KIT SURVIVAL

BU

SINESS

2015

ED LIS REA REAM RD

AR G T S

RA

DS -

- OUR

OF

HE

L SCHOO

Benson Tan Ranford Neo Charmaine Soh Muimunah & Hirzi P04-09

? S S E C C U S O T Y A W H T WHAT’S YOUR PA

! E D I S N I T U O D N I F

Tan Siew Kim Course Manager School of Business Temasek Polytechnic

5

P

oly students can expect better career prospects under a major Government initiative. The Applied Study in Polytechnics and ITE Review (ASPIRE) committee was formed last year to enhance the education and employment prospects of polytechnic and ITE students. The committee made 10 recommendations last August aimed at raising poly graduates’ career progression prospects, as well as develop themselves and realise their potential. Next year, a place-and-train programme based on Swiss and German apprenticeship schemes will be introduced for those who have completed basic studies at polys and ITEs, allowing them to work and further their qualifications at the same time. With these new measures, all polytechnic and ITE students can seize more opportunities for growth, while achieving their dreams in the face of an everchanging environment.

Photo: Louis Poh

T

hese are exciting times we live in and there’s really no better place to get in on all the action than right here in the School of Business! Why do I say these are exciting times? Well, for one thing, the Applied Study in Polytechnics and ITE Review (ASPIRE) Committee set up last year, is hard at work making polytechnic education even more vibrant and relevant than ever before. Through ASPIRE, students can now expect more work-relevant training opportunities, enhanced educational and career guidance, and new industrial research and enterprise activities.

Doesn’t that sound exciting? We at the School of Business think so. And here in the School of Business where we are already equipping students with real, relevant and rewarding skills and knowledge, we are definitely more than ready to bring it to the next level for you. In this issue of IN, we showcase not just the facts and figures of our school; we also present to you stories of our staff and students which we strongly believe will inspire you to ASPIRE to great heights of achievements. These stories will also show you how much we value connections and believe this to be our school’s distinguishing hallmark. From stories of past students who reconnected with us and became lecturers here themselves, to even parents and their children who have become members of our “family”, there is sure to be a story in here that will connect with you in a special way. So what are you waiting for? Dive into these pages and we’ll show you. Enjoy!

The future’s so bright

Survival

tips

School of

Business

#TPlifehAcks

Editor’s note

01

L

koh chew li & GrAce chiA HOSPITALITY & TOURISM MANAGEMENT (HTM)

ecturers koh Chew Li and Grace Chia have deep roots in TP, with their learning and teaching journeys beginning 25 years ago. For many TP students today, it’s hard to imagine going to class anywhere other than the current Tampines campus. But for Chew Li and Grace, their memories of studying at TP greatly differ. As students in the first Diploma in Tourism Management cohort in 1990, they travelled to Raffles Institution’s old grounds on Grange Road. With a compact campus and small class sizes, forging close personal bonds with other lecturers and students in the cozy and intimate environment came easy. Said Chew Li: “Everyone seemed to know everyone else, which was nice and personal.” As for Grace, she still chuckles over the memory of how the female toilets even had male urinals in them. Back then, Grace and Chew Li were exemplary students who won gold and silver medals respectively, for their course. Both lecturers said that their academic achievements would not have been possible without the rigorous education they received. For Grace, she is grateful for a topnotch curriculum and the opportunity to work on projects with industry players,

cominG Full circlE

03

Parents'� Stamp�of� Approval�

moTher: lim Pek lin l BUSINESS (BUS) DAuGhTer: lim Jie XiAn l COMMUNICATIONS & MEDIA MANAGEMENT (CMM)

W

hen Lim Jie Xian decided to enrol in CMM 10 years ago, she knew full well that her education would be top-notch. The reason for her confidence? She knew all about the enriching curriculum

▲ HTM lecturers Koh Chew Li (left) and Grace Chia

which gave her a chance to interact with professionals even before she graduated. “Interacting with the clients allowed us to see how the knowledge we were taught was applied in real life,” Chew Li enthusiastically agreed. The care and passion shown by their lecturers left a deep and lasting impression on Chew Li and Grace.

As lecturers now, they both hope to walk in the footsteps of their teachers, and share their passion for and knowledge of the hospitality and travel industries with their students As Grace puts it: “I gained a lot from my lecturers, and now it is my turn to give back. The School of Business is a de facto choice for me; it is a natural calling.”

a lEGal EaGlE comEs homE to roost

R ruTh leonG & AnDrew chiA LAW & MANAGEMENT (LAW)

uth Leong became the first Diploma in Legal Studies graduate to return to the School of Business as a lecturer in 2012, adding to the depth of an already impressive teaching team and working alongside her former lecturers like Andrew Chia. Ruth, an Advocate and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Singapore, graduated from School of Business in 1999 and completed her Bachelor of Laws (Honours) degree at the University of Exeter in England. Andrew started lecturing at the TP’s very first Stirling Road campus, after practicing law for 12 years before. In fact, this year will be Andrew’s 25th at the School of Business.

moTher: Joyce wu-lee l ACADEMIC SUPPORT MANAGER son: cAleB wu l MARkETING (MkG)

M

ulti-talented Caleb Wu did it all in secondary school. He played in the school symphonic band, competed in athletics and scored good grades on top of it all. When it came time to choose his post-O Levels path, Caleb wanted to attend a school that nurtured him both in and out of class and so applied to TP’s School of Business. His mother, Joyce Wu-Lee, approved. After all, as the school’s Academic Support Manager, she was familiar with the holistic education emphasising both schoolwork and CCAs at the School of Business.

With a keen interest in economics, Caleb applied to join the Business Studies Grouping (BSG) as it offers many business subjects and pathways. “At the end of my freshmen year, I opted for the Diploma in Marketing,” he says, adding that his marketing course has been both “enriching and fulfilling”. Caleb said it is up to students to make full use of their time pursuing interests and leading a vibrant student life. “Polytechnic education grants students freedom to do what they want, at their own time. The only limit to one’s learning journey and experiences in TP is oneself,” he said.

and experienced lecturers at the Diploma in Communications and Media Management, thanks to her mother Lim Pek Lin, a senior lecturer in the School of Business. Being in the same school as her mother was not an issue for Jie Xian. For one, Pek Lin teaches in a different diploma. “Having her mum work in the same school wasn’t a drawback for Jie Xian,” said Pek Lin. “In fact, it gave her the confidence and assurance on the quality of education.” Jie Xian used her TP years to hone her Mandarin communication skills. As part of TP’s China enrichment programme, the plucky student lived in China for six months, soaking in its rich culture and history. She was also the editor of the Chinese edition of CMM’s campus newspaper Stop Press. All her years of training paid off. The multilingual Jie Xian is now working in Guangzhou where she interacts with clients of all nationalities and cultures. “The communication-focused training from CMM equipped Jie Xian to function effectively in her job,” said Pek Lin, beaming like any proud mother would.

GenerATions

GenerATions

02

05

FIRST TO WORK, THEN TO SCHOOL

GETTING AHEAD WITH SOME LEGAL AID

S

securing a job before getting her degree proved to be the right move for kai Lin

tarting three businesses from scratch is no mean feat, and serial entrepreneur Benson Tan has to solve problems on his own, on a daily basis. This is where his diploma education gives him an edge. In his Law & Management programme, Benson learnt how to think through difficult quandaries using the “Problem Based Learning” framework, and he utilises the skills acquired there to this day. “When faced with problems, knowing how to break them down into manageable parts puts me in good stead for running my own businesses and for my undergraduate training,” says Benson. In 2009, Benson created Global Causeways, a company that deals in philanthropy and corporate social responsibility. He subsequently launched a one-stop IT solutions business, Luminary Studios, and is now working on his third venture, which will provide affordable customisable shirts for men. Students who enter the Law & Management programme will gain important skills that will carry them through life. “On top of a solid grounding in the law, the diploma also trains one to think critically on one’s feet,” said Benson. “Plus, I’ve also learnt how to manage a business effectively.”

R

Benson TAn MENT (LAW) LAW & MANAGE

THE STARTUP STARTER

A

neo rAnforD G (MkG) MARkETIN

deep desire to be free from rules inspired School of Business alumnus Ranford Neo to blaze his own trail. At 23, just three years after graduating with a Diploma in Marketing, he’s in the business of helping other entrepreneurs start their own businesses. “From young, I knew I didn’t want to work for somebody; I wanted to be free and flexible and not be bound by rules,” Ranford told students at a School of Business talk last August. “It’s about enjoying what you do.” The School of Business was the perfect training ground for Ranford. While pursuing his diploma, Ranford helped found the TP Entrepreneurship Club and launched a flea market in 2009, which was so profitable that it funded his next venture. Ranford graduated in 2011 and founded the Entrepreneurship Hub two years later to help coach young entrepreneurs in crafting marketing and sales strategies. The startup starter has also penned a book, The Instant Entrepreneur, which outlines start-up strategies designed to help budding entrepreneurs.

Quek kAi l in RETAIL MAN AGEMENT (R

MT)

ather than enrol at a university after getting her diploma in 2008, RMT alumna Quek kai Lin entered the workforce with a plan to pursue a degree a couple of years down the road. It proved to be the right path for her. kai Lin’s decision to study part time while continuing to work won her a scholarship that covered 90 per cent of her course fees. “My employer, Wing Tai Retail Management, gave me their full support and encouragement to further my studies,” kai Lin, now 26, told IN Magazine. “It didn’t take me long to decide to pursue my Bachelor’s Degree. I know it is crucial to gain relevant qualifications along the way to advance my career. I was also drawn to the funding assistance the WDA provided.” By continuing to work full time in the industry, the Assistant Retail Services Manager qualified for the Retail Executive Scholarship offered by the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA). She then pursued a University of Stirling degree in Retail Marketing through the Singapore Institute of Management in 2012 and graduated last year with First Class Honours. “It was challenging,” kai Lin recalled. “Undertaking further studies involves a significant commitment, and I did not have the luxury of free time. “On several occasions, I had to burn the midnight oil and slog through weekends to complete assignments or study for major exams. But it was all worth it.”

RMT TURNS 10

S

e Ng (centre) and ▲ RMT lecturers Debbi ting with RMT alumna rac inte ) Irene Chan (right

ingapore’s only di ploma course with a retail specialisation tu rned 10 last No ve mber and, like every m arket leader, the Diploma in Retail Managem ent is still brainst orming ways to stay relevant an d rewarding. Innovation unde rlies all aspects of RMT, from its holistic teachin g approach involv ing campus store 1st Avenue to collaborative projects linking up students with actual clients. RMT, which host ed a homecoming party for alumni at 1st Av enue on Nov 21 last year, also recently revampe d its course sylla bus to better gear up its studen ts for the industry .

Alumni

Alumni

04

07

JESSICA (BIT) singapore’s latest netball sensat ion, rising star at global giant Deloit te and touche, and Lom alumna charmaine soh has only just beg un

N

G N I T SHOO E H T FOR STARS e soh chArmAin RATIONS & OPE LOGISTICS ENT (LOM) MANAGEM

ational netball star Charmaine Soh is proof that you can have it all, if you wor k hard and play hard. The 24-year-old, who dreams of starting her own cafe one day, is today a Risk and Regulatory Associate with Deloitte & Touche , one of the “Big 4” global accounting firms. She also led Singapore’s success ful defence of its Asian Netball Champions hips title last September. Mums usually know best, but in Charmaine’s case, it was a good thing she did not heed her mother’s urging to give up netball and focus on her studies. The School of Business was the logi cal path for Charmaine after her O Levels, she said. “I’ve always wanted to start my own business, and so I joined the Business Studies Grouping because it had the courses I wanted,” she explained. “Living in the east helped, as I was able to rest at home before training in the even ings.” While scoring good grades in school, Charmaine played in the nationa l netball league, and soon caught the eye of the national squad coaches. She graduated in 2009 with a Logistics & Operations Management diploma , and was soon selected to represent Singapore in netball. Last May, Charmaine graduate d with a degree in economics and finance from Australian university RMIT, through the Sing apore Institute of Management (SIM). In September, the 1.77m-tall athl ete dominated the final of the 2014 Asian Netball Championships. Charmaine accounted for 42 of Singapore’s 59 points, outscoring the entire Sri Lankan team’s haul of 41 points! Charmaine’s next goal is to open her own cafe. “Right now, it would be a bit hard with work, but I definitely want to do it,” she said. “I’m still gathering all the info rmation and experience I need, and am look ing at possible locations for the cafe.”

MAKING A STRONG CASE FOR TEMASEK POLY

O

nly two polytechnic students won Public Service Commission (PSC) Scholarships last year. No prizes for guessing which poly they were from. Jared kang and Daryl Pang both graduated from the Diploma in Law & Management last year and clinched the prestigious bursaries in July. They were close friends at the School of Business, taking almost the same classes and spurring each other on. The two high achievers were the only polytechnic students to clinch prestigious PSC Scholarships for 2014. The PSC has awarded 13 scholarships to poly students in the past five years. The similarities between Jared and Daryl are striking. As top students, Jared was the first LAW student to achieve a cumulative GPA of 4.00, while Daryl came in a close second with 3.98. The duo also emerged winners in the Justice Shield Law Advocacy Competition. Outside the classroom, the two 20-year-olds were active in their respective CCAs, with Jared serving as Vice-President of TP’s toastmasters club while Daryl was the President of the polytechnic’s photography club. For Jared, his decision to switch from JC to poly has paid off. “JC wasn’t my cup of tea as I wasn’t interested in subjects like physics, economics and mathematics,” he told The Straits Times last May. “In poly, it was more about independent learning, which I found to be far more useful and enriching.” Jared is aiming for Cambridge University after he finishes his National Service, while Daryl has secured a spot at the National University of Singapore to read law.

JAreD kAnG & DAryl PAnG LAW & MANAGEMENT (LAW) ▲ School of Business graduates Daryl Pang (left) and Jared Kang, flanking fellow Public Service Commission (PSC) Scholarship winner Loh Jia Wei. Photo: The New Paper © Singapore Press Holdings Limited. Reproduced with permission.

20 MILLION VIEWS AND COUNTING

I muimunAh BAGhAriB & hirZi Zulkiflie COMMUNICATIONS & MEDIA MANAGEMENT (CMM)

t all started at CMM, where Muimunah Bagharib and Hirzi Zulkiflie got hands-on experience filming and editing videos, as well as invaluable lessons in marketing and branding. Mix in a biting sense of humour and spot-on observations, and the two best friends have had Singaporeans in stitches over their YouTube videos. Since their first posting about five years ago, Munah and Hirzi’s videos have clocked more than 20 million views, with their MunahHirziOfficial YouTube channel boasting just over 105,000 subscribers. With such a strong youth following, the duo have been approached by the Singapore Sports Council and companies such as Zalora for tie-ups. Hirzi makes clear they would not have come this far if they only sat telling jokes among friends; it’s a thirst for knowledge that keeps him fresh and current. His advice for future CMM students? “Embrace lifelong learning, continually diversify your skill set, and add value to what you do.”

Alumni

Alumni

06

09

A TASTE FOR SUCCESS

P

en seAn lim & JerrAlDine ch CULINARY & CATERING MANAGEMENT (CCM)

eek into the kitchen of Sin Lee Foods and you’ll find the café’s chef-owners, Diploma in Culinary & Catering Management graduates Sean Lim and Jerraldine Chen, busy whipping up customer favourites like Fried Chicken on Waffles. Sean and his close friend Jerraldine opened Sin Lee Foods last July in the rustic Bukit Ho Swee estate, and the Instagram-friendly retro cafe has been steadily building a following despite its quiet location. At last check, the quaint “hipster” cafe had an average rating of three-and-a-half stars out of four on the Hungrygowhere.com website. Sean readily credits the School of Business for his early success, while looking forward to building on that. “Those three years in the School of Business not only gave me good fundamentals and knowledge, it also built in me a hunger to always want to know and learn more,” he said. During his CCM days, Sean seized opportunities that came his way. In 2011, when he was only 21, Sean won the Hans Bueschken Global Junior Chef Challenge Asia competition. “All these would not have happened without the encouragement and opportunities the school and lecturers gave me,” he said.

G N I K A M S ’ SHE S E N I HEADL

melody bypassed Jc and won a university sc holarship from spH en rout e to her dream job at the straits times

H

▲ Seen here with CCM Course Manager Tan Hsien Wei (left)

DOING IT ON HIS OWN MERIT, AND MORE

W

hile many groan about 9am tutorials, Sim Yu Xiang woke up at 4am every day to board a wheelchairaccessible bus, to get to school on time. It was no big deal to him, but his can-do attitude (and cumulative GPA of 3.77 at graduation last April) was a huge inspiration for his cohort of aspiring media professionals. “I don’t think I’m an inspiration,” he said. “All I’ve been doing is to give everything that I got,” he says. Yu Xiang, who has been wheelchair-bound since 12 due to Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, secured an internship in the National Population & Talent Division of the Prime Minister’s Office in his senior year. Last year, he graduated with merit and is now pursuing a degree in sociology – “Hopefully with honours,” he adds – at the National University of Singapore. “CMM helped me grow into a more mature and realistic person, better equipped to face the future,” said Yu Xiang. “The lecturers were also very encouraging, and they were more like friends than teachers to me. CMM is like a family, where everyone looks out for one another. I never felt inadequate.”

sim yu XiA nG COMMUNIC ATIONS & M EDIA MANAGEME NT (CMM)

meloDy ZAccheus COMMUNICATIONS & MEDIA MANAGEMENT (CMM)

er dream of becomi ng a journalist bega n at the age of 10, with a primary school wr itin g assignment. On Dec 1 last year, Me lody Zaccheus’ rep ort on the Singapore History Museum’s latest ex hibition being riddled with spelling errors and naming inaccuracies ran in The Straits Tim es (ST) as an exclu sive story. With a dream born at such a young ag e, Melody qualified for JC bu t chose TP after co mpleting her O Levels at CHIJ To a Payoh. “I had no interest in joining a JC becaus e I knew what I wanted, CM M offered it, and I did n’t want to waste time,” she tol d IN Magazine. Students of the Di ploma in Commun ications & Media Management at the School of Bu siness are in high demand these days among media companies. Come April 2015, ab out 40 per cent of CM M seniors will begin their int ernships with news paper giant Singapore Press Ho ldings (SPH) and Me diaCorp’s TV and radio arms, as well as the TODAY ne wspaper. That’s more than double the numb er from a decade ago. A further 10 per cent of the cohort will be interning with international broadcaster CNBC and SAFRA Radio. CMM alumni like Me lody helped pave the way. The 26-year-old shone as an intern at The Sunday Times in 2007, receiving co mmendations from senior editors. This virtually secured her a place in the ne wsroom. The following ye ar, she became only the second polytechnic graduate to win a coveted SPH Scholarship – the fi rst was also a TP stu dent. Melody is now cove ring the heritage an d religion beat for ST. “Internships are gre at opportunities be cause you have a chance to experience what wo rki ng is really like,” Melody said. “CMM taught us we ll, not just in class but how to present ourselves. The atmosphere is co nd ucive and supportive; you ge t to be independent an d have fun: a perfect balance!”

Alumni

Alumni

08

10

11 #TPlifehAcks

SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

sUrViVAl KiT

JAslyn TAn l

ACCOUNTING & FINANCE (A&F)

A

rd is a

a atric C Your M

With accessible wi-FI all around campus, bring your laptop!

carry shades to stay cool!

▲ (From left to right) Top: Lim Hwee Zhian, Choo Jia Hoon. Seated: Jamie Ng, Jaslyn Tan, Ng Jie Xin. All four girls help Jaslyn in class, but Jamie and Jie Xin are her two closest classmates

Jaslyn, who aspires to be an auditor or tax officer, studied in a mainstream secondary school and ITE before joining TP. She is grateful for having supportive classmates and lecturers, who have all been willing to lend a hand whenever she needed help.

a spEcial placE D in hEr hEart

JessicA Peh l

MUST

BUSINESS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (BIT)

She added: “To all students in TP, pay attention in the lectures and tutorials, and listen well to what the lecturers say, because they are knowledgable. “Always remember to ask them before you leave if you are in doubt. Just don’t keep quiet or else you will suffer later.”

riven by a passion for IT, Jessica Peh was excited to embark on a Diploma in Business Information Technology. However, as a student with a hearing impairment, Jessica was nervous about her ability to keep up with classes taught in lecture halls and classrooms. But the BIT graduate's worries were unfounded, as this resilient student found a strong network of teachers and friends while studying at the School of Business who she could turn to for help. If she had trouble catching her lecturer’ words in class, she would approach them to repeat what they’ve said or ask for help after the lesson ends. Her classmates would also help review lessons with her by explaining the concepts by writing on paper or speaking slowly. Additionally, Jessica said her teachers and classmates would “encourage me not to give up on my studies and to pursue my goals”. And with this never-say-die attitude, she's set her sights on pursuing a degree now. But no matter where Jessica goes, the School of Business will always have a special place in her heart. “TP was a great, supportive learning environment, where I not only acquired new knowledge,” she said.

Feeling hot? take a plunge in TP’s sw imming pool

s an 18 year old, Jaslyn Tan can shop for hours on end, like most of her classmates. As a diligent A&F student, the freshman indulges in long expeditions to malls with her school friends after their assignments are submitted and exams are over. Jaslyn Tan is just like any other student on campus. The fact that she is hearing impaired has not got in the way of her enjoying life at Temasek Polytechnic's School of Business. She said: “I really enjoy Financial Accounting the most as I find it very challenging! But what I love most about TP life is the food, fund-raising carnivals like CCN Day and the National Day celebrations on campus. “There were indeed some stumbling blocks in my learning journey at TP, but I adapted to the environment and learnt to be independent, reading notes before going for lectures or tutorials.”

a notebook comes in handy at times

wonG wey hAn l CAPTAIN, TRATHLON TEAM BUSINESS (BUS)

13

Top of

m a e r A d ed s i l a re e Lei  Paulin & Tourism Hospitality (HTM) Management

Pauline’s path from secondary school to TP was a long one, but she never gave up

W

hile still in secondary school, Pauline Lei decided to join Temasek Polytechnic’s Diploma in Hospitality & Tourism Management. Her path to the School of Business, however, was not straightforward. “My O Level grades weren’t good enough,” the 23-year-old admitted. “But I wanted to join HTM because it’s a pioneer diploma, and I had heard so much about the TP culture. “Besides, I live in Tampines,” she added with a laugh. After retaking her O Levels, Pauline enrolled in Ang Mo Kio College Central ITE, but it wasn’t until her second year there that she buckled down and focused on getting into TP. She scored a perfect 4.00 in her final semester to raise her cumulative GPA to 3.71 (including a 0.2 point CCA boost), and promptly enrolled at TP. Pauline, now in her second year at HTM, has continued to work hard and has an impressive 3.33 GPA to show for it. The driven student is also the President of the HTM Interest Group and her days are packed with activities like organising events and working to secure sponsorships from industry partners. “I found the structure of modules at the School of Business to be constructive and manageable,” she said. “I’m taking what I’ve learnt in the classroom and putting it into action by planning and executing real events. This definitely completes my learning circle.”

J Caleb Wu Marketing (MKG)

A head start in

T

he IN Magazine photojournalist raises his camera and peers through the viewfinder. In sharp focus at the other end of the lens is Caleb Wu who, noticing his own reflection, seizes the opportunity to make sure stray strands of hair are tamed back into place. “I just like to be prepared, rather than regret it later,” the Diploma in Marketing senior insists, with a grin. Caleb, 19, knows all about the importance of preparation, having run track and performed in the symphonic band during his secondary school years. When it came time to map out his post-O Level route, he chose the School of Business knowing it would provide him with a solid foundation for his future career, while allowing him the time to engage in CCAs and not just mug for the A Levels. And so, even before sitting for his O Levels, he applied to TP through the Direct Polytechnic Admission (DPA) scheme. As part of the eight-week long Polytechnic Preparatory Programme (PPP), Caleb got a taste of poly life and took courses with credits that count towards his diploma, freeing up more of his time. Caleb said that the DPA was invaluable in helping him prepare for life at the School of Business. “It also built my confidence by forging friendships and a sense of identity while we were exposed to the culture of the School of Business,” he said. “As I said, I like to be prepared.”

uliana Chia is a student at the top of her game. The super-achiever, who joined CMM via the Direct Polytechnic Admissions (DPA) programme, graduated last year with a string of prizes, industry awards and scholarships, and is now pursuing a Communication Studies degree at Nanyang Technological University. But Juliana was far from a bookworm. A wellrounded student, she was Managing Editor of the campus newspaper in 2012 and President of TP’s Community Service Club. She also gave back to the community, volunteering to help rehabilitate abused elephants in Thailand. On the fun side, her favourite CMM experience was a media immersion trip to New York City, where she visited NBC Studios and Columbia University, as well as iconic landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, together with her coursemates. In her third year, Juliana interned at the Public Service Division of the Prime Minister’s office, where she said she grew in confidence as she applied the skills she learnt at CMM. Last year, she graduated with awards from organisations such as MediaCorp, SPH, MDA and CapitaLand. With such an active student life and fond memories with friends, Juliana proves that it’s possible to have it all in the School of Business!

Juliana Chia Communications & Media Management (CMM)

Different Pathways

Different Pathways

12

17

? s l e v e l o e skip th

W

ith a two-point O level ELR2B2 aggregate score, Soh Si Min could have joined any junior college. Instead, the hands-on learning opportunities offered by a Diploma in Retail Management appealed to her far more, and so she booked her spot in the School of Business through the Joint Admissions Exercise (JAE). “I liked that it is a specialised retail course right from freshmen year, so I could immediately delve into learning more about my interest areas,” explained the 20-year-old, who graduated last April as RMT’s top student. “In addition, the diploma has 1st Avenue, a fully-operational retail store on campus to give RMT students an opportunity to put what they have learnt into practice. The idea of a hands-on learning experience appealed very much to me.” Her love for shopping grew into a curiosity about how retail stores present themselves and position their products to catch shoppers’ attention. While at TP, the go-getter obtained an additional certificate in Design Fundamentals to better arm herself for the retail industry. “A better aesthetic point of view will be an advantage in my pursuit of becoming a visual merchandiser or fashion buyer,” said Si Min, who is now studying Business Management at the Singapore Management University.

SOh Si Min RETAIL MANAGEMENT (RMT)

naDia naTaSha COMMUNICATIONS & MEDIA MANAGEMENT (CMM)

into the media

W

hile her classmates were busy cramming for the O Levels, this driven young woman knew what she wanted: to work in television. Today, Nadia Natasha is busy behind the camera as a Studio Director with Channel NewsAsia. Even before she sat for her O Level Examinations, Nadia secured her place with the Diploma in Communications & Media Management via the Direct Polytechnic Admission (DPA) programme. “The CMM diploma is definitely a stepping stone for starting in the media industry,” said Nadia. Driven by her passion to make it in TV, Nadia worked towards an internship at MediaCorp, and impressed her colleagues during her six-month stint there. Although Nadia wanted to pursue a degree after finishing her diploma in 2011, the media conglomerate invited her back to Caldecott Hill as an Assistant Producer. Rather than taking the “usual” route of moving on to university, she decided to take the offer and work for a few years to have a clearer idea of what degree she wanted to pursue. “Although I knew that I wanted to stay in the industry, I was unsure of what exactly I wanted to do,” she said. She added that going straight into the industry has allowed her to better realise her interests, strengths and areas she needs to work on more. “Being poly students equipped with specific skills, we will be able to adapt quickly to changes. That will give us an advantage in our job progress.”

not wanting to waste time, neelam got into temaseK Poly after her n levels via the PfP

I

t was an offer too good to refuse: Skip the O Levels and get a headstart in business. For Neelam Umesh kumar Nandwani, the decision to sign up for the one-year Polytetchnic Foundation Programme (PFP) was a no-brainer. “I’ve always wanted to go to a poly, and was never interested in the junior college route leading to the A Levels,” said Neelam, who is now a first-year Business Studies Grouping student, and already running her own online retail business. “A poly education is more handson and applicable to real working life,

and the PFP offer gave me a foundation to pursue that.” The PFP was introduced in 2012, and Neelam would become one of the first students in Singapore to sign up after completing her GCE N Levels that same year. The progressive programme offers the top 10 per cent of Normal (Academic) students a practice-oriented curriculum taught by poly lecturers. Rather than continue on the traditional route to Secondary 5, successful applicants are granted provisional places in the diploma of their choice. Neelam decided on her PFP pathway at the beginning of Secondary 4, as she always knew that she wanted to be a businesswoman. “I would say it’s a dream come true to pursue a business course because my family has always been in business,” explained Neelam.

The 18-year-old added that helping out at her family’s tailor shop got her thinking about the kind of business she would start on her own. Throughout her year in the PFP, Neelam studied subjects such as accounting, economics, business reporting and presentations. Lessons were not confined to the classroom, with a study trip to Malaysia and talks by industry professionals. “The days were long”, Neelam said, “but I found the lessons real, practical and rewarding”. As for her decision to join TP, the choice was clear. “At polytechnic fairs, TP would always stand out as the most 'happening',” said Neelam. “I had also heard that the School of Business was a very 'joyful' school. And it’s true.”

neelaM nanDWani BUSINESS STUDIES GROUPING (BSG)

DifferenT PAThwAys

DifferenT PAThwAys

16

19

a

H

biG hEart ryu DA un l LOGISTICS & OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT (LOM)

ailing from korea, LOM Senior Ryu Da Un has grown fond of Singapore, thanks to the hospitality and warmth of her classmates in the School of Business. “I share my culture with my Singaporean friends and they share their stories with me. I love living in multicultural Singapore,” she quips. Despite being a new resident, Da Un has selflessly begun contributing back to the community. As part of Project H.E.ART (Human Empowered by ART), Da Un worked with Breakthrough Missions, a drug rehabilitation house, to create an online platform where residents can sell their art. Project H.E.ART went on to compete at the Enactus Singapore National Competition, an event on social empowerment projects. There, the team wowed the judges and even clinched the “Spirit of Enactus” award. For Da Un, being part of a project that creates a positive impact gives her a sense of pride. “We put in a lot of effort to help society and it is a great honour to be recognised by others!” the cheery student adds.

thEY chosE tp oVEr thE rEst oF asia Finnish university undergrads camilla and silja could have gone anywhere. instead they chose tp’s school of Business for their exchange programme

W

hen Camilla Hedman and Silja Pönkänen were offered the opportunity to study at TP’s School of Business on a student exchange programme last year, the Finnish students jumped at it. Camilla and Silja, both 22, are third-year JAMk University of Applied Sciences undergrads pursuing Business Administration degrees, with a specialisation in international business. Both were offered a number of tertiary institutions around Asia – in countries like Japan, South korea, Hong kong and Thailand – to study at. Both chose TP’s School of Business. “As a rapidly-changing market, Singapore intrigued me the most, and I chose Temasek Polytechnic as I heard that it is an innovative and modern institute,” Silja told IN Magazine. “TP also has a wide selection of courses, through which I can learn about local business practices, and emphasises the importance of applying knowledge in practice, which I consider to be a valuable skill for working life.”

hAnGinG ouT wiTh sinGAPoreAn frienDs The two students from JAMk’s Jyväskylän campus arrived here last October in time for the new semester, and have been broadening their horizons with the Diploma in Retail Management, the only poly course in Singapore with a retail specialisation. Silja and Camilla are currently taking four modules – including Retail Research and Trend Analysis, and Leisure and Resort Facilities Management – as well as the Transnational Studies elective. “I am excited to learn about retail and marketing from Singapore’s point of view, as well as subjects that aren’t available in my university, like tourism,” said Camilla. “It’s been fun to learn for example how different brands are perceived in Asian markets and how these perceptions affect local buying behaviour.” It’s not been all work and no play for Camilla and Silja at the School of Business, of course, and they’ve made a lot of new friends on campus. “Everyone has been really helpful, showing us the canteens and how to use EZLink cards,” said Camilla. “On Halloween, we went to the Universal Studios theme park with our new classmates, it was a lot of fun! Added Silja: “I have spent an exciting time gaining new insights and exploring the island with a number of new local friends. I hope to continue exploring the best of Singapore while I’m here.”

inTernATionAl connecTions

inTernATionAl connecTions

18

cAmillA heDmAn (lefT) & silJA PÖnkÄnen RETAIL MANAGEMENT (RMT)

a chancE to studY in Finland

E

Photo of JAMK University: www.jamk.fi

ight students from the School of Business will have the opportunity to study at the JAMk University of Applied Sciences (picture) from May 29 to June 17 this year, with course credits earned counting towards their diploma. The university offers three degree programmes entirely in English, including the international business courses taken by Camilla and Silja. Only Singapore citizens and permanent residents of Singapore are eligible, and juniors or seniors with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 for the

previous academic year qualify – that means if you’re joining us this year, keep your grades up and aim to make that trip next year. With a student body of over 8,000 and including 160 exchange students, JAMk is roughly half that of TP. JAMk is one of Finland’s 24 polytechnics, which confer Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. The Finnish education system has been recognised as one of the world’s best, with impressive scores in global education rankings.

21

THE WINNING ELEVEN

OUR CENTRES OF EXCELLENCE? 2

3

5

6

1

4

1.

Bit Business IT Studio

2.

rmt 1st Avenue

3.

Bus Business Enterprise Centre

4.

a&F Accounting & Finance Hub

5.

mkg Brand Study

6.

LaW iLaw Chambers

7.

ccm Temasek Culinary Academy

8.

Lom LOM Centre

9.

cmm MediaBiz Studios

10. Bus kelly Services Career Centre

S 8

7 9

10

tudents from HTM and LEM get to enjoy and experience hands-on training at the sevenstorey Temasek Tourism Academy (TTA). Situated next to the scenic Bedok Reservoir, the TTA comprises a hotel lobby, hospitality learning stage, tourism technology rooms, student clubhouse, event hall and event management ideation rooms among others. The academy intensifies the level of experiential training for both HTM & LEM students by collaborating with key industry partners to ensure that training is real, relevant and rewarding, culminating in a learning node that is at the forefront of tourism and leisure education.

A room wiTh A view

TemAsek Tourism AcADemy The new kiD on The Block HOSPITALITY & TOURISM MANAGEMENT (HTM) LEISURE & EVENTS MANAGEMENT (LEM)

fAciliTies

fAciliTies

20

23

Diplomas at a Glance Business Studies Grouping

(Business/Logistics & Operations management/Marketing) Choose the unique opportunity to explore three fields of study before deciding on your diploma. MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS English Language Grades 1-6 Mathematics (E or A) Grades 1-6 Any three other subjects Grades 1-6 To be eligible for selection, applicants must also have sat for one of the following subjects: Art/Art & Design, Business Studies, Combined Humanities, Commerce, Commercial Studies, Economics, Geography, Higher Art, Higher Music, History, Intro to Enterprise Development, Literature in English, Literature in Chinese, Literature in Malay, Literature in Tamil, Media Studies (English), Media Studies (Chinese), Music, Principles of Accounts.

Business

Trained with a global outlook, you will be equipped to take on supervisory and executivelevel positions in a wide range of corporations. MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS English Language Grades 1-6 Mathematics (E or A) Grades 1-6 Any three other subjects Grades 1-6 To be eligible for selection, applicants must also have sat for one of the following subjects: Art/Art & Design, Business Studies, Combined Humanities, Commerce, Commercial Studies, Economics, Geography, Higher Art, Higher Music, History, Intro to Enterprise Development, Literature in English, Literature in Chinese, Literature in Malay, Literature in Tamil, Media Studies (English), Media Studies (Chinese), Music, Principles of Accounts.

Logistics & Operations Management Our strong business foundation will enable you to undertake challenges in the field of logistics and operations in a global market. MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS English Language Grades 1-6 Mathematics (E or A) Grades 1-6 Any three other subjects Grades 1-6 To be eligible for selection, applicants must also have sat for one of the following subjects: Art/Art & Design, Business Studies, Combined Humanities, Commerce, Commercial Studies, Economics, Geography, Higher Art, Higher Music, History, Intro to Enterprise Development, Literature in English, Literature in Chinese, Literature in Malay, Literature in Tamil, Media Studies (English), Media Studies (Chinese), Music, Principles of Accounts.

Marketing

You will be trained as creative problem-solvers in the fields of marketing and branding. MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS English Language Grades 1-6 Mathematics (E or A) Grades 1-6 Any three other subjects Grades 1-6 To be eligible for selection, applicants must also have sat for one of the following subjects: Art/Art & Design, Business Studies, Combined Humanities, Commerce, Commercial Studies, Economics, Geography, Higher Art, Higher Music, History, Intro to Enterprise Development, Literature in English, Literature in Chinese, Literature in Malay, Literature in Tamil, Media Studies (English), Media Studies (Chinese), Music, Principles of Accounts.

Accounting & Finance

You will be equipped with both technical and soft skills for the dynamic accounting and finance sectors. MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS English Language Grades 1-6 Mathematics (E or A) Grades 1-6 Any three other subjects Grades 1-6 To be eligible for selection, applicants must also have sat for one of the following subjects: Art/Art & Design, Business Studies, Combined Humanities, Commerce, Commercial Studies, Economics, Geography, Higher Art, Higher Music, History, Intro to Enterprise Development, Literature in English, Literature in Chinese, Literature in Malay, Literature in Tamil, Media Studies (English), Media Studies (Chinese), Music, Principles of Accounts.

Business Information Technology

You will be equipped with an understanding of Business and IT and bridge the gap between them. MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS English Language Grades 1-7 Mathematics (E or A) Grades 1-6 Any three other subjects Grades 1-6 To be eligible for selection, applicants must also have sat for one of the following subjects: Additional Combined Science, Additional Science, Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Combined Science, Computer Studies, Creative 3D Animation, Design & Technology, Engineering Science, Food & Nutrition, Fundamentals of Electronics, General Science, Human & Social Biology, Integrated Science, Physics, Physical Science, Science (Chem, Bio), Science (Phy, Bio), Science (Phy, Chem), Science (Phy, Chem, Bio).

Retail Management

Our focus on the processes, technologies and trends of retail management will prepare you for retailing careers or even entrepreneurship. MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS English Language Grades 1-6 Mathematics (E or A) Grades 1-6 Any three other subjects Grades 1-6 To be eligible for selection, applicants must also have sat for one of the following subjects: Art/Art & Design, Business Studies, Combined Humanities, Commerce, Commercial Studies, Economics, Geography, Higher Art, Higher Music, History, Intro to Enterprise Development, Literature in English, Literature in Chinese, Literature in Malay, Literature in Tamil, Media Studies (English), Media Studies (Chinese), Music, Principles of Accounts.

Communications & Media Management

You will be equally proficient in any chosen medium and able to transcend the divide between the print, broadcast and new media.

MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS English Language Grades 1-3 Mathematics (E or A) Grades 1-7 Any one of the following subjects Grades 1-6 Art/Art & Design, Business Studies, Chinese, Combined Humanities, Commerce/Commercial Studies, Creative 3D Animation, Design & Technology, Design Studies, Economics, Food & Nutrition, Geography, Higher Art, Higher Chinese, Higher Malay, Higher Music, Higher Tamil, History, Introduction to Enterprise Development, Literature in English/Chinese/Malay/ Tamil, Malay, Media Studies (English), Media Studies (Chinese), Music, Principles of Accounts, Tamil. Any two other subjects

Grades 1-6

Law & Management

Our course provides you with knowledge and skills in law and management to enter the legal industry. MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS English Language Grades 1-4 Mathematics (E or A) Grades 1-6 Any three other subjects Grades 1-6 To be eligible for selection, applicants must also have sat for one of the following subjects: Art/Art & Design, Business Studies, Combined Humanities, Commerce, Commercial Studies, Economics, Geography, Higher Art, Higher Music, History, Intro to Enterprise Development, Literature in English, Literature in Chinese, Literature in Malay, Literature in Tamil, Media Studies (English), Media Studies (Chinese), Music, Principles of Accounts.

Culinary & Catering Management

Our broad-based training grooms you to be highly versatile food and beverage professionals. MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS English Language Grades 1-6 Mathematics (E or A) Grades 1-6 Any three other subjects Grades 1-6 To be eligible for selection, applicants must also have sat for one of the following subjects: Art/Art & Design, Business Studies, Combined Humanities, Commerce, Commercial Studies, Economics, Geography, Higher Art, Higher Music, History, Intro to Enterprise Development, Literature in English, Literature in Chinese, Literature in Malay, Literature in Tamil, Media Studies (English), Media Studies (Chinese), Music, Principles of Accounts.

Hospitality & Tourism Management

Our course will prepare you to be highly adaptable in the multi-sectorial areas of the hospitality and tourism industry. MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS English Language Grades 1-6 Mathematics (E or A) Grades 1-6 Any three other subjects Grades 1-6 To be eligible for selection, applicants must also have sat for one of the following subjects: Art/Art & Design, Business Studies, Combined Humanities, Commerce, Commercial Studies, Economics, Geography, Higher Art, Higher Music, History, Intro to Enterprise Development, Literature in English, Literature in Chinese, Literature in Malay, Literature in Tamil, Media Studies (English), Media Studies (Chinese), Music, Principles of Accounts.

Leisure & Events Management

You will be exposed to the fundamentals of leisure operations and conceptualisation and staging of commercial events. MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS English Language Grades 1-6 Mathematics (E or A) Grades 1-6 Any three other subjects Grades 1-6 To be eligible for selection, applicants must also have sat for one of the following subjects: Art/Art & Design, Business Studies, Combined Humanities, Commerce, Commercial Studies, Economics, Geography, Higher Art, Higher Music, History, Intro to Enterprise Development, Literature in English, Literature in Chinese, Literature in Malay, Literature in Tamil, Media Studies (English), Media Studies (Chinese), Music, Principles of Accounts.

Diplomas

Diplomas

22

Business Studies Grouping

•  Business Studies – Business, Logistics or Marketing – It’s all about having choices.

Diploma in Business

•  Specialise in two out of eight Business elective clusters including International Business, Banking, Finance & Investment, Human Resource Management, Entrepreneurship and Marketing. •  Work with and learn from prominent industry partners which include Citibank, Resorts World Sentosa and Kelly Services, a Fortune 500 company. •  Gain wide recognition, credit exemption and advanced standing from universities.

Diploma in Logistics & Operations Management

•  The pioneer polytechnic diploma in logistics with the largest network of graduates. •  Broaden knowledge beyond classrooms through company-based projects, field trips, overseas study trips, industry internships and more. •  Enjoy bonding with lecturers and fellow students in a close-knit course.

Diploma in Marketing

•  It’s real! The Diploma in Marketing’s 360˚active learning approach provides real-life work exposure through industry partnerships, thus enabling you to be critical, creative and confident. •  Be a coveted professional in a wide range of challenging fields such as branding, advertising, marketing communications, event marketing, public relations, trade and consumer sales and marketing.

Diploma in Accounting & Finance

•  Dual specialisation for wider career opportunities in both the accountancy profession and financial services industry. •  Gain exemptions from local and overseas universities and programmes by professional organisations such as ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW, ICSA and CMFAS. •  Benefit from hands-on, industry relevant curriculum taught by caring, experienced and dedicated lecturers.

25

Notable Features Diploma in Business Information Technology

•  Equip yourself with the relevant skills and knowledge to harness IT for business success. •  Tap on opportunities to carry out real industry projects and start up your own business. •  Be ready for a wide range of career choices and options for further studies and industry certifications such as SAP.

Diploma in Retail Management

•  The only polytechnic diploma course with a strong focus on the business of retail management. •  Engage in practical training at the upbeat campus retail store, 1st Avenue. Experience what is “IN” for fashion products and visual presentation. Enhance your teamwork abilities and leadership skills through industry projects. •  Bond with lecturers and fellow students as part of a small cohesive course.

Diploma in Communications & Media Management

•  Only diploma with a three-week exchange programme with the University of Western Australia (UWA) and a UWA scholarship for CMM graduates each year. •  Train with a small cohort in full-fledged TV, radio and electronic publishing facilities. •  Learn from very experienced lecturers communications and media subjects that meet the demands of the media industry.

Diploma in Law & Management

•  The only polytechnic diploma course that prepares you for a career in the legal industry. •  Be highly sought-after in the legal industry as a Law & Management graduate. •  Gain a diploma that is recognised by many local and overseas universities for their law and non-law programmes.

School of Business

Scholarships

Diploma in Culinary & Catering Management

School of Business students have access to a wide array of scholarships. Besides the polytechnic-wide scholarships offered by TP, prestigious scholarships from established industry partners are also available to School of Business students. These scholarships will not only help to reward and inspire deserving students; scholars will also get to network and position themselves as excellent prospects for employment.

•  Learn professional chef’s skills to produce gourmet food like luscious cakes and pastries, juicy steaks and much, much more! •  Get trained and mentored by awardwinning faculty and chefs from the world renowned Culinary Institute of America. •  Learn how to operate and manage your own food & beverage business. •  Train with a small cohort in the professional kitchens, café, full-service restaurant and wine studio at the Temasek Culinary Academy.

Diploma in Hospitality & Tourism Management

•  The pioneer polytechnic diploma in hospitality & tourism management with the largest network of graduates. •  Opens your door to an exciting career in hospitality and tourism with opportunities for travel, hands-on learning and a broad-based business foundation. •  A course for those with a passion for service. Taught by those with a nose for the business of fun.

Diploma in Leisure & Events Management

•  The pioneer polytechnic diploma that turns fun into a serious business for you. •  The only diploma that offers a dual focus on leisure industries and events management. •  A course that brings you up-to-speed with the latest leisure industries – including spa and wellness, cruise and theme parks. •  Enjoy experiential learning – from industry projects and guest speakers to field trips and overseas exposure – and participate in major local and overseas events.

financial assistance Schemes 2015 There are a number of financial assistance schemes available at TP. Students requiring financial assistance are strongly encouraged to apply for these schemes: a) Financial Schemes i.   Tertiary Tuition Fee Subsidy (TTFS) for Malays (Mendaki) ii.   Post Secondary Education Account (PSEA) iii.  CPF Education Scheme iv.  Tuition Fee Loan Scheme (TFL) b) Bursaries i.   CDC/CCC Polytechnic Bursary ii.   TP Bursary iii.  MOE Bursary c) CCN Financial Help Schemes i.   Crisis Assistance Scheme ii.   CCN Emergency Scheme For more information on eligibility and details of TP’s Financial Assistance Schemes, visit: http://www.tp.edu.sg/fees-and-financial-matters/financialassistance-schemes.

Scholarship

For Diploma In

ACCA Singapore Scholarship

Accounting & Finance

Accounting & Finance Scholarship

Accounting & Finance

ASH (Association of Singapore Housekeepers) Scholarship

Hospitality & Tourism Management

Chan Brothers Travel Scholarship

Hospitality & Tourism Management

Citi Scholarship

Accounting & Finance

Foo Kon Tan Grant Thornton Scholarship

Accounting & Finance

ISCA Scholarship

Accounting & Finance

Isetan Foundation Scholarship

Retail Management

Kelly Services Scholarship

Business

Kingsmen Creatives Scholarship

Business

Les Amis Scholarship

Hospitality & Tourism Management and Culinary & Catering Management

Nexia TS Scholarship

Accounting & Finance

NTUC FairPrice Scholarship

Logistics & Operations Management and Retail Management

Resorts World Sentosa Scholarship

Leisure & Events Management

Siddharta – Communications & Media Management (CMM) Scholarship

Communications & Media Management

Singapore Exhibition Services Scholarship

Leisure & Events Management

Singapore Training & Development Association (STADA) Scholarship

Business

Stamford Discovery Cruise Centre Scholarship

Hospitality & Tourism Management and Leisure & Events Management

University of Western Australia – Communications & Media Management Scholarship

Communications & Media Management

Financial Schemes

Notable Features

24

26

27

ProJecTs

CULINARY & CATERING MANAGEMENT (CCM)

J

udges on reality television cooking competitions such as Top Chef and MasterChef are not just the crème de la crème of their industry.

WinninG hEarts, not Just WinninG minds

They’re usually also great teachers, able to make critical and unbiased evaluations of competitors’ culinary creations as well as give detailed feedback and advice to help the budding chefs understand how they can improve. Last year, organisers of the prestigious

MARkETING (MkG)

it’s not just about studies at the school of Business, as 29 juniors learnt on a trip to help rebuild a cambodian school

Mark Fong Kim (extreme left) and Goh Hock Quee (extreme right) with fellow CCM service instructors

Food & Hotel Asia (FHA) competition invited Diploma in Culinary & Catering Management lecturers to serve as observers on the judging committee. The decision made perfect sense for another reason: CCM teams had emerged overall champions in the Dream Team Challenge in the previous three editions of the biennial competition (2008, 2010 and 2012), and it was time to give other teams a chance to taste success. CCM lecturers and students are no strangers to the high-pressure competition held on the sidelines of FHA, a global food & beverage industry expo. Serving on the judging committee, by keeping a close eye on the judges in critical observer roles, was an honour as well as a challenge for senior lecturer Goh Hock Quee and Mark Fong kim, a Service Instructor-Section Head. The experience gave them both deeper insights into the latest culinary trends and the opportunity to keep their links with the industry fresh.

S

chool of Business students get ample opportunities to expand their horizons beyond TP’s campus in Tampines, with trips overseas to cities such as Sydney, Tokyo and New York. Last September, over 40 students from the Communications & Media Management and Marketing diplomas enjoyed an enriching 11-day study trip to England that included visits to Manchester United’s Old Trafford football stadium, the BBC headquarters and the Harry Potter museum. Next to that, a week-long trip to the Cambodian countryside involving hard work and sweat might seem like a dreaded assignment. For the team of students and lecturers who made that journey, it was a joy. Recently, 29 enthusiastic Marketing juniors and a couple of lecturers travelled to Siem Riep on the overseas community trip “keep Calm and Project Love”. Their aim: To build a library for 400 underprivileged Cambodian children. The team built new bookshelves, repaved old floors and even repainted

the school compound and gave impromptu basic English lessons to the children who followed the School of Business students around like they were rock stars. The work was backbreaking, but the students left Siem Riep with a sense of pride and accomplishment, knowing their contributions would make a difference in the childrens’ lives. “Education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty,” said junior Wong Ai

Yun. “Empowered by knowledge gained, students will grow up to be better men and women who will play a part in changing their country.” Moved by the experience, student leader kwok kah keng hopes to see more of his schoolmates embark on similar community trips. “I definitely urge everyone to give such an experience a shot, and to push themselves by taking up the role of planning such trips,” he said.

G n i d E a E spr E loV

th

A DI E M S & M) N O I M T COMMUNICA ENT (C M MANAGE

W

hen was the last time you thanked the cleaning auntie who keeps your classroom spotless? Students of the CMM Interest Group did just that last May, buying breakfast for the School of Business cleaners, housekeepers, academic support staff and TP security officers. If that wasn’t enough, some 30 students visited the nearby Jamiyah Home for the Aged to spread some Hari Raya Aidilfitri festive cheer, and even threw a satay party for the residents together with local entrepreneur Satay Boy.

ProJecTs

JudGinG bY thEir talEnt

ProJecTs

28

mEmorY lanE O

ur final year Diploma in Retail Management students are well versed in many things. But one thing that may surprise you is their deep knowledge of beloved Singaporean brands such as Tiger Balm and khong Guan Biscuits. Earlier this year, our RMT students partnered the National Heritage Board to organise a weekend fair celebrating famous made-in-Singapore products. This event, titled Once Upon a Yesterday, was held from 2 to 3 August 2014 at the National Design Centre. As ambassadors for 11 local companies including Axe Brand Medicated Oil, our students wowed the crowds with facts and stories on various products and logos.

"And to think our students began the project with little knowledge about the brands themselves," said Junyi, one of the event’s managers. "In the face of this challenge, our students thoroughly immersed themselves in intensive research during the preparation process." And all their hard work paid off! Industry partner k H Wong, from Asia Academy for Retailing, says he was impressed with the students’ vast knowledge of brands and articulate presentations. At the end of the event, everyone agreed our RMT students created a memorable event that raised awareness of our cherished local brands.

moVinG thE World

DiRecToR’S

Address

Dear stuDents,

TP’s School of Business celebrates an important milestone this year as we turn 25. At 25 years young, we have garnered a reputation for being a vibrant school with a focus on delivering an exceptional educational experience to those who pass through our doors. Like you, we are also moving into the next stage of our lives. The future is full of possibilities and far from certain, but as Abraham Lincoln once famously put it: “The best way to predict your future is to create it.” We hope you will blaze a trail into the future with us. If an exciting career in the world of business is what you envision for yourself, then the School of Business is your starting point. We offer a quality education that is suited for today’s economy, while also imparting the

skills and mindsets that will produce tomorrow’s entrepreneurs. We have a broad range of courses specially designed to ensure you gain relevant knowledge in your chosen career, as well as equip you with vital skills in areas such as management, communication and computing. Through a variety of learning approaches, projects, and local and overseas internships, we focus on providing a holistic education that supports continuous education and lifelong learning. As many of our graduates can attest, life as a TP student is stimulating, fun and, most importantly, very rewarding. We invite you to create a future together with us. We invite you to join in the TP experience. I look forward to welcoming you personally at the School of Business in the coming year.

Daniel Yeow Director School of Business Temasek Polytechnic

A

t work, Saiful Ridhwan Bin Zulkifli has to juggle shipments from all around the world. But in October, he got to travel across the world instead. Early last year, our LOM alumnus flew to Istanbul, Turkey. The occasion? None other than the 2014 Young International Freight Forwarder of the Year Award World Congress. The journey to becoming Asia’s representative at this prestigious event was not an easy one. For starters, Saiful had to write a paper on important transport and logistics issues of the day. The judges were so impressed by Saiful’s paper that they picked it over other Asia-Pacific entries, which included submissions from China, Australia and Hong kong. Though he did not win the overall award, Saiful is grateful that as a representative of the Asia Pacific region, he was able to network and share his insights with fellow professionals from all over the world.

eDitoriaL team Tan Siew kim Gevin Png

sAiful riDhwAn Bin Zulkifli LOGISTICS & OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT (LOM)

David Ngiau kelvin Seah Ruth Leong (pictured) Sherwin Chua

coVer moDeLs Front: Wong Wey Han Pauline Lei Back: Grace Chia koh Chew Li

TEMASEK POLYTECHNIC 21 Tampines Avenue 1, Singapore 529757 Tel: (65) 6788 2000 | Fax: (65) 6789 8220 Web: http://www.tp.edu.sg Email: [email protected] All information correct at time of publication.

2015