DREAM CHASERS Pursuing what they love is a winning formula for this year's top graduates - Ngee Ann Polytechnic
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A publication of Ngee Ann Polytechnic
Issue 2 of 2016
DREAM CHASERS
Pursuing what they love is a winning formula for this year’s top graduates
TAKING ON THE WORLD Aspiring entrepreneurs get insights with Silicon Valley internships
/ highlights /
/ contents / ASPIRING DOCTORS
04
01
highlights
06
cover story HEAD TO MEDICAL
SCHOOL
Aspiring Doctors Head to Shooting for the Stars
Medical School Our graduates pursued their passions
Three Biomedical Science graduates and emerged at the top of their class
are a step closer to their dream
vocation
Three graduates from the Biomedical
features
02 Building FinTech Talent for the
Industry 10 Start-up Lessons from
Silicon Valley
Science course are now a step closer
to their dream vocation
Ngee Ann students in banking and Keen entrepreneurs get business-
IT-related courses will gain from the savvy, thanks to internships at
polytechnics’ collaboration with start-ups across the globe lass of 2016 graduate Julia Tan got closer to fulfilling
Monetary Authority of Singapore
14 C her medical ambition when she was accepted into
03
Seeing the World Differently Julia Tan is among the
Ngee Ann Launches Two New the National University of Singapore’s (NUS) Yong three Biomedical Science
Three Ngee Ann students ventured
Diplomas beyond Singapore’s shores Loo Lin School of Medicine. Topping her cohort this year, she graduates who were
directly admitted to local
Student-athletes and aspiring Tamil for valuable out-of-classroom was also among the three recipients of the Lee Kuan medical schools this year.
Language teachers to benefit from experiences Yew Award, presented to top graduates from a technology
Ngee Ann’s latest courses course (see story on page 9).
14 04 A Triumph over Adversity
Ngee Ann’s Student Excellence
16 The Great Escape for a
Good Cause
Giant “jail cell” on campus aims
“My dream is to become a humanitarian doctor so that I
can help out in underprivileged communities that need aid,”
shared Julia.
Julia, Brandon and Zenneth all hail from Ngee Ann’s
School of Life Sciences & Chemical Technology (LSCT). “We
16
Awards celebrate student to encourage staff and student Last year’s top Biomedical Science graduate Brandon Lim are proud to see these outstanding graduates take the next
achievements in the non-academic commitment to community service also got a spot in the NUS medical school and will begin his step in their medical ambitions and feel satisfied to have
arena studies after completing National Service. journeyed with them in achieving their dreams,” said LSCT
05 Honouring Singapore’s
“Invisible” People
17 the last page
Get Fit, the Robocoach Way
Meanwhile, Class of 2016 alumnus Zenneth Lim
became the first Ngee Ann graduate to be accepted into
the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine at Nanyang
Director Dr Hedy Goh.
Their achievement brings to ten the number of Ngee
Ann graduates who have gained direct admission to local
Students and graduates from the
School of Film & Media Studies pay
Technological University. medical schools.
tribute to unsung heroes
10 NGEE ANN GRADUATES SHINE IN THEIR CHOSEN PATHS
For many Ngee Ann graduates, the Class of 2012 Aerospace Technology Class of 2005 Electronics &
pursuit of success doesn’t end when alumnus JORDAN MILLER received Telecommunications Engineering
they receive their diplomas. In fact, it’s the Singapore Armed Forces Merit (Avionics) alumnus, GANASEKAR
often only the beginning. We’re proud Scholarship and will pursue a degree S/O SINNAKANNU was NUS’
to celebrate the successes of some of in Aeronautical Engineering at Imperial oldest graduate from a full-time
COVER PHOTO: MARK TEO
them here: College, London. engineering programme this year.
The 42-year-old Naval Warfare
CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE Mass Communication alumnus System Expert (Navigations Systems)
JEAN CHIA recently became the 10th
EDITOR NP graduate to win a prestigious SHANNON ANG was awarded the NTU from the Republic of Singapore
V Prema Public Service Commission (PSC) College of Humanities, Arts and Social Navy graduated with a Bachelor of
ASSISTANT EDITOR scholarship. Under the PSC Singapore Sciences International PhD Scholarship Electrical Engineering with Honours
Melanie Wee Government Scholarship, the Class to pursue a PhD in Sociology at the (Merit). He also won the Alcatel-
DESIGNER of 2016 Biomedical Science graduate University of Michigan. The Class of Lucent Technologies Prize for the best
Kamaruzi Berro will pursue a degree in Arts & Social 2009 graduate will join NTU’s faculty Communications Engineering final-
Sciences at NUS. after completing his doctorate. year project.
For enquiries, contact us at
askNP@np.edu.sg or call 6466 6555.
2 1
caption
/ highlights /
BUILDING FINTECH TALENT FOR THE INDUSTRY
Ngee Ann students in banking and IT-related courses will gain from the polytechnics’ collaboration
with Monetary Authority of Singapore
Internship Opportunities and
Mentorships
An expanded range of FinTech
internships will help final-year students
to gain a broader perspective of Singapore Sports School Principal Mr Tan Teck Hock and NP Principal Mr Clarence Ti
regional and global markets. MAS will (fourth and fifth from left respectively) with potential BS-EMGT student-athletes.
facilitate introductions to start-ups,
NGEE ANN LAUNCHES TWO NEW DIPLOMAS
financial institutions and regulatory
bodies to explore internship openings
and industry mentorships.
NP Principal Mr Clarence Ti said, Student-athletes and aspiring Tamil Language teachers to benefit from Ngee Ann’s latest courses
“In 2017, we will be starting 100
FinTech internships and building efferson Cheong has always flexible timetable. Student-athletes will Meanwhile, the Diploma in Tamil
Memorandum of Curriculum Reviews a pool of 100 FinTech mentors. J had two goals: to represent also bypass the ‘O’ level examinations Studies with Early Education will let
A Understanding signed
in October between the
MAS will offer inputs on new
developments in the FinTech sector
A new microsite will also allow
companies to register their interest to
Singapore at the SEA Games
in 2019 and to follow in his father’s
for seamless progression to the
through-train programme that focuses
students share their passion for the
Tamil language by teaching young
Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and work with the polytechnics to provide internship or mentorship to footsteps as an entrepreneur. Now, on Entrepreneurship Management. children. Set to be launched in April
and the five polytechnics will help review course curriculums. This will polytechnic students.” the secondary four fencer at the “The Diploma in Business Studies 2017, it offers a strong foundation in
to develop skilled manpower for the ensure that students are equipped with “This MOU represents the Singapore Sports School can pursue has always been one of NP’s most early childhood education settings
financial technology sector, or FinTech, relevant skills to meet the challenges of concerted effort by MAS and the local both targets, thanks to Ngee Ann sought-after courses. We are happy that and practices, and exposure to Tamil
over the next three years. the fast-evolving industry. polytechnics to nurture a pool of skilled Polytechnic’s (NP) Diploma in Business we can adapt it for the student-athletes history, culture and literature.
At Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP), manpower for the growing FinTech Studies (Entrepreneurship Management at the Sports School,” said NP Principal Students can look forward
which is the SkillsFuture co-ordinator Joint Projects with the FinTech community in Singapore and will be Option) or BS-EMGT. Mr Clarence Ti. to a five-week local or overseas
for the Accountancy and Financial Community a key area of focus in the financial The BS-EMGT which is catered The unique course structure which immersion programme as well as a
Services sector, students from the Students can work with the FinTech sector’s SkillsFuture drive,” said specially to student-athletes from delivers one module a month will three-month internship stint. They can
Banking & Financial Services, Financial community on their final-year projects, Mr Sopnendu Mohanty, MAS’ Chief the Singapore Sports School will help Jefferson integrate both sports also apply for the Global Education
Informatics, Information Security & and apply their technical skills in areas FinTech Officer. be launched in January 2017. To and studies. “This will let me keep Trip (GeT) programme to observe best
Forensics and Information Technology like mobile and cloud application Companies can register their accommodate their training schedules, abreast of my work, even with a busy practices in early childhood education
courses can look forward to these development, data analytics and interest in providing internships or the customised diploma will adopt a competition schedule,” he said. locales overseas.
new initiatives: cybersecurity. mentorships at www.polyfintech100.sg
SPECIAL MENTIONS $8.7 MILLION DONATION FROM NGEE ANN KONGSI
For budding entrepreneur Angeline Tan, spending six months into an education fund for study grants and development
● Two School of Infocomm Technology students did graduates: Lou Zu Hao, Lim Yong Sheng, Lim Yoon Xin, at a Silicon Valley start-up was like a dream come true. Her programmes such as the GEIP.
Singapore proud at the Microsoft Office Specialist World Sebastian Keong and Leo Hee Xian. internship there which began in September will provide This year’s cheque presentation – for the amount of $8.7
Championship held in Florida, USA in August. Information practical start-up experience for the final-year Business million – was witnessed by Dr Janil Puthucheary, Minister of
Technology student Lau Xin Wei clinched the silver medal ● Class of 2003 graduate Boo Junfeng’s film Apprentice was Studies student who also runs a clothing and accessories State, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Communications
in the Word 2013 category, while Multimedia & Animation selected as Singapore’s entry for the Oscar Awards in the store at the youth hub, *SCAPE. & Information.
student Chrystabelle Loh was fourth in the Adobe Certified Best Foreign Language Film category. The film had won Angeline’s internship, an initiative under Ngee Ann At the ceremony held on campus on 6 September, NP
Associates Design Challenge. him the Rising Director award at Busan International Film Polytechnic’s (NP) Global Entrepreneurial Internship Council Chairman Mr Tang Kin Fei said, “Ngee Ann Kongsi’s
Festival’s Asia Star Awards in October. The insightful death Programme (GEIP) was made possible by funding from contributions have helped NP initiate various student
● Intergalactic Dance Battle, a 3D animated short film was penalty drama was also screened at this year’s Cannes Film Ngee Ann Kongsi. The philanthropic foundation annually development programmes, both locally and overseas. These
showcased at this year’s Animation Day in Cannes in May. Festival in the Un Certain Regard category that recognises contributes 25 per cent of its income to the polytechnic. exposures are critical to help build a generation of innovative,
It was created by five Class of 2016 Animation & 3D Arts works by talented young filmmakers. Half of this amount which is capped at $2 million goes resilient and values-based individuals.”
2 3
/ highlights /
A TRIUMPH OVER ADVERSITY After recovering
from a road
accident, Jeremia
Christy Suriadi
HONOURING A moving father-
daughter story,
Ayah is among
the films which
SINGAPORE’S
Ngee Ann’s Student Excellence Awards celebrate student returned to win
local triathlons
pay tribute to
Singapore’s
achievements in the non-academic arena and clinch NP’s
Outstanding
unsung heroes.
Sports Award.
W
hen triathlete Jeremia Christy
Suriadi was hit by a lorry
Such tenacity and perseverance
embody the ideals of Ngee Ann “INVISIBLE”
PEOPLE
two years ago while cycling, Polytechnic’s annual Student
doctors told her she might never Excellence Awards that recognise
compete on the same level again. With achievements in the non-
seven spine compression fractures as academic arena.
well as fractures to her hip, she was At the presentation ceremony Students and graduates
wheelchair-bound for three months. in July, Christy clinched the from the School of Film &
But the second-year Environmental Outstanding Sports Award. 275 Media Studies pay tribute to
& Water Technology student was other students received awards in
unsung heroes
determined to get back on her feet. 12 categories spanning innovation,
Attending gruelling physiotherapy enterprise, sports, arts, community
ong working hours. Missed Initiative seeks to reveal the stories of of 300 student leaders from across all
sessions helped Christy to recover and
she stayed motivated by watching
service and technology.
“I love competing, stretching my L family dinners. Demands on
his personal time. These are
Singapore’s everyday heroes who labour
quietly to create a better life for others.
five polytechnics.
At the same time, the online
triathlon races online. Less than a year limits and bettering myself,” said
just a few of the sacrifices that Nur “During the nationwide train response has been overwhelmingly
later, she returned to competition, Christy who hopes to pursue the sport
Khairah Bte Mohd Samion’s father has breakdown last year, my dad had to positive, with Ayah viewed over
winning the Singapore International as a professional athlete. “I have
made as an Assistant Station Manager work till past midnight, even after the 130,000 times on social media.
Triathlon Junior Women’s Sprint and always been an ambitious person who
at SMRT for over 20 years. faults were resolved. It’s sad when “In creating the films, the students
qualifying to represent Singapore in dreams big and I won’t give up till I’ve
It is fitting then that Khairah’s people don’t realise what happens not only put their filmmaking skills
various championships across Asia. fulfilled those dreams.”
father is the subject of Ayah, a short behind the scenes when such incidents and knowledge into practice, but
film which the Class of 2016 Film, occur. I made this film to honour my dad also had to understand, research and
Sound & Video graduate co-wrote and all the people like him who work to apply the principle of ‘honour’ into
OTHER WINNERS OF NP'S STUDENT EXCELLENCE AWARDS INCLUDE:
and produced as part of her Advanced keep Singapore moving,” said Khairah. their narratives. This was a fantastic
Filmmaking core module. The films were showcased at a way for us to inculcate positive values
Ayah was among seven films screening at the National Museum and virtues in our students through
OUTSTANDING produced by students and graduates jointly organised by Honour and FMS, the academic curriculum,” shared
NP CHARACTER CHAIRMAN'S
ENTERPRISE from Ngee Ann’s School of Film & as well as during secondary school FMS Senior Lecturer and Supervising
AWARD AWARD
AWARD Media Studies (FMS) last year with learning journeys at the polytechnic. Producer Mr Leonard Yip.
Jacob Tan Wei Mohamed Sharian
Vanessa Wan funding from Honour (Singapore). The The films were also screened at the To watch the films, visit honour.sg/
Health Sciences Bin Mohamed
Business Studies, non-profit organisation’s Honour Film recent Poly Forum 2016, to an audience short-films.
(Nursing), Class Arts Business
of 2016 Management, Class of 2016
Class of 2016
Patients at Vanessa had a
rocky start to her entrepreneurial
OTHER FILMS BY FMS STUDENTS AND GRADUATES UNDER THIS PROGRAMME INCLUDE:
the heart of all that he does – that’s Sharian is no stranger to leadership
Jacob’s philosophy. During his 16-week and community service. As a youth venture two years ago when her LULLABY RIOT
attachment at the surgical ward of the leader of a grassroots community business partners quit to pursue their Screened at this Features real-life,
National Heart Centre, he was tasked service group, Sharian has visited own interests. Left to cope on her year’s Tel Aviv never before seen
with looking after patients before and underprivileged families, organised own, she single-handedly launched International footage of the
after surgery, coordinating their care a canned food distribution drive and Frameyewear, an online store Student Film Little India riot.
by different healthcare professionals co-created an eight-storey artwork offering affordable, trendy eyewear. Festival, Hawaii Two Chinese
and educating them on post-surgery with 500 residents of Ulu Pandan as She overcame her initial struggle to International youths relish the
care before their discharge. Showing part of an SG50 façade art project last balance her studies and business, Film Festival and action of the Little
compassion for both patients and year. Despite his active involvement and moved on to set up a booth for Salamindanaw Asian Film Festival. India riots while hurling insults at the Indians. When chased
their family members, it is no wonder in grassroots activities, Sharian Frameyewear at Suntec City. Vanessa A devoted grandmother takes care of her grandson, by a gang, one of them takes refuge in an Indian provision
that Jacob received 18 service award maintained his spot among the top hopes to further establish the brand in while the adults go on with their own lives. Quietly, she shop. Find out if the ones despised by the Chinese youth will
nominations from his patients. five students of his cohort. the coming years. falls ill without anyone noticing. turn him over to the angry crowd.
4 5
/ cover story /
SHOOTING
the Ministry of Education to the most outstanding graduate
across all polytechnics.
Bryan’s entrepreneurial aspirations first led him to pursue
a business course at NP. But a change in career was on the
cards when he attended a Navy exhibition two years ago. “I
FOR THE
was fascinated by defence diplomacy and how international
disputes were resolved. My interest in law and its application
in the military field was ignited,” said Bryan.
Travelling to New Zealand on an Overseas Merit
Fellowship also gave him an opportunity to broaden his
STARS
perspectives. “It was fascinating to learn about Maori
culture. I also saw homeless people living on the streets,
which made me appreciate Singapore even more,” said
Bryan, who now plans to study law and ultimately serve in
Singapore’s defence force.
Balancing multiple CCA and voluntary commitments
with a full academic schedule meant that Bryan’s Ngee Ann
journey was hectic, but fulfilling. “My competitive swimming
These graduates pursued their passions and background taught me discipline and resilience. Tough times
emerged at the top of their class won’t last, but tough people do,” he said.
TEXT: MELANIE WEE & V PREMA “I feel blessed to have been given so many opportunities
at Ngee Ann that I might not have gotten elsewhere,”
he added.
BRYAN LIM
Course: Business Studies
Formerly from: St Joseph’s Institution
Awards: Ngee Ann Kongsi Gold Medal, Lien Ying Chow
WONG KEE HUI
Gold Medal & Lee Hsien Loong Award for Outstanding
Course: Network Systems & Security
All-Round Achievement
Formerly from: ITE College West & Westwood Secondary
School
ne of the things that stand out about Bryan Lim is
O his well-roundedness, striking a perfect balance in
sports, community service and studies. Juggling
Award: Tay Eng Soon Gold Medal
oing the extra mile – that’s what Wong Kee Hui
myriad roles as the captain of Ngee Ann Polytechnic’s
(NP) swim team and Vice-President of the Red Cross Youth G strives to do and it is a key reason for his success.
For instance, when challenged to develop a cloud
Chapter, Bryan is also a certified rescue diver, an Aikido
computing system to store personal data, Kee Hui – unlike
exponent and a community service volunteer.
his classmates – tapped on a virtual private server instead
It’s no wonder then, that all-rounder Bryan is Ngee
of settling for the NP network, which enabled him to access
Ann’s top graduate this year. He won the Ngee Ann Kongsi
data even when he was outside campus. This earned him a
I had to develop a programme
Gold Medal that includes a bond-free scholarship to study
at any university worldwide, as well as the Lien Ying Chow
top prize. that would allow data from
Gold Medal, which is awarded to NP’s top non-engineering
Then, during his internship, his extra effort paid off
again. “I had to develop a programme that would allow data
various computer systems
graduate. Bryan also clinched this year’s Lee Hsien Loong
from various computer systems to be easily retrieved and to be easily retrieved and
Award for Outstanding All-Round Achievement, presented by
presented. It required a lot of self-learning but in the end, we presented. It required a lot of
had a happy client!” he said.
Coming from a humble background, Kee Hui worked self-learning but in the end,
I was fascinated by defence hard to make ends meet, taking on a part-time job in a we had a happy client!
diplomacy and how computer firm. Starting out by installing security software
on clients’ computers, Kee Hui quickly proved his mettle
– Wong Kee Hui
international disputes were and was entrusted with bigger responsibilities including
resolved. My interest in law software development. While he has secured a spot in Nanyang Technological
Because his father works in Indonesia and returns home University to study Computer Science, Kee Hui is also
and its application in the only on weekends, Kee Hui also steps in as the man of the considering entering the IT industry and taking up
military field was ignited. house. “As the oldest child of three, I have to help my mom certification courses along the way to become an IT
– Bryan Lim with housework and be the handyman,” he said. security specialist.
6 7
/ cover story /
I hope to be One day, I hope I love studying MERVIN TAN Mervin’s NP journey has been a rewarding one. He and
Course: Aerospace Electronics his course mates built a flying car, which was entered for a
a military to fulfil my how machines are Formerly from: Catholic High School South Korean competition. “Although the competition was
aerospace childhood dream made. I’m also Awards: Lee Kuan Yew Award & Ngee Ann Polytechnic cancelled because of the MERS outbreak, we felt a sense of
fulfilment in integrating our knowledge and skills to make the
Outstanding Achievement Award
engineer, which of becoming a fascinated by how machine work,” he shared.
combines my humanitarian we can apply the ilitary history buff. Budding aerospace engineer. His overseas immersion trip to Copenhagen was another
passion for doctor, and serve laws of physics to M Talented dancer. Mervin Tan is all these and
more. He is among the three recipients of the
eye-opening experience. “I was bowled over by how the
Danish university used history to teach business concepts,”
aviation with my in communities create something Lee Kuan Yew Award – presented to top graduates from a said Mervin. “I also learnt more about Singapore and her
desire to serve that need useful. technology course – as well as the Ngee Ann Polytechnic
Outstanding Achievement Award that recognises all-round
policies, such as why a welfare system might not work in
our country.”
the country. medical aid. – Vhora Shrayans
excellence. Having been a dancer since he was nine years old,
– Mervin Tan – Julia Tan Suresh
“I’ve always had a passion for military history and Mervin also helped to lead NP’s BBoys Club for breakdancers,
aviation. I used to spend hours watching documentaries transforming the club from a recreational group to a
as I was fascinated by how military aircraft operated,” he competitive one.
said. “I hope to be a military aerospace engineer, which Attributing his success at NP to his mother’s support,
combines my passion for aviation with my desire to serve Mervin said, “She single-handedly raised my sister and me. I
the country.” really appreciate her sacrifices and what she has done for us.”
JULIA TAN VHORA SHRAYANS SURESH
Course: Biomedical Science Course: Mechanical Engineering
Formerly from: Anderson Secondary School Formerly from: Manjusri Secondary School
Awards: Lee Kuan Yew Award & Ngee Ann Polytechnic Awards: Lee Kuan Yew Award & Ngee Ann Polytechnic
Outstanding Achievement Award Outstanding Achievement Award
n injection or blood test is something that hen Vhora Shrayans Suresh’s parents discarded
A many people shy away from. But spunky Julia
Tan actually has a penchant for all things
W their faulty household appliances years ago, they
did not guess that this would spark their son’s
haemoglobin-related, so much so that she is pursuing a interest in machines and technology.
career as a doctor (see story on page 1). “I would retrieve old fans, toasters and blenders and
As part of her Clinical Laboratory Technology dismantle them because I was curious about how they
specialisation, Julia spent two years on an internship at the worked. I wasn’t so skilled in putting them back together
National University Hospital. “The internship stints were though!” recalled Shrayans.
what made me truly excited about joining Ngee Ann. I knew This curiosity – and the innovative spirit of American
that getting such practical exposure would give me a good business tycoon Howard Hughes, as portrayed in the movie,
head start in the healthcare field,” she said. The Aviator – was what drove Shryans to pursue his studies
“During my internship, I conducted laboratory tests, but in an engineering discipline.
I couldn’t reveal the results to patients to ease their anxiety “I love studying how machines are made. I’m also
as that wasn’t my role. I thought, ‘If I were a doctor, I fascinated by how we can apply the laws of physics to
would be able to use my knowledge to better reassure and create something useful,” he said.
help patients,’” added Julia. And something useful was just what Shryans and his
Julia’s community service trip to Laos during her second course-mates developed during their final-year project,
year at NP also inspired her medical dreams. “Our team setting up a solar panel system to power up the Waterways
visited a rural village there. When a small boy fell down and Watch Society (WWS) office at Kallang Riverside Park.
scratched his knee, the teacher simply brushed away the “The solar-powered office is part of WWS’ efforts to
blood roughly,” she said. create an eco water park. It showcases how clean energy
“As a certified first-aider, it broke my heart to witness can be harnessed to meet daily needs. Seeing the fruit of
these villagers being deprived of proper care. One day, our labour gave us a sense of achievement,” said Shrayans.
I hope to fulfil my childhood dream of becoming a Inspired by NP lecturers who constantly encouraged
humanitarian doctor, and serve in communities that need him, Shrayans looks forward to returning to the polytechnic
medical aid.” as a lecturer in future.
8 9
/ features /
Inspired by the lessons learnt during their Silicon
Valley internships, these Ngee Ann students are
all set to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.
START-UP LESSONS
FROM SILICON VALLEY
Keen entrepreneurs get business-savvy, thanks to internships
at start-ups across the globe TEXT: MELANIE WEE
or a budding entrepreneur, company NewzSocial, benefitted from
F any stint with a start-up
would probably be a cool
the cross-cultural exposure. “As Silicon
Valley was an entrepreneurs’ hub, I
How the Global Entrepreneurial
Internship Programme
(GEIP) began
enough learning experience. But ten got to meet new people and be
Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) students introduced to different start-up PILOT RUN STARTED
went one step further as they embarked ideas. This has given me a clearer
on six-month internships – not just at understanding of entrepreneurship on
any start-up, but at start-ups located a global scale and strengthened my March
2016
in California’s Silicon Valley, one of determination to start my own business
the world’s top innovation hubs that one day,” she shared.
is home to technology giants Google, “We put in great effort to curate
Apple and Facebook. this pilot run,” said NP Principal Mr
As interns, they experienced the Clarence Ti. “We roped in alumni who
10
realities of developing and running made introductions and met with
a business, while being mentored by start-up founders to find inspirational
entrepreneurs. They also attended mentors. After just two months, STUDENTS
networking sessions and other events over half the companies wanted our
organised by well-known incubators. students to extend their internships to
8
This valuable business exposure a year and requested for more of our
was made possible by NP’s Global students to join them.” START-UPS
IN ACROSS
Entrepreneurial Internship Programme Following the success of the pilot SILICON
(GEIP) which was piloted in March this batch, the second run of the GEIP VALLEY
year. The students were selected based began in October and was extended
6
on their entrepreneurial qualities, to include Jakarta and Shanghai to
passion, maturity and independence. expose students to regional markets. INTERNSHIP
Final-year Business Information The programme is fully sponsored by DURATION months
Technology student Daphne Goh, who NP and supported with funding from
was an intern at social media marketing International Enterprise (IE) Singapore.
We roped in alumni who made introductions and met
with start-up founders to find inspirational mentors.
After just two months, over half the companies wanted
our students to extend their internships to a year and
requested for more of our students to join them.
– NP Principal Mr Clarence Ti
10 11
/ features /
JOSHUA OW-YONG
hese final-year students DIPLOMA IN FILM, SOUND & VIDEO
T share how their Silicon
Valley internships gave COMPANY: Video production house, 1Light Media
them fresh perspectives on start-
up businesses and pushed them to JOB SCOPE: 1Light handles live productions like TV
overcome their fears. shows with live cameras. Because it’s a start-up, there
isn’t a fixed job scope. I got to do a bit of everything
from setting up lights to manning live and remote
DAPHNE GOH cameras. Some days were spent editing videos and
DIPLOMA IN BUSINESS visual effects. Not a single day was boring!
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
YOUR EXPERIENCE AS AN INTERN IN A START-UP:
COMPANY: Social media marketing The culture is so different in a start-up firm. Everyone
start-up NewzSocial is open and nurturing towards new ideas. People
work hard at an idea and if it fails, they simply
JOB SCOPE: As a marketing take it as an experience and move on. Work-wise,
intern, I was involved in business much of what I learnt at NP like live production and
analysis, customer relationship shooting for events came in useful. My boss (who is
management, putting up blog Singaporean) says that “NP interns can always hit
posts and managing social media the ground running!”
accounts such as Twitter, Facebook
and LinkedIn. I also attended LESSONS LEARNT: Seeing how the entrepreneurs
conferences and events that taught around me have learnt from their failures, I’ve
me to pitch business ideas and developed a “just do it” attitude, even though things
helped to build up my network may seem scary. I don’t fear failure any more.
of contacts.
IVAN CHEONG
YOUR EXPERIENCE AS AN INTERN DIPLOMA IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING WITH A
IN A START-UP: The pace in America MINOR IN BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
is slower compared to Singapore’s
high-speed rush. In fact, we Company: Biruni Design LLC
were even asked to relax on the
company’s massage chairs because JOB SCOPE: Biruni started out as a company which
we were working too fast! There designs and manufactures electric vehicles. But it has
was no hierarchy in my company. moved on to architecture and product design projects
We were encouraged to air our for clients that include restaurants and home owners.
views (even to the boss!) as they I juggled multiple roles in design drafting, prototyping
genuinely wanted our feedback. and 3D modelling.
LESSONS LEARNT: In Silicon Valley, YOUR EXPERIENCE AS AN INTERN IN A START-UP:
an idea is never a bad idea. Who To get started on projects, I had to pick up Solid
would have thought that the Airbnb Works, a 3D design software used by the company. It
concept – which allows complete was challenging, but I managed it on my own. And
strangers to stay in your home – although I was just an intern, my boss – the founder
would be such a success? If I of Biruni – took me under his wing and treated me
hadn’t gone on this internship, like a younger brother. He encouraged me to share my
I’d still be taking the safe, tried- ideas even if we had different opinions.
and-tested route. But now, I’m
inspired to overcome my fear of LESSONS LEARNT: My boss taught me the importance
failing and pursue my dream of of building connections and networking. He would
starting a social enterprise to maintain relationships with his business contacts,
help the community. friends and family just by making a simple phone call.
As a serial entrepreneur with multiple start-ups, he is
an inspiration and role model.
12 13
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LAOS
SEEING THE
KWANG WEI XIONG Kwang Wei Xiong’s Service-Learning trip
Sustainable to Laos was a journey of firsts. Other than
Urban Design & helping out with land surveying, he also
WORLD
Engineering tried his hand at planting rice and making
Year 2
bricks – unique, once-in-a-lifetime experiences
for a student from metropolitan Singapore.
DIFFERENTLY
PLANTING RICE IS EVER FUN: We thought that planting rice would
be easy, since we only had to place rice grains into the holes which
the locals had dug. Boy, were we wrong! After 15 minutes of Kwang Wei Xiong
(foreground) taking a
squatting and bending under the sun, we started to feel the strain wefie at That Dam (Black
Stupa), a historical site
These Ngee Ann students ventured beyond and perspire profusely. It was fun, but tiring. in Vientiane.
Singapore’s shores for valuable out-of-
HANDY TEXTBOOK SKILLS: We helped to survey the school
classroom experiences TEXT: MELANIE WEE compound at Ban Veng Samai. Fenced up with bamboo and steel
wire, there were no proper markings of the land plot. We were able
to produce a plan drawing of the area using the skills we had learnt
in our course. We felt a sense of achievement in helping the school
establish its land boundaries.
SIMPLE, BUT HARD: Loads of patience and energy are needed to
create just one mud brick. We gathered dry earth and mixed it
by hand with cement and water before placing it into a machine
to churn out the brick. The very last brick we made was too
PHOTO: ARTANIA RAHARSO
compacted and it took us 30 minutes just to push it out! We The students took 30
minutes to extract the
brought that brick back to remind us of what we had achieved over-compacted brick
from the machine.
throughout the trip.
PHOTO: ANGELA LOH
Regina Faruk (second from
Travelling to Chiangmai on an exchange
left) with new-found friends
THAILAND programme for the first time, Regina Faruk
made during the trip.
Viewing Japan’s famed sakura was just found the city to be an oasis of serenity and
REGINA FARUK
JAPAN one of the many highlights of Joshua a wellspring of cultural eye-openers.
Biomedical Science
JOSHUA LIM Lim’s study trip, which included a Year 2
Mass farm stay, industry visits and – of SAYING NO TO OPIUM: The Royal Project
Communication course – delicious local food! was started by the King of Thailand to
Year 2 encourage hill tribes to cultivate cash crops
A PASSION FOR PRINT: We met instead of opium. At Doi Inthanon National Park, a Royal Project
university students from Shizuoka who did site, we saw first-hand how hill tribes made a living by growing
a presentation on their student-run newspaper Shizuoka-jidai coffee and fruits with the agricultural expertise and equipment
PHOTO: ANGELA LOH
which is circulated across the whole prefecture. Although it provided under the initiative.
was only their co-curricular activity, the effort and dedication
which they put into managing the newspaper was inspiring. CAMPUS WITH A VIEW: While touring Chiang Mai University, I
Under the Royal Project
initiative, hill tribes are was amazed to discover that a local attraction – the Angkaew Lake
The study trip was a
CHERRY BLOSSOM CHEER: Eating a bento lunch under encouraged to grow cash – is right on its campus. The scenic spot was featured in the 2012
crops like coffee and
perfect opportunity the cherry blossom trees at Okayama’s Korakuen Garden fruits instead of opium. Chinese hit movie Lost in Thailand. At the university, we attended
for Joshua Lim (above)
to be immersed in is something I’ll remember for the rest of my life. Sakura lectures on topics like ecotourism and national identity to gain
Japan’s culture and petals were slowly falling from the trees and the springtime insights into Chiangmai’s development and culture.
colourful sights.
weather was perfect with fresh, crisp air.
ECO-TOURISM KNOW-HOW: I learnt to appreciate how Chiang Mai
LIVING LOCAL: At Takeshi village, we enjoyed a farmstay has built a sustainable tourism industry – which the natives can
PHOTO: BERNICE NG
with an elderly Japanese couple. Their home had an actual benefit from – without compromising their ecosystem. Tapping on
fireplace fuelled by wood! We ate home-cooked vegetable Chiang Mai’s abundant natural resources, the communities support
tempura made with local ingredients and slept on futons themselves by crafting art pieces and creating tasty Thai delicacies
with cosy, heavy blankets. with locally-sourced goods and harvests.
14 15
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THE GREAT ESCAPE
FOR A GOOD CAUSE
Giant “jail cell” on campus aims to encourage
staff and student commitment to community
service
n unusual scene took place outside a campus food
A court in May, when over 80 staff and students of
Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) took turns to get “locked
up” in a large cage resembling a jail cell.
These volunteers at NP’s community service event, Bailout,
were only “freed” after their friends and colleagues pledged a
donation of their time or money towards a charitable cause.
Despite being held captive, spirits were high with volunteers
breaking out into song as they waited patiently to be released.
“Many of us say that we would love to do community
service work, but that we have no time or too many
commitments. We need to free ourselves from these self- Staff and students volunteered to be “locked up” in the cage to raise community
imposed constraints and ask if it’s really so hard to find the service funds and awareness.
time to give back,” said NP’s Senior Director Mrs Choo Cheh
Hoon who also serves as Advisor to NP’s Community Service about how important it is to be ‘free’. Many less fortunate
Committee which organised the event. people are trapped in a world of worries and issues. If all of
The event successfully garnered 923 pledges amounting us can contribute in a small way, we can collectively create
to 4,212 hours of community service. “I was actually very a substantial impact,” said School of Humanities & Social
relieved to be let out of the cage. That set me thinking Sciences Assistant Director Ms Tham Foong Chue.
GETTING
gee Ann Polytechnic opened its Participants stayed on campus over
N doors once again to welcome over
60 secondary school students
three days, attending workshops on game
development software GameMaker. They
THEIR
participating in the Str(IT)wise competition were exposed to the innovative application
during the September school holidays. of IT knowledge and skills which would help
Held annually, Str(IT)wise provides them create an interactive programme for
GAME ON GET FIT, THE
young IT enthusiasts with a head start the competition.
in coding and programming through After a close contest, Maris Stella
workshops conducted by Ngee Ann’s School High School emerged as champions with
of Infocomm Technology (ICT) students. West Spring Secondary School and Jurong
ROBOCOACH WAY
TEXT: SOFILIA ZAIDEE Secondary School taking the second and third
spots respectively.
ICT Senior Advisor Ms “We didn’t even know each other before
Angela Wee (left) with the
winning team from Maris this but we stayed up late and worked
Stella High School. Five NP Robocoaches set off for their “assignments” in July – to make workouts
together,” said Ryan Tan from the winning
team, describing the nights spent coding and a little less mundane for senior citizens at Lions Befrienders Service Association
programming with his newfound friends. (Singapore), Thye Hua Kwan Moral Charities and NTUC Health Cooperative Limited.
Str(IT)wise is among ICT’s key events for Standing at 1.4 metres, these robotic fitness coaches can conduct 10-minute
secondary school students which aims to exercise routines in English, Mandarin and Cantonese. The Robocoaches – which
inculcate IT skills through multiple interactive were commissioned by IDA Singapore and the Ministry of Social and Family
and engaging platforms. Development – are enhanced versions of Xuan, an original project developed by
Ngee Ann Polytechnic’s Electrical Engineering students in 2014.
16 17NP News is a production of Ngee Ann Polytechnic
For enquiries, please contact:
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Ngee Ann Polytechnic
535 Clementi Road, Singapore 599489
T: 6466 6555
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