Graduation Giving SP Pendant · Supreme Lion Marketing Pte Ltd supremefloors.com.sg 31 December, 2013 15% off regular retail prices. Not valid with other promotions. SP Library -

ift that ives back

SP Alumni

mAgAzine JulYSn 36

A Bi-Annual Alumni Magazine

Graduation Giving SP Pendant+

A gift that gives back is priceless...to keep or to shareThe year so far has been fraught with challenges.As we acknowledge the difficulties others face, and 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.

02 SPecial Highlights

04 SPotlight

10 inSPiring Alumni

14 Around SP

16 SPectacular

20 aSPiring Alumni

22 SPlendid

26 Alumni Relations Office Info

foreword

contents

SN 36 July 2011 SP AlumNi mAgAziNe 1Disclaimer: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.

Graduation Giving SP Pendant

Contacts Valerie KohAlumni Communications ManagerAlumni Relations OfficeTel: 6772 1796Email: [email protected]

aSPire is produced bi-annually for the SP Alumni Relations Office by

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85 Playfair Road, #04-02 Tong Yuan Industrial BuildingSingapore 368000Tel (65) 6488 0150 l Fax (65) 6282 6706

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Members have their Special Privileges SP Alumni Card

20% discount on SP Library membership fees. Applicable to new members for first year annual fee and also applicable for subsequent membership renewals. 10% discount on ala carte items at the Food Haven Staff Centre Restaurant.Complimentary off-peak use of the gymnasium, Mondays to Saturdays, 1pm to 5pm.Access to Student Hub@Moberly.

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.

Access to running track at the Sports Complex. Discount on notebooks purchase (selected models).

Discount on products and services from STARBUCKS, POPULAR Bookstore, and many more!

For card application, information and latest updates on privileges, please refer to the alumni website at alumni.sp.edu.sg.

My Cup RunnethCoffee fans, take heart. There is now a perfect hangout for you at SP.

Part of the Kaffee Kultur Group, School of Coffee is the latest addition to the list of F&B facilities on-campus. The cafe’s selection of full-flavoured coffees uses a fine selection of coffee beans roasted daily in small batches by the Roast 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, andto improve coffee-related issues like beans storage and packaging methods, so as to prolong the shelf

ecial Highlights

Over with LOVElife of roasts. Ongoing research like food pairing (what coffee best compliment what food) is also conducted with the School of Chemical and Life Sciences students.

So, when your energy runs low, or when you just crave a hot aromatic cuppa, head on down to the new School of Coffee for an instant pick-me-up.

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.

SN 36 July 2011 SP AlumNi mAgAziNe 3

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

Absolutely Parents absolutelyparents.com 31 December, 201325% off educational print publications such as

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 Restaurant Pte Ltd

foodhaven.com.sg 31 December, 201310% off International

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.

POPULAR Bookstore popular.com.sg 30 September, 2011$4 off POPULAR 3-Year Adult Card Sign-up*

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.

STARBUCKS starbucks.com.sg 31 December, 2013

10% off all food and beverages. Not applicable for merchandise or whole beans.Discount valid only at Starbucks Singapore Polytechnic.

Stirring Hearts Pte Ltd stirringhearts.com.sg 31 December, 2013

10% off handmade greeting cards, notebooks, boxes and creative workshops. Valid at InnoVillage,

Singapore Polytechnic or online store www.StirringHearts.com.sg (use coupon code “spalumni”).

Supreme Lion Marketing Pte Ltd supremefloors.com.sg 31 December, 2013 15% off regular retail prices.

Not valid with other promotions.

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

Transinex Pte Ltd/SPICE Travel

transinex.com.sgspicetravel.com.sg

31 December, 2013

10% off for free & easy packages in Vietnam, Phuket, Bangkok,

India & other destinations.*Package 1

3D2N Free & Easy to Phuket, stay@Mercure Patong Phuket, from S$119/per person

*Package 23D2N 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.

otlight

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.

Graduation Giving Campaign A Gift that Counts


How to give?Make an online donation at glad2give.sp.edu.sg.

When you give, you also receive.All graduating students who donate to the Graduation Giving 2011 will be acknowledged on the Donors’ Roll at www.glad2give.sp.edu.sg.

Every donation – large or small – will empower SP to give the best to our students, who are our top priority. For more information, visit the Glad2Give website at glad2give.sp.edu.sg.

For further enquiries, please contact the Alumni Relations Office at 6772 1342 or email [email protected].

SP is extremely proud that 1,957 graduates made a tremendous difference to help their juniors by coming together with their generous contributions. As such, those who benefited from the

campaign now stand to realize their dreams and fulfill their potential. And those who contributed prove once again a strong and committed spirit of 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

Singapore’s first Polytechnic is adding yet another feather to its cap of achievements.

A first amongst all other polytechnics in Singapore, Singapore Polytechnic has collaborated with renowned jeweller, Lee Hwa Jewellery to design and produce an exquisite pendant, aptly named The SP Pendant, for the recognition of the SP Alumnus.

The SP Pendant will soon become a significant and treasured commemorative artifact for every SP graduate, now and for the years to come. Launched in April 2011, this year’s graduating students are the first batch of graduands to own this proud piece of the school’s history.

The SP Pendant is available in four fine and well-crafted designs, produced with SP Design School’s students Raffi’s and Siew Teng’s creative ingenuity, and lovingly finished in stately silver coated with white gold or Lee Hwa’s iconic Purple Gold*. The pendant comes in a handmade decorated box by young alumni start-up, Stirring Hearts.

All alumni can now place orders online at go.to/sppendant. Alumni can collect the pendants from the Alumni Relations Office located at InnoVillage, SP.

What’s more, with every purchase of the SP Pendant, you will be lending support to your juniors as nett sales for this pendant will go into the Student Support Fund, that helps needy students fulfill their education at SP with scholarships and bursaries.

Purple Pendant of PrideInaugural Launch of SP Pendant

otlight

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.

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].


*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 nettDreams Silver (Male) - $138 nettUnconditional Purple Gold (Female) - $238 nettDreams Purple Gold (Male) - $238 nett

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

iniring Alumni

Two great minds bring hope to fight life-threatening plague

Deemed moderately contagious, Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) has been roundly plaguing children, registering more than 28,000 cases in Singapore this yearalone, due largely to our dense population.

But because of the hard work of SP Alumnus and Lecturer Dr Tan Eng Lee, and the resourcefulness of another SP Alumnus Mr Paul Tan, in about nine months time, the world’s first HFMD Kit

will enable those infected (children and adults) to seek early treatment and alleviate worsening of their conditions.

Dr Tan designed and created this HFMD kit to detect enteroviruses, and able to simultaneously identifying the more fatal Enterovirus 71 (EV71) in 2 hours. It took him 2months to develop the kit, with substantial studies and research invested in the disease since 2003. Creating the kit was certainly no easy task.

“It was a challenge designing the kit as I had to consider the mutation rates of the enteroviruses while ensuring that sensitivity and specificity of the kit was not compromised. With this kit, young children’s lives won’t be put at risk with severe complications and would be able to lead life normally upon early detection,” says Dr Tan.

The detection kit soon caught the attention of US-based biomedical

organization, MP Biomedicals (MP Bio), whose Asia Pacific headquarters has Mr Paul Tan as their Vice President.

Working closely together, Dr Tan and Mr Paul Tan will be establishing an important partnership between SP and MP Biomedicals by linking two licensing agreements and with a memorandum-of-cooperation.

With this partnership, MP Biomedicals and SP’s

Milestones of Paul Tan

SP Alumnus Paul Tan graduated in 1978 with a Diploma in Electronic & Communication Engineering. He achieved a Bachelor of Business from RMIT University, Australia in 1989, and a MBA in International Management from RMIT University in 1998.

Since then, Paul has attained over 20 years of professional experience

in the medical devices and healthcare industry, holding various key appointments in Management, Sales & Marketing, and Quality Assurance & Regulatory Affairs.


Before joining MP Biomedicals, Paul spent 10 years with Siemens Medical Instruments, a division of Germany–based Siemens Medical Solutions, as Operations Manager taking charge of the hearing aids business in Indonesia with an annual turnover of US$40m. He then assumed the role of GM at The Laryngeal Mask Company Singapore, a unit of UK-based LMA International that specializes in making airway management devices for applications of anesthesia. During this stinct, Paul played an important role in listing the holding company on the Singapore Stock Exchange main board in 2005.

Paul joined MP Biomedicals in 2006 and is currently the Vice President and General Manager of MP Biomedicals Asia Pacific Pte Ltd, the Asia Pacific headquarters of US- based MP Biomedicals LLC, a recognized and established diagnostic and life sciencemultinational company.

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.

Technology Transfer and Enterprise Centre (TTEC) will collaborate on commercialising the detection kits in Singapore and Asia Pacific where HFMD is most prevalent. The kits will be manufactured locally, and are targeted to hit the markets in the near future. Each detection kit will sell for approximately S$13 to S$19.50 (US$10-15).

“The Dengue and HFMD detection tests developed by Singapore Polytechnic is a good strategic fit to our organization’s commitment to science discovery and improvement of human life. These highly sensitive molecular kits will help to detect the diseases quickly,

prevent outbreaks and save lives,” commented Thomas Stankovic, Senior VP & Chief Financial Officer, MP Biomedicals, LLC.

He further adds, “The income from the sales of these new products will be re-invested in our Singapore plant to further expand our manufacturing capacity, enhance our technological capabilities and R&D resources. We are delighted to partner with the Singapore Polytechnic’s R&D team to bring their innovations to the global market to benefit millions at risk of dengue and HFMD infections.”

iniring Alumni

Tales of TriumphMarcus Lim

When we talk about the local arts, Singapore Art Museum and National Museum immediately come to mind. These hardly relate to SP; but in 2010, a Shin Min Daily (新民日报) article reported a misnomer with the localized name of Balestier precinct by an artist. The artist turned out to be SP graduate, Marcus Lim.

Marcus graduated from SP in 1994, majoring in Electronics & Communication Engineering, and took the unconventional path of becoming an artist. With an

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 struggled as an artist with dwindling works and opportunities drying up. But the young artist was determined to persevere and trudged 32km daily from home to town seeking out gallery representations, and drinking water to fill his stomach.

Things changed for the better in 2004 when he found representation with a new gallery owner, Ms Glennery Besson, at Stamford House. In September that year, he was named one of Singapore’s emerging visual art talents in NEW FINDS 2004 exhibition at MICA Building.

Two years later, Marcus was invited to create a portrait for Venerable Ho Yuen Hoe, founder of the Man Fut Tong Nursing Home; and this painting had the honourof being unveiled by our President SR Nathan a year

"Marcus Lim, the first Singapore representative to the Internationl Portrait Artist Conference 2010, in Washington DC, in April 2010. He had the honour of meeting the internationally renowned portrait artist, Mr John Howard Sanden, during the Conference."


“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

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.

Around

Capturing Your Sweet Memories at SPFor newlyweds alumni Zhaoli and Li Ping, having their wedding photos taken on campus is a sweet and special way to commemorate their SP days.






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.

Coming to a SPace near you…The Green Appeal

ectacular


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 for the surrounding buildings.

The Sanctuary

The SanctuaryThe Sanctuary

ectacular

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.

Ramp Up The Action at SP, there is just no stopping the action


SP Aces go PlacesStudents make their marks

Singapore Polytechnic (SP) students continue to make their marks, winning prestigious scholarships, internships and accolades in the professional fields.

In 2010 alone, eight internship programmes were secured at the prestigious Harvard Medical School, Yale University and Stanford University, giving the SP students a taste and first hand experience of the demanding world-class academic rigour.

These internship opportunities are rare and serve as excellent training to prepare and equip the students involved with a strong academic foundation, analytical skills and practical experience.

SP alumnus Dr Jonathan Loh, currently on a research stint with the Harvard Medical School, is an A*Star scholar who also won the Young Scientist Award in 2009 is one such beneficiary of the rigourous SP program.

“An education in SP entails practical learning and problem solving; this has benefited me tremendously in my chosen field of scientific research. Over the years, though my work has grown in both scope

and sophistication, my SP training has remained the bedrock from which I approach issues that I encounter in research,” says Dr Loh, who has reaped many benefits from his SP education.

Daniel Poh, one of the two students in Harvard for their 10-week internship was personally mentored by Dr Loh. Mr Poh. an ITE graduate and Diploma in Biomedical Science (DBS) student, earned a rare internship with Children’s Hospital Boston, a top paediatric hospital in the United States with his excellent results.

Another DBS student Jaslyn Ng interned at Harvard Medical School’s Wyss Institute. Her mentor Dr Keith Pardee said, “Jaslyn worked on a diverse range of projects and demonstrated understanding and capability well beyond her years. She has done an excellent job of representing SP and we look forward to working more with SP in the future.”

These lauded achievements sync well with SP’s aim to nurture students to be work-ready, life-ready and world-ready.

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

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 Award for Social Contribution, and five other prestigious business awards.

a

iring Alumni

Just what the Doctor ordered Dr. Lin Min

Your best mate in Real Estate Patrick Liew

Lin Min has come a long way since his days at SP. He received a scholarship after graduation to study at University of Edinburgh in United Kingdom, and was admitted directly into the third year. As such he took only two years to complete his Bachelor of Engineering, eventually graduating with First-Class Honours. He then went on

to Cambridge on a scholarship and secured a PhD.

As a student in SP, Lin Min learnt important life skills such as determination to learn, ability to understand difficult concepts and willingness to embrace challenges. Being a class leader for three years greatly honed his organisational and people management skills.

He enjoyed helping classmates, and fondly remembers the sense of achievement when those tutored by him scored good grades. That spurred him to pursue an academic career and drove him to pursue his PhD.

Lin Min advises his juniors to be clear on what they aspire to be after graduating. They should ask themselves where they would like to do in the work force.

“Do not worry too much about not getting spotted in the lower layers of the industry chain as if you are talented, you will be spotted”, he said.

He encourages students to be proactive in engaging in activities outside their course curriculum as this gives a more holistic outlook on life. With the right opportunities, he encourages the Alumni to collaborate with industries on projects outsourced from outside the curriculum. Of course, this will mean more commitment from the students to work harder.

Being a grassroots leader, Patrick provides leadership and advice to many professional and charitable organizations. He actively supports humanitarian and


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 various departmental and poly-wide events like Annual Dinner & Dance and Commex (now known as Spinnovex).

The life skills he picked up in poly proved useful when he started work. As a Training Manager two years ago, he was able to tap on his SP experiences to manage his staff effectively.

Jamie thoroughly enjoyed his time in the poly, especially when organising events. The satisfaction he got when participants responded on how much they enjoyed the event and how they looked forward to the next event was, in his own words, “ priceless” .

Jamie advises his juniors to be focused and consistent as this provides a good strong foundation in their studies, and put them in good stead for their future goals, be it in university or the working world. He encourages them to actively engage in activities outside the curriculum to achieve a more holistic perspective. While knowledge is gotten through books and lessons, life skills can be gained from holding various roles in CCA. Striking a balance is therefore important.

As Jamie visits his alma mater, and as an alumnus who wants to contribute, he showed great interests while giving inspirational talks to students. He suggests that SP Alumni can look into organising talks on parenting skills and child coaching that can benefit first-time parents.

An Officer & a Superman Jamie Ng

philanthropic causes, and has organised three fund-raising events, which set three national records in the Singapore Books of Records Patrick still holds fond memories of his days in SP, recalling the care and concern of the lecturers who always had the students’ welfare at heart. His SP’s education cultivated a deep desire to continue his learning journey. He strongly believes that through learning one can improve, become wiser and more productive.

Believing that learning is the only true competitive advantage in business and in life, Patrick advises SP students to actively participate in activities outside their curriculum, which will provide them a more encompassing outlook in life, and allow them to

discover their niche and purpose in society. He says, “ The best way to live your life is to live your life for others. The more you reach out to bless other lives, the richer and better your life will become. To survive and succeed, one needs to constantly reinvent oneself i.e. commit to a lifelong process of learning, un-learning and re-learning.”

Patrick believes that the distinctive strength of SP is the legacy of the Alumni that cannot be copied by other polys. SP has a history of producing some of the finest leaders, entrepreneurs, and great minds; networking with them will help strengthen SP’ s branding and the quality of graduates that are produced.

lendid

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.

Mr Yeo shared with the audience on his experience in managing the hospital and how together with the doctors and staff, brought Thomson Medical Centre to become the largest and busiest private hospital for women and children in Singapore.

Mr Yeo spoke on how the Thomson Team’s mantra on “Special Delivery” i.e. service excellence initiatives, innovations and creative ideas, pushed Thomson

Medical Centre to its leadership position in the management of the healthcare needs of women and children.

After the talk and Q&A session, all guests were treated to a delicious buffet spread where they continued to mingle and network with one another.

Mr Yeo graduated in 1978 from the School of Architecture and the Built Environment (ABE) with a Technician Diploma in Architectural Draughtsmanship.

Venue: Multi-Purpose Event

Space 1, InnoVillage

Date: 21 January 2011, Friday

Speaker: Allan Yeo

Inspiring Alumni Speakers' Series Mr Allan Yeo

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 Series Talk - Business Golf for Networking on 4 April 2011 at InnoVillage, SP. Co-organised with the Singapore Polytechnic Entrepreneur’s Club, SP Alumnus and certified golf trainer, Mr Jonas Tan shared with the audience on some tips and techniques in golfing. Participants found out more about this interesting sport that is well liked by many top-notched CEOs and walked away with some advice on how to start boosting up their businesses while teeing off in a game of golf.

Mr Jonas Tan has been actively involved in the sport arena for the past 15 years at school and club level. His teaching has incorporated both children and adults in social and competitive levels. Renowned for his patience, Mr Tan has the ability to communicate with children in making it more enjoyable and also with adults in being able to relate the technical side of the game in simpler terms. Following the talk, Mr Tan gave a complimentary golf assessment session and participants received instant professional advice on their swing postures.


SPEC Chinese New Year LOHEI DINNER 2011

It was a night of festivities and appreciation on the 14 February 2011, when members of the Singapore Polytechnic Entrepreneur’s Club (SPEC) came together for their annual Lunar New Year gathering.

They raised cups, voices… and chopsticks for the traditional Lo-Hei, and celebrated with a festive Chinese New Year dinner. Held at Ah Yat Seafood Restaurant, this event saw many new and current SPEC members coming together to network and celebrate the generous contributions made by many of the SPEC members.

Since 2007, SPEC initiated a Scholarship Fund to support deserving and needy students for their education in SP. This is the organisation’s way of giving back to SP for the future alumni and in return, the SPEC members encourage the beneficiaries to return to their alma mater after graduation, and in turn make similar contributions back to SP.

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.

Aside from the provision and awarding of scholarships, SPEC members continue to work with SP’s Enterprise Centre to encourage and mentor young entrepreneurs, assisting in evaluating business plans under the Young Entrepreneurs Scheme for Start-ups (YES! Startups, funded by Spring Singapore).

Because this year’s Chinese New Year dinner coincided with Valentine’s Day, female members who graced the event received a small bouquet of roses, a box of chocolates and a handmade Valentine’s Day card.

The commemorative cards are worthy of special mention as they were designed and made by another of YES! Start-ups - Stirring Hearts. Some of these cards and board games from iheartboardgames – another YES! Start-up, were also sold at the event to raise funds for the SPEC Scholarships.

All in all, it was indeed a night of generous giving and joyful celebration for everyone who attended the event.

Paying it forward

Staying in touch

Contact Us

Don’t just return a kindness, spread it around.

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The process cannot be simpler: when someone does something nice for you, keep it going by doing good for another person. As an alumnus who has tasted the fruits of success, you too can help pave the way for the next generation of SP graduates, giving them the opportunity to excel as you did.

Your support will allow SP to continue giving deserving students and alumni a chance to realise their dreams and reach their fullest potentials.

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.

Your generous support will help fellow alumnus continue their education at local universities, current students to continue their studies at SP, encourage existing SP students to conduct research on ways to benefit society and many more ways. If you wish to make a difference today, you could do so at glad2give.sp.edu.sg.

Contact the SP Alumni Relations Office @InnoVillage, Singapore Polytechnic500 Dover Road Singapore 139651Tel: 6772 1342Fax: 6870 4616Email: [email protected]: alumni.sp.edu.sg

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Please fold and glue the sides together before mailing

Singapore PolytechnicAlumni Relations Office

500 Dover Road

Singapore 139651

PERMIT NO.08654BUSINESS REPLY SERVICE

Alumni Relations Office Singapore Polytechnic, InnoVillage

500 Dover Road, Singapore 139651T: 6772 1342 | F: 6870 4616

alumni.sp.edu.sg | [email protected]

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