The past two days were the SM3 camp co-ordinated by the VCF International Friendship Group. Basically to get to know the PRC students coming to Singapore, get to know them better and understand their culture.
Pics are here, as promised... Please email me if you want the full size high resolution version :)
I got back my results as follows. Again i had a couple of modules
redeeming me. But i screwed both the 4MC modules...
And as of now, all my grades all have + or - behind them. i have
never gotten a plain vanilla A or B yet..
Pretty disappointed, but at least SAP-wise I did better than last sem.
Now to restrategise again....
I went to HTA yesterday to witness the investiture of the 30th batch Honorary Officers. Mainly to support my 2 friends but also to catch up with old ones whom I have not seen for a very long time, due to having 'disappeared' from the HO's scene for quite some time.
I did not regret it. I was pleasantly surprised to meet one of my long lost JC classmates there who was there for the course. He's in ME too, but in NTU.
Good to know that quite a few of the new HOs are keen on joining Projects... welcome aboard! Congratulations to all newly appointed HOs! (Now, Jeremy, I'm waiting for you...)
It's been a couple of weeks since the last post and boy, a lot of things have happened since then and now.
Raffles Hall Night Cycling
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Been planning for the event for the past couple of months starting from shortly after mid-sem break. Even during reading week, we were still trying our best to tie down some last minute details. In the end, barring some minor hiccups, it was good and personally I'm pleased with the outcome.
Varsity Christian Fellowship Annual Teach-in Camp (ANNTIC)
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This event merits one post by itself, but my mind is still so full of it that i shall just blog away and see whether it becomes one whole post...
Day 1 - met at Kranji MRT in the morning where after some time of looking-lost i got together with my group members and we got to know each other. i already knew a couple of them (lester who was already there, and lynn). we were one of the last groups to set off to JB abord 170 (where we would subsequently board the bus to Port Dickson).
The 4-5 hour bus ride there was quite uneventful (i did have a pretty interesting discussion with a law student) and we reached our campsite. It was indeed more like a chalet (according to those who attended previous camps, much better conditions!) Food was also plentiful, though the condition of the toilet next to our dining area really left much to be desired. Anyway..
Day 2 - this was the first of 4 IBS (Inductive Bible Study) sessions. Overall it was an interesting time of learning how to study the Bible using the inductive method of Bible Study. It can even be applied to other forms of literature! We also had the first of two workshops - Introduction to Buddhism where we learnt basically about their beliefs etc. We gained a better understanding of Buddhism where some of our misconceptions were cleared up.
Day 3 - the highlight was the social action game where each of us had to role-play members of society across all spectra and visit certain stations to earn (or spend) money. Anyway, the object of the whole game was to give us an understanding of the plight of the underprivileged and what as Christians we can do to help them. Later I realised that VCF is also expanding a social action arm to help this segment of society. Brings to mind the verses in the Gospel of Matthew where Jesus said, in a nutshell, that what we do for the most unfortunates, we do for Him.
Day 4 - Another workshop, this time on canonicity of the Bible. We were supposed to have a debate on whether the canon should be closed or not, and my group was the opposing team. we won (by a walkover), but had a lively discussion nonetheless.
Day 5 - We were all in eager anticipation what the 'Special Item' was, and we were not disappointed. The committee originally intended for a scavenger-hunt, but changed it to some kind of sandcastle building competition. Only that this time, we were supposed to depict a scene in the Bible using whatever we could find on the beach. Stuff like stones, pebbles, seashells, seaweed and even garbage were used creatively by all the groups. My group came out with a depiction of the 66 books of the Bible, which bagged the 'most creative' award. In the end, every group won a prize and were treated to a special supper - Ramly's burgers.
Speaking of Ramly's burgers, Justin, Jacqueline and I did a rather interesting recording... :) Wonder if i can get it and post on youtube. i'm rather amused at myself on the video..
We ended off the day (or night, rather) by playing a rather corny 'polar bear' game... and after that a serious talk with justin and peishan about serving. Epistole..
Day 6 - the last day of the camp. Nothing much except packing up, checking out and of course the photo sessions together... I'm particularly amused by the AC photo that we took (many AC VCF'ers were there!)
And of course, the ride back was amusing in itself (those in same bus as me (Bus B) will know why)... and the dinner with Kwok and some friends at JB City Square, after which we headed back to Singapore. There were quite a few homeless ppl begging outside the immigration stop. felt real sorry for them but i only had SGD 10 on me (finished all my RM during dinner, and i owe a friend RM7..)
After the big squeeze during the immigration out of Johor (hope the new immigration complex is ready soon), we were on our way home and within half an hour, i turned the key in my apartment and.. it's so good to be home!
And of course, how could i not talk about the theme talks? Was based on the book of Hosea and I would write on how it has blessed me yada yada.. but that's for another time.
Pics taken during Anntic are found on my other blog:
Click here
SJAB Zone Presentation
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When I flipped on my computer, I was bombarded by 22 unread mails. Well, I have been tasked as Asst Secretary for the SJAB Zone 9 presentation on 30 Dec. As of this writing, i have done most of what is required of me. Hope everything goes well from now on.
SJAB wise, now the big headache is to clear the submission of BF1 and Corps Achievement Awards..... and workplan for Secretariat dept for next year.
NPCC
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In my first involvement after my long absence due to exams and Anntic (and my 1st as a full Insp - i've cleared my probation) I had quite a long discussion with OC about plans for next year. First Aid course (we settled on Community First Aid) was a main item on the agenda. The next is my involvement in the unit. She wants me to help more on administration, getting documentation in order. Guess i'll have to work with the NCOs on this. A large part of this is dependent on whether my schedule allows me to do so.
Guess my exit strategy has to wait.
First off, exams are over! But I know I could have done better. Anyway, what's done is done. Now to have a good rest, enjoy the holidays, before getting back in full steam for the next semster.
Well, we all know that after the recent elections, all kinds of prices have gone up. Electricity, transport, and now, GST is increasing to 7%.
Someone out there (lost the URL but go check it out) did some sums and came up with this conclusion: the ones who would be hit hardest are the ones who earn the least!
But I couldn't help but wonder if an NUS fee hike is next. We had two fee hikes in as many years. If another one is around the corner, I will not be affected as I have a 2 years' lag due to NS, and hence, when it kicks in, i'll be out of here.
But my juniors will be affected. And the fact of the matter is, early Nov 2006, there was a closed door forum between the admin and some student leaders with regards to 'undergraduate tuition fees and financial aid'.
is another fee hike on the way? I really hope not.
Anyway, something to chew on. Is meritocracy REALLY the best policy for singapore?
".. it dawned on me that though the starting point was meritocracy, the end result was dictatorship and elitism. In the end, that was how Sparta crumbled. Yet, Athens, a city of philosophers known for its different schools of thought, survived. What does this tell us about out-of-bounds markers?" - Ngiam Tong Dow interview with Susan Long
I wouldn't claim to have the best, one-size-fits-all solution. That is why we have so many different systems and policies all over the world. Different policies work for different countries. Does meritocracy work for us? Perhaps it did, in the early days of the founding fathers.
I've been following keenly the Wee Shu Min affair ever since it broke, and for the record, that was indeed the inspiriation for my previous post on Father Mother Scholars vs PSC scholars.
meritocracy: - 'governing or the holding of power by people selected by the basis of their ability'. And what is the selection criteria here? In our local context, that's a rhetorical question...
elitism: - 'the advocacy or existence of an elite as a dominating element in a system or society' Is that the case in our local context?
We, FM scholars have missed our chance. Will there be another, better one? I do not know. But definitely not in the public service, not in the public sector. I long for the day when a FM scholar rises head and shoulders above the rest and takes up a high post in public office. But given the current practice, it may not be possible.
Happy holidays everyone!
Fluid mechanics paper tomorrow! One of the most feared papers by ME2 students... but, i guess with sufficient preparation, it is okay...
Anyway, I can't help but feel that I've been misunderstood in my previous post with regards to a certain contentious issue. to set the record straight:
i have nothing against RJC students, or GEPs, but what I do have against is the high-and-mighty attitude displayed by a few. Such as the one who made the news recently with her now so famous quote, reproduced on my tagboard by some anonymous prankster.
I like to use this analogy to bridge. Not contract bridge, but the watered-down version known as 'floating' bridge since this is played so widely in Raffles Hall. Not everyone is dealt with a good hand of cards. Some have all the aces, some don't and are just 1 point short of 'washing'. But as they say, it's not about having good cards, but about winning with any (even lousy) cards.
And of course, the guess work involved in guessing the partner...
I won't claim that i have had aces, nor kings for the matter. I shall not expound on this. But i am trying to make the most of it now. To study the best I can, do the best I can in my examinations, and hopefully graduate with a 2nd upper degree.
And to quote a friend of mine 'try not to do anything which you might regret later' which really struck a chord in my heart.
Regrets? I have a whole list of them, and I'm sure everyone has, but I will carry them to my grave.
With regard to regrets, people say, move on. Don't live in the past. I say, Yes, hell, i'm trying, but it's not as easy as it seems. But i'm trying.
I would like to thank a few of my peers who came forward with an alternative view towards this issue. :)
I would like to say more, but no time for that. Time to do more practice on fluids before the final showdown tomorrow.
I'll be back...
1st paper (ME2143) today...well it wasn't unreasonably difficult, but
my gripe was NO TIME NO TIME NO TIME and very tricky!! aarrrggghh
but anyway it's over and done with. now full swing on ME2113. i'm
gunning at no less than an a- for this.
Oh... i coined my new quote today...
'Going to exams is like going to the guillotine. Only difference is i
don't know if i'm the executioner or executee'
Yeah. gramatically wrong i guess. the correct term should be
'victim'. but anyway, i like the way it sounds, so it shall stick. haha.
By the way, in case any of you there wonder what a guillotine is,
this <a href="http://www.metaphor.dk/guillotine/">webpage</a> is a
good primer.. Besides its morbid purpose (which has no place in
modern society), it's a pretty interesting piece of engineering if
you ask me...
Till now, I also dunno if i was the executioner or executee for
ME2143...
alrighty some of you peeps would have known by now that i was
rejected from SEP previously, my CAP score probably doesnt cut it
that's why. but whatever crap, anyway, i reapplied when it opened and
to my chagrin, University of Auckland was still available! Monash was
available too, maybe I can go pay Sam a visit, hahaha.See how it goes
again...
BTW, i am pretty sure my CAP will increase this sem but by how much?
I cannot even afford to have it stay where it is, much less drop. But
i know it will increase. Hence my blog title. Amen.
Can't decide whether to go to Wesley MC or Grace AOG tomorrow.
Ok, one sem's worth of procrastination on sensors and actuators is
really getting to me now. Got to get cracking. out
I'm here to talk about life. Life in general.
At 22, and an undergraduate, I know full well the fact of life that at the end of the day, every year our universites do nothing more than churn out degree holders. As lamented in my previous post, they are labelled according to 'pedigree' like 1st class, 2-1, 2-2, 3rd class or Pass (in decreasing order of quality, sadly!) And with it, the recent writer to the forum that employers prefer PRs to Singaporeans as Singapore males have ICT (oh how i thank my lucky stars that i'm a clerk, thus spared ICT (probably) and IPPT) and i guess probably Singapore females have their maternity leave (read of many companies terminating female employees before they go on maternity leave, etc etc...)
And who are the leaders of tomorrow? These ppl are the top-notch scholars. They get packed off to overseas universities, and when they come back, they have their ROA (route of advancement) all planned out for them. A returned SAFOS scholar begins his career at the rank of CPT. What does he know about the way things are on the ground? Some years ago, a former Police Commissioner began his career as a Police Constable - a situation which will never be repeated nowadays. Now, as a retired senior police officer told me 'a father mother scholar (FMS) can never become the Commissioner of Police' sad but true!
The national policy is 'meritocracy' but the irony in this is that it is ultimately a question of: who has more money?
The rich can afford to send their kids to the brand name schools which hire quality teachers and thus charge exorbitant rates. They can also afford to hire top-notch tuition teachers to drill their kids in every subject available. Not surprising that these kids, having been tutored all their life, have the edge academically over those whose families can only afford to send them to normal schools, cannot afford tuition etc etc.
Of course, there are some scholars from humble backgrounds too. But the majority it seems, are those with rich parents. Education is said to be the great leveller, but tuition again tips the scales in favour of those who can afford it, and want it.
What about university? Rich parents again can afford to send their kids to prestigious overseas universities (that's if their kid has not already won President's/SAFOS/SPFOS/whatever OS!) Not-so-rich parents have to contend with NUS/NTU/SMU. It's no secret that the mindset of Singaporeans is that an overseas degree is valued more than a local one. Even if it was from some unknown university but in US or UK, i guess it would be perceived as 'overseas degree ... so better than local degree'
No wonder a certain lawyer friend told me impassioned 'don't do your masters in NUS!'
Hell, i should have went to Aust when i had the chance (but then again $$$ was the issue)
And in those overseas universities, what do they know about what is really going on in singapore?
Vicious cycle indeed.
Yet another reason to go to Australia. I've openly admitted that I am one of those whom SM Goh labelled as quitters. But why do I want to stay when it seems we are second class citizens in our own country (the first class being the elite scholars?)
And to think a certain friend of mine told me 'there are no farmers in singapore'. Ha, well, indeed there are... and NUS is nothing more than a 'farmer training school'... cos the 'scholars' are all overseas...
To my juniors reading this, you have your whole life ahead of you. Study hard, suffer now, enjoy later, get that string of As and Distinctions, and get that PSC scholarship... don't be like me - I missed my chance.
To my poly juniors, still got chance also. If i'm not wrong some Poly grad got SAFOS or SAF merit scholarship this yr too.
To those in uni with me on Father Mother Scholarship, well, we missed our chance.
It's the time of the year again when undergraduates get really stressed out by this thing known as FINAL EXAMS! yes, the season is here again.... the season of mugging and getting stressed out about the final exams and the impact on this thing called a CAP. It's a form of headdress to some, but in NUS, it's the determinant factor of your worth in the university, as I found out to my chagrin during the recent selection exercise for SEP (Student Exchange Programme) where CAP was the only criterion in the selection exercise. And i thought there would be an interview or something...
I have lamented in a previous post that your worth is all too narrowly defined by this number that rests between 0 and 5. If it's below 2, it will invite the heartfelt commiseration of your friends, concern from others, friendly rebukes of "hey! go study! don't keep playing (insert latest computer game here)." Most of the time the heart ache is when it's between 3.00 to 3.99. possession of a CAP score within this range at the time of graduation would mean a Pass, a 3rd Class or a 2nd Lower. A student with a CAP score of 2 to 3.00 would probably have the same experiences as above. And many seem content with attaining the highest award available within this, the 2nd Lower. But a student with a CAP 3.9-something is not far from the next 'level' which is...
Breach the 4.00 mark, and you have entered into the sacred realm known as the 2nd Upper. You are an elevated form of being, considered more employable than those who only managed to make 2nd lower, and in a certain sense, to have made it.
Surpass 4.50, and you are in the godlike realm of the 1st Class. You have achieved what so many people have said to be impossible. Yet you have defied the odds and done it...
Only the best of the best have a CAP score approaching that of 5.00... yes you said it. Beyond Godlike.
My lament is that at the end of it all, despite how most ppl try to say 'hey studies are not everything, employers dun really look at CAP etc etc' the cold hard truth is that it seems to matter a lot...
A good honours opens the doors to greater opportunities, including graduate studies (which I am hoping to do in future) and an easier time at the job hunt...
This goes out to everyone battling the CAP system, be it resisting a downward fall or valiantly pushing up or maintaining the number between 0 and 5. ALL THE BEST FOR THE EXAMINATIONS, and hope all of you out there can raise your CAP score this sem.
disclaimer: The author of this article is a holder of a CAP 3.25, who of course hopes it will increase in the coming examinations.
Also, I need to maintain SAP 4.3 from now on to pull my CAP up to 4.0 by my final semester. Hence my choice of blog title.
