THE NANYANG VOL.

17

CHRONICLE
NO.

08
07.03.11
ISSN NO. 0218-7310

PRICES MOVING UP
VENDORS MOVING ON NEWS | 03

PRIVILEGED 过山车
对比
ACCESS 反向
SWIFT
He gets paid to hang out
with luxury sports cars.
蹦极
LOVING
Find out what he does.

LIFESTYLE | 14 南苑 | 31
 02 NEWS 17
THE NANYANG VOL.

CHRONICLE 08
NO.

News Bites
NTU
NBS don shares ancient nug- v irt u al C areer Fair research agreements on en- Honduran President Porfir- students learn how to live
gets of wisdom LAunched to match employ- ergy efficiency inked with io Lobo Sosa visits campus “the good life”
ers to students austrians
PROF WEE Chow Hou, Head of THIS YEAR, students from NTU NTU signed two agreements on PRESIDENT of Honduras, Porfirio A SEMINAR organised by the
Marketing and International Busi- can hunt for a job and attend job February 22nd with Austrian re- Lobo Sosa, visited the National NTU Economics Society on March
ness and Chairman of Nanyang interviews, without leaving the searchers to explore how the sun’s Institute of Education (NIE) on 3rd had speakers such as Minister
Executive Programmes at the Nan- comfort of their home or hostel energy can be tapped to improve February 24th as part of his three- of State Mrs Yu-Foo Yee Shoon
yang Business School spent an room. The NTU Career Fair 2011 the energy efficiency of homes and day working visit to Singapore. and Chairman to the East Asian
hour revealing some nuggets of will go one step further this year other buildings. A researcher said The objective of the visit to NIE was Institute Professor Wang Gungwu
Sun Zi’s wisdom to businesses at with the lauch of the first Virtual these research projects will sow the to learn more about Singapore’s address students on how to live
BMW’s showroom on March 1st. Career Fair or the NTU iFair. seeds of a sunrise industry—tap- education system, with a focus on well in the new economy.
The talk was organised by The ping on the sun as a form of alter- higher education and NIE’s role in
Business Times and Performance native energy for Singapore. teacher training.
Motors.

SINGAPORE
SINGAPORE government EXCESSIVE WORK LEADS TO THE FIRST GERONTOLOGY ‘MINOR’ LEAKS FOUND ON More hdb flats available
CALLS FOR LESS RELIANCE ON LATE MARRIAGE PROGRAMME LAUCHED IN SINGAPORE A380 ENGINES for lower income buyers
FOREIGN WORKERS SINGAPORE
COMPANIES need to promote pro- EXCESSI V E work is hindering THE COUNTRY’S first postgradu- SINGAPORE Airlines (SIA) said on MEASURES announced on March
ductivity and reduce dependence young people from entering into ate Programme of Gerontology has March 3rd that it had discovered 3rd include Special Housing Grant
on foreign workers, said the fi- marriage, said Straughan Paulin been launched. The programme, five cases of oil leaks on the Rolls- of up to $20,000 to help lower in-
nance minister. Mr T har man Tay, Nominated Member of Parlia- promoted by SIM University and Royce Trent 900 engines powering come households buy new flats.
Shanmugaratnam said on March ment and Associate Professor in the supported by several organizations its Airbus A380 planes. However, The income ceiling for those buy-
3rd that the increase in labour Department of Sociology at the Na- such as the Ministry of Community a spokesman later assured that it ing three-room standard flats has
supply is estimated to be slow, as tional University of Singapore. Her Development, Youth and Sports, would not pose any safety issues been raised from $3000 to $5000.
Singapore has almost reached full research shows that three reasons is expected to improve nursing on flights.
employment. He suggested that contribute to young Singaporean care for the ageing population of
businesses reorganize their opera- women’s late marriage: limited Singapore.
tion so as to cope with increasing social network, limited time, and
labour costs. other life goals.

WORLD
HUNDREDS DIED IN NZ QUAKE CHINA OVERWHELMS JAPAN MORE THAN 1000 dead IN jOURNALIST DETAINED IN APPLE LAUnCHEs IPAD2
AS THE SECOND-LARGEST LIBYA’S REVOLT BEIJING FOR “BREACHING
ECONOMY REPORTING RESTRICTION”
THE OFFICIAL death toll climbs to CHINA has overtaken Japan as the THOUSANDS of protestors ral- SEVERAL foreign journalists were STEV E Jobs unveiled the sec-
161, after a 6.3 magnitude earth- world’s second-biggest economy. lied in Libya’s second biggest city roughed up and detained in Beijing ond generation of its iPad tablet
quake hit New Zealand’s second Japan earlier released its economic Benghazi on the night of February after gathering at a busy shop- computer in an event on March
biggest city Christchurch on Feb- figure showing that its econo- 22nd, to demand the release of an ping district on February 28th to 2nd in San Francisco. He said the
ruary 22nd. More than 200 are my was worth US$5.474 trillion arrested human rights activist. It cover anonymous online calls for major improvements for the new
still missing. Relief officials said (SGD$6.948 trillion) at the end has been estimated that more than anti-government protests there. version will be a faster processor,
on Wednesday that no more sur- of 2010. China’s economy has hit 1,000 civilians have been killed in The Chinese Government then improved graphics, and front and
vivors are likely to be found and US$5.8 trillion (SGD$7.357 trillion) clashes with security forces and said journalists were detained for rear cameras.
the dominant task now is recovery for the same period, with a 10.3 per government supporters. breaching reporting restriction,
instead of rescue. cent growth compared to last year. but refused to specify which pro-
cedure had been broken.

Upcoming Events correction

“New Year Together”
(Vol. 17 No 5, Page 16-17)
9 to 11 March 14 March 22 to 24 March
I n o u r p h o t o e s s ay,
two student groups were
ASTROWEEK 2011 foxtrot fever! SOCIAL If you have any incorrectly named.
The NTU Astronomical Society NTU Dance Sport Academy
AWARENESS WEEK exciting events We had named them: NTU
Chinese Dance Society and
will be holding an exhibition
and talks on astronomy.
is organizing a one-day only
Recess Week Special ballroom
Un i-Y ’s Socia l Enter pr i se to publicise, PRC Student Union.
Club will be holding a Social These two groups are
Time: 9am to 5pm dance work shop—t he Slow Awa reness Week . Va r iou s please don’t known of ficially as the
Venue: Area in front of LT 1A Foxtrot. Prices are at $6 per
Find out what your DSLR cam- person and $10 per couple.
welfare organizations and
social enterprise companies
hesitate to Chinese Dance Club under
NTU Cultural Activities Club,
era can do to capture the night Email [email protected] to sign will be setting up booths in contact us at and NTUSU International
sky. up now. NTU to promote their services Undergraduate Committee
Time: 2pm-4pm (Registration and to educate students. Profits chronicle@ntu. PRC Group respectively.
begins at 1.30pm)
Venue: Hall 3 Function Hall
will be donated to targeted
beneficiaries.
edu.sg We apologise for the
error.
News Balancing act: the lives of graduate students – Page 8

Food price hike hurts

NTU canteen vendors (despite the rejection),” she said.
Despite the increase in
But she had to revert her prices
global food costs, NTU to “normal levels” after OFPM
is not letting its canteen subsequently found out.
Another vendor, the owner of
vendors raise their prices the barbeque stall in Canteen 2,
also had his application to raise
prices rejected.
Instead, Mr Tan Kay Hock cut
Mark Tay food portions, but this has not
gone unnoticed by the students.
Food prices around Singapore "There used to be more fries,
and the world have gone up, but it and the piece of chicken has be-
is not the case for NTU’s canteens. come smaller. I would rather
These vendors all face the same that they increase the price and
problem: increasing raw food keep the size of the portions un-
prices eroding their profit mar- changed," said Timothy Boey, 23,
gins. a second-year student from the
Global food prices have been School of Art, Design and Media.
rising for the past seven consecu- It is exactly what Mdm Ng fears.
tive months. “If I were to give two pieces of
However, unlike other vendors, pork instead of three pieces, it will
those in NTU have found that they not be enough for the students (to
cannot mark up prices to safe- eat),” she said, which was why she
guard their profits. preferred to raise the prices.
Standing in their way is the
Office of Facilities Planning and
Management (OFPM). The office “Generally, prices
has rejected all applications for have started to UnCERTAINTY: Madam Ng Poh Gek is not sure she can continue operating her stall if the school does not let her charge more
fee hikes.
One of those rejected is Ng Poh stabilise. We PHOTO | WAN ZHONG HAO
Gek, the owner of the Western
food stall located in Canteen 14.
should see a turn-
er’s) rent to balance the increase meal in NTU costs $4.75 while the to increase her food prices.
She applied to increase her food around after the in food prices can help both stall same meal out of campus costs Titled “Save the canteen 14
prices last December, but was re-
jected. She then held on till March budget plans kick owners and students,” he said.
But OFPM’s manager Mr Der-
$6.90.
However, vendors like Mdm Ng
Western food stall”, the page was
created on March 2nd by Sarah
1st, when she increased her prices in." rick Ng said that no such subsi- find it difficult hold on to their cur- Tham, 23, a resident of Hall of
by 20 to 40 cents, because “food Derrick Ng dies will be dished out. NTU’s stall rent food prices for long. “If food Residence 15 who frequents Can-
prices have been continuously in- Manager rental rates are “already low”, al- prices continue to increase, and we teen 14.
creasing.” Office of Facilities Planning and though he declined to reveal how are not allowed to take measures, “The prices at her stall have
For example, prices of meat like much they are. my business is not going to be able been stagnant for too long. It’s
Management
chicken rose from $3.70 in March Stall owners also cannot in- to sustain itself much longer,” she been the same since I was in Year
last year to $4.70 per kilogram crease food prices at their own said. One,” said the fourth-year student
two months ago. Other ingredi- discretion. Attempts to do so will from the School of Mechanical
ents like cooking oil have also in- and Aerospace Engineering.
creased from $16 per container in
First-year student at the Nan-
yang Business School Jake Ng, 24,
be curbed, like in Mdm Ng’s case,
although errant vendors will not
“If food prices “The portions (at the stall) are
2008 to $33 now, she said. offered a solution. “A school sub- be penalised as his office plans to continue to really generous so the increase in
“I was left with no choice but to sidy by lowering (the stall own- advise them instead. prices is really reasonable,” Tham
go ahead with the price increase He said he rejected the stalls’ increase and we added.
applications to raise food prices are not allowed to
because the government already
announced measures to combat take measures, Budget Information
rising food prices in its recent
budget, such as forming the Retail
my business is not The Retail Price Watch
Group (RPWG) was formed
Price Watch Group (see sidebar). going to be able to under the Singapore Bud-
“Generally, prices have started get 2011 to keep immod-
to stabilise. We should see a turn- sustain itself much erate prices in check. Ma-
around after the budget plans kick longer." jor supermarket chains
in. I believe help is on the way,” Ng Poh Gek like NTUC and Giant have
he said. Stall vendor agreed to hold certain food
He also believed if the canteen prices steady for the next
Canteen 14
vendors raised prices, they would six months to help the av-
lose out to the school’s fast food erage Singaporean. While
restaurants, which have not raised no direct measures have
prices. Students interviewed felt that been announced to help
“They risk losing their business to prevent the closure of stalls, food hawkers, the govern-
to the fast food outlets like Mc- price hikes should be given the ment has stated that it ‘will
Donalds and Subway,” he said. green light. stay alert to any attempts
Meals offered at Canteen A’s fast In fact, about 1200 students, by businesses to profiteer
food outlets are at least 10 percent mostly from NTU, have “liked” or collude to raise prices
ADDITIONAL COST: The price hike in raw ingredients reduces vendors' profit margin cheaper than outlets around Sin- a Facebook page petitioning for excessively’.
PHOTO | WAN ZHONG HAO gapore. For instance, a McNuggets Mdm Ng to be given permission
 04 NEWS 17
THE NANYANG VOL.

CHRONICLE 08
NO.

Students, professors Food wastage

continues in NTU
applaud budget goodies
Assessable In- Annual value of residence (as at December 2010)
come for year of
assessment 2010 Up to $7,000 $7,000 to $13,000 More than $13,000

Up to $30,000 $700 $600 $300 WASTE NOT, WANT NOT: Food leftover in Canteen B
PHOTO | WAN ZHONG HAO

$30,000 to $100,000 Cheryl Chan Leong Kok Wai, 30, a stall

assistant at the chicken rice stall
in Canteen 2, said he ensures
While food prices are rising, food is not wasted at the stall.
food wastage is still commonly “Normally we have little left-
More than $100,000 $100 observed in NTU. over, but if we do, we will deliv-
Plates of unfinished food are er them to other outlets to sell.
often left behind on tables or We usually estimate the amount
of rice to cook to prevent wast-
NSFs/NS Men + $100 at tray returning points in the
canteens, according to Ah Yu, a age,” he said.
cleaner who has worked for more Similarly, Hartini, the owner
than a year at one of the tray of the nasi padang stall at Can-
cleaning points at Canteen B. teen B said: “If there are leftovers
Source: Ministry of Finance “At my cleaning point, we
collect up to seven to eight of the
at the end of the day, we either
bring them home for ourselves
Up to $7000 = HDB flats with 3 rooms or fewer typical garbage bags full of food or give them to our neighbours.”
wastages during lunch time alone “It’ll be good if the stalls
$7001 to $13,000 = HDB flats more than 3 rooms/ lower value private homes and around 10 bags in total every could charge slightly cheaper
day,” she said. for those who ask for smaller
More than $13,000 = High-value private homes Colin Quek, 23, a second-year portions,” said Joey Lee, 22, a
student from the Nanyang Busi- fourth-year student from the
ness School, acknowledged that School of Physical & Mathemat-
he often has food left over. ical Sciences, who usually has
Cash grants and tax fees. Then, maybe treat my friends money in the bank. “The food [on campus] isn’t food left over on her plate be-
to a good meal,” said Ong Zhen “I will save and use it to offset great, hence I always don’t [en- cause of the large portions.
rebates will be put to good Iang, 23, a second-year student the rising cost of living here that is joy it enough] to finish the whole “If they don’t lower prices,
use from the School of Mechanical a result of GST hikes and increas- portion,” he said. people will simply take the usual
and Aerospace Engineering. ing inflation,” said Professor Ho While students continue to portions even if they don’t eat
He will collect $700 as he is an who will also be getting a 20 per waste food, stall vendors, who that much as they’re not moti-
Kenneth Foo NSman and lives in a 4-room HDB have felt the pinch of rising food vated to get smaller portions, re-
cent income tax rebate this year
flat which has an estimated annual thanks to the new Budget plan. prices, are trying to minimise the sulting in a lot of wastage,” she
Students and professors are value of $8,000. Besides the one-off cash grant, waste. added.
generally delighted with the unex- Second-year Nanyang Busi- undergraduates whose household
pected windfall resulting from the ness School undergraduate Jona- incomes are within the bottom
lavish payout from the latest gov- than Tan, 22, plans to enroll for two-thirds of the country will also
ernment budget, which they say career grooming courses that will benefit from an 80% increase in
will be spent mainly on defray- prepare him for his future career. bursary award amounts.
ing personal expenses, paying for “It’s a great opportunity for According to the Ministry of
school fees and coping with rising me to use the $700 to take courses Finance, this will be an increase
living costs. that provide training on interview from the current $1,600 a year to
Widely anticipated to be a skills and personal branding that $2,900 a year, covering up to 40
generous budget due to the up- will give me an edge over other per cent of school fees.
coming general elections, Budget job-seekers,” said Tan, an NSman Elena Quek, 22, a third-year
2011 lived up to expectations last who also lives in a 4-room HDB undergraduate from the School of
month when a wide array of ben- flat. Humanities and Social Sciences
efits for all Singaporeans was an- cheers the move, as she will be re-
ceiving a $1500 bursary grant.
nounced.
Budget incentives include cash
“It’s a nice gesture “It’s a nice gesture as I can now
grants, tax rebates and enhanced as I can now focus focus more on my studies instead
bursary awards for needy students. of having to put in so many hours
But the handsomest of the more on my studies at my part-time job, ” said Quek,
budget handouts has to be the instead of having who works three times a week as a Presidential smile: The Honduran president visits a Collaborative Classroom in
Growth Dividends, which will be telephone surveyor earning $7 an NIE. PHOTO | Goh Chay TEng
be awarded to every Singaporean to put in so many hour.
aged 21 and above this year.
Depending on one’s income
hours at my part- But not everyone is happy with
the way the budget goodies are al- Two presidents in one week
and the value of one’s home, Sin- time job." located.
gaporean adults can expect to get Elena Quek First-year Electrical and Elec- Or in three days to be exact. NTU hosted the Federal President of
between $100 to $800. Operation- Undergraduate tronic Engineering student Cinny the Republic of Austria, Dr Heinz Fischer, on February 22nd and
ally-ready national servicemen Chin, 20, is disappointed that only the Honduran President Mr Porfirio Lobo Sosa on February 24th.
School of Humanities and Social
(NSmen) and full-time national those aged 21 and above this year His Excellency Dr Heinz Fischer witnessed NTU signing two
Sciences
servicemen (NSFs) will receive an will be eligible for the cash hand- agreements with Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH (AIT) and
extra $100. outs. SOLID ASIA to improve the efficiency of cooling systems such
Many interviewed are pleased She said: “I’m unhappy that as air-conditioning and to tap solar thermal energy in tropical
with the payout and have already I won’t be getting it just because environments.
made plans on how they will be Some, like Assistant Professor I’m a year short of the age require- His Excellency Mr Porfirio Lobo Sosa visited the National Insti-
spending the bounty come May. Shirley Ho from the Wee Kim Wee ment. I guess I will have to wait for tute of Education (NIE) to learn more about Singapore’s education
“I will use it to pay for my School of Communication and In- the next general elections for an- system, with a focus on higher education and NIE’s role in teacher
school or hall accommodation formation, will simply place the other generous offering like this.” training.
 NEWS 05
VOL.
17 THE NANYANG

08 CHRONICLE
NO.

SAC's first phase Hall toilets get a

makeover
now complete Goh Ee Ling

Students of Halls of Residences 4,

by contractors.
No noisy hacking or major dis-
turbances will take place once the ac-
ademic term begins, said Miss Angela
Two brand new rooms are 5, 6 and 7 can expect fully upgraded Shang, Deputy Director of Student
ready for use toilets come July 2013. Accommodation from the Student
The new toilets will feature de- Affairs Office.
Judith Ho signs similar to that of the ones in Wear and tear is the primary rea-
the halls that were upgraded recently. son for the overhaul of the washroom
NTU clubs can book the two Students will be able to use them once
meeting rooms at the new Student units, said Miss Shang.
the renovations are completed. “Although localised repairs are
Activities Centre (SAC) when they Key changes include the use of
open on March 7th. carried out routinely, we feel that now
fluorescent lights, additional shower would be a good time to start on the
The two rooms will be and toilet cubicles and bidets. Users
equipped with tables and chairs renovation work,” she added.
will be greeted with a more spacious Assistant Honourary General
for meeting purposes and re- interior, a full-length mirror, solid-
semble the meeting rooms in the Secretary of Hall of Residence 4’s
surface vanity tops and towel bar Junior Common Room Committee
previous SAC, said Logistics Ex- hangers.
ecutive for the Students’ Union Avalynn Chiang, 21, gave the new
All renovation work for Halls 4-7 design a thumbs-up.
Kelvin Oscar Wangsa, 20. will be divided into four phases. Phase
The SAC, previously located at She felt that the new design is a
1 of the upgrading works will com- tremendous improvement from the
the School of Biological Sciences, mence in December 2011 and take
is now at old Canteen A. current one where “toilet facilities are
place concurrently for the halls. The rather old and dim-lit”.
“The new SAC is part of a plan work will be carried out on a block-
to improve facilities and to build “The brighter lighting and in-
by-block basis. creased showering space will make it
a more fun and vibrant environ- Each is scheduled to be complet-
ment for students,” said Wangsa. much easier for us to move around. It
ed within the semester vacation, but seems safer too,” added Chiang.
It is scheduled to be fully op- may spill over to the first few weeks
erational in June, when its stu- Men at work: SAC meeeting rooms are opening after a slight delay. According to Miss Shang, the
PHOTO | WAN zhong hao of the following academic semester renovation costs for each hall are es-
dents' lounge, recreational U-ROC However, students can expect mini-
area and study areas open. A third timated at $1 million, and up to $1.6
mal disruption as these will be limited million for the halls with more wash-
meeting room which can be con- For the NTU Sports Club, it But for Christian Fellowship to polishing and finishing works done
verted into a dance studio will rooms.
was a particularly trying time as and the NTU Rotaract Club, this
also be ready then. they were in the midst of planning delay posed only a minor hassle,
However, several clubs were three events—Sports Expose, Surf said Honorary General Secretary
inconvenienced by the upgrad- N Sweat and Bike Rally 2011. for the NTU Rotaract Club Ter Mei
ing process. Some meeting rooms “It was difficult accessing Mei, 22.
in the old SAC were closed three the meeting rooms due to the The two clubs had booked
weeks ago and there were restric- construction at the old SAC and meeting rooms in the new SAC for
tions on booking the remaining meetings were hindered by the their joint event—Janitor’s High
meeting rooms. Clubs that were noise from the construction,” said Tea, on February 25th, but the
affected included the NTU Sports Sports Club Logistics Officer Chen bookings were rejected due to the
Club, Fastforward, Christian Fel- Shao, 21. delay.
lowship and the NTU Rotaract NTU’s board game society, “But we sort of expected this delay
Club. Fastforward, moved their gaming and had other alternative venues
The SAC Meeting Rooms 1 and sessions to old Canteen A. in mind, like the tutorial rooms in
2 were initially expected to open According to Fastforward’s the South Spine,” said Ter.
on February 21st. vice-president Tan Haiwang, 22, When the new SAC becomes
According to Wangsa, howev- the change in location resulted in fully operational in June, students
er, importing of equipment from the society losing some students can expect air-conditioned rooms,
overseas was delayed by the Chi- who would usually join the gam- game consoles and board games,
nese New Year break, thus post- ing sessions when dining at the and an area for movie screenings, KEEPING CLEAN: Hall residents can expect upgraded, brighter toilets.
poning its opening. old SAC. said Wangsa. PHOTO | WAN zhong hao

New modules reach for excellence

Aravinda Karunaratne multidisciplinary emphasis of the Said Cai: “I like the fact a technological solution, but a “More line-ups such as com-
Five Peaks, said programme coor- that this module looks at the shift in paradigms and mind- petitions, seminars, talks as well
Students can look forward to a dinator Associate Professor Tan relationship between the envi- sets.” as awareness campaigns can be
slew of new modules released in Khye Chong. ronment and the society with Cai added that more opportu- carried out to bring about a deeper
line with the NTU 2015 strategic He added that the minor will a multi-faceted perspective. It nities should be made available to engagement of students,” he said.
plan’s Five Peaks of Excellence— take on an interdisciplinary ap- keeps in mind that many envi- students because enrollment for Next semester, electives
Sustainable Earth, New Media, proach, enabling students to un- ronmental problems do not need the course is limited to 35 people. CH0810: Biofuels and MS8205:
Future Healthcare, New Silk Road derstand threats and challenges Materials for Energy Conversion
and Innovation Asia. posed by increased urbanisation will debut for the minor pro-
The plan aims to guide NTU’s of the environment. Some major gramme in Energy, which only
development based on the areas issues covered include energy, started last semester.
represented by the peaks. pollution, social equity and eco- The minor in Energy from the
More courses with interdisci- nomic development. College of Engineering is also
plinary content are on their way, After completing the prerequi- driven by the peak of excellence
said Senior Assistant Director of site HU101 for the minor, students of Sustainable Earth, said Asso-
the Office of Academic Services are required to take one module ciate Professor Gooi Hoay Beng,
Hariaty Mohamed Senin. each from the four different sub- from the School of Electrical and
One new elective released this ject groups of sociology, econom- Electronic Engineering, who is
semester is HU101: Introduction to ics, Chinese/English/Linguistics teaching some modules for the
Environmental and Urban Stud- and multilingual studies, and civil programme.
ies. It is part of a new minor in and environmental engineering. Said Dr Gooi: “Energy is
Environmental and Urban Studies Third-year student from the a deep concern of the modern
offered under the School of Hu- school of Materials Science and En- world. Even President Obama has
manities and Social Sciences. gineering Cai Li, 23, is currently tak- highlighted its importance. We
The minor was inspired by the ing HU101 as he is passionate about want to raise students’ awareness
peak of Sustainable Earth, and the environmental sustainability. on this timely issue.”
 06 NEWS 17
THE NANYANG VOL.

CHRONICLE 08
NO.

Janitors get ADM works shine at Singapore

Short Film Awards
thanks Films on rats and The process of producing the films
was not always smooth-sailing.
Harry Zhuang, 26, both fourth year
students from ADM, faced a different
Winifred Seto event chairperson Lydia Chan, isolation take
Aroozoo recalled some of the dif- kind of difficulty while producing their
19, a first-year student from the nominations by storm ficuties faced while filming. “It was animation film.
WHILE most students are still School of Humanities and Social basically a one-man show, I was pro- Their film ‘Contained’ is about a
asleep, cleaner Madam Suah is Sciences. ducer, scriptwriter, director, and had man on an isolated island with his be-
reporting for work. As students “Many people do not know Priscilla Kham to organise a whole team of about 20 loved flower.
leave classes for homes or halls, that the janitors have to wash people, including crew, actors, as well “We found difficulty in trying to
she departs campus too—for her the toilets up to 13 times a day What began as a fun holiday as the props.” convey the emotion of obsession. I
second job at Jurong Point. and also expect them to clean project filming ‘Mickey’, a film Aside from technical burdens, think with animation, it takes a lot of
Madam Suah, 66, works two the litter left in seminar rooms that juxtaposes scientific experi- there was also emotional conflict in- time and courage to move the process
jobs despite her age. She, along and lecture theatres,” she said. ments on lab rats with the me- volved. forward as you’re never sure if the out-
with 18 other janitors, two su- Senior supervisor of facili- chanical complexity of human re- “As my film is quite depressing come is what you wanted to express.”
pervisors and a manager, were ties maintenance in North Spine lationships, has earned 26-year-old and anti-love, I had to stay in a sombre said Harry.
the attendees of NTU’s first Jani- Muhammed Idros works as a soc- Wesley Aroozoo, a fourth-year Art, mood during post-production in order However, despite the difficulties
tor’s Appreciation High Tea held cer coach and volunteers at the Design and Media (ADM) student, to effectively edit the film. However, encountered, all remain optimistic
on February 25th at a seminar prison on his days off. a nomination in the Best Experi- this was hard to do as I met someone about the process of filmmaking.
room in the South Spine. “It is tiring to work from 8am mental category at the 2nd Singa- during that time and was actually re- “I think my best advice for bud-
“For one and a half years, I to 5pm daily but I have no inten- pore Short Film Awards (SSFA). ally happy,” he said. ding filmmakers would be to really
work from 7am to 5pm in NTU tion to stop—especially when the For the first time, ADM stu- Nominated in the Best Animation keep trying,” said Henry.
before going to work as a jani- oldest cleaner here is 82 years dents are dominating the Best category, twin brothers Henry and “Hard work pays off,” he added.
tor in Jurong Point from 6pm to old,” said Mr Idros when asked Animation and Best Experimental
11pm. It is tiring but I need the if he was retiring anytime soon. categories at the SSFA, the only
money,” she said. Most of the Said See Jing Jing, 22, a local platform which recognises
janitors work solely in NTU. fourth-year chemistry student excellence in short films. Four
The high tea consisted of who attended the event: “The out of five nominees in the Best
a welcome speech and a video event was heartwarming because Animation category, and all five
created by the committee, docu- it recognises ‘unsung heroes’ in nominees in the Best Experimental
menting the tedious job of a jani- the school who are often over- category are either current or past
tor. Students and janitors bonded looked by many.” students from ADM.
over a meal and the event ended Although not many students Organised by The Substa-
with a presentation of apprecia- have heard about the event, tion, Singapore’s first independent
tion notes written by students to event organiser Josephine Tan, contemporary arts centre, and
the janitors. 20, a second-year student from Objectifs, a visual arts centre that
Jointly organised by NTU’s the Nanyang Business School, promotes filmmaking, the SSFA
Christian Fellowship and Rota- said she hopes to rope in more kicked off with a run of public
ract Club, the event seeks to urge student groups to share the bud- screenings of all the SSFA nomi-
NTU students to take the initia- get and manpower so the event nees on February 28th, and will
tive to be more appreciative to- can be carried out on a larger culminate in an awards ceremony
ANTI-LOVE: The short film Mickey examines romantic relationships.
wards janitors in the school, said scale next year. to be held on March 6th. PHOTO | Courtesy of wesley aroozoo

More alumni give back creatively

Stronger sense of involvement to his office’s Since then, Mr Soon has
belonging is motivating method of engaging them extended his job scope beyond
through newsletters, e-mailers attracting alumni participation,
alumni to give back and a quarterly magazine. to include solemnising at the
“The alumni receives infor- weddings of alumni and their
Sharifah Fadhilah Alshahab mation about the university ev- spouses-to-be, whom they may
ery month and at least two ac- have met while studying at the
ONE gives all the money he tivities are held for them each university.
makes as a lecturer to an endow- month,” he said. The licensed minister sees
ment fund for needy students. Mr Soon—himself an alum- multiple benefits in volunteer-
Another solemnises marriages nus since 1975—is also giving ing to do solemnisations.
among graduates. Increasingly, back to NTU creatively. Mr Soon explains that in-
NTU alumni are finding creative stead of accepting tokens of
ways to give back to the uni- appreciation from the couple,
versity. he offers the couple a donation
Sarjit Singh returns all the “I feel a strong form from the NTU Develop-
money NTU pays for his work connection with ment Office to encourage them
teaching Risk Management, to donate the money to needy
Control and Ethics as an Ad- NTU and have students.
junct Professor at the Nanyang been following These donations, combined
Business School (NBS). with the Government’s Dollar- I DO: Soon Min Yam feels that officiating at weddings of NTU alumni will deepen their bond to
He recently used his salary the university’s for-Dollar matching scheme, the university. PHOTO | WALLACE WOON
given by the university as well ensure that more money is
as his own money to set up an progression.” available for needy students. Chia, who volunteers as an teer has earned him the Nan-
endowment fund of $50, 000 for Roderick Chia At the same time, he hope alumni representative on the yang Alumni Service Award, an
needy students and outstanding Alumni alumni will feel closer to the interview panel for the Discre- award set up by NTU in 1996 to
final-year students. Class of 1998 university through such solem- tionary Admission of post-sec- recognise alumni who have ren-
As the President of the NBS nization ceremonies, thus build- ondary school students. dered outstanding service to the
Alumni Association, he also ing a close-knit community. As a stakeholder, Mr Chia, University, in 2005.
contributes his time to organ- Some alumni regard them- who graduated in 1998, finds “I feel a strong connection
ise events like their convocation selves as more than a part of that it is important for alumni with NTU and have been follow-
balls for the past five years. He agreed to head the Alum- the NTU community. They see to play an active role in guiding ing the university’s progression.
Director of the Alumni Af- ni Affairs Office about seven themselves as stakeholders of NTU towards a global standing So far, it has been good so I am
fairs Office, Soon Min Yam at- years ago as he felt an obliga- the university. its members can be proud of. more eager to get involved,” he
tributes the increase in alumni tion towards his alma mater. One of them is Roderick His involvement as a volun- said.
 NEWS 07
VOL.
17 THE NANYANG

08 CHRONICLE
NO.

Making parties their business

Entreprenurship students “We noticed that most tertiary she added. A highlight was being
students don’t really mix around able to easily meet students from
see hot business with people from other univer- other universities, rather than
ventures in cool parties sities, and they usually partici- sticking to her own friends.
pate in events organised by their When asked what plans lie
Goh Ee Ling respective schools,” said team ahead for Singapore Uni, team
member Vinai Gopalakrishnan, member Daniel Senjaya Wong,
25, a third-year student from the 23, a third-year student from the
THE booze was flowing, and School of Electronic and Electrical School of Biological Sciences
strobe lights flashing, as over 700 Engineering. said: “We will build on our cur-
university students partied the “As such, our idea was to al- rent networks to organise more
night away. low everyone, from NTU, NUS, youth-related events. There’s defi-
In the VIP lounge, lecturers SMU, SIM and even other tertiary, nitely more to come.”
and students clinked their glasses private school students to come
to the sweet sound of cash roll- together and have fun,” he added.
ing in. A large portion of the profit out and about
House Party, held on February came from ticket sales, said team
19th in Mimolette, a colonial bun- Another group of students
member Desmond Choo, 26, a from the EN105 module held a
galow converted into a restaurant third-year student at the School
and bar just off Bukit Timah, was pyjama party themed bash on
of Mechanical and Aerospace En- the same night at Blue Jazz.
no ordinary college party. It was gineering. Making money: Sale of tickets to the party helped turn a profit.
the culmination of a business idea PHOTO | WAN ZHONG HAO Party-goers wore bathrobes
The $18 ticket included one and nightgowns, and enter-
of six students minoring in entre- complimentary drink.
preneurship. tainment included live bands
Details of the party location the event by word-of-mouth. Said School of Humanities and and pole-dancing. Accord-
The team set up a company, were deliberately unveiled only a Also, few third-party personnel Social Science freshman, Grace
Singapore Uni, for EN105, which ing to team member Heather
few days before, adding mystery were employed to cut costs,” add- Ong, 19: “The atmosphere was Chin, 21, the project is meant
has students launch a small busi- to the event, which fuelled pub- ed Choo. electrifying and the energy level
ness project. Preparations for their as a launching platform into
licity. Party-goers were generally was just kept up throughout the the organisation of theme
launch event, House Party, began “For publicity, we also used surprised by the party’s profes- night.”
four months ago. parties for corporations.
our personal networks to promote sionalism. “It wasn’t like any other club,”

NTU journalism graduates Websites dish out advice

impress newspapers on campus life
Rebecca Lim mind. The trip is an annual overseas
news reporting programme under WK- Danson Cheong
Not only is the winner of the Singapore WSCI.
Press Holding (SPH) Young Journalist “The first-hand experience of news NTU students looking for help on is-
of the Year Award 2010 from Wee Kim reporting really helped to broaden my sues ranging from module selection
Wee School of Communication and In- horizons,” she said. Ms Neo decided to calculation of GPA can now look
formation (WKWSCI) , for the first time, that what she did on the trip was what no further than two new websites.
all three nominees are alumni of the she wanted to do for her career. The first is HippoCampus.sg,
school. Coincidentally, all three candi- which connects undergraduates from
The award was given to Jamie Lee, dates were alumni of the GO-FAR pro- NTU, NUS and SMU. Registered users
25, who has worked as a journalist for gramme. contribute to the website with advice
the Business Times for two and a half Nominee and eventual winner, Ms on which modules to take, textbooks
years. Lee, sees herself as a finance reporter to buy and professors to study under.
Given out during SPH’s annual living out her childhood ambition. It was launched by NTU third-year
award ceremony, the award honours WKWSCI gave her the edge, she said, business and computing students
the best of SPH’s English and Malay preparing her for what reporting entails James Gwee and Benjamin Teo on
Newspaper Divisions. through external internships and stints February 7th.
One of the three nominees, photo- with the Nanyang Chronicle. According to Gwee and Teo, Hip-
journalist Neo Xiao Bin, 27, described In addition, Ms Lee bagged the Fi- poCampus functions like an campus
herself as a “late bloomer”. nancial Journalist of the Year 2010 in version of Facebook, as they were in-
Although Ms Neo worked for a to- October 2010. spired by how undergraduates share TECH UPSTARTS: Hippocampus founders James Gwee (left) and Benjamin Teo in their
their personal experiences on the so- Innovation Centre office.
tal of four years with MyPaper and the The final nominee David Lee,
PHOTO | WAN ZHONG HAO
Straits Times, she did not consider jour- 25, once aspired to be a professional cial networking platform.
nalism till her third year in WKWSCI. footballer but he abandoned the plan, “Students will be able to contrib- poCampus’ newest users. their minor in entrepreneurship.
She was taking courses mainly in deeming it a child’s fantasy. He has ute ideas and comments much like He stumbled upon the website Said webmaster Sifat Rahman, a
Public Relations but her trip in 2006 been a sports reporter for TNP for two how Facebook functions,” said Gwee, after he saw a friend “like” it on Face- second-year student at the School of
to Nepal under GO-FAR (Go Overseas years now and described the job as “the 23. book. Electrical and Electronic Engineering:
for Advanced Reporting) changed her next best thing". A calculator at the website also Loh said: “I wanted to see what “Our goal was to create a community
lets visitors calculate their GPA and other people thought about the mod- for NTU undergrads. We felt that many
honours scores. ules I chose, and also see if I could get of our peers always sought advice on
Medically, the term “hippocam- textbooks.” what modules to take—it'd be great if
pus” refers to the part of the brain re- “There are very few users at the they could hear from students through-
sponsible for long-term memory. The moment, but if more people started out the campus.”
founders therefore hope that Hippo- using it, it could really take off,” he “We want it to function like Wiki-
Campus will be a long-term solution added. pedia. When people feel part of a com-
among students. For information about courses, munity, they will come forward to con-
“We want HippoCampus to be students can also turn to another tribute,” added the 20-year old.
part of university life for the long- website, NTUElectives.com. The web- Although new, the two websites
haul. Social media has intruded into site went online on January 20th, have seen a healthy amount of traffic
our personal lives, but it’s not as per- the night before the semester’s “Add/ since their launches.
vasive in education,” said Gwee. Drop” period, during which NTU stu- NTUElectives.com received over
“We can make use of it to enrich dents compete for limited places in 51,000 page views and 6,000 unique
our learning experience. An individu- modules. visitors over the course of the two-week
al can tap into the collective intellect Reviews of NTU modules are “Add/Drop” period, according to Rah-
of the campus community,” he added. contributed by visitors to the website, man.
First-year biological science stu- which is managed by a team of five HippoCampus.sg has around 200
No CUB: (from left to right) Young Journalist nominees David Lee, Neo Xeo Bin and Jamie Lee. dent Newman Loh, 20, is one of Hip- NTU undergraduates as a project for registered users to date.
PHOTO | WAN ZHONG HAO
 08 NEWS 17
THE NANYANG VOL.

CHRONICLE 07
NO.

Graduate studies not a bed of roses

Zackary Ong “I’m not a nerd who only
knows how to study. I just simply
love learning. When the opportu-
They teach in the day, and are nity arose and I could get fund-
taught at night. These graduate ing, I took the chance,” she said.
students juggle between being Tee is an avid fan of anime
teaching assistants and pursuing and manga, and her thesis deals
their Masters or doctoral degrees. with how the activity of cosplay-
About 10,000 of them currently ing affects relationships between
populate NTU, doing either fans and media characters.
coursework or research. “This thesis marries both my
Zackary Ong talks to two academic and personal inter-
graduate students to find out ests!” said Tee.
more about their lives. “I love cosplaying but never
had the courage to do it. Study-
The family guy ing all these people, I just admire
Nguyen Kien Truc Giang their courage to put on those out-
came to Singapore from Viet- fits and be out there,” she said.
nam eight years ago to pursue an To Tee, the life of a graduate
undergraduate degree. Now into student is all about managing
his fourth year of doctoral stud- time and money. With a $1500
ies at the School of Biological monthly stipend, she feels “a lot
Sciences, he spends most of his poorer” compared to when she
time working on his thesis and was working. However, she has
guiding students as a teaching more free time now compared to
assistant. when she was working.
He also juggles his work with “There are good and bad
maintaining a social life in Sin- points. Now I have more freedom
gapore and keeping in touch in managing my time but I have
with his family. to be very self-motivated as there
“[Graduate studies] has af- is no fixed hours to force me to
fected my social life a lot, with working lunch: Nguyen Kien Truc Giang takes in a home-cooked meal with fellow graduate students. PHOTO | WAN zhong hAo work,” Tee said.
a 12-hour working schedule per Like Nguyen, Tee also has to
day, you have to minimise your year, of which he takes seven to is limited to occasional movie or new,” Nguyen said. Despite his work as a teaching assistant. She
time playing around and focus 14 days to visit his family. food outings with his Vietnam- busy schedule, he has enjoyed takes tutorial classes for lower
on your project if you really “When I go home, I'll also ese friends. his experience thoroughly. level undergraduate modules in
want to get something out of it,” visit my friends in Vietnam. “I do have local friends but But he has a word of advice WKWSCI.
the 25-year-old Vietnamese PhD Compared to them, I think I'm I’m still more comfortable with to those planning to embark on “It’s very fun to interact with
student said. the most successful!” Nguyen my Vietnamese friends. I guess this academic journey—“you students but the admin work is
He has four years to finish said with a laugh. it’s because we share the same have to stay extremely focused tedious. I don’t like marking, col-
his project and is working sev- Nguyen also supports his culture,” he said. to succeed!” lating attendance and results at
en days a week. He also spend family when he can. With his Approaching the end of his all,” said Tee with a laugh.
about 30 to 40 hours per semes- $2500 monthly stipend and Graduate programme, Nguyen The enthusiast However, in the end she said
ter guiding students during their about $1000 earned from teach- has recently submitted his thesis, Tee Yock Sian, 26, loves she has no regret giving up her
Final Year Projects and URECA ing per semester, Nguyen sends which involves the identification learning new things. That is the job to pursue her Masters Degree.
(Undergraduate Research Experi- money to his family when there of active compounds in hundreds reason she quit her job as a po- “I’m enjoying myself here,”
ence on Campus) projects. is a need. of plants that are anti-cancerous, litical analyst at the Ministry of Tee concluded.
With such a busy working Currently living with three anti-inflammatory or anti-infec- Defence two years ago to become
schedule, Nguyen has little time housemates in a two-bedroom tion. a Masters student at the Wee Kim
to visit his family in Vietnam. unit in a student hostel right “Graduate life is fun when Wee School of Communication Additional reporting by
He has only 18 days of leave per outside NTU, Nguyen’s social life you are discovering something and Information. Trinh Hoang Ly

Soaring to victory at unmanned aircraft contest

from the School of Mechanical and Full flight tests need to be car-
Kenneth Foo Aerospace Engineering. ried out over a distance of several
He, along with Assistant Pro- kilometers but they could only ini-
fessor Son Hungsun, led the teams tiate short distance trials at a fly-
Gadgets created by NTU under- under its Product Development ing field in Tuas.
graduates are not too far off from Challenge program. Unforeseen weather conditions
those created by Q for James Bond. According to Dr Son, 37, vic- in Taiwan forced Team X-5 to
These won top spot in a recent in- tory was unexpected as the un- make drastic changes to the UAV’s
ternational unmanned aerial vehi- dergraduates from NTU had to onboard systems just hours before
cle (UAV) design contest in Taiwan. compete against graduate students the competition.
An NTU contingent was in who had taken part in past runs of “We had to modify the camera
Taiwan for the 2011 Annual Un- the competition. triggering mechanisms and flight
manned Aircraft Competition, held To complete the mission, the stabilising system due to the unex-
by National Cheng Kung Universi- UAV had to fly and take photo- pectedly strong winds in Taiwan.
ty, between February 26th to 28th. graphs of targets in the form of It was very stressful,” said Joshua
Team X-5 trumped six other teams rubber alphabets and letters, locat- Chao, 23, third-year aerospace
to take first spot in the Navigation ed three to four kilometeres away. engineering student and leader of PHOTO | COURTESY OF VALTS BLUKIS
Flight Design Level category. All this had to be done without Team X-5.

"Ice-sledging" in NTU
Their winning prototype X-5, is the use of a remote control, so the But they managed to reca-
an automatic model capable of fly- team had to pre-program its flight librate their machine in time, with
ing over large distances without a path and use a Global Positioning much success. Their UAV X-5
remote control and taking precise System to ensure that it took off emerged top for completing the
aerial photographs of various tar- and returned to base safely. course in the least amount of time Five NTU students sat on blocks of ice and “glided” down the
gets. What made their win even and for taking the most accurate roof of the School of Art, Design and Media (ADM). The students
There has been rising interest more impressive was that the photographs of the targets. from ADM, School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering and
in developing a new generation of teams could not even carry out Another group of three NTU the School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering were be-
UAVs, due to their potential in mil- complete trial flight sequences for students, Team Toruk-Makto, came ing recorded for the My Epic School Story competition. These
itary and anti-terrorist operations, their UAV due to space constraints third in the Fundamental Design students also danced a techno routine at two different locations
said Assistant Professor Yongki Go in Singapore. level category. of ADM, and raced each other on chairs down a slope in ADM.
Lifestyle out of the box: extraordinary students
Soak up Myanmar’s old world charm – Page 19

TIPS ON CAR PHOTOGRAPHY

Wong stresses on the importance

of visualisation in taking lush,
audacious quality in his photos.
“I think it is incredibly useful to
play a ‘mind movie’ of how the
car will look like to get the best
results. And to quote Einstein’s
words, ‘Imagination is more im-
portant than reality’. So I’m nev-
er afraid to experiment.
It also pays to be adventur-
ous. At times, Wong has to con-
duct overnight shoots to reduce
or eliminate reflective lighting

FREEZING
and surrounding distractions or
to skirt around Singapore’s strict
photography laws which prohib-
it photography in many places

SPEED
including some retail space.
“Sometimes, security guards
or the police may have an issue
with ‘wee hour photography’.
They often chase people away
with suspicions of illegal loiter-
At 23, Adrian Wong is one of Singapore’s most highly sought after ing. It is also a pity that ideal
car photographer. Wang Wanxuan finds out more about his journey. locations for shoots like express-
ways and certain government-
NO SWEAT: Enduring the hot sun, Adrian works hard to get the best angles of a Ferrari 458 Italia. PHOTOS | GOH CHAY TENG
owned areas do not allow pho-

Y
tography.”
ou may have seen He did not even know if his equipment,” he said. photography by applying his car Compared to wedding, fash-
Adrian Wong’s car career path would work in Sin- Fast forward three-and-a- photography skills in some of his ion and events photography,
photographs in lead- gapore, because car photography half years later and things have modules like Photography and photographing cars presents
ing car magazines then was a relatively new field changed. The time he spent on Film, which he is currently tak- unique challenges. “Cars are also
and websites such with few players in it. experimental photography, get- ing. bulky massive objects. Shooting
as Ninetro, Torque, Top Gear and To gain experience and ting to know customers through “Studies are still my main locations have to be accessible
sgCarMart.com. In fact, the first- carve out a name for himself, he referrals and participating ac- priority, and it helps that classes for such large objects that can-
year student from School Of Art sought his friends’ permission to tively in car photography forums don’t start early and examinable not duck or cover.”
Design And Media even com- photograph their cars, if it was a has paid off. modules are rare in my major. So “We also need to constantly
manded a four-figure sum on a Corolla or Suzuki. my schedule is more flexible. Be- think out of the box to shoot
recent photography assignment. “My friends were curious cause overnight shoots are com- cars in unconventional locations
But it was not always but were willing and honoured
He also gets to mon, it also fits right into my such as underpass, dilapidated
smooth-sailing for the car afi- to lend their cars for my experi- drive his friends’ nocturnal schedule,” Wong said. areas, or even bus stop bays to
cionado. mental shots,” he said. and clients’ exclu- He also gets to drive his capture their beauty with fresh
When he decided to become To buy his photography sive cars, earn a friends’ and clients’ exclusive angles,” Wong added.
a car photographer upon gradu- equipment, he took up as many three-figure sum per cars, earn a three-figure sum per Reading car magazines and
ating from polytechnic, he had photography gigs as he could. job done and be upclose with ex-
nothing. No experience, name “Whenever I saved enough
job done and admire pensive cars all day.
keeping abreast of latest devel-
opments is a must for anyone
for himself or sophisticated pho- money, I would start to invest pretty cars all day. His clients now include high wanting to be a car photogra-
tography equipment. in more expensive photography income earners. “Just like wed- pher.
ding shoots, where brides and “For example, Ferraris and
grooms want to capture their Lamborghinis are long-lasting
One of Wong’s proudest mo- best moments together, clients
arch rivals. So it’s a good idea to
ments was when his friend asked also often wish to keep snapshot
contrast both together in a shoot
him to take photographs of his memories of owning their ulti-
to pique readers’ interest. Also,
private collection last July. He mate vehicle,” Adrian said.
cars are static objects. So it can’t
owned a Ferrari Enzo, a Fer- “When I first started out, the
possibly strike varying poses like
rari Daytona and a BMW Nazca Singapore market was very small
humans. You have to crack your
C2, just to name a few. Most of and niche with very little players
the cars have never been on the to compete with. A unique eye brains a little to illustrate con-
roads here as these left-handed was what the market was scout- trast, mood and dynamism,” he
cars cannot be driven in Sin- ing for, and I guess that’s where I said.
gapore. He shot all 10 cars in a fit the bill,” he said in retrospect.
day, earning a decent four figure But if one thing has not
sum. changed, it is his dream car. “As- If you wish to see more of
DREAM BIG: Adrian feels a new thrill everytime he gets to shoot a Lamborghini Today, he gets by with bal- ton Martin Vanquish is and will Wong’s photography, go to
COURTESY OF ADRIAN WONG ancing school and freelance always be my first love.” www.vanq.net
 LIFESTYLE 15
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17 THE NANYANG

08 CHRONICLE
NO.

The east cider trail

Well-known eateries and historical landmarks aside, Chen Shanghao hunts down the best places for cider in Joo Chiat.
THE National Heritage Board recently named Joo Chiat
Singapore’s first Heritage Town, you might think that its
Peranakan and Eurasian architecture and historical landmarks The garden slug
are what it is famous for. 55 Lorong L Telok Kurau,
But all that culture and tradition was not what I was #01-59/61 Bright Centre
looking for. I trawled the streets of Joo Chiat with something Tel: 6346 0504
else in mind – something that is not part of Joo Chiat’s rich
heritage – cider. The Garden Slug’s cider selection is rather limited – they
As cider is not as popular here as in the United Kingdom or sell only Brothers’ Pear, Strawberry and Apple Toffee cider.
Australia, I used to think it was a type of beer. But while beer is Those with a sweet tooth should opt for the Apple Toffee
made with barley or wheat, ciders are the result of fermenting Cider.
apple or pear juice. Pear cider is also known as perry. Brewed in England, Brothers cider is described as ‘palate
Generally, cider tastes like sparkling apple juice with a cleansing’. After just a couple of gulps, it cleared away the
kick of your typical Sauvignon Blanc. Lighter than beer and taste of the salmon appetizer I had minutes before.
without its bitterness, cider is wonderfully refreshing. It cuts The creamy grilled dory fish and beef sandwich I had
through the grime and fatigue of the day and instantly perks went well with the bottle of cider. As the sandwich was
you up. The fizz, too, will rejuvenate you on a humid afternoon. savoury, the sharp zesty flavour of my apple toffee cider
With flavours ranging from strawberry to lime to toffee, soothed out its saltiness.
there is an infinite possibility of what you can pair cider What I loved most was their dessert menu, which
with. Cider, like wine and champagne, is a fruit based drink. changes every weekend. I had stewed white pears sautéed
Therefore, if a dish goes well with Chardonnay, it will most in white wine and cinnamon and topped with vanilla ice
likely sit well with a fruity cider. cream, which was the ultimate companion to my apple
“I like it because it is more refreshing. I prefer the fruity toffee cider. The flavour of apple and pear naturally blended
taste over beer,” said Edwin Cheng, a patron of Cider Pit in Joo well, and the slight tartness of the drink sat well with the
Chiat. “My favourite is Brothers Apple Toffee cider. The taste sweet vanilla ice cream topping.
of apple and toffee mashed together really makes you feel like A pint of cider costs $12 here, and the price of a main
you’re drinking candy.” course ranges from $15 to $20.
However, do not let its sweet flavour fool you. Cider’s
alcohol content is higher than beer but lower than wine – about
6.5 to 8.5 per cent. After two pints, I could already feel the
alcohol kicking in.
Below are three places in the Joo Chiat area, all within
walking distance of each other, that are ideal for unwinding
with a pint of cider in hand.

The cider pit

382 Joo Chiat Road

The Cider Pit has an impressive selection of 15 ciders and

45 beers. Pipsqueak, Stowford Press and Westons cider are
just some of its better known brands.
Hidden away from the main road, Cider Pit might
be tricky to find. Look out for a signboard that reads
“Ocean Kingdom Live Seafood” – the Pit is right
beside it.
The al-fresco pub does not serve any food,
so it is best to fill your stomach before trying to
conquer their long list of ciders.
Their special brew is their draught cider –
Westons Vintage Organic, which has a dry,
yet strong fruity flavour. Canned cider like
Strongbow or Scrumpy Jack, usually tastes
rather plasticky and stale, but Cider Pit’s
draught cider is fresh and tasty. The
difference in taste is comparable to
freshly pressed apple juice at hawker
centres versus apple juice sold in
cartons at supermarkets.
The Cider Pit plays British indie
rock music. Fans of this genre will
find this a good alternative to The
Smokey's bbq and grill the Bulmers cider is a great antidote to the spiciness of the
Substation or Home Club.
73 Joo Chiat Place chilli and replaces it with a pleasant, light aftertaste of apples.
Sitting in the midst of the smoke and grime, there is no It will certainly take some
Tel: 6345 6914
reason for you to put the cider on the back burner. It cools, time for one to conquer the many
chills and dispels all that smoke, heat and humidity coming ciders which this quiet, open-air
Smokey’s is an open-air barbeque themed restaurant, and its from the grill. pub has to offer. The good thing
cider selection consists of Brothers, Bulmers and Hobgoblin The crowd mainly consists of expatriates, which could is that they’re all reasonably
ciders, all brewed in England. explain the high price of the food. A plate of Buffalo wings priced at about $10 a pint so
Cider goes well with barbequed food, as it cuts through the costs about $23, and a full rack of spare ribs sets you back $42. you do not have to worry for
oily aftertaste of grilled food. Besides quenching your thirst, However, their cider is fairly affordable at about $12 a pint. your pocket.

PHOTOS | Tan Wai Kiat & COURTESY OF CHEN SHANG HAO

 16 LIFESTYLE 17 17
LIFESTYLE 17
THE NANYANG VOL. VOL. THE NANYANG

08 CHRONICLE
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CHRONICLE 08

NEIGHBOURLY RETREATS Shoestring

Tired and weary from the semester’s workload? Three NTU students tell Vivienne Chang about
lesser-known places in Malaysia for short trips.
Adventures
Having travelled to the furthest corners of the earth, NBS
lecturer Mr Tan Wee Cheng shares with Ong Yong Roy some
travel tips and tales.
Destination #1: Destination #2:
Kuala Kubu Bharu Desaru
THIS is a hidden gem for the outdoorsy types. On a trip there last semester with NTU’s Outdoors FOR about the same price of booking a chalet in Singapore, Desaru offers more activities
Activity Club (ODAC), Pang Jin Hao was swept away by its breathtaking scenery. The second- and less crowded facilities. With wholesome places to explore and good food to indulge
year Mechanical Engineering student explains why the ODAC’s Kuala Kubu Bharu trip, in its in, Mavis Ang, a third-year student, reckons it is a great way to have fun with the family.
second year running, is always snapped up.
MUST-DO
The Teluk Ramunia Ostrich Farm houses more than a hundred of the world’s largest birds,
and a handful of them roam free, pecking at the hats and shirts of unsuspecting tourists.
Buy a bowl of dried corn and see if you’re game enough to feed them with your bare hands.
These comical birds are not aggressive, and are surprisingly photogenic.
Take an educational tour of the Desaru Fruit Farm and see how some tropical fruits are
grown and protected for harvesting. See the plants of fruits which are often already cut and
chilled, like passion fruit, jackfruit, dragon fruit and custard apple.
Another eye-opening activity would be the Fireflies cruise. In near total darkness, the A REMINDER OF HISTORY: Remnants of Somalia’s civil war are visible on the
sight of many glowing dots on the trees and mangroves is pretty romantic. former battlefield in Northern Somalia.
ACCUSED of being an illegal immigrant in Bulgaria, Nanyang Business
WHERE TO STAY School lecturer Mr Tan Wee Cheng had the nerve to bargain with the
Lotus Desaru Beach Resort occupies a huge area in front of the beach. It feels more like immigration officers on the bribe amount.
a chalet though, with many families holding telematches by the restaurant and children “It was my first solo trip. When I was crossing the Bulgarian border,
splashing about in the resort’s play pool, which doubles up as a mini water park for all ages. the immigration was corrupted and claimed that I faked the stamps of the
passport. I was very shaken then but I realised you can actually bargain
WHAT TO EAT when someone is asking for bribes,” he said.
The fresh ostrich egg omelette served at the ostrich farm is light and fluffy, and goes Having travelled to 196 countries and holding the record of “Most
very well with their home-made chilli. Ostrich satay is also served there. “After patting and Countries Travelled by a Single Person” by the Singapore Book of Records,
feeding those birds, I couldn’t bring myself to eat them. But my Dad said they were tasty,” that encounter is just one of the many tales he has to share.
the Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information student said. A SHEER RISE: The dramatic Stong Waterfall, which rises around 300 metres. Mr Tan thrives on the thrill of unpredictable situations that travelling
Desaru Fruit Farm’s lunch and dinner buffets are both as satiating. Besides having 40 PHOTOS | COURTESY OF TAN JUNJIE offers. To date, he has scuffled with gangsters in Cyprus, been detained in
Russia and survived riots in Burkina Faso.
types of fruits, the meal also has staple
Chinese, Malay and Western dishes. Destination #3: His traveling journey all began with a two-month graduation trip
to Europe with his NTU schoolmates. “I fell in love with travelling then.

(ABOVE) ALL ABOARD: Beginner rafters were thrilled by the river’s dips and sharp turns .
HOW TO GET THERE
Desaru is a 30-minute ferry from
Gunung Stong Subsequently, all my annual leaves and academic breaks have been for used
up for travelling,” Mr Tan said.
(BELOW) RIVER CROSSING: The cool waters were a perfect remedy for sore feet. He is always careful with his budget when travelling. “My cheapest hotel
Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal. SITUATED in north Malaysia, near the Thai border, Kunung Stong is a popular getaway in India was $4. Of course it was a terrible hotel. But if you are willing to
destination for tourists and locals. Its Thai-influenced food and outdoor activities have kept sacrifice on luxury, travelling can be cheap,” he said.
MUST-DO PREPARATION Year 1 Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering student Tan Junjie going back regularly.
Getting to Chilling Waterfalls, named after Mr Tan’s love of travelling and telling stories has
Book a tour with Desaru Fruit led him to immortalise his adventures in print. He
its cool temperatures, requires hiking and river Farm Tour & Travel. A 2-day tour with MUST-DO
crossing so you need to take a guide at all times. has written three travel novels titled “The
accommodation and many extravagant The waterfall slide is the best feature of Gunung Stong. An hour’s trek from the main Greenland Seal Hunter”, “Hot Spots
But it’s worth it for a refreshing dip, especially after meals provided costs around $200. campsite, the slide is two-storey high and ends in a waterfall pool.
a long hike in the tropics. and Dodgy Places” and “Exotic Places
The guides recommend beginners slide down in a sitting position to prevent abrasion. and Dodgy Places”. The travel guru is
You can also go white water rafting at a nearby But they will not hesitate to challenge the daring ones to slide down in a surfing position,
river. On a scale of 1 (mild) to 5 (extreme), the
RECOMMENDED FOR also a founder of www.sgtravelcafe.
A weekend together with your balancing on your feet. com, a travel social networking site
gushing waters here are a 3 – a thrilling experience There is also a cave complex nearby with majestic stalagmites and stalactites. It is a lot
suitable for any novice. parents. Desaru is also a good place to that connects fellow travel enthusiasts
wind down with the extended family as cleaner than Kuala Lumpur’s Batu Caves, with their pungent smell of bat droppings, as the of all ages.
the tour caters to individuals of all ages. caves here are water-based and house limestone structures rather than bats.
WHERE TO STAY SAFETY FIRST: As it is common for civilians to
Camping is the one thing you cannot miss. POSE READY: It is easy to get a good shot of these comical birds. carry firarms in yemen, Mr. Tan got himself an AK
WHERE TO STAY 47 to blend in.
Some might be uncomfortable with sleeping The campsite included in the package was a winner. “What I enjoyed most was the majestic
outdoors, since there are monkeys that could steal sunrise we can observe from our campsite, you can get nothing close to that in Singapore,”
your food. However they are easily frightened off Junjie said.
PHOTO | COURTESY OF PANG JIN HAO by groups of people. If you book a tour with a local
agency, a ranger is also assigned to the enclosed campsite in case of an emergency. WHAT TO EAT
tips for budget Travellers
There is only one campsite, and the cost is included in most packages that you book. For The local Kelantanese cuisine is an interesting fusion, which stems from influence by 1. Look out for budget airline promotions.
those who prefer sleeping indoors, there is a clean, affordable hotel in the town itself, which Thai and Indian styles. These promotions usually occur for 5. On budget trips to less developed
you will need to book in advance. Tom yum soup is easily found all around the village of Stong. You can choose between a limited time on Fridays and public countries, it is sometimes uncertain the
“A trip like this will really bonded people together. Simply cooking outdoors, eating and thick or clear broth. The brother carries a fiery aftertaste, due to the mixture of spices used holidays. problems you will meet due to corruption
chatting among friends, there is a lot of interaction. That was what I truly enjoy.” said the from the two cuisines and is a definite must-try. and ambiguous immigration and travel
Year 2 student. There is also a collection of food stalls along Dabong train station, but it is the outdoor 2. South East Asia is good for budget trips. laws. It is important to have some cash
cooking that one will really enjoy at Stong. While it might be perceived as a common with you at all times for any potential
WHAT TO EAT destination, there are hidden spots in the bribes.
A buffet place near the water rafting area serves richly flavoured nasi lemak and the local HOW TO GET THERE Eastern part of Malaysia and unspoiled
guide recommended Chow Zhou Hawker, which cooks local specialities which may sound Take the 12-hour train from Johor Bahru station to Dabong station. A night train is ideal as tribes in Java. 6. A photocopy of your passport is another
familiar but have a slightly local twist. you can sleep through the long journey on the train’s comfy beds, and arrive fresh in the morning. item you should always have on hand.
3. Find out new areas of travel possibilities
HOW TO GET THERE PREPARATION by joining travel social networking sites 7. Being “touristy” does not always mean
Take a bus from Singapore to Johor Bahru, followed by a train to Kuala Kubu Bharu Station Do book a tour with local tour agency and ensure that the package includes access to the like www.sgtravelcafe.com, which holds that the area is expensive. These places
which costs RM20 ($8). The journey takes about half a day. camp site, a trekking guide, cave tours and guides for the waterfall slides. monthly gatherings where foreigners give often offer similar services in the same
For trekking on those slippery waterfall rocks, get a pair of “Kampong Adidas” from the presentations on their country and fellow area, like budget hostels and private villas.
PREPARATION local stores. These rubber shoes are highly durable, dry fast, have a very good grip and cost travelers can share travel tips. Conversely, travelling is sometimes more
Book a package tour with the local river raft vendor, which includes a trekking guide. RM$6 (S$2.60) a pair. “My own pair saved my life when I nearly slipped on a rock while expensive in less developed countries
Apart from clothes and first-aid supplies, food and fuel is also necessary for outdoor cooking trekking,” he said. 4. Planning is essential in budgeting. Read without a proper tourism infrastructure.
and you need not limit yourselves to instant food. up in advance on the places of interest, Additional customisation in terms of
RECOMMENDED FOR and find out what the cheaper modes of transport and accommodation has to be
RECOMMENDED FOR TROPICAL FRUIT PARADISE: Desaru Fruit Farm offers a multitude of fruits for their lunch and dinner buffets. Beginners who want to experience basic trekking and camping. The terrain is relatively transport are. Emergencies should also be made, but it will cost you more.
The outdoor adventure junkie, and those travelling in big groups as it is perfect for camping PHOTOS | SUSAN CHOW manageable for first-timers, and is perfect for groups of five to 15. addressed in budget-planning.
and other bonding activities.
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WALKS IN THE CITY

According to a report by CNN in 2007, Singapore has the world’s fastest walkers. Have we forgotten the pleasures of taking
a nice, leisurely stroll in this urban rush? Malvin Chua visits three attractive walkways—Dhoby Ghaut Green, Marina Bay
Waterfront and the Sentosa Boardwalk—places of respite in the heart of the city to take a loved one for a chat or a drink.

RELAX: The timber boardwalk, with its lush palm trees and shrubs, gives the Sentosa Boardwalk a resort-like JUXTAPOSITION: The landscape surrounding Dhoby Ghaut Green is an eclectic mix of old and new—with the
atmosphere. blue glass facade of the Atrium@Orchard contrasting with the faded red bricks of MacDonald House.

Sentosa Boardwalk Dhoby Ghaut Green

THE Sentosa Boardwalk opened in Janu- Walking, however, offers a better view DHOBY Ghaut Green was launched in Oc- Arts, with lush greenery spilling down its
ary for visitors to get to Sentosa Island and allows you to stop to admire the scen- tober last year as a place for arts events sides.
from the VivoCity waterfront promenade ery. and bazaars. It is the most accessible of the The landmark of Dhoby Ghaut Green is
on foot. Small boats occasionally pass by and three locations as three MRT lines converge the sculptural amphitheatre, which resem-
Despite traffic on the vehicular bridge cable cars traverse the skyline. Up ahead, at Dhoby Ghaut. bles a rattan basket in shape and texture,
running parallel to it, the walkway is tran- the Merlion peeks out from behind the col- Dhoby Ghaut Green is smack in the sitting in the centre of the space. In the
quil. ourful buildings on Sentosa Island. middle of four stretches of roads. The sur- evening, it lights up like a glittering lantern
Soft jazz playing in the background, Enjoy the sunset at The Wine Company rounding landscape, however, makes up for and is a great subject for photographs.
the many palm trees and shrubs, and the over a glass or two, or people-watch at all the noise with a picturesque view of the The park has an on-site restaurant,
timber boardwalk create a resort-like at- Ooh! Crepes, a small and quaint café on eclectic mix of old and new architecture— Sakura International Buffet, for hungry
mosphere. the boardwalk, with crepes and coffee. the blue glass façade of the Atrium@Or- visitors.
If you are too lazy to walk, a series of You can also indulge your sweet tooth chard contrasting with the faded red bricks You can also visit more restaurants
travelators will take you to the entrance of with Queens’ cakes and pastries or Italian of MacDonald House, the beige exterior of and shop at Plaza Singapura, The Cathay
Sentosa Island. Gelato at Gelateria Venezia. the MDIS building and the School of the Cineplex and Park Mall nearby.

Marina Bay Waterfront

“Must-dos” on your
walk about town
Free ConcertS
Catch free concerts at the Esplanade
Outdoor Theatre (at the Marina Bay
Waterfront), where local acts often
perform. See http://www.esplanade.
com/whats_on/index.jsp for the
year’s schedule of events.

Romantic Picnic
CENTRESTAGE: The outdoor amphitheatre outside the Pack a picnic before heading to Dho-
Esplanade is a popular meeting place where friends by Ghaut Green in the evening. The
gather to chat and enjoy the scenery. lit-up façade of the outdoor amphi-
theatre creates a glittering backdrop
for a romantic evening. You can lay
The place is generally quiet in the day,
out a mat on the grass by the thea-
but is filled with throngs of friends and lov-
tre or in the theatre itself, or do away
ers come evening.
with the picnic blanket and sit along
PICTURE-PERFECT: Stepping into the Marina Bay Waterfront is like entering the scene of a postcard—stand The outdoor amphitheatre outside the
at the Esplanade for a panoramic view of the cityscape. PHOTOS | TERENCE LEE the theatre's steps.
Esplanade also transforms from a meeting
place to a live music venue at night.
THE Marina Bay Waterfront has been Esplanade for a panoramic view of the city- Small shops along the walkway sell tid- Sight seeing
evolving with the development of the Mari- scape spanning from the Fullerton Hotel to bits and cold drinks you can take along on People-watch or enjoy the scenery
na Bay Sands resort. Three iconic structures the Singapore Flyer. your walk. at the window seats at Ooh! Crepes
have been added to the picture, namely the Alternatively, stop at the “balconies”, or The Marina Bay Sands resort has many (at the Sentosa Boardwalk), which is
Helix Bridge, the Marina Bay Sands Sin- viewing galleries jutting out along the He- expensive restaurants, but fret not, The the only eatery along the stretch with
gapore, and the newly-opened ArtScience lix Bridge, which links the Esplanade to the Shoppes also has a food court in the base- seats facing the waterfront. Its cosy
Museum. Marina Bay Sands. ment. You can also have affordable hawker cafe atmosphere also makes it condu-
Stepping into the Waterfront is like en- Seating is plentiful along the steps and fare at the Makansutra Glutton’s Bay which cive for conversation.
tering a scene on a postcard—stand at the railings of the Waterfront. is nearer to the Esplanade.
 LIFESTYLE 19
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travelogue

Sincerely,
Myanmar It is isolated, undeveloped and poor, but that's exactly why you
should visit Myanmar, says Wallace Woon.

THE GOLDEN ROCK: The Kyaiktiyo Pagoda boulder sparkles in the sunlight as numerous Buddhist faithful apply layers of gold leaf. PHOTOS | WALLACE WOON

M
yanmar is one of the world’s In the former capital of Yangon the alike remain ignorant about the government’s who seemed to lead a carefree life.
poorest nations, but the air buildings are reminders that the country ill doings as well as international affairs. Most are content to be running
is full of gold. Flecks of gold was colonised by the same nation that gave That was exactly why I chose to visit around their neighbourhood with careless
leaf floated on the breeze the world afternoon tea and the Premier the country. abandon, with a posse of friends in tow.
around me and sparkled League. Myanmar has more than its fair With all of its mishaps in human rights More than once I came across kids playing
in the sunlight at Kyaiktiyo Pagoda. share of British government buildings, like and economic development, Myanmar has an impromptu game of football and joined
More commonly known as the Golden Singapore. The stark difference is, unlike kept its local flavour very much unspoiled. them for an afternoon kick-about session.
Rock, this seven-metre high boulder City Hall and the Fullerton Hotel, these Claude Baronet, a French travel Idyllic as it may sound, being a kid
balances on the edge of a cliff, dramatic buildings need a good scrub. photographer I met, proclaimed his idea in Myanmar is not all fun and games.
against the backdrop of the Mon mountain Myanmar bears some similarities to that the “Land of Smiles” title should Although the country boasts a relatively
range, and the Buddhist faithful apply Singapore. The population constitutes a also be given to Myanmar. Because, smile high literacy rate at the primary level, it
layers of gold leaf until it glows in the sun. plummets at the secondary and tertiary
Nothing is put on for the tourists; it due to the high cost of school fees.
is the real thing, which is rare enough in Left to wander around home or in
Asia and can set you wondering what is town, many kids take up menial service
the value of development and tourism industry jobs to ease the burden on their
when much will be lost. parents aging.
Travelling in Myanmar presents this A highway stop near the capital Nay
dilemma. Visiting the country means that Pyi Taw was staffed by kids looking as
the locals are able to learn more about the young as seven or eight. The sight of the
world, but it also means that a burgeoning eatery looking like a playground can be
tourism industry will corrupt the purity that disturbing, and a reminder that there are
makes Myanmar such a joy to visit. deeply rooted problems in Myanmar still.
This Catch-22 situation was fuel for The country rides a rollercoaster in
debate between other travellers and me and out of the spotlight. The world stops
as we sat down after a day of touring. and gasps, then quickly catches its breath
THE "LAND OF SMILES": Get ready to be greated by friendly faces. PHOTOS | WALLACE WOON and continues on its way.
The consensus was that, with responsible
and sustainable tourism practices, the multi-ethnic stew. Deep colonial influences, the people do. Everywhere I went I was That gives us another reason to visit.
benefits of visiting Myanmar outweighed both in habit and in policy, live on more than greeted with betel-stained teeth. As residents of an advanced nation, who
the possible drawbacks. half a century after the British pulled out. European hospitality is married with are privileged to pursue a university
That said, my tour of the country was But from this similar starting point, Asian family values in Myanmar. It is all education and enjoy first-world comforts,
a valuable experience and I am grateful the recent history of Myanmar has played too easy to be invited to someone’s home we are ambassadors in our own right.
for the chance to have visited it before the out almost in opposite of Singapore’s. for a meal after a short conversation. Interaction with the locals is a two-way
influx of tourists changes it irreversibly. The country, at one time the rice- Very often I would have a local snack exchange. Our knowledge of the world can
As I walked its streets, I felt a real bowl of Asia, slid downwards to become pushed towards me by a smiling stranger, help reverse the effects that government-
sense of being transported back to a time labelled Least Developed Country by the until I began to question if these generous imposed isolation has on the people—as well
when Asian culture had not given way to United Nations. people were really as poor as we were told. as giving a chance to see a beautiful country
Western modernisation and people were not Restricted areas and heavy media But appearances can be deceptive. before the progress that comes with tourism
preoccupied with achieving financial success. censorship ensure that visitors and locals I marvelled at the Myanmese children, changes it forever.
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dapper: your essential style guide

Black Crop Jacket, $289, Shirt, $89.90, The Corner Satin Blouse, $59, Pants, $69, Alice’s. Stilettos, $99.90, Dress, $125, Depression. Boots, $75.90, Charles & Keith.
Shop. Grey Pants, $115, Depression. Leather Shoes, Charles & Keith. Sunglasses, $39.90, The Corner Shop.
$159, J Shoes.

T H E M I N I M A L I S T.
Photographer - GLADYS NG / Stylists - HONG YU RAN - GLADYS NG / Assistant Stylist - FOONG WAI HARNG / Models - JONAS LINDBERG - LUIZA LINHARES / Make-up & Hair - KLEIN CHO

Charles & Keith, 435 Orchard Rd #B1-18/19 Wisma Atria

The Corner Shop, 4 Scotts Road #03-16 Far East Plaza
J Shoes, #03-03 Cathay Cineleisure Orchard.
Depression, Millenia Walk Parco, #P2-21,
Alice’s, Millenia Walk Parco, #P2- 22
STOCKISTS

T-shirt, $35, Black Pants, $109, Vintage Hat, $49.90, Black Dress, $95, Depression. Leather Booties, $69.90, Bow Shirt, $109, The Corner Shop. Shorts with Tights,
On Luiza: Black Dress, $125, Depression. Mesh Jumpsuit worn under, $69, Alice’s. Cut-out Boots, $75.90, Charles & Keith. The Corner Shop. High-Cut Black Shoes, $189, J Shoes. Charles & Keith. $110, Depression. Harness Vest, $49, Alice’s. High-Cut
On Jonas: White Bow Shirt, $109, Black Crop Jacket, $289, Kilted Bermudas, $79.90, The Corner Shop. Patented Leather Shoes, $159, J Shoes. Black Shoes, $189, J Shoes.
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photo: spotlight
RIGHT: An
exchange
student
hangs from a
ceiling beam
above the VIP
dance floor.
He falls with
the beam but
walks away
unscathed.
In the darkness of the night,
BELOW: Merry-making is the order of the night. A local undergraduate grooves along
the party animals come
to the party beats. a-prowling.

And they become wilder

the further they are away
from home.

And so we find,

HERE
at La Maison &
Blujaz Cafe,
exchange students party
harder while Singaporeans
play it safe.

WHAT HAPPENS STAYS

ABOVE: Hall of Residence 8’s Jam Band
plays to a quiet crowd at Blujaz Cafe.

HERE
“We’ll love it if you sing along,” says singer
and pianist Lyndsey Long.

LEFT: Two
friends looking
embarrassed
as their other
friends tease
them. “Kiss,
kiss, kiss,”
they chant in
Hokkien.

LEFT: A
party-goer
falls asleep in
a quiet corner
as the party
winds down at
the Ravehaus
presents Pyjama
Party.
ABOVE: The bartender at La Maison
holds a $50 bill in his mouth as his
hands try to keep up with brisk business.

RIGHT: As the
clock strikes
midnight, 50
couples are
invited to the
VIP dance
floor where
slower songs
are played.
This exchange
couple shares
an intimate
moment on the
crowded dance
floor.
ABOVE: Revelers dance to the tunes DJ JUICE spins. The Singapore Uni House Party saw more exchange students than locals among their guests.
PHOTOS AND WORDS | GOH CHAY TENG & WAN ZHONG HAO
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reviews

Hey, Soul Sister

Jazz artist Esperanza Spalding shocked the world when she won the
Grammy for Best Newcomer.
Shahilia Bhagat sings her praises.

ESPERANZA Spalding, a lit- At 20, Spalding then “From the time Esperanza
tle known country jazz bass- joined the faculty of Berklee Spalding appeared in the
ist and singer, made waves College of Music in Boston, scene in 2005, the dynamic JUNJO (2006)
recently when she snatched ma k i ng her t he you ng- singer, bassist, composer and Though presented as a solo effort, “Junjo” meshes
the Best New Artist Grammy est faculty member in the arranger has been heralded the talents of Spalding with the artistry of Cuban musi-
award from hot favourite school’s 40 year history. as jazz’s next big thing,” the  cians—pianist Aruán Ortiz and drummer Francisco Mela—
Justin Bieber. Despite her accolades, Associate Press  wrote in a to produce an album that ranges from modern American
At just 26, Spalding is Spalding remains grounded. lead-up to the Grammys. jazz to contemporary Brazilian music and traditional
the first jazz singer to win She attributes her success to “Her impressive musi- Argentine folk music.
the award, beating Bieber, her mother who is also her cianship has won her White Spalding uses a delicate, wordless pattern that is
Eng l i sh fol k roc k ba nd role model and biggest fan. House recital dates, praise cohesive enough to allow one vowel to flow into the next.
Mumford and Sons, hip- She does not consider herself from the likes of Stevie Her bass solo on “Mompouana” is brilliant and demon-
hop artist Drake and the to be a musical prodigy and Wonder and Herbie Hancock, strates her great devotion to the instrument she loves.
soul band Florence and the regards her albums as col- and critical acclaim.”
Machine. laborative works rather than Hav ing been on tour
Spalding, whose f irst solo efforts. with the likes of singing ESPERANZA (2008)
na me Esper a n za mea n s legend Ella Fitzgerald and
‘hope’ i n Spa n i sh , wa s “I like saxaphonist Joe Lovano in
The album mostly encompasses self-penned songs
that are simultaneously pleasant, compelling and power-
brought up in what she performing in the past, Spalding is about
to embark on a solo tour
ful.
calls ‘the other side of the Standout tracks include the inspirational “Espera,”
tracks’, in a neighbourhood laid-back places across both North and South and her own interpretation of the classic “Cuerpo y Alma”.
in Portland, Oregon. America, Europe and Africa.
Growing up in a single-
where people Her next endeavour is
The brassy up-beat tune of “She Got to You” is a
definite crowdpleaser that even non-jazz lovers would love.
parent home where money get involved and a record currently titled  The smooth jazz-samba hybrid creation, “I Adore You”
was hard to come by, she ‘Radio Music Society’ set for
learnt the hard way that hoot and holler.” release late this year.
is infectiously catchy with its deep, booming drumbeat at
the beginning of the song.
nothing comes easy. Esperanza Spalding Spalding hopes that the
At the tender age of five, Interview with Nu-Soul album will open listeners up
Spalding taught herself to Magazine to jazz music by exhibiting
play the violin well enough jazz musicians in a manner CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY (2010)
to secure a place in The Spalding’s style of mu- appropriate for mainstream The record is Spalding’s biggest and most ambitious
Chamber Music Society of sic, recorded in English, radio. Despite her unexpect- effort yet. The album is filled with undulating vocals accom-
Oregon. Her inspiration? Portuguese and Spanish, ed Grammy win, the young panied by Spalding’s jazz trio (pianist Leo Genovese and
Watching classical cellist Yo may not resemble the con- lass remains classy. When drummer Terri Lyne Carrington) and a string trio (violinist
Yo Ma perform on television. ventional music played on asked about the backlash Entcho Todorov, violist Lois Martin, cellist David Eggar)
She then stayed with the the airwaves. from Justin Bieber’s fans, she that provides the backbone for every song.
orchestra for 10 years. At But despite her supposed had a gem of a reply. The album encompasses Latin rhythms that shift
just 15, Spalding was made lack of mainstream appeal, “You never know, some through blues, gospel, Brazilian, and Afro-Cuban and
concertmaster (the leader of the dark horse winner with of those Bieber fans might, does so always in good taste. A highlight of the album,
the first violin section in the the distinctive afro possesses in a few years, discover they the upbeat “Winter Sun” allows Spalding to showcase her
orchestra). astonishing musical talents. like jazz, they like the bass, impressive bass-playing skills as well as her robust voice
Spa ld i ng, who wa s She can play the violin, and they like my singing,” to produce a cheery song.
home-schooled, later entered bass guitar, piano, oboe and she told ABC News. “And if
Portland State University at clarinet—but picks the up- they don’t, God bless them
16 to pursue a Bachelor of right bass as her instrument and I’m going to keep doing
Music. of choice. it anyway.” PHOTOS | INTERNET
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reviews
Music
AMANDA PALMER GOES DOWN UNDER
Amanda Palmer (Dark Cabaret) "One of the reasons
,,,,, why I love it here
During her recent Australian tour to promote the album,
Amanda Palmer raised over A$3000 in a single show to so much is that
help the people of Christchurch.
Australians aren’t
obsessed with
REBELLIOUS, controversial, you can trim are some of the
and sinisterly humorous. track’s tamer lyrics.
This mismatch of adjectives Palmer does, however,
describe Amanda Palmer and
her latest album, Amanda
t a ke t h i ng s to a mor e
serious level with songs perfection.”
Palmer Goes Down Under such as Australia and On
perfectly. An Unknown Beach, each
W hile still relatively with her signature haunting Amanda Palmer on her inspiration for
unknown in the realm of piano accompaniments. In
mainstream music, Palmer My Mind, a song reflecting Amanda Palmer Goes Down Under
(self-proclaimed and referred on her life and future, is Interview with X-Press Magazine
to by her loyal fans as Amanda accompanied by the sounds
F***ing Palmer for her devil- of a ukulele, her trademark
may-care attitude) is well- instrument.
known in the Australian and A lthough Goes Down
New Zealand theatre circuits. Under is not your typical
Goes Down Under is her easy-listening album, Palmer
first recorded live album, never crosses the line into the
and plays like a comedy truly shocking.
musical to the ears of new You need an open mind
listeners. Hilarious lyrics and a sense of humour to
and catchy tunes make up enjoy her music, intentionally
the essence of tracks such as recorded to entertain and
Vegemite, where she laments appeal to the quirky side in
the traditional Australian all of us.
spread, and Map of Tasmania, Nonetheless, her solid
a song with a funky, eclectic vocals and witty songwriting
Jamaican vibe. would serve her well if she
In the latter song, Palmer ever intends to break into
takes the unusual step of the mainstream market. For
comparing women’s pubic now, take a walk on the wild
hair to the little island south side with Amanda Palmer’s
of Australia. Let it fly in the unique effort.
open wind/If it get too bushy -Priscilla Kham

books
PREMIER LEECH about Scott (no last name espoused by Liverpool legend 100 MISTAKES THAT Western Civilisation in 499 tails of Nixon’s obsessive
revealed), a football captain, Bill Shankly, still holds true BCE to the one which led to behaviour.
Neil Humphreys (Fiction) and his journey into the tor- today.
CHANGED HISTORY the collapse of the global Probably the deadliest
$23.95 at Kinokuniya rid underbelly of the sporting As you might expect, the Bill Fawcett (Non-Fiction) stock market in 2008. mistake made in history was
Published by Marshall world. novel answers this with a $23.95 at Kinokuniya Fawcett must have put in the decision by European
Cavendish Editions Scott, a humble Essex firm ‘no’. Published by Berkley Press tremendous effort presenting peasants to kill off the cat
boy hailing from Dagenham, Although the novel is told the 100 monumental mo- population during the ‘Black
East London, is riding high from Scott’s point of view, ments as bite-sized stories, Death’ period of the mid-
as a top-tier league player. Humphreys echoes the disil- and making them a joy to 1300s.
But intoxicated by a deadly lusionment of real fans by read. The peasants eventually
concoction of fame, success, emphasising the detachment One story with an im- caused the plague to spread
and a lack of self-discipline, Scott has with the real world. portant life lesson is how the even further, as the popula-
he commits adultery with his An early scene sets the Americans took over Texas tion of rats, the real carriers,
best friend’s wife. tone for the kind of cynical from Mexico like guests that increased rapidly once their
As Scott attempts to sup- humour that fills the pages. had overstayed their wel- natural predators were gone.
press the tabloid’s efforts to Scott’s friend asks if the girl come—since 1821 to be exact. Their fatal error caused
uncover the affair, he is beset he had sex with the night The stories may make 100 million deaths, and the
by yet more troubles. before had taken a video of sense to those with a good social and political institu-
To compound matters, ru- their tryst. k nowledge of h istor ica l tions of Europe took a century
mours are gathering that his Scott declares that unlike events, but confusing to those and a half to recover.
club (which is never named Lampard, he’s sick of having without. While Fawcett did a com-
directly) may be subject to his face beamed around the By cutting to the chase, mendable job in identifying
a secret takeover bid by a world every weekend. these stories leave out most of these defining moments, it
YOUNG men earn fortunes wealthy Saudi businessman. He smugly adds that he EVERYONE likes to hear sto- the background information. is a pity that he did not pro-
for kicking a ball about while Scott then worries that the knows how to protect himself ries about others’ mistakes. For example, Fawcett vide additional insight or an
the rest of the world struggles Saudi’s interest in his attrac- from being filmed at any oth- 100 Mistakes That Changed mentions Richard Nixon’s analysis of the events.
through an economic down- tive pop-singer wife may be er time, especially during sex. History provides you with just mistake of breaking into If his purpose for the
turn. more than just coincidence. EPL fans will no doubt that—a list of 100 mistakes the Democratic National book is simply to provide an
For fans of the English We live in a definitive recall with some amusement that changed the course of Committee headquarters at overview of key mistakes
Premier League who watch new era of football where the the sex scandal that impli- human history. the Watergate complex. in history, the book serves
their heroes on televised gap between the footballer cated Chelsea player Frank While it is only human to It cost him his 20-point admirably.
matches every week, Premier and his fans is increasingly Lampard some time ago. err, some mistakes come with popularity lead in the polls, Otherwise, it leaves you
Leech gives them a shocking widened by fancy displays of With enough suspense consequences too huge for along with the presidency. searching for more back-
look at the seedier side of the sports cars, celebrity wives and drama to entertain even anyone to bear—even for some However, Fawcett as- ground information on the
global sport. and sprawling mansions. non-football fans, Premier of the world’s greatest leaders. sumes that readers are al- mistakes you’ve just read
In the book, prominent Humphreys questions if Leech makes readers question In his latest book, Bill ready familiar with the con- about.
newspaper columnist and the ‘Holy Trinity’ of the fans, whether football really is still Fawcett takes readers through text of the 1972 American -Cheryl Chan
writer Neil Humphreys re- players and the manager all the ‘Beautiful Game’. a history of mistakes—from Presidential election, and BOOKS FROM KINOKUNIYA
turns with a shocking exposé being of equal importance, as -Goh Ee-Ling the one that created the does not delve into the de- PHOTOS | INTERNET
 26 LIFESTYLE CHRONICLE18
17
THE NANYANG VOL.
NO.

08
reviews
FILMS
TRUE GRIT
AMERICAN WESTERN
Jeff Bridges, Josh Brolin, Matt Damon,
Hailee Steinfield
110min
However, he does show a
,,,,, softer side when he rescues
Mattie from a snake bite,
A YOUNG girl’s quest for and carries her on his back
justice and family honour be- for miles to seek medical aid.
gins when 14-year-old Mattie As Mattie and Cogburn
Ross’s (Hailee Steinfield) fa- trek across the great out-
ther was wrongfully slain by doors on their horses in
hitman Tom Chaney (Josh true Western style, they are
Brolin). The young girl swears accompanied by a Texas
vengeance, setting into mo- Ranger named LaBoeuf (Matt
tion the events of True Grit. Damon). LaBouef is, coinci-
True Grit is the modern dentally, also in pursuit of
adaptation of a John Wayne Chaney for the murder of a
classic, and it is fascinating Texas politician.
to see how this legendary Mattie is reluctant to have
Western tale still measures up him along on their journey as
to today’s standards. The story she refuses to have Chaney HARD JUSTICE: Hailee Steinfield, Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon and Josh Brolin all star in this classic Western tale of murder and vengeance.
begins with Mattie’s narration trialed for any crime other
of her father’s murder. than her father’s murder. Especially noteworthy is I shall fear no evil,” Mattie ing over Cogburn’s grave. She one way or another. There is
With no other option, The tension between the three her courage—she never allows says repeatedly. remembers the old Marshal nothing free, except the grace
Mattie hires the alcohol- builds as they clash over how anyone or any circumstance It is only through the oc- and ponders how time catch- of God”.
ic, merciless U.S. Marshal best to deal with the man they to stand in the way of captur- casional flash of uncertainty es up with everyone. Directed by the Coen
named Rooster Cogburn (Jeff are hunting down. ing her father’s murderer. and tears in her eyes that the Mattie is also shown to brothers, True Grit is a worthy
Bridges) to capture her fa- Despite the slow pace of Despite going up against audience is reminded that have paid her price for the adaptation of Charles Portis’
ther’s murderer. Reputed to the film, what is most impres- two men much older and Mattie, despite her cold and revenge she sought. This 1968 novel. It definitely de-
be the meanest and cruelest sive is the development of far tougher than she is, hard exterior, is a teenage closely parallels her haunt- livers and is indeed deserving
Marshal around, Cogburn is the characters. Like Cogburn, Mattie proves she is not so girl. ing, powerful line at the start of all its 10 Academy Award
also known among his peers Mattie too begins to show easily dissuaded. “As I walk The film fast forwards 25 of the film, “You must pay nominations.
as the “man with true grit”. flashes of “true grit” herself. through the valley of death, years later, with Mattie look- for everything in this world -Theodora Theresa D’cruz

NEVER LET ME GO 127 HOURS

DYSTOPIAN DRAMA ADVENTURE
CAREY MULLIGAN, KEIRA KNIGHTLEY, James Franco
ANDREW GARFIELD 94min
103min
,,,,,
,,,,, THE thought of watching a movie about a
man stuck in a narrow gorge for more than
IF The Island was an action-packed thriller a hundred hours hardly seems compelling.
about clones being bred for organ donations,
Never Let Me Go is its quieter, more introspec-
But as Ryan Reynolds proved in Buried,
tive British cousin. This tale of attachment a movie which is about a man trying to
and loss was adapted from a 2005 novel by escape being buried alive, the desperation
Japanese author Kazuo Ishiguro. of being caught in an impossible situation
The movie depicts the lives of three can be fascinating.
clones, born and raised specifically to ensure James Franco (Spider-Man, Pineapple
an available source of human organs for the Express) turns in a splendid performance
people they were cloned from. The clones have as mountain climber Aron Ralston facing a
thoughts and feelings like any other human. similar in 127 Hours.
Three of them, Kathy (Carey Mulligan), The movie distinguishes itself from the
Ruth (Keira Knightley) and Tommy (Andrew rest by virtue of being based on a true story.
Garfield) are entangled in a love triangle that 127 Hours depicts Ralston’s ordeal after a
begins in their childhood and lasts until they boulder crashes onto his arm and traps him
are adults. in an isolated Utah canyon.
The movie begins in Hailsham, a special
boarding school where the clones live a life
With limited resources and time running
of idyllic ease. Not everything is perfect, out, Ralston must decide how far he is will-
however, as the clones discover that they are ing to go to survive. NO WAY OUT: Caught between a rock and a hard
destined to die when the originals require their DOPPELGANGER: Tommy (Andrew Garfield) has
The success of a film that uses one actor place, how far will Aron Ralston (James Franco) go to
vital organs. a complicated relationship with Kathy (Carey for almost its entire running time depends a survive?
Tommy is distraught after learning this, Mulligan). lot on him, and Franco delivers in spades.
and becomes withdrawn and depressed. Kathy He skillfully assumes both ends on the scale Ralston begins to hallucinate and imag-
grows fond of him, but Tommy eventually have initially thought about the clones and of human emotion as he goes from comedy ines saying goodbye to his loved ones and an
enters into a relationship with Ruth instead. their place in the world. It is worked seam- to tragedy. imaginary future son.
Never Let Me Go does not concern itself lessly into the plot and as a result doesn’t Despite the gore and horror reminiscent
come off as trite or forced.
Director Danny Boyle, the man behind
with the moral issues of cloning. It focuses on Slumdog Millionaire, does not shy away of a Saw movie, the best parts of the film are
the relationships between the main characters Despite the movie’s strengths, it is dif- those where Ralston sits and looks at the heav-
ficult to determine exactly which genre this from shocking.
and their emotional dilemmas. This is a good There are times when you feel Boyle is ens for hope. The stillness of the scene starkly
decision as the film’s strength lies in the per- film falls under. It has elements of a sci-fi, contrasts the despair of Ralston’s situation.
romance or even a period piece. It feels as tormenting the audience with several scenes
formance of its three stars. Unfortunately the film is not without prob-
Although Tommy and Ruth’s relation- though director Mark Romanek included almost unbearable to watch.
a little of everything to appeal to a wider For example, Ralston breaks his arm, lems. Boyle indulges in too many flashback
ship takes up most of the movie, it is Carey scenes that are not developed fully, and lack
Mulligan’s portrayal of Kathy that stands out. audience. and desperately drinks from a water bag
Nevertheless, Never Let Me Go is a work filled with his own urine. But these moments emotional depth.
Her nuanced performance as a woman in Although disturbing at times, 127 Hours
love with a man who only regards her as a of subtle beauty—a melancholic meditation are what make the film intense and visceral.
friend is remarkable in its subtlety. on the finality of life and the choices we In another graphic scene, Boyle cleverly is ultimately about an intense battle between
The final third of the film includes a plot make as our time shortens. enhances its intensity by introducing a nature and Ralston’s will to live.
twist that changes what the viewers would -Marlene Tan deeply emotional sequence before it. -Brenda Xie PHOTOS | INTERNET
 LIFESTYLE 27
VOL.
17 THE NANYANG

08 CHRONICLE
NO.

reviews

Draw Me Closer
Pangdemonium! Productions wrapped up its final showing of Closer at the DBS Arts Centre yesterday.
Celine Chen shares her thoughts.
Kheng Hua was forced to re- shattering blow to his spirit as it unfolds. dark humour and genuine
OH WHAT A
TANGLED WEB place Emma Yong a few days and pride was delivered con- The stage was used in an moments of sadness.
WE WEAVE: before opening night due to vincingly in the emotional interesting manner. In one Compared to its light-
Larry (Adrian medical reasons. Fortunately scenes that followed. instance, two scenes from hea r ted debut T he Full
Pang), Anna (Tan Tan, a stage veteran, was able Alice, a free-spirited girl separate worlds were played Monty, Closer is a script that
Kheng Hua), Dan to perform the role of Anna who works part time as a out side by side on stage. An proved more of a challenge.
(Keagan Kang)
and Alice (Cynthia effortlessly. stripper, harbours secrets of unconventional use of stage It is harder to please the audi-
Lee-MacQuarrie) Perhaps the small arts a disturbing past. space, but it fulfiled its aim ence this time around as the
discover that love scene in Singapore was help- She was portrayed by of showing the contrast be- production is a melodrama,
does not always ful in this instance, as most Cynthia Lee-MacQuarrie, tween the characters. rather than a musical.
liberate—sometimes of the actors already knew who delivered a believable
it imprisons. Closer
is the second play
each other. performance of a young
to be staged by The result was a good woman whose choices in love
Pangdemonium! portrayal of Anna, a profes- and life eventually takes a
Productions. sional photographer who at- turn for the worse.
tempts to control of her love However as t he play
FOUR strangers hailing from love and lust. The produc- life, but to no avail. was set in London, Lee-
wildly different backgrounds tion does away with slapstick MacQuarrie made the unfor-
discover they have some- humour and presents instead “Opening tunate choice of affecting a
thing in common—the search the morbid side of love and British accent that sometimes
for love and the pitfalls of personal relationships.
night was a bit came across as unnatural.
temptation. The stor y depicts the like falling in The Australian actor
Keagan Kang took on the role
Closer is the sec-
ond stage production for
lives of Alice (Cynthia Lee- love—thrilling, of Dan, an aspiring writer
MacQuarrie), Dan (Keagan
Singapore’s newest theatre Kang), Anna (Tan Kheng terrifying and who is fickle-minded about
SULTRY SUB: Tan Kheng Hua replaces Emma Yong as Anna.
love. He is easily tempted
company Pangdemonium! Hua) and Larr y (Adrian unforgettably and immature in handling
Productions, directed by Pang) intertwined in a web Closer serves as a mirror The cast of Closer pulled
the husband-and-wife duo of emotions and deceit. The romantic!.” serious relationships. for modern relationships. It it off well, largely due to the
of Adrian and Tracie Pang. script is explicit with a no- Adrian Pang, commenting on Kang, unfortunately, did deals with mature themes good casting. Judging by
Originally written by holds barred approach to the play’s opening night to not seem to be in character at that would not be complete the quality of their sopho-
Patrick Marber in 1997 for sex talk. local blogger Red Dot Diva. some points although he got without a lot of sex talk, more effort the future of
the West End in London, The tale of Closer begins better as the play progressed. vulgarities and tension. Pangdemonium! Productions
it was later adapted to a with the four characters The role of Larry was In essence, all four char- It illustrates how at times looks promising with Adrian
Holly wood film starring meeting one another through played by another veteran, acters are deeply f lawed, lies can protect and truths and Tracie Pang at the helm.
Julia Roberts, Jude Law and a series of coincidences. Adrian Pang. Larr y is a desiring to be redeemed. destroy, and how putting on For a four person cast in
Natalie Portman. As the characters interact, dermatologist grounded in Each of them encounters a mask to conceal our real a play running for just 90
Following the duo’s suc- temptation eventually gets reality and a man assured of certain moments which en- selves could instead lead to minutes, praise is in order for
cessful inaugural produc- the better of them. his choices. ables them to appear more a tragic end. this thoughtful production.
tion The Full Monty, Closer T he produc t ion wa s Pang’s portrayal of a vulnerable, allowing the au- The script achieves a
explores the line between not all smooth sailing. Tan confident man who suffers a dience to relate to the drama good balance of delightfully PHOTOS | INTERNET

the winning looks from the second round!

Get spotted being your stylish self on campus and stand to win attractive prizes. 2 $100 ZARA
vouchers for 2 winners, and 2 $50 ZARA vouchers for 2 lucky voters.
So start voting now at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Nail-That-Unique-Style-NTUStyle

MARcus Year 2 / School of mechanical and aerospace EngineerinG shi yun Year 2 / school of humanities and social sciences

I AM WEARING... I AM WEARING...
New Era Cap from The Corner Shop. Supreme Top from vintage store at Chatuchak, at $30.
tee from overseas, (I do not remember the Denim shorts from Cotton On, $30. Sandals
prices). Chino pants from Uniqlo at $49.90 and from Tang & Co at $80 and the bag is borrowed
Redwing yellow Mustang boots at $438. Fred from my sister.
Perry bag at $119.90.
my personal style...
my personal style... I don’t really have a fixed style. I just wear
I am a sneakerhead! Other than that, I like the whatever I feel like when I want to express
old-school vintage look and I love to match it myself, especially clothes that I am comfortable
with more modern pieces. in.
MY STYLE ICON IS... MY STYLE ICON IS...
Takuya Kimura, Hiroshi Fujiwara and Johnny Vanessa Hudgens and the Olsen twins.
Depp.
NTU CAMPUS STYLE IS...
NTU CAMPUS STYLE IS... Comfort over style.
All about the berms-and-tee style!
I'D NOT BE CAUGHT DEAD WEARING...
I'D NOT BE CAUGHT DEAD WEARING... Tights as pants or FBTs to class, and clothes
Singlet and basketball shorts. with lace all over.
 林俊杰勤练六块肌 以满足歌迷
—— 刊32页

新闻

为了筹钱 学生组织忽略隐私问题
在阅读报道后，南 才可交由他人。目前为 腻了，其实自己也过意
大会计系的陈嘉卉（19 止，校方并未接到有关 不去。”
岁）说：“哇，这还蛮 这方面的投诉。” 更何况，学生们的社
可怕的。其实不是我们 交圈子也有限，所以做
不知道参与问卷调查的 “哇 ， 这 还 蛮 问卷的学生都属同一组
危险，而是当时做的时 可怕的。其实 人。郑凯盈说：“大多
候，没有那么多顾虑。” 数的人就算再不愿意，
不是我们不知 也会在同辈压力下完成
“资料隐私”缺乏保障 道参与问卷调 问卷。”
在碰到朋友们的隐忧
虽然这种行为不违
查的危险，而 时，郑凯盈在答复时常
法，但更多人开始关 是当时做的时 说：“我不会向他们作
注“资料隐私”的课 候，没有那么 出任何承诺，只会重复
题，尤其是这些公司如 负责人对我说过的话，
何获取并售出这些个人 多顾虑。” 再让我的朋友决定信息
资料。 陈嘉卉 是否保密。”
有读者收到一则兜 会计系一年级生
售个人资料的传真后， 隐私仍是敏感话题
便在报章上的言论版
许多学生填完问卷，并不知道这些资料往往会落入推销公司的手中。 摄影|许原端 说：“我最近收到一则 就读黄金辉传播与 第十学生宿舍的业务
传真，上面有至少一 信息学院的郑凯盈（19 经理柯毅涵（23岁）就
林坪 ●报道 就读于商学院的一
年级生黄凯琳（19岁）
是告知就业机会。
他们认为，这些公司
百万个电话号码，并附 岁）说：“这样的筹款
方式有点强制性。如果
指出，隐私问题永远是
上这些号码的主人的资 宿舍活动的敏感话题。
说：“我在做问卷的时 是通过他们在大学时期 料，如性别、年龄和教 让我选的话，我当然不 为了宿舍着想，他尽

同 辈压力加上金钱的
诱惑，使许多学生
不知不觉泄漏个人资料。
候，并没有想那么多，
只想赶快完成。问卷上
所需要的资料，我照填
填写的问卷获得他们的
资料。
学生们为了学校或宿
育程度等等。”
学生事务处的发言
人在受访时说：“校方
会做。但我了解这些问
卷可能是最快速也最容
易筹钱的方法。”
量选择不会透露太多个
人资料的筹钱机会。
他说：“如果学生们
为了筹钱，许多学生 就是了。” 舍的活动发问卷筹钱。 非常注重学生的个人隐 她参与学生宿舍的剧 的个人资料被揭露了，
组织都分发问卷给身边 海峡时报在一月刊登 这样的筹款活动在本地 私。校方会不断提醒学 团组织，每个星期都得 对问卷公司和对我们也
的朋友填上。当他们填 的报道中指出，有许多 大学都极为普遍，而问 生组织的会员们小心处 分发10张问卷给身边的 不是一件好事。”
写问卷后，并对这些资 毕业生会接到陌生的电 卷上的问题甚至包括联 理个人的资料，同时也 朋友。她无奈地说：“ 身为业务经理，柯毅
料的处理一无所知。 话，向他们推销产品或 络方式及家庭收入。 得征取他们的同意后， 长久下来，大家也都做 涵确保他所得到的联系
来源是可靠的，也希望
能够过滤不实际或有可

用歌词打开创意之门
疑的筹钱机会。
为了争取参与者，问
卷公司表示，向学生们
要这些资料，是为了与
陈婧●报道 他们保持联系。
林晓恬（22岁）就为
歌曲的创作人李志清以讲 的原意。”
座对谈的方式，让公众了 课程结业礼当天，就 了宿舍的筹款活动，接

耳 熟能详的快餐店和 解歌词在歌曲中的重要作 有三名优秀学员的作品得 受大东方人寿保险公司

电台等家喻户晓的 用，也希望更多有志者能 到发表，其中一名包括南 的邀请，将带领35名在
商业歌曲，就是必胜的广 投身中文流行歌词创作。 大中文系毕业生刘美云 籍学生参加公司的就业
告旋律。 （24岁）。 讲座。换来的，是500元
第四届中文流行歌词 嘈杂语言环境碍于创作 现任中学华文教师的 的奖励金。
与创作课程结业礼上，去 刘美云表示，即使是中文 这名第五学生宿舍组
年新加坡文化奖得主梁 对于新马中文作词人 程度很好的人，也未必能 本地知名音乐人梁文福提醒年轻人，歌词创作是一 织的业务经理说：“我
文福商业歌曲为例，说 呈现青黄不接的现象， 成为合格的写词人：“一 门极具商业价值的创意产业。 摄影|温忠浩 对这样的筹款活动持有
明：“有创意的歌词就能 来自马来西亚的李志清指 首好的歌词不光要语句优 正面的看法。这是因为
唤起人们的记忆”。 出，新马两地的嘈杂语言 美，还要注重押韵，要求 华语切磋的机会，16名歌 站命名的梁文福更坦 我不觉得问卷的来源会
这个由南大孔子学院 环境对于培养填词的创意 是很高的……因此，我还 词创作班的学员组成了“ 言：“新加坡作为创 可疑。”
与新加坡词曲版权协会 来说，可能是一种阻碍。 会在这条道路上继续探索 新词”部落格创作小组， 意的土壤还不够肥 她还补充：“这是个
（COMPASS）合办的座 他举例说：“许多新 和学习。” 并设立了名为“词源”的 沃，所以我们还在不 双赢的局面，我们其实
谈会反应热烈，吸引了许 马年轻人会用‘今天我 内部网站，方便历届毕业 断施肥；除了现有的 从中获得更多的好处。
多年轻人出席。 feel sad’中英混杂的语言 “词源”提供联络平台 学员保持联系。 课程，也要为新人们 这种筹钱的方式，也可
梁文福与曾为周华健 抒发感情，使他们很难使 为了不让本地写词 提供更多发表作品的 以介绍给身边需要为组
和阿杜等知名歌手谱写 用纯粹的中文来表达自己 为了提供更多运用纯 的创意失传，词源”网 环境和管道。” 织筹钱的朋友。”
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VOL. THE NANYANG

08 CHRONICLE
NO.

Impresario 半决赛 2011

Impresario 2011 总决赛

人气指数 为参赛者晋级的关键 日期：2011年4月3日， 星期天

时间：傍晚六点半（六点开始入场）
地点：南大大礼堂
律宾的她拥有丰富的参赛经验。在参赛
票价：$12
者中，评判认为她是夺冠热门，但她觉
得参加比赛只是为了兴趣。爱玲最终的 Impresario 2011 总决赛的入围者
理想，是要站上百老汇舞台。
另外，“双人物”的两名团员朱明 个人演唱：Mohammad Sufie B
恺和陈永权是在之前的歌唱比赛中结识 Rashid、李佩雯、 Kevin Kris-
的。两名型男在半决赛里默契十足地演 tian,、Eirene Enriquez、王悉微
唱了陶 的《找自己》。团员陈永权正
在服兵役，朱明恺则忙于课业。尽管两 双人/组合：Christy&Sheryl、
人一起排练的时间有限，他们仍排除万 DZ、Cruyo、Ash & Su、双人物
难进入总决赛。两人表示会多加练习，
继续“挑战自己”。 舞蹈：X-Tension, I.K.R, RRO,
Frostyz, NBM
“我们只是在做自己爱做
原创歌曲：陈美卿和蔡吟秋 (十二
的事，无论输赢，只要自 月之风雪)、何文亮(友谊)、 陈
己满意就行了。” 永权 (我的错)、 庄慧艳(慢慢走)
、 陈雪莹 (未了结)
Frostyz
Impresario半决赛的晋级团体

舞蹈组热力四射，炒热现场的气
氛。穿着火辣的X-Tension虽然只排练
总决赛入围者名单公布时，舞蹈团体X-Tension成功晋级，团员们喜极而泣，激动 了一个星期，却自认团队默契佳而晋级
得抱在一起。 摄影|许原端 总决赛。问到她们对夺冠的信心指数，
她们异口同声地说：“100% ！”
黄雪琪●报道 个组别分别只有五名参赛者能进入围总 来自国大的Frostyz则觉得每一组的
决赛。 夺冠机会平等。其中一名团员说：“我
其中被评判韩睿君冠上“动力火 们只是在做自己爱做的事，无论输赢，

现 场观众首次有权参与评选的工
作，验证参赛者高涨的人气指数
和非一般的才艺。
车”的兄弟组DZ在演唱《无情的情
书》时，却出了点小状况——音乐停止
两秒。但是，他们不慌不忙地在音乐恢
只要自己满意就行了。”
不过，舞蹈组的评审Jootz和Rizal很
开心今年的水准比往年好很多。Jootz
在Impresario 2011半决赛里，现场 复时继续接唱，获得了评审们的赞赏。 觉得可能是因为近年舞蹈在新加坡越来
观众的投票占了评分标准的30％。因 个人演唱组的爱玲（Eirene En- 越受重视。
此，参赛者不只要获得评审们的青睐， riquez）则以惊人的歌声在演唱珍妮佛 个人演唱和组合演唱组别的两位评
也必须要有人气才能晋级到总决赛。 哈德森（Jennifer Hudson）的 “And 审韩睿君和吴仁惠一致认为今年参赛者
由南洋理工大学文艺活动学会举办 I am telling you I’m not going” 时让 的水准都很高。也是本地乐团黑森林的
的全国才艺比赛今年已迈入了第19个年 台下的韩睿君猛拍手。这位歌唱老师 主唱吴仁惠说：“我很喜欢这届的参赛
头。今年一共有四个组别：个人演唱、 说：“看她的演唱就像看表演一样。” 者，因为他们多数都有融入自己的想法 经验丰富的爱玲年仅16岁，歌声却具爆
双人或组合演唱、舞蹈和原创歌曲。每 害羞的爱玲年仅16岁，可是来自菲 在表演中。” 发力，获得评审的一致好评。

财政预算案论坛会 2011

周博士：A－的预算案
张健俊●报道 这个论坛会是南大校友事务处第六次
主办，主讲嘉宾包括人文与社会科学学
中文编辑
院代院长柯仲佑教授、周孙铭博士和校
友王绥钊先生。

针 对最近出炉的财政预算案2011，
参与论谈会的演讲嘉宾一致给予
好评，让更多中等入息与低收入的国人
财政预算案2011
关键数字
受益。
有15年预算案分析经验的周孙铭博 ● 15亿元增长分红 250万国人受惠
士，在论坛上说：“我给这次的预算案
A－，可是如果能够更好的照顾低收入 ● 5月前分发 每人100-900元
者，那会更理想。”
这位南大经济学教授的周博士在针对 ● 从托儿所到理工学院 家长的负担
预算案的措施时，谈到教育的费用。一 从3％降至1％
个低收入者从幼儿园，小学和中学，到 由校友事务处主办的论谈会反应热烈，出席人数约250。周孙铭博士 （左起）、 柯
理工学院，这10年的教育费用，政府承 ● 个人少缴税 所得税回扣20％ 顶 仲佑教授和校友王绥钊先生对出席者的问题一一解答。 摄影|温忠浩
担了97％。在这次的财政预算下，政府 限2000元
把这个比例提高到99％，所以低收入者 走向，不看好黄金在未来的价值。 在论坛会结束之前，周孙铭博士在
的儿女可以通过教育来提高收入，改善 出席论坛会的南大学生在受访时都纷 权衡预算案的措施时，风趣地说：“no
生活。 综合预算案的措施，王先生说：“措 纷表示获益不浅。其中，经济学一年级 money, no honey, no energy, no babies.
周博士认为，这次预算案的主题是通 施主要目的在于提高生产力。” 生连慧婷（19岁）说：“我觉得这个论 （没有金钱，就没有“蜜糖”，也就没
过改善收入平等来使全体新加坡人共享 身为奕丰金融公司新加坡办事处的总 坛会里的分析对我就读的科系相关，让 有精力，所以我国的生育率还在处于低
一个包容性的增长。 经理，他向现场观众勾勒出未来的经济 我更了解预算案的细节。” 潮期。）”
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VOL. THE NANYANG

08 CHRONICLE
NO.

生活

过山车和反向蹦极 挑战自我极限
三月的假期即将来临，岛上有
什么刺激好玩的娱乐场所？这
一期的《南苑》生活，就从记
者卓诗婷和林佳颖的网上对
喂喂喂，你的魂回来了没？
话，比较三种截然不同的冒险
经验！
还没，还在九霄云外呢。

不会吧！不就只是反向蹦
极和过山车罢了。

哇, 这两天可是我生平最惊险的时刻！位于克拉码头的
Gmax、G5 Extreme Swing和新加坡环球影城的“太空堡垒”
（Battlestar Galactica）可不是盖的好不好！

我还想回去再多玩几次呢! 我建议想要尝试极限新事物的朋友们
试试。若是你,你会选择再回去玩哪个？

若一定要做个比较的话，我认为环球影城的太空堡垒略胜一筹
啦。太空堡垒能期待接下来的航程，但反向蹦极却无法预料。初
级者的我还是比较适合过山车吧。

我还真的和你恰恰相反耶！若硬要我选一个再乘搭，我一定选Gmax
和G5。我就喜欢这种瞬间失去自我，刺激万分的舒畅感！

看来我们的志趣很不同。当在Gmax和Gswing坐着等待工作人员
倒数时,真觉得时间过得特别慢! 脑海里一直浮现各种忧虑。工作
坐上GSwing即有赛车时速般的刺激， 人员在我们毫不防备的时刻把我们抛了上去, 还真是意想不到啊!
又能欣赏优美的风景，超乎票价所值。

这就叫快感！Gmax和G5Extreme Swing，给我的是那种一瞬间的
刺激。在绳索弹上去的那一刻，我简直是感受到无与伦比快感， 克拉码头Gmax＋G5
仿佛整个人飞起来似的！
ExtremeSwing
才怪！我可是吓得半条命。 其中一段航程中还出现了人工雾, 突 惊险刺激程度：
然模糊了我的视线. 我还以为自己快撞到了地面, 还好那只是自己
的幻觉! 好险啊!

还有，Human的极速前进和Cylon一连串360度迅速的转弯简直 共50元； 各45元

是刺激无比。在短短90秒内经历五公尺深处急速往下冲 ，真是
让我连换口气呼吸的时间都没有！

还有, 在Gmax和Gswing除了能欣赏到克拉码头的美景, 也能让 环球影城 :

我看到新加坡河与一座座高楼大厦。
太空堡垒（Battle-
对我来说绝对值！你告诉我，在哪里能让我感受到赛车时速般的 star Galactica）
刺激同时欣赏优美的风景呢？这真不能用金钱衡量的。不过不知
是谁被照相机拍到整脸惊慌失措！
惊险刺激程度：
糟了, 如果上载到注册Facebook，我的形象不是完全没了!?

你几时有形象啊!
72 元 (入门票)
卓诗婷（左一）和林佳颖率先 喂!
尝试太空堡垒，航程的刺激指数破表。
摄影|林佐伊
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THE NANYANG VOL.

CHRONICLE 08
NO.

言论
编辑室 酒廊和戏院进南
张健俊
中文编辑 网络－政党必争之地 大 喜忧参半
付筱淳
选 区划分报告出炉
后，大选的脚步逐
感情用事。新加坡管理大
学法律系助理教授陈庆文
此停止。 本地的每10名议员中，就
有六名设有Facebook社交 下，缓解各方面的压力，

南
渐逼近。这届的大选与往 表示，他们也较不容易被 社交媒体是把双刃刀 网站。 大在上个月公 何尝不是一种享受。
届不同的是，政党可采用 执政党的长期良好纪录所 另一方面，八大反对 布了最新的校 南大也处于离市中心
网上工具在虚拟世界和居 打动。 可是，这类表达即兴 党也不甘示弱，积极利用 园发展蓝图，致力打 相对偏远的文礼，若在校
民建立联系，争取选票。 的社交媒体其实是一把双 社交网站，提供政党走访 造校园中的小城市。 内有了酒廊和戏院，学生
这个网络现象是年轻 “ 这类表达即兴 刃剑，使用不当就会自 选区的消息，发表言论以 发展计划的第一阶 们就不用花多余时间去校
一代的共同经历，因此必 的社交媒体其实 食其果。上个月，大约 及提高其知名度。 段将在2018年竣工， 外寻找娱乐节目。
定会对我国政治发展产生 400人收到由保健促进局 截稿前，笔者浏览反 到时酒廊和戏院也会 在学校修建娱乐设施
是一把双刃剑，
影响。 所发出的‘另类’推特 对党的Facebook，竟然发 和大家见面。 不仅能丰富本校学生的业
使用不当就会自 然而，笔者认为， 余生活，促进学生之间的
对此，李显龙总理曾 (Twitter)讯息。讯息里显 现由秘书长徐顺全率领的
说过：“政府将在来届大 食其果。” 示：“F你啦，你和我同 新加坡民主党已经有超过 酒廊和戏院虽能促进 交流，而且能吸引到更多
选，积极使用新媒体！” 级，可以不要这样和我说 3000个“赞”（likes）。 学生交流，但与本地 本区域内的，甚至欧美国
根据最新的选民人数 话吗?” 李显龙总理也曾举例 教育机构的形象似乎 家的留学生或交换学生来
资料 ，每三个选民中， 另外，下届大选投票 当局调查显示，这是 说，美国总统奥巴马的竞 有些不搭。 本校学习。
就有一个年龄介于20至39 日前一天被定为“冷静 一名职员摆乌龙，在没有 选团队透过互联网拉票和 这样一来，不同国籍
岁之间，其中10多万人是 日”，各党不允许进行任 退出保健促进局的账户， 发放竞选信息，几乎把选 打破传统 促进交流 的学生会对彼此的文化习
首次行使投票权。 何竞选工作。 就上传自己的私人讯息。 举带上虚拟世界。 俗有更深一层的了解。
陈庆文也指出现在网 这相信是第一起在政府部 可见，各个政党正摩 对于多数学生来
新一代选民 较不为所动 络发达，即使政党不能 门网上出现的粗话事件。 拳擦掌，势必想通过网上 说，在学校里开设酒 设施管理还有待商讨
在“冷静日”竞选或在各 近年来，政府部门越 的平台来掳获人心，而成 廊和戏院算是个很酷
值得关注的是，专家 别网站发布消息，其他网 来越普遍使用网上工具。 败的关键可能就取决于各 的想法。和朋友在课 酒廊和戏院为学生业
认为这两群人士一般上较 站对选举的讨论也不会就 在去年九月的调查显示， 自的政纲和宣传手法。 余时间去酒廊轻松一 余生活带来许多自由和方
便，与此同时，它们也为
校方的管理方案带来很大
的考验。

使南大成为“绿色”城市 立
很多安全隐患可能随
之而来，几个例子就包括
醉酒闹事，打架斗殴等

业
梁洁欣 垃圾桶。另外，校内的许多食 等。校方必须要采取一定
堂都规定食客将餐具拿到集收 的预防的措施，避免此类
站。这个举动其实已是具环境 乐极生悲的事件在校园里

在 最新出炉的“亚洲绿色城
市指数”中，新加坡是22
个亚洲城市当中最“绿”的城
意识的表现。
但是，目前在南大校园里，
关于保护环境的措施还不够。
与 发生。
适当的管理娱乐设
施，才不会影响到学生的
市。但是，都市人对“绿化”环
境的意识却有待加深。
据报道，新加坡能脱颖而出
如在打包食物时，只有少数
的人会自带可循环的容器。在
人人都求方便的情况下，多数
成 正常生活和学习。
首先，对学生的教育
是必不可缺的。学生们应
的两个决定性原因，是政府积极
推动诸多相关政策，以及提出关
的摊主都免费提供发泡塑料饭
盒（styrofoam box），间接助
养恶习。
张亦弛
插图｜吴威俊
家 学会怎样合理分配自己的
时间，有松有弛才不会失
去平衡。
于水资源、垃圾与能源效率等方
面的管理方案。不过，人们是否 学校能推广“自带可循环容 其次，对于经营业者
懂得响应措施，并积极地为保护
环境做出贡献，也是关键问题。
器”的运动，以减少使用难以
降解（non-biodegradable） 的 到 底应该先成家后立业，还是先立业后成
家，相信是很多刚刚走出校园步入社会的
的管制也是至关重要的。
比如，业者卖酒精的条

迈向成为“环保战士”的目标
发泡塑料饭盒。
此外，摊主应改用较环保的
年轻人心中的疑虑。
去年的新加坡人口普查结果显示，同10年前 两 规，和学生们购买酒精的
准则。
相比，尽管处于35至44岁单身女性有下降的趋
者
饭盒。如在国大校园内，已有
针对保护环境，笔者认为多 宿舍的食堂停止使用发泡塑料 势，但是介于25至29岁间的单身女性的比例却上 顶尖大学须硬体与人才
数都是被动的参与者。但是，若 饭盒，而改用能降解的纸盒。 升约20％。

相
有措施和足够的适应时间，人们 国大得社会学家Paulin Straughan指出：“这 笔者觉得，校园内有
也能主动地为“绿化”环境尽一 环保志在参与而非强制 些女性其实并不是抗拒婚姻，只是单纯地延迟了 娱乐设施固然不错，但并
份力。 这一计划，这一现象在受过高等教育的女性中更 没必要。如果学校的目的

辅
例如，南大在设置分类垃圾 若要使人们成为积极的参与 为普遍。” 是为了吸引更多应届毕业
桶时，人们最初还不习惯，常误 者，就必须加强他们对环境的 笔者认为有几个因素使得越来越多的高学历 生，那么还需考虑这些设
把垃圾或可循环物丢进垃圾桶。 意识。这或许仍靠官方强制的 人群选择先成家后立业，晚婚晚育。 施对他们的吸引力。

相
现今，人们已能正确使用分类 措施，使人们改变目前不环保 许多年轻人向往美好的生活，而且希望自食 安博迪教授说，要打
的坏习惯。 其力经营家庭。在物价上涨的同时，理应打好坚 造一所伟大的大学，就是
同时，人们也应被灌输相关 定的经济基础，所以都没有时间和精力把结婚生 通过它的硬体设施以及大

成
的知识，以使他们更主动地参 育纳入计划中。 学的人才。
与环保。 然而，先成家后立业也存在好处。首先，受 但是，本校作为本区
其实，人们之所以是被动的 传统观念影响，早些成家，不让父母为自己操 域内的高等学府，其实并
参与者，主要是因为拯救地球 心，也是一种孝顺的表现。另外，迟婚和人口老 不需要用这些新潮的设施
的个人使命不够强烈，导致人 龄化加速有直接的关系，也会对经济造成不利的 来吸引学者。
们无法在潜意识中产生保护环 影响。 即使没有硬体设施，
境的意愿。 其实，两者是相辅相成的。一方面，有了家 互动依然会在校园的各个
因此，只要人们经过一段适 人的支持，可以更安心地投入工作；另一方面， 角落进行。而且，比起娱
应期，相信被动者也能渐渐晋升 靠自己的奋斗去开创事业，可以为家庭创造美好 乐设施，学者们会比较注
插图｜吴威俊 至积极的参与者。 的将来。 重教育质量。
 32 17
THE NANYANG VOL.

CHRONICLE 08
NO.

娱乐
本地天王演唱会宣传活动

林俊杰勇敢面对内心脆弱
林坪 ●报道 环节，将首次在舞台上半空吊
钢丝。
被问到演唱会的造型是

曾 经历歌唱生涯的低潮
后，林俊杰表示他已找
回重新振作的力量，希望大家
否会与海报一样时，他逗趣
地说：“那已是去年的事情
了。”但是，他最近正在勤
看到他成熟的蜕变。 练，相信会让歌迷看到海报上
在2008年他因压力大，导致 的六块肌。
胃食道逆流而伤到喉咙，影响 他想通过演唱会主题曲“I
北京演唱会的表现。 Am”让大家体悟到：“我脆
这次是林俊杰第三次在本地 弱，所以我坚强。”
举行巡回演唱会，也亲自参与
了制作过程，想表达自己的内
心和音乐世界。 “一个人脆弱时，
他说：“这次的演唱会将让 才能体验坚强的差
新加坡歌迷感受到不一样的表
演，有一种不同的温暖。”
别；当你坚强地回
以前的林俊杰在台上总是蹦蹦跳跳，现在他已能更诚恳面对自己，
林俊杰还表示，在自家舞台 来了，你要怎么去 把内心感触透过表演分享给大家。 照片|Unusual Productions 提供
表演的自在感，是其他地方所 让身边的人感受转
没有的。在新加坡这一站，他 一次尝试三个月内举行八场演
也会增设一项前所未有的表演 变，看你长大。” 小时候的他缺乏自信，但找到
出，但是他非常享受整个辛苦 音乐和梦想之后，却有强大的
林俊杰 的过程。 力量。
本地歌手 演唱会的幕后团队开会时意 他说：“在人生找到一个目
见分歧，但林俊杰认为这是好 标跟一个重心是一件太重要的
事，因为大家有自己的想法， 事情。今天能够有梦想能够有
每一次的演唱会，林俊杰 表示大家都在用心。 成就，一定要从小培养。”所
总会想起从刚出道到现在的成 以，他想帮助这些小朋友，给
长。他想起带领他入行、在演 卖力于慈善 给小朋友希望 他们一些希望，让他们找到人
艺道路上不断鼓励他和看着他 生中的重心。
成长的恩师许环良。 除了忙着筹备演唱会之外， 2009年四川大地震发生后，
在“JJ Party 5”专辑庆功宴 林俊杰在这几年也不遗余力地 他探望了患有下半身粉碎性骨
上，没有前四届的绚丽表演， 做慈善。他相信，艺人有着巨 折而瘫痪的女生，王敏。当时
却以他的角度聊音乐与人生。 大的影响力，能呼吁大家一起 他以一首《期待爱》，鼓励王
对于自己心态上的转变与成 帮助他人。 敏勇敢地面对生命。
长，将于月底庆祝30岁生日的 于是，今年他将与之前 当林俊杰在宣传《100天》
林俊杰有感而发地说：“一个 合作过的化妆护肤品零售商 专辑时，她到现场，并用自己 JJ林俊杰I AM世界
人脆弱时，才能体验坚强的差 Kiehl’s，在下个月再度合作,把 的力量从楼梯走下来，对他 巡回演唱会
别；当你坚强地回来了，你要 筹得款项捐给新加坡智障人士 说：“去年，你来医院为我加
怎么去让身边的人感受转变， 福利促进金（MINDS）。他 油，今年，现在我来这里为你
看你长大。” 在庆功宴上也特地请来了几位 加油。” 日期：3月5日
林俊杰觉得，每一种台上和台下 谈到之前的内地演唱会时， MINDS的朋友带来太鼓表演。 对林俊杰而言，看到不幸的 地点：新加坡室内
的合作要靠这种有点神秘、又有 他坦言，一开始其实会担心体 主持人巫许玛利发现林俊杰 小孩脸上展现灿烂的笑容，会 体育馆
点小小距离的空间，才能够碰撞 力会负荷不了。虽然这是他第 热衷于帮助小朋友，他解释， 让他更想要伸出援手。 票价：$78－128
出新的火花。 摄影|颜家骏

新剧本演读会 训练新生代编剧 影评 电影播映室

电影：“My Ex:
殊的人生故事挖出来，并 《玉镯》，讲述一家三 Haunted Lover”
雷慧媛 蔡韵●报道 导演：Piyapan Choo-
为剧本提出建议。” 代因祖母的一对玉镯而
然而本地著名戏剧人 引发了不满。 petch

本 地戏剧团体一直都
在闹剧本荒，为培
养华语剧场编剧人才，戏
张子健则对编剧新人提出
不同的建议：“接受意见
首次于乌敏岛举办
六天的全封闭式剧本催
主要演员：Ratchawin
Wongviriya，Marion
Affolter
固然重要，但别一味去迎 生营，更请来台湾的名
剧盒举办演读会，让剧场 合观众口味。懂得坚持内 编剧纪蔚然作为导师。 照片|邵氏机构提供  , , , , ,
爱好者向知名编剧学习。 心想法，才能创作出别具 其中一名营员张英
演员以演读的方式，
在连续两天的“新剧本演
读会”呈现八个不同的原
魅力的剧目。”
第一天演读会的导
豪就把处于人生分岔路
写进剧本，演绎出了一 又 一泰国经典恐怖片，“My Ex: Haunted
Lover”继上一部“My Ex”的热烈反应推
出，导演依旧选择以三角恋爱关系为故事中心。
演，是本地的知名媒体人 场个体对抗体制的精彩
创剧本。 杨君伟。 对话。 女主角Cee因不甘被另一女主角Ying横刀夺
编剧导师是四位经验 这名义安理工学院中 戏剧盒将会听从观 爱，而使用残暴手段处理感情，导致Ying堕楼身
丰富的本地编剧：南大中 文系讲师说：“演读会让 众的意见，并选出二到 亡，从此怪事连接发生。
文系副教授柯思仁、张子 第一天演读会的导演杨君 观众看到的纯粹是编剧想 三部剧本加以修改，在 电影赞助商Karn、Cee和姐姐在拍戏时，三人
健、黄浩威和李世炬。 伟想让观众看到剧本从文 要传达的意图及技巧。” 今年底的“新剧季”中 陷入三角恋，让嫉妒心强的Cee重蹈覆辙。其中
柯思仁说：“在指导 字的转变，和编剧的意图 他当天导了四部剧 把剧本搬上舞台，公开 最可怕是Ying坠楼跌入泳池的恐怖画面必能满足
时，我都会把作者比较特 和技巧。 摄影|温忠浩 本，表示最喜欢的剧本是 演出。 恐怖片爱好者的欲望。 （文／卓诗婷）
 17
33
VOL. THE NANYANG

08 CHRONICLE
NO.

蔡健雅媒体见面会 乐评 音乐Jukebox
创作才女将在家乡首唱大展舞艺 专辑： “Stranger under
my skin”
张扬●报道 歌手： 陈奕迅
推荐歌曲：《苦瓜》

狮 城创作才女蔡健雅将准备在首次 《关于爱情》
于家乡举办的演唱会突破尺度大  , , , , ,
秀舞技。
创作歌手的包袱，让蔡健雅甚少尝试
舞蹈，这次她期待能够以此让歌迷眼前
去 年在狮城成功开唱的
陈奕迅，近期推出了
全新广东 EP“Stranger un-
一亮。 der my skin”。作为上张
在2005年人生的低谷期，她去往印度 EP“Taste the Atmosphere”
并接触了瑜伽。旅行令她对人生有了全 的延伸，这张EP着重审视生
新的体悟。这也是她把自己的演唱会命 活与人生的价值。
名为“Tanya and the Cities”的原因。 新作品收录了五首粤语歌
“不同的城市给了我不同的灵感。这 和一首英语歌，以及Bonus CD中的三首华语作品。其中主打歌
次的演唱会就是以城市划分章节，搭配 在台湾闯荡多年的蔡健雅原本担心本地观众会对她有些 《苦瓜》更是一曲道出了他成长背后的心灵故事，发人深省。
相应的歌曲。”而其中的一个章节就以 陌生，因此希望歌迷能多来支持。 摄影|王辰宇 与主打歌一样，整张专辑曲风偏黑暗沉重。第一首
家乡新加坡命名。 歌“Stranger Under My Skin”中古典与流行的交织荡气回肠。
出道14年，两度问鼎台湾金曲奖最佳 过年的时候被妈妈“逼婚”，也让她感受到了恋爱 而“My Private Christmas Song”Eason 又大玩爵士情调，引发
女演唱人，亮眼的成绩单下，蔡健雅却 的压力。谈到择偶标准，蔡健雅说：“哪怕自己列出 对爱情况味的百感交集。
一直没有机会在新加坡开个人演唱会。 了无数的条件，默契和感觉才最为重要。” 作为亮点之一，Bonus CD中收录了Eason与天后王菲首度合
她说自己个性低调，不爱绚丽的舞台， 她说自己还未遇到合适的结婚对象，并把这归咎为 唱的歌曲《关于爱情》。王与后的对歌余音绕梁，让人听罢直
更愿意享受一个温馨的小角落。 自己独立坚强的性格。她解释：“灯泡坏了自己也可 呼过瘾。 （文/张扬）
今年她却觉得人生到了一个新的阶 以修理，我很难被融化。”
段，于是决定以演唱会的方式回馈本地
歌迷。
至于她演唱会的嘉宾和服装，她表示 专辑： 《孤独的和弦》
蔡健雅Tanya & Cities新加坡演唱会 歌手： 萧煌奇
保密，并希望歌迷能够亲身前来演唱会
揭开谜底。 推荐歌曲：《末班车》
日期：4月9日 《旅途愉快》
恋爱对象要能够“融化”自己 地点：新加坡室内体育馆  , , , , ,

在问到她挑选壮男舞伴时，她害羞地
表示选择舞伴的条件并不会和选择结婚
票价：$88 - 158
萧 煌奇在他的第四张国
语专辑中以敏锐的心
思诠释歌曲，充满对爱情的
对象相同。 真挚情感和透露出他对它的
向往。
主打歌《末班车》描述一

轻
段恋情随着最后一趟的末班车走到尽头。这最后一刻的离别显
得更悲伤。
其他歌曲也表现了他对爱情的不同情感。比如，在《嗨早
安，用早餐》，萧煌奇以轻快朗诵般的唱法，唱出为亲爱的人

松
准备丰盛早餐的幸福，充满愉悦感。这首歌也营造了一幅清新
的早晨图景。
《旅途愉快》却表达对无法成眷属的心上人的祝福。这首歌
中的复杂感情，以淡淡伤感的曲调呈现，从中又能感受到看见

玩
心爱的人愉快时的一丝丝幸福。
唯一的缺憾就是，专辑中没有高技巧的唱腔，也没有表现他
一贯的嘶吼式歌声。 （文/梁洁欣）

勇 专辑：
歌手：
《独一无二》
罗志祥
推荐歌曲：《舞所遁形》

敢 亚
《口头缠》
 , , , , ,
洲舞王罗志祥继去年
推出台湾销售冠军《

追
轻松玩乐团的主唱Summer坦白，他们一路走来很幸运，轻轻松松的，但坚持自己 罗生门》后，今年再接再厉
的梦想。 照片|滨海艺术中心提供 发行第八张个人专辑《独一
无二》。
卢苏沛●报道 Summer 在抒情歌曲《亲手交给他》 专辑破天荒将抒情慢歌《

求
分享了自己对爱情的看法。她说：“只 拼什么》作为首波主打，力
要能爱、有爱的能力就够了。这样，社 求证明歌唱实力的罗志祥以

台 北独立音乐团体轻松玩直夸本地
歌迷对他们的歌词了如指掌。
会才会有多一点点真正的爱。”
演唱《海角七号》的片尾曲《风光明
清唱开场。
不过，在抒情歌曲《强出

梦
他们在华艺音乐节的压轴表演上 媚》时。尝试改歌词，唱出：“最好吃 头》和《怕安静》诠释情感
说：“别跟台湾朋友讲哦，你们真的很 的海南鸡饭，新加坡风光明媚，因为有 的功力仍有待加强。 照片|网络下载
会唱！” 你们陪。” 在擅长的舞曲领域里，罗志祥依旧表现杰出。《舞所遁形》
成立至今已有12年的轻松玩当初纯粹 鼓手阿昆为了表示自己不只会打鼓， 的画龙点睛之处是他一贯俏皮的唱腔。

想
是一群喜欢音乐又爱玩的好朋友。 吹起了小喇叭，获得观众掌声连连。 《口头缠》十分阳光，充满活力。这首歌的旋律与歌词都琅
其中好玩歌曲之一《心情点播》就是 分享了他们12年傻傻追梦的故事， 琅上口，势必成为新一波的必点K歌。
一首激励生活的歌曲。主唱Summer鼓 轻松玩对音乐和生活的热忱非常让人感 总之，在这张专辑里能听到罗志祥在唱功上的进步，是小猪
励观众：“如果有梦，就做下去吧！” 动，也给观众留下了深刻印象。 努力后的不错成果。 （文/王裕权）
Opinions
EDITORIAL frankly, my dear
A column by the Chronicle Editors on issues close to their heart

Pork chop and

Facebook Cultivate interactivity now
There are few things closer less of our differences.
to Singaporeans’ hearts In fact, tasting the
than food. food of other cultures
So naturally, when NTU often serves as a way to
students are faced with the understand them better.
prospect of losing one of So as we build a more
their favourite food stalls, interactive community at
they turn to Facebook to NTU, let us see food not
garner suppor t and tr y just as physical nourish-
to ‘Save the Canteen 14 ment. Let us remember
Western Stall’. the people who toil to
The campaign has been feed us not just as ven-
gaining momentum stead- dors.
ily. More than 1,000 people Just as ar tists and
have ‘liked’ the cause, and musicians over the gen-
a lot of them have shared erations have enriched
the message via social net- our culture, so have the
working platforms. aunties and uncles who
For many, the campaign cook our char kway teow
is simply about whether and nasi briyani, albeit
they can still get that plate in a much less glamor-
of mixed grill tomorrow. ous way.
But the speed at which And we will continue
the campaign gains sup- to need their passion,
port and the passion with energy, and creativity to
which people speak for it liven up our community.
underline the special role of After all, Holland Village
food – and the people who would not have been the GRAPHIC | GOH WEI CHOON
work to provide it – in our hub of activities that it is
community. without food.
Food brings us together Now, why don’t you
Kay Tan four main races has a quota of by formally encouraging interdis-
because it is a shared ne- share with us what you lifestyle editor homes allocated to them in a block. ciplinary thinking.

H
cessity, but also because it would love to eat at NTU? This ensures a balanced ethnic This should start at the un-
moves our senses regard- E-mail us. aving read about NTU’s mix in public housing estates and dergraduate level and the school
new masterplan, I find prevents the formation of racial could introduce incentives for
m y s e l f wond e r i n g enclaves by promoting interracial collaboration.
how much t he new interaction. Awarding grants as well as
buildings and facilities Often, it is the residents be- fast-tracking approval processes
THE NANYANG will foster “interaction between longing to the older generation for interdisciplinary projects could

CHRONICLE brains” as mentioned by President

Designate Bertil Andersson.
In 15 years, we will have on
campus “meeting places where the
who have lived in “kampongs”,
who will make the effort to interact
with fellow residents.
This is simply because they are
encourage researchers to take
up ideas without hesitation, as
resources will be provided and
administrative hassles eliminated.
humanities girl can meet the en- used to the “kampong spirit”—the The remade campus will defi-
chief editor opinionS editors A students’ newspaper published by the gineering boy, where the professor culture of neighbours being a com- nitely enhance the interactivity
Agung Santoso Ongko Ang Xue Ting Eunice Wee Kim Wee School of Communication can meet students”, said Professor munity of friends. with specially designed meeting
Jayashri d/o Lokarajan and Information (WKWSCI)
MANAGING EDITOR Andersson. My grandparents, for example, places and accommodation that
Nanyang Technological University
Tan Ru Ping Celine sports editors The masterplan will also allow confidently claim that they know provide proximity.
Annabelle Liang 31 Nanyang Link, Singapore 637718
ART DIRECTOR Lai Junjie Tel: 6790 6446 PhD students who take on interdis- every household in their block, and Ac t i ng C h ief Bu i ld i ng &
Vishaka Mantri ciplinary research from this year many others in the neighbourhood. Infrastructure Officer (Plans) for
layout editors
sub-editors Nicholas Keith Tam
Unsigned editorials represent the majority
view of the editorial board of The Chronicle
to “stay on the same floor… work However, the “kampong” cul- NTU, Mr Chan Keng Luck, ex-
Audrey Lim En-Rui Vanessa Dora Godfrey and do not necessarily reflect the policies or together and when the project ture present amongst the residents plained in a Straits Times Forum
views of Nanyang Technological University,
Hong Yu Qing Amelia
its employees, the students or the Council of is over, go back to their school of the older generation is lost letter, that cross-campus dialogues
Low Wei Xiang photo editors
Sia Ling Xin Goh Chay Teng
the University. again,” he said. among the younger generation. “can be facilitated through cre-
Tricia Anna Lim Peiyu Wan Zhong Hao Signed opinion columns, letters and editorial He hopes that these research- Though my neighbours and ating a formal as well as social
cartoons represent the opinion of the writer
News editors graphics editor or artist and are not necessarily those of ers will be encouraged to interact I live mere metres apart, only a environment that allows such
Cassandra Yeap Goh Wei Choon The Chronicle. and launch research collaborations handful of us truly interact beyond interactions to happen naturally”.
Trinh Hoang Ly across various disciplines. While the facilities do play a
Online EditorS Printed by KHL Printing Co. Pte Ltd, exchanging polite greetings.
Lifestyle editors Tran Anh Cuong 57 Loyang Drive, Singapore 508968 But will they really interact With the EIP not being com- part in fostering interaction be-
Mavis Ang I-Wen Pham Tuong Minh and collaborate? pletely successful in its aims, tween students, it is imperative
Tan Su Yi Kay
business managerS WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU Given my experience, I feel housing the PhD researchers in that we cultivate a culture of in-
Reviews editor Lim Pei Yi Vivian
Facebook: The Nanyang that mere proximity does not al- the same block might face similar teractivity now, instead of waiting
Sulaiman Daud Ng Wei Ying
ways yield interactivity. results. until the campus is remade.
Chronicle Having lived in a Housing Aided by the catalytic environ-
dapper editors production support This vision for the new campus
Hong Yu Ran Ng Heng Ghee Website: www3.ntu.edu. Development Board flat for most of may not be enough to encourage ment, interactivity and coopera-
Gladys Ng
Teacher advisors sg/chronicle my life, I have noticed parallels be- interaction, and subsequent col- tion will then happen naturally in
Chinese editors Andrew Duffy General Enquiries: tween NTU’s vision for the campus laborations. the future.
Grace Chew Hui Min Debbie Goh
Teo Jion Chun Xu Xiaoge [email protected] with the HDB’s racial quota under The university’s collaborative It is what we make of the
its Ethnic Integration Policy. culture must be cultivated, not by places, not what they are built for,
Under this policy, each of the building physical structures, but that can make a true difference.
 OPINIONS 35
VOL.
17 THE NANYANG

08 CHRONICLE
NO.

a matter of perspective

Evolutionary e-relationships
SMS. However, he never had gruff man persona he was used to
any reason to text me. That all adopting.
changed one day. He now SMSes me to ask how
It was one of those sullen my day went, to check if I “makan
days. I did not have a good day already” and tell me “U r looking
at school and was feeling melan- tired. need to rest more okay?”
cholic. To add to my misery, my He would also send me little
mum insisted that I try on a frilly reminders like “Ok so pls tidy up
floral dress that she had bought com table ya.”
when I got home. And I would reply with, “I did!
One look at it and I knew it Major room cleaning yesterday :)
would show too much as it was Tml gonna tackle my cupboard :)”
way too big. But since my mom Sometimes there were also
had made the request, I decided to random messages like, “Are u
humour her and try it on. guys watching tv or sleeping?”
When my dad saw me in the My favourite part of all these
dress, he joked that I looked like a little back-and-forth messages
‘man-whore’. between us would be his usual
That remark struck a nerve, ending.“Awesome quack quack.
and I lost control of the tears that Love U.” (Quack Quack being
I had been holding back all day. his nickname for me because he
I yelled at him, calling him an claims I walk like a duck)
insensitive and horrible person SMS-ing gave us a way of
who only knew how to hurt my showing affection and encourage-
self—esteem. ment to each other.
After my outburst, I refused It also helped us communicate
to talk to him for the rest of the and express what we might not
GRAPHIC | GOH WEI CHOON day, despite seeing him struggle to have been able to in a face-to-face
conjure up the right words to say interaction.
Natasha Alvar Technology has helped im- younger but became more diffi- to make the situation better. Some might read this and

E
prove my relationship with my cult as we grew older. But he did not know how to scoff, “It’s just SMS-ing.”
mail, Facebooking, IM- dad. My dad did not know how to say it. My response to this is a quota-
ing, and tweeting. From the moment I was born, respond to me or find the right So for the very first time, he tion from The Jane Austen Book
These terms did not exist I was Daddy’s little girl. He would words to say. He also never un- sent me an SMS. Club by Karen Jay Fowler.
in our parents’ vocabu- bring me to the football pitch dur- derstood why I cried. “Hey Baby Girl, I’m sori for “Never underestimate the
lary in the past. ing his soccer trainings and cheer About a year ago, my dad got what I said. I just meant that the power of a well-written letter,”
However, today, some parents me on as I kicked the ball around. a new phone, the HTC Touch. He dress is not suitable for you. I’m she wrote.
are able to bridge the gap in their He was convinced that I would was immensely excited about it as sori that I hurt you :( Love, Dads.” It is the same with an SMS. It
knowledge of technology and take after him and become a great being in the Navy meant he was He did care after all! is a constant reminder of some-
keep up with the times. athlete. But I fell in love with required to have a phone without While I did not forgive him one’s wish to connect with you
But for others, their inability books instead. a camera, and one that was cool straightaway, it did break the wall and show how important you are
to adapt to these forms of technol- A stern and gruff Navy man, and savvy was hard to come by. of silence that I had built up be- to them.
ogy increases the communication he found it hard to express his af- The QWERTY keypad on the tween us. This is how SMSes helped me
gap between parent and child. fection to not just me, but my sib- phone made it extremely user- SMS-ing allowed him to con- and my dad. It showed me that I
I, however, have a wholly dif- lings as well. It was easier for him friendly. My dad was so excited vey thoughts and feelings that he would always be my Daddy’s lit-
ferent story to tell. to bond with us when we were that he was finding reasons to was not able to vocalise due to the tle girl.

Terence Lee like to visit. planned programme.

Most of them are culled from We’d surrendered all elements

I
hungrygowhere.com—a site to of surprise and given up on the
knew something was wrong find out about the latest food notion of exploring the urban
with my relationship when joints. jungle like a modern Tarzan and
my girlfriend preferred hold- What happens when we want Jane.
ing her iPhone lovingly to to go somewhere but find our- I realised that I wasn’t able to
my stubbled chin. selves lost? Google Maps takes charm my girlfriend as everything
When we first started going care of that. we did only required minimal ef-
out, we chatted for three hours We key in our destination and fort.
daily on MSN Messenger. We also it takes us there. No more ap- Which was why I suggested
met almost everyday to study or proaching strangers who might that we date on World of Warcraft.
shop. point us in the wrong direction. However, that did not sit well with
Nowadays, we’ve become too her.
lazy to even talk on a dedicated Faced with this crisis, I decid-
chat software, preferring Gmail’s But spontaneity ed on a plan to win her back—one
chat function as I can type an concocted in Germany by Klaus
email to my lecturer and talk to was lost. We Teuber.
my girlfriend at the same time. became a two- Teuber is the inventor of Set-
We used to give cute little tlers of Catan, a popular board
cards filled with cut-out hearts to person tour group game that has sold 15 million
each other as an expression of our copies worldwide.
love. where every date I recently bought the game for
Now, we send animated e- was a planned my girlfriend. Yes, an actual board
cards to one another because we’re game, and not a pixelated app.
lazy. programme. Klaus mentioned that he cre-
We now share our Google ated Settlers of Catan to amuse his
Calendars and sync them on our wife.
smartphones to keep tabs on one Since I was becoming a boring GRAPHIC | VU VIET ANH
another. Honestly, I was happy with boyfriend, I thought this gimmick
Gone are the days of calling this state of affairs for a while be- would give me the boost I needed. into a time of genuine bonding. juvenate a relationship automated
my girlfriend to plan the time and cause maintaining a relationship The plan worked like a charm. In fact, my plan has worked so by technology is to step out of it
place for our next date. had become effortless. We played Settlers with my family well that we’ve started to spend altogether.
Instead, we also share a Goog- But the spontaneity was lost. when she came over to my place. more quality time together play- Only then can we stop looking
le Doc where we have created a We became a two-person tour What would have been a ing all sorts of board games. at the screen and start looking at
list of places and restaurants we’d group where every date was a sleepy Sunday afternoon turned Lesson learnt? One way to re- one another.
 36 OPINIONS 17
THE NANYANG VOL.

CHRONICLE 07
NO.

Ethics in banking: an oxymoron

Ong Yong Roy school absolutely emphasises on reer prospects and exit options.”
ethics.” Ethical practices are certainly

S
Third-year banking and fi- a key issue in this industry.
hady banks are in the nance student, Kent Choo, 24, However, it does not mean
news again. This time, it agrees. that only the bankers are at fault.
is Goldman Sachs. This “Looking at the regularity The society of today should
is not the first time that which frauds and lawsuits involv- be held responsible as well for
the investment bank’s ing financial institutions occur, it today’s banking industry’s profit-
ethics is under question. shows that there are no ethics in driven strategies.
The Wall Street Journal re- this industry.” Investors very often judge
ported in late 2006 that traders in Ethics is also rarely on the firms based on short term per-
Goldman Sachs convinced bank minds of finance students enter- formance such as stock price and
executives that the subprime mar- ing an industry that stresses on profit margins.
ket was heading for trouble. profit, earnings and intellectual Such short-term profit–seek-
The bank reacted by selling off capacity. ing attitudes from investors pro-
these investments and bet that the It is certainly the case that stu- mote the incentive for firms to be
financial markets would crash. dents fear they will be unable to unethical.
According to BBC News, ex- join top banks upon graduation As Dr Siriwan explains, “Soci-
director of Goldman Sachs was and so, do not bother concerning
charged with insider trading. themselves with ethics.
It was reported that he man- For instance, the criteria for “There are
aged to get more than US$18 mil- being selected for an interview
lion for Galleon funds, a hedge at top banks such as JP Morgan, many financial
fund group.
Despite being fully aware that
UBS and Goldman Sachs include
both an excellent Grade Point
temptations that
these investments had a high GRAPHIC | SWARNALI MITRA Average (GPA) in academics and can result in
probability of losing money, Gold- an outstanding Co-Curricular In-
man Sachs failed to advise clients banks lend funds to quality cor- Harvard Business School and au- volvement. unethical behavior
on the best course of action. porations instead of speculating thor of High Commitment, High Such banks only select a among bankers.”
This was clearly unethical as in high risk business transactions Performance, explains in his handful of students to join their Dr Siriwan Chutikamoltham
the bank made a profit of four bil- (e.g. lending to a poor credit his- book: “Banks handing out mas- prestigious training programs, Nanyang Business School
lion dollars from its clients’ mon- tory customer solely because of sive bonuses based on short-term which include overseas training
etary losses. higher profit margins). performance can only be taken as and mentorship by senior busi-
Such unethical practices cer- This will result in positive ex- a sign that greed remains a driv- ness leaders.
tainly exist in Singapore as well. ternalities like higher job growth. ing force. Third-year banking and fi-
Ethics is becoming a key theme Banks can play a crucial role “More bluntly, short-term nance student, Dale Lai, 24, said, ety has to set the right tone, set-
in the local financial industry. in safeguarding depositors’ money thinking doesn’t reconcile with “Money is an important consid- ting forth the rewards for ethical
The term “ethics” is derived through sound lending activities. good ethics,” he added. eration. behavior and harsh punishments
from the Greek word “ethos” Current banking practices tend Dr Siriwan Chutikamoltham, “But another key attraction for unethical firms.
which refers to a system of ideal to be very profit-oriented and Senior Teaching Fellow at Nan- is the prestige and ability of be- “As consumers, we should buy
moral character. have a short-term outlook. yang Business School said, “There ing able to influence financial from firms that do business ethi-
Applying this definition to the For instance, consumer bank- are so many financial temptations markets even as a young profes- cally.
banking sector, banks should have ers push investment products to and promises of getting rich. sional.” “As investors, we should invest
a sustainable business model that consumers in order to meet sales “Sales performances are also Lim Song Yee, 24, a third year in stocks of firms that do business
stresses on morality while simul- targets even though the products judged. This can result in unethi- banking and finance student, ethically, not only in stocks that
taneously pursuing profits. may not be suitable for the clients. cal behavior among bankers. explained: “The pros of joining give the most gain in the short
The economy will benefit if Michael Beer, professor at “That is why our business banking includes the excellent ca- term.”

louder than words

Goh Wei Choon
graphics editor
 OPINIONS 37
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17 THE NANYANG

08 CHRONICLE
NO.

canteen talk
In Unknown Territory The revamped edveNTUre boasts new functions
such as blogs, Wiki and connectivity to Facebook.
But is new necessarily better? We ask students
their views on this.

I think the new

edveNTUre is
fine. I have not
experienced any
”
problems with it
like some of my
classmates have.
Jeff Lee, MAE, Yr 2, 20

“ I cannot access
the website using
Google Chrome. It
is very hard to get
to the home page of
my list of courses.
Rebecca Lim, WKWSCI, Yr 2, 21

”
GRAPHIC | GOH WEI CHOON

Xu Yuan Duan Lecturers could simply be ex- nologies, explains: “An LMS allows

T
periencing problems of adapting one to engage in self-paced learn-
he new edveNTUre seems quickly to new systems.
Many of them are “digital
ing or learning through social in- I think the new
to be an exciting place teractions with others.”
where students can learn immigrants”—an individual who The new features, such as the features are very
and invest time to ac- was born before the existence of
digital technology and adopted it
Wiki tool, are convenient and add helpful. I often
quire and apply skills of a new dimension to learning for
the 21st century. later in life. students. use them to do my
This results in one having to
ity?
But is this happening in real-
face a steeper learning curve when
“By constraining a group of
learners to work on a wiki docu-
research for my
Five weeks into the new se- tasked with learning new technol-
ogy.
ment, it forces the learners to subjects.
mester, I have yet to see these fea- reach a consensus on how their
tures being used in my courses. The internet has truly become ideas should be represented. Ibrahim Aneel Ali, CEE, Yr 4, 23
They are instructor-initiated part of our everyday lives. “This process creates opportu-

“
and require approval before they Marc Prensky, acclaimed writer nities for the learners to discuss,
can be utilised. and speaker in the areas of edu- negotiate or debate about their
Associate Professor Huang cation and learning, refers to the ideas,” Dr Tan added.
Guangbin from the School of Elec- younger generation as “digital na- Mr Andrew Lim, an IT execu-
tives”.
trical and Electronic Engineering
said, “Re-learning how to perform He defines them as a genera-
tive with NTU’s IT Steering Execu-
tive on Electronic Education said:
It is more functional
basic functions on the new layout “A small number of the teach- now. Though the
ing staff was taken aback when
has to be done before learning new
features.” Functions that the new edveNTUre update was graphics look nicer,
“Other professors have even could be performed released. there isn’t any
approached me, asking for help in “But these complaints were
performing basic functions with easily in the past from a small number of the teach- difference between
the new edveNTUre. The new sys-
tem seems complicated,” he adds.
have to be re- ing staff who did not attend the
training courses for the new sys-
the old and new.
The chief complaint is the user learned before the tem,” he said. Rebecca Lim, WKWSCI, Yr 2, 21
“un-friendliness” of the new sys- He added that provisions have
new functions can

”
tem. been made to facilitate a painless
Functions that could be per- be considered. migration.
“Video tutorials and a frequent-
formed easily in the past have to
be re-learned before the new func- ly asked questions page have been
tions can be considered. set up to make the transition easier There’s no difference
Associate Professor Stephen for teaching staff,” Mr Lim said.
Teo from the Wee Kim Wee School tion born into a world where dig- But Associate Professor Huang with the new
of Communication and Informa- ital technology is ubiquitous. questioned the need for such
tion agrees: “Who has the time They thus have the advan- forms of learning. edveNTUre as my
to watch these learning videos? I tage of learning new digital skills
quickly.
He said: “If a site is truly in- professors have not
would rather be doing research or tuitive, re-training should not be
writing with that time.” EdveNTUre, which is a web- needed.” tried to use the new
based Learning Management However, I am hopeful it will
Dr Ashley Tan, Head of the
NIE Centre for E-Learning offered Systems (LMS), taps into this and just be a matter of time before fa-
functions in class.
another explanation: “Humans creates an opportunity for tech- miliarisation of the new system is Emil Fazira, SCBE, Yr 2, 20
beings naturally fear change. nologically savvy users to learn attained.
Resistance could stem from about the convenience the inter- Only then, will the full poten-
the fear and uncertainty that one net provides. tial of the new edveNTUre and its
feels when faced with something Dr Tan Seng Chee, the Head of new e-learning features be un- TEXT | JAYASHRI LOKARAJAN ; PHOTOS | WAN ZHONG HAO & GOH CHAY TENG
new.” the Learning Sciences and Tech- locked.
 SPORTS 39
VOL.
17 THE NANYANG

08 CHRONICLE
NO.

bpl talk
they said
Fallen giants feeling the blues? that?
“Winning
Tsang Wing Han Fulham, it is clear that Ancelotti is the best
has yet to find the winning formula deodorant.”
for his two new strikers.
WITH two-thirds of the Premier Ancelotti may need to revamp NBA player Jason Kidd
League matches over, Chelsea the whole system to accommodate describing his passion to win.
are lagging in the chase for the the two star front men.
Barclays Premier League title. Having already been knocked
The club is currently standing at out in the two domestic cup com-
fifth place, 12 points behind league petitions, Chelsea’s title hopes are
leaders Manchester United. In fact, left with the Premier League and “I’ve been called
for the first time in nine years,
they are in danger of missing the
the European Champions League.
But all is not lost for them.
‘The Maple Leaf
Champions League. A lt hough Chelsea are t wo Missile’, and
Who would have seen it com-
ing? In the early part of the season,
points away from the fourth spot
which guarantees Champions ‘Bombardier
Chelsea were in unstoppable form,
if you include the six-goal ham-
League football, and four BPL Milos’.
match wins away from league lead-
mering against West Bromwich ers Manchester United, the unpre- Everything so
Albion and Wigan Athletic.
So, you can imagine the be-
dictability of the season may soon
put the Blues back in the race again.
far has to do
wilderment of fans when the club
FORMER GLORY: The Blues are a shadow of their old selves. PHOTO | INTERNET
If the Blues, however, fail to with something
subsequently went through an arid
November and December period,
keep their confidence and expected
game-play, they may have to kiss the like war, like a
winning only once in eight matches.
The downfall was unexpected.
But in truth, the squad did not to rectify things by pumping in Champions League trophy good bye. missile.”
have strong substitutes and instead cash for coach Carlo Ancelotti in After all, what chance will
While Chelsea may be excused relied on fringe players such as January this year. The Italian head Chelsea stand against Barcelona and Canadian tennis player Milos
for dropping points to Liverpool, Daniel Sturridge and Gael Kakuta, coach promptly spent £75 million Real Madrid if they cannot secure a Raonic, whose serve has hit
Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur as both of whom have since been to purchase Fernando Torres and full three points against the likes of 151 miles per hour, on the
they were tough matches, losing to shipped out of Chelsea on loan in David Luiz. lower-ranked teams like Birmingham nicknames that have been
Sunderland at home by a three-goal the winter transfer period. It is too early to determine if the and Wolverhampton Wanderers? used on him.
margin was unthinkable and unac- T he t hin squad was ter r i- two signings are worth the huge Currently holding a 2-0 lead
ceptable to any loyal Blues fan. bly exposed by their opponents. amount of cash. against FC Copenhagen in the
While the loss in form corre- Even Lampard’s return in early But by the looks of it, Coach Champions League, the return leg
sponded with the injury of key mid- December could not bring the Blues Ancelotti has to work harder to in- on March 16 might just be the key
fielder Frank Lampard, one would out of their slump. tegrate these players into the squad. for Ancelotti and his Chelsea team
expect a team like Chelsea to have The team’s Russian billionaire Judging by their recent loss to get the act going and bring some
competent substitutes in their squad. owner Roman Abramovich tried to Liverpool and draw against much needed motivation back.

sports talk
Weight loss: the ultimate seduction GRAPHIC | GOH WEI CHOON

“Ferrari is like
Natasha Alvar loss programmes. Real Madrid,
Reality television shows, like
The Biggest Loser (both US and buying the
Asia versions) have become in-
THE recent death of a contestant
on Singapore weight-loss contest creasingly popular since their in- most expensive
Lose to Win struck a chord with the ception in 2004. These shows offer players in the
dormant weight-loss junkie in me. rewards in exchange for the extra
Mr Ong Joo Aun, 54, collapsed pounds shed by their contestants. market.”
on the Health Promotion Board’s Despite safety reviews and as-
show, the Singaporean counter- sessments, I believe all bets are off F1 driver Jaime Alguersuari
part to American reality show The when push comes to shove. draws a comparision between
Biggest Loser. Competitors are likely to forget Ferrari and the Real Madrid
Sent to the hospital immedi- the risks of rapid weight loss, such football team.
ately, he was pronounced dead as changes in blood pressure and
soon after. metabolic imbalances that can
Looking at me now, you might affect vital organs like the heart.
not know that I once tilted the Dr Sunil Kumar Joseph stressed “Hockey is a
scales at a startling 60kg. The late
night binging sessions during my
in an interview with TODAY news-
paper that “weight loss is not a
sport for white
junior college days made me well competition”. men. Basketball
overweight for someone my height. He advised that one engage in
When I found out that I could rapid weight loss programmes only GRAPHIC | KANITHA ANGELA is a sport for
not fit into my favourite pair of under proper medical supervision. black men.
jeans, I immediately embarked on I understand how these pro- For example, the Biggest Loser the scale, brought on by popular
a stringent diet, shedding a dozen grammes provide the ultimate season 4 contestant Neil Tejwani culture, made me lose sight of that. Golf is a sport
kilograms in two months.
But I was still dissatisfied. I ex-
seduction. We want to lose weight
as quickly as possible, so con-
intentionally threw a weigh-in by
drinking two gallons of water for
I came dangerously close to ill
health before I remembered that
for white men
ercised and watched my diet even cerns with health and wellness a 6kg “weight gain”. weight loss needed to be done in dressed like
more religiously. get pushed aside when people get Weight loss programmes often moderation, on our own terms and
I started experiencing hair loss, caught up in playing the numbers sully the cause they set out to according to our individual needs. black pimps.”
fatigue and my complexion took on game. propagate. One must remember that weight
an unhealthy sheen. Some contestants manipulate When I set out to lose weight, I loss should not be treated as a Professional golfer Tiger
What started out as a decision the system by intentionally gaining wanted to lead a healthier life and quick fix as it is our health we are Woods gives his two cents’
to change my life became an obses- weight in the first week to achieve a spend more time with my family tampering with. So take your time, worth on the sport.
sion. It was then that I recognised more significant amount of weight and people I care about. However, and don’t lose heart while trying to
the draw of commercialised weight loss in the next. the compulsion with numbers on lose weight.
40 SPORTS 17
THE NANYANG

CHRONICLE 08

DOUBLE
TROUBLE:
Couples in
the Lovers’
Challenge had
to paddle 350m
on surfboards.
ONE FOR THE
TEAM: A tchoukball
player trying her
hand at the novel
sport.

SURFAND
SWEAT
BUNS OF STEEL: A participant of the muscleman competition tipping over a tyre.

The annual Surf N Sweat organised by the NTU Sports Club was
held on February 13th at Sentosa’s Siloso Beach.

Photographer Wallace Woon brings you through a day of sumo

wrestling, gladiator fights, eating competitions and many other
exciting events.

GREED IS GOOD: A contestant

ravages his way through a plate
of two bananas, a bunch of
KNOCK OUT: In the ‘Gladiator’ event, two players use pugil sticks to knock each grapes, an apple and a quarter
other off elevated platforms. of a watermelon in the eating
competition.

FRIENDLY FIGHTING: Participants donning fat suits in the ‘Sumo Wrestling’ event.
 SPORTS 41
VOL.
17 THE NANYANG

08 CHRONICLE
NO.

A running tribute to EW Barker

Shahilia Bhagat exciting as it reflects the stature
of the man we remember. In this
gathering of like-minded people in
FOR the first time, the Barker’s sports, their enthusiasm and spirit
Challenge Run was open to the is present.”
whole of NTU this year. Mrs Gloria Barker, wife of the
This is due to the new Open late Mr Edmund Barker agreed. She
(NTU) category for students from all said: “The atmosphere is very good,
faculties in NTU. he (Mr Baker) would have been very
Organised by the National In- proud of it.”
stitute of Education (NIE), the run Professor Lee’s biggest hope for
on February 18th attracted 128 next year is for participation to in-
participants. crease further.
The run is held annually in Second-year NIE student, Huang
memory of the late Edmund Wil- Yuchi, 27, who is in charge of the
liam Barker, fondly known as “Mr race, suggested: “There could be a
Singapore Sport”. longer time for signing up to ensure
A sportsman, scholar and more participation.”
statesman, Mr Barker became This year, the registration period
president of the Singapore Na- lasted for about two weeks across all
tional Olympic Council in 1970—a categories.
position he held for 20 years. He Before the run, the EW Barker
was also the first Singaporean to scholarships were given to out-
receive the Olympic Order from standing student-teachers from
the International Olympic Com- SSM for their hard work and
mittee for his outstanding contri- achievement in academics and
bution to the local sports field in sports.
1986. Each one-off scholarship is
Runners in teams of four, at worth $8,000 with no bond.
least one of whom must be female, Professor Lee felt that Mr Bark-
KICKING IT OFF: Runners starting the Barker’s Challenge Run around the NIE triangle. PHOTO | WAN ZHONG HAO
each ran 630m relays around the er’s legacy will be passed on through
NIE triangle. the scholarship.
Other categories are the Physical neering (CEE). They clocked 7 min- join next year and hopefully get Joshua Goh, 23, said: “My team He said: “Mr Baker was a role
Education and Sports Science and utes and 31 seconds. a better timing.” joined the race as a challenge to model and will continue to inspire
Sports and Science Management Team member Eve Chow, 19, The runner-up in the same see if we could finish the race with young athletes to pursue their
(PESS-SSM) category and the NIE said: “It was a great race for all category came from Hall 12. The a good timing and if we are pre- sporting interest with great enthu-
Inter-Group Endeavours in Service of us. We are all from NTU Track team missed out on the gold by 11 pared for future competitions such siasm, perseverance and determi-
Learning (GESL) category. & Field, and trained three times a seconds. as the inter-hall race.” nation.
Winning the NTU (Open) Cat- week for about one to two hours Team leader and second-year NIE director Professor Lee Sing “The lives of good people serve as
egory was the team from the School each time.” student from School of Mechani- Kong was delighted with the run. a source of inspiration to the younger
of Civil and Environmental Engi- She added: “We will definitely cal and Aerospace Engineering He said: “The event is very generation.”

Tennis and romance a smash with couples

Andrew Koh start to the event, all the partici-
pants were really positive about
it,” said Ethel Ngiam, 22, the
T E N N I S playe d c upid at t he chairperson of the NTU Tennis
Sports and Recreation Centre on Club.
February 18th. Registration costs $8 per couple
“Meet your Match on Court” and half that price for members of
was the theme for the inaugural the club. Prizes for the event, such
‘Vday Tennis’ event organised by as complimentary pairs of movie
the NTU Tennis Club. tickets and books with dating
Aimed at serving up romance on tips, were sponsored by the Social
the courts in line with Valentine’s Development Network.
Day, the event saw mixed doubles On top of those prizes, the
pairings play against each other. tennis couples were also given
“In keeping with the Valentine’s Polaroid pictures of themselves
Day atmosphere, we wanted to as mementos.
bring couples together through “We chose prizes that would en-
tennis. Playing doubles in ten- courage the winning pair to contin-
nis requires a lot of chemistry ue to do things together hopefully
so we wanted to combine the as a couple after the competition,”
concepts of tennis and romance,” said Ngiam, a third-year student
said Andre Gunaharja Kusnadi, from the School of Mechanical and
22, vice-chairperson of the NTU Aerospace Engineering.
Tennis Club. T he w i n n i ng duo, f i n a l-
“For singles who turned up year students from the School
alone, we matched them with other of Mechanical and Aerospace
singles who were alone too,” added Engineering Dennise Tanoko Ardi,
the third-year student from the 23, and Ang Li Ann, 22, plan
School of Chemical and Biomedical to watch the film ‘No Strings
Engineering. Attached’ using their complimen- COURT CHEMISTRY: ‘Vday Tennis’ saw couples pit themselves against each other in mixed doubles. PHOTO | SABRINA TIONG
Although rain initially threat- tary movie tickets.
ened to dampen spirits at the event, They met each other in the NTU Runners-up Goh Karwei and known Karwei for so long and he’s tell when she (Sharon) is nervous
everyone was unfazed. Tennis Club two years ago. Sharon Tan, who are close friends, always such a joker on and off so I try to encourage her by giving
Participants and organisers “Tennis is a good game for have known each other since their court. He’s always been optimistic her high fives.”
chipped in to clear the puddles of strangers to play mixed doubles junior college days. and always encourages me.” “Even though we didn’t win, it
water that made matches unplay- because communication between Tan, 22, a first-year student In response Goh, 23, a sec- was a priceless memorable experi-
able. pairs improves the more you play from the School of Mater ials ond-year student from Nanyang ence for me. I guess chemistry can
“Even though we had a wet together,” said Ardi. Science and Engineering said: “I’ve Business School said: “I can usually be built on the tennis court.”
 42 SPORTS SPORTS 43
THE NANYANG VOL.
17 VOL.
17 THE NANYANG

CHRONICLE 08 08 CHRONICLE
NO. NO.

sports profile
Lee follows a core
PUSH-UP WITH TRUNK ROTATION

Accelerating past limitations

strengthening regimen
as part of his biathlon

1 2 training.

Here he outlines how

two different core
Danson Cheong & exercises should be
Edward Teo done.

HE IS Singapore’s second fastest

biathlete. But five years ago, Henry
Lee could hardly keep up with his
then girlfriend in the pool.
The 22-year-old said: “I would Assume push up position with arms slightly wider than shoulder Lower yourself until your chest is almost touching the floor.
lift my head to breathe and all I width.
would see were her legs splashing
away from me. She could lap me
five times during a 1,500m swim.”
"Core
THE PLANK strength is
3
Lee, a student at Ngee Ann
Polytechnic back then, was dating
a former national swimmer, and
had just picked up biathlon with essential
the Polytechnic’s biathlon team.
Lee has not swum against his to keeping
girlfriend since they broke up a
year ago, but the now second-year proper form
student from the School of Physical
and Mathematical Sciences is con- in both
fident that he can now keep pace.
His confidence is more than swimming
and
just hot air. Lee emerged out of the
water neck-to-neck with national
triathlete Mok Ying Ren at the
Singapore Biathlon last month.
He later finished 5th—behind
running."
Mok, who came in 2nd—and was Lie face down on the floor resting on your forearms, with palms flat. Push off to starting position and rotate body 90 degrees to the left,
the second fastest Singaporean on Push off the floor, raising up onto toes and resting on your elbows. with your other arm pointing straight upwards.
the course.
Keep your back flat, in a straight line from head to heels. Return to starting position and repeat on right side.
Biathlon is an endurance sport
that consists of an open water swim Hold for 20 to 60 seconds, lower and repeat for 3-5 reps. This is one rep. Do 20 reps.
followed immediately by a run.
“I chose to pick up biathlon to
challenge myself and see if I could
transit from being in a uniformed
group to a competitive sport,” said

S&RC multi-purpose fields reopen for use

Lee, who used to be from the Boys
Brigade in secondary school.
Five years later, Lee has of-
ficially made the jump from uni-
form into the skin-tight lycra suits
biathletes use for competition. Brenda Xie sports of the IHG, Oh understood
Lee is the fastest biathlete t he problem: “Last year, I HG
from NTU’s Biathlon Team and the SWIFTLY DOES IT: Lee is the fastest biathlete in NTU and the second fastest Singaporean in the sport. PHOTOS | DANSON CHEONG soccer matches had to be held
second fastest Singaporean in the NTU’s sportsmen and women no at var ious secondar y schools
sport—according to results from During the Singapore University longer have to resort to training and softball matches were held
in the pool. I guess you could say I
this year’s Singapore Biathlon. in car parks or within their own at the Japanese Association of
Held on February 12th, Lee
Games (SUniG) Aquathlon meet
last year, Lee came in third, just
was motivated by a little bit of ego.”
These days, Lee—whose life
NTU Biathlon hall compounds, after the Sports Singapore (JAS).”
came in fifth in the open category, a few minutes off Mok Ying Ren and Recreation Centre (S&RC) In response to requests to
revolves around the sport and his
which consisted of a 1.5km sea- from NUS, who broke the tape first. reopened the multi-purpose fields reopen the pitch, the S&RC said
studies—often clocks up to 12 hours
swim followed by a 10km run. It is hard to believe Lee’s domi- a week training.
Team Manager: Mr Chia Chin Yeh on the 4th week of school. that it was necessary to close the
Compatriot Mok Ying Ren came Continual heavy rains in mid- fields, as constant usage of the
nance in the sport was sparked Indeed, when The Nanyang Contact Number: 67905166 January disrupted many of the field when it is wet and muddy
in second, with the first, third and because he was frequently out- Chronicle visited Lee in his hall
fourth podium spots going to New classed by his ex-girlfriend. room, there was an entire wall E-mail: [email protected] Inter-Hall (IHG) and Inter-School will affect the growth of the
Zealanders Dylan McNiece, Ben He said: “Initially I just wanted Games (ISG) as the fields beside grass.
filled with his past race bibs. Training on Mondays and Wednesdays
Pulham and Australian Halligan to swim faster than my girlfriend, so the basketball and tennis courts Using the field would not only
“Each race bib has been with
David Quinn respectively. I started putting in really long hours Sports and Recreation Centre, Swimming Pool were waterlogged and had to be spoil its condition over time but
me physically through a race.
closed for almost a month. also affect future competition use
Looking up at all of them on my
Or ga n i se r s of bot h I HG and other bookings of it.
wall reminds me of all the great
Softball and Football had most Mr Darren Chua, Assistant
experiences I had. This is my way member of my team,” explained Lee. Lee said: “This year the team of their matches interrupted as a Manager (Sports) of the S&RC and
of keeping my love for the sport So attached is Lee to his team- has really trained hard and im- result of the pitch closure. the team manager of the IVP foot-
strong,” said Henry. mates that he describes training proved greatly. It’s going to be a Koo Jeng Shun, 23, organiser ball team said: “Pitch closure dur-
He credits his teammates from with them as his ‘social life’. close race.” of IHG softball (boys) event said: ing inclement weather is required
the NTU squad for his success. He said: “Many people tell me Beyond biathlon, Lee hopes to “ IHG softball was quite badly af- for maintaining the quality of the
“I am very fortunate to have that biathlon, by nature of being an take his multi-sport ambitions one fected. It was supposed to be one pitch in the long run.”
such great teammates who not only individual sport, is very selfish. But step further. of the sports that ended the earli- “Users have to understand
give me emotional support, but pro- I disagree. It’s really a team event.” Lee wants to complete a Half- est but it dragged on for 2 weeks.” that at the particular point in
fessional advice as well,” said Henry. “Varsity races like the SUniG Ironman triathlon—which consists Due to the lack of a proper time when any decision is made,”
Unlike 23-year-old NUS medi- Aquathlon and the NUS Biathlon of a 1.9km swim, a 90km bike OPEN ONCE AGAIN: The multi-purpose fields could not be used for nearly a month. PHOTO | WAN ZHONG HAO
training venue, some of the halls he added.
cal student Mok Ying Ren, who has often take the cumulative time of a ride and a 21km run—before he resorted to having their sessions Mr. Chua added that there are
equipment sponsors and a personal team, so you are really only as fast graduates. at car parks or within their own closure. Field trainings were ment with the IHG committee to field in Sengkang West. no hard and fast rules as to when
trainer, Lee relies on his teammates. as your slowest athlete.” “That’s been a longtime dream hall compounds. converted to physical trainings minimize the use of the fields and The S&RC has advised halls the field should be closed.
“I depend on what I call ‘peer According to Lee, the NTU of mine,” said Lee. T h i s comprom i sed on t he to build up fitness and stamina,” to find alternative venues for the to minimise the use of the fields, He revealed that duty officers
mentorship’. For what I lack in squad is gearing up for their fi- If his past successes are any- number and intensity of training said Tan Kum Boon, 21, Hall of IHG events. especia l ly af ter ra i ny days,” decide the closure of the football
professional advice, I make up for nal race of the season, the NUS thing to go by, Singaporean triath- sessions that they could have. Residence 12 Sports Secretary and For instance the preliminary said Hall of Residence 3 Sports pitch on the actual day, depend-
it with the pool of collective knowl- Biathlon, where they will face off letes might soon have another face “Trainings were cancelled organiser of IHG football. rounds for Softball (girls and Secretary Winfred Oh, 23. ing on the weather and pitch
edge that is shared between every with current champions, NUS. to look out for.
MAKING A SPLASH: Lee is a force to be reckoned with in the pool. most of the time because of the The S&RC came to an agree- boys) were held at the Anchorvale As the Coordinator for all 20 conditions.
Sports Love and tennis on the court – Page 41

New gym goes back to basics

Edward Teo

THERE are no treadmills, air

conditioning, or towels for hire.
At first glance, one may not know
what to make of this gym.
Called 'The Playground', it
boasts a wide range of free weights
such as truck tyres, sledge ham-
mers, gymnastic rings and ket-
tlebells, instead of the usual gym
equipment.
T his g y m is co-owned by
first-year Wee Kim Wee School of
Communication and Information
(WKWSCI) student Jeremy Ko.
The gym’s minimalist concept
is seen as an asset by its owners, as
it shows that the gym is for serious
workouts.
“It’s not clean, it’s not comfort-
able. It’s a place where people get
results because of their efforts,” said
the 22-year-old.
Ko was roped in as web designer
in April last year for the then-up-
start company, after he met founder
David Devito, 46 at a rock climb-
ing session. He was then offered
co-ownership as they were able to
complement one another, said Ko.
Of particular novelty is the
kettlebell, a fitness equipment rela-
tively new in the local fitness scene.
Kettlebell H.I.T., a Singapore-
based fitness company that pro-
motes kettlebell lifting and high-
intensity training workouts is the AN UNCONVENTIONAL WORKOUT: Co-owner of The Playground Jeremy Ko (right) guides reporter Edward Teo (left) on the proper use of a kettlebell. PHOTOS | GOH CHAY TENG
parent company of The Playground.
It was established in 2007 and is the just dumbbells, I could only do said The Playground’s founder
brainchild of founder Devito. 10 chin ups at best. After starting Devito, 46.
off with kettlebells six months
“A regular dumbbell only trains
the isolated bicep muscle if you do ago, I can hit a maximum of 20,”
He added: “I believe that the local
fitness industry is moving towards WHAT IS A KETTLEBELL?
bicep curls, for example. However, said Nabil Ruysdi, 23, a student at this trend of raw, full body workouts.
the kettlebell utilizes the whole Singapore Institute of Management In fact, I predict that many gyms The kettlebell is a weight which looks like a
body while lifting it, working the and member of the SG Titans. may follow suit in the future.”
core and lower back muscles as Groups of serious athletes who The Playground’s brand of cannonball with a handle.
well,” Ko explained. engage in Kettlebell H.I.T.'s form of physical conditioning aims to pro-
Devito added: “We have the training create the gym’s tough and mote full body workouts, building It has a centre of mass that
most diverse forms of kettlebells competitive atmosphere. These in- lean bodies that are functional
in terms of weight and quantity in clude rock climbers and members of for overall physical movement in enables swing movements
Singapore at the moment.” the SG Titans, a local interest group everyday life. not possible with traditional
The transition from regular of strength training enthusiasts. Ko said: “Our training will help
dumbbells to kettlebells has been “The athletes create a strong athletes engage in possible day-to-
dumbbells.
picking up in Singapore recently. energy that motivates everyone to day activities like carrying heavy
“When I was exercising with push themselves beyond the limit,” loads with ease and increase over- This makes training
all functional strength for contact
sports such as rugby and football.” with a kettlebell more
About 95 per cent of equipment effective because more
at The Playground are free weights muscle groups are utilised
that train the body as a whole mus-
cular system. in the swinging movement.
Devito said that the gym owns
six power racks, as compared to a
maximum of two at a regular gym.
The power rack is a weight-
training equipment for free weight ping and sledgehammer workouts at my gym. Just be prepared both
workouts, that consists of exer- are conducted at the extended mentally and physically to have an
cises such as deadlifts (a weight- road behind the gym. exhausting workout.”
training exercise where one lifts a In addition to its physically First-year WKWSCI student
loaded barbell off the ground from challenging workouts, the gym also Lam Zhao Yao, 22 was at the gym’s
a stabilized bent-over position) and offers milder workouts for middle- soft opening on February 20th.
weighted squats. aged men and women who may not He said: “I would definitely visit
The gym is located at Horsecity, be as physically active, and teenag- it again as the training methods are
adjacent to shopping mall Turf City. ers who are amateurs in the area. interesting. Activities such as tyre
Activities that require more Devito added: “ I welcome any flipping add fun and realism into lift-
space such as signature tyre flip- NTU student for one free lesson ing as compared to metal weights.”
ROUGH AND TOUGH: There is nowhere to get comfortable and relax in this gym.