Produced by Diploma in Mass Communication students School of Management and Communication
Nov - Dec 2018 www.republicanpost.sg
Christmas Movies You Need to Watch PAGE 9 Christmas Gifts On a Budget PAGE 6 - 7
Meet the Super Volunteer Who Adopts and Cooks for Strays PAGE 4
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Treading Through Tai O PAGE 14 - 15
26/11/18 8:37 am
MEET THE TEAM
EDITORS NOTE
Regards, Jasia Editor of The Republican Post
MEET our Reindeers
editors JJasia Shamdasani Nurul Farahin
community desk Juan Sufyan Nathalie Evangelia D'souza a
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Photo Desk Fairuze Iqbal Jae-Eryana Fitri
lifestyle desk Jewel Velasquez Ng g Nur Syahirah Muhammad Dinie
news desk Syamil Sapari John Tan
design desk Bebe Nurfiqah Perivishni Jessica a Meer Faizah Siti Qanitah Khan n
sportS desk Darius Boey Jun
online desk Shauna Lea Tupaz g Deborah Kek Shing J.Jaidurga
Designer: Bebe Nurfiqah
26/11/18 8:37 am
POST SPOTLIGHT
By Nurin Ismail Every Thursday evening, a group of students will gather in the Student Wellness Centre at W1 where they will work on worksheets and engage in animated discussions for two hours. The group is not studying to pass a module. Instead, the students are learning the Korean language and sharing their love for the Korean culture. The group began in early 2018 as an idea among three friends studying in the Diploma in Mass Communication (DMC). Nurul Huda Ismail, one of three students, said: “We started the Korean Culture Programme as the three of us have similar interests and goals, which is the Korean culture and language.” The 18-year-old added: “Our first thought was that maybe we could spread the knowledge we know about Korea such as their language, music and culture to those who love Korea as well.”
공부 (study): The proficiency test consists of listening and dictation sections in the
To get the word out, the three friends created posters, walked around RP Korean language. (PHOTO: Nurin Ismail) during the CCA Fiesta to invite students to join them and sent out a mass “When I went to Korea recently, I could very easily read the characters I see email to the entire school about the group. around the country.” Now, the group has 28 members. Meer Faizah A. Latif develops the The learning is not confined to textbooks and worksheets. Once in a while, worksheets to help the students learn Korean. “I go for Korean classes, so games are played using the Korean language. I will reference resources I get from an actual Korean teacher and credible online ones to create our very own worksheets for the students,” the 18-year“My favourite memory is playing games with friends here using the Korean old said. language,” said Jolene Chua, a first-year Diploma in Business Applications student. The peer teaching appears to be paying off. “When I watch K-dramas, The informal group has a long-term plan: To be recognised as an Interest I now actually know whatʼs going on even without subtitles and because I Group in RP. “We are earnestly working towards our goal of sustaining a long learnt Hangul (the Korean alphabet) here,” said Kuan Cheng Yee, a second- running IG in RP that (we) can open doors to as many students,” said Nur Syafiqah year Diploma in Biomedical Science student. Musa, one of the three students who started the group.
By Raiessha Noa When School of Sports, Health and Leisure student Gary Ang wanted to start a Dodgeball team in RP, only eight people showed up for the first training session in July, 2017. The number was less than the 12 players required to play the game. “My first training (session) only had eight people. It was very hard to really organise even a game,” said Gary, a second-year Diploma in Sports and Exercise Science student. The 23-year-old had expected students to be more open to the idea of trying out a new sport. He said: “I really enjoy playing the sport and I wanted to share the awareness to everybody that, ‘Hey, this sport exists in Singaporeʼ.” Undeterred by the tepid response, Gary and the team pressed on. There are now about 36 members in the Dodgeball group. Twenty-four members are active in the sport.
GOOD THINGS COME IN PAIRS: Students Heidi Tan and Clive Tan practise five minutes of non-stop throwing and dodging drills to prepare for their upcoming competitions. (PHOTO: RAIESSHA NOA)
Even though RP boasts close to a hundred Co-Curricular Activities, some students have taken the initiative to form their own interest groups to pursue their love for a sport, activity or language. Earlier this year, Muay Thai was made a full-fledged Interest Group after five years of hard work.
The team is trying to sustain the interest in the game for three to four years before they try again to seek official Interest Group status for the sport.
Like Muay Thai, members of the Dodgeball group have had to dig into their own pockets to sustain the game here.
The team, which regularly takes part in competitions, is also planning to have an invitational tournament in RP. Teams from the National University of Singapore and Singapore Management University are among those that could feature.
“We have to gather some money from one another to buy our dodgeballs,” said Tan Yee Cheng, a School of Sports, Health and Leisure student, who currently leads the group. “It is a struggle to find a venue for training… There are currently no available indoor courts for us to use at all.” The team has had to train on the outdoor courts instead.
Designer: Siti Qanitah Khan
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Gary hopes that others will join the sport and raise the profile of the game. “Word of mouth is a very strong thing, so a lot of people will get to know. And it wonʼt be an underrated sport anymore [in Singapore],” he said
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THE SPIRIT OF GIVING
By Sharifa Hana Insyira a The busy life of a student leader and daily commitments have never been an excuse to stop Krichelle Png from volunteering at an animal shelter. In fact, the second-year Marine Science and Aquaculture student will dip into her pockets to cook meals for the strays. “I volunteer because I love animals a lot,” she said. “Even if there is no event, I cook for the strays with my own budget and do mass feeding mostly around Pasir Ris Farmway.” Krichelle has also adopted two dogs, a pair of Maltese Shih Tzu siblings. “One day, I hope that everyone can give the strays a chance and donʼt purchase from puppy mills,” the 20-year-old said. Krichelle is among a growing group of Singaporeans who volunteer. According to the National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre, the proportion of people who said they had done voluntary work rose from 18 per cent in 2014 to 35 per cent in 2016. The Centre said the increase could be due to the rising trend of informal volunteerism, which refers to people volunteering without going through any organisation. Krichelle started volunteering two years ago at Causes for Animals (Singapore). The organisation provides dog adoption, runs a dog shelter and helps to raise funds for other animal welfare group. Last year, she began to volunteer at Save Our Street Dogs as a member of their adoption drive team and helps out with events. Despite being a member of RPʼs Student Council, Krichelle volunteers every month for four to five hours at the adoption drive event. She would be given a dog to handle on that day and she will explain the dogʼs characteristics to those who are keen to adopt and guide them towards signing up.
AN ANIMAL LOVER: Not only does RP student Krichelle Png volunteer at animal shelters, she will also cook meals to feed the strays. (PHOTO:KRICHELLE PNG HUI YING)
“I feel like a lot of times people are taking animal life for granted,” Krichelle said. “Just because they canʼt speak doesnʼt give us the right to be cruel to them even if we donʼt like them. A lot of the shelter animals are abandoned or stray and I feel like I want to give them a sense of belonging and love once again.”
By Chai Xin Yi Like many, RP students Aaron Ng Kaicheng and Jaslyn Tan Jia Hui are busy planning for a Christmas party. Their guests are no ordinary revellers. Instead, the party will be for the residents at the Singapore Christian Home where Aaron and Jaslyn have volunteered for the past year. Both students first volunteered at the Home when they took the Social Emotional Learning (SEL) module during the Polytechnic Foundation Programme (PFP).They decided to stay on after the module had ended to volunteer as they had developed a bond with the residents. Aaron, who is a Biotechnology student, said: “I wanted to volunteer since I was young, but did not know where to approach to serve. Being exposed to SEL in PFP has given me the avenue to try serving the community for the first time and the experiences has cemented my passion to help others and giving back to our community.” Volunteering at the home also provided Jaslyn with fond memories. The Pharmaceutical
PLANNING ON MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Aaron Ng Kaicheng said Science student said: “I wanted to do volunteering after PFP ended. I knew I wanted to do so, his interest in volunteering was sparked by the Social Emotional because the memory of visiting the residents there kept playing in my head. From there, I knew that it had a special place in my heart and that I should continue volunteering there.” Learning module he took during PFP. (PHOTO: CHAI XIN YI) They usually volunteer during the holidays or school weekends, spending one to three hours there. The pair recalled one resident fondly. The resident shared about his life with the pair before he passed away late last year. “He was a very bubbly person, but to see his health slowly deteriorate really emphasised the importance of cherishing life, while developing our characters and improving on ourselves,” said Aaron, 19. When the module ended, the pair decided to become independent volunteers at the Home. They also joined RPʼs Service Learning Club, which is planning a Christmas celebration on Dec 22. Aaron is the President of the Club. They plan on getting Christmas trees to decorate and brighten up each ward in the home. The Magic IG has also been invited to perform for the residents
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Designer: Siti Qanitah Khan
26/11/18 8:37 am
THE SPIRIT OF GIVING
By Bebe NurFiqah When the word ‘gift’ is mentioned, some may associate it with lavish goods and branded items. But what if we take a step back and remember those who are in need? Here are five suggestions for giving something even if you don’t have much to begin with. The programme reaches out children aged between six and 12. In Singapore, a total of 120,000 units of blood is needed every year. This works out to be about 400 units of blood a day. You could be a real life Santa by saving three lives with each bag of blood donated and continue bringing joy to more people, long after Christmas is over. And you donʼt have to travel far to donate blood. The blood bank nearest to RP is situated at Woodlands Civic Centre. You will also receive free-milo and biscuits after your session. To donate blood, you need to be in good health. If you have had flu-like symptoms, you have to wait a week after you have fully recovered to donate. Those with a fever will have to wait up to three weeks.
Our furry friends need some love too. Avid animal lovers can volunteer their time walking dogs or entertaining felines. For example, the Oasis Second Chance Animal Shelter (OSCAS) is managed almost entirely by volunteers and you can help them in rehabilitating, walking or bathing the fuzzy mutts. If you have love for doggies and can commit to weekly or fortnightly visits, consider volunteering with them. Not forgetting the fluffy felines, the Love Kuching Project provides play and clean sessions with their kitties. Located at Joo Chiat, the sessions usually start at 6:30pm. To de-stress after a busy day in school, you cat lovers can consider spending time with the little ones.
Visit https://www.giveblood.sg/ for more information.
A WALK TO REMEMBER: OSCAS provides services for volunteers to walk their canine friends. Dogs of various breeds want cuddles and treats during the special season. (PHOTO: OSCAS Facebook) IT’S THE SEASON OF GIVING: Spend quality time with the elderly by eating and playing bingo as we celebrate the season of joy. (PHOTO: YMCA)
Created in 2015 with a merging of SG Cares, a volunteering platform, and SG Gives, a donation platform, Giving.sg has raised more than $100 million. Money is not the only thing you can help contribute to those who are in need. For example, you can connect with others by volunteering to be a befriender in the Y Makan Fellowship 2018 event to be held on the 21st of December. Make it an unforgettable day for someone this Christmas.
Designer: Siti Qanitah Khan
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You should have good English literacy and numeracy skills, as well as be able to commit weekly for two-and-a-half hours for at least a year.
BRINGING SMILES TO THE YOUNG: The TOUCH Young Arrows programme reaches out to primary school children and aims to help them gain confidence through a variety of activities. (PHOTO: TOUCH COMMUNITY SERVICE)
Side-walking with Stallions: The Riding for the Disabled Association says horse-riding therapy has helped over 6,000 beneficiaries. (PHOTO: RDA Singapore Official Facebook) You can keep fit while doing a good deed at Riding for the Disabled Association, a charity that provides free horse-riding therapy sessions for people with disabilities.
If blood or needles sends a shiver down your spine, worry not! There are alternative ways you can spread the joy during the festive period. Through Giving.sg – an online platform set up to match donors and volunteers with charities - there are a variety of avenues where we can lend a helping hand to create long-lasting memories for many.
to
SOFT FURRIES UP FOR PATS: Feline lovers can book a day outside of your hectic schedule and spend some time making our tiny friends feel loved. (PHOTO: Love Kuching Project Facebook)
Giving may not require expensive gifts. In fact, it may just involve spending time with those who may need a little help. If you have an eye for tutoring primary school subjects and interacting with young children to help them gain confidence and reach for their dreams, you should consider volunteering at TOUCH Young Arrows.
The association requires volunteers to assist in therapy sessions. A volunteer will start off as a side-walker, where the volunteer walks besides the horse while supporting and interacting with the disabled rider. Volunteers have to commit for one riding therapy term - once a week on the same session for 10 consecutive weeks. To date, the association has helped over 6,000 beneficiaries. The RDA says horse-riding therapy has proven to benefit the community and it is the only local charity to provide this unique service.
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THE SPIRIT OF GIVING
Inexpensive gifts may be seen by some as forgettable. But as The Republican Postʼs MUHAMMAD DINIE and SITI QANITAH KHAN have discovered, that is truly not the case. Get your secret Santa bag ready because here are our top 15 picks for Christmas gifts that fit your budget! WISHING JAR COIN BANK
Whatever Your Mood COLLECTION - DOOR TAG
SHOWER GEL AND BODY BUTTER BUNDLE
Start saving up for your next adventure, explore and live the life you always want with your savings!
Immerse yourself into the delightful scent of strawberries with these goodies!
Assorted Design
WHERE: The Body Shop PRICE: $12
This uniquely designed door tag can be customised just for you. It is truly a perfect gift because you can change it anytime to suit your mood.
WHERE: KLOSH PRICE: $12.90
Assorted Designs WHERE: KLOSH PRICE: $13.90
$15 FACE MULTIMASKING SET
POCKETBAC HAND SANITIZER - HOLIDAY FAVORITES / COCOA CAFE / SNOW DELIGHTFUL (5 PACKS) Letʼs keep germs away from Santaʼs naughty list and keep your hands smelling nice and minty during the season!
If you know someone who is a skincare junkie, this is the set to get.
Assorted Fragrance
WHERE: Sephora PRICE: $9
WHERE: The Bath & Body Works PRICE: $6.00 LAPTOP COVER Give your laptop a new home. Your tech deserves some style too! WHERE: Typo PRICE: $39.99
OSCAR WALLET Go compact with this sleek design.
VALORE INSPIREPLUS WIRELESS SPORTS EARPHONES Ideal for those who enjoy morning runs. WHERE: Challenger PRICE: $39.90
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$50
WHERE: TANGS PRICE: $44.70
Designer: Bebe Nurfiqah
26/11/18 8:37 am
THE SPIRIT OF GIVING
STARBUCKS TUMBLERS
MIRROR LIGHT - LET THERE BE LIGHT COLLECTION
Your daily fix of caffeine just got a whole lot more stylish!
Add some warmth to your room with an inspirational quote that light up!
WHERE: Starbucks PRICE: $20.90
Assorted Design WHERE: KLOSH PRICE: $19.90
TRAVEL BRUSH SET Travel like a true jetsetter, with these compact makeup brushes. WHERE: SEPHORA PRICE: $19
AURA CANDLE Feel the need to unwind after a tiring day at school or work? Go on and light up a candle because this is the perfect gift to treat yourself with the soothing fragrance!
$25 A5 BLACK BUFFALO JOURNAL Jot down your ideas, drawings and doodlings on-the-go with this chic-looking journal.
Assorted Fragrance WHERE: TYPO PRICE: $19.99
WHERE: TYPO PRICE: $17.99
LEATHER PERSONAL ZIP PLANNER MEDIUM
SEASON PASS
Enjoy six months of unlimited park access to Universal Studios Singapore! WHERE: USS Ticketing Counters/ Online PRICE: $88 (Student) / $98 (Adult)
Designer: Bebe Nurfiqah
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$100
Love being organised, stylish and minimal? This perfect planner is an excellent choice. Oh, you can even personalise it with their Monogramming service! WHERE: KIKKI.K PRICE: $89.90
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THE FESTIVE CHEER
This Christmas, bask in the accompaniment of your family and friends gathered around the dining table after dinner and try these games to get the party started! BY Deborah Kek
Type: Card game No. of Players: 2 or more
Rating: 3/5 Apple Crumble Pies (yum!)
Type: Board game How to Play: The basic mission of the game is to find objects on the 3x3 grid tiles as stated on the cards before the time runs out. When you find the object shout “PICTUREKA!” and point at the object. You win if you collect the most cards! Why this game? If you are bored of playing the same old games, give this game a go! The 3x3 tiles can be flipped over and moved around, so it is almost impossible to memorise where the items are. The simple rules also make the game perfect for families with children, so you can distract them while you eat some log cake!
Source: www.shop.hasbro.com
Rating: 3/5 Penguin Waddles
No. of Players: 2 or more
Source: www.DHgate.com
Why this game? This game is great for small groups who need an ice breaker (pun intended) to liven the party. The rules might be simple, but this game will keep you on your feet at every round!
Why this game? Every round is an intense and thrilling experience as you wonder which of your friends or family will try to sabotage you! This simple and fun game with cute characters will definitely bring your family and friends together and spread the Christmas cheer. Rating: 4/5 kittens!
No of Players: 2 or more ((can be split into No. two teams) How to Play: The goal of the game is to not let the penguin escape – in other words, it canʼt fall! The spinner will determine the number of ‘iceʼ you have to break.
How to Play: Players will draw cards until they get the Exploding Kitten card, in which you will ‘explodeʼ and then ‘dieʼ. Unless, they have a defuse card which will prevent you from exploding. While drawing cards, you may encounter action cards which allow you to avoid being exploded such as goats, magical enchiladas and exploding back hair!
Source: www.explodingkittens.com
Why this game? This short and simple game is a good way for forfeits if someone forgets to bring a present or is just being a party pooper (and its good for generating laughter too!) Its also a more exciting way to finish that pie that your mother made for dessert! Whatʼs a better way to eat pie than lick it off your face?
Source: www.shop.hasbro.com
How to Play: Firstly, load the arm with whipped cream or pie (a small one). Then, players will have to spin the spinner to determine how many times the wheel will be turned. Players will then have to put their faces through the hole and turn the handle, this will go on for a few rounds until someone gets PIE FACED!
No. of Players: 2-5 (up to 9 players if combined with other decks)
Rating: 4.5/5 Picturekas!
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Designer: Meer Faizah
26/11/18 8:38 am
THE FESTIVE CHEER
You better watch out, you better not cry, because Nurul Farahin picks three best Christmas movies you can enjoy this festive season with your loved ones.
The magic of Aardman Animationsʼ films is seeing plasticine come to life through clever and silly humour. So, if you enjoy old-school animations like Shaun the Sheep and Wallace & Gromit, then Iʼm sure youʼre going to love Arthur Christmas. Arthur Claus (James McAvoy) believes that working as Santa means having to be the CEO of a very large but cuddly company. He works in a comfortable, festive office of the letters department, replying to every childrenʼs messages sent to the North Pole a polar opposites (pun intended) to his solid-built brother, Steve (Hugh Laurie), whose computerised and super-fast S-1 sleigh ship helps Santa Claus (Jim Broadbent) deliver presents to two billion children every year. When a child is accidentally left ungifted, Arthur, a retired ‘grandsantaʼ (Bill Nighy), an eccentric giftwrapping elf (Ashley Jensen) and the worldʼs most ancient reindeer, venture out to ensure that Christmas comes to absolutely everyone. Think of it as Arthur on a mission impossible quest to understand the true meaning of giving. A New Santa is Coming to Town: Santa has everything – a rocking spaceship, a team of soldier elves and a silly son whose heart is bigger than the Arctic Pole. (PHOTO: Sony Pictures)
Watch on: Netflix Runtime: 1h 37mins Rating:
No human being has ever set foot in Santaʼs workshop – that is until baby Buddy (Will Ferrell) was accidentally transported to the North Pole. After 30 years of living with elves, Buddy decides to leave for New York City to find his estranged father who is on Santaʼs naughty list. Will Ferrell plays a deranged elf and it is no surprise as to why he is such a recognised comedian today. While the plot feels a little underdeveloped and it fails to deliver the emotional impact it was aiming for, his performance is enough to draw a laugh. Have a giggle and keep the Christmas spirits high by enjoying this comedy-drama with your family.
Watch on: Daily Motion Runtime: 1h 36mins Rating:
Ages like Fine Wine: Elf is a Christmas comedy that has a heart, a brain and a wicked sense of humour. And it charms the socks right off the mantelpiece and promises a good laugh. (PHOTO: WARNER HOME VIDEOS)
Tucked away in a small village of London lives a man whose heart is colder than winter itself. Eben-
ezer Scrooge (Albert Finney) is a miser who exploits the good nature of his employees. He hates Christmas so much, he even steals the joy of the holiday from everyone around him. But on the night of Christmas Eve, Scrooge is in store for a rude awakening after a visit from three ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. Will this cranky man have his frown turned upside down? Said to be the best Scrooge movie ever made, you would not want to miss this musical bonanza. It sure will warm your heart like a cup of hot chocolate.
Old is Gold: Scrooged is a film that has never lost its charm even after 48 years. It also features one of Albert Finney’s finest performances. (PHOTO: PARAMOUNT HOME VIDEOS) Designer: Meer Faizah
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Watch on: YouTube Runtime: 1h 54mins Rating:
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THE SPIRIT OF GIVING
NO TIME TO WASTE: On the first day, Diploma in Consumer and Behaviour (DCBR) student Lee Juen Lon, 18, and other RP students cleared out the furniture from the school to make way for a massive makeover.
NO ROOM FOR IMPERFECTION: DCBR student Danish Babaran, 19, applying the finishing touches to a beam he is painting.
NEW, BRIGHT AND PRETTY: The tripʼs planning committee decided on bright, simple colours. By using sky blue and sunny yellow, the students hope that the school will have a cheery vibe to encourage the kids to look forward to lessons.
LETʼS GET PHYSICAL, PHYSICAL: Aside from painting and the refurbishment of furniture, the RP students made sure that the used paintbrushes were washed clean for the subsequent days ahead.
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Designer: Meer Faizah
26/11/18 8:38 am
THE SPIRIT OF GIVING EVERY DETAIL COUNTS : The team brainstorm for quirky designs to paint on the walls of the school. DCBR student Siti Nor Azreen, 19, who led the art team, hopes that the designs will brighten the childrenʼs schooling days.
PRIDE AND JOY: The oceanic themed designs were a success as the art team managed to complete them within two days.
REACHING OUT TO BUILD BRIDGES: RP students also helped the children from the school make animal masks. Thanks to the arts and craft programme, the children have their own ‘creationʼ to bring home.
I GOT IT FIRST: Children can be mischievous, hyperactive and loud but they do get fascinated with the simplest games. Even a short game of ‘Who Stole My Finger?ʼ excited both the RP students and the kids.
FAREWELL SING-A-LONG: For the last day, the children put up a performance for the RP facilitators and students.
A LIFETIME OF MEMORIES: Five days spent in Batam flew past quickly but students like DCBR student Mike Goh can vouch that this experience is worth a lifetime of smiles.
Designer: Meer Faizah
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POST NEWS By Darius Boey It started out as an idea, raised by a student leader at a dialogue last year. Last month, the idea became a reality for the RP Sports Club. During the semester break this year, 30 students from different Sports Interest Groups accompanied by two staff from the Office of Student and Graduate Affairs (OSG) departed for a Student Overseas Trip (SOT) to Tokyo, Japan on 24th September 2018. Unlike most SOTs, the Sports Club trip was initiated, planned and led by the students. During their five-day stay, they visited places such as Tokyoʼs Sports Resort and Sports School, Komozawa Olympic Park and the Tokyo Handicapped Sports Centre. The purpose of the trip was to learn the best sports practices from the Japanese and also to encourage bonding amongst the Team Republic Sports Club members, said Sports Club ex-president Nurul Nadhirah Mohd Nasir, who led the planning for the trip. Before they could leave for Japan, the students had to convince the school about their plan “as the cost of the trip was a bit too expensive”. “The school suggested for us to change the location to Bangkok which would bring down the cost. However, we decided on Japan or not have the trip at all,” said Nurul Nadhirah.
GROUP SHOT: The 30 students from different Sports Interest Groups visited various places laces like the Ajinomoto Stadium, experienced Japanese culture first-hand and learned best est Another challenge faced was finding a time to meet and plan for the trip, practices from their Japanese counterparts. (PHOTO: AMOS TAN)
said Amos Tan Yuan Zhong, who is the head of publicity of the Sports Club. The 19-year-old said: “Nadhirahʼs batch were all Year 2s when they stepped Said Ahmad, the current president of the Sports Club, said the five days allowed in and the trip came in when they were stepping down, and a lot of them had him to renew friendships. “It made it all so much more worth it because of the h internships to attend to, which made it hard to have face to face meetings to friendships I developed during this SOT. Itʼs been some time and me and my friends plan this trip.” do make it a point to meet up. It just shows the quality of friendships that I was able to forge in that five days were real,” he said. Students who attended the trip said it was worth the effort and stress. “I benefitted a lot from mixing around with the athletes from different IGs. I learned what were their IGʼs routine on keeping fit and applied it to myself,” said Soccer IGʼs Ryan Farris.
Debut
By A’ishah Ibni Shaik Fareed
A student-centred showcase was organised as part of RPʼs Annual Tech Day on Oct 31, 2018. Dubbed the Digital Playground, this was the first time the showcase of interactive exhibits was making its appearance in the annual event. Students visiting the showcase could learn about Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality, as well as interact with robots. Students could also sign up for workshops on Microprocessor and 3D Modelling. The eventʼs organisers wanted to raise awareness of how technology would impact the industry in the future. “Our focus is on students where they can learn and do something new,” said Office of Technology Development manager Lim Boon Hong. “The more one knows, the higher the chance of marketing oneself in their future employeeʼs eyes.” Students were also involved as they manned the booths and explained to participants how technology such as Makerun Robot and Dartfish Software could impact the future workplace. The Makerun Robot was a project done by staff and students and involved a robot transporting heavy items from one point to another. Meanwhile, the Dartfish software was used by athletes to gauge their performance and see where they could make improvements. Another popular exhibit was the Makerspace booth, which allowed participants to experience 3D Do-It-Yourself printing.
FIRST-HAND EXPERIENCE: A participant going through the Virtual Reality (VR) experience ence at the first-ever Digital Playground at Republic Polytechnic on Oct 31, 2018. (PHOTO: A’ISHAH IBNI SHAIK FAREED)
Mukesh Kalungan, a Diploma in Aerospace Avionics student, added: “Itʼs tʼs not very often that we get to come to school and have the chance to try out all these new Students who visited the Digital Playground gave the thumbs-up to the technologies. Itʼs so advanced, itʼs really rare to see it, much less try it out.” event. Interactive and Digital Media student Chia Jun Jie said the event has helped him to understand more about all the latest technology and Office of Technology Development senior manager Kadir Yusop said the event hopes improved his knowledge. to inspire students to be “innovation ready”. He said: “Students need to be internationally ready, industry ready and innovation ready. We want students to be well-equipped with these three elements to succeed in their future career. Hence, this event will benefit them not just in terms of value-added skills but also their future.”
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Designer: Perivishni Jess
26/11/18 8:38 am
POST FEATURE By Sarah Manalac and Muhd Dinie When one thinks of pursuing his or her dream job, a recurring thought would be the kind of sacrifices that they need to make before taking a leap of faith. However, some may never even get the chance to explore their interests, while others limit themselves from opportunities that may seem too daring or risky. In the case of 22-year old Rachel Yeo, a Ngee Ann Polytechnic graduate,, she decided to jump with both feet in and pursue her dream of being a journalist, even though it meant she had to leave home and relocate to o Hong Kong. Rachel enrolled in the School of Communication in the Hong Kong Baptist University in August 2016 and is currently part of the oldest studentrun English news publication within the country, The Young Reporter (TYR). She was one of the TYR student reporters who gave a presentation at the university to visiting Diploma in Mass Communication students from Republic Polytechnic in September. Being part of TYR, which started out as a print magazine in 1969, means Rachel not only covers events on school grounds, but also important domestic news. When asked about her motivations for stepping into the media industry in Hong Kong, she mentioned not only her intention to fully utilise her Hong Kong Special Administration Region (HKSAR) Government Scholarship, but also a chance to obtain a better portfolio for her career advancement. The lively media scene in Hong Kong has enriched her training as a journalist as Rachel interviewed prominent newsmakers, such as activist student leader and politician Joshua Wong. She was pleasantly surprised by Mr Wongʼs response to their requests, such as granting her team permission to film him and attend his political activities. Rachel said: “These politicians are always overwhelmed with requests for media interviews, but most of the time, they are quite accommodating.”
SHARING SESSION: Singapore student Rachel Yeo talks about her journey as a budding reporter at Hong Kong Baptist University. (PHOTO: SYAFIQAH MUHDI) Rachel also recounts taking part in the annual Global News Relay, assisting in the filmmaking and presenting the piece as one of the news anchors. The topic that she covered with her team this year was about the subdivided housing units in Hong Kong, an experience which made her realise the importance of good planning in her journalism projects. She has even caught a glimpse of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte at an event for the Filipino community in April this year, where she interviewed the presidentʼs supporters. However, it hasnʼt all been a bed of roses. As a foreign student, she has had her share of struggles. Rachel said: “We stay in dorms. It is slightly smaller compared to what we are used to in Singapore. Another issue is noise. Local students only sleep around 3-4am.” Rachel also struggled previously with communicating in Cantonese, but has since adapted and improved her she aspires to be an editor, covering topics such as culture, society and politics in the future. “My advice is you shouldnʼt care what others think about you. Just do it because you want to. Be ambitious. Also, be more open-minded.”
In the busy newsroom on the 19th floor of the The soft-spoken Singaporean of Times Square building in Hong Kong, Shea Driscoll Chinese and British descent spoke fondly stands out - heʼs one of the tallest journalists in the of his time at The Straits Times, where he room and his accent is unmistakably Singaporean. discovered his strengths at a time when the newspaper was seriously shifting Mr Driscoll, 29, is the social media editor at Hong to the digital space. As print journalists Kongʼs largest English-language publication, The were initially unfamiliar with the usage South China Morning Post (SCMP). One of nearly 20 of social media platforms for uploading Singaporeans working at the publication, Mr Driscoll stories and producing videos, everyone is a key player in SCMPʼs digital transformation as turned to Mr Driscoll. he leads a team of five in running SCMPʼs digital platforms. “I became very valuable because I knew how to fix things,” he said. Now, in A group of students from Republic Polytechnicʼs his role at SCMP, Mr Driscollʼs job includes Diploma in Mass Communication met Mr Driscoll creating interactive posts and measuring when they visited SCMPʼs new offices in Causeway audience engagement rates. Bay during a study trip in September. SCMP, which was founded in 1903, has been making strides in It wasnʼt all smooth sailing, though. its digitalisation efforts, culminating in a slew of In his past year of living and working in awards at the Asian Digital Media Awards last year. Hong Kong, Mr Driscoll has struggled with the language barrier. Although the Mr Driscoll is a graduate of Temasek Polytechnicʼs SCMP is an English-language publication, Communications and Media Management Mr Driscoll occasionally has to translate programme and worked his way up from a digital Chinese videos. sub-editor at Singaporeʼs flagship newspaper The With Mandarin as one of his weakest Straits Times after National Service to his current subjects in school, Mr Driscoll had to rely position. on his colleagues for help with translation. “As part of the digital team, I had to crop He advised his DMC guests to take their pictures and write captions. But now, I have to mother tongue more seriously. carefully choose the content that would cater to my audience,” he said. Designer: Perivishni Jess
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By D Darcel Al Anthony
LIFE OF A JOURNALIST: SCMP’s social media editor briefs DMC students on the news publication’s history, the stories it covers and his role in it. (PHOTO: SHAHIDA ARIFF) “B i bilingual is an asset in any newsroom in the world,” he “Being said. “The more you know, the better. It will definitely help you to come far in your work.” And another ingredient to go far in a journalism career? Sheer hard work. Mr Driscollʼs parting words to the DMC group were on tenaciously chasing dreams. “You need to work harder than everyone else. If you see any opportunities, you have to inject yourself into them by force.”
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POST PHOTO
Teetering on the western edge of Hong KongĘźs Lantau Island, Tai O fishing village is a popular spot for visitors. A rustic town where inhabitants live in stilt houses, Tai O depends on tourism to survive as the sun sets on its once-thriving fishing industry. In September this year, a group of DMC students walked amongst the locals and tourists keen to discover a simpler way of life in the otherwise bustling metropolis of Hong Kong. of Hong Kong and The most western part hustling and busy life located away from the g Village is a unique of the city, Tai O Fishin ing culture and stilt town known for their fish ISMAIL) houses.(PHOTO: HAZIQ
left to A fishing produce, these puffer fishes are where O, dry outside a shop in the streets of Tai and food lar popu dried seafood has become a IL) ISMA Q HAZI OTO: snack for the village.(PH
Tai O shop owners hang dried fishes and other seafood products to be sold. They are known to be delicious snacks not jjust for the locals, but for the tourists as well. (PHOTO: ADLINA ADLIIN ADAM)
A shopkeeper measures dried fish to be sold too customers. It is certain that salted dried food prod oduc ucts ts can be found in busy Tai O. (PHOTO: ADLI NA ADAM)
A fisherman stands alone in his boat. He rinses the prawns after fishing them out from the sea. (PHOTO: ADLINA ADAM )
Tai O is famous for its stilt houses. This attracts tourists who pay to go on boat rides around the houses. The stilt houses, which were built back in the 18th century, were ideal due to the small water channels between Tai O and Lantau Island. (PHOTO: ADLINA ADAM)
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Designer: Perivishni Jess
26/11/18 8:38 am
POST PHOTO A laborious process, producing cured salted egg yolks first begins with removing egg white from yolk in a tub of water carefully by hand. DMC students tried their hand at this process after a demonstration by a local. (PHOTO: ADRIEL GOH)
yolks were thrown Cured salted egg yolks were almost never a thing. Initially, the fishing nets to hen strengt to vely extensi used away while the egg whites were GOH) ADRIEL : (PHOTO prevent fraying during fishing.
A common sight along the narrow streets of Tai O is cyclists, as bicycles are the main mode of transpor tation among the locals. (PHOTO: SHAHIDA ARIFF)
In the Taii O fishing shi hingg vvillage, ilillla la dried seafood are delicacies widely sold and savoured by both its inhabit bitants ants an and tourists alike. Other popular items include shrimp paste and XO sauce. (PHOTO: ADRIEL AD GOH)
Stalls selling all sorts of dried seafood, straw hats and other knick knacks flank the pathway along the Tai O fishing village. (PHOTO: ADRIEL GOH)
From a population puulatioon that used to number more than 30,000, now about 2,000 people inhabit the village. Elderly citizens make up a third of this population, as many of the younger residents have moved to the city. (PHOTO: SHAHIDA ARIFF)
esss economically impor tant es As salt production and fishing have become lless alternative source of income. an as m over the years, Tai O has turned to touris r of dying out. In addition, dange in is e cultur However, its traditional fishing able to typhoons and Tai O’s geographical location makes it especially vulner floods. (PHOTO: ADRIEL GOH)
Designer: Perivishni Jess
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POST SPORTS By Nur Liyana Bte Rozaini
Coach Muhammad Nurfahmy Fareed was moved to tears when the RP Silat team raised the Overall Championship Trophy recently. The 24-year-old had finally achieved his goal of helping the team the overall champion in the Institute-Varsity-Polytechnic Games, six years after he first joined the team as a member. “There are no words to describe this feeling,” said Fahmy. “It is something that I have yearned for so long and I have shed blood, sweat and tears with this team. Finally, I feel that my job is done, and I am fully satisfied.” RP Selatra (Silat IG) created history on Oct 14, 2018 when the team was crowned Overall Champion in the 17th Tertiary Silat Championship, the teamʼs first overall title in the competition. Silat has two categories – the artistic (Seni) and match (Tanding) categories – and Fahmy has competed in multiple Silat competitions in the match category, representing both the Grasio Association Singapore and Singaporeʼs National Team. He also represented RP and won individual gold medals in 2013 and 2014. But the overall team champion honours eluded Fahmy. He eventually turned to coaching to train his juniors in the match category. At that time, the team only had one coach who was an expert in the artistic category. Muhammad Fikri Fazil, who was the captain of the team in 2014, had consulted the IGʼs advisor if Fahmy could become the IGʼs coach in the match category. It was a switch that proved to be beneficial. Fikri said: “He (Fahmy) has techniques that enables an athlete to improve his gameplay in a sparring session. His command and control is commendable. Thus, he can conduct training well for a large group of students.” Agreeing, RP selatra alumni Suhaila Samsi added: “Fahmy broke down the steps for the techniques, even the advanced ones, to make it simpler for people who are less experienced. This makes them easier to understand and grasp the techniques better.”
A HISTORIC MOMENT: Coaches Muhammad Fikri Fazil (first from left), Ismail Ishak (second from left), Muhammad Nurfahmy Fareed (second from right) and Muhammad Haikal Abdul Samad (first from right) handing over the team’s overall championship trophy to RP Office of Student and Graduate Affairs Director Ganesh Kalyanam. (PHOTO: NUR LIYANA) Fahmy works as a full-time fitness trainer in the Singapore Civil Defence Force. He returns to RP to coach twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. There are now four coaches in RP Selatra and the team has their sights set on building on this yearʼs success. Fahmy said: “The journey is not over yet and we have to remain humble. It feels satisfying to finally be able to hand over the trophy to RP. I feel really proud of my team as their coach. I really hope that we can maintain this title for the next few years.”
By Eryka Rojas He traded his dancing shoes for a pair of spikes two years ago. Now, Brandon Heng is among the top five high jumpers in Singapore. The 20-year-old achieved a personal best of 1.98m in the Menʼs High Jump at the 50th Singapore Athletics Inter-Club Championships. He finished second in October event, behind Safsaʼs Bryan Wong who won with a jump of 2.01m. Wings Athletic Clubʼs Asyraf Alif finished third when he cleared a height of 1.90m. Brandon played down his achievements, which were achieved within two years. “Iʼve still got a lot to prove and a lot to work on because Iʼm still relatively young in the sport. Other people have been doing this for at least 10 to 11 years and Iʼve just come in,” he said. The Materials Science student said he switched to track and field as he wanted to try something different. “I guess it was a sudden change of heart,” Brandon said. “I just felt that I had to pursue sports for some reason. I didnʼt know what sports was then, but I just made sure that when I realised what it was, I went all in.” Brandon trains at least three times a week for a minimum of three hours each session. He also has to juggle the training with his internship. “I only get five hours of sleep. Itʼs quite crazy how I cope with it knowing that Iʼm not supposed to be able to,” he said. Despite the challenges, Brandon credits his teammates for their unwavering support. “I feel happier with the time I spend with my teammates and my friends rather than the time I spend receiving medals on the podium,” he said.
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A PROUD MOMENT: RP high jumper Brandon Heng (left) with fellow competitors Bryan Wong (middle) and Asyraf Alif (right) receiving their prizes at the 50th SA Inter Club Championships 2018. (PHOTO: BRANDON HENG) RP Athleticsʼ Vice-Captain Angel Ho paid tribute to Brandonʼs “positive mindset”. “Despite the results, he remains humble. He stays focused on his goal and continuously works and strives for better results each time,” she said. When asked for a piece of advice he would give to those who fear new experiences, Brandon said: “If youʼve just started, you literally have nothing to lose. So, just go for it. You never know what will happen.”
Designer: Bebe Nurfiqah
26/11/18 8:38 am