruments.
FOR BUDDING THESPIANS
If you fancy something more niche you the best.
If you enjoy the eloquence and
than full sized orchestras, you can
The NUS Centre for the Arts
glamour of a full-sized orchestra,
choose from a range of alternatives
(CFA) is the main organisation that
And remember, as ol’ Douglas
then the NUS Symphony Orchestra
like the NUS Harmonica Orchestra,
looks after the various performing
Adams wrote many years ago
might just be the group for you.
Kent Ridge Harmonica, NUS Jazz
arts groups on campus.
With its impressive repertoire, the
Band, NUS Guitar Ensemble, NUS
NUS Symphony Orchestra holds
Piano Ensemble, NUS Rondalla, NUS
The CFA also regularly organises
the distinction of being the first
Choir and NUS Electronic Music
events and concerts for students
student group in Singapore to be
Lab which provides students the
and the public. If you would like
selected to participate in the Aberdeen
opportunity to use some of the latest
to know more about the CFA or
International Youth Festival in
music technology to create their own
any of the groups mentioned above,
Scotland, 1998.
signature style.
please do visit their website at:
An alternative to the Symphony
For the more traditionally oriented,
Orchestra would be the NUS
NUS Chinese Orchestra and NUS
Now for some major events coming
Wind Symphony which boasts the
Indian Instrumental Ensemble gives
your way thanks to CFA.
DON’T PANIC!
http://www.nus.edu.sg/cfa/
SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE?
Dance enthusiasts have a diverse range These groups specialise in a
holding open-to-all sessions to let
You might have heard the buzz
of activities to choose from: from the
healthy dose of jazz, modern,
you have a feel of what their group
surrounding a certain Welcome
traditional to the contemporary.
contemporary, hip-hop, and
is like. For more information, please
Back to Campus concert. While it
break dancing. Synergy is unique contact NUS Centre For the Arts
is not an underground rave party,
The NUS Chinese Dance, the NUS
in that it does not require
it is pretty attractive in its own
Ilsa Tari and the NUS Indian Dance
newcomers to audition for a
right. This CFA House Party is
offer a combination of the traditional
place – your performances are
held on 10 & 11 August 2010 from
and the tribal, with a mix of the
assessed with time.
6 – 9 pm at the UCC. This is a
(CFA).
contemporary. These groups have had
great opportunity to catch all the
an impressive run since their inception To understand what suits you
NUS arts groups under one roof !
under the tutelage and guidance
the best we encourage you to
They will be putting up shows and
of instructors who excel in their
attend Dance Marathon – a
performances and give you a sneak
respective fields.
whole day event from 10 a.m. to
preview of what you can expect
6.30 p.m. on 14 August 2010 at
from a particular group. If you
the University Cultural Centre
arrive fashionably early, you might
If your interests are more
contemporary than classical, then your (UCC) Dance Studio. All seven
enjoy exclusive backstage tours of
best bets are with NUS Dance
NUS Dance groups, including
the UCC and guided tours at NUS
Synergy and NUS Dance Blast.
NUS Lion Dance, will be
Museum.
12
FRESHMEN
HALL PRODUCTIONS
OTHER AVENUES FOR ACTING ENTHUSIASTS at the start of the new
If acting is your forte, then NUS Stage
become the next Steven Spielberg (hey,
academic year, though the
is the place for you to be. Whether
I’m not knocking you down!), you will
timeline might differ between
you are an actor, scriptwriter, stage
learn the basics of film making that
halls.
manager or director, you will always
will stand you in good stead if you
find an avenue to apply your talent and
choose to make a career out of it.
First, the main committee
harness your skills.
comprising of producers,
(Note: When receiving your Oscar
production managers, dance
Currently 34-member strong, the
for Best Director of the Year, THE
directors are formed and
society prides itself in recruiting
RIDGE humbly requests a mention in
brainstorming for script ideas
the best and brightest talent around
your acceptance speech)
begin. After finalising the
campus to establish themselves as a
scripts, the tedious process of
premier theatrical production house.
writing the script begins. This
An integral part of university life
On the other hand, if you are glued to your Channel 8 dramas and aspire to
is normally done in summer
If you prefer to be behind the
star in your own show, check out NUS
breaks and as soon as the
camera instead of being in front of
Chinese Drama.
new semester begins, casting
it, nuSTUDIOS Film Productions
revolves around Halls. The six Halls
calls are made and halls prepare
provides students an opportunity to
at NUS are big on their productions
for auditions. Casting is usually
explore the art of film making.
and they regularly compete in a
completed by September and full-
variety of shows like DramaFest,
fledged rehearsals begin in October.
RockFest, Amplitude (Choir) and
(Fear not though! Rehearsals break
Dance Uncensored. They normally
to give the budding actors time to
happen one after the other which
focus on their studies as well.)
CLOSING WORDS
though if you ask around, most would
The rehearsals intensify in the
Looking ahead a little, in Semester 2,
preferences, there is something
swear that is absolutely gratifying in
second semester and practically
there will be the NUS Arts Festival;
available for everyone! It is only a
the end.
everyone works thirty five hours a
an exciting line up of performances
matter of taking the initiative and
day to facilitate the different needs
put together by NUS students can
seeking out the right person to get in
Apart from that, every Hall also stages
to successfully stage the production.
be caught for an entire month. THE
touch with.
a main production which is basically
A month prior to the production,
RIDGE would be covering the Arts
their signature highlight for the
which is normally held in February
Fest in detail – so keep a lookout for it
We hope you’ve fully utilised the
Academic Year.
or early March, various aspects
next year.
Matric fair to find out as much as you
While there is no guarantee you will
gives students very little time to rest –
and elements are put together
can about life outside academics and
THE RIDGE spoke with Neeti
and the final product is rehearsed,
The main idea you can take away from
we sincerely hope you have already
Shiva, from Eusoff Hall who gave
repeatedly, to perfection.
this guide is that there are no shortages
found your true calling! After all, who
of opportunities presented to students
says university is all about studying?
at NUS.
And remember...
Regardless of your tastes and
DON’T PANIC!
us a breakdown of the procedure in Eusoff ’s production which she
For more information, we advise
describes as “a musical combining
you to contact the seniors in your
acting and dance”. The process begins
respective Halls.
*Some of the events mentioned in this article have already taken place. We would like to apologise for not getting this guide to you on time. However, we hope that you’ve already found your true calling by now, and that this guide continues to serve as a companion piece to your own exploration of the NUS Arts Scene. PHOTOGRAPH NEETI SHIVA
08
FRESHMEN
FRESHMAN ORIENTATION CAMP AWARDS 2010
T THE RIDGE DECIDED TO TAKE A LOOK AT THE VARIOUS ORIENTATION CAMPS AND PRESENT... THE RIDGE FRESHMEN ORIENTATION CAMP AWARDS!
AUTHOR BRIDGET TAN + PHOTOGRAPH ARTS/LAW/SPORTS CAMP PROJECT DIRECTORS
hey’re where it all happen - romance, friendship and
even rivalry. Orientation camps mark the start of a freshman’s university life. The camaraderie of cheering for the house (even if you can’t, for the life of you, pronounce its name!) and running around like a lunatic in public is all part and parcel of this unique experience.
FRESHMEN
MOST CREATIVE CAMP SOC OF COMPUTING SURVIVOR CAMP
LARGEST CAMP UNION CAMP
LONGEST CAMP ARTS & SCIENCE CAMP
It takes a gleaming reputation and
09
MOST OUTRAGEOUS (NAMES) CAMP SCHOOL OF DESIGN AND ENVIRONMENT CAMP
a lot of good feedback to generate
When you enjoy yourself so much
The difference in activities is what
popularity for an orientation
that you don’t want to go back home.
truly set camps apart. It is amazing
camp. Th is year, one camp had
Th is award goes to the camp which
Naming teams by colours just got
where the imagination can take you.
a significantly larger number of
prolongs the experience for the
outdated. Welcome to the era where
From wet games to clubbing nights to
participants than the other camps.
longest time.
students go ‘huh?’ when they are
Amazing Races, this award is given
The Largest Camp award goes to
to the camp with the most creative
(surprise!) Union Camp!
activities.
informed which house they’re in. Th is The Arts Camp and Science Camp
award goes to the camp with the most
are tied for this award! Compared to
outrageous house names.
With 400 participants this year, it
the average 4 day, 3 night camp, these
THE RIDGE FOC award for the
makes it to the top of the list with the
camps lasted for 5 days and 4 nights.
Most Creative Camp goes to the SoC
second largest camp being Arts Camp
Survivor Camp! Whilst the other
with 300 participants. Most camps
Holding a longer than usual camp
this time. But, the Most Outrageous
camps had the usual war games,
expect an average of less than 200
is no mean feat considering the
Camp award goes to… SDE!
beach games and Secret Pal, it was
participants.
amount of planning, preparation
the ‘Night Murder Mystery’ by the SoC Camp that helped bag the prize.
Th is category was a tough fight as the camps have truly outdone themselves
and sponsorship involved. And a
With names like Fierte, Stolz, Gier,
Th is is due to the fact that the Union
long camp doesn’t necessarily equate
Vrede, Orgullo, Zorn, Cobica and
Camp is neither faculty nor interest
to a good camp. These two camps,
Lacomia, they outnamed every other
Admittedly, Mystery Nights are not
specific. According to Raphael
however, succeeded with flying
camp hands down. Named after the
uncommon, but here campers were
Wun, Freshman Orientation Project
colours.
7 sins in different languages, it really
ferried by coach to PasirRis PA fl ats
Director for Union Camp, it is also
to play around inthe compound as
the only camp with a beach party in
Arts Camp stuck to their tradition
came up with the idea. Unlike the
well as in the flats.
NUS and the only camp which goes
with their emotional ‘Tug-of-War’ in
other camps, SDE had sister groups
Sentosa and ‘Circle of Friendship’ to
instead of houses. Hmmm, they
Director for Union Camp, it is also
round up the camp. Science camp had
sound more like sinister groups to us!
the only camp with a beach party in
a variety of activities from dry games
NUS and the only camp which goes
like ‘Know your Enemy’ to a race
to Jurong East for pool games.
around NUS and wet games. Kudos
makes one wonder how they even
to the planning committees!
FRESHMEN
03
RAG DAY 2010 RAG IS A SPECTACLE THAT IS MADE POSSIBLE BY THE CULMINATION OF SPIRIT, CREATIVITY AND PASSION OF EVERYONE IN NUS. NO TEAM, FACULTY OR HALL COULD HAVE DONE IT ALONE. A TRULY SPECIAL NUS PROJECT THAT BROUGHT TOGETHER OUR WHOLE COMMUNITY. ENG ZHENYU, RAG 2010 PROJECT DIRECTOR
O
It was a proud moment for NUS, when the Guest of Honour, President
over 3,000 students and staff that
the grandstand of the Sports and
S R Nathan, with the aid of hockey
represented the various faculties and
Yet this did nothing to dampen the
Recreation Centre as NUS conducted
player Silas Abdul Razak and
halls in NUS, together with their
enthusiasm of the performers, with
its annual Rag day. In doing so, it
swimmer Amanda Lim, set the
accompanying performances, proved
pep talks and cheers keeping energy
bucked years of NUS tradition of
cauldron alight with the Olympic
that they could hold their own on
levels sky-high as Rag progressed.
holding Rag in the mornings.
Flame on its premises.
a day already marked out to make
n the afternoon of August
Rag to the sidelines. Floats built by
6, 2010, people flocked into
Singapore history.
no major injuries.
Despite the competitive spirit that
Th is change was made to
“Singapore now has a place in
accommodate the arrival of the Youth
Olympic history,” declared President
Starting with a prize presentation
evident enjoyment of the audience
Olympic Flame, a one-in-a-lifetime
Nathan after the cauldron was lit.
for the Flag Day collections, Rag
and the performers that was most
event that marked the end of its
That declaration was feted by a
featured floats and performances
noticeable. It was clear that Rag was
journey around the world.
fi reworks display that drew cheers
that wowed the crowd with their
more than just a race to the fi nish line
from the audience.
innovativeness and liveliness.
– it was a celebration of the journey
accompanies every Rag, it was the
The Flame’s arrival was celebrated
that got them that far.
with performances by external groups
NUS was the fi rst stop in the Flame’s
It had its fair share of glitches too.
such as Bukit Batok Secondary
island-wide relay, which lasted from
For instance, the School of Design
School and Youth Impact, as well as
6 to 13 August and included stops at
and Environment was penalized
themed floats from the NUS Halls of
19 other local schools. It also passed
for being late as their truck broke
Residence, each depicting a place the
through popular tourist destinations
down just minutes before their
Flame visited.
like the Singapore Zoo and the
performance. Fortunately for them,
Singapore Botanical Gardens.
they found another car to tow in
‘Athens’ was presented by Temasek
their float, making it just in the
Hall, ‘Berlin’ by Raffles Hall, ‘Dakar’
Th is is also the last time the Flame
nick of time for their Candy Land
by Sheares Hall, ‘Mexico City’ by
will make an international tour before
performance.
Eusoff Hall, ‘Auckland’ was done
arriving at its host country.
by Kent Ridge Hall and ‘Seoul’ was portrayed by King Edward VII Hall.
Some groups also ran into problems Despite the rarity of the event, the
with failed lifts and fl ips during their
Flame did not relegate the rest of the
dances, although there were (luckily!)
AUTHOR MEERA NAIR + PHOTOGRAPH EUSOFFWORKS
04
FRESHMEN
TH
E
KR
USP
USP
FASS
FASS
USP
USP
KR
PHOTOGRAPH EUSOFFWORKS + KR PHOTOCOMM + MEERA NAIR + CRAIG D’SOUZA
“YOU ONLY HAVE FIVE MINUTES TO PROVE YOUR POINT. MAKE THOSE FIVE MINUTES WORTH REMEMBERING” - ZHU PING, SDE YEAR 2 FASS
DENTISTRY
KR
FRESHMEN FRESHMAN
05
THREE OF OUR JOURNALISTS TAGGED ALONG WITH FLOAT PERFORMANCES AND REPORTED ON THE EVENTS AS THEY UNFOLDED ON THE DAY. THEY EVEN TOOK PART AND HELPED OUT AND HERE THEY PRESENT THEIR VIEWS OF RAG DAY 2010 AS THEY SAW AND EXPERIENCED IT EH
KENT RIDGE HALL Like the invincible All Blacks Rugby
EH
Team of New Zealand, Kent Ridge Hall (KR) successfully completed a hat-trick of Chancellor’s Shield wins at the annual NUS Rag Day. Not only this, but KR also had won
Y
the President’s Shield Award for collecting the largest amount on Flag Day.
It was a proud start for KR then as they proceeded on to their Rag display – an impressive showcase of New Zealand culture and the
EH
youthful zeal that will be exhibited at the Youth Olympic Games. Items symbolic of New Zealand, like the float referencing the famous Buzzy Bee toy and the rugby ball representing New Zealand’s national sport were showcased as part of KR’s parade.
AUTHOR JOSEPH CHIN
06
FRESHMEN
Viewers were treated to an energetic
the KR Rag Committee, described
performance that married Maori art
that “dried leaves and broken tree
and Singaporean exuberance. Key to
branches (were used) to create the
this was the rendition of the Haka,
cladding.”
the Maori war chant popularized by the All Blacks.
It served as the spirited finale to the
one large creation (a magnus opus
UNIVERSITY SCHOLARS’ PROGRAMME
of sorts) towards fashioning a more immersive feel with smaller, more detailed creations.
In the spirit of diversity represented The leaves were also creatively used
by the Youth Olympic Games, the
These included intricate Egyptian
to form the words “KR” and “NZ” on
University Scholars’ Programme
hieroglyphics carved onto walls of
the float.
(USP) chose to delve into the majestic papier-mâché, beautiful flowers
KR performance when performers banded together in a stark display of
Even the performers’ costumes
determination and camaraderie.
continued on this vein, with designer
mythology of ancient Egypt for its
of all colours fashioned out of the
2010 Rag performance.
bottoms of used plastic water bottles, a fearsome six meter long snake
Jane Lilis explaining that drinking
It was a time where air conditioning
painstakingly crafted out of an
Choreographer Deo Amarawi
straws were used to make dresses as
was unfortunately unavailable
inordinate amount of paper plates
explained that the performance,
they ensured durable and waterproof
(although copious amounts of smoke
and a weapons store displaying a full
which used a mother-and-child
costumes.
could be produced by court magicians range of deadly tools, including bows
combination to weave together
equipped with fi re extinguishers if so
made out of clothes hangers.
a storyline based on the famous
Also, the use of discarded sports
Manuka honey, was meant to “express
equipment on the float and props
commanded!).
the imaginative mind of a child and
were especially apt in an event
The dance itself featured unusually
of their creativity, however. It was a
show his journey of finding his pride
so closely tied in with the Youth
well-dressed beggars forced to
symbol of the comradeship displayed
as a New Zealander.”
Olympic Games.
cooperate to eradicate the mandatory
by members of USP, be it current
forces of evil that were best
students, alumni or staff.
The USP float was not just a display
Of the Haka, he said, “it signifies
Despite
represented by
the continuation of life and the
being pipped
agile mummies
The snake, for instance, was the pet
celebration of victory.” Indeed, it
for Best Rag
who twirled
project of an alumnus who completed
was a sentiment echoed by many KR
by Eusoff
their streaks
his undergraduate studies a full two
residents who had chanted along.
Hall, KR’s
of bandages
years ago.
showcase
gracefully about
The performance also showcased
of a rousing
them.
indigenous Maori culture such as the
war chant
poi (a type of plaited ball), modern
and all the
From a distance,
Thursday afternoon helping the
contemporary dance and gravity-
hard work
the float, which
students out in the completion of the
defying stunts by the renowned KR
led to a successful defence of the
depicted a marketplace, seemed
Steppers cheerleading team.
Chancellor’s Shield trophy.
somewhat unremarkable with no one
Also, the administrative staff of USP spent a good amount of their
particular object standing out. In the spirit of environmental
float.
The motivation behind this was the strength of the community, explained
friendliness, KR’s main float was
But according to the rag director
deputy director of USP, A/P Albert
made largely of recycled materials.
Jerome Kok, this was a deliberate
Teo. He added that members of the
Wong Song Han, the chairman of
attempt to move the focus away from
staff were willing to go the extra mile
AUTHOR DENYS TAN + PHOTOGRAPH CRAIG D’SOUZA
FRESHMAN FRESHMEN
07
as “we’ve always been about student-
emotions welled up inside her became circuses weren’t just all fun and
won the Best Float Design award.
centricity.”
too strong!).
games), they had hoped to “mirror the
Not a bad way to for the faculty’s fi rst
3 months of hard work that we put in
batch of freshmen of the new decade!
Winning the competition, however,
As we walked onwards to the football
was not what USP members aimed
field, a towering elephant mounted
while preparing for Rag day”.
for during Rag. Since 2003, they’ve
on a truck could be seen which was
And the hard work could be
held a dinner before Rag Day
the float that FASS students had
seen with the freshmen and the
(known to some as The Last Supper)
designed. It was an impressive setup
seniors dovetailing smoothly and
in celebration of Professor Teo’s
and within the belly of the beast,
complementing one another. A few
birthday.
dancers were huddled preparing to
mistakes were made but they had a
spring out at the exact moment. The
decent effort and by choosing dance
And this, to most in USP, really
dancers that I met were gearing up
hits such as “Bad Romance” and
underscores the essence of what it
for the fi nal performance and tensions “Tik Tok”, their performance was an
means to “Do Rag” – not for the
were high.
enlivening one.
official results the day after, but to celebrate the community.
Zhen Yang (FASS, Year 3), another project director for
FACULTY OF ARTS & SOCIAL SCIENCES
Arts Rag, said that, “Every year, Arts Rag works on much more limited money
Upon contacting Shane Koh, FASS
& manpower than other
Rag project director, we received
faculties. Our performance is
an enthusiastic response and I was
When it was time to perform, the
promised that I would get to fi nd out dancers gave it their all with an
a testament to the youthful spirit of FASS undergraduates.”
what would happen behind the scenes impressive display that wove a spell of FASS’ rag performance this year.
over the watching audience with its
That spirit was embodied poignantly
However, the best laid plans of mice
charm and vigour.
by some Raggers who have been
and FASSites oft go awry and in the
around since their fi rst year. One of
bustle of the day, we were not able to
Based on a circus theme, the dancers
them, who was apparently labeled as
meet the man himself.
were decorated as clowns, animals,
the Grand Old Man by his friends,
ringmasters and other characters.
said that, “The friendships and bonds
Nevertheless, a sea of green shirts
Their dance aimed to show the
that you make are priceless. Every
could be found assembled at Plaza@
audience all the hard work that takes
year it’s different yet every year it’s the
YIH where the ecstatic house leaders place in preparation for a circus
same. I couldn’t have imagined that
of FASS O-Week were busily rousing performance.
I’d be seeing the Olympic fl ame uring
up the spirits of freshman students
a Rag day.”
from Arts faculty (one of the house
Koh said that by showing the inner
ICs even broke down crying as the
workings of a circus (such that
All the hard work paid off as FASS
AUTHOR SUHAS BHAT + PHOTOGRAPH KRISTEN KIONG
Cr THE CREATIVES
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FRESHMEN
01
FRESHMEN CONTENTS 03 RAG REPORT
13 WHAT IS NUS TO YOU?
14 GETTING TECH’D UP FOR NUS
08 FOC AWARDS
10 YOUR GUIDE TO THE NUS ARTS SCENE
NUS Credit Card Power your lifestyle
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THE RIDGE MAGAZINE A NUSSU PUBLICATION AUGUST 2010
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Dear Freshman, you’re just in time. Welcome to NUS and welcome to the fresh new Ridge. Flip open to get a taste. We hope you enjoy.
A GUIDE TO THE ARTS SCENE Excited about the arts scene? Read this before you make up your mind
WHAT TO WEAR TO SCHOOL
FRESHMEN ORIENTATION CAMP AWARDS Yes you’ve had your fun. But was the grass even greener on the other side? We seek out the biggest, longest, the most creative, and the most outrageous camp in NUS
Don’t get caught off-guard! Get a hint of how your seniors dress
INSTANT CO-OP MEMBERSHIP An exclusive deal clinched just for you!
THE FRESHMEN ISSUE
HOW LONG CAN YOU STAY FRESH?
THE 8 MUST HAVE STATIONARIES Check out these stationary items from the likes of Kikikai and Prints that will surely make you one OF the coolest freshmen on campus!
THIS ISSUE’S THE RIDGE MAGAZINE FEATURES A DOUBLE COVER, CHECK THE BACK FOR THE RIDGE’S BUMPER ISSUE.