Fission Dec - Feb 2014 by SPGG SPGG

Get a friend to join us as an Ordinary, Associate or a Corporate Member at the discounted Entrance Fee and you will be rewarded $200 in Member’s Credit for every successful sign up!

USAGE OF CREDIT The credit can be used to pay for your food and beverage* spending or your monthly subscription at the Guild. For corporate sign ups, your incentive will correspond to the number of nominees appointed:

$200

$400

$600

FOR 1 NOMINEE

FOR 2 NOMINEES

FOR 3 NOMINEES

GET IN TOUCH! Don’t wait, call Wan Pin now at 6796 9988 / 9066 8818 to take your friend on a guided tour of SPGG! Alternatively, you can just email us at joinus@spgg.org.sg the names and contact numbers of your friends whom you think may be interested in joining SPGG and we will call them! Rest assured, if they do sign up before February, we will reward you accordingly. Type of Membership

Usual Entrance Fee

Reward for Introducer

$2,000

$200 Credit

$2,000 per nominee

$200 Credit for every nominee

Ordinary Associate Corporate (1 or more nominees)

Member-Gets-Member Promotion ends 28 February 2014. *Applicable at The Restaurant, Poolside Café and Coffee Hub. Terms and Conditions I All Life, Ordinary, Associate, Corporate Designated and Student Members are eligible for the MGM scheme.

president’s thoughts We saw a smooth transition to a renewed panel of Executive Committee (EXCO) members on Saturday, 26 October 2013, at the Grand Ballroom during our 34th Annual General Meeting. To my newly elected Executive Committee (EXCO) colleagues, I am humbled by your confidence in me, and I thank you for asking me to lead the team. My gratitude goes out to my fellow colleagues and friends, Mr Ng Hoo Yin, Ms Cindy Ang, Mr Willy Wong and Mr Vincent Lim, who served with me on the EXCO in the last term. They have stepped down to make way for the new EXCO members and I thank them for their tireless service and invaluable contributions to the success of SPGG. Dr Khong Poh Wah, Mr Jasmond Chua, Dr Damian Tan and Mr Low Ming Wah are the new blood in the 28th Executive Committee, all of whom are accomplished individuals in their own industries and have joined the team to further strengthen the vitality and vibrancy of the Guild. I am confident that their diversified expertise, experience and network will contribute toward the cause of SPGG. For this term, we will continue our focus and efforts on our key priority of being financially viable for the long term as operating costs creep upwards. Just

Singapore Polytechnic Graduates’ Guild

Patron

Mr. Chan Soo Sen

Honorary Members

Mr. Lim Chin Aik Mr. Peter Chen Dr. Khoo Kay Chai Mr. Low Wong Fook Mr. Tan Hang Cheong

as significantly important is to grow our SPGG brand equity. To continue the pursuit of becoming A Club of Distinction, my EXCO colleagues and I will be working on several key strategies to raise SPGG’s profile and become a voice of influence. Some of these plans are organising high profile activities, establishing SPGG as an exciting entrepreneurial platform, significantly improving the service quality, engaging our members, students and the graduates community and Rebranding to remain relevant and appealing to the youth segment. We will also continue to work very closely with our alma mater, SP, on many fronts to strengthen our symbiotic relationship. With this multi-prong approach and the continued support and encouragement from you, these goals of achieving operational profitability, a membercentric club, increased brand awareness and a healthy, thriving membership base will come to fruition.

We are most grateful to him and everyone else who has contributed to this good cause to give a Gift of Education to needy SP students. The progress of the fund has indeed been very heartening and we strive to raise $1 million in donations by the end of this financial year.

Festive Season The year 2013 is now coming to an end, and it’s time to be merry and celebrate. We will be having a Year-End Fundraising Party on 27 November, with a portion of each ticket sold going towards the Endowment Fund. Themed Superheroes vs. Villains, come dressed as your favourite superhero or villain with your family and friends and have a blast! Until you hear from me again in March, have a wonderful festive season with your loved ones. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and Gong Xi Fa Cai!

SPGG Endowment Fund We would like to extend a special thank you to Dr Indrayogan Yogarajah, an SP graduate, who generously contributed $120,000 to the Endowment Fund. There is a feature in this issue of Fission on this successful SP alumnus.

JIMMY LIM President

The Executive Committee President Chairman, SPGG Endowment Fund Mr. Jimmy Lim

Honorary Treasurer Chairman, Sports Mr. Victor Lye

Chairman, Membership Strategic Planning Mr. Henry Yeo

1st Vice President Chairman, Special Projects (Outreach) Dr. Khong Poh Wah

Honorary Assistant General Secretary Chairman, Lifestyle, Wellness & Youth Mr. Raymond Tay

Chairman, Membership Service Quality Mr. Jasmond Chua

Honorary Assistant Treasurer Chairman, Operations Facilities Management Mr. Tham Choon Kin

Chairman, Food & Beverage Mr. Low Ming Wah

2nd Vice President Mr. Tay Choon Mong Honorary General Secretary Mr. Wong Kian Keong

Chairman, Corp Comm & Marketing Mr. Gerald Ng

Chairman, Entrepreneurship Dr. Damian Tan

contents

EDITOR: THIRUKUMARAN CONTRIBUTORS: SERI ZAINAL AISYAH BAGARIB

Staff Directory

Club Happenings 03

Festive Operating Hours Paintwork Makeover

Book Corner at The Coffee Hub Follow us on Social Media!

42nd Anniversary Lucky Draw Winners

Features 06

SP Alumnus Gives Back

The Five Morning Habits of Highly Effective Workers

Past Events 11

SPGG Running Man Getting Wet & Wild!

SPGG 34th Annual General Meeting

Riding for Love Experiencing the Malay Royalty of Old

Bowling Section Monthly Medal Poly 50

What’s Coming Up? 15

SPGG Year-End Fundraising Party

Discover Little India SPGG Year-End Fund Bowl

Eat, Drink and Be Merry! 17

Chef Mark’s Fusion Menu

Christmas Eve Dinner Christmas Day Lunch and Dinner

New Year’s Eve Dinner

Chinese New Year’s Eve Reunion Dinner

General Manager

Nesh Selvaraj nesh@spgg.org.sg

Finance Manager

Stella Tan stellatan@spgg.org.sg

F&B Manager

Charlie Lee charlielee@spgg.org.sg

Membership Manager

Fiona Low fionalow@spgg.org.sg

Marketing and Communications Manager

Marcus Chow marcus@spgg.org.sg

Asst Operations Manager

Shyam Rambini shyam@spgg.org.sg

Banquet Sales Manager

Azlan Md Noor azlan@spgg.org.sg

Senior Marketing & Communications Executive

Thirukumaran thiru@spgg.org.sg

Information Technology Executive

Eugene Quah eugenequah@spgg.org.sg

For more Information and Advertising Enquiries: Tel 6796 9996 Email marcom@spgg.org.sg Website www.spgg.org.sg Singapore Polytechnic Graduates’ Guild publishes Fission quarterly. The Guild and the Design Agency accept no responsibility for any unsolicited manuscripts, illustrations or photographs. No part of this publication may be reproduced and/or by any other means, electronic, mechanical, photocopied, recorded or otherwise, without prior written permission of the publisher. The views and opinions expressed or implied in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. Although every effort and care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, neither the publisher nor the employees of Singapore Polytechnic Graduates’ Guild can be held liable for any errors or omissions for any consequences of reliance on this publication. MCI (P) 221/04/2013 Design by smarties@work layhong@smartiesatwork.com Fission welcomes contributions. Please address scripts to The Editor, Fission Magazine Singapore Polytechnic Graduates’ Guild 1010 Dover Road, Singapore 139658

CLUB HAPPENINGS

club directory

FESTIVE

Operating Hours Please take note of the following operating hours during the festive period: Christmas Eve

24 DEC T U E S

25 DEC

W E D

All outlets will be in operation as usual except the Admin Office which will close at 1.00pm.

Christmas Day (Public Holiday)

All outlets will be in operation as usual except the Admin Office.

New Year’s Eve

DEC

JAN

T U E S

All outlets will be in operation as usual except the Admin Office, Coffee Hub & Poolside Cafe which will operate till lunch only.

New Year’s Day (Public Holiday) W E D

30 JAN

THURS

31 JAN F

02 FEB S

Main line Fax

6796 9988 6796 9989

Sports & Wellness Facilities Bowling Alley Tel Daily

6796 9964 10:00am – 11:00pm

Spa Wellness Centre Daily

7:30am – 10:00pm

(Closed every Tue, Thu and Sat for regular cleaning of Spa Pools from 7:30 – 10am; Closed every 1st Sun of the month from 8pm onwards for routine maintenance works) Swimming Pool Daily

7:30am – 10:00pm

(Closed every Tue, Thu and Sat for regular cleaning from 7:30 – 10am)

All outlets will be in operation as usual except the Admin Office.

Gymnasium Daily

Lunar New Year Eve

(Closed every 1st Sun of the month from 8pm onwards for routine maintenance works)

The Admin Office and Jackpot Room will be closed. The Front Office, Coffee Hub, Poolside Cafe and Bowling Centre will operate till 2pm. The Restaurant will only be operating from 6pm for Dinner. The Lustre Lounge will operate as usual.

Lunar New Year (1st Day)

7:30am – 9:30pm

Tennis Courts Daily

8:00am – 10:00pm

Pool Room Mon – Sat Sun

10:00am – 10:00pm Closed

All outlets will be closed.

Recreational Facilities Lunar New Year (2nd Day)

01 FEB

Front Ofﬁce

All outlets will be in operation as usual except the Admin Office, Coffee Hub and The Restaurant.

Lunar New Year (3rd Day)

All outlets will be in operation as usual except the Admin Office.

Jackpot Room Tel Daily

6796 9967 10:00am – 12:00am

Karaoke Hall Tel Daily

6796 9967 10:00am – 12:00am

Food & Beverage Outlets

Paintwork Makeover

Mr Shyam Rambini, Operations Manager of SPGG, commented:“The paintwork has added vibrant colours at certain locations and a subtle vitality which improves the overall look of the club.”

6796 9961

• Mon – Fri Lunch Dinner

12:00pm – 2:30pm 6:30pm – 9:30pm

• Sat, Sun & PH Lunch Dinner

11:30am – 2:30pm 6:30pm – 9:30pm

Poolside Café Daily & PH Last order at 9:30pm

11:00am – 10:00pm

Lustre Lounge Mon – Thu Fri – Sat

400pm – 1:00am 4:00pm – 2:00am

The Coffee Hub Daily

8am - 8pm

fission • Dec 2013 – Feb 2014

SPGG has recently enjoyed a fresh coat of paint as part of the club’s continuous enhancement efforts. The primary existing colour scheme of off-white was kept with a few new colours incorporated at several areas.

The Restaurant Tel

CLUB HAPPENINGS

Book Corner at The Coffee Hub The Coffee Hub introduced a new Book Corner in October this year which can be enjoyed by both members and guests alike. Book lovers can drop off their favourite books, as well as bring home any books available on the shelves home. Books taken from the shelves do not need to be returned. However, leaving a book in place of one that was taken is highly encouraged to share the joy of reading.

Follow us on social media Get the latest news from SPGG right in your Facebook News Feed. See photos, read the latest stories posted on SPGG and share your opinions of the club. Head over to SPGraduatesGuild on Facebook and give us a like. Look out for Facebook contests in the near future! You can also follow us on Instagram for photo updates. To find us, simply download the app onto your smartphone and then search for @ spgradsguild and press “follow”. We hope to have you follow us so we can stay better connected to you!

INTRODUCING

3 NEW FRUIT MACHINES! CH THEMECK O NOW! UT

fission • Dec 2013 – Feb 2014 4

Denominations: • 5 Dragons & Siberian Storm – 2 cents • Imperial House – 2,5 & 10 cents

Lucky Draw Winners The lucky draw held in conjunction with SPGG’s 42nd Anniversary was held recently. Fission caught up with the 2 lucky members.

CLUB HAPPENINGS

42nd Anniversary

For Mr Albert Koh, the win came as a very big surprise - he had won a 9 Days trip for 2 to Central Europe! This pleasant news was quickly shared with his wife and son who will also be joining him for his upcoming trip later this month. Looking very much forward to this trip, Mr Koh would like to thank SPGG for the lucky pick. And SPGG on the other hand, hopes that Mr Koh and his family will enjoy their holiday! Another lucky winner was Mr Low Ming Wah, one of SPGG’s Executive Committee Members! Mr Low won the 32’ Philips 3008 series LED V together with a DVD player! The 2nd prize winner however, generously donated his winnings to SPGG staff. We thank Mr Low for his kind generosity!

Application forms are now available at the Front Office For enquiries, please contact Ms Stella Tan I 6796 9966 I stellatan@spgg.org.sg Ms Joyce Loo I 6796 9978 I joyceloo@spgg.org.sg

ailingur m a Enjoyess for yo addr ess your busin n o e v recei mails/ s u t Le lf your postal behaels from es parc ier servic ies / cour n a p com sociates r o f *Onlyeties / As Soci

fission • Sep – Nov 2013

k an wor Now I c like and er I wherev y cup of enjoy m he same t latté at e! tim

FEATURES

SP Alumnus

Gives Back

Graduating with a Diploma in Civil Engineering Design in 1985, Dr Indrayogan Yogarajah returned to help out students of his alma mater when he donated to the SPGG Endowment Fund. We catch up this SP graduate to find out what motivated him to support this cause. : What your thoughts on the SPGG Endowment

Fund? Dr Indra: I think the cause of the fund is extraordinary. The last thing that should happen to anyone is to be unable to pursue his/her education because of the lack of funds. With the SPGG Endowment Fund, this possibility happening to someone is greatly reduced. There are many who get funds because they are the top of the class, but helping students to be top of the class by funding their studies so that they spend less time worrying about finance is really something else. It’s also perpetual, which is nice to see. The money is not going to be completely diminished. : What would you like to say the bursary recipients of the fund? Dr Indra: Give them assurance that if they really intend to study there is definitely somebody out there who will assist them financially. The financial component should not be an issue. If you have the capacity and you can show that you have the capacity, there will always be someone to help. Once you have that financial support hopefully you will come back with the intention to give back to society what you have received. : Tell us about your experience in SP and life after that? Dr Indra: I did Civil Engineering Design from 1982/83 to 84/85. In terms of study years these were possibly my best years. The change of momentum from secondary school to poly life was quite drastic and I basically took most advantage of the situation. There was a lot of play and exploration – a lot of experimenting both in Poly as well as life in general. After SP and NS, I did a Bachelors in Engineering followed by a PhD from Univ of Strathclyde, Glasgow. I then returned to Singapore and worked for 2 major construction firms for about 10 years.

fission sssion sion • Dec Dec e 2013 201 013 3 – Fe Feb eb 2 2014 014 14 6

In 2002, I started GeoEng Consultants, a geotechnical consultancy working on underground spaces like basements and MRT contracts. The company grew form two engineers to over 40 engineers in 2011. We were possibly the largest specialist geotechnical company in Singapore. The company was acquired by a Canadian firm, Golder Associates and I now work for them. : Any words to share for any student who wants to get into the engineering industry? Dr Indra: The market is huge. The amount of volume of work in Singapore for the next 20 years is extraordinary. The best

thing about engineering is whatever you build is going to be there for generations. Unlike a banker or an insurance agent, once you sell your module or insurance no one else can see it. We have many old structures which have been there since 1800’s. It’s quite satisfying in that sense to see something you helped build be there for a long time to come. : Would you say that’s what you love most about your job? Dr Indra: It is the uncertainity Geotechnical engineering is very challenging. Geotechnical engineers basically work on the stuff underground, like MRT stations and tunnels. 95% of the work done by a geotechnical engineer, you won’t see. We’re working with nature’s materials – soil, rocks and it can be very unpredictable. It’s like human behaviour – you assume the guy is going to behave in a certain way but under other conditions he may behave in a very different way which you never predicted. So the new challenges, that’s what keeps me going in Geotech. : What more do you think SPGG should be doing to promote the Endowment Fund? Dr Indra: SPGG should try to increase the awareness of the programme to their graduates. There must be several thousand graduates out there who can and want to contribute but are not aware of the schemes. Even if one graduate class could come together to form an endowment fund in their name/graduating year – there would really be a spill over in funds. The present students should be made aware of the scheme. : The Endowment Fund has come quite a distance since its humble beginning, where do you wish to see the Endowment Fund 5 years from now? Dr Indra: The target should be at least 10 million in funds. With this, SPGG can fund about 500 students per year. With the intended increase of students over the years, SPGG could increase the number of students they assist or even provide additional monies so that the increased costs can be catered to. : What would you say to other potential donors who are considering donating to the Endowment Fund? Dr Indra: It’s the ability to leave a legacy. So whatever’s said and done in 20-30 years time, even if you’re gone, you still have something in your name which is still helping somebody – not every donation can claim this.

FEATURES

6 reasons to Donate Privilege of Naming the Bursary

You will have the privilege to name the bursary in the name of your choice to honour a loved one or an organisation! For those who wish to remain anonymous, your wish will be respected.

Determine Who You Wish to Help

Yes, you can choose the bursary recipient you wish to help. You can specify it for a particular cause or fulfil an individual preference.

Enjoy Tax Deduction of 2.5 times

Your gift will automatically enjoy a tax deduction of 2.5 times in your tax assessment if you are a Singapore tax-resident individual or corporation. The Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore allows you to carry forward any unutilised deductions for up to five year.

Have Your Name on the Donor’s Benefactor Wall

For every endowment bursary you fund, your name will be put up on the Donors’ Benefactor Wall at SP Moberly. For more information on the SPGG Endowment Fund, please contact:

You Will Get to Meet the Beneﬁciary

Mr Jimmy Lim Chairman, SPGG Endowment Fund HP: 9788 0246 Email: jimmylim@spgg.org.sg

It is a bursary award which will be given out every year in your name. It is your legacy!

Yes, SPGG will organise a Get-Together for all Benefactors & Beneficiaries so that you will get to meet the beneficiary and learn how your gift has made a difference to their SP education and learning journey.

Mr Nesh Selvaraj General Manager, SPGG Tel: 6796 9988 Email: nesh@spgg.org.sg

fission ssion si n • Dec Dec 2013 2 3 – Fe 20 201 Feb eb 2 2014 014 1 14

It’s a Perpetual Bursary

FFEATURES EATTUREES

The Five Morning Habits of

HIGHLY EFFECTIVE WORKERS

fission • Dec 2013 – Feb 2014 8

BY JULAILAH WAHID

FEATURES

A person who has not done one half of his day’s work by ten o’clock, runs a chance of leaving the other half undone.”

EMILY BRONTË WUTHERING HEIGHTS

Much research suggests that being a highly-effective worker begins with your morning routines. While foreseeing the day’s events is impossible, you can always be in control of how situations are handled and the quality of work that you produce. How? Well, according to time management expert Laura Vanderkam, mornings hold the key to taking control of your schedules. Even Ernest Hemingway credits his sublime work to the almighty sunrise. According to him, he would write every morning as soon as sunlight touched his window sill. To Ernest, the most appealing thing about mornings was its unobtrusiveness and that an individual could be fully packed with brain juice at the start of each new day. So what exactly does an efficient worker do every morning?

Have breakfast The saying that “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day” holds much truth. Although having breakfast may not be a top priority, especially since your tummy might not have woken up the same time you did, it is the first step in obtaining an efficient day. You do not have to chow down a big breakfast if your tummy resists. Simple meals like scrambled eggs or kaya toast with coffee should keep you feeling satiated till lunchtime. Having breakfast gives you energy and fuel for the day, especially after a long “fasting” period during sleep – it’s called “breakfast” after all! Letting your body run on empty till lunchtime might also make you lose concentration due to distracting hunger pangs, which will then lead to some sugar or high-calorie snacking.

Be punctual

You don’t get paid for the hour. You get paid for the value you bring to the hour,” says Jim Rohn, American entrepreneur and motivational speaker. No words ring truer or wiser. Planning your day is one of the most important steps in being more productive at work. Draft a to-do list to help prioritise your work according to deadlines or urgency. This will help you complete the most demanding tasks first, which leads to a more relaxed rest of the day. Ending the workday with no urgent matters and tasks nagging at you will also keep you from bringing your work home or staying in the office late.

Set a goal Whether the goal has to do with work or personal circumstance, setting one at the start of each day helps give you a clear direction. It doesn’t have to be lofty ambitions that involve clinching a huge deal or scoring a promotion. Small, realistic goals such as “I am going to finish at least two reports by 5pm”, or “I am going to make 10 sales calls before lunch,” are good. Besides helping you stay focused, having a goal in mind can make accomplishing it taste much sweeter.

Stay positive Your mood in the morning can actually set the tone for the rest of the day. Even if you hate Mondays just like the other 128 employees in your office building, or if you are really just not a “morning person”, try your best to remain positive. Coming to work all sullen and pessimistic will not only put an anchor on you, but it can also bring the moods of your colleagues down. People usually feed off each other’s moods, especially in an office environment where verbal communication is vital. Team leaders should also be inspiring, not tiring. One way to cultivate productivity is through consistent motivation and encouragement, so give your colleague a pat on the back, thank the pantry lady for making your coffee, and greet everyone with a warm smile!

This article was reproduced from JobsCentral Community with the permission of JobsCentral Pte Ltd, a CareerBuilder company. The contents cannot be reproduced with the prior written consent of JobsCentral. For more career and education-related article, please visit community.jobscentral.com.sg

fission • Dec 2013 – Feb 2014

Or even better, arrive at least five minutes earlier than your usual clock-in time. After all, nobody wants to reach their desk 30 minutes late panting and drenched in perspiration. Make it a point to reach the office early to organise your desk, scan the inbox for urgent emails and nibble on some breakfast. Time is of the essence, and arriving to work early can actually help you get any outstanding or administrative tasks out of the way. Just like how you need a warm-up before you begin a rigorous workout, this grace period helps you settle down and get ready to face the rest of the long workday.

Plan and maximise the day

SPGG Members’

JACKPOT SPECIAL DRAW DATE: SUNDAY, 29 DEC 2013 • VENUE/TIME: SPGG JACKPOT ROOM, 2 TO 5PM

ND A T S

ATTRACTIVE PRIZES! N I W TO

Grand prizes 1ST PRIZE : Poh Heng 8 grams gold necklace 2ND PRIZE : Poh Heng 6 grams gold necklace Other prizes include Banrock Merlot Red Wine, NTUC Fairprice & Bengawan Solo Vouchers

How to qualify* Receive coupons to enter the lucky dip when you meet any one of the following requirements: • Single entry coupon 1. Winning SMALL cascade // 2. Introducing a Social Member • Double entry coupons 1. Winning BIG cascade // 2. Joining us as a new Social member // 3. Renew your Social membership *Terms & conditions apply

PAST EVENTS

SPGG Running Man Korean television programme, it featured numerous Running Man related games and quizzes which each one of the 7 teams of 3 members competed furiously to win.

21 Singapore Polytechnic students came together for SPGG’s first-ever Running Man themed event on Saturday, 12 October 2013. Modelled after the popular

Some of the games that the competitors participated in were “Photozone”, a relay match, a dance off and the Running Man signature nametag tearing game. It was SPGG member Walter Ng, along with his team members Nicholas and Dennis, who turned the other 6 teams away in the end when they emerged the champions. Participants were also awarded prizes for looking alike to their favourite Running Man characters!

Getting Wet & Wild!

There was so much to do and see in so little time. Whether you are a thrill-seeker or whether you prefer a relaxing dip in the pool, there was something for everyone. The waterpark was packed with various features from adrenaline-inducing waterslides to a lazy river. The Rainbow Reef was a truly amazing highlight. Thousands of beautifully coloured fishes surrounded us while we snorkelled through their coral surroundings.

The day came to an end at The Bay Restaurant overlooking the entire waterpark, where we dined alfresco-style on Asian and Western food to our heart’s content.

fission • Dec 2013 – Feb 2014

20 enthusiastic participants set off to Resorts World Sentosa Adventure Cove Water Park on Sunday, 23 November 2-13. We reached the Adventure Cove as soon as their gates opened. The weather was perfect and the water park was bustling with people of different ages.

PAST EVENTS

34th Annual General Meeting SPGG held its 34th Annual General Meeting on Saturday, 26 October 2013, at the Grand Ballroom. Immediate Past President Mr Ng Hoo Yin called the meeting to order at 1.30pm and proceeded to present the Guild’s achievements, events and challenges faced during the last financial year. The agenda for the meeting was also informed to members before Mr Ng confirmed the Minutes of the 33rd AGM held on 20 October 2012. It was with pleasure that Mr Ng announced the Guild’s current financial standing; with operating surplus increasing to $1.6 million, up by 55% from the previous financial year. Our membership base stood at close to 3000 members with an increase in numbers for Associate and Student membership. Former Honorary General Secretary and current SPGG President Mr Jimmy Lim was happy to report that the SPGG Endowment Fund was featured in the National day issue of The Straits Times and we had successfully distributed 25 bursaries last year. At 1.5 years since its formation, the Endowment Fund stood at $652,768 with 48 donors and with the government matching 1.5 times the amount, the fund stood close to $1.7 million. He shared that in the next year, we aim to award more bursaries to needy students. Prominent donors for the SPGG Endowment Fund included Mr Choo Chiau Beng, CEO of Keppel Corporation, the Lee Foundation and Honorary Member Mr Peter Chen. Half of the donations came from SPGG members. Mr Lim mentioned a vote of thanks to all donors for their generous contributions and to Singapore Polytechnic (SP), represented by Mr Song Nay Hay for the continuous support. Mr Ng shared that in May 2013, SPGG Executive Committee was invited to give a presentation at the SP Board of Governors meeting held within the SPGG compound, a sign of continued strong relations with our Alma Mater.

The President mentioned that SPGG had collaborated with SP Entrepreneurs’ Club and SP Alumni Relations Office by organizing an entrepreneurs’ dialogue session with Mr Teo Ser Luck, Minister of State for Trade and Industry on 25 September 2013. Over 70 entrepreneurs, working professionals and SPGG members attended the dialogue session. This is an ongoing effort to raise the profile of SPGG as a Club of Distinction and as an Entrepreneurial Hub. In a continuous effort to serve members better, the Guild went through various renovation and improvement works which included repainting of the clubhouse, air conditioning improvement works, replacement of Jackpot machines, building of a corporate and history wall, a Coffee Hub to provide members with an outlet to relax with some light fare, a new reception area, study corner and jackpot room. This financial year also saw more merchant tie-ups with key names such as Montigo Resorts Nongsa, Marina Bay Sands, ArtScience Museum and Sentosa 4D Adventureland.

fission • Dec 2013 – Feb 2014 12

The President also spoke at great length on future plans for the Guild which includes working closely with the Alumni Relations Office (ARO) to target SP graduates and increase engagement them through roadshows for SP’s current students. The next phase of upgrading works would cover The Restaurant, spa enhancements to the male and female wellness centres, replacement of the air conditioning systems, changing of all the lights in the guild to LED energy saving lights and lastly, the painting of the Guild house. The AGM concluded with clarifications made to queries by members and ended at 3.25pm.

SPGG was the official venue sponsor for Love On Wheels on Saturday, 23 November 2013, an event jointly organised by the Harley Owners Group Singapore Chapter, the Geylang Serai Community Club and

People’s Association’s PMET division. More than 80 kids from less-privileged families were present to receive their first pillion rides on Harley motorcycles.

PAST EVENTS

Riding for Love The event was graced by Grassroots Adviser Associate Professor Fatimah Lateef, MP for Marine Parade GRC. Following the flag-off by Professor Fatimah, the attendees proceeded to the Harley Davidson Showroom where several games and a hearty buffet was prepared for the kids.

Experiencing the

Malay Royalty of Old

Along the way, the group stopped at an iconic “Glam” tree which gave birth to the area’s name. Other places visited were the Hajjah Fatimah Mosque, Kampong Glam Park, Sultan Gate Street and Sultan Mosque. The tour ended at the Malay Heritage Centre, where everyone took turns throwing their wishes onto a “Wishing Tree” outside the centre!

fission • Dec 2013 – Feb 2014

The Briskwalking Interest Group gathered for an expedition to Kampong Glam, once the seat of the old Malay royalty in Singapore on Sunday, 22 September 2013. The tour started out at a Muslim cemetery before the group moved on to the Malabar Mosque followed by the Alsagoff Arab School.

PAST EVENTS

Bowling Section Monthly Medal

The Monthly Medal is organised 8 times annually with variations in the competition formats. The winners include:

The Bowling Section’s Monthly Medal concluded last Saturday with the grand prize presentation which was held at SPGG.

Winners of the 2013’s series are as follows: Month January March April May June August September October

Format 8 Pin Tap 9 Pin Tap 3-6-9 Full Handicap 8 Pin Tap 9 Pin Tap 3-6-9 Full Handicap

Champion Yeo Huang Kiat James Chua Victor Lye Alvin Chua Johnny Kok Edmund Tan Johnny Kok Albert Tay

POLY 50 fission • Dec 2013 – Feb 2014 14

The Running Interest Group (RIG) members took part for the second time in the Poly 50 Run organised by Singapore Polytechnic. Donning the all new speciallydesigned RIG singlet, the runners were also running for the SPGG Endowment Fund. The runners managed to complete all the 50 laps with an excellent timing and made SPGG proud! Thank you RIG members for your efforts!

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

James Chua Susanna Chew Daniel Cheng Albert Tay Thomas Ng

6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Priscilla Chua Alvin Chua Maureen Lye Victor Lye Edmund Tan

Prizes include cash tokens and trophies. SPGG congratulates all winners!

WHAT’S COMING UP

27 DEC 13 T: 7 TO 10 PM (REGISTRATION STARTS AT 6.30 PM) V: SPGG BALLROOM D

Superheroes VS Villains! SPGG YEAR-EN FUNDR A D ISI PARTY NG

It’s the season of Giving! Come dressed as your favourite superhero or villain and join us in this year-end fundraising party with family & friends! A portion of each ticket sold will be donated to the SPGG Endowment Fund. Buffet Dinner will be served. Ticket prices Member

Adult $55 per pax

Child $40 per pax

Guest

$65 per pax

$45 per pax $550

HIGHLIGHTS Live Magic Performance by Singapore’s Favourite Magician – Jeremy Tan, Table games, Instant Photobooth, Secret Santa Gifts for everyone! For registrations & enquiries, please contact Seri at 6796 9983 or events@spgg.org.sg

fission • Dec 2013 – Feb 2014

Table of 10

WHAT’S COMING UP

Discover Little India Date: Sunday, 15 Dec 13 Time: 8 am to 12 noon (2-way transport provided) Tour and experience Singapore’s famous Indian district! Discover exotic fruits & vegetables, brisk walk through attractions such as The Little India Gallery, try Indian sweets, visit Hindu temples & a Chinese Mansion, and learn how to wear the Sari, henna & more! Ticket prices Adult

Child

Member

$12.50 per pax

$7.00 per pax

Guest

$14.00 per pax

$9.00 per pax

Lunch at SPGG will be provided. Goodie bag with SPGG Corporate gifts will be given to all participants!

SPGG Year-end

FUN BOWL Date: 21 Dec 13 Time: 2 to 5pm Venue: SPGG Bowling Alley fission • Dec 2013 – Feb 2014 16

Register for the SPGG Year-end Fun Bowl today! Limited slots so hurry! Cash prizes to be won! • Bowling Section Member • SPGG Member • Guest Bowler *Refreshments will be served.

$20 $23 $26

@ The Poolside Café December 2013 – February 2014 Available on Weekends & PH Only

EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY

Chef Mark’s Fusion Menu

Breaded dory fillet ontomato cheese macaroni

Drunkard spicy and garlic clam spaghetti

$8.00

• Grilled teriyaki steak on wasabi mash and crunchy water crest salad

$15.80

• Baked pepper-crusted chicken breast with buttered rice and light curry cream sauce

$8.00

• Coriander-crusted dory fillet on basil pesto infused spaghetti

$8.00

• Crispy deep-fried boneless chicken leg with chilly coconut gravy accompanied with shallot buttered rice

$8.00

• Grilled salmon steak on garlic mash with light tom yum cream sauce

$8.00

• Rendang steak

$15.80

• Drunkard spicy and garlic clam spaghetti

$8.00

• Wok-fried Korean beef pasta

$13.80

• Baked sambal dory on wok-fried kway teow

$8.00

• Crispy chicken leg on infused Japanese wine black pepper pasta

$8.00

• Breaded dory fillet on tomato cheese macaroni

$8.00

Crispy chicken leg on infused Japanese wine black pepper pasta

Baked pesto-glazed salmon on 3 coloured pepper pasta

Grilled salmon steak on garlic mash with light tom yum cream sauce

fission • Dec 2013 – Feb 2014

• Baked pesto-glazed salmon on 3 coloured pepper pasta

EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY

Join us in our Festive Celebrations @ The Restaurant

We are ready to tempt you with an irresistible spread of good tidings and feasting. Bring your family and friends and jingle your way into the New Year with us!

Christmas Eve Dinner Adult $38.00+ Child $20.00+

Cold Appetizer

Fresh Oyster with Gazpacho Vinaigrette & Smoked Salmon Rose

Soup

Lunch Adult $25.00+ Child $15.00+

Dinner Adult $28.00+ Child $18.00+

Cold Appetizer

Avocado Crab Meat with Honey Yoghurt Dressing

Soup

Roast Capsicum with Sea Scallop Black Pepper Pork Ribs with Crispy Salad

Cream of Mushroom

Hot Appetizer

Black Pepper Pork Ribs with Crispy Salad

Choice of: Roast Traditional Turkey with Mushroom Stuffing

Main Course

Or Old Fashioned Grilled Salmon Fillet Bell Meuniere

Choice of: Majorcan Pork Burger

Grilled Pork Burger with Mashed Potato & Carrot Puree with Roast Potato & Mustard Cream Sauce

Or Beef Medallion & Prawn with Onion Confit in Red Wine Shallot Jus Served with Fondant Potato & Green Vegetables

Dessert

Chocolate Jaffa Coffee or Tea

fission • Dec 2013 – Feb 2014 18

Christmas Day Lunch & Dinner

Main Course

Served with Croquette Potato, Brussels Sprout & Cranberry Jus

Served with Boiled Potato & Green Vegetables

Dessert

Christmas Log Cake Coffee or Tea

EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY

New Year’s Eve Dinner Adult $38.00+ Child $20.00+

Cold Appetizer

Mediterranean Seafood with Olive Pesto

Soup

Cream of Pumpkin with Smoked Sausage

Hot Appetizer

Roast Rack of Lamb with Sweet Garlic

Golden Crispy Chicken & Prawn Roll with Salted Egg

Main Course

Roast Rack of Lamb with Sweet Garlic

Served with Fine Beans & Fondant Potato and Mustard Cream

Coriander Spicy Salmon & Cod Fillet with Ginger Bud Flower Cream Sauce

Served with Mashed Potato & Carrot Puree and Green Vegetables

Dessert

Mango & Coconut Torte

Cream of Pumpkin with Smoked Sausage

fission • Dec 2013 – Feb 2014

Choice of:

EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY

Chinese New Year’s Eve

Reunion Dinner 30th January 2014 $538.00+ per set

Fa Cai Salmon Yu Sheng Braised Shark’s Fin Soup (with Crabmeat & Dried Scallop) Prosperity Deep Fried Seabass with Superior Soy Sauce

se or

Welcome the Yea with our r of th eH sumptuous delig hts !

Wealthy Golden Roast Crispy Honey Chicken Wisdom Stir fried Prawn Meat (with Gingko Nut, Wolfberry in XO Sauce) Traditional Teochew Style Braised Duck with Beancurd Healthy Stewed Tianjin Cabbage with Fatt Chye and Dried Oyster Fragrant Rice with Eight Treasures in Lotus Leaf Lucky Chilled Melon Sago with Pomelo & Red Ruby in Coconut Cream

fission • Dec 2013 – Feb 2014 20

Chinese Tea

Chinese New Year Lunch & Dinner 2nd – 14th February 2014

$388.00+ (10 pax)

$288.00+ (6 pax)

$188.00+ (4 pax)

$88.00+ (2 pax)

Fa Cai Salmon Yu Sheng

Braised Shark’s Fin Soup (with Crabmeat & Dried Scallop)

Prosperity Deep Fried Seabass with Superior Soy Sauce

Wealthy Golden Roast Crispy Honey Chicken

Healthy Braised Chinese Mushroom, Sea Cucumber with Spinach Leave

Black Pepper Pork Rib with Red Sweet Onion

Healthy Braised Chinese Mushroom, Sea Cucumber with Spinach Leave

Healthy Braised Chinese Mushroom, Sea Cucumber with Spinach Leave Longevity Ee-fu Noodles (with Prawn Meat & Yellow Chives)

Longevity Ee-fu Noodles (with Prawn Meat & Yellow Chives)

Lucky Yam Paste with Sweet Potato & Gingko Nut

Healthy Braised Chinese Mushroom, Sea Cucumber with Spinach Leave Longevity Ee-fu Noodles (with Prawn Meat & Yellow Chives) Lucky Yam Paste with Sweet Potato & Gingko Nut

Fragrant Steamed Rice Lucky Yam Paste with Sweet Potato & Gingko Nut Chinese Tea

Chinese Tea

Fa Cai Salmon Yu Sheng 20th Jan 2014 - 14th Feb 2014 Small

$21.80

Medium

$31.80

Large

$42.80

Sliced Salmon (additional)

$15.00

Celebrate in Style with Our Festive Banquet Packages!

Organise a Christmas or New Year Party for your friends and colleagues that they will talk about well into the New Year! CHRISTMAS FESTIVE MENU Menu Price at $40.00++ Per Person (Minimum 50 persons)

NEW YEAR’S FESTIVE MENU Menu Price at $48.00++ Per Person (Minimum 50 persons)

APPETIZER Caesar Salad with Herb Chicken

SALAD STATION Mixed Green Salad with Choice of Dressings (Thousand Island & French)

SOUP Homemade Cream of Mushroom

TRADITIONAL FAVOURITES Roast Christmas Turkey with Chestnut Stufﬁng Baked Salmon Teriyaki Honey Baked Boneless Ham with Pineapple Sauce Roast Potatoes with Mixed Herbs Buttered Brussels Sprout Deep-fried Breaded Prawns Tartar Sauce Spaghetti with Chicken Bolognese Sauce

TRADITIONAL FAVOURITES Sirloin of Beef with Red Wine Sauce Baked Salmon Teriyaki Honey Baked Boneless Ham with Pineapple Sauce Roast Potatoes with Mixed Herbs Buttered Cauliﬂower & Broccoli Deep-fried Breaded Prawns Tartar Sauce Spaghetti with Chicken Bolognese Sauce

DESSERTS Christmas Log Cake English Fruit Cake Fresh Fruit Platter

DESSERTS English Fruit Cake Chocolate Brownie Fresh Fruit Platter

Buffet packages includes the following: • Round Tables and chairs • Usage of the function room (3 hours for lunch and 4 hours for dinner) • Extension usage of the function room will be charged at $100.00++ per hour • Buffet Line set up • Food are No Pork, No Lard • Free Flow of Soft Drinks (Coke, Sprite & Orange) • Waiver of Corkage charge for the 1st 2 bottles of hard liquors brought in (Strictly Duty-Paid only) • PA sound system with One wired or wireless handheld microphone • Complimentary car parking (First come ﬁrst serve basis) NOTE: • Packages only applicable for minimum of 50 persons • If there are less than 50 persons, a nominal rental will be levied • Prices quoted are subject to 10% service charge & prevailing GST unless speciﬁed as NETT, • Packages are no applicable for Members’ Discount *Remark: Any outdoor venue there will be additional surcharge of $8.00++ per person ( Roof Top)

For any further information or assistance, please feel free to call Dirah at 9100 8889 or email us at banquet@spgg.org.sg/dirah@spgg.org.sg