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sep nov 2013

the dynamic spirit of the singapore polytechnic graduates guild

From Heart Wrenching to Heart Warming


An account of the first SPGG Endowment Fund Bursary
~ Interview with SP student applicants

4 1st Perfect Game at SPGG


Bowling Alley

6 Swimming Against the Current;


Coming out on Top

14 Walking in a Winter
Wonderland
Introduce
a Member
and enjoy
$200
Members
Credit!
Get a friend to join us as an Ordinary,
Associate or a Corporate Member at the
discounted Entrance Fee and you will be
rewarded $200 in Members Credit for every
successful sign up!

Usage of Credit
The credit can be used to pay for your food and beverage* spending or your monthly subscription at the Guild. For corporate
sign ups, your incentive will correspond to the number of nominees appointed:

$200 $400 $600


for 1 nominee for 2 nomineeS for 3 nomineeS

Get In Touch!
Dont wait, call Ellis now at 6796 9988 / 9066 8818 to take your friend on a guided tour of SPGG! Alternatively, you can just email
us at joinus@spgg.org.sg the names and contact numbers of your friends whom you think may be interested in joining SPGG
and we will call them! Rest assured, if they do sign up before November, we will reward you accordingly.

Type of Membership Usual Entrance Fee Promotional Entrance Fee Reward for Introducer

Ordinary
$2,000 $1,580 $200 Credit
Associate

Corporate (1 or more nominees) $2,000 per nominee $1,580 per nominee $200 Credit for every nominee

Member-Gets-Member Promotion ends 30 November 2013.


*Applicable at The Restaurant, Poolside Caf and Coffee Hub.
Terms and Conditions I All Life, Ordinary, Associate, Corporate Designated and Student Members are eligible for the MGM scheme.
club happenings
presidents
thoughts
It is with pleasure that I write to you as
the new President of SPGG, and I am Sponsoring 8 Students for 34th Annual General Meeting
deeply humbled by the honour. I look Convocation 2013 And now before I sign off, I wish to
announce that SPGGs 34th Annual
forward to working closely with my
As evidenced by the Endowment Fund,
fellow Executive Committee Members General Meeting will be held on
giving back lies in the heart of most of
to serve you, our members, better as we Saturday, 26 October at 1:30pm at the
the things we do. This year, we sponsored
strive to be a Club of Distinction. Grand Ballroom.
prizes totalling a sum of $1,600 to 8
graduating Advanced Diploma Course
SPGG Endowment Fund students. This is the second year that we
Your presence will be greatly
appreciated and it will also be your
We have made several inroads with have sponsored such prizes and we look
chance to analyse our performance for
regard to the Endowment Fund forward to continuing this tradition of
the past year and share your views with
which now stands at $591,568. It is giving back to our Alma Mater for many
us. As this year is an election year, you
remarkable how far we have come years to come!
can also play a part in choosing who
since the Endowment Fund was first you wish to represent your guild for the
launched last year, and much of it Painting Makeover next two years!
can be attributed to the dedication
In our continued efforts to serve you
of Mr Jimmy Lim, Chairman of SPGG Once again, thank you for your support
better, we have begun repainting
Endowment Fund along with the and I look forward to meeting you at
the guild to give it an updated, more
Endowment Fund committee members. the AGM!
modern look while staying true to our
roots. Do let us know what you think of
The fruits of their labour? 25 needy
the finished product!
students from our Alma Mater receiving
the Endowment bursaries to aid them
in their polytechnic education. It is SPGG as a Networking Hub
certainly heartening to see how a little Look out for exciting networking events
goes a long way to make a difference in the coming months, spearheaded
in the lives of these students and I by yours truly as we strive to be a hub
certainly believe that we will be able for like-minded entrepreneurs to Get
to help a lot more students in the soon Connected, Stay Connected. I do hope
future. you will show your support by coming Ng Hoo Yin
down for these sessions. President

Singapore The Executive Committee


Polytechnic
President Honorary Assistant General Chairman, Membership Services
Graduates Chairman, Corp Comm & Marketing Secretary Ms. Cindy Ang
Guild Mr. Ng Hoo Yin Chairman, Lifestyle & Wellness
Mr. Raymond Tay Chairman, Food & Beverage
2nd Vice President Mr. Willy Wong
Patron Chairman, Member & Students Honorary Assistant Treasurer
fission Sep Nov 2013

Mr. Chan Soo Sen Welfare Mr. Henry Yeo Chairman, Operations Facilities
Mr. Tay Choon Mong Management
Chairman, Sports Mr. Tham Choon Kin
Honorary Members Honorary General Secretary Mr. Victor Lye
Mr. Lim Chin Aik Chairman, SPGG Endowment Fund Committee Member
Mr. Peter Chen Mr. Jimmy Lim Chairman, Membership Strategic Mr. Vincent Lim
Dr. Khoo Kay Chai Planning
Mr. Low Wong Fook Honorary Treasurer Mr. Gerald Ng
Mr. Tan Hang Cheong Chairman, Special Facilities Projects
Mr. Wong Kiang Keong

1
contents
club happenings

15
12 Editor:
Thirukumaran

16 Staff Directory
Contributors:
Calista Lee
Jackson Chua

General Manager Nesh Selvaraj

14
nesh@spgg.org.sg

20
Finance Manager Stella Tan
stellatan@spgg.org.sg

F&B Manager Charlie Lee


charlielee@spgg.org.sg

Club Happenings

Ag Membership Fiona Low
Manager fionalow@spgg.org.sg
03 SPGG 34th Annual General Meeting
Change of Presidency Asst Operations Shyam Rambini
Manager shyam@spgg.org.sg
04 1st Perfect Game at SPGG Bowling Alley
Leaping for Joy Banquet Azlan Md Noor
42nd Anniversary Lucky Draw Sales Manager azlan@spgg.org.sg

05 SPGG Sponsors 8 for Convocation 2013 Senior Marketing Thirukumaran


Cruise with Aqua Voyage & Communications thiru@spgg.org.sg
Executive

Features Senior Events &


Marketing Executive
Jeremy Tan
jeremy@spgg.org.sg
06 Swimming Against the Current; Coming out on Top
07 Boy Wonder builds his way to Success Information Eugene Quah
Technology Executive eugenequah@spgg.org.sg
08 From Heart Wrenching to Heart Warming
12 Build a Bigger, Stronger, Better Chest!
13 Cycling is the new Golf! For more Information and Advertising Enquiries:
Tel 6796 9996
14 Walking in a Winter Wonderland Email marcom@spgg.org.sg
Website www.spgg.org.sg

Networking Singapore Polytechnic Graduates Guild publishes


Fission quarterly. The Guild and the Design Agency
15 Strengthening ties with our Alma Mater accept no responsibility for any unsolicited manuscripts,
Celebrating 42! illustrations or photographs. No part of this publication
Lustre Lounge 1st Anniversary may be reproduced and/or by any other means,
electronic, mechanical, photocopied, recorded or
16 Inter-Club Friendly with NSRCC otherwise, without prior written permission of the
publisher. The views and opinions expressed or implied
Alvin and Susanna Win Big Second Year Running
in this publication do not necessarily reflect those
Continuous Income Without Working Seminar of the publisher. Although every effort and care has
been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information

Whats Coming Up? contained in this publication, neither the publisher nor
the employees of Singapore Polytechnic Graduates
Guild can be held liable for any errors or omissions for
17 Mid Autumn Festival
fission Sep Nov 2013

any consequences of reliance on this publication.


Fun Briskwalking Kampong Glam
MCI (P) 221/04/2013
SPGG Running Man
Members Day Water Carnival Design by smarties@work
layhong@smartiesatwork.com
18 Christmas & Year End Bash
Fission welcomes contributions. Please address

Eat, Drink and Be Merry! scripts to


The Editor, Fission Magazine
Singapore Polytechnic Graduates Guild
19 Your Private High Tea Event 1010 Dover Road, Singapore 139658
20 Italian Semi-Buffet

2
club happenings
club directory
SPGG 34TH Annual
General Meeting
The 34th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of SPGG will be held on
Saturday, 26 October 2013 at 1.30pm at the Grand Ballroom.
Front Office
The AGM marks the beginning of a new Fiscal Year. The practice of
Main line 6796 9988
AGM is one of the conduits by which members of SPGG scrutinize Fax 6796 9989
how the Executive Committee and Management have performed
over the past year, and to approve financial budget and strategic Sports & Wellness Facilities
initiatives for the next Fiscal Year. It is the conclusion to the hard
Bowling Alley
work and application of a great many people. Tel 6796 9964
Daily 10:00am 11:00pm
As this year is an Election year, eligible members (Life and Ordinary Spa Wellness Centre
only) are encouraged to nominate and vote. Nomination forms will be Daily 7:30am 10:00pm
available at the Administration Office, Level 3 during office hours from (Closed every Tue, Thu and Sat for regular
cleaning of Spa Pools from 7:30 10am;
23 September 2013 onwards. Voting for the 28th Executive Committee
Closed every 1st Sun of the month from 8pm
will be held on 26 October 2013, following the AGM. This is the year onwards for routine maintenance works)
where the Executive Committee are preceded for their contributions
Swimming Pool
and for nominees to stand forward to play a part for SPGG. Daily 7:30am 10:00pm
(Closed every Tue, Thu and Sat for regular
34th AGM is also the day when we would like to say thank you to cleaning from 7:30 10am)

everyone at SPGG, to our partners and suppliers who play a critical Gymnasium
part in our success, and to our members who continue to place their Daily 7:30am 9:30pm
trust in our services. (Closed every 1st Sun of the month from 8pm
onwards for routine maintenance works)

Members will receive the notice for AGM by post. Your presence Tennis Courts
Daily 8:00am 10:00pm
either as a candidate, voter or observer at the AGM would be very
much appreciated! If you require the Annual Report or information Pool Room
pertaining to the Annual General Meeting, you may retrieve it from Mon Sat 10:00am 10:00pm
Sun Closed
our website www.spgg.org.sg from 16 October 2013 onwards.

Recreational Facilities
Jackpot Room
Tel 6796 9967
Daily 10:00am 12:00am

Karaoke Hall
Tel 6796 9967
Daily 10:00am 12:00am

Food & Beverage Outlets


The Restaurant
Tel 6796 9961

Mon Fri
Lunch 12:00pm 2:30pm
Dinner 6:30pm 9:30pm

Sat, Sun & PH


Lunch 11:30am 2:30pm
Dinner 6:30pm 9:30pm
fission Sep Nov 2013

Poolside Caf

Change of Presidency
Daily & PH 11:00am 10:00pm
Last order at 9:30pm

Lustre Lounge
Please note that Mr Vincent Lim has ceased to be the President of Mon Thu 400pm 1:00am
Fri Sat 4:00pm 2:00am
Singapore Polytechnic Graduates Guild with effect from 27 July 2013.
Mr Ng Hoo Yin, 1st Vice President, will assume the role of President until The Coffee Hub
such time a new President is nominated by the next Executive Committee Daily 8am - 8pm

that will be elected during the upcoming Annual General Meeting.

3
1 Perfect Game
st
club happenings

at SPGG Bowling Alley


History was made at the guild on 22 May 2013 when
one of our members, Desmond Chan, bowled the first
perfect game of 300 at the Bowling Alley during the
SPGG Bowling Mixed League.

On his achievement, Desmond had this to say:

A perfect game in bowling is like getting a


hole in one in golf. Being an average bowler, hitting
a perfect game was a dream come true for me. All I
can say is I was a very lucky man that night.
Well done Desmond, and keep knocking
em down!

Desmond receiving the plaque of commendation


from SPGG General Manager Nesh

Leaping
for Joy
Alfred Bay was the lucky winner of a Samsung
Galaxy Tab 2 during our May Facebook contest,
where participants were required to post their
Best Moment in SP. Alfreds post, which featured
himself jumping in his graduation gown, garnered
close to 100 likes. Congratulations, Alfred!
42nd
nd Anniversary

Lucky Draw
In lieu of our 42nd Anniversary
celebration that took place in the
month of June and to give back to
our members for their support, SPGG
members as at Monday, 30 September
fission Sep Nov 2013

2013 will stand a chance to win a trip to Central Europe


featuring 2 nights in Munich, 2 Nights in Innsbruck, 3
Nights in Black Forest and 1 Night in Zurich or a 32
Philips 3008 series LED V + DVD Player!

Members who are on GIRO scheme as at 30 September


will double their chances of winning so make sure
youre on GIRO by then!

4
SPGG Sponsors 8

club happenings
for Convocation 2013
In an annual initiative to
recognise top students from
Singapore Polytechnic (SP),
SPGG donated prizes to
eight Advanced Diploma
Course students during SPs
53rd Graduation Ceremony
Ong Mong Hong
this year. SPGG Gold Medal
Advanced Diploma in Electronics &
Of the eight students, five Telecommunication Engineering

received the SPGG Gold


Medal and three received
Gurpreet Singh
the SPGG Award. A total
SPGG Gold Medal
of $1,600 in prizes was Advanced Diploma in Process Control &
donated to the students. Instrumentation

Cruise with Aqua Voyage!


SPGG warmly welcomes the newest addition to its merchant partners, Aqua Voyage!
Members enjoy 15% discount off the Best Available Rate with this exclusive yacht
service.
Valid until 31 December 2013.

Register Your
Virtual Office
at SPGG for only
$90+ p.a.*

k
an wor
Now I c like and
er I m ailingur
wherev y cup of njoy
a r yo
enjoy m he same E ddress fo
t a ess
latt at e! bu s in your
tim e on
v
recei mails/
fission Sep Nov 2013

et u s r l
L ehalf youom posta
b ls fr es
parceier servic
cour pan ies /
Application forms are now available at the Front Office
fo r com sociates
ly s
*Oncieties / A
For enquiries, please contact
Ms Stella Tan I 6796 9966 I stellatan@spgg.org.sg
Ms Joyce Loo I 6796 9978 I joyceloo@spgg.org.sg So
5
Fission recently caught up with two of our members who graduated as top students in their
features

cohort during SPs Convocation held in May this year. They offer some insight as to what inspires
and motivates them.

Swimming against the Current;


Coming out on Top
The expression Like a fish out of water would be an ideal way to describe
Rajendran s/o Ramachandrans back-to-school experience after 16 years in the
workforce. The Marine Engineer with the Republic of Singapore Navy was not
prepared for how out-of-sync he would be with what was being covered during
the lecturers and on his first day, his classmates actually mistook him for a lecturer
when he first walked in. Yet, the 36 year-old not only graduated from his Diploma in
Marine Engineering course, but emerged as one of the top students in his cohort.

What started off as an extreme challenge and an


uphill task with doubts ended up making me stronger
in every field and aspect. The experience and the
skills I had gained in the Navy greatly assisted me
in assimilating easily with my fellow classmates,
Rajendran explained.
It was not his first time entering Singapore Polytechnic (SP), though. He had first
enrolled for a Diploma in Nautical Studies as a teenager but was forced to end his
education prematurely due to financial constraints. He vowed to come back to get
his diploma and also show his two children, who are currently in primary school, that
with enough determination it was possible to overcome any obstacle.

He cites his Senior Marine Engineer, Alvin Tan, from 188 Squadron as his biggest
source of inspiration. When my initial application to join SP was rejected it was
him who encouraged me to keep trying and I managed to join SP through his
relentless appeal to the school. He inspires me as my immediate superior as he
took my interests to heart and tried his level best to help me, he said.

He plans to pursue a degree in 5 years time and Masters within 10 years, along
with becoming a Senior Marine Engineer in the Navy. But ultimately, his biggest
dreams for the future are not the tangible kind. My life plan is excel in my work, to
pursue learning, to be a role model to my children, friends and to my colleagues,
he elaborated.

The Tay Eng Soon Gold Medallist shared that his love for the sea was what led
him to pursue the Marine Engineering course and sign on with the Navy. He also
believes that the sea provides lessons in life. When we are at sea and we look
around we see the horizon around us. If we have a destination in mind, with proper
planning and execution we can reach our destination regardless of the rough seas,
bad weather or whatever adversities. In life, if we have an objective, regardless the
hardships and failures we meet, if we keep on persevering and keep on trying we
will achieve success finally, he added.

We concluded the session by asking what he liked best about SPGG. During my
days in SP, I always visited SPGG with my classmates and we enjoyed bowling,
playing pool and most of all the newly renovated spa and the swimming pool. We
used to spend hours in the swimming pool and spa and I look forward to visiting
Photo credit: SPirit

SPGG again, he recounted.


fission Sep Nov 2013

6
features
Boy Wonder Builds
His Way to Success
At the age of 20, Leong Hei Kern has already won several prolific awards and
prizes, such as the Lee Kuan Yew Award, A*Star Science Award and Land
Transport Authority Award. Still, the victory that he holds particularly close
to his heart would be winning a design challenge held by the Singapore
University of Technology and Design (SUTD).

Then a first-year student pursuing his Diploma in Mechanical Engineering,


the triumph allowed him to take part in the International Design Contest
Robocon organised by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). In his
second year, his team took part again and they emerged the champion in the
competition. It was this achievement which reaffirmed his faith in his ability to
design and build. You could say it was my first baby step to achieve all the
other awards, he said.

Its no secret that Hei Kern loves to innovate, both in and out of the classroom.
A Lego lover, he enjoys building sets with pieces he has collected and then
taking them down to start a new project. This love for product design could
have even been cultivated by his father, who took the same diploma as
him and is currently the General Manager of FG Wilson, a company which
distributes generators in the Asia Pacific Region.

On his plans for the future, the engineering prodigy hopes to one day join
the automotive industry due to his immense love of cars. Im a really big
automotive fan. I read TopGear (Magazine) religiously, he said candidly.

This passion could be the driving force behind his ultimate dream to create
a feasible alternative power train for the car. An advocate of the Green
Movement, Hei Kern also helped to start a new urban farming initiative,
Comcrop, while he was studying. We sell the crops to local restaurants and
20% of the earnings goes towards charities, he added.

His desire to enter the automotive industry will have to be put on hold for the
time being though. After completing his national service, the Model Student
Award recipient will be continuing his education with SUTD under the SUTD-
MIT Global Leadership Programme Scholarship and sees himself being in the
civil service for 10 years.

On his fondest memories at SPGG, he replied:


My father, who is also a member, introduced me to
bowling here. I started bowling in Secondary Two and
my private coaching sessions were conducted here.
When I joined the Bowling Club in SP, the trainings
were also at SPGG, he said. I still do come here with
my family every now and then.
fission Sep Nov 2013

7
features

From Heart Wrenching to Heart


An account of the first SPGG Endowment Fund Bursary
~ Interview with SP student applicants
Written by Jackson Chua
Edited by Fission

Inside a conference room at the Student Services Office of Singapore Polytechnic (SP)
on Wednesday, 22 May 2013, the air was so thick with anxiety you could cut it with a knife.
In stark contrast, outside the building, the annual SP Convocation was ongoing the
festive atmosphere rife with celebration, pride and a sense of accomplishment.

The occasion? 30 shortlisted SPGG Endowment Bursary Choon Mong and myself. Listening intently, clarifications
applicants were being interviewed that day. Of the 30 were sought, encouragement given, notes taken.
students, only 25 would be shortlisted to receive the
bursaries. It all lasted from 4pm to about 9pm five long marathon
hours.
A long conference table sat in the center of the room. On
one side, in batches of four- the applicants, hesitant at first At the end of it all, there were mixed feelings amongst
then slowly gaining courage, talking about their academic the interview panellists relieved that the interview
aspirations and the various personal challenges they were process was over and yet troubled that out there, there
facing: be it financial, family or health issues. On the other were still many disadvantaged students doing their
side four representatives of the SPGG Endowment Fund best to advance their education under very challenging
Committee, headed by Chairman Mr Jimmy Lim, SPGG circumstances.
General Manager Nesh and Committee members Mr Tay

The SPGG Endowment Fund has been introduced to In time, milestones were reached and passed. First
members before. $20,000, then $50,000, then $100,000 and onwards
and upwards we progressed with the generous
To recap briefly, the idea of providing more substantial support of alumni, personal friends and even non-SP
help through an Endowment Fund was bandied in the affiliated well-wishers.
past for the longest time, but as with any worthy journey
of a thousand miles, it had to finally happen by taking In February 2013 at the SPGG Annual Lo-Hei Luncheon,
the first step. the SPGG Endowment Fund was officially launched.
To date, our Fund stands at $591,568 with 44 donors.
The roadmap: A champion of the project Mr Jimmy Lim
turning to experienced mentors for advice, enlisting On 22 May, we were finally face-to-face
a team for synergy and mutual support, engaging in with our intended beneficiaries students
groundwork with stakeholders, abiding by procedures who were experiencing financial hardship
and protocol before finally embarking on the toughest but were not eligible for merit-based
leg on the journey publicizing, soliciting, approaching, scholarships due to their performance
sharing, enrolling and perhaps even evangelizing in a in school. Falling
sense the value of the Endowment Fund and appealing through the cracks
fission Sep Nov 2013

for donations. was an early


distinguishing
Practically, it was a ground zero-up project new feature behind
experiences in appealing to the network of friends and our bursarys
associates to part with their money for this worthy motivation.
cause, developing patience, maintaining enthusiasm and
inching forward with a quiet perseverance.

8
Warming

features
How can I begin to put into words what
we experienced during and after the bursary selection
interview session?
Perhaps it is best summed up this way:
We have always been mindful of the worthiness of the cause, as SP Alumni
leaders seeking to solicit donations from all well-wishers to help current
disadvantaged students of our Alma Mater. Yet, we could not help but be stirred
when we finally saw the reason for the project right before our very eyes earnest,
slightly diffident students all with different challenges but with one common goal
to complete their SP Education through determination and self-belief.

The unsentimental ones will tell you the poor will always be with us and in a
general sense, every one has their own untold challenges and considerations
to handle in life.

Still, how can one not be moved when stories of parents who are
deceased or grappling with diseases are told, of broken or
dysfunctional family situations and of having to work part-
time being hawker stall assistants and selling ice-cream
door-to-door just to make ends meet? A few
anecdotes come to mind...

Violent banging on our door in the dead of night. The loan-shark harassers again!
Splashing of red paint, padlocking our door grills the nightmare continues. Shame,
embarrassment it is not just financial hardship in meeting school fees and living
expenses, the trauma and esteem damage are so severe I just try to block it all out

I work as a hawker assistant everyday after school to supplement my family income. I can cope in
my first two years, but in my third year I realized I could not sustain this part-work-part-study routine
So many projects, so little sleep, so tired and worried
Every one of the students narrative was a unique story of hope overcoming despair. It was indeed a sobering session
even for some of our Committee Members who have served in the social work scene at the grassroots or Lions/
Rotary level.

The Endowment Fund Committee was roundly impacted From this interview, we can indeed assure our existing
by the interview session: donors with the memory of those determined students
fresh in our minds your generous giving matters; you
It reinstated our belief in the cause.
have made a positive difference to them.
fission Sep Nov 2013

It renewed our sense of gratitude to our early donors,


without which the 25 inaugural bursaries would not On their behalf, once again, thank you.
have materialized.
It reinvigorated our spirit to continue this work i.e.
ongoing appeal to personal networks and more
importantly, learning from others who have done
similar work and adapting tactics from their fund-
raising and donor building experiences.

9
Following the interview session, 25 Singapore Polytechnic
features

students were selected to receive the Endowment Fund bursary.


met up with a few of the bursary recipients to hear
how they have been coping despite adversity and how the
Endowment Fund is going to help them.

Christopher Seck Choa Hong has to always manage the money that he gets from
his father very carefully. This is so as both his parents hold low-income jobs,
resulting in them having to be very prudent in their finances when supporting his
family of six. He receives money from his father on a need basis. My dad tries to
protect me from most of our financial issues, he said. I try to refrain from eating
SPGG rd so I can save some money.
Bursary Awa
Further attempting to help his family out, Christopher is currently holding two
part-time jobs - one as a receptionist at a chiropractic clinic and the other as a

Christopher Seck Choa Hong cashier at Caltex. With the Endowment Fund bursary, he explained that it would a
bit easier to get his hands on resources he needs for his studies such as textbooks.
Diploma in Biomedical Science
To the donors who contributed towards the Endowment Fund, he has this to say:
What you have been doing is really inspiring. In the future when I become self-
sufficient, I would also like to help students who require financial aid.

The Biomedical Science student hopes to be a researcher someday, with a special


interest in neuroscience. I would like to help find cures for diseases that have not
yet been found, such as Alzheimers, he said.

Currently living with her 18 year-old brother and mother, Elaine Chua is under
tuition loan but is still required to pay $400 per semester. As her parents are
divorced, the main source of income in her family comes from her mother. I try
not to take money from my mother. She has to pay for the housing loan which
comes to about $500 monthly because of the divorce and does not have much
SPGG - money in her CPF, confessed Elaine.
Architectard
Bursary Aw The architecture student works part-time on an ad-hoc basis and will have to start
paying back the tuition loan once she graduates. She hopes to pursue a degree with

Elaine Chua SUTD following her poly studies. With the Endowment Fund, I do not have to work
that much and it can help also help to pay back the tuition loan once I graduate,
Diploma in Architecture she said.

When Benjamin was born, his father suffered a stroke and was paralysed on the
right side. On February 29 last year, he suffered a second stroke at the back of
his head. As he is bed-ridden from the second stroke, he is not able to work. His
mother is currently supporting the family of four which also includes an older
brother who just started his Diploma education in NAFA. We are currently staying
SPGG - itek with our grandparents - six people in a four-room flat. We have our own flat but
Ak
Kumpularyn Aw we have to rent it out in order to support dads medical fees, he explained. The
rd
Bursa a bursary money will help me a lot with yearly expenses including money needed
fission Sep Nov 2013

for my course materials.

Benjamin Soh Jun Jie


Diploma in Landscape Architecture

10
Third-year student Tan Yong Jie lives with his mother who is divorced and has

features
recently retired. While he feels that his situation is probably not as dire as some
of the other students, it is only a matter of time before their savings run out and
things start to get worse. Reality hit him when he realised that his mother could
not help him to pay for one semesters school fees and was busy sourcing for a
e part-time job, the issue strained by the fact that she is in her mid 50s and it is not
Lim Seng Beeng
& Swee Ch ard as easy to get a job at that age. I work part-time during weekends in Orchard
Bursary Aw distributing drinks at $7 per hour, he said. Even then, it is quite taxing when you
are studying and working at the same time. The money from the Endowment
Tan Yong Jie Fund will help reduce some of the burden from my school fees.

Diploma in Electronic & Electric Engineering

As the youngest among six siblings, Lim Yung Hua already has a small cut of the
financial pie at home as compared to some of his peers, further strained by the
fact that his parents are divorced. His mother works as a part-time promoter to
help make ends meet. Still, the canoeist maintains a positive outlook on life as he
strives to do well in his final year project to create a system which matchmakes
SPGG - ai teams with one another for competitive sports.
Khoo KayAwChard
Bursary
My school fees are currently paid by my brothers CPF, he shared. The
Endowment Fund will allow me to have more money for my daily expenses such
Lim Yung Hua as food and transport.
Diploma in Banking and Finance

Na Yi Rongs father is the sole breadwinner of the family. When he fell ill and was
required to visit the doctor two to three times a week, it caused a strain in the
familys finances. In addition, it is not easy for his mother to find a job. His sister,
currently in university, also requires a hefty amount to pay off her school fees.
Doing his part to help his family out, he assists his father during school holidays
SPGG - as a banquet steward at a hotel. I want to help ease the burden of my familys
MegawaAwttsard financial situation, he elaborated. With the fund, I can support myself and I
Bursary
wont be so reliant on my parents to pay my school fees.

Na Yi Rong
Diploma in Electronic & Electric Engineering

Nurhidayah Binte Ninahdi lives with her mother who is in her 60s. As her father
passed away a few years ago, the income comes from her mother who earns
minimum wages every month. Finances are strained needless to say, and hardly
enough for daily expenses, let alone school.

Low I live quite far from SP, in Tampines, said the soft-spoken student. I have to take
BH Bursrdary bus first, and then MRT. Transport is very expensive. With the Endowment Fund,
Awa
she can now afford her transport and daily expenses for school, such as printing
of notes, a little better. She plans to use the remaining money to help her money
Nurhidayah Binte Ninahdi with the utilities bills.
Diploma in Perfumery and Cosmetic Looking towards the future, Nurhidayah hopes to further her studies and
Science eventually become a chemist or product formulator.

The students featured in this issue are just a small sample of the actual number of pupils in Singapore Polytechnic
who require financial aid but have fallen through the cracks of existing bursary schemes. Any amount donated
fission Sep Nov 2013

will go a long way in ensuring these students receive the education they deserve. If you would like to make a
contribution or would like to find out more about the Endowment Fund, you may contact:

Mr Jimmy Lim Mr Nesh Selvaraj


Chairman, SPGG Endowment Fund General Manager
Hp: 9788 0246 SPGG Tel: 6796 9988
Email: jimmylim@spgg.org.sg Email: nesh@spgg.org.sg

11
features

BUILD A BIGGER, STRONGER,

BETTER CHEST!
Before you whip off that shirt, youd want your chest to be
worthy of female adulation. Our gym instructor gives you some
simple tips on how to sculpt a well-defined chest!

About
Chest (or pectoral) muscles are one of the biggest
muscles in the human anatomy. Many people have tried
Instructor portfolio
to do different types of exercises to build their chest
muscles without much success. Start with this first step
Lee Teck Chai
Gym Instructor & Personal Trainer
to kick-start your journey to achieve those pecs of steel! FISAF Certified, First Aid Certified,
BEC Certified, VIPR Certified
Instructor, NAPFA Tester, Ex-
The Plan Commando

Do this at least 2 times a week.

Lie down on a flat bench and grip the barbell with


hands shoulder-width apart (palms facing the feet). SPGG Gym Packages
Push forward and exhale. Inhale as you return to the 1st Member 2nd Member
original position. Individual Scheme
(8 Sessions, 1 Hour per session)
Make sure you are in a good form keep your Member $400 $200
shoulders flat on the bench; do not arch your back,
Non-Member $460 $230
legs on the floor. Make sure you start the movement
with your chest muscles. Use a light weight and work Couple Scheme
(8 Sessions, 1 Hour 20 minutes per session)
on your form before moving on to a heavier weight.
Its about making a point to feel the chest working. Member $540 $290
Non-Member $640 $340
Perform 3 sets of 15 repetitions for a start. Gradually Youth Scheme Full Package 8 Sessions
increase the number of sets as you go along. (8 Sessions, 1 Hour 20 minutes per session)
Member $250 $130

Nutritional Tips
fission Sep Nov 2013

Non-Member $280 $150


Youth Scheme Partial Package 4 Sessions
Youve probably heard this many times, but only (4 Sessions, 1 Hour 20 minutes per session)
through a proper diet can you achieve your fitness
Member $130 $80
goals. Eat at least 6 small meals a day with more
Non-Member $160 $110
vegetables and fruits. Try to avoid fried and oily food.
Prices quoted are not inclusive of GST
Consume more proteins than carbohydrates.
Keen on our packages? Contact us at
Until next time, happy lifting! events@spgg.org.sg or 6796 9988 to find out more!

12
Cycling is the new golf!

features
And for good reason. Not only is it fun and exciting for
children and adults alike, but it can also help you to lose Proper Clothing Apparel
weight, improve your fitness, minimize stress and improve Cycling apparel should fulfill two fundamental aspects, comfort
your overall well-being. A low-impact type of exercise, its and safety.
easier on your joints than running or other high-impact aerobic Cycling helmets should have ventilation holes for proper air
activities, and yet still helps you get into shape. Its also a great circulation and must be properly fitted and positioned on the
way to tone your legs and bottom. If you ride uphill or head; at no time should the helmet be sitting on the back or
off-road, youll also work your upper body. too far forward on the forehead as it can impair vision.
Wear proper covered shoes with decent soles for traction
In Singapore, the humble bicycle is part of daily life for many and to ensure a reasonable grip on the pedals.
people. Just head to any train station in the country and one
Clothes should be fitting and appropriately coloured
can see a considerable amount of parked bicycles. There are,
especially when cycling at night.
however, several safety procedures that every cyclist has
to observe.
Do periodic checks on the condition of your helmet at least once
a year, pay close attention to any deterioration of the material
Safety tips and ensure that the buckles are in good working condition.

Whilst cycling is a popular activity, basic safety aspects are


often overlooked. Here are some pointers;
Look to your left, right and behind you before overtaking,
Pre-Ride Checklist
The most important equipment for a cyclist is the bicycle itself;
changing lanes or stopping.
carry out the steps below to ensure that your bike is in good
Practice hand signals to indicate your intention to turn in working order:
either direction. Spin the wheels ensure they spin smoothly with no resistance.
Adhere to all traffic lights and signs. Check that the tires are properly inflated.
Refrain from cycling on crowded pavements as this can Press the brakes to make sure they provide adequate
cause injury to cyclists and pedestrians in the event of an braking and are in good working condition; apply the
accident. back brake and go through the same checks. The back
Slow down when approaching traffic lights and practice tyre should slide, not roll, when you apply the brakes and
caution when cycling alongside parked cars. simultaneously push the bike forward.
Never use headphones while cycling as it will affect your Handlebars should be aligned straight with the front wheel.
concentration. Saddle height should be adjusted to a suitable height to
Always wear a high quality cycling helmet. ensure an efficient and comfortable position when cycling.
When cycling during night time, it is compulsory to have a Keep the bicycle clean during storage to prevent corrosion.
white front light and a rear red light to ensure that you are When in doubt, always consult your bike shop for expert
visible to other road users, pedestrians and fellow cyclists. bicycle maintenance and advice.
Also remember to practice caution and be aware of your
surroundings when cycling; especially when approaching an
intersection or pedestrian crossings.

Treknology Bikes 3 Pte Ltd


We dont just sell bikes, our Passion Flows
through what we do.
We stock the largest range of the best
quality Bicycles and Accessories in
Singapore. We strive to provide the best
service possible, attention to detail is
important to us; each customer is greeted
at the door and offered a full Cycling
Consultancy Service. Your requirements
are assessed on an individual basis by our
experienced staff, so that you and your
bike are a perfect fit this will ensure your
long lasting passion for cycling, enjoyment,
comfort and safety.
fission Sep Nov 2013

Our products come with a comprehensive


manufacturers warranty coverage, and our
after sales service and maintenance are
second to none.
Life style powered by Treknology

Visit us today at
Trek Bicycle Store Mega Showroom
14 Jalan Kilang Barat Singapore 159356
Tel: 65 6273 8616 Email: trekjkb@gmail.com
www.treknology3.com 13
Walking in a
features

Winter Wonderland
While Singapore is bracing itself for the rush of the seasonal end-of-year sales, cities across
Europe are primping for a different kind of festive shopping tradition their storied Christmas
markets. Escape the holiday crush in Singapore and step into an authentic European
Christmas this year with premium and luxury land tour operator Insight Vacations.

If you are searching for the most classic winter experience to marbled paper, the trinkets offered here are vastly different
on the continent, the north is the place to start. Many of our from their counterparts in the north. The cuisine also takes on
modern festive customs originated in Germany, imported into a distinctly Mediterranean flavour, with creamy-white almond
the English-speaking world by Prince Albert when he married studded nougat and fruit-filled panettone. For travellers who
Queen Victoria in 1840, and it is in Germany where visitors can want to indulge in more contemporary shopping, Milan is the
witness these seasonal trappings in their most untainted and place to fill your Christmas stockings. Quadrilatero dOro is a
unadulterated forms. Characterised by warmly lit wooden huts, must-visit for the most exclusive Italian brands, while Corso
hearty food and steaming wine, Christmas markets there share Buenos Aires doubles as both Europes longest shopping street
an old-world charm. The Christkindlmarkt of Munich is a classic and Milans high street fashion central. With the Euro at such
example, featuring sweetmeats such as lebkuchen (gingerbread) a favourable exchange rate, you definitely wont come home
and zwetschgenmanderl (edible figures made with plums and empty-handed.
nuts) as well as wood-carven figures from Oberammergau and
the Erzgebirge mountains. Just one street down is Krippelmarkt, For something off the beaten path, venture further into
or the Market of the Holy Manger, which is renowned for its mysterious Eastern Europe. Prague, capital of the Czech
displays of handcrafted Nativity scenes. Republic, still retains many of its centuries-old historical
monuments, and offers quaint cobbled streets with
Across the border in neighbouring Austria, Christmas spectacular views over the city and its majestic castles. In the
celebrations begin one day early on the 24th and gifts are month of December, tourists and locals will mingle at the Old
delivered by the Christkind, a sprite-like child, instead of Santa Town Square to join in the merrymaking. Holidaymaker Ms
Claus. The largest market in Vienna lies on Rathausplatz, and Fiona Lim, who travelled to the Christmas markets of Vienna,
features a 32-metre tall, 120-year-old tree illuminated by 1,000 Prague and Budapest with Insight Vacations, recalls, Coming
lights. Besides serving as the central point of the sprawling from Asia, the concept of Christmas markets was a novelty to
bazaar, the tree is also the backdrop for performances by me since Christmas is very much a commercialised event here.
wind ensembles from across Austria. For a more casual and The stalls were built like traditional log-houses and bustling
kitschy experience, head down to Salzburg, home with people and activity. I remember feeling like I was in a
to Mozart and The Sound of Music. Street magical winter wonderland and Santa could possibly just
musicians provide entertainment, while the wares appear with Rudolph riding his sleigh.
on sale include such bric--brac as painted tins,
homemade soaps and snow globes in addition
to more traditional handicrafts.
To experience the same magic that Fiona
did, embark on Insight Vacations 9-day
A slightly less conventional but no less
Alpine Christmas Markets tour (from
delightful destination over the Christmas
US$1,975), 8-day German Christmas
break is Italy. Less wintry than the rest
Markets tour (from US$1,925) or other
of the continent but equally festive, its
Winter Europe tours. There is no better
holiday celebrations are perfect for those
way to bring an end to a busy year than
who prefer milder climes. In Venice, the
with a continental white Christmas.
Campo Santo Stefano is transformed into
a small Christmas village, and takes pride
Book before 31 October 2013 to save up to 7.5% (or up
in displaying only local products. From
to US$298) per person for selected Winter Europe land
carnival masks to Murano glass jewellery
tours. Citibank cardholders will also receive an exclusive
28 trolley luggage if they spend over S$6,000 on Insight
Vacations land tours and associated airfare.

For more information, please contact 6922 5950, email


info@insightvacations.com.sg or see www.insightvacations.
com. For up-to-the-minute updates, follow them on Twitter
(@InsightVacation) or like them on Facebook
(www.facebook.com/InsightVacations).
fission Sep Nov 2013

14
Strengthening ties

networking
with our Alma Mater
For the first time in the guilds history on 30 May 2013,
the Singapore Polytechnic (SP) Board of Governors
(BOG) Meeting was held in the SPGG Compound.
Numbering among the attendees were SP BOG Chairman
Mr Bill Chang and SP Principal Mr Tan Choon Shian.

Following a club tour conducted by Immediate Past


President Mr Vincent Lim, the attendees were ushered
to the Carnation Ballroom for a luncheon where Mr Lim
warmly addressed the room. He presented the changes
that SPGG had undergone since 2011, and likened the
connection between SP and SPGG to a father-son
relationship. The address was immediately followed by
a hearty buffet prepared for our guests.

SPGG would like to thank SP for the opportunity to


host the BOG Meeting and view it as a strengthening
of ties with our alma mater. We look forward to many
more such collaborations in the future.

Celebrating 42!
Sunday, 9 June 2013 saw SPGG celebrating its 42nd
birthday with much vigour and joy. It was also a chance
for the guild to give back to members for their support
over the years. Parents were spotted strolling through
the clubs entrance with kids in tow, ready to revel in the
activities organised to mark the momentous occasion.

With bouncing castles and kiddie rides provided by our


partner Playful Elves, the little ones were amused to no
end. A K-Pop Dance Lesson was also conducted in the
evening, with the tots learning the moves of hit songs
such as Psys Gentleman. Several parents were even
seen joining in the dance lesson!

Of course, we didnt leave out our adult members.


In line with our birthday, 42 mugs of free beer and
bowling coupons were given out respectively to the
first 42 members who registered/arrived!
fission Sep Nov 2013

Members who would like to request for photos taken on


the day can write in to marcom@spgg.org.sg.

Lustre Lounge 1st Anniversary


The Lustre Lounge officially turned 1 on Friday, 12 July 2013! With free flow of Beer and Courvoisier along with
a buffet, the celebration was a hit, with partygoers celebrating into the wee hours of the night. We would like
to congratulate our partner Lustre Lounge on its first year milestone and wish it many more years of success!

15
networking

Inter-Club Friendly
with NSRCC
SPGGs Bowling Section At first, both clubs were neck-to-neck with SPGG
contested NSRCC trailing behind by only 1 point. In the end, it was NSRCC
bowlers in an Inter-Club which emerged the winner though, with a score of 18
Friendly on Sunday, 28 points to SPGGs 7.
July 2013. Following a
photo-taking and plaque The happy bowlers ended the day with a sumptuous
presentation session, buffet dinner at the Carnation Room. The next
the games commenced Inter-Club Friendly will be with Seletar Country Club
promptly at 3pm. on Saturday, 31 August 2013.

Alvin and Susanna Continuous


Win Big Second Income Without
Year Running Working Seminar
During the Approximately 30 members were in attendance for the
Annual Bowling Earn Continuous Income Without Working seminar
Championship this held on Wednesday, 31 July 2013 by Summit Planners.
year, husband and
wife team Alvin Some key takeaways for the talk included different
and Susanna came streams of income, preparing for the golden years and
out on top in four property investment. It was one in a series of financial
categories for the talks conducted by Summit
second year in a row. Planners between May and
Susanna emerged August this year which included
the champion in the themes such as the Special
Ladies Open and Retirement Scheme, Medishield
Senior Division, while and gold investment.
Alvin was the 1st runner-up for both the Senior Division
fission Sep Nov 2013

and Graded Division.

Last year, Alvin won the top prize in the Senior and
Graded categories whilst Susanna bagged the Ladies
Open and 1st runner-up spot in the Graded Category.

Keep up it Alvin and Susanna!

16
Mid Autumn Festival

whats coming up
networking
Date: Sat, 14 Sep 2013
Time: 2pm 8pm
Fees: Member (Adult)~$4 // Member (Child)~$3 // Guest (Adult)~$6
// Guest (Child)~$5
Highlights I Face Changing Performance I Chinese Orchestra Performance
I Mini Bazaar I Glitter Tattoo stall I Lantern Trail for kids I Lantern Making
Workshop | Chinese YoYo Performance

Fun Briskwalking Kampong Glam


Date: Sun, 22 Sep 2013
Time: 9am 12pm
Fees: Member (Adult)~$12.50 // Member (Child)~$7 //
Guest (Adult)~$14 // Guest (Child)~$9
Highlights I Goodie bag for participants I Professional guide for tour around
Kampung Glam I Q & A session with prizes to be worn I Buffet Lunch at SPGG

Members Day Water Carnival


Date: Sat, 23 Nov 2013
Time: 2pm 6pm
Fees: Free entry for members
Highlights I Water Dunking Machine I Zorb Ball I Bouncing Castle I Magic
Bubble Girl I Balloon Twisting I Charity Car Wash I Cooking Competition

SPGG Running Man


fission Sep Nov 2013

Date: Sat, 12 Oct 2013


Time: 9am 3pm
Minimum age: 14 and above
Fees: Member (Adult)~$22 // Guest (Adult)~$25
Highlights I Games played by Koreas Running Man I Attractive Prizes to be won
I Free Running Man T-shirt with Velcro Nametag on back I Goodie Bag

17
whats coming up

Date: Fri, 27 Dec 2013


Time: 7pm 10pm
Fees: Member (Adult)~$70 // Member (Child)~$30 //
Guest (Adult)~$80 // Guest (Child)~$40
Highlights I Buffet Dinner I Performances I Games I Lucky Draw
fission Sep Nov 2013

18
eat, drink and be merry
The Coffee Hub Presents
Your Private
High Tea Event
Weekdays only, from 2.30pm - 5.30pm

20 pax @ $15.00+ GST/pax


30 pax @ $14.00+ GST/pax

High Tea Menu


Nyonya Chicken Curry served with Bread

Singapore Fried Mee Siam

Vegetarian Fried Popiah with Thai Sweet Chilli Sauce

Potato Curry Puff (Mini)

Banana Chiffon

Mocha and Walnut Chiffon

Fresh Fruit Cocktail with Almond Beancurd

Hainanese Coffee and Ceylon Tea

Members discount is not applicable.


fission Sep Nov 2013

1 week advance booking required before the event. Deposit: 50% is required upon confirmation of the event.
For reservation, call: 6796 9963 / 9882 4372 or email: norazlin@spgg.org.sg

19
Herbgarlic Chicken
eat, drink and be merry

Italian Semi-Buffet
October - November 2013
Adult: $22.80+
Child: $13.80+
(Under 12 yrs old)
Hawaiian Pizza

Appetizers Cooking Station


Grilled Pepper Salad with Seafood Pan-fried Salmon Fillet or Herb
Tomato & Mozzarella Cheese Garlic Chicken
Potato Salad With Roast Potato & Green Vegetables
Flageolet Bean Tuna & Tomato
Grilled Pepper salad with Seafood
Salad
Caesar Salad Pizzas
Mixed Greens Oriental Pizza (Spicy, Non Spicy)
Prawn, BBQ Pork, Duck Meat, Chicken Floss,

Soups
Chinese Mushroom, Green Pepper, Red
Pepper, Sliced Onion, Sesame Seed, Hor Sin Ala Carte Menu
Sauce, Topped with Mozzarella Cheese Spaghetti, Fettuccine $8.80
Minestrone
& Linguine
Cream of Mushroom Seafood Pizza Choice of Seafood, Ham, Bacon, Mushroom,
Prawn, Crabstick, Clams, Smoked Salmon, Asparagus & Minced Chicken
Mushroom, Green Pepper, Red Pepper,
Pasta Station Tomato, Sliced Onion, Stuffed Olive, Tomato
Sauce, topped with Mozzarella Cheese

Oriental Pizza $7.80
Spaghetti, Fettuccine & Linguine (Spicy, Non Spicy)
Choice of Seafood, Ham, Bacon, Mushroom, Prawn, BBQ Pork, Duck Meat, Chicken Floss,
Hawaiian Pizza
Asparagus & Minced Chicken Chinese Mushroom, Green Pepper, Red
Ham, Chicken, Pineapple, Mushroom, Green
Pepper, Red Pepper, Tomato, Sliced Onion, Pepper, Sliced Onion, Sesame Seed, Hor Sin
Black Olive, Stuffed Olive, Tomato sauce, Sauce, Topped with Mozzarella Cheese
Topped with Mozzarella Cheese
fission Sep Nov 2013

Seafood Pizza $8.80


Prawn, Crabstick, Clams, Smoked Salmon,
Desserts Mushroom, Green Pepper, Red Pepper,
Tomato, Sliced Onion, Stuffed Olive, Tomato
Fresh Fruit Platter Sauce, topped with Mozzarella Cheese
Bread & Butter Pudding
Peach with Strawberry Maples Hawaiian Pizza $7.80
Ham, Chicken, Pineapple, Mushroom, Green
Mini Pastries Pepper, Red Pepper, Tomato, Sliced Onion,
Ice-Cream with Topping Black Olive, Stuffed Olive, Tomato sauce,
Seafood Pasta
Coffee or Tea Topped with Mozzarella Cheese

20
With , Its So Possible
Established in 1954 | A Community of More than 170,000 Alumni.
Our Alumni, Our Pride

Stay
and Brighten up to these perks
Be invited to :
Annual Signature Events
(Alumni Homecoming Season, Poly 50, Standard Chartered Marathon and more)
Development Programmes
(Inspiring Alumni Speaker Series, Professional Series and Lifeskills & Lifestyle Series)
Events and Programmes by Schools
Sign up for SP Alumni Card and Enjoy Exclusive Promotions from Merchant Partners
SP Library Membership
ACE Startups Grant up to $50,000 for Budding Entrepreneurs
Career Portal for Job Opportunities
Continuing Education Programmes by Professional &
Adult Continuing Education (PACE)
Visit alumni.sp.edu.sg for more information

Back

2Give
to

Pave the way for younger


generation of SP graduates Career or Expertise Sharing
and give them the Mentor your Juniors
opportunity to excel as you Sponsor Industry-linked Projects
have. Make an impactful
difference by giving back to Partner with SP on R&D
your alma mater. Provide Job Opportunities via Career Portal
Provide Internship Opportunities for SP Students
Provide Financial Support
Visit glad2give.sp.edu.sg for more information

Alumni Relations Office T: 67721342


Join the alumni T11C31 E: alumni@sp.edu.sg
community on Singapore Polytechnic FB: mySPalumni
500 Dover Road LinkedIn: TBC
Facebook Singapore 139651
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LANDSCAPING EXCELLENCE EXCELLENCE PROJECT PROJECT


AWARD AWARD AWARD OF THE OF THE
> 250 LOTS < 250 LOTS YEAR YEAR
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