2016
Oct - Dec Issue
SPGG & HNC
FOR
CYCLES Coverage of our
RECENT EVENTS DETAILS!
SPGG’s YEAR-END PARTY AT
BATAM
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MEMBERSHIP PROMOTION
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STAFF DIRECTORY
Introduce a member and BOTH of you will enjoy $100 Member’s Credit each! Every friend you bring along to join as an Ordinary, Associate or Corporate Member at the current Entrance Fee will entitle you both to this reward. Member’s Credit can be used on your food and beverage* spending, or on your monthly Guild Subscription. GET IN TOUCH! Call us at 6796 9988 for guided tour of SPGG with your friend! You can also email us at joinus@spgg.org.sg with the names and contact numbers of your friends whom you think may be interested in joining. OFFER EXPIRES ON 31st DEC 2016 *Applicable at The Restaurant, Poolside Café, and The Coffee Hub. Terms and Conditions: Applicable to first-time applications of Ordinary, Associate, and Corporate membership only. Credits will be issued upon successful approval of membership application.
General Manager
Loon Yeong Tai loon@spgg.org.sg
Head, Finance
Stella Tan stellatan@spgg.org.sg
Head, F&B and Banquet Jason Long jasonlong@spgg.org.sg Head, Marketing & Communications
Raye Wong raye@spgg.org.sg
Manager, Banquet Sales
Zulkarnain Jalil zulkarnain@spgg.org.sg
Manager, Operations
Johnny Yip johnnyyip@spgg.org.sg
Senior Executive, Membership Sales
Thomas Koh thomaskoh@spgg.org.sg
Editor, Fission
Habib Mansoor habib@spgg.org.sg
For more Information and Advertising Enquiries: Tel: (65) 6796 9996 E-mail: 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) 086/05/2016
CONTENTS
HONORARY MEMBERS Mr Lim Chin Aik Mr Peter Chen Dr Khoo Kay Chai Mr Low Wong Fook Mr Tan Hang Cheong
THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Mr Jimmy Lim President Chairman: SPGG Endowment Fund Dr Khong Poh Wah 1st Vice President Mr Wong Kian Keong 2nd Vice President Chairman: Special Development Projects Mr Raymond Tay Honorary General Secretary Chairman: Lifestyle, Wellness & Youth Mr Tay Choon Mong Honorary Treasurer Mr Tham Choon Kin Honorary Assistant General Secretary Chairman: Facilities Mr Roddy Mu Honorary Assistant Treasurer Chairman: Outreach Projects Mr Gerald Ng Chairman: Communications & Marketing Mr Jasmond Chua Chairman: Membership Development & Services Mr Victor Lye Chairman: Food & Beverage Chairman: Sports Dr Damian Tan Chairman: Entrepreneurship Co-Chairman: Social Responsibility
PRESIDENT’S NOTE My fellow Members, You will, no doubt, be very surprised by this issue of Fission. We’re going with a bold new look to keep our content fresh and relevant —from the landscape layout, to a cleaner, sharper design. We hope that you enjoy this, as well as future issues of the new Fission! One of the assets we sometimes take for granted in the Guild is our staff. There are many individuals behind the scenes who ensure members’ needs are taken care of, and make sure our facilities are safe for use. An incident occurred recently that made me glad that we have our staff looking out for us. Sometime in August, a member collapsed in the steam room in the men’s area of the Wellness Centre. No one noticed then as he was alone in the room, until a staff on his security rounds came upon the unconscious man. The staff member relied on his training, quickly called for assistance from colleagues, and even accompanied the member to the hospital after the ambulance arrived. I am happy to report that the member has since recovered, and is now back with us in the Guild.
Mr Jeffrey Lam Co-Chairman: Social Responsibility
This incident made me realise how important our staff are to the Guild. Although incidents like these are thankfully rare, I’m relieved to know that our staff were quick to respond to emergencies, and everything turned out well.
Co-opted Dato’ Ramasamy Ramesh Mr Wellon Chou Mr Adrian Cheong
Regular training and refresher sessions contribute much to the staff’s readiness, as well as the standard operating procedures prepared by the Guild’s Management.
SPGG relies not only on the facilities of the Guildhouse, but also the service provided by the staff, from the restaurant waiter and all the way to the General Manager.
CONTENTS RECENT EVENTS
This is the team that makes sure the Guild is running 24/7, so that members like you and I continue to enjoy the Guild, our home away from home. A big thank you goes to Azizam, our staff who looked after the member — we owe you our gratitude.
In Conversation with Professor Tommy Koh
On other news, the Annual General Meeting will take place on Saturday 22 October, at 1.30pm in the Grand Ballroom. Members who wish to attend will need to RSVP to membership@spgg.org.sg and indicate if they are attending the lunch buffet as well, and if they wish to have a copy of the Annual Report. RSVPs must be made by Friday 14 October 2016.
Annual Bowling Championship
On a less serious note, we have a slew of events happening in the Guild over the coming months, with more details in this issue. Be sure to look out for our Year End Party happening at the Batam View Beach Resort from 17 to 18 December, where food, fireworks, and fun will be in store for you and your friends and family. There’s even something for the golfers! So do make a date with us to celebrate 2016 with a bang. See you around the Guild!
Heart-to-Heart Leadership Dialogue with Dr. Tan Cheng Bock SPGG Women’s Day Poly50 Campus Relay Passive Income Through REITS and Dividend Stocks Chek Jawa Exploration Trip
COVER STORY SPGG-HNC Cycling for Charity
UPCOMING EVENTS Year End Party at Batam! The BIG Idea 2016 Give A Little, Help A Lot
NEWS FOODIES! SPGG Dining Ticket
Jimmy Lim President, 29th Executive Committee Singapore Polytechnic Graduates’ Guild
Prince Edward Lounge Members’ Night The Restaurant and Poolside Café New Menu Highlights
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RECENT EVENTS
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in law, and a commentator on local and regional politics — Professor Koh gave entertaining insights to his career background, and experiences in the United Nations, to an enraptured audience.
IN CONVERSATION WITH PROFESSOR TOMMY KOH 19th MARCH 2016
The first dialogue session kicked off in March this year, with a much-anticipated talk by Singapore’s Ambassador-at-Large, Professor Tommy Koh. Moderated by Mr Viswa Sadisivan — an experienced media personality schooled
Professor Koh also fielded questions from the audience, particularly about his views on American politics, and how it could affect South East Asia and the rest of the world. Professor Koh’s expertise in international politics showed in the way he gave measured responses, which were still honest, and sometimes sprinkled with his trademark self-deprecating humour.
A captive audience listens to Professor Koh and Mr Viswa
Professor Koh enthralls the audience with anecdotes of his career Tweet us your thoughts on the talk to @spgradsguild
RECENT EVENTS
SPGG WOMEN’S DAY 30th JULY 2016
A special day was set aside to celebrate women — the Guild organised Women’s Day on Saturday, 30 July, and we collaborated with multiple vendors and speakers to create a bazaar-like atmosphere in the Aster and Bluebell Rooms.
HEART-TO-HEART LEADERSHIP DIALOGUE WITH DR TAN CHENG BOCK
Participants were given goodie bags, complimentary hand wax treatments, and they also indulged in a hearty buffet lunch. The guest speakers spoke about women’s health — Dr Koh Chung Fai, an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist from Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre gave an insightful talk on cervical cancer; and Mr Marc Pereira, a fitness trainer who specialises in women’s fitness, gave valued tips on diet and proper exercise.
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24th JUNE 2016
The second dialogue of the year was with guest speaker Dr Tan Cheng Bock, and guest moderators Dr John Ng, and Mr Alvin Foo.
Dr Tan signing books for participants
Dr Tan is a familiar face to most Singaporeans — he is a former Member of Parliament of Ayer Rajah Single Member Constituency, and more famously, was a candidate for the Singaporean presidential election of 2011. The guest moderators were also authors of the book Heart-to-Heart with Asian Leaders, which included exclusive interviews with leaders and influential figures, with Dr Tan Cheng Bock as one of the leaders. After a light buffet dinner, the audience sat down to hear Dr Tan speak on a wide range of issues, from his medical practice to his career in politics. His practice began in a remote village called Ama Keng, situated in Lim Chu Kang, and his patients were mostly the families of poor farmers.
A participant enjoying the bazaar Tweet us your thoughts on the talk to @spgradsguild
(L-R) Dr John Ng, Dr Tan Cheng Bock, Mr Jimmy Lim and Mr Alvin Foo
After a question-and-answer segment, Dr Tan proceed to autograph copies of Heart-to-Heart with Asian Leaders, which also provided photo opportunities for the eager audience members.
Addressing an attentive audience
RECENT EVENTS
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ANNUAL BOWLING CHAMPIONSHIP
POLY50 CAMPUS RELAY
2-16th JULY 2016
Heroes Edition: SPGG Running Interest Group
The Annual Bowling Championship is the pinnacle bowling event of the year, with categories split into the Men’s Open, Women’s Open, Graded, Senior, and Youth.
The Running Interest Group (RIG) continues to serve the tight-knit community of runners amongst our members.
27th JULY 2016
The finals were held over three Saturdays from 2 to 16th Jul, with qualifying beginning as early as late June, and the players fought with all their might and skill.
Every Tuesday, the runners get together to run at Singapore Polytechnic’s running track next door, and represents SPGG at major events such as the Standard Chartered Marathon.
At the end of the Championship, all the players were treated to a buffet dinner, where the victors walked away with the coveted prizes and trophies.
This year, the RIG participated in the Poly50 Campus Relay–Heroes Edition, where teams were assigned a specific superhero or supervillian theme. Open only to students, staff, and alumni of SP, the RIG runners flew the SPGG flag proudly as they ran 50 times around the 600-metre route.
Special thanks to all our wonderful participants for making this a memorable year!
Winners of the Youth Division with SPGG President Mr. Jimmy Lim (4th from left)
To the finish line, and beyond!
‘Run to Bond’ - The SPGG Running Interest Group Follow us on Instagram.com/spgraduatesguild for live event coverage!
18th AUGUST 2016
The Aster Room was filled with members and guests who were very keen on learning about creating passive income streams, particularly through real estate investment trusts (REITs) and dividend stocks. The speaker was Mr Kee Wei Loon, a trainer with Maybank Kim Eng, and a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering graduate from NUS, who discovered an interest in investments during his studies. Mr Kee explained how they could benefit investors — REITs allow investors to acquire ownership in real estate ventures, such as apartment complexes, office buildings, shopping malls, etc.; dividend stocks are typically additional shares of stocks from companies that are financially stable and mature.
RECENT EVENTS
PASSIVE INCOME THROUGH REITS AND DIVIDEND STOCKS
CHEK JAWA EXPLORATION TRIP 23rd JULY 2016
A little over 30 members and guests had the pleasure of discovering nature at Singapore’s own backyard. Participants made an early morning trip to Chek Jawa in Pulau Ubin to be inspired by the unspoiled nature and tranquillity of the little island, one of Singapore’s richest ecosystems, with seven different habitats inside a 100-hectare protected land mass.
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After spending much of the morning travelling between the mangrove and coastal areas, the group sat down for a much-needed quick break, and an opportunity to take a picture for posterity. Making friends with the ‘locals’
Bonding with nature
The topics were definitely illuminating for the audience, and no doubt some of them were going to try their hand in these types of investments. Members can look forward to more finance and investment talks by Maybank Kim Eng in the near future.
Learning about making money work
Perfect wrap up for a delightful trip
Check out our Pinterest/spgraduateguild site for even more photos!
Photo worthy from every angle
COVER STORY
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t was a tremendous success for the SPGG–HNC Cycling for Charity 2016 event, co-organised by SPGG and the Holland Neighbourhood Committee, held on Saturday, 25 June. A large number of partners and sponsors collaborated as well—Community Chest, National Parks, National Environment Agency, ActiveSG, Pokka, and RenoTalk, just to name a few—with almost 200 cyclists and volunteers from SPGG’s membership, Singapore Polytechnic, and residents of the Buona Vista community. Even Queenstown Neighbourhood Police Centre and Traffic Police got into the act—police officers set up a theft-prevention awareness booth, and issued bicycle security labels with unique serial numbers to deter bike theft, and shared important messages on road safety to participants. The event’s special guest was Mr Chan Chun Sing, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, and Advisor to Tanjong Pagar GRC Grassroots Organisations (Buona Vista). With Mr Chan in attendance, the President and Executive Committee members of SPGG, and representatives from Holland Neighbourhood Committee presented a cheque of $30,000 to The Singapore Association for the Deaf
(SADeaf) — funds raised from cyclists and volunteers to provide students from SADeaf with customised educational programmes aimed at developing their potential and helping them to be independent, self-supporting and contributing members of society. After a warm-up session for the cyclists and interaction with them and volunteers, Mr Chan flagged off the riders from Gate 3 inside Singapore Polytechnic, who cycled in groups to Bukit Gombak Sports Complex, and West Coast Park, before returning to Gate 3 several hours later. All the cyclists returned safe and sound, and satisfied.
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Mr Jeffrey Lam, Executive Committee and Co-Chairman of SPGG’s Social Responsibility, and Co-Chairman of Cycling for Charity said “This event gave us a chance to create a greater bond with our members, as well as graduates of Singapore Polytechnic—past and recent, through a social cause, and at the same time promoting road safety awareness.”
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COVER STORY
07 Dr Chia Kiat Swan, Chairman of Holland Neighbourhood Committee, and Co-Chairman of Cycling for Charity, said “The spirit of this event shows how we bonded the cyclists from Buona Vista, all with different cycling abilities, to come together as one community. This event serves well for private estate residents to give back to the community and spend meaningful time cycling for charity alongside SADeaf beneficiaries with hearing impairment.” Ms Ng Ling Ling, Managing Director of Community Chest, said “We are grateful to SPGG and the Holland NC for raising funds through this event. Donations will go towards programmes for beneficiaries with hearing-impairment like special school and integration support services, giving them hope to maximise their potential. OPPOSITE PAGE LEFT: Mr Chan Chun Sing (in red) with cyclists.
THIS PAGE TOP RIGHT: Cyclists heading to the West Coast Park checkpoint.
CENTER SPREAD: A show of hearts.
THIS PAGE BOTTOM: Various communities coming together for a worthy cause.
THIS PAGE TOP: Mr Chan Chun Sing with the organisers, and a cheque for $30,000.
We are also heartened that SADeaf beneficiaries have been invited to share the joy of cycling by participating in the event”.
UPCOMING EVENTS
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YEAR-END PARTY AT BATAM! 17-18th DECEMBER 2016
A year-end party not to be missed! Celebrate with SPGG at a 2-days, 1-night stay at the Batam View Beach Resort from as low as $200 per person (early bird special). We have lot of fun activities in store for you. Indulge in good food while you take part in sea activities, golf games, relax at the spa, sun bathe by the beach, and shop-shop-shop till your drop! Sink your teeth into a delicious BBQ Dinner on Saturday, 17th Dec with Indonesian fare, and tuck into a seafood kelong lunch the next day, with seafood galore!
The Batam View Beach Resort Chill out by the beach
Our Year-End Party Package includes: - Return Ferry Ticket - Seaport Tax - VIP Express Clearance at Nongsapura - 2-way Transfer to Hotel & Nagoya Hill - Welcome Drink - Breakfast - Sumptuous BBQ Dinner - Shopping, Pedicure/Manicure, Spa/Hand & Foot Massages (at own expense) - Fireworks Display - Releasing of Sky Lanterns - Seafood Kelong Lunch
Fireworks!
- 18-Hole Golf at Palm Spring Golf Course (Optional at a special rate, includes buggy and caddy services and also a goodie bag) - Twin/Triple Sharing One Night Stay in Superior Room at Batam View Beach Resort - And of course, a Lucky Draw! Visit www.spgg.org.sg/batam for more details and registration. Email celine@spgg.org.sg for any enquiries.
Sky lanterns compete with the stars
Visit our website www.spgg.org.sg for even more details on our events!
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Like and follow us on Facebook.com/spgraduatesguild for the latest on future events!
The truest essence of Christmas is in giving to those whose needs exceed our own. Think of it as returning for the good that you have received, and paying forward for all the good that is to come.
GOT A BIG IDEA? REGISTER NOW
Looking for investors to pitch your Big Idea to? Gain insights from industry experts and privileged access to an unparalleled network. 1. Register at www.spgg.org.sg/bigidea 2. Submit* your Big Idea in PowerPoint, PDF or video format to events@spgg.org.sg 3. Shortlisted applicants will pitch their Big Idea to a panel of investors, industry experts and established entrepreneurs at the Big Idea Event on 1st Dec 2016.
*Applications close on 17th Nov 2016.
The SPGG Youth Chapter and the Apex Club of Bukit Timah are coming together to do a food donation drive for the elderly in need on 10th Dec 2016. Join us in spreading some cheer to the less fortunate this season. Find out how you can help by visiting www.spgg.org.sg or send us your enquiries to events@spgg.org.sg
NEWS
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Just be sure to use our gym to work out those extra pounds gained after the ride ends, and before you begin another one.
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Just be sure to ask for your first ticket when you visit us, and have it with you on subsequent visits for us to stamp our mark on. Every few ‘stops’ earns you a satisfying treat or F&B vouchers for more salivatory rewards!
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So, in celebration of food, SPGG Poolside Café and The Restaurant will be issuing Tickets to Gastronomical REWARDS and treating diners with mouth explosions from now till end February 2017.
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We don’t need an excuse to celebrate food. Thus, there is absolutely no reason behind us doing this, but we’re doing it anyways.
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EVERY $20 SPENT AT THE RESTAURANT OR POOLSIDE CAFÉ GETS YOU A STAMP!
Trip ends on 28th February 2017. Like us on Facebook.com/spgraduatesguild for even more deals!
CHILL OUT AND UNWIND
Prince Edward Lounge
MEMBERS’ NIGHT
Since the opening of the new Prince Edward Lounge on 11th April, members and guests have been flocking to their new favourite watering hole for much fun and drinks. Managed by Wiser Karaoke Lounge & Pub Pte Ltd, the new Prince Edward Lounge offers Sapporo Beer and Heineken, amongst others to anyone thirsty for beer, darts, karaoke, pool, and camaraderie.
LAST THURSDAY OF EVERY MONTH
FREE FLOW SAPPORO BEER 5 to 8pm
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On tap! Sapporo and Heineken
Prince Edward Lounge is open daily from 2pm to 1am, and the dress code is smart casual.
AD
Pool! More tables than you can shake a stick at! @spgradsguild tweets regularly on all our Club’s Special Promotions!
NEWS
PRINCE EDWARD LOUNGE
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NEWS
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OUR AWESOME NEW MENUS HAVE LAUNCHED!
EAT WELL, LOOK GOOD, FEEL GREAT!
@THE RESTAURANT Indulge in some brand new tasty treats from SPGG! Sink your teeth into a Beef Tom Yam Lasagne or Empress Chicken with Chestnut and Chinese Mushroom. Then finish it off with a yummy Deep-fried Churros with Apple Cinnamon and Ice Cream. Whether you’re in the mood for Western or Chinese cuisine, be sure to also check out our delectable Weekday* Executive Lunch Sets.
@POOLSIDE CAFÉ Salivating yet? How about the new Cheesesteak Focaccia, All-Day Big Breakfast, and our signature Penang Char Kway Teow! Cap it all off with a deliciously creamy Panna Cotta or Buttermilk Waffles lathered with caramel. Churros with Apple Cinnamon & Ice Cream *Not available on Public Holidays.
Mediterranean Capsicum Beef Medallion
All-Day Big Breakfast
CLUB DIRECTORY
FRONT OFFICE Daily 8:00am–10:00pm Main line 6796 9988 Fax 6796 9989 SPORTS AND WELLNESS FACILITIES Bowling Alley Daily 10:00am–11:00pm Tel 6796 9964 Spa Wellness Centre Daily 8:00am–9:30pm • Closed every Tue, Thu and Sat for regular cleaning of Spa Pools from 7:30–10am; • Closed every first Sun of the month from 8pm onwards for routine maintenance works Swimming Pool Daily 8:00am–9:00pm (Closed every Tue, Thu and Sat for regular cleaning from 7:30–10am)
IT’S AN OPEN SECRET
WE HAVE ARGUABLY THE BEST HOT DOGS IN TOWN Though we’re not exactly situated in town... Nonetheless, our Chilli Dog with Mozzarella Cheese has been claimed by many to be really, really, really good. You be the judge and let us know. Down at the SPGG Coffee Hub, grab a plain ol’ ‘Dog for $4.80, or our galactically famous Mozzarella Chilli ’Dog for $5.80. Comes with chips and drinks.
Tennis Courts Daily 8:00am–10:00pm
Also, all our ‘dogs are actually chicken, so everyone can enjoy!
Pool Room Mon–Sat 11:00am–10:00pm Sun Closed
Membership discounts are applicable.
Gymnasium Daily 8:00am–9:30pm • Closed every first Sun of the month from 8pm onwards for routine maintenance works. RECREATIONAL FACILITIES Jackpot Tel 6796 9967 Daily 10:00am–12:00am FOOD & BEVERAGE OUTLETS The Restaurant Tel 6796 9961 Mon–Fri • Lunch 12:00pm–2:30pm • Dinner 6:30pm–9:30pm Sat, Sun and PH • Lunch 11:30am–2:30pm • Dinner 6:30pm–9:30pm
Tee off off with with SPGG SPGG Tee Whatever your handicap, we welcome you! whatever your handicap, we welcome you!
Poolside Café Tel 6796 9960 Daily 11:00am–10:00pm Last order at 9:30pm Prince Edward Lounge Tel 6796 9962 Mon–Thu 4:00pm–1:00am Fri–Sat 4:00pm–2:00am Sun 6:00pm–1:00am The Coffee Hub Daily 8:00am–8:00pm
Registration is open to all. Email golfpassion@spgg.org.sg for more details