Graduation Giving SP Pendant Sirius Art Pte Ltd 10 Inspiring Alumni

SP Alumni Magazine JuLY SN 36

A Bi-Annual Alumni Magazine

ift that ivesGraduation back Giving + SP Pendant

A gift that gives back is priceless...to keep or to share The year so far has been fraught with challenges. As we acknowledge the difficulties others face, and foreword take comfort that we are in a more fortunate position, let us do our bit to remember, help, contribute and inspire those around us, near or far. This issue announces the launch of two inaugural events that this year’s new graduates were the first to participate in – the SP Pendant and the Graduation Giving Campaign. The SP Pendant is made more significant as it is designed by SP’s very own students the SP Design School. The Graduation Giving Campaign is a way of showing the SP spirit of caring and sharing amongst our graduating students, so that our less fortunate juniors stand a chance to complete their education. On a happier note, we congratulate the Class of 2011 who graduated in May and we wish them every success in their coming endeavours.

Contacts Valerie Koh Alumni Communications Manager Alumni Relations Office contents Tel: 6772 1796 02 SPecial Highlights Email: [email protected] 04 SPotlight aSPire is produced bi-annually for the SP Alumni Relations Office by Graduation Giving SP Pendant Sirius Art Pte Ltd 10 inSPiring Alumni

14 Around SP 85 Playfair Road, #04-02 Tong Yuan Industrial Building Singapore 368000 16 SPectacular Tel (65) 6488 0150 l Fax (65) 6282 6706 20 aSPiring Alumni Printed by 22 SPlendid

Your innovative and trusted partner. 26 Alumni Relations Times Printers Private Limited l 16 Tuas Ave 5 Office Info Singapore 639340 Tel (65) 6311 2888 l DID (65) 6311 2794 l Fax (65) 6311 2801 l HP (65) 9007 2014 www.timesprinters.com a member of Times Publishing Limited SN 36 July 2011 SP Alumni Magazine 1

Disclaimer: aSPire is mailed free to all alumni of Singapore Polytechnic.Letters, articles and messages from alumni are most welcome. The views and opinions of the authors are not necessarily expoused by Singapore Polytechnic, nor can the Polytechnic be held responsible for the claims made in the advertisements. ecial Highlights My Cup Runneth

Coffee fans, take heart. There is now a perfectOver life of roasts. with Ongoing research LOVE like food pairing hangout for you at SP. (what coffee best compliment what food) is also conducted with the School of Chemical and Life Part of the Kaffee Kultur Group, School of Coffee Sciences students. is the latest addition to the list of F&B facilities on-campus. The cafe’s selection of full-flavoured So, when your energy runs low, or when you just coffees uses a fine selection of coffee beans crave a hot aromatic cuppa, head on down to the roasted daily in small batches by the Roast new School of Coffee for an instant pick-me-up. Master to meet precise roast profile, and to achieve freshness and taste in every serving.

Established in 2006, Kaffee Kultur Group is a growing, dynamic and creative organisation geared towards helping clients succeed in the highly-specialised coffee industry.

Its partnership with SP aims to promote high coffee standards and practices through education, and to improve coffee-related issues like beans storage and packaging methods, so as to prolong the shelf Members have their Special Privileges SP Alumni Card The SP Alumni Card is your continuous affiliation with your alma mater. Not only does the card identify you as an Alumni member, it offers you many privileges, off and on-campus.

 20% discount on SP Library membership fees.  Access to running track at the Sports Complex. Applicable to new members for first year annual  Discount on notebooks purchase (selected models). fee and also applicable for subsequent  Discount on products and services from membership renewals. STARBUCKS, POPULAR Bookstore,  10% discount on ala carte items at the and many more! Food Haven Staff Centre Restaurant.  Complimentary off-peak use of the gymnasium, For card application, information and latest updates Mondays to Saturdays, 1pm to 5pm. on privileges, please refer to the alumni website at  Access to Student Hub@Moberly. alumni.sp.edu.sg. Brighten up to these perks as an SP Alumnus! Present your SP Alumni Card to enjoy the following benefits…

Company Website Valid Until Details of Discount

25% off educational print publications such as Absolutely Parents absolutelyparents.com 31 December, 2013 EduGuide, PSLE Guide, Kids’ Health Guide and Kids’ Dining Guide.

Body Wellness bodywellness.sg 31 December, 2013 Olinda customized facial now at S$18. (U.P $228).

Food Haven The 10% off International foodhaven.com.sg 31 December, 2013 Restaurant Pte Ltd Buffet and Ala Carte items. Valid from Mon to Fri, for dine-in only.

I Heart Board Games! iheartboardgames.com 31 December, 2013 10% off purchases at iheartboardgames.com/buygames.

KettlebellHIT kettlebellhit.com 31 December, 2013 15% off from membership packages.

$4 off POPULAR 3-Year Adult Card Sign-up* POPULAR Bookstore popular.com.sg 30 September, 2011 Now: $26 (U.P. $30) *Valid for NEW sign-up only. T&C apply

Royal Lifestyle Pte Ltd royal-lifestyle.com.sg 31 December, 2013 20% off new purchases. Not applicable with other promotion

School of Coffee - 31 December, 2013 15% off all menu items. Not applicable for promotional items.

10% off all food and beverages. Starbucks starbucks.com.sg 31 December, 2013 Not applicable for merchandise or whole beans.Discount valid only at Starbucks Singapore Polytechnic.

10% off handmade greeting cards, notebooks, Stirring Hearts Pte Ltd stirringhearts.com.sg 31 December, 2013 boxes and creative workshops. Valid at InnoVillage, Singapore Polytechnic or online store www. StirringHearts.com.sg (use coupon code “spalumni”).

Supreme Lion Marketing supremefloors.com.sg 31 December, 2013 15% off regular retail prices. Pte Ltd Not valid with other promotions.

SP Library 31 December, 2013 20% off library membership annual fees for new & - renewal of graduate library membership.

10% off for free & easy packages in Vietnam, Phuket, Bangkok, India & other destinations. *Package 1 transinex.com.sg 3D2N Free & Easy to Phuket, stay@Mercure Patong Transinex Pte Ltd/ 31 December, 2013 Phuket, from S$119/per person spicetravel.com.sg SPICE Travel *Package 2 3D2N Free & Easy to Ho Chi Minh, stay@Liberty 3, from S$117/per person *Travel Packages stated above exclude airfares/taxes/ fuel surcharge. Promotion valid till 30 Sep 2011.

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The information is correct at time of print. For the latest list of merchants and updates on privileges, please refer to the alumni website at alumni.sp.edu.sg. Offers valid until December 2013, unless otherwise stated. otlight Graduation Giving Campaign A Gift that Counts

2011 marks the joyous graduation of the Class of 2011 SP graduates, as well as the launch of the first ever Graduation Giving Campaign.

The meaningful drive encourages graduating students to give to the School Needy Fund. By way of their giving, the SP juniors in need of financial assistance will be given valuable opportunities to complete and excel in their academic pursuit.

For some of the needy, their hopes, aspirations and future lie not only upon themselves, but in support of their families as well. For others, they find themselves caught in unforeseen situations facing financial difficulties and thus being unable to pay for tuition fees. SP is extremely proud that 1,957 campaign now stand to realize their graduates made a tremendous difference dreams and fulfill their potential. to help their juniors by coming together And those who contributed prove once with their generous contributions. again a strong and committed spirit of As such, those who benefited from the sharing and giving.

When my dad developed heart problems and stopped work, my mum became the sole breadwinner. It was difficult for us as we were trying to make ends meet. I am very thankful that I received the Singapore Polytechnic Alumni Student Scholarship that helped to finance my tution fees and other expenses so that I could concentrate on my studies. With the financial burden being alleviated from my parents, my dad was able to spend on his medication.

The financial aid meant so much to us. I am grateful for SP’s help.

- Zhang ZhiXian, School of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, 2nd Year Student

How to give? Every donation – large or small – will empower SP to Make an online donation at glad2give.sp.edu.sg. give the best to our students, who are our top priority. For more information, visit the Glad2Give website at When you give, you also receive. glad2give.sp.edu.sg. All graduating students who donate to the Graduation Giving 2011 will be acknowledged on the Donors’ Roll For further enquiries, please contact the Alumni Relations at www.glad2give.sp.edu.sg. Office at6772 1342 or email [email protected].

SN 36 July 2011 SP Alumni Magazine 5 otlight Purple Pendant of Pride Inaugural Launch of SP Pendant

Singapore’s first The SP Pendant is available in four fine and well-crafted Polytechnic is adding yet designs, produced with SP Design School’s students another feather to its cap of achievements. Raffi’s and Siew Teng’s creative ingenuity, and lovingly finished in stately silver coated with white gold or Lee Hwa’s A first amongst all other polytechnics in Singapore, iconic Purple Gold*. The pendant comes in a handmade Singapore Polytechnic has collaborated with renowned decorated box by young alumni start-up, Stirring Hearts. jeweller, Lee Hwa Jewellery to design and produce an exquisite pendant, aptly named The SP Pendant, for the All alumni can now place orders online at go.to/sppendant. recognition of the SP Alumnus. Alumni can collect the pendants from the Alumni Relations Office located at InnoVillage, SP. The SP Pendant will soon become a significant and treasured commemorative artifact for every SP What’s more, with every purchase of the SP Pendant, you graduate, now and for the years to come. Launched will be lending support to your juniors as nett sales for this in April 2011, this year’s graduating students are the pendant will go into the Student Support Fund, that helps first batch of graduands to own this proud piece of the needy students fulfill their education at SP with scholarships school’s history. and bursaries.

At the start of the academic year in April 2010, SP received 595 Financial Assistance applications. However, we could only help less than half of these applicants due to lack of funds and re-channel them to external Financial Assistance schemes. Amongst these awardees, there is a substantial number who had to apply for additional financial aid so that they could pay their annual tuition fees. *About Purple Gold

A world-first that is rare, unique and exquisite, the Lee Hwa Purple Gold is a remarkable 19k solid purple gold alloy that establishes itself quickly as a treasured and highly-regarded jewellery since its launch in 2000.

This innovation is part of the Aspial-Lee Hwa Jewellery Groups’s continuous quest for reinvention, and proudly represents the brand’s proud heritage of style, quality and craftsmanship.

Marking a significant milestone in the jewellery industry, Purple Gold was conceptualized and created by Singapore Polytechnic’s metallurgist and former SP lecturer, Professor Loh Peng Chum. After numerous years of tedious research and development, the unique amalgam of gold and other metal components was eventually perfected and suitably shaped into fine jewellery creations, inspiring and pushing fashion and trends to new boundaries.

Composed of 80% gold and 20% of metal components including palladium, and is nickel-free. Although it has been around for decades, the alloy is too porous and brittle and not malleable for making jewellery.

The breakthrough came when the metal composite was developed into something strong enough to withstand the crafting and shaping of jewellery pieces, while being less reactive to contaminants in the process.

The SP Pendant

Students are SP’s top priority and we want to provide Unconditional support to help students pursue their educational Dreams.

Unconditional Silver (Female) - $138 nett Dreams Silver (Male) - $138 nett Unconditional Purple Gold (Female) - $238 nett Dreams Purple Gold (Male) - $238 nett Sketches from SP Design School’s students, Raffi and Siew Teng

Simply visit go.to/sppendant to place your orders for the pendants. Payments by cash or cheque only. All cheques to be payable to “Singapore Polytechnic”; to include name, NRIC, contact number, pendant model, quantity on the back of the cheque and send it to the Alumni Relations Office, attention to Ms Valerie Koh. Cash payment is accepted at the Alumni Relations Office located at InnoVillage, SP. For enquiries, please call 6772 1342 or email [email protected].

SN 36 July 2011 SP Alumni Magazine 7

Actual design may vary from the designs shown here. Silver pendants are plated with White Gold. Each pendant comes with a complimentary silver chain.

in iring Alumni Two great minds bring hope to fight life-threatening plague

Deemed moderately will enable those infected “It was a challenge organization, MP contagious, Hand, (children and adults) to designing the kit as I had Biomedicals (MP Bio), Foot and Mouth seek early treatment and to consider the mutation whose Asia Pacific Disease (HFMD) has alleviate worsening of their rates of the enteroviruses headquarters has been roundly plaguing conditions. while ensuring that Mr Paul Tan as their children, registering more sensitivity and specificity Vice President. than 28,000 cases in Dr Tan designed and of the kit was not Singapore this year created this HFMD kit to compromised. Working closely together, alone, due largely to detect enteroviruses, and With this kit, young Dr Tan and Mr Paul Tan our dense population. able to simultaneously children’s lives won’t be will be establishing an identifying the more fatal put at risk with severe important partnership But because of the hard Enterovirus 71 (EV71) in complications and between SP and MP work of SP Alumnus and 2 hours. It took him 2 would be able to lead Biomedicals by linking Lecturer Dr Tan Eng Lee, months to develop the kit, life normally upon early two licensing agreements and the resourcefulness with substantial studies detection,” says Dr Tan. and with a memorandum- of another SP Alumnus and research invested in of-cooperation. Mr Paul Tan, in about the disease since 2003. The detection kit soon nine months time, the Creating the kit was caught the attention of With this partnership, MP world’s first HFMD Kit certainly no easy task. US-based biomedical Biomedicals and SP’s Technology Transfer and Enterprise Centre (TTEC) prevent outbreaks and save lives,” commented Thomas will collaborate on commercialising the detection kits Stankovic, Senior VP & Chief Financial Officer, in Singapore and Asia Pacific where HFMD is most MP Biomedicals, LLC. prevalent. The kits will be manufactured locally, and are targeted to hit the markets in the near future. Each He further adds, “The income from the sales of these detection kit will sell for approximately S$13 to S$19.50 new products will be re-invested in our Singapore plant (US$10-15). to further expand our manufacturing capacity, enhance our technological capabilities and R&D resources. “The Dengue and HFMD detection tests developed We are delighted to partner with the Singapore by Singapore Polytechnic is a good strategic fit to our Polytechnic’s R&D team to bring their innovations to the organization’s commitment to science discovery and global market to benefit millions at risk of dengue and improvement of human life. These highly sensitive HFMD infections.” molecular kits will help to detect the diseases quickly,

Milestones of Paul Tan Before joining MP Biomedicals, Paul spent 10 years with Siemens Medical Instruments, a division of SP Alumnus Paul Tan Germany–based Siemens Medical Solutions, as graduated in 1978 with Operations Manager taking charge of the hearing a Diploma in Electronic aids business in Indonesia with an annual turnover & Communication of US$40m. He then assumed the role of GM at The Engineering. He achieved Laryngeal Mask Company Singapore, a unit of UK- a Bachelor of Business based LMA International that specializes in making from RMIT University, airway management devices for applications of Australia in 1989, and anesthesia. During this stinct, Paul played an important a MBA in International role in listing the holding company on the Singapore Management from RMIT Stock Exchange main board in 2005. University in 1998. Paul joined MP Biomedicals in 2006 and is currently Since then, Paul has the Vice President and General Manager of MP attained over 20 years of Biomedicals Asia Pacific Pte Ltd, the Asia Pacific professional experience headquarters of US- based MP Biomedicals LLC, a in the medical devices and healthcare industry, holding recognized and established diagnostic and life science various key appointments in Management, Sales & multinational company. Marketing, and Quality Assurance & Regulatory Affairs.

About MP Biomedicals (www.mpbio.com) MP Biomedicals is a worldwide corporation, with headquarters in Santa Ana, Calif., and regional offices in Europe, Asia and Australia. The company manufactures and sells more than 55,000 products. One of the only companies in the industry to offer a comprehensive line of life science, fine chemical and diagnostic products, the organization maintains a vast network of global distributors with ISO 13485-certified diagnostic products facilities in Solon, Ohio, Burlingame, California, and a distribution centre in Strasbourg, France. MP Biomedicals Asia Pacific Pte Ltd is the Asia Pacific Headquarters located in Singapore.

SN 36 July 2011 SP Alumni Magazine 11 in iring Alumni

Tales of TriumphMarcus Lim eye for details and his affinity for the arts, he soon made a name for himself as Asia’s first-and-only Historian Painter, recognized by the Asian Geographic Magazine. Marcus’ works have honoured several illustrious figures, one of whom is Ms Hedwig Anuar, acclaimed women’s rights’ activist and founding member of AWARE.

In 2008, a TV documentary “City Footprints” chronicled the work progress of Ms Anuar’s portrait while profiling the artist’s life.

As a self-taught artist without formal training and certification, Marcus found it doubly hard to establish his foothold in the local arts scene. Fueled by his passion, he “worked harder than any other artists”, practicing his craft whenever he can find time.

Marcus’ passion soon paid off. His first paid work was a “challenge” by a colleague to recreate her childhood memories of Tiong Bahru. He impressed her so much that she commissioned him for a second piece. Words of his talents soon spread and Marcus became an established full-time artist.

With world-shaking events like 9-11 in 2001, followed by the onslaught of SARS and the economic downturn, "Marcus Lim, the first Singapore representative to Marcus struggled as an artist with dwindling works the Internationl Portrait Artist Conference 2010, in and opportunities drying up. But the young artist was Washington DC, in April 2010. He had the honour of determined to persevere and trudged 32km daily from meeting the internationally renowned portrait artist, home to town seeking out gallery representations, and Mr John Howard Sanden, during the Conference." drinking water to fill his stomach.

When we talk about the local arts, Singapore Art Things changed for the better in 2004 when he found Museum and National Museum immediately come to representation with a new gallery owner, Ms Glennery mind. These hardly relate to SP; but in 2010, a Shin Min Besson, at Stamford House. In September that year, Daily (新民日报 ) article reported a misnomer with the he was named one of Singapore’s emerging visual art localized name of Balestier precinct by an artist. talents in NEW FINDS 2004 exhibition at MICA Building. The artist turned out to be SP graduate, Marcus Lim. Two years later, Marcus was invited to create a portrait Marcus graduated from SP in 1994, majoring in for Venerable Ho Yuen Hoe, founder of the Man Fut Electronics & Communication Engineering, and took Tong Nursing Home; and this painting had the honour the unconventional path of becoming an artist. With an of being unveiled by our President SR Nathan a year later in 2007. In 2008, his success story was made into a TV documentary that was aired on Channel U. This was followed by radio interviews in Singapore and Canada.

As a lauded and recognized artist now, Marcus remains humble, never takes his success for granted, and continues to hone his craft, even when travelling in the MRT. He cheekily remarks, “I get free new models to draw with, every few minutes”.

The next time when you see a man sketching people in the MRT carriages, do say hi to our proud graduate from SP, Marcus Lim.

“I paint not only to help people to create magnificent portraits for themselves or their loved ones, but to remind us of her undying spirit and personality, and to deliver her message of charity to her loved ones and her community. I am deeply proud to have this artistic gift to do this for other people and my society.” – Marcus’ answer to His Excellency President S.R. Nathan at the Remembering Venerable Ho Charity Lunch on 28 January 2007.

Awards 2010 Heritage Ambassador, Asian Geographic Society 2009 Asian Geographic Cover Art of the Decade 2006 Finalist, Salon International 2006 by the International Museum of Contemporary Masters of Fine Art, USA 2005 Letter of Commendation, 2nd International ARC Salon Competition, USA 2004 First Place, SPCA Animal Art Competition

SN 36 July 2011 SP Alumni Magazine 13 Around

Capturing Your Sweet Memories at SP For newlyweds alumni Zhaoli and Li Ping, having their wedding photos taken on campus is a sweet and special way to commemorate their SP days. SN 36 July 2011 SP Alumni Magazine 15 ectacular

Coming to aThe SPace Green Appeal near you…

Here at SP, we take the Green Movement further, and yet closer to home.

The Department of Estates and Development is working hard in turning some of the social spaces on compound into dynamic and green plots.

Some of their established efforts include the biostream along Commonwealth Avenue West, the herb gardens behind Moberly, and various gardens on campus. EcOasis will feature an eco-pond amidst a planned flora and fauna surrounding that will ideally serve as an outdoor living and learning lab for students from the School of Architecture & Built Environment.

Situated at the empty field adjacent to Foodcourt 2, this setting will enable the students to study its water filtration system, landscape, environment and eco-system.

Seats and footpaths will be installed around the pond, turning the park into an idyllic hangout for all to gather, study or relax.

When complete, The Sanctuary will transform the once ordinary courtyard between T6 and T7 into a beautiful butterfly park.

With an abundance of host and nectar plants to attract butterflies into its premise, the courtyard will become a green attraction, as well as a user- friendly access, providing links and integration The Sanctuary for the surrounding buildings.

The Sanctuary

SN 36 july 2011 SP Alumni Magazine 17 ectacular

Rampat SP,Up there The is just Action no stopping the action Yet another first for any Polytechnic, (or education institution for that matter), the Skate Park and Drifters Court will no doubt become a hub of adrenaline- filled action.

Situated at the front of McDonald’s at T16, and in clear view from the overhead MRT tracks, this dynamic skate facility is a sure-way for skate enthusiasts to attract eyeballs and draw cheers. SP Aces goStudents Places make their marks

Dr Jonathan Loh, Daniel Poh, Mentor Dr Keith Pardee and Jaslyn Ng (From left to right )

Singapore Polytechnic (SP) students continue and sophistication, my SP training has remained to make their marks, winning prestigious scholarships, the bedrock from which I approach issues that I internships and accolades in the professional fields. encounter in research,” says Dr Loh, who has reaped many benefits from his SP education. In 2010 alone, eight internship programmes were secured at the prestigious Harvard Medical School, Daniel Poh, one of the two students in Harvard for Yale University and Stanford University, giving the their 10-week internship was personally mentored SP students a taste and first hand experience of the by Dr Loh. Mr Poh. an ITE graduate and Diploma demanding world-class academic rigour. in Biomedical Science (DBS) student, earned a rare internship with Children’s Hospital Boston, a These internship opportunities are rare and serve as top paediatric hospital in the United States with his excellent training to prepare and equip the students excellent results. involved with a strong academic foundation, analytical skills and practical experience. Another DBS student Jaslyn Ng interned at Harvard Medical School’s Wyss Institute. Her mentor Dr Keith SP alumnus Dr Jonathan Loh, currently on a Pardee said, “Jaslyn worked on a diverse range research stint with the Harvard Medical School, is of projects and demonstrated understanding and an A*Star scholar who also won the Young Scientist capability well beyond her years. She has done an Award in 2009 is one such beneficiary of the excellent job of representing SP and we look forward rigourous SP program. to working more with SP in the future.”

“An education in SP entails practical learning and These lauded achievements sync well with SP’s aim problem solving; this has benefited me tremendously to nurture students to be work-ready, life-ready and in my chosen field of scientific research. Over the world-ready. years, though my work has grown in both scope

SN 36 july 2011 SP Alumni Magazine 19 a iring Alumni

Just what the Doctor ordered Dr. Lin Min Lin Min has come a long He enjoyed helping classmates, and fondly remembers way since his days at SP. the sense of achievement when those tutored by him He received a scholarship scored good grades. That spurred him to pursue an after graduation to study academic career and drove him to pursue his PhD. at University of Edinburgh in United Kingdom, and Lin Min advises his juniors to be clear on what they was admitted directly into aspire to be after graduating. They should ask the third year. As such themselves where they would like to do in the work force. he took only two years to complete his Bachelor of “Do not worry too much about not getting spotted in the Engineering, eventually lower layers of the industry chain as if you are talented, graduating with First-Class you will be spotted”, he said. Honours. He then went on to Cambridge on a scholarship and secured a PhD. He encourages students to be proactive in engaging in activities outside their course curriculum as this gives a As a student in SP, Lin Min learnt important life skills more holistic outlook on life. With the right opportunities, such as determination to learn, ability to understand he encourages the Alumni to collaborate with industries difficult concepts and willingness to embrace on projects outsourced from outside the curriculum. challenges. Being a class leader for three years greatly Of course, this will mean more commitment from the honed his organisational and people management skills. students to work harder. Your best mate in Real Estate Patrick Liew Patrick graduated with a Diploma in Electrical Engineering from Singapore Polytechnic, a Bachelor of Science in Estate Management from Herriot Watt University, a Master of Science from The City University of New York, and an MBA from Henley Business School/ Brunel University. He also earned more than nine other professional qualifications.

As the CEO of HSR Property Group, Patrick has developed a multimedia e-learning programme on entrepreneurship, authored one of the first Chinese books on business systems, and was the co-author of a Times Bookshop best-selling book.

He received a string of awards - the Asia Pacific Entrepreneurship Award, the Entrepreneur Of The Year Being a grassroots leader, Patrick provides leadership Award for Social Contribution, and five other prestigious and advice to many professional and charitable business awards. organizations. He actively supports humanitarian and philanthropic causes, and has organised three fund- discover their niche and purpose in society. raising events, which set three national records in the He says, “ The best way to live your life is to live your life Singapore Books of Records Patrick still holds fond for others. The more you reach out to bless other lives, memories of his days in SP, recalling the care and the richer and better your life will become. To survive concern of the lecturers who always had the students’ and succeed, one needs to constantly reinvent oneself welfare at heart. His SP’s education cultivated a deep i.e. commit to a lifelong process of learning, un-learning desire to continue his learning journey. He strongly and re-learning.” believes that through learning one can improve, become wiser and more productive. Patrick believes that the distinctive strength of SP is the legacy of the Alumni that cannot be copied by other Believing that learning is the only true competitive polys. SP has a history of producing some of the finest advantage in business and in life, Patrick advises SP leaders, entrepreneurs, and great minds; networking students to actively participate in activities outside with them will help strengthen SP’ s branding and the their curriculum, which will provide them a more quality of graduates that are produced. encompassing outlook in life, and allow them to

An Officer & a Superman Jamie Ng Jamie graduated from SP in 1998 with a Diploma in Electronic & Communication Engineering. During NS, he was elected Best Trainee in Basic Military Training (1st Commando Battalion), and became a Commissioned Officer at OCS. In 2003, he graduated with a Bachelors in Electrical Engineering (Hons) at Queensland University of Technology, and joined a local bank where he was promoted to Assistant VP.

Jamie reminisces his SP days where he learnt organisational and people management skills as an active student leader. Besides holding leadership roles in EC (now known as EEE) club, he actively organised Jamie advises his juniors to be focused and consistent various departmental and poly-wide events like as this provides a good strong foundation in their studies, Annual Dinner & Dance and Commex (now known and put them in good stead for their future goals, be it as Spinnovex). in university or the working world. He encourages them to actively engage in activities outside the curriculum to The life skills he picked up in poly proved useful when achieve a more holistic perspective. While knowledge he started work. As a Training Manager two years ago, is gotten through books and lessons, life skills can be he was able to tap on his SP experiences to manage his gained from holding various roles in CCA. Striking a staff effectively. balance is therefore important.

Jamie thoroughly enjoyed his time in the poly, especially As Jamie visits his alma mater, and as an alumnus who when organising events. The satisfaction he got when wants to contribute, he showed great interests while participants responded on how much they enjoyed the giving inspirational talks to students. He suggests that SP event and how they looked forward to the next event Alumni can look into organising talks on parenting skills was, in his own words, “ priceless” . and child coaching that can benefit first-time parents.

SN 36 july 2011 SP Alumni Magazine 21 lendid Inspiring Alumni Speakers' Series Venue: Multi-Purpose Event Mr Allan Yeo Space 1, InnoVillage Date: 21 January 2011, Friday Speaker: Allan Yeo

Over 90 alumni, students, staff and friends of the industry attended a talk by SP Alumnus and CEO of Thomson Medical Centre, Mr Allan Yeo on Friday 21 January 2011, held at InnoVillage, SP. Medical Centre to its leadership position in the management of the healthcare needs of women Mr Yeo shared with the audience on his experience and children. in managing the hospital and how together with the doctors and staff, brought Thomson Medical Centre After the talk and Q&A session, all guests were to become the largest and busiest private hospital for treated to a delicious buffet spread where they women and children in Singapore. continued to mingle and network with one another.

Mr Yeo spoke on how the Thomson Team’s mantra Mr Yeo graduated in 1978 from the School of on “Special Delivery” i.e. service excellence initiatives, Architecture and the Built Environment (ABE) with a innovations and creative ideas, pushed Thomson Technician Diploma in Architectural Draughtsmanship. Alumni Lifestyle Series Talk Business Golf for Networking

Venue: Multi-Purpose Event Space 1, InnoVillage Time: 6.30 pm – 9.30 pm Date: 4 April 2011, Monday Speaker: Mr Jonas Tan

Over 60 alumni attended the first Alumni Lifestyle Mr Jonas Tan has been actively involved in the sport Series Talk - Business Golf for Networking on arena for the past 15 years at school and club level. 4 April 2011 at InnoVillage, SP. Co-organised His teaching has incorporated both children and with the Singapore Polytechnic Entrepreneur’s Club, adults in social and competitive levels. Renowned for SP Alumnus and certified golf trainer, Mr Jonas Tan his patience, Mr Tan has the ability to communicate shared with the audience on some tips and techniques with children in making it more enjoyable and also in golfing. Participants found out more about this with adults in being able to relate the technical side of interesting sport that is well liked by many top-notched the game in simpler terms. Following the talk, Mr Tan CEOs and walked away with some advice on how to gave a complimentary golf assessment session and start boosting up their businesses while teeing off in a participants received instant professional advice on game of golf. their swing postures. SPEC Chinese New Year LOHEI DINNER 2011

It was a night of festivities and appreciation Aside from the provision and awarding of scholarships, on the 14 February 2011, when members of the SPEC members continue to work with SP’s Enterprise Singapore Polytechnic Entrepreneur’s Club (SPEC) Centre to encourage and mentor young entrepreneurs, came together for their annual Lunar New Year assisting in evaluating business plans under the Young gathering. Entrepreneurs Scheme for Start-ups (YES! Startups, funded by Spring Singapore). They raised cups, voices… and chopsticks for the traditional Lo-Hei, and celebrated with a festive Chinese Because this year’s Chinese New Year dinner coincided New Year dinner. Held at Ah Yat Seafood Restaurant, with Valentine’s Day, female members who graced this event saw many new and current SPEC members the event received a small bouquet of roses, a box of coming together to network and celebrate the generous chocolates and a handmade Valentine’s Day card. contributions made by many of the SPEC members. The commemorative cards are worthy of special Since 2007, SPEC initiated a Scholarship Fund to mention as they were designed and made by another of support deserving and needy students for their YES! Start-ups - Stirring Hearts. Some of these cards education in SP. This is the organisation’s way of giving and board games from iheartboardgames – another back to SP for the future alumni and in return, the SPEC YES! Start-up, were also sold at the event to raise funds members encourage the beneficiaries to return to their for the SPEC Scholarships. alma mater after graduation, and in turn make similar contributions back to SP. All in all, it was indeed a night of generous giving and joyful celebration for everyone who attended the event. SPEC President, Mr Alex Lo presented a cheque contribution on behalf of SPEC for this year’s SPEC Scholarship to SP Principal, Mr Tan Hang Cheong.

SN 36 july 2011 SP Alumni Magazine 23

The Alumni Office Paying it forward Don’t just return a kindness, spread it around. The process cannot be simpler: when someone Your generous support will help fellow alumnus does something nice for you, keep it going by doing continue their education at local universities, current good for another person. As an alumnus who has students to continue their studies at SP, encourage tasted the fruits of success, you too can help pave the existing SP students to conduct research on ways to way for the next generation of SP graduates, giving benefit society and many more ways. them the opportunity to excel as you did. If you wish to make a difference today, you could do so Your support will allow SP to continue giving deserving at glad2give.sp.edu.sg. students and alumni a chance to realise their dreams and reach their fullest potentials. Staying in touch We are on Facebook

The Web is the new place to get together. Check out the SP Alumni Groups on Facebook. Don’t be left behind. Join us now on Facebook at facebook.com/spalumni ! Update you particulars We want to stay connected with you. Update your personal particulars online at alumni.sp.edu.sg or fill in the update form on the following page and fax / mail it back to us. Contact Us Contact the SP Alumni Relations Office @ InnoVillage, Singapore Polytechnic 500 Dover Road Singapore 139651 Tel: 6772 1342 Fax: 6870 4616 Email: [email protected] Website: alumni.sp.edu.sg 

Please complete this form using CAPITAL LETTERS and mail it to us in the Business Reply Service Envelope provided or fax it to us at 6870 4616. Alternatively you can update your particulars at alumni.sp.edu.sg 1. Personal Particulars 2. Details of Study at SP

Salutation: Name of Course: Name: (Dr/Mr/Ms/Mrs/Mdm) NRIC: Name of School: Date of Birth: Telephone: (H) (M) Admission Year: Email: Address: Year of Graduation:

3. Details of Further Studies 4. Professional Information

Name of Institution Name of Course Qualification Type Year of Graduation Designation: (Honours, Degree etc) Nameof Company: Occupational Level Top Management Senior Management Mid-Management Professionally qualified, experienced specialists Executive / Officer / Associate Technicians Self-Employed Directors / Sole Proprietor / Partners Others, pls specify:

Awards/Scholarhips: 5. Involvement with SP

Please check the activities you would like to contribute to SP Professional Qualification Alumni Ambassador Industrial Attachment Programmes Speaking Engagement Mentor Fundraising Committee Advisor Others, pls specify:

Data Protection Statement All personal data submitted will be treated strictly with care and confidence. Such data include personal particulars and contact information. It will be used to facilitate the carrying out of activities by the Polytechnic as your alma mater. The personal data that we collect may also be shared with external parties where we are required by law to do so in order to fulfill statutory obligations. Please fold and glue the sides together before mailing

Fold here.

BUSINESS REPLY SERVICE PERMIT NO.08654

Singapore Polytechnic Alumni Relations Office 500 Dover Road Singapore 139651

Alumni Relations Office Singapore Polytechnic, InnoVillage 500 Dover Road, Singapore 139651 T: 6772 1342 | F: 6870 4616 alumni.sp.edu.sg | [email protected]