jun – aug 2013 jun – aug 2013
the dynamic spirit of the singapore polytechnic graduates’ guild
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10 New Merchants on Board Managing Your Investments for Better Returns Climb to the Peak of Wealth with Summit Planners!
You Can Have Your 5-Star Celebration Here!
• REGISTRY OF MARRIAGE • WEDDING • ANNIVERSARY • BABY SHOWER • BIRTHDAY • DINNER & DANCE • REUNION DINNER • SEMINAR Be it a function for 20 or 200 pax, we can cater to your needs and make it a memorable occasion for you, your family and friends!
Rom /Wedding / Anniversary Packages
Are you about to take that vow to be committed forever to the person you love? Or planning to recollect that memorable moment with your loved ones on your Anniversary Day? If you are, let us help you make your celebration a very special occasion with our ‘Journey of Love’ packages which begin from $32.80++ per person for a buffet and $368++ for a sit down meal for 10. Our menus are wide and varied – from Chinese to Asian to International delights and you can always customise them to suit your preference. Just give our banquet team a call today to plan out your celebration!
Birthday / Class Reunion / Dinner & Dance Events
Whether it is a birthday or class reunion for 30 persons or a company Dinner & Dance for 200 people, we have the appropriate cosy room to host your event! Just let us know the party ingredients you need and we will do all that is necessary to make your dream occasion come alive!
Just Perfect For Your Corporate Or Private Event! • Seminars • Meetings • Events • Dinner & Dance
You can either book our room or both the room and our F&B products and services.
Seminar Packages available: Half Day from $28++ per person Full Day from $38++ per person Full Day Room Rental 10-seater Meeting Room 20-seater Executive Boardroom 50-seater Poolside Event Room 50-seater Aster or Bluebell 180-seater Ballroom $1,800
$300 $400 $650 $750
Rental Includes • use of the function room • welcome Coffee & Tea • 1 flip chart with papers and markers • writing materials • ice water and mints • 1 portable screen • 1 PA sound system • microphone • wireless internet access
For enquiries, please contact the Banquet team at banquet@spgg.org.sg | 6796 9988 | 9100 8889
president’s thoughts This month, we mark a very important milestone in the storied history of SPGG. We’re turning 42. 42 years of connecting, 42 years of togetherness. Looking back, it is awe-inspiring to see how far we’ve come from being a guild of Singapore Polytechnic graduates in 1971 to a modern networking hub for graduates and corporations. Of course, we would never have made it this way far without you, our member. As part of our 42nd birthday celebration, we have in place some exciting promotions for both you and your family for the month of June.
42nd Anniversary Celebration Look forward to our 42nd Anniversary Birthday Bash on the 9th of June. With bouncing castles, kiddie rides, free K-Pop lessons and much, much more, your little ones are sure to have a blast. Our member-gets-member promotion will also be making a return in the month of June. Earn $200 in Member’s Credits when you successfully introduce a new member to join the SPGG family. To sweeten the pot, we are also having a lucky draw for all Life, Ordinary, Associate and Corporate Designed members as at 30 September 2013.
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
Stand a chance to win either a trip to Central Europe or 32 inch Philips LED TV + DVD Player!
Authorised Parking Decal Collection Please note that the exchange exercise for the New Authorised Parking Decal will end on 30 June 2013. Members who qualify for this collection are Honorary, Life, Ordinary, Associate and Corporate Designated Nominee and would have received a letter regarding the collection together with the Monthly Statement of Accounts. Present the letter along with the previous decal (if you own one) to receive the new decal.
Launch of The Coffee Hub At last, we’re pleased to announce the much-anticipated opening of The Coffee Hub! It’s been a long time coming but I assure you, it’s well worth the wait. Do drop by anytime from 8am8pm daily to sample the fine coffee, tea and delectable dishes it has to offer.
Club of Distinction. Please do patronise these establishments as we continue to secure more partners to add value to your membership.
SP Board of Governors Meeting Lastly, it gives me great pleasure to announce that for the first time in the history of Singapore Polytechnic (SP), the SP Board of Governors Meeting was held outside of SP grounds and in SPGG. We were delighted at the opportunity to host such a prestigious meeting and we look forward to continued collaborations with our alma mater in the future. Till you hear from me again in September, I wish you all the best and hope you enjoy the 42nd Anniversary promotions we have in store for you this month! Cheers!
10 New Merchants on Board And now, we are proud to present you with 10 new merchant partners. With names such as Montigo Resorts, Marina Bay Sands and Sentosa, SPGG is that much closer to its Vision to Become a
Vincent Lim President
The Executive Committee President Mr. Vincent Lim 1st Vice President Chairman, Corp Comm & Marketing Mr. Ng Hoo Yin 2nd Vice President Chairman, Member & Students Welfare Mr. Tay Choon Mong Honorary General Secretary Chairman, SPGG Endowment Fund Mr. Jimmy Lim
Honorary Treasurer Chairman, Special Facilities Projects Mr. Wong Kiang Keong
Chairman, Membership Strategic Planning Mr. Gerald Ng
Honorary Assistant General Secretary Chairman, Lifestyle & Wellness Mr. Raymond Tay
Chairman, Membership Services Ms. Cindy Ang
Honorary Assistant Treasurer Mr. Henry Yeo Chairman, Sports Mr. Victor Lye
Chairman, Food & Beverage Mr. Willy Wong Chairman, Operations Facilities Management Mr. Tham Choon Kin
contents
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06
Editor: Thirukumaran
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15 19 Club Happenings 03 New Authorised Parking Decal collection to end on 30 June Gym and Bowling Alley closure due to improvement works 04 New Merchants on Board
Features 06 08 10 12
SPGG Turns 42! Managing your investments for better returns Why you should have breakfast before starting work? Sucking Hard, Working Harder
Networking 14
SMA-rnival Day at SPGG Briskwalking through a mix of cultures
15
Opening our doors for a day of family fun SPGG Strikes in Bowling Friendly against SRC
What’s Coming Up? 16 17
Climb to the Peak of Wealth with Summit Planners Get your little ones to row with AIIE!
Eat, Drink and Be Merry! 18 19 20
New Executive Set Lunch Menu Family Set Menu New Poolside Café Menu
Staff Directory 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
Ag Membership Fiona Low Manager fionalow@spgg.org.sg
Asst Operations Shyam Rambini Manager shyam@spgg.org.sg
Senior Marketing Thirukumaran & Communications thiru@spgg.org.sg Executive
Sales & Marketing Ellis Tan Executive ellis@spgg.org.sg
Banquet Azlan Md Noor Sales Manager azlan@spgg.org.sg Information Eugene Quah Technology Executive 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
New Authorised Parking Decal collection
club directory
to end on 30 June Please note that the one-toone exchange exercise for the new Authorised Parking Decals for lots within the Gate/4 SPGG Compound will end on 30 June 2013. This new decal will authorise you to park on either sides of the SPGG building on a firstcome-first-serve-basis
Front Office Main line Fax
6796 9988 6796 9989
Sports & Wellness Facilities
Only the following members qualify for the exchange: • Honorary • Life • Ordinary • Associate • Corporate Designated Nominee Should you qualify for the exchange, you would have received a letter notifying you of the decal collection together with your monthly Statement of Accounts. Please present this letter along with your current decal to receive the new decal. If you do not own a decal currently, simply present the letter with required fields filled out. One decal will be provided per membership number.
Following 30 June 2013, the old decal will be obsolete. We would like to assure all members that there are sufficient decals for distribution. A $20 admin fee will be imposed for loss/replacement of decals. The introduction of the new Authorised Parking Decal comes in the wake of our alma mater Singapore Polytechnic introducing a paid parking gantry system campuswide in an effort to curb rampant unauthorised parking, increased demand and lesser lots due to SP’s development plans.
G y m and Bowling Alley
closure due to improvement
w o r k s
We regret any inconvenience caused and seek your kind understanding in the matter.
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) Gymnasium Daily
7:30am – 9:30pm
(Closed every 1st Sun of the month from 8pm onwards for routine maintenance works) Tennis Courts Daily
8:00am – 10:00pm
Pool Room Mon – Sat 10:00am – 10:00pm Sun Closed
Recreational Facilities Jackpot Room Tel Daily
6796 9967 10:00am – 12:00am
Karaoke Hall Tel Daily
6796 9967 10:00am – 12:00am
Food & Beverage Outlets The Restaurant Tel
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 • Jun – Aug 2013
The Gymnasium and Bowling Alley will be temporarily closed due to improvements to the current air-conditioning systems. The closure dates are as follows: • Gymnasium – Mon, 10 Jun to Sun, 16 Jun 2013 • Bowling Alley – Mon, 17 Jun to Sun, 30 Jun 3013
Bowling Alley Tel Daily
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club happenings
10
New Merchants on Board!
Marina Bay Sands Skating Rink
Avante’ Aesthetique
• Complimentary Skates worth $3 with 1 hour purchase of skating
• Birthday treat (choice of complimentary facial, body massage or 1 hr yoga) • $399 unlimited Yoga for 3 months with complimentary facial & massage (valid till 30 June 2013)
Marina Bay Sands Canal Level (Near Rasapura Foodcourt) 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956 www.marinabaysands.com/Singapore-Shopping/Skating-Rink
61 Stamford Court #01-06 Stamford Court www.avante.com.sg
ArtScience Museum • $1 off Singapore Residents’ Price for One, Two Exhibitions and All-Access Tickets Marina Bay Sands 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956 www.marinabaysands.com/Singapore-Museum/Promotions
Pasta Fresca Da Salvatore • 10% off Total Bill paid via cash or NETS • 5% off if paying via credit card • Valid for dine-in ala carte menus only Bukit Timah I Boat Quay I Cuppage Terrace I Rochester Mall I Siglap & Tanjong Katong www.pastafresca.com
Sentosa 4D Adventureland • 10% off One Day Adventure Pass for Adult and Child Rates • Limited to a maximum of 4 tickets per SPGG card Imbiah Lookout Sentosa 51B Imbiah Road, Sentosa, Singapore 099708 www.4dadventureland.com.sg
Old Hong Kong Restaurant • 10% discount at all outlets and only valid for dine-in ala carte orders Raffles City Shopping Centre I Square 2 @ Novena I Oasia Hotel@ Novena I TasteMyVillage Serangoon Gardens I Katong Village oldhongkong.com.sg
Montigo Resorts Nongsa • 15% off Best Available Rate Jl. Hang Lekir Nongsa Batam, Indonesia www.montigoresortsnongsa.com
Playful Elves • Complimentary membership worth $20 154 West Coast Road, #02 -02/03/07 West Coast Plaza Singapore 127371 www.playful-elves.com.sg
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Treknology Bikes • 10% discount with a minimum purchase of $3,000 and above in a single receipt • 7% discount with a minimum purchase of $2,999 and below in a single receipt • One time payment must be made either via Cash, NETS or Credit Card • Not valid for kids’ bikes, promotional items and servicing • Offer is applicable only at 14 Jalan Kilang Barat Mega Showroom 14 Jalan Kilang Barat Mega Showroom www.treknology3.com/bikes
Dancepointe • 10% off first term fees • 20% off for Group of 4 sign-ups Jurong West SRC Level 2 I Taman Jurong CC Level 3 Studio I Seng Kang Anchorvale Community Club #01-07 I Lifestyle Hub at Serangoon Gardens www.dancefactory.com.sg
Terms & Conditions: • Eligible for all SPGG Members • Valid until 31 December 2013
It has been a muchanticipated wait, but The Coffee Hub is finally open for business! Launched on Saturday, 1 June 2013, the hub offers you a cosy outlet to sip some of your favourite Hainanese coffee or Ceylon Tea. Do drop by the next time you’re at the guildhouse to kick back and unwind amidst the hustle and bustle of your daily routine.
club happenings
Launch of the Coffee Hub
The Coffee Hub is open 8am to 8pm daily.
Contest Winner Congratulations are in order for one Ms. Joy Lou who is the lucky winner of a 2N Stay in Montigo Resorts Nongsa during our March Open House membership promotion. Enjoy your trip Joy!
Register Your Virtual Office at SPGG for only $90+ p.a.*
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 r yo njoy E ddress fo a ess n i s u your b n o e v recei mails/ s u t r l e L ehalf youom posta b ls fr es parceier servic ies / cour n a p com sociates r o f s ly *Oncieties / A So
fission • Jun – Aug 2013
k an wor Now I c like and er I wherev y cup of enjoy m he same t latté at e! tim
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features
SPGG Turns
42 years of connecting, 42 years of togetherness. We wouldn’t have come this far without
This year, we give back to you. Celebrate our 42nd birthday with irresistible offers and an ex
42nd Birthday Bash | Sunday, 9 June 2013 | 10am-8pm Come on down with your family and celebrate our 42nd birthday with us! • Balloons for first 420 kids • Play for kids’ bouncing castles and rides (10am-4pm) • Bowling coupon for first 42 members who register* • K-Pop Dance lesson* for children aged 7 to 12 from 5pm-6pm • $10 F&B voucher for first 42 registrants who like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/spgraduatesguild • A mug of beer for the first 42 members at Lustre Lounge from 4pm to 8pm Register at events@spgg.org.sg or at the SPGG Reception Counter.
42nd Anniversary Benefits at SPGG Facilities Tennis Courts 2 hours booking at $4.20 (U.P. $7). • Booking is subject to availability and a maximum of two bookings per member. Gym and/or Spa Wellness 2 pax Guest Fee at $4.20 (U.P. $10). • Promotional rate applicable during off-peak periods on Mon-Fri before 5pm. The Restaurant 20% discount for the whole month of June (additional 5% on top of usual 15%). • Applicable for Minimum Spending Levy (MSL). fission • Jun – Aug 2013 6
Banquet Rooms 10% off booking for any banquet room from 1 June - 31 July 2013. • Subject to room availability.
features
42!
the support of our members.
xciting line-up of activities for the month of June!
Member-Gets-Member (MGM) Promotion Invite your friends to join us as an Ordinary, Associate or Corporate member and enjoy a $200 Member’s Credit Terms and Conditions • Applicable to all active Life | Ordinary | Associate | Corporate Designated and Student members.
42nd Anniversary Lucky Draw SPGG members as at 30 Sep 2013 will stand a chance to win either one of the following:
• 9 Days Alpine Christmas Markets land tour (visiting Central Europe) for two worth USD3,950 from Insight Vacations. 2 Nights in Munich | 2 Nights in Innsbruck | 3 Nights in Black Forest | 1 Night in Zurich OR
• 32’ Philips 3008 series LED TV + DVD Player Draw Date: 15 Oct 2013 | Terms and conditions apply
fission • Jun – Aug 2013
Lucky Draw Terms and Conditions: • Applicable for all active Life | Ordinary | Associate | Corporate Designated Members with good credit standing as at 30 Sep 2013. • Promotion period ends 30 Sep 2013. Lucky Draw Date: 15 Oct 2013 • Existing members who are on GIRO will have double the chance of winning. • Promotional prizes are non-refundable, non-exchangeable for cash or benefit-in-kind, and are non-transferable. • In the event of dispute, a member’s entitlement to participate in this promotion is subject to the sole discretion and final determination of SPGG. • All promotional items are sponsored by Insight Vacations and Lucky Store. Both partners and SPGG reserve the right to revise any of these Terms and Conditions (including the items and pricing) at its discretion without prior notice.
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features
Managing Your Investments for
Better Returns
by BC Low Much has been said about managing your investments profitably - trading with the trend; cutting your losses short and letting your profits run. But beyond basic principles, traders and investors can do much more to manage their investments to achieve better returns. This short article intends to share useful ideas that can help you to manage your investments.
Learn To Manage Fear And Greed We often hear about the psychology of fear and greed in investment. After a market has made a sizeable move, we tend to get greedy and buy into the market in the belief that the market will get even higher. This ends up in us buying high, even at record highs. When the market eventually turns, we wonder why we bought so high. On the other hand, often it is only after a market has fallen sizeably that we get fearful, and cut out our buys. We end up in selling low, making a poor exit and a major loss. Traders and investors are typically caught in this web of greed and fear. As traders and investors, we can and must not allow these two powerful forces of fear and greed get the better of us. This is one of the hardest things to do, and it will take a lot of discipline. It is well worth the effort, however. How does one know if the market has made that sizeable move which implies we should not be buying that high? Studying the history of the market’s move from charts is one approach. What if you still wish to buy into a market that has risen sizeably? After all, we don’t really know where is the actual top of the market. The solution is to refrain from aggressive trades. If you have to add positions, add smaller positions. This is the principle of Pyramiding.
fission • Jun – Aug 2013 8
Another way to manage our investment better when a market is high is to buy lower priced stocks rather than higher priced ones in case a sudden reversal occurs. A 10 per cent drop in a $0.50 stock is much less than a 10 per cent drop in a $5.00 stock.
Thirdly, after markets have made a major move, you can consider taking out part of your positions. It could mean exiting part of a large position, say 5 lots out of a holding of 10. Alternatively, you could exit a position that is profitable, but the stock price is moving less aggressively. Do not try and get the last cent out of a position in the market. Or worse, the last cent of all the positions!
Avoid The “Crowded Trade”; Avoid Herd Mentality Another way to better manage our investments is to avoid the “crowded trade”. A couple of months ago, gold was the most popular investment recommendation. Recently though, gold fell sharply, suffering its biggest fall in three decades. Yet many investors will continue to hold their investments in gold despite the uncertainties of its trend.
Not Following Recommendations Blindly You need to do your own homework to assess investment recommendations and not follow them blindly. Recently I attended a seminar conducted by a highly regarded financial institution that recommended a string of buy recommendations. Upon referring to my charts, I found that all the recommended stocks had already made major moves! The risk of going into such stocks is obvious. You must have a method of analysing investment recommendations, whether it is fundamental or technical analysis. In other words, you have to develop your own skills.
About the Author BC LOW – Chartist, Trader, Educator, Writer BC Low has been a teacher-cum-practitioner in technical analysis since 1990. He was Senior Lecturer in Singapore Polytechnic, and pioneered the teaching of technical analysis in the polytechnic from 1991. He was awarded the Chartered Market Technician (CMT) by Market Technicians Association in 2000. He is currently President of Technical Analysis Consultancy (www.taconsultancy.biz) and President of the Singapore Technical Analysts & Traders Society (STATS) in 2011-13.
One of the more common and possibly fatal errors in investing is not to manage the exit. In my experience, investors are more focused about getting into the market and not when it comes to exiting it. We are all busy with our work, family and social lives. So even when a position is profitable, we tend to not take action because we believe it is for the long term. Still, markets move in cycles and eventually they turn bearish and can wipe out what has been a good position. Therefore, it makes sense to monitor your investments – if not daily then at least weekly. How you time your exit is of course not a simple decision, but not exiting a position or leaving it alone is not an option.
Have You Own Portfolio Of Preferred Stocks Look at your stock portfolio – is it messy, or are you happy with it? Are there too many stocks – the result of following too many recommendations in the past? Are there too many counters bought on impulse? The result is that an inordinate amount of our capital is tied up, and may leave insufficient funds for the really good trade that comes along. We should review our portfolio regularly – say every 6 months – and re-align it so that we can be ready for the good trades. As we have limited resources, we need to plan ahead and set aside money for future investments.
Investing Needs Knowledge
features
Managing Exits – Do Not Forget Your Positions Because They Are “Long-Term”
Invest in the necessary knowledge and skills so you are equipped to take advantage of the markets, and not let the market take advantage of you. Whether it is fundamental analysis or technical analysis, one needs to be equipped to invest properly. Be prepared to invest in quality programmes. Attending short talks may not provide scope and depth in such a complex subject. People are willing to spend thousands of dollars on holidays, cars, branded goods and what have you, but baulk at investing in themselves for long term gain. Be prepared to invest in yourself!
Conclusion This article suggests a few useful things you can do to manage your investments better – have an independent outlook, have your own ideas about investing, and work hard at improving your skills. But most of all, always be aware of the psychological pitfalls of greed and fear.
Decide On A Trading Model That Suits You Investors can adopt either a short-term trading or a long-term investment perspective. A short term trading style of getting in and out of markets over a few days means more work, and more stress. If you are a retiree or a homemaker, you have more time to focus on shorter term trades. If you already have a busy lifestyle that combines a hectic career, busy family and social calendar, then a short term trading model will be harder to sustain. Also, one should not forget that at times markets do get into big and sustained moves. In such a situation, you want to be able to stay in the market to participate in such moves.
fission • Jun – Aug 2013 9
features
Why you should have
Breakfast fission • Jun – Aug 2013 10
before
Starting Work By Gerald Goh
features
Journal of the American Dietetic Association also found that people who skipped breakfast had significantly lower intakes of essential nutrients such as folic acid, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, and fiber. It’s an age-old problem – you may be practically starving when getting up in the morning, but given your tight morning schedule, the desire for a little extra shuteye or the necessity of dolling yourself up for work, a good breakfast always takes a back seat. But you’re probably justifying this to yourself by saying: Hey, it’s probably a good thing to shed a few pounds by leaving out breakfast anyway. WRONG. Starting off the day on an empty stomach may not only lead to insatiable hunger pangs (the effects of which we’ll discuss below), but can also have serious negative physiological and psychological effects, which can all significantly impair your ability to be productive at work. Even if you’re really strapped for time, grabbing a bun from the local deli or bakery to wolf down on the way to work is still much better than skipping breakfast entirely. Here are some reasons why you should always have a breakfast of champions before heading off to work.
Giving Your Brain A Boost On average, the human brain consumes 20 per cent of the body’s energy supply, utilising the glucose found in your blood. And keeping your brain well-fueled in the morning boils down to a simple equation – if you don’t eat something, your body won’t have the nourishment it needs to process into glucose for your brain to function properly. It’s thus no wonder you can’t seem to concentrate on anything at work, to say nothing of nodding off during morning meetings. One caveat, though; overeating at breakfast can be counter-productive, as your body starts to divert an inordinate amount of blood to your digestive system, so eat a sensible portion that will satiate you while keeping those pesky stomach rumblings at bay.
Stomach rumblings aren’t the only negative of skipping a meal; doing so also tends to erode your ability to control
Leaving out the most important meal of the day can also lead to you unintentionally putting on the pounds. When you deprive yourself of food (even a single meal), your body’s metabolism will drop as it tries to compensate for the reduction in food intake. This can lead to increased fat storage the next time you eat while your metabolism attempts to speed back up to adjust to the increase in food intake. As if that weren’t enough, a study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association also found that people who skipped breakfast had significantly lower intakes of essential nutrients such as folic acid, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, and fiber.
Go Ahead and Make My Day It’s a no-brainer, but we’ll go ahead and say it anyway – not eating anything in the morning really tends to ruin your mood and turn you into the snappiest of colleagues. After all, numerous studies have indicated a positive correlation between blood glucose level and mood levels, and you surely experienced it for yourself - skipping a meal is rarely, if ever, a pleasurable experience. With all that in mind, a couple of good choices for breakfast include cereal with cold milk and topped off with berries (strawberries, raspberries and blueberries are all excellent choices), or whole wheat toast topped off with cheese. Remember, having a little breakfast will definitely go a long way towards a more productive (and less grouchy) you at work!
This article was reproduced from JobsCentral Community with the permission of JobsCentral Pte Ltd, a CareerBuilder company. The contents cannot be reproduced or further circulated without the prior written consent of JobsCentral. For more career and education-related articles, please visit community.jobscentral.com.sg
fission • Jun – Aug 2013
An Empty Stomach = Weight Gain/Poor Nutrition
your appetite (making that chocolate cream cupcake that much more irresistible), and missing your morning mealtime only compounds this problem as you’ll find yourself battling the urge to overeat at lunch or dinner, to say nothing of the dreaded specter of snacking.
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features Suckies co-founders and recent graduates Lee Zhen Yang (Diploma in Business Information Technology), Alwin Citroen (Diploma in Business Administration) and Leon Thor (Diploma in Business Information Technology). Co-founder Joel Chiam is not in the picture.
Hard, Working Harder Sucking
“Work hard, Suck harder.” This is one of many hilarious taglines coined by the creators of Suckies, a daring, creative bean-curd-in-a-cup business that will revolutionise the idea of consuming bean curd desert. Suckies co-founder and recent Diploma in Business Information Technology (DBIT) graduate, Lee Zhen Yang, says that building a good business means taking risks. Suckies must be a risky affair then, because business there is definitely good.
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It all began a few days before an assignment deadline. Zhen Yang and three friends were sitting together in the Hilltop Library, taking blind stabs at creating a business proposal for their Entrepreneurship module project. The proposal had to be a good one, because the module required the building of an actual business based on what was proposed.
But they were out of ideas. So Zhen Yang and his friends did what most typical guys would do: lose focus on the matter at hand and start making (light-hearted) fun of others. “We just joked about things like, ‘Why are our classmates thinking so hard and stressing out about their business idea?’” Zhen Yang said, smiling slightly. “Then one of us started poking fun at bean curd stalls, saying, ‘Look at Lao Ban. They’re only selling dao huay (bean curd pudding) but they’re doing it so big. Why can’t we just sell dao huay and be as big as them?’”
features
Ironically, this unfocused horsing around gave birth to a highly organised business venture. The team thought up an idea for a bean-curd-in-a-cup product that could easily be consumed on the go. They also came up with the name Suckies because the idea was to suck up bean curd from a straw. After a few months of preparation, Suckies was born on 18 July 2012. Within three weeks of operation, Suckies broke even and its founders earned back the $2,000 of personal savings they had spent to finance it. By the ninth week, they had accumulated a five-figure sum in sales revenue. “I would say we sold an average of about 150 to 250 cups a day,” he said.
The biggest challenge their team faced was their tagline. “The name is crude, the tagline is crude,” Zhen Yang said, smiling, “everything about Suckies is politically incorrect. So the challenge for us was to keep thinking of humorous lines that were politically incorrect, but wouldn’t get us in trouble with the school.” Starting Suckies wasn’t all about dealing with problems, however. Zhen Yang has a lot of fun watching people talk about Suckies online. He also feels glad to have skilled teammates who share a common vision. His DBIT background gives him the skills to implement online marketing effectively, while the Diploma in Business Administration (DBA) training of his friends makes them great at accounting and building a good business plan. When asked what advice he had for entrepreneurial hopefuls, Zhen Yang said this: “The most important thing is being able to take risks. You must know how to take risks and be willing to take them. Also, you must communicate well with your teammates and hold your team together with discipline but manage them with kindness.” Suckies is currently planning a big move to set up their business outside of SP. You can support these gutsy entrepreneurs by liking the Suckies page on Facebook and keeping tabs on their developments!
“We prefer to suck it.” Caramel bean curd, that is. The Caramel Suckies is Suckies’ all-time best-selling brand!
fission • Jun – Aug 2013
This article was reproduced from the May 2013 issue of SPirit Magazine, a publication by Singapore Polytechnic. The contents cannot be reproduced or further circulated without the prior written content of SPirit Magazine.
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networking
SMA-rnival Day at SPGG
On 8 May 2013, the Singapore Maritime Academy (SMA) – a training institute part of our alma mater Singapore Polytechnic – celebrated its annual SMA day at the SPGG guildhouse. Over a hundred SMA students and lecturers occupied the guild’s third floor, revelling in the food, performances and games that had been organised. The stall offering free Ramly burgers was definitely a hit with the event attendees, with queues stretching across the entire floor. Games such as “Sharp Shooter”, “Cone Toss”, “Dart Balloons” and even “Angry Birds” ensured there was no shortage of entertainment to go around. SPGG is delighted that it could host the celebration of such a momentous occasion and would like to wish SMA continued success in delivering quality candidates into the local Maritime industry.
Briskwalking 37 enthusiastic briskwalkers came together on the Labour Day holiday for the Waterloo Street and Peranakan Trail Fun Briskwalking event. Against the backdrop of promoting a healthy lifestyle, the event also offered insight into the many facets of Singapore’s culture. “These briskwalking events have been eye-opening experiences. There’s always something new to learn about our little red dot. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that we get in some exercise at the same time!” said Ms. Cindy Ang, SPGG Chairman of Membership Services. Sites that were visited during the event included St Joseph’s Catholic Church & Monastery, Guan Yin Temple,
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through a mix of cultures
Sri Krishnan Hindu Temple, Old Malay Church, Sts Peter & Paul Church, Maghain Aboth Synagogue, Singapore Art Museum, Cathedral of The Good Shepherd and Peranakan Museum. “We are thankful for our members’ support in the Briskwalking Interest Group and the activities we have organised. I would like to encourage all members to continue supporting our future briskwalking activities. Let’s not just walk. Engage your body, mind and soul in one activity,” said Mr. Raymond Tay. SPGG Chairman of Lifestyle & Wellness. The event marked the one-year anniversary of SPGG’s first ever briskwalking held on 1 May 2012 at Changi.
Family Fun
SPGG bid the public welcome for its Open House on Saturday, 16 March. With a theme centering around family, the event saw many memorable moments created for parents and their little ones. Joel the Magician enchanted all who were present with his magical feats, making tables levitate and creating the most elaborate balloon animal shapes with incredible ease. Rebecca Lye, a representative from the Ministry of Social and Family Development, spoke on the importance of family bonding.
networking
Opening our doors for a day of
Under the blazing hot sun, the pool was a welcome sight. What made it more special though, was the giant inflatable water slide which delighted the kids to no end. The tots even had the chance to ride mini Lamborghinis in the indoor playground! When all was said was done, many of the attendees left with contented smiles, both their tummies and hearts filled. SPGG would like to thank everyone who came down for the Open House to help mark this day of celebration.
SPGG Strikes in Bowling Friendly against SRC Held at SPGG’s own bowling alley, the competition was fierce and definitely close. It was SPGG, however, which emerged the winner with a score of 15 to SRC’s 10.
The SPGG Bowling Section is actively planning a series of such friendlies to foster interaction with other clubs in Singapore. The next scheduled friendly has been arranged with the National Service Resort & Country Club (NSRCC) in June.
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20 enthusiastic bowlers from SPGG and the Singapore Recreation Club (SRC) came together on Saturday, 30 March to pit their skills against one another.
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what’s coming up
Invest like Warren Buffett Wednesday, 26 June 2013 • Gold investment as a case study • Differentiating between scams and real opportunities • Learn how to be fearless in every investment • How the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) can help you • Investment schemes offered by the Singapore Deposit Insurance Corporation (SDIC)
Taking Advantage Of The Singapore Market like How Foreigners do Wednesday, 24 July 2013 • What foreigners see in Singapore? • How our Government policies are encouraging this? • Where and What do they park their funds in? • Are we able to have a share of the gains too? • Singapore a gold mine?
Unlocking Special Retirement Scheme (SRC) Wednesday, 28 August 2013
Speaker Profile Mr. Stephen Chew (FCCA, ChFC, CLU, AIF, TEP)
• Principal Consultant for Summit Planners • Completed ACCA at the age of 21 • Started lecturing in 1987 with ICPAS • Author of 5 financial publications Successfully implemented: • Set-ups for Sole Proprietorships and Limited Companies • Restructuring, Merger and Acquisitions • Private Placement and Debt Restructuring
• The SRS Potential • The special reserved lot • CPF, its original intention and what it has evolved into • Discovering the benefits of SRS • How to complement your CPF with SRS • What people don’t know about it
Climb to the
Peak of Wealth
with Summit Planners! fission • Jun – Aug 2013 16
All talks will be conducted at SPGG from 7 to 9 pm. Refreshments will be provided. Fees I Members - Free I SPGG Guest - $6 I Members of Public - $10 (*All charges are inclusive of GST) To register for the above events, please contact the Events team at 6796 9988 or events@spgg.org.sg.
little ones to row with AIIE!
“River Regatta 2013” For children aged 6 to 11 years old Aluminium Canoes Students make canoes out of aluminum foil and experience buoyancy. The challenge is to make a canoe out of a 12” length of aluminium foil that can carry the maximum number of nails without sinking. Gravity Boats Students make their own boats powered by the force of gravity. Water flows out of the reservoir (cup) through a straw. The motion of water in one direction propels the boat in the opposite direction. This simple yet fun boat is ripe with possibilities for extensions – some of which are reasonably complex.
Date : Thurs, 20 Jun Time : 9:30am to 5pm Venue : Piano Lounge Fees : $80 (Member Child) $88 (Guest Child) (U.P of the event is $120)
what’s coming up
Get your
Prices stated include GST. Lunch and 2 teabreaks included. To register for the above event, please contact the Events team at 6796 9988 or events@spgg.org.sg
Balloon Powered Boats Students work in teams to make boats powered by an inflated balloon. They test their boats in a pool or trough to see how far they can go. Rubber Band Powered Boats Students work in teams to design, build, test and improve boats powered by a stretched rubber band. Rocket Boats Teams use air pressure to power their boats. They learn the importance of keels in boats. The goal is to get their boat across the pool.
with 2 New Fruit Machines! Multi-denomination: 2cents, 5cents, 10cents
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the Jackpot
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eat, drink and be merry Pink and White Fish Pari Pari
The Restaurant
New Executive Set Lunch menu at $15.80+ Monday – Friday (except PH) Available from 12:00pm to 2:30pm
All sets come with Coffee or Tea Western Menu Monday • Cream of Cauliflower with Ginger Strips • Mediterranean Capsicum Beef Medallion Served w/ Roast Potato & Red Wine Sauce • Melon Sago with Coconut Milk Tuesday • Cream of Mushroom • Traditional Roasted Chicken Rosemary Herb Chicken with Mixed Salad, Potato Wedges & Black Pepper Sauce • Home Made Waffle with a Sliced Banana & a Scoop of Ice Cream
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Wednesday • Cream of Pumpkin with Herb Croutons • Pink and White Fish Pari Pari Baked Salmon & Dory Fillet served with Green Vegetables & Boiled Potatoes • Tropical Melon Ball with Fruit Yoghurt Thursday • Cream of Green Pea with Smoked Sausage • Stuffed Chicken & Prawn Roll Served w/Green Vegetables, Butter Yam & Cranberry Jus • Hot Cheng Tng
Nonya Curry Pork Ribs
Mediterranean Capsicum Beef Medallion
Friday • Minestrone • Seafood Linguine Pasta Prawn, Crayfish, Salmon, Green Mussel, Sliced Mushrooms in Tomato Sauce • Apple Crépes with Hot Vanilla Sauce
Local Menu Monday • Chicken Herbal Soup • Thai Spicy Beef Steak Served w/ Hong Kong Nai Pek with Light Soya Sauce • Melon Sago with Coconut Milk Tuesday • Pork Rib with Lotus Root Soup • Wok-fried Steamed Cod Fillet with Shimeiji Mushroom & Superior Broth Served w/ Siew Pai Chye with Oyster Sauce • Home Made Waffle with a Sliced Banana & a Scoop of Ice Cream Wednesday • Chicken with Watercress Soup • Nonya Curry Pork Rib Served w/ String Beans with Dried Prawns • Tropical Melon Ball with Fruit Yoghurt
Wok-fried Steamed Cod Fillet
Thursday • Winter Melon with Pork Ball Soup • Wok-fried Salmon Fillet with Shiitake Mushrooms in XO Sauce Served w/ Dou Miao with Garlic • Hot Cheng Tng Friday • Sliced Fish with China Pear Soup • Braised Pork Rib with Lily Bulb, Black Fungus, Chestnut, Chinese Mushrooms in Claypot Served w/ Wok-fried Broccoli with Garlic • Apple Crépes with Hot Vanilla Sauce
August – September 2013 Lunch & Dinner Weekends & PH Only
Members’ 15% discount applies
Set for 2pax $31.80+
• Double Boiled Huai Shan Chicken Soup • Deep Fried Bean Curd with Chicken Cubes, Prawns & Water Chestnut • Steamed Fragrant Rice • Stir Fried Nai Pek with Garlic • Chef’s Special Dessert • Coffee & Tea
Set for 4 pax
$60.80+
eat, drink and be merry
Family Set Menu
Steamed Seabass, Teochew Style
• Double Boiled Huai Shan Chicken Soup • Deep Fried Bean Curd with Chicken Cubes, Prawns & Water Chestnut • Korean BBQ Sliced Pork with Spring Onion • Stir Fried Nai Pek with Garlic • Steamed Fragrant Rice • Chef’s Special Dessert • Coffee & Tea
Set for 6 pax $88.80+
Deep Fried Bean Curd with Chicken Cubes, Prawns & Water Chestnut
Double Boiled Huai Shan Chicken Soup
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• Double Boiled Huai Shan Chicken Soup • Deep Fried Bean Curd with Chicken Cubes, Prawns & Water Chestnut • Steamed Seabass, Teochew Style • Korean BBQ Sliced Pork with Spring Onion • Stir Fried Nai Pek with Garlic • Steamed Fragrant Rice • Chef’s Special Dessert • Coffee & Tea
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eat, drink and be merry
New
Poolside Café Menu
Operating Hours: 11am to 10pm Last Order: 9.30pm
Spicy chicken with mushroom on sizzling plate
Side Dishes Vegetarian Fried Rice / Noodles Vegetarian Claypot Beancurd Assorted Mushroom Tofu Pot Kang Kong Belachan Bean sprout with Salted Fish
$6.50 $6.50 $6.50 $5.50
Tasty Bites Olive Fried Rice
Beef Gambaro
Eastern Favourites Yong Chow Paradise Nonya Seafood Fried Rice Olive Fried Rice Crispy Seafood Noodles Hokkien Noodles Wok-fried spearhead noodles (Loh Shi Fun) Sliced Beef or Seafood Hor Fun / Bee Hoon / Yellow Noodles / Mui Fun Chicken Chop Black Pepper Udon Sliced Fish and Bittergourd Noodles Soup Deep Fried Fish Head Noodles Soup Penang Char Kuey Teow
$8.00 $8.00 $8.00 $8.00 $8.00 $8.00 $8.00 $8.00 $8.00 $8.00 $8.00
$ 9.80 $12.80
Western Temptations fission • Jun – Aug 2013 20
Mains Baked Italian Dory Fillet Fish & Chips Chicken Mushroom Mozzarella Spaghetti Meatball Alle Vongole Pasta Dry Seafood Laksa Spaghetti Teriyaki Cod Medallion Beef Gambaro
$5.80 $4.00 $7.80 $6.50 $4.00 $6.50 $5.80 $5.80
Kiddie Delights Chicken nuggets (8pcs) with dip Mini fish fingers with tartar sauce (5pcs) Breaded chicken boxing (5pcs) Mini BBQ Hotdog (15pcs) (4pcs)Meatballs in tomato sauce and pasta Macaroni in clear chicken broth
SPGG waffle special Home made waffles (plain) or with a choice of 1 topping (chocolate, kaya or peanut butter) Chocolate brownie with ice cream Ice cream sundae
$4.00 $1.80 $3.00 $3.50 $4.00
$8.00 $8.00 $8.00 $8.00 $8.00 $8.00 $16.80 $15.80
Hearty Sandwiches SPGG Club Tasty Toast SPGG Beef Burger
$6.80 $6.80 $6.80 $5.80 $5.80 $5.80
Yummy Desserts
Hot Plate Specialities Spicy chicken with mushroom on sizzling plate Korean Sliced Beef
Soft Shell Crab Thai Beancurd Chicken Wings Fried Carrot Cake with Prawn Meat Potato Wedges Chicken Char Siew Wrap Vegetarian Crispy Prawn Roll (6 pcs) Hawaiian Bread Pizza (2 pcs)
$7.00 $3.80 $8.80
Sliced Fish and Bittergourd Noodles Soup
Ice Cream Sundae
Food Promotions Lunch & Dinner Weekends & PH Only
Tantalising Peranakan Cuisine
Members’ 15% discount applies
June 2013
Set Menu for 2 persons $32.80+ Choice of Soup of Bakwan Kepiting or Itek Tim • Ngohiang Babi • Nonya Chap Chye • Ayam Buah Keluak • Bobor Terigu • Babi Ponteh
Panggang Daun Pisang
Set Menu for 4 persons $62.80+ Choice of Soup of Bakwan • Ngohiang Babi • Ayam Buah Keluak • Babi Ponteh
eat, drink and be merry
The Restaurant’s
Nonya Chap Chye
A la Carte
Kepiting or Itek Tim • Ikan Panggang Daun Pisang • Nonya Chap Chye • Bobor Terigu
Soup Bakwan Kepiting (Minced Pork, Bamboo Shoot, Crabmeat, Prawn Meat, Chinese Mushroom & Spring Onions) Itek Tim (Salted Vegetables, Tomato, Duck & Mushroom)
Set Menu for 6 persons $88.80+
Choice of Soup of Bakwan Kepiting or Itek Tim • Ngohiang Babi • Udang Kuah Pedas Nanas • Ayam Buah Keluak • Nonya Chap Chye • Babi Ponteh • Bobor Terigu • Ikan Panggang Daun Pisang
Main Dish • Ngohiang Babi • Ayam Buah Keluak • Babi Ponteh
• Nonya Chap Chye • Ikan Panggang Daun Pisang • Udang Kuah Pedas Nanas
Dessert Bobor Terigu
Penang Delectables Appetizer Pie Tie (6 Pcs) Po Piah (1 Roll) Lor Bak with Century Egg
$8.00 $3.00 $6.00
Soup Pig Stomach Soup Pig Tail Soup
$6.00 $6.00
Main Course $11.00 $11.80 $11.00 $11.00 $11.50 $7.00 Penang Curry Chicken
Sotong Kang Kong
Pie Tie
Po Piah
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Penang Laksa Penang Prawn Noodles Soup Penang Lam Mee Penang Hokkien Char Penang Curry Chicken Sotong Kang Kong
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VI C
T O RI A
VI C
T O RI A
AWARD < 250 LOTS
VI C
T O RI A
APARTMENT
PROJECT OF THE YEAR VI C
T O RI A
2012
DEVELOPMENT
EXCELLENCE
2011
2012
2010
> 250 LOTS
APARTMENT
PROJECT OF THE YEAR VI C
T O RI A
2012
AWARD
2012
DEVELOPMENT
EXCELLENCE
2012
AWARD
HI A
HI A
UDI A 2012
JUDGES’
LANDSCAPING
UDI A 2010
2010
UDI A