20 GROUNDBREAKING FYPS 20 UNFORGETTABLE ALUMNI 20 BIRTHDAY WISHES - ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF

 
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20 GROUNDBREAKING FYPS 20 UNFORGETTABLE ALUMNI 20 BIRTHDAY WISHES - ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF
20 UNFORGETTABLE ALUMNI
                                                                                                     20 GROUNDBREAKING FYPS

                                                                                                     20 BIRTHDAY WISHES
                         VOL. 8 ISSUE I1 JAN – MAY 2012
ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF THE

                                                                                                                  Affix
                                                                                                                  stamp
                                                                                                                  here
                                                          Wee Kim Wee School
                                                          of Communication and Information
                                                          31 nanyang link, #04–43, wkwsci building
                                                          singapore 637718
20 GROUNDBREAKING FYPS 20 UNFORGETTABLE ALUMNI 20 BIRTHDAY WISHES - ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF
CONTENTS                                                                                                                                                                                                CHAIR’S MESSAGE

                                                                                                                                     A
                                                                                                                                              s this issue of ConnexSCIons goes to press, plans are well underway for the School’s
                                                                                                                                              20th Anniversary celebrations. On May 11th we will be hosting a special fundraising
                                                                                                                                              dinner at the Fairmont Hotel (some of you may be reading this in the ballroom).
                        CAMPUS    4	sojourning into pyongyang                                                                        The event has been designed to allow us to look back over the past two decades together
                                      Journalism students on landmark practicum bond over blackouts, freezing                        and appreciate the achievements of the School’s students, alumni and faculty. It will also give
                                      temperatures and bizarre episodes                                                              us the opportunity to honour the founding dean of the School, Prof Eddie C.Y. Kuo, and
                                  6	theatre with no sexual boundaries	                                                               support something that he is deeply committed to – fostering greater understanding through
                                      Daring play by WKWSCI alumnus and students rocks the Arts House with sold-out                  intercultural experience and communication. The can learn more about the study abroad
                                      performances                                                                                   scholarship in the magazine.
                                  7   cambodia calling
                                      New Regional Strategic Communication Management practicum encourages
                                                                                                                                     Current students and recent grads know that the school is highly supportive of international
                                      community awareness
                                                                                                                                     experiences and helps to promote them through student exchange and specialized courses
                                  8	WEE DID IT Again
                                      Students and alumni do the school proud once more
                                                                                                                                     that have an overseas component. This issue features stories on two of these courses. Students
                                                                                                                                     travelled well out of their comfort zones and into North Korea and rural Cambodia. In both
                                  10	study abroad scholarship launched
                                      Founding Dean Prof Eddie Kuo launches new scholarship at anniversary dinner                    locations students learned about worlds that are far removed from Singapore while developing
                                  11	gala dinner for 20th anniversary
                                                                                                                                     skills in journalism and strategic communication. The School’s endowment, the Wee Kim Wee
                                      Celebration marks two decades of “strong and steady progress”                                  legacy Fund in particular, makes these special courses possible.

                  COVER STORY     12   20 years and beyond                                                                           We will continue to run these courses and expand the offerings to include more students.
                                       Trailblazing spirit continues to be secret of WKWSCI’s ground-breaking growth                 To do so, the full subsidy will have to be reduced, and students participating will share the
                                                                                                                                     costs. To ensure that all qualified students are eligible regardless of their means, travel
                         ALUMNI   22   20 alumni who left their mark                                                                 bursaries will be available on a needs basis. We also hope to involve alumni more in the
                                       In honour of our anniversary, ConnexSCIons features 20 alumni who have left an                trips, so be on the lookout for news of your former classmates in upcoming stories on
                                       indelible impression on professors and peers with their idealism, professionalism             GO-FAR and other courses with overseas components.
                                       and, yes, humour
                                                                                                                                     Speaking of alumni, we have a lot of news about them in this special 20th
                                                                                                                                     Anniversary issue. As the School continues to mature and the ranks of our alumni
                                                                                                                                     grow, we expect to hear more back from more of you. Please take the time to
                                                                                                                                     drop us a line when you have something of interest to report. You can use the
                                                                                                                                     ConnexSCIons email address on the previous page, or just write to me. I am always
ON THE COVER                                                                                                                         happy to hear from former students.
In celebration of the 20th
anniversary of WKWSCI,                                                                                                               Not only do we like to hear from our alumni, but we like to see you, too. So we are
the design team chose a                                                                                                              planning a special event next academic year to launch the Newsplex-Asia, an integrated
visual of a sign post against                                                                                                        multi-media news facility that will help our students and faculty keep up with the latest
the backdrop of a blue sky.                                                                                                          trends in digital media production. The exact date has yet to be determined (probably
The signpost speaks of the                                                                                                           sometime around the mid-autumn festival), but it will be on a Saturday afternoon so that
crossroads where the school                                                                                                          as many alumni as possible can come to NTU and see the changes in the WKW School
                                  WRITING TEAM                                 DESIGN TEAM
now stands, while the blue                                                                                                           and meet up with old friends. We are planning a number of activities including a
                                  Basu Roy Jayanti, Chow Aiyan, Eng Jing Ci    Eufratia Raissa Mandhela, Hemma d/o
sky represents optimistic                                                                                                            barbeque, and it should be a lot of fun.
                                  Dawn, Hu Huiyi, Kelly Koo Min Rui, Kwang     Balakrishnan, Lim Pei Yi, Neo Chin Ding,
growth and boundless
                                  Shu Wen, Lee Shi Jun Derrick, Ng Jun Feng,   Seet Kwang Jen, Yap Ee Ping Jodee
dreams for the future.
                                  Ngeng Shu Wen, Alex Lim Zheng Rong,                                                                Finally, I would like to express my appreciation to the ConnexSCIons
  – Eufratia Raissa Mandhela
                                  Amellia bte Abdul Razak                                                                            team for adopting an accelerated production schedule in order to get
          and Seet Kwang Jen
                                                                                                                                     the magazine out in time for the 20th Anniversary dinner. As usual,
                                                                                                                                     the students have done a very nice job, and I am sure they have learned      Benjamin H. Detenber
ADVISORS                          SPECIAL THANKS TO                              E-mail us your news to include in the next issue:
                                                                                 connexscions@ntu.edu.sg                             a lot about communication and media production. I am sure you                           Chair
Dr Yeoh Kok Cheow, Ms Juleen      Dr Benjamin Detenber, Dr Lee Chun
                                                                                                                                     will enjoy the fruits of their labour.
Shaw, Mr Christopher Yaw          Wah, Ms Lena Ow

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20 GROUNDBREAKING FYPS 20 UNFORGETTABLE ALUMNI 20 BIRTHDAY WISHES - ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF
CAMPUS

                                                                                                                                        much extravagance in a country with a meagre GDP
                                                                                                                                        was stunning.
                                                                                                                                             “You’d be surprised at how much North Korea tries
                                                                                                                                        to give off this perfect image, from multi-talented,
                                                                                                                                        plastic-smiled kindergarten kids to chandeliered ceilings
                                                                                                                                        in libraries and subway stations. For a country so poor,
                                                                                                                                        it’s amazing and shocking at the same time how they
                                                                                                                                        prioritise the flow of money,” Jieying observed.
                                                                                                                                             She has a new appreciation for the comfort of
                                                                                                                                        Singapore—how lucky we are to not have the frequent
                                                                                                                                        blackouts and desolate lands of North Korea.
                                                                                                                                             While she was in Pyongyang, Jieying was also
                                                                                                                                        unable to shake off the feeling of being watched.
                                                                                                                                             “There’s this talk about hidden cameras behind
                                                                                                                                        mirrors in the room and that possibility got some of us

Sojourning into                                                                                                                         a little paranoid,” she admitted.
                                                                                                                                             That was not the only “creepy” feeling the students
                                                                                                                                        had during the week-long visit. Even a visit with
                                                                                                                                                                                                        A soldier paying respects at the site where the 1953 Armistice ending the Korean
                                                                                                                                                                                                        War was signed

Pyongyang                                                                                                          by Amellia Razak
                                                                                                                                        kindergarten children gave the group chills, as the
                                                                                                                                        entire visit had an air of being overly staged and
                                                                                                                                        carefully executed.
                                                                                                                                             Elizabeth recalled their visit to a school where dead
Journalism students on a landmark practicum bond over                                                                                   animals stuffed with cotton lined the corridors.
blackouts, freezing temperatures and bizarre episodes                                                                                        “The teacher had a long stick which she would
                                                                                                                                        use to point at animals and the kids would shout their

            W
                                                                                                                                        names, or point at the animals to answer the question.
                        hen a group of final-year students won             herself, “Thank goodness we went there earlier. If not       Since I was one of the photographers, I was standing
                        the chance to visit North Korea for a              I’d be really annoyed.”                                      quite near the front and the next thing I knew, a kid
                        week last December for their Short                     The Straits Times ran a special feature on the group’s   was grabbing me and shoving the stick into my hand!”
            Overseas Journalism (SOJOURN) module, they                     visit to Asia’s famously hermitic nation.                         While the children put on a performance for their
            never imagined that the most newsworthy event                      “Honestly, it was very, very humbling,” said             visitors, they appeared to be capable of “turning on you
            would take place after they left. Eight days after they        Elizabeth. “When you look at the other names in the          fast”, Elizabeth observed.
            departed Pyongyang, North Korea’s supreme leader               newspaper, you know these people work hard for their              “One minute they’re welcoming you at the top of
            Kim Jung Il passed away.                                       bylines, but all we did was be at the right place at the     their lungs and the next, they’re laughing loudly at you
               When the country’s gates closed to the outside              right time, with the right person.”                                                                                          The brightly lit Pyongyang railway station at night
                                                                                                                                        for not knowing what ‘hedgehog’ is in Korean.”
            world, final-year student Elizabeth Law thought to                 Each year, the journalism faculty allows a select             Regardless, stepping into a land steeped in history gave
                                                                           few to venture overseas for its SOJOURN programme.           the group many learning points. North Korea is a cultural
                                                                           Supported by the Wee Kim Wee Legacy Fund, the                goldmine that outside eyes try hard to peek into.
                                                                           programme was created to give students the opportunity            The group visited the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ)
                                                                           to hone their journalism skills in an environment            in Panmunjeom, even stopping at Mangyongdae, the
                                                                           unlike home.                                                 birth town of Eternal Leader Kim Il-Sung.
                                                                               For the group of 16 final-year students on the                For the group, those precious few days will remain
                                                                           practicum, being so close to an event that had a great       with them for a long time, not just because of the
                                                                           impact on foreign relations between East and West had        bizarre behaviour of the children, or the North Koreans’
                                                                           more personal implications.                                  obeisance to their leaders, but rather, because of the
                                                                               Despite the freezing temperatures, Elizabeth counted     bond the students developed with one another.
                                                                           herself lucky to have walked the streets of Pyongyang.            “We were not allowed any gadgets other than our
                                                                               “It was about zero degrees and even though the           cameras and we didn’t have the chance to be plugged
                                                                           walk was supposed to take only 45 minutes, we took           in (to the computer) or use our phones,” Jieying said,
                                                                           nearly two hours and by the end of it, I could barely feel   adding that as they only had each other for company
             Supervisor Ms Hedwig Alfred (centre) giving a briefing on the my face,” she said.                                          and entertainment, “I think the bunch of us grew from
             bus                                                               To fourth-year student Foo Jieying, the sight of so      strangers to pretty good friends in a week”. C                  The Sojourn team taking a photo with kindergarten children

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20 GROUNDBREAKING FYPS 20 UNFORGETTABLE ALUMNI 20 BIRTHDAY WISHES - ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF
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                                                             Theatre with
                                                             no sexual                                                           Cambodia
                                                             boundaries                                                          Calling                                            By Darius Zheng

                                                                                                            By Kwang Shu Wen     New Regional Strategic Communication Management
                                                                                                                                 practicum encourages community awareness

                                                                                                                                 W
            Daring play by WKWSCI alumnus and students rocks the Arts House with                                                              hile most students spent their one-week         departments in various companies. The students hope               Patients in
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Oudong Referral
            sold-out performances                                                                                                             mid-semester break in February revising,        to see the module culminate in an exhibition slated to
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Hospital do not

            A
                                                                                                                                              or travelling if they were lucky, a group of    take place in May at the Arts House.
                      bold original play, “F’Friends” (you can decide       Behind the Scenes                                    second-year students chose to spend theirs on an eye-            “Within and outside school, there are really not
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                have the benefit of
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                proper sanitation,
                      what “F” means), which ran at The Arts House
                      Play Den from 18 to 21 January this year,
                                                                            with “Samantha”                                      opening trip to aid Cambodian villagers who have little      many socially-relevant classes available. For students            to the concern of
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                family members
                                                                                                                                 access to safe water and proper sanitation.                  wanting to deviate from the typical corporate track, this
            turned out to be a roaring success for its playwright-      Year 3 student Quek Huiying, who played                                                                                                                                                 such as Ms Ouk
                                                                                                                                     The 12 WKWSCI students travelled to rural                is an option for them,” said Asst Prof Fernando. It was a
                                                                        Samantha in “F’Friends”, had a tough time juggling                                                                                                                                      Rathana (above)
            cum-director, WKWSCI alumnus Jocelyn Chua, and                                                                       Cambodia with instructors Mr Tim Clark and                   win-win situation for the school as well as Lien AID.
            her young cast.                                             rehearsals, school commitments and her internship        Assistant Professor Fernando De La Cruz Paragas as               The organisation’s Senior Manager, Lim Chee Leong
                                                                        at the same time. But she did it, because theatre is
                Four out of five of the shows were sold out.                                                                     part of a newly minted overseas module­—Regional             said, “At Lien AID, we believe in the need to increase
                                                                        one passion that she cannot give up.
                Wittily pieced together, the production was a               Her role of Samantha was not an easy one.            Strategic Communication Management. The trip was             public awareness of the need for proper water and
            brave attempt at “untamed and uncut” theatre by this            “I am not like Samantha!” remarked Huiying,          made possible by a partnership with Singapore-based          sanitation hygiene, which remains a pertinent problem
            collective, a young arts company set up by Jocelyn.         who described Samantha as “ah-lian”. A                   non-governmental organisation (NGO) Lien Alliance            today in areas such as Cambodia, China and Vietnam.”
                The scenes in the play were set in HDB flats all over   dominating and manipulative character, Samantha          for International Development (Lien AID).                        He added, “It has been a great experience working with
            Singapore and delved into complicated love, as well as      nevertheless secretly possessed a soft heart.
                                                                                                                                     The new module aims to provide students with an          the school for this trip to visit our project sites. We hope to
                                                                            The role was a physically demanding one, as
            lusty and awkward relationships among six couples.          Huiying and her partner had to practise their            experiential learning opportunity to study the nuances       further increase this form of community consciousness of
                Jocelyn, who graduated from WKWSCI in 2006,             blocking on stage multiple times in order to             and intricacies of communication issues faced by non-        the public via more partnerships in future.” C
            had specialised in Broadcast and Cinema Studies.            perfect the scene. In one instance, they had to          profit organisations. Through the module, the school
            She wrote and directed the 2004 staging of Paparazzi,       fling objects at each other.                             aims to bring community awareness into the classroom
            an annual WKWSCI theatre production.                            “We had to be careful not to hurt each other         to develop socially-mindful and well-rounded students.
                                                                        but yet come across as convincing,” Huiying
                Despite the inexperience of the young cast in                                                                        Students on the 10-day trip travelled to Lien
                                                                        recalled.
            “F’Friends”, three of whom are current WKWSCI                   Praise from the audience made all the effort         AID’s project sites in Cambodia’s Kampong Speu and
            students, Jocelyn was impressed by their performance                                                                 Kampong Chhnang provinces, where they visited                                                                                  Students
                                                                        and rehearsals worthwhile.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                interviewing staff
            level and professional attitude.                                “It was heartening to see our hard work being        referral hospitals and a health centre. They also visited                                                                      in a provincial
                Indeed the audience was visibly moved by the            rewarded by the applause during curtain call, along      Asia’s largest freshwater lake, the Ton Le Sap, where                                                                          hospital, to gather
            marvellously daring performances of the young cast.         with good feedback and reviews from friends
                                                                                                                                 they spoke to families in the floating communities who                                                                         information on
                                                                        who had come down to support me,” she said
                Kenneth Kwok, an arts reviewer for The Inkpot           happily. “I remember one of my friends texting me:       face issues of access to safe water and proper sanitation.                                                                     local sanitary
            Reviews (a theatre and dance online review website)                                                                      “It is such a different experience as compared                                                                             issues
                                                                        ‘Please continue acting!’ I believe these are the best
            said of the production, “I’m excited. We are now seeing     indicators of my performance.”                           to touring in developed countries,” observed Year 2
            more and more young people coming out of theatre or             The cast remained close even after the               student Tay Qiao Wei. “It was honestly quite an eye-
            literature courses in JCs, polytechnics and universities    production ended. “I find it cool to be able             opener for me. I’m thankful for this opportunity given
                                                                        to save people’s contacts in my phone and
            saying, Hey, let’s rent a space and put on a play.”                                                                  for us to interact with the unfortunate and know more                                                                          Course instructor
                                                                        categorise them as ‘F’Friends’! It kind of seals the
                The review highlighted the excellent performances       bond,” Huiying siad with a grin.                         about their lives.”                                                                                                            Asst Prof Paragas
            of all three WKWSCI students in the cast.                       Hoping to participate more widely in the local           At the end of the module, students were required to                                                                        (left) running
                “It is important to remember that for quite a few       arts scene, she added, “We can’t buy happiness,                                                                                                                                         through the
                                                                                                                                 assemble the stories they had documented—in the form
                                                                        but we have the right to chase our dreams, and                                                                                                                                          itinerary with Lien
            of them, this is their professional stage debut. Best in                                                             of photography, videos and words—to develop possible                                                                           AID Cambodia
            show: Willy Beh, Quek Hui Ying ad Marcus Yew and            that’s kind of the same thing.” C                        collaterals to pitch the aims of NGOs to potential                                                                             Deputy Manager
            especially Ellison Tan, “ wrote Kwok.                                                                                donors such as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)                                                                           Sopheak Sim

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20 GROUNDBREAKING FYPS 20 UNFORGETTABLE ALUMNI 20 BIRTHDAY WISHES - ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF
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    WEE DID IT AGAIN
    ConnexSCIons congratulates our talented new batch of award winners
                                                                                                                   By Dawn Eng

                                                                                                                                      CROWBAR BRONZE AWARD                                             NFFTY INTERNATIONAL SHOWCASE
                                                                                                                                                                                                                 SELECTION
                                                                                                                                          Chiang Wei Liang                                                         Tay Lide

                                                                                                                                 T                                                              W
                                                                                                                                          he Crowbar Awards is a recognised means for                        hen Tay Lide first heard about his group’s
                                                                                                                                          the winner to get a foothold in the competitive                    film, “Bukit Chandu”, making it into the
                                                                                                                                          advertising industry. But Bronze Award winner                      official selection under the International
                                                                                                                                 Chiang Wei Liang did not care about all that.                  Showcase at the National Film Festival for Talented
                                                                                                                                     To him, film making is not about the end result,           Youth (NFFTY) 2011 in Seattle, he was stunned.
                                                                                                                                     but the process and people behind it. “If making               At the point of their win, his team, comprising
                                                                                                                                     films is a way of generating publicity, good grades            Elizabeth Lee, Maryam Mokhtar, Pedro Shiu,
                                                                                                                                 or popularity for yourself, you really undermine the               Chiang Wei Liang and himself, had only picked up
                   SINGAPORE SHORT FILM                                                                                          spirit of film making, which is just story telling,” he said   film studies for less than a year, each with only about
                                                                                    EYEKA AWARD
                   AWARDS NOMINATIONS                                                                                            in a phone interview from Taipei, Taiwan, where he is          three short films under their belts.
                        Audrey Woon                                                   Benny Lim                                  currently working on his FYP.                                      They were “as clueless as most students were”,
                                                                                                                                     His winning film “8MMTPE”, which refers to                 confessed Lide, whose team used fellow hall residents
                                                                                                                                 the film format 8mm, was shot when he was a Year 2             and friends as their talents and make-up artistes.

            D                                                        E
                                                                                                                                 student on an exchange trip to Taiwan.                             Having botched an attempt at using wireless
                      espite their last-minute submission, Audrey            yeka award winner Benny Lim attributes his win          “I first met (director) Arvin (Chen) on exchange,”         microphones for the audio for the film, the group
                      Woon and her group members Jeanette Lim,               to all of the members of his team: Lisa Tan, Ou     said Wei Liang. “I sent him a long e-mail after I watched      had to resort to using ADR (Automated Dialogue
                      Yap Junhua and Wallace Woon had their                  Xin Ying and Edwin Lim. “Perseverance and           one of his films, asking him what it was like to shoot in      Replacement) to re-record the dialogue and dub it over
            film nominated for best documentary, best editing        team spirit are the key to ensuring that a film shoot       Taiwan, and we subsequently met up. I was touched by           their visuals, costing them many extra hours of labour.
            and best cinematography in the Singapore Short Film      runs smoothly,” he said.                                    how a renowned director like himself took the time to              With all their difficulties, the group did not hold
            Awards (SSFA).                                               The film is about a girl missing her home in the days   answer my amateur questions, and even paid for our             out high hopes for their war film. “Bukit Chandu”,
                Their film centres around the conversations that     before she goes to study in the US. “Lisa is an awesome     meal. Veterans here give young people like us a real           a fictional story, was based on the real-life Bukit
                Bangladeshi workers have with their families, and    director who always had the film’s vision in her            chance to develop and show our talents.”                       Chandu story. The group was inspired to portray
                seeks to show how these foreign workers have loved   mind,” said Benny. Not forgetting the rest of the team,         For his winning film, he took elements of films he         “a proud piece of our heritage, and also a constant
            ones back home that they are working hard for.           he added, “Edwin is an excellent DOP who was a              admired and experimented on them. “I’d like to think of        reminder of our needs as a fledgling nation: that we
                “Hopefully the audience will be urged to look        steadying presence in the production. Oxy (Xin Ying)        my film as an homage to my favorite directors,” he said.       alone will defend ourselves in times of war”.
            further than the stigma that society creates around      is a terrific sound recordist who did her job efficiently   His film, about a man who photographs Taipei, seems to             “We had to watch a lot of reference films to get a
            these Bangladeshi construction workers who are, in       and effectively. The production assistants were amazing     have been inspired by his own love for a city he described     better idea of what had to be done in order to make the
            fact, lonely in a foreign country,” said the group.      in going the extra mile for us too.”                        as “magical”. “When I have time I just cycle around and        story compelling,” said Lide.
                Securing filming locations was tough. “We called         His team stuck together through the inevitable          look at things—there are so many stories here,” he said.           “It was our first selection for a film festival, and
            up dorm after dorm and even made a trip down to          difficulties they faced, including trouble with securing        “8MMTPE” was also selected for the National Film           understandably, that was the hugest achievement in
            Kaki Bukit and got turned down at the door,” said        locations and holding auditions.                            Festival for Talented Youth (NFFTY) 2011 in Seattle,           my life,” he added with pride. “The fact that I was on
            Audrey. But their “why-not?” attitude finally won            Their collaborative efforts paid off in the end, and,   USA, in addition to another film collaboration he did          exchange in Seattle and was able to attend the festival
            through.                                                 in Benny’s own words, “It was a great morale booster.”      with fellow WKWSCI students entitled “Bukit Chandu”.           in person was the cherry on top!” C

8   CONNEXSCIONS                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   CONNEXSCIONS   9
20 GROUNDBREAKING FYPS 20 UNFORGETTABLE ALUMNI 20 BIRTHDAY WISHES - ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF
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study abroad
                                                                                                                                            C: Can you describe the bond you share with                        C: How do you think this scholarship will improve the
                                                                                                                                            the school that inspired you to launch the                         world view of WKW students?
                                                                                                                                            scholarship?                                                       EK: One cannot deny that effective and fruitful

scholarship                                                                                                                                 EK: WKWSCI is my baby. It is my brainchild. Ever
                                                                                                                                            since it was founded, I have watched this school
                                                                                                                                                                                                               communication can only be achieved through
                                                                                                                                                                                                               discourse and a diverse pool of ideas contributed by

launched
                                                                                                                                            grow and prosper over the years. It has evolved with               people from different parts of the world. Students
                                                                                                                                            changing times. People have come and gone, but the                 who will use my scholarship to study abroad will have
                                                                                                                                            infectious spirit of the learning environment in this              transformed to an all-new individual with enriched
                                                                                                                                            school has remained intact. An eagerness to imbibe                 views on several issues and be a very successful
Founding Dean Prof Eddie Kuo launches new                                                                                                   newer values while striving to achieve in every                    conversationalist.
scholarship at anniversary dinner By Jayanti Basu Roy                                                                                       endeavour is the mantra of this school. I just wanted                  Students will now be incentivised to work harder if
                                                                                                                                            to take a step forward and extend my affection for the             they aspire to be awarded this scholarship. Once they have
                                                                                                                                            school and my zeal in the field of communications                  returned from exchange and are global citizens, they will
                                                                                                                                                                                                               be prepared to face the world and overcome all obstacles. C

             T
                                                                                                                                            through this scholarship.
                     he launch of the new and anticipated Professor              Prof Kuo, who is Professor Emeritus and Founding
                     Eddie C.Y. Kuo Study Abroad Scholarship is              Dean of WKWSCI, is a global educator who has carved
                     one of the highlights of the WKWSCI 20th                a niche for himself as a reputed academic and policy
             Anniversary Dinner on 11 May 2012.
                 The scholarship is aimed at maximising the potential
             of students who believe in the power of communication
                                                                             maker. He continues to teach and share his knowledge and
                                                                             experiences with new generations of students in WKWSCI.
                                                                                 In a conversation with ConnexSCIons, Prof Kuo
                                                                                                                                            GALA DINNER FOR
             across cultural barriers. Through his philanthrophy, Prof       revealed more about the scholarship and his affection
             Kuo hopes that more students will gain valuable experience      for a school that is his “baby”.                                                                                                                                                                    By Amellia Razak
             from exchange programmes both within Asia and beyond.                                                                          Celebrating 20 years of nurturing excellence within and beyond

                                                                                                                                            C
                                                                             ConnexSCIons: What is the inspiration behind the
                                                                                                                                                     elebrating WKWSCI’s 20th anniversary is a                     WKWSCI Chair, Associate Professor Benjamin
                                                                             Professor Eddie C.Y. Kuo Study Abroad Scholarship?
                                                                                                                                                     grand gala dinner on 11 May. To be held at                Detenber, described the progress of the school as “steady
                                                                             EK: In the past few years, I have made regular
                                                                                                                                                     Fairmont Hotel, the dinner is expected to have            and strong” due to the dedication and hard work of faculty,
                                                                             contributions to the WKW Legacy Fund. In late 2011, I
                                                                                                                                            450 guests, including faculty, staff and alumni.                   staff and students.
                                                                             offered to donate a sum of $10,000 to the Legacy Fund in
                                                                                                                                                The event will be graced by the family of the late President       “I believe our alumni will make their mark not just in
                                                                             support of a student scholarship. However as the Legacy
                                                                                                                                            Wee Kim Wee as special guests.                                     media industries, but in other sectors as well,” he predicted.
                                                                             Fund is not a directed fund, there is little that the school
                                                                                                                                                A highlight of the dinner would be the launch                      These very alumni will converge at the gala dinner
                                                                             can do to ensure the perpetuity of this scholarship. With
                                                                                                                                            of the Professor Eddie C.Y. Kuo Study Abroad                       on May 11 to join in the anniversary celebrations.
                                                                             further consideration, it was agreed that it is high time
                                                                                                                                            Scholarship. Named after the Professor Emeritus and                Seats will be on sale from April onwards. If you are
                                                                             that a named endowed scholarship is passed.
                                                                                                                                            Founding Dean of the school, the scholarship is being              interested in attending the dinner or organising a table
                                                                                                                                            launched to realise Prof Kuo’s vision of nurturing top             for your alumni mates, please call 6790-4577 or e-mail
                                                                             C: How will the beneficiaries qualify and what will
                                                                                                                                            communication and information students through                     WKWSCI20ANNIV@ntu.edu.sg. C
                                                                             they receive?
                                                                                                                                            overseas exchange programmes.
                                                                             EK: The first scholarship will likely be awarded in
                                                                                                                                                Providing entertainment will be our own alumnus,
                                                                             AY2013/2014. Students who aspire to be awarded this
                                                                                                                                            singer Tay Kewei, from the class of 2006. In addition,
                                                                             scholarship must demonstrate above average academic
                                                                                                                                            there will be a silent auction, featuring unusual and
                                                                             performance (Cumulative Grade Point Average should
                                                                                                                                            interesting items contributed by faculty, staff, and
                                                                             exceed 4.0). A passion to learn and interact with people all
                                                                                                                                            donors. This includes a manual typewriter from the
                                                                             over the world coupled with teamwork and leadership skills
                                                                                                                                            1960s donated by Founding Dean Professor Eddie
                                                                             will help one to qualify for this prestigious scholarship.
                                                                                                                                            Kuo, and a hanfu (traditional Chinese robe from the                                                                                 Dr K. C. Yeoh
                                                                              This is an endowed scholarship that has long-term
                                                                                                                                            pre-Ching dynasty) specially designed by Assistant                                                                                  with the hanfu he
                                                                             benefits to the students as the income from the yearly                                                                                                                                             designed specially
                                                                                                                                            Professor K.C. Yeoh. All profits from the auction and
                                                                             distribution derived from the principal sum can be used                                                                                                                                            for the silent
                                                                                                                                            table sales will go towards the scholarship.
                                                                             to support annual award of the scholarship. A one-time                                                                                                                                             auction at the
                                                                                                                                                In addition, students and faculty will be putting up                                                                            20th Anniversary
                                                                             donation would have supported only a one-time award.
                                                                                                                                            key pieces of their works from overseas programmes                                                                                  dinner
                                                                             Endowed scholarships also receive higher Government
                                                                                                                                            such as Go-far, Sojourn, ISCM (International Strategic
             Prof Kuo believes that a student who has been on an             matching, thus enhancing the impact of the gift.
             overseas exchange will have “enriched views on several issues                                                                  Communication Management), and RSCM (Regional
             and be a very successful conversationalist”                                                                                    Strategic Communication Management).

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                                                                                years
                                                                                and beyond
                                            Even as WKWSCI celebrates its 20th anniversary, the
                                            school’s trailblazing spirit continues to be the secret behind its
                                            ground-breaking growth                             By Alex Lim, Hu Huiyi and Kelly Koo

                    T
                            hink of a 20-year-old and a picture of youth and promise springs to mind. It is the age where, on the one
                            hand, idealism still leads, and on the other hand, exuberance has been tempered by experience.
                             This is the very picture of the Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information (WKWSCI) as
                    she celebrates her 20th anniversary. Faculty, donors, alumni, students and well wishers come together this year to
                    mark the coming of age of a school that has been a pioneer of sorts from its very inception.
                       From a tentative newcomer to the academic landscape of 1980s Singapore to a world-class school today, the
                    Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information has had a history peppered with pioneering stories.
                    This trailblazing spirit continues to be the secret behind our ground-breaking growth.

                                                                                                                                        n and Information
                                                                                Staff and faculty of Wee Kim Wee School of Communicatio
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                                                                                                                            2012
              A Pioneering Spirit                                                                 2010                   Celebrates                          student numbers over the span of three years, Professor
                                                                                                                                                             Kuo and his team decided to construct a building that
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   THE WEE KIM WEE
                                                                                              Hosts the 60th               its 20th
              “Go west!” is the iconic call of pioneers, and western
                                                                                           Annual Conference             anniversary
              Singapore (Jurong, to be specific) was literally where                                                                                         would serve as an intimate and personal space for this
              our fledgling school, with its pioneer communications
                                                                                           of the International
                                                                                             Communication
                                                                                                Association          2007
                                                                                                                                                             burgeoning community. Indeed, that marked the birth                    LEGACY FUND
              programme, was staked out and set up.                                                                                                          of the “benches”.
                                                                                                                    Hosts the                                                                                                 Wee Kim Wee is more than one of the Presidents of Singapore—
                                                                                                                                                                 On May 10, 1997, then Minister for Information
                   But the school as we know it almost did not come              2006                              first World                                                                                                he was a diplomat, the ex-chairman for MediaCorps’ precursor,
              about.                                                          Officially named                     Journalism                                and the Arts, Mr George Yeo, officiated at the grand             the Singapore Broadcasting Centre (SBC), and above all, a
                                                                                                                    Education
                   In 1980s Singapore, the field of Communication              the Wee Kim
                                                                                                                    Congress                                 opening of the SCS building. For the four-year-old               journalist. His roots as a journalist moulded him to be a valuable
                                                                               Wee School of
              Studies was as yet unchartered territory. The first Mass        Communication          2004                                                    school—an infant compared to the rest of its older NTU           diplomat and an irreplaceable President in every Singaporean’s
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              heart and mind.
              Communications programme was launched in the                    and Information      Establishes                                               siblings—this was a magnificent and unforgettable
              National University of Singapore (NUS) as more of a
                                                                                                  the Singapore         2001                                 event.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  The Wee Kim Wee Legacy Fund provides students
                                                                                                    Internet            Becomes                                                                                               with a chance to pursue a vibrant and holistic education in
              department overseeing an enrichment programme.                                        Research         the School of                               The SCS was the first school in NTU to have a                communication studies, by enabling many students to engage
                                                                                                     Centre         Communication                            building of its own, and this building continues to be a
                   In 1987, Communication Studies became a subject                                                                                                                                                            in enriching programmes. These opportunities enable them to
                                                                                                                          and
              in the Bachelor of Arts programme at NUS. Finally, in                                                   Information
                                                                                                                                                             source of gratification for Professor Kuo, who counts its        experience first-hand the many intricacies of communication
              1993, the School of Communication Studies (SCS) in                  1999                  2000                                                 construction as one of the wiser decisions he made with          studies and the impact it has on society.
                                                                                                         Hosts                                                                                                                    Some of the initiatives of the Wee Kim Wee Legacy Fund are:
              Nanyang Technological University (NTU) was born,                   Graduates                                                                   his team.
                                                                                its first PhD          the global
                                                                                                                                                                 It is “a building our students are proud of and that
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              SOJOURN
              headed by its founding Dean, Professor Eddie Kuo.                   candidate          IAMCR 2000
                   The initial plan was to set up a School of Journalism.                             conference                                             gives them identity”, he said with paternal pride.
              Then-President of NTU, Professor Cham Tao Soon,                        1997                            1998
              was astute in his delegation of the responsibility of this             Graduates
                                                                                                                    Graduates                                What’s in a Name?                                                The Short Overseas Journalism practicum exposes students to
                                                                                   the first class                                                                                                                            the experience of reporting in an overseas environment. Students
              new school to Professor Kuo.                                      of undergraduate                   the first class                           Three name changes marked the three milestones that
                                                                                                                    of Masters                                                                                                are tasked to be a translator for readers— to translate the sights
                   Having previously been Head of Sociology at NUS,                students who                                                              reflected the changing landscape of the school.                  and sounds of a culturally diverse and different country into
                                                                                  completed the                      students
              Professor Kuo had established himself as a distinguished                                                                                           The School of Communication Studies (SCS) was                succinct articles to titillate readers’ minds. This programme is
                                                                                school’s four-year
              scholar in the fields of Sociolinguistics and Media.                                                                                           changed to School of Communication and Information
                                                                                 honours degree
                                                                                                         1996                                                                                                                 also fully sponsored by the Legacy Fund to ensure that worthy
                   After analysing the increasingly vital role that                 curriculum
                                                                                                       Moves into a                                          (SCI) a year after the Division of Information Studies was       students are able to take advantage of the opportunity without
                                                                                                    new $22.6 million                                        added, to emphasise the school’s increasing IT slant.            financial concern.
              Communications plays in various industries and
              the lack of human resources in this arena, Professor
                                                                              1994                 building housing the
                                                                                                                                                                 On December 5, 2006, SCI was renamed Wee Kim
                                                                             Launches             latest in print, audio/
                                                                                                                                                             Wee School of Communication and Information in
              Kuo chose to expand the school’s field to cover
              Communication Studies as a whole rather than narrow
                                                                            The Nanyang
                                                                             Chronicle
                                                                                                     video, photo and
                                                                                                        multimedia                                           honour of the late beloved President of Singapore, who
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              WEE KIM WEE
              its focus to just Journalism.                                           1992              technology
                                                                                                                                                             was also a respected diplomat and seasoned journalist..          UNDERGRADUATE
                   The School of Communication Studies was born                    Established as
                                                                                  a free-standing
                                                                                                                                                                 In explanation of why the late President was chosen          SCHOLARSHIP
              out of the pioneer team’s judiciousness and foresight,                  School of                                                              as an icon of the school, Professor Ang said fondly, “The
              one of the many wise decisions that created and crafted             Communication                                                              only two persons I know whom nobody has ever said a              The undergraduate scholarship sponsors students with
                                                                                       Studies
              the school into the elite institution that it is today.                                                                                        bad word about is my grandmother and Wee Kim Wee.”               outstanding results and co-curricular records to pursue a
                                                                                                                                                             Dr Wee also embodied the values of communication in              Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies on a full time basis in
                   The first faculty, led by Professor Kuo, consisted of
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              the Wee Kim Wee School of Communications and Information.
              distinguished academia from around the world with
              invaluable professional experience, and they helped
                                                                                  MILESTONES                                                                 his work as a diplomat, added Professor Ang.
                                                                                                                                                                 Associate Professor Benjamin Detenber, the current
              pave the way for the school’s brisk success. Professor
              Kuo and his pioneer team of colleagues, which included
              Professor Ang Peng Hwa, who was to be the school’s
                                                                                                                                                                                                    Continued on page 16
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  GO-FAR
              next Dean, deliberated over different curriculum
              models and decided on a structure that proved to be
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  PROGRAMME
              an important foundation for the school. One stand-out                                                                                                                                                               GO-FAR (Going overseas for advanced reporting) is an
              feature of the curriculum is the first Bachelor’s Degree                                                                                                                                                            annual journalism programme which allows WKW students to
              in Communication Studies, which was unique to NTU.                                                                                                                                                                  apply their skills on a major project in a foreign environment.
                   The Chinese Heritage Centre acted as a foster home                                                                                                                                                             Students are tasked to prepare for their fieldwork and pitch
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  their stories to the lecturers—an entirely independent process
              for the Communication Studies students from 1993
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 which hones their organisational skills and creativity. The
              to 1996. Although the critical audio and video suites                                                                                                                                                              Legacy Fund fully sponsors the programme expenses, which
              in the location were not of the best quality, lacklustre                                                                                                                                                           allows students from all backgrounds to participate as foreign
              equipment could not stall the progress and enthusiasm                                                                                                                                                              correspondents. Countries that GO-FAR students have been
              of the passionate students. Following the rapid growth of                                                            on and Ar ts   BG (NS)                                                                        sent to include Thailand, Myannmar, Timor Leste and Laos.
                                                                                                    ning by Minister of Commuicati
                                                                                School Official Ope
                                                                                George Yeo
                                                                                                                                                            The late President Wee at the opening ceremony of the
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                                                                                                                                                            Communication Studies in 1997
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                                                                                    and serve society. Assoc Prof Detenber said he regretted

                                                                                                                                                                                birthday
                    Chair of the school, elaborated, “Wee Kim Wee served
                    as a diplomat, he was the ambassador in Japan, and              not having had the opportunity to meet Dr Wee personally,
                    he had a keen understanding of intercultural and                but added that he continually strove to represent Dr Wee’s
                    interpersonal communication. These are things we feel           personal and professional values in the school.
                    are reflected in the values of the school.”                         Not only a journalist but also eventually the Chairman
                                                                                                                                                                                Wishes
                        The late President Wee was also a journalist who had        of SBC (Singapore Broadcasting Corporation), Dr Wee
                    an investigative spirit, as well as a passion for seeking the   had dedicated his life to journalism and the media, as
                    truth and presenting information that would help people         well as to serving people and serving Singapore. The         “Happy Birthday,WKWSCI! You will always hold a special “Happy 20th WKWSCI! Looking forward to many
                                                                                                                                                 place in our hearts no matter how old you grow.Thank      more years of producing the finest communication &
                                                                                                                         Continued on page 19    you for all the wonderful memories!                       information students and research.”
                                                                                                                                                                            Miss Regina Tan, Class of 2010      Dr May Lwin, Associate Chair (Undergraduate Studies)

                                                                                                                                                 “We started off with no proper office, labs, studios, and      “Happy birthday SCI! I can’t think of a better school
                                                                                                                                                 only half a floor at the NUS computer centre in the early      that would have made my undergrad experience more

OUR three
                                                                                                                                                 days. As this is a water dragon year, my birthday wish         enjoyable and engaging! Here’s to many more years
                                                                                                                                                 for the school is: May WKWSCI continue to water the            ahead :)”
                                                                                                                                                 plants of teaching and research.We will continue to shine                                Miss Joanna Hor, Class of 2010

pioneers
                                                                                                                                                 and strengthen our place in the international academic
                                                                                                                                                 community.Warm Congratulations!”                               “Happy 20th birthday WKW! Don’t worry, half the
                                                                                                                                                                           Dr Lee Chun Wah, Assistant Chair     student population is still older than you…”
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Miss Michelle Ann Kwara,WKWSCI,Year 1
                                                                                                                                                 “Twenty & forever sexy.That’s what you are,Wee Kim Wee.”
ConnexSCIons uncovers what they really think                                                                                                                                        Miss Evonne Ong,Year 1 “WKWSCI is just one year away from being legal! Trust
of the students... and each other                                                                                                                                                                            that Wee will never lose the dynamism and passion
                                                                                                                                                 “Happy birthday—you are no longer a teen, may you           that makes you unique. May all aspiring journalists,
Do you think that the students at WKWSCI have taught you                                                                                         mature in producing the best media practitioners and        publicists, creative directors, filmmakers go through
                                                                                                                                                 journalists in Asia!”                                       this rite of passage to fulfill their dreams. Happy 20th
anything?                                                                                                                                                 Miss Cassandra Yeap,Year 3, former chief editor of birthday!”
Dr Detenber What I’ve learned is that students help keep us                                                  Prof Benjamin   Detenber and Prof
                                                                         From left: Prof Ang Peng Hwa, Assoc                                                                         The Nanyang Chronicle                                  Miss PeiRu Ng, Class of 2010
young. I feel better connected with the way the world is moving          Eddie Kuo
because I work with young people and this is why I continue                                                                                      “Happy birthday, SCI.Working life cannot hold a candle to “I wish WKWSCI will continue to be the best
to teach. Seeing the world through their eyes gives me a better                                                                                  the times we had in school. Minus the exams of course.”       communication and information school in Asia attracting
                                                                         He takes care of colleagues. He’s the one who really pushes the                                          Mr Philip Lim, Class of 2010 the best faculty and students to come to NTU and also
understanding of the way the world is changing. It’s good to be          research agenda in the school. Initially we didn’t have the reserve                                                                   wish that our graduates will be most sought after not only
reminded that enthusiasm and willpower count for a lot. You              for that but by the time he took over he was really supporting and      “Happy 20th, SCI.You may be younger than me but you           in Singapore but beyond Asia.”
may not have all the skills and talents but if you’re willing to         promoting conference participation and other activities. That           hold much, much more intellectual discourse at your                            Mr Vincent Teo, Assistant Director (Media)
dedicate yourself, and work hard, and you go about what you’re           was a major contribution to the school.                                 benches than I did. I am jealous.”
doing with great enthusiasm, you’re going to have some measure                                                                                                            Miss Rosalinda Yapit, Class of 2010 “Happy 20th WKWSCI! Stay forever young and more
                                                                                                                                                                                                               ‘hapz’ than other schools!”
of success.                                                              Dr Kuo For Ben, one of his strengths is that he speaks very well.       “20 is a great age to be.When you hit 20, you leave the                                          Miss Celine Chen,Year 2
                                                                         Ben has to deal with layers—different chairs, different offices.        teenage years behind and approach the future with a new
We know how your contributions have changed the school. But              For that, he has to be articulate. He can express his position          confidence. Anything is possible at 20, and you have the      “Congratulations on achieving a major milestone! Happy
has the school also contributed to shaping you as a person?              which is very important to the school.                                  drive and the vision to make an impact on the world—the 20th Birthday!”
Dr Ang When I studied at law school, it was like four years of                                                                                   school has that potential and my wish is to see it realised.”                            Mr Ng Heng Ghee, IT Executive
                                                                                                                                                                                    Mr Andrew Duffy, Lecturer
Year 1. I wanted our school’s programme to be exciting and               Dr Detenber What I admire in Eddie Kuo is his patience and
                                                                                                                                                                                                               “Happy 20th WKW! You beautiful sexy thing. Stay
different. The school has changed me in that I’ve learnt to be a         perspicacity. There are few people in the world with the breadth        “For 20 years you moulded not just intelligent and sensitive  awesome.”
little softer. I find that I’m able to work with a lot of people now.    and depth of academic experience that Eddie has, especially             professionals, but characters with heart and soul, a school                                    Mr Sulaiman Daud,Year 2
                                                                         when it comes to leadership. What I have learned from Eddie,            every generation is proud to call home.To many more years
Tell us one thing that you admire about each other.                      and admire greatly in him, is that one needs to take time to            of excellence and integrity.”                                 “20 years have come and gone, and you have given
Dr Ang For Eddie, one thing comes quickly to mind. When I first                                                                                                            Mr Tan Thiam Peng, Class of 2011, countless individuals like myself the chance to gain
                                                                         review complex situations in order to fully understand them and
                                                                                                                                                                                     former CI Club president overseas exposure, enjoy school activities and learn from
became Dean of WKWSCI, I found myself yelling at our estate              respond appropriately.                                                                                                                mentors and friends. Happy anniversary WKWSCI, and
management facilities staff. They said, “Why you yell at us, the             What I admire in Peng Hwa is his compassion and concern             “WKWSCI is a place in the hearts of many who have             here’s to an even greater 20 years ahead!”
previous deans didn’t do that.” Turns out that out of all the deans      for others. I know that whenever we are engaged in a difficult          graduated. Happy 20th Birthday.”                                           Miss Maxie Au-Yeong,Year 4, former news editor of
in the university, only Eddie had never yelled at them.                  discussion or disagreement (yes, it’s true—we disagree at times)                                   Mr Zakaria Zainal, Class of 2010                                         The Nanyang Chronicle

Dr Kuo [laughs]: This is called soft power!                              I know that he never loses sight of how others are feeling or
                                                                                                                                                 “Happy 20th birthday,WKWSCI! Wishing you all the best “Happy birthday WKWSCI! Please bring back the
                                                                         might be affected. His sense of fairness drives him to look for the     and more fruitful years ahead!”                       sandwich machine!”
Dr Ang Ben has a very good heart. He means well in many things.          optimal outcome, not the most expedient.                                   Miss Nithiyah D/O Muthukrishnan,WKWSCI Graduate                                  Mr Benjamin Lim,Year 1
                                                                                                                                                                                    Programmes Office

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                           memorable
                           final year projects
                                                                                                                                                shed light on the challenges and ethical dilemmas faced,
                                                                                                                                                and painted a clearer picture of the lives and challenges of
                                                                                                                                                these residents through personal accounts. By Goh Moy
                                                                                                                                                Yen, Lim Xin Hui Alicia, Ong Kai Wen and Thong Wan Ling
                                                                                                                                                                                                                Wee family recognised the request to name the school
                                                                                                                                                                                                                after Dr Wee as a meaningful gesture, as the school
                                                                                                                                                                                                                was an embodiment of Dr Wee’s lifelong passion for
                                                                                                                                                Serene.                                                         journalism.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                    “Journalism was the closest to his heart, and the
                                                                                                                                                •               = Enclosed Worlds, Open Minds (2010)
                                                                                                                                                This project explored the neurological disorder that is         Wee family recognised that,” said Professor Kuo.
              A special characteristic of WKWSCI students is their desire to contribute to social growth and                                    autism.Through four profile feature stories, the study
              change. Here are 20 FYPs over the years that had students putting the spotlight on marginal                                       looked into the joys, woes, struggles and difficulties that
                                                                                                                                                individuals with autism faced as they battled with social
                                                                                                                                                                                                                The First Batch of Graduates
              communities and taking steps to better lives                                                                                      stigma and insufficient resources. By Han Weiding and           Any mention of the pioneer batch of graduates never
                                                                                                                                                Wong Hui Foon.                                                  fails to put a smile on Professor Kuo’s face.
              Brick by Brick (2012)                                            The Big Bedroom Bustup @ Zouk – Overcoming Junk                                                                                      “The pioneer batch has a very special position in
              This campaign helps troubled and underprivileged youth in        Sleep (2010)                                                     Nintendo Wii as an Intervention: improving the Well-
                                                                                                                                                being of Elderly in Long-term Care Facilities (2009)            my heart as they were really the ones with the pioneer
              Boys’ Town Singapore by updating their facilities. Locally-      The campaign, touted as the first of its kind to tackle
              designed t-shirts are sold on the http://brickbybrick.sg/        the problem of junk sleep among youths in Singapore,             This study examined the positive impact of playing              spirit. They grew up together with the school,” he said.
              website to raise funds for this facility that is not funded by   advocated responsible use of technology and getting              Nintendo Wii on the psychological, social and physical              The pioneer batch was a passionate bunch that
              the government. By Charlene Low Ying Xiu, Seng Qian Ling         sufficient hours of restful sleep. By Chew Siew Woon, Ho         well-being of the elderly. It explored the unique benefits      played a major role in the development of the school.
              Stellina, Sufiyan Bin Sulaiman and Seet Seng Joo Sean.           Ying Yi, Lum Aiyi Dawn and Nur Raihana bte Muhammad              of the social interaction and physical activity that the
                                                                               Razali.                                                          elderly derive while playing Wii. By Koay Jing Li, Ng Sihui     They founded The Nanyang Chronicle, decided the
              They Work While You are Sleeping (2011)                                                                                           Janissa and Wong Li Chieh Gladys.                               colour of the convocation gowns, and gave the first
              This project put the focus on graveyard shift workers in         Out of Sight Out of Mind – A Photojournalism                                                                                     valedictorian speech.
              Singapore.The students burnt the midnight oil to interview       Exhibition (2009)                                                Adults with Autism (2010)
                                                                                                                                                This project uncovered the plight of adults with                    Convocations then were known to be solemn and
              more than 100 workers, their families, experts and doctors,      This project aimed to foster an understanding of people
              immersing themselves in the world of the toilers of the night.   with mental illness. By Adeline Ong & Lim Chin Ping.             autism. Students interviewed more than 50 autistic              boring affairs, but Professor Kuo recalled how “the
                                                                               www.asightofmind.com                                             adults, their parents, doctors, and experts, results of         instant our first batch of graduates appeared onstage,
              The Invisible Force (2010)                                                                                                        which highlighted the lack of autism care for adults in
                                                                                                                                                                                                                they really made a scene”.
              This illustrated journalism feature uncovered the Gurkha’s       India’s Growing Surrogacy Industry (2009)                        Singapore as compared to children. By Amanda Tan and
              journey from Nepal to Singapore, their life here with their      India’s growing surrogacy industry was the focus of this         Fiona Low.                                                          Associate Professor Detenber added with a chuckle,
              families and their fortunes after they returned home. The        project, which aimed to raise awareness on surrogacy,                                                                            “They didn’t drop the F-bomb, but they did clap and
              project was developed into an anthology of portraits and         women and poverty. The students spent 10 days in Gujarat                                                                         cheer. They were boisterous. Our students have been
              anecdotes entitled “Our Gurkhas” by Zakaria Zainal. By           and nine days in Mumbai, Maharashtra, where surrogacy
              Zakaria Zainal and Chong Zi Liang.                               activity was highest in India. They talked to about 70                                                                           known to be very outspoken and demonstrative.”
                                                                               people— including surrogates, intended parents and doctors,                                                                          This outspokenness is a characteristic of the
              See & Be Seen (2012)                                             opening up discussions of class, culture and human rights                                                                        WKWSCI students that Associate Professor Detenber
              An initiative to promote safe cycling at night, the campaign     issues. By Tan Wei Xin, David Lee and Muhd Nurluqman
                                                                                                                                                                                                                takes pride in, as it has led to requests from the President
              will reach out to 1,000 youths through social media and a        Suratman.
              night cycling event in the first quarter of 2012. The team                                                                                                                                        for the attendance of students to enliven ministerial
              collaborated with Firefly Night Cycling and PedalSG for the      Rebuilding Bukit Lawang (2009)                                                                                                   forums and other events. “We like them because they
              project. By Marcus Yong, Grace Auyong, Ginger Chia and           This project examined the positive role that ICTs (Information                                                                   speak up” is a common observation. This contagious
              Alex Shieh. http://www.seeabseen.com                             and Communications Technology) played in the rehabilitation
                                                                               of a community after a flood—in this case, the population        Naturally Overused: An Analysis of Health Claims                enthusiasm is a personality trait that still permeates the
                Sharing Plates: Cooking and Coping with Cancer                 of Bukit Lawang, Indonesia.The study defined the role of         on “Healthy”, “All-natural” Supermarket Food                    lively atmosphere of the school to this day, 20 years on.
                (2010)                                                         ICTs in long-term disaster recovery and set out directions       Products (2009)
                 An inspirational cookbook with recipes by cancer              for policymakers for the livelihood rehabilitation of rural      Using content analysis, students examined the wording and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Continued on page 20
                 survivors, the initiative aimed to spread the message         communities. By Shilvia Kasdani and Anisha Baghudana.            images on the packaging of 328 food products in Singapore.
                 that cancer patients need not severely restrict their                                                                          An online experiment examined whether extrinsic cues
                  diets but have healthy yet tasty, home-cooked food. By       The Funeral (2009)                                               and external seals effectively influenced consumers’
                  Goh Ji En, Joan Kuang, Rachel Tan, Ng Jia Min, Rhys Lim      The short video explored how values and family                   perception of a product’s nutritional attributes. By Ho Jia
                  and Kuek Jinhua.                                             relationships were threatened by conflicting faiths. Through     Hui Eunice, Klyne Mary Ann and Chua Wanlin Joanne.
                                                                               the story of a typical Singaporean family preparing for a
                    Reviving the Death Industry (2010)                         funeral, the dramatic short focussed on the emotional            Unplug! World Wider than WWW (2011)
                    This project put the focus on the funeral industry to      connection among family members with different religious         This campaign addressing Internet dependency amongst
                    raise awareness about consumers’ rights and restore        beliefs. By Ang Guangzheng, Tan Chet Hua Darren, Wang            youth in Singapore, raising awareness about the importance
                     to them the right to mourn without worrying about         Junjie and Zhang Zhengyong Johnson.                              of moderating one’s time online.Via the agents of interactive
                     getting fleeced.The students interviewed more than 40                                                                      programmes, interesting collaterals and a consistent media
              funeral parlour owners, employees and clients to put a human     Reclaim Land: The Fight for Space in Singapore (2009)            presence, the campaign encourages youths to embrace a
              face on an industry long shrouded in taboo. By Elizabeth Soh     This online journalism project explored the need for space       world wider than the World Wide Web. By Chew Wen Jing,
              and Gwendolyn Ng.                                                in Singapore. It looked at the everyday life of ordinary         Lim Xinyi, Loh Cheryl and Quee Yan Jing.
                                                                               people and how they created space in a setting where state
              Food Waste Republic (2010)                                       planning dominated the cityscape. By Justin Zhuang, Wong         Daughters of God (2011)
              The rampant problem of food wastage in Singapore was             Shu Yun, Sam Kang Li and Serene Cheong.                          A documentary that centred on gender issues in
              addressed in this project. The students worked undercover                                                                         Malaysia, the film uncovered the lives of Anusha
              at hotel banquets, spoke to more than 200 people and             For Rent (2009)                                                  and Varsha, who attended a Hindu temple built by
              collected food waste from 150 households. By Chen Wei Li,        A video documentary that uncovered the secrets of residing       Thirunankais (Indian transsexuals) during the day, but
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                e renaming of the
              Miak Aw and Estelle Low. www.foodwasterepublic.com               in subsidised one/two-room Housing Development Board             roamed the streets at night as prostitutes. By Chai Jac-
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     So    on offiiciating at th
                                                                                                                                                Quinn, Lai Kahei.                                                                    ident Cham Thao
                                                                               (government housing) and rental flats in Singapore, the report                                                                        Former NTU Pres
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     school in 2002
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C O V E R S T O RY                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       C O V E R S T O RY

              Current Affairs                                                                                                                              students have been presented at prestigious                    certain that the students are up for the challenge.
              Today, WKWSCI has grown into a prominent school                                                                                              international academic conferences.                                Another goal is to see the development of the
              that is curiously described as “sexy” by students, faculty                                                                                       Many finished works of Journalism students have            school’s focus on overseas exposure. Every year, the
              and the general public alike.                                                                                                                been produced as compilation books or published in             International Student Exchange Programme (INSTEP),
                  The school holds a preeminent position in the                                                                                            The Straits Times as Special Reports.                          Global Summer Studies (GSS), Global Immersion
              region as a premier institution for Communication                                                                                                Campaigns organised by Public Relations students           Programme (GIP) and Professional Internship (PI)
              Studies, continuously generating research and analysis                                                                                       have been adopted by small medium enterprises and              take Wee Kim Wee students to more than 20 overseas
              on critical communication topics and policy issues.                                                                                          multi-national companies.                                      destinations, giving students invaluable, hands-on
                  Boasting undergraduate and graduate programmes                                                                                               This spirit of excellence appears to be recognised         experience in the practice of real-world journalism and
              designed to be on the cutting-edge of the industry,                                                                                          by the industry at large in the way WKWSCI graduates           public relations.
              the school also maintains links to a global network of                                                                                       are often snatched up for employment in media and PR               Associate Professor Detenber aims to provide
              educators, researchers and practitioners dedicated to                                                                                        agencies, at times even before they graduate.                  even more opportunities for fully-subsidised overseas
              advancing knowledge and raising the bar of excellence                                                                                                                                                       attachments for the students, ensuring that things will
              in the communications landscape.                                                                                                             Breaking New Ground                                            never remain at status quo at the undergraduate level.
                  The Bachelor of Communication Studies is a four-                                                                                         What’s next for this ambitious 20-year-old? Associate              “I don’t know of other schools that have this
              year honours classified programme. Students receive                                                                                          Professor Detenber, and his team have set their sights         level of participation
              an inter-disciplinary education when they first start                                                                                        on more groundbreaking moves.                                  in overseas
              out, equipping them with theoretical knowledge as well                                                                                           “We’re trying to develop a greater core of expertise       programmes,” he said
              as all the basic functional skills they need.                                                                                                around issues related to health. Health communication          matter-of-factly.
                  Once this foundation is in place, students have the                                                                                      and health information are becoming very important in              With its high-
              opportunity to design their own customised curriculum                                                                                        the 20th century and our school can play a part in that,” he   calibre faculty, zealous
                                                                                              From left: Prof Ang, Prof Kuo
              by choosing one or more of the major tracks for in-                                                           and former NTU President       said.                                                          students, innovative
                                                                                              Cham Thao Soon at the sch
                                                                                                                          ool renaming in 2002                 There is ongoing research and development being            curriculum, and a team
              depth specialisation, taking the courses they are most
              interested in.                                                                                                                               done to bolster this health communication initiative.          of visionaries leading
                  The four major tracks now available to students are            WKWSCI students continue to excel in all four                                 “We’re in the process of enhancing our doctorial           the school, WKWSCI
              Broadcast & Cinema Studies, Journalism & Publishing,           tracks, showcasing their talent in their final year                           training, increasing both the quality and quantity of the      can look forward to a
              Communication Research & Policy, and Public                    projects (FYPs) which are known for winning local and                         doctorial students that we’re bringing in,” he elaborated.     future that promises
              Relations & Advertising. For the latter two, a minor in        international awards year after year.                                             One of his prime goals is to help the doctorial            creativity,     excellence
              Information Studies is also offered.                               Broadcast students have produced documentaries,                           graduates attain faculty positions in leading universities     and continued relevance
                  The minor examines new media technologies and              dramas and multimedia projects that have been                                 around the world. “It will take us some time to get            to the communications
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     sculpture in 1997
              applications from the perspective of information and           screened in film festivals and competitions worldwide.                        there,” he admitted, but added that he has the utmost          field and the world at        Installation of our familiar
              knowledge management.                                              Papers written by Communication Research                                  confidence in the top-notch WKWSCI training and is             large. C

                                                                                                                                                               Was it Love at First Sight?
                                                                                                                                                           Students and staff recall their first day at

                                                                                                                                               y
                                                                                                                g the welcome ceremon
                                                             e  rem em ber  the Me  diterranean buffet durin                ing  tha t the
                                                          “W                                                    re exclaim
                                                                                   nts of WKWSCI. We we
                                                          held for the new stude                d ben efit s and  welfare. During the                                                      “When I came to work on my first day
                                                                                    really goo
                                                          students probably have                                      that they are the best.                                             I was thinking ‘this place looks great!’.
                                                                       cam  p, we  me t wit h seniors and rea d lise
                                                                                                                                          rit.”
                                                          orientatio n                                         died the pass-it-on spi                                                    The library was newly renovated so I
                                                              ey we re ext rem ely helpful and really embo                   rry  Go h, Yea r1 (left)                                     felt really good working in this spacious
                                                           Th                                                           She
                                                                                                                                                                                          and bright environment. I was given
                                                                                                                            portive community in                                          the opportunity to start my day at the
                                                                                   ut  hel pin g  us but also having a sup
                                                           “It’s no t jus   t abo                                        are countless examples                                           service desk and I really enjoyed it. The
                                                                                 thi s is evi dent from Day 1. There                               ere
                                                           W  KW   SC  I  and                                           our Facebook page wh                                              students are the ones who really make
                                                                                             dness! One instance is
                                                           showing the seniors’ kin                                     rm  ative pla tfo rm for the                                      the difference. They are cheerful, polite
                                                                                           chip in to make it an info                                                                                                                                                                                    Orientation
                                                           seniors and graduates                         e  a co mp reh ens ive map of NTU and                                            and very friendly. It was a great way to
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             e  du rin g the Freshman
                                                                          nts  . Fro m   Da y  1, we  hav
                                                                                                                        urse registration system
                                                                                                                                                     .
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          “We had a grea
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          t expe    rie  nc                           ed forward to
                                                           new stu    de
                                                                                            understanding of the co
                                                                                                                                                                                          begin my journey here in WKWSCI!”
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        ie nd  s an  d we really look                 ted
                                                                    SC   I, and   a  goo  d                                              and hea rt-                                                                                      Camp! We mad
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           e ne   w  fr                             hool is connec
                                                            W  KW
                                                                                           otic transition to unive
                                                                                                                      rsity a sm  oo th                                                    Sri Deva Rani, Staff, Asian Communication
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                r th e  ca  m  p. Everyone in sc              sc rib ab ly
                                                            They have made a cha                                                                                                                                      Resource Centre      meeting them
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          af te
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             ly share a bond
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                that is in de
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              ho  rt  re  al
                                                            warming one.”                                                      Serene Chai,Year1 (right)                                                                                   and the entire  co
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   .”
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             anywhere else                          & Cai Yi Ming,Ye
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       ar 1
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           and unmatched                          Felicia Ee (left)

20   CONNEXSCIONS                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           CONNEXSCIONS                 21
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