Alumni Watch! Passing the Torch

Come April 2007, AJCAA will be witnessing a shift in her leadership as inaugural president, Miss Peggy Ng will pass the torch to Mr Lau Kiat Meng. Before her exit, Kenneth Goh catches up with her for a few last words.

(K: Kenneth; P: Peggy)

K: Hi Peggy, let’s go back to the beginning, share with us what inspired you to take on the challenging position of being AJCAA’S inaugural president?

P: From an ex-AJCian’s point of view, I’d like to render my service to my alma mater. From a personal point of view, I’d like to pose a challenge to myself in terms of leadership qualities and team management. I felt that the management of AJCAA has improved under Ms Siau’s guidance from 2001 to 2004. However, there’s still much room for improvement.

K: So, what were the challenges that you met while in your term in office?
P: Internally within the EXCO, the age gap amongst the members was wide. As such, there were times when we did not see eye to eye with one another on issues that required immediate attention. Externally, we faced difficulty in recruiting capable and willing members to serve in the EXCO. That was expected as there was insufficient publicity for AJCAA.

K: As for the positive side, tell us about the milestones that AJCAA has achieved under your wing.

P: Under my leadership, AJCAA has started her first Undergraduate Bursary Award in 2005 to deserving ex-AJCians who require financial assistance for their tertiary education immediately after graduating from AJC. In 2006, we started the Mentorship Programme in which ex-AJCians returned to coach the current batch of AJCians in their academic work to prepare for the A Levels. Also, we have started our AJCAA e-newsletters to keep our members informed of news and events happening within AJCAA and our alma mater.

K: How have former/current AJCians responded to the alumni and its activities?
P: Some active members are very positive and enthusiastic about the activities organized by the AJCAA and very often, provide us with feedback on how we can better improve our activities. Others have given lukewarm responses probably because they are still not very informed about the AJCAA.

K: Given your experience, what makes an ideal alumni association? Has AJCAA reached that stage?

P: An alumni association is ideal when everyone has the willingness and capability to come forward to render his or her services. The sea is made of rain drops; the AJCians are the raindrops and the Alumni is the sea. Many AJCians tend to think that we are inferior to other more established Junior Colleges as they have deeper history. Yes, they may be older but we will eventually be too. When we are old in terms of history and culture, they are, of course, much older! It is an endless comparison. We should embrace our own history and culture and do less unconstructive upward comparison.

K: How does having an alumnus complement one’s college experience? In what way is it beneficial?
P: An alumnus is a place where graduated AJCians head to. I think when we were students, it gives us a sense of security and belonging to know that we have an alumni association. This is as though the seniors are watching over us and that we are not alone. It is beneficial in the sense that we have mentors who used to be students like us and have studied in the same campus.

K: What do you hope to see in AJCAA in the near future? Any aspirations for the new committee and your successor, in particular?

P: I would like to see the AJCAA as an information hub where past and present AJCians and teachers are well informed about happenings in the AJ family. With regards to my successor and his new team, I would like to see that the EXCO grow cohesively and be more united internally. Externally, we need to position ourselves more positively, in terms of image and branding.

K: What are your plans after stepping down?

P: I will be helping Kiat Meng in terms of administrative matters internally. In my opinion, the Vice-President should handle issues pertaining to the internal aspects of the organization while the President heads the external aspects.

K: Lastly, any words of advice to current AJCians?
P: Many AJCians are keen to come forward to assist their alma mater but they always have this tenancy to ask themselves in what ways they are able to assist. The AJCAA requires people regardless of how much they can contribute. We really appreciate their kind gestures in any form.

Alumni Watch! Interview with AJCian Wenyan

Many of us perhaps would have not heard of podiatry. Podiatry is a specialized field that deals with the study and care of feet. A podiatrist is a healthcare professional who deals with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of the medical and surgical conditions of the feet and lower limbs, who can also prescribe, design and produce orthodox devices, perform minor surgery and apply biomechanical principles to analyze and modify stresses that may affect the feet and lower limbs. As we now have a better idea regarding podiatry, we are proud to have Wenyan (13/03), currently pursuing podiatry in the University of South Australia as one of our interviewees.

(I: Interviewer; W: Wenyan)

I: Why did you choose this seemingly rare profession instead of pursuing other biomedical related studies in local universities?

W: Initially, it was pure curiosity in this profession because it is rather uncommon to see podiatrists in Singapore. The curiosity propelled me to get a student attachment in NUH where I really got to see what they do. Podiatrists work with the elderly and I attribute my enthusiasm with working with elderly to the AJC Service Learning Project where we did interaction with elderly from the Lion Befrienders Club. Podiatrists are able to relieve their patients' feet agony, such as removing an ingrown toenail. I think it is very satisfying to be able to relieve someone's acute pain in a short period of time with the skills I have as a podiatrist. I have considered physiotherapy in the local polytechnics but I realize that my interest is more of being in the frontline of healing, rather than on the rehabilitative side. I am more of a people-oriented person, so I have never considered a science degree to work in research area. Getting a science degree to teach was my second option, but I am glad that I am given the chance to pursue this particular field.

I: How do you feel when dealing with removing dead tissues and cleaning infected areas filled with pus?

W: Currently, I am still in the early stages of my clinical work, so there are not many acute cases that I face. However I get to see many severe foot infection during my student attachments in NUH and CGH (my sponsor hospital) which interest me more than it disgust me. I think I do have a higher tolerance towards them.

I: With all the difficulties that you are facing, how do you manage to keep yourself going?

W: The most fulfilling thing is knowing that whatever difficulties I am facing is unique. I applied for an overseas scholarship for this experience which is worth every difficulty that I face because I know that eventually it will make me a stronger person who has seen more of the world. Eventually what doesn't kill me makes me stronger, so I do cherish every situation I meet, albeit it being difficult. Another thing is that no matter what difficulty I meet, I am always supported by my contingent of friends and family back in Singapore.

I: Any advice for AJC juniors who may be inspired by your deep interest in podiatry and would like to join you?

W: I would say it will always be better to know more of this profession. Podiatrists in public hospitals would be most glad to offer an attachment to give you more insight of this occupation. Do grab hold of this type of opportunities. Being a podiatrist is not about making money. It is more suitable for people who like people and enjoy having job satisfaction. Be prepared to be engaged in a lot of unglamorous stuff like cutting nails and sloughing off dead tissues. However, there's a lot of joy derived from helping people elevate their pain. That is why people always like to visit podiatrists.

Alumni Watch! Interview with Ms Singapore Universe Finalist 2006, Vanessa Tan

Vanessa aka Yiwei of 30/97 has always been told that she resembles MediaCorp artiste Phyllis Quek since secondary school days. But friends who understand her well enough know that Vanessa is really an extrovert. Close friends love her for her bubbly nature, her easy-going personality and her loyalty towards friends. She almost never fails to lend her friends a helping hand when they are in need. After graduation from AJC, she attained an Honours degree in Sociology from the National University of Singapore, Faculty of Arts and Social Science (FASS). She was a Ms Singapore Universe (MSU) Pageant 2006 Finalist.
(V: Vanessa; I: Interviewer)

I) What did you work as upon your graduation?

V: I first worked in the MCDS or the current Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS) for a couple of months doing social research at the Probation department before doing my Honours. Upon completion of my Honours, I worked with the MCYS as a Child Protection Officer (CPO) for about a year, mainly investigating into child abuse cases and helping children and families deal with issues of violence that happen behind closed doors. Currently, I am working with the Singapore Airlines as a flight stewardess. It has been two years now.

I: Wow, what a difference between these two jobs!

V: I am very adventurous and am never afraid to try new things. In fact, routine bores me. That probably explains my choice of career (non–desk-bound jobs) and hobbies such as scuba-diving, tandem sky-diving and acting.

I: We saw you in the finals for the Ms Singapore Universe (MSU) Pageant 2006. Have you ever participated in any beauty pageant before this? What prompted you to join?

V: No. The MSU 2006 was my first beauty pageant. Actually, I have thought of taking part in the MSU for the past few years. I only participated this year because I feel I am ready mentally and emotionally for the responsibilities should I be crowned Ms Singapore Universe. Not only that, I feel the MSU is a suitable platform for me to highlight the flight and champion for elevation of the status of the women and children who are forced into prostitution in third world countries.

I) You have very inspiring reasons to join the pageant. Any interesting experience that you would like to share with us while participating in the Ms Singapore Universe (MSU) pageant 2006? How do you feel while on the national stage?

V: It has always been the media’s interest in digging out any interesting experiences (cat-fighting etc) that happened among the contestants. In any competition, there will bound to have differences surfacing. It is just a matter of whether these differences are handled maturely and healthily. I feel proud and honoured making it to the top 18 finalists of this prestigious national competition. However, frankly speaking, while on national stage, I was busy concentrating on so many things at one go, e.g. my choreographed steps, whether I am smiling enough, dancing to the rhythm, walking elegantly, which camera to look at while at each position on stage etc that I basically didn’t feel much at that moment in time. But I did enjoy myself on that big night, soaking up the atmosphere on my first live show.

I) Very interesting… what do you think is the most important value that AJC has instilled in you? Any words of encouragement to our juniors and other ex-AJCians?

V: Not for myself alone. I think this value has a great influence in many aspects of my life. Of all courses available in the FASS, I chose social work because I want to be equipped with the skills to help others help themselves. In addition, it has helped me connect with people more effectively as I understand people from their points of view. This value has also definitely helped me serve my passengers better as I am able to anticipate their needs, a characteristic that my passengers find quite delightful in my service. Never dare to dream big and push beyond your self-imposed personal limits. I definitely do have doubts of myself whether I could even get past the first round of the MSU audition. It takes great courage to stand and be judged in front of the national audience and I salute to all the MSU contestants for having that courage. I urge all AJCians to believe in yourself and to chase after your dreams. Most importantly, never allow anyone to tell you that you can’t do it.

Vanessa believes in not sweating the small stuff. Looking beyond the minute stuff helps her stay positive in life. Her enthusiastic nature and her influential smile has brightened the life of people around her. She is passionate towards life and will do her best in everything she sets her mind on.

We wish Vanessa all the best in her future. She is definitely not only our Ms AJCian but our Ms Singapore Universe (MSU) winner as well in our hearts, as a woman of brains and beauty.

Interview conducted by: Lau Kiat Meng, Meiling and Peggy.

Alumni Watch! Interview with NUSSU President, Danny Quek

The National University of Singapore Students’ Union (NUSSU) is the official organization of all undergraduates in NUS. It is specifically catered to serve the general interests of the large and diverse student population in NUS, to highlight and improve on the various issues and ideas that the students are concerned about. We are extremely proud that the 27th NUSSU Executive Committee this year is headed by our AJCian, President Danny Quek Boon Guan (25/98).
(I: Interviewer, D: Danny)

I: What prompted you to join the NUSSU?

D: I have always been active in volunteerism since my secondary school days. When I first came to NUS, I was active in NVAC, the volunteer committee under NUSSU since year one. NUSSU does a lot for the students and I want to be part of it. The decision to run for presidency came when I knew I had a team of dedicated and capable people who are willing to go the extra miles. I believe we can make a difference and formulate new policies that will benefit the students in the years to come.

I: Any interesting experience that you would like to share with us while being the President of NUSSU?

D: Well, I guessed I learnt the most while managing the Fee Hike Saga. When the fee hike was announced, the NUSSU raised its objections and set up a forum for the students. It slowly evolved into suggestions for the NUSSU to protest and we rubbed shoulders with the media. We had sleepless nights managing the students’ anger. The NUSSU responded rationally with respects to our political climate and held dialogue sessions with senior administrators of the University. The University assured us of more consultation, accountability and financial aid. Angry comments slowly became encouraging ones and we were touched by the support of our peers. Overall, I still feel that we have dealt with it in the best possible way.

I: Sounds interesting, how do you manage your time having to commit to both NUSSU and your studies?

D: There were times when I can feel the stress level going high. Our resources can be stretched thin at times and unlike some overseas unions where student leaders take a year off to serve as paid full time staff, we are unable to follow suit. Union and academic commitments do clash often but it teaches me better time management and stress coping skills. Social support, regular exercises and taking timely short breaks certainly do wonders at times.

I: What do you think is the most important value that AJC has instilled in you?

D: I cannot forget our college motto “Non Mihi Solum”. My own understanding of it taught me to be selfless and to focus on the result of the team rather than the individual. I believe this has been my approach for any student body I have joined.

By Selly

Alumni Watch! Interview with MediaCorp Radio Broadcast Journalist, Jeremy Koh

Jeremy Koh (29/97) was a student councillor from the 14th Students' Council. With a very friendly and easy going personality, he has always been very popular among his peers. After graduating from AJC in 1998, he moved on to Nanyang Technological University where he majored in Communications Studies. Currently, he is a Broadcast Journalist with MediaCorp Radio 938Live.
(I: Interviewer; J: Jeremy)

I) What did you work as upon your graduation from NTU Communications Studies?

J: Well, basically, I've been working on a part-time basis with Capital Radio since I completed my 6-month internship in 2004. After I graduated from NTU in April, I continued working there as a broadcast journalist for a month or so before I went for my graduation trip to Europe. After I came back from Europe, I took a short break before I started work as a Broadcast Journalist with 938Live.

I) Any interesting experience or news that you covered that you would like to share with us while working temporarily for Capital 95.8 FM?

J: In total, I was with Capital Radio for about a year and a half. During that period, I've had the opportunity to report on variety of news, from the usual crime stories to major events like the collapse of the Nicoll Highway. I can still remember the day when Nicoll Highway collapsed. I was working on another story when suddenly my boss asked me to go to Suntec City to report on the blackout that was caused by the collapse. When that was done, I was sent to the actual collapse site. It felt so surreal when I actually saw for myself how bad the whole situation was. But of course there wasn't much time to reflect on what I saw. Once I got there, it was work, work and more work! Also, there's all the adrenalin rush as well, because I wanted to get the news out as fast as possible. But even though it was very tiring, the thought that the listeners were standing by their radios waiting to hear the latest updates kept me going.

I) So what shows are you currently hosting on Mediacorp Radio?

J: Well, besides news gathering, I'm currently hosting two programmes. The first is Huayu Cool on 938Live. That's a programme that teaches listeners simple Mandarin phrases which they can use in daily conversations. The second programme I'm hosting is Edutalk, which is broadcast every Thursday morning. It's a twenty minute talkshow that deals with education issues.

I) You are extremely good at both languages. How did you manage to do that?

J: Because I paid attention in classes. Haha! Well, seriously, for my English, I think it's because I read quite a bit when I was young. Also, my family speaks English. As for my Mandarin, I think I picked it up from watching television programmes or movies. And of course, I have friends who speak either English or Mandarin, so depending on whom I speak to, I use either English or Mandarin. In that way, I get lots of practice. In terms of conversations, I'm quite comfortable with both languages. However, in terms of writing, my English is better.

I) Any plans for the future?

J: You never know what the future holds so I try not to plan too far ahead. But I do have short term plans. These include my travel plans for the year. Haha. For instance, I'm considering Xinjiang or Switzerland as my next travel destinations. I also have plans to brush up on my Spanish but then again, that was last year's plans. Haha!

I) Wow, you can even speak Spanish! What do you think is the most important value that AJC has instilled in you?

J: Well, it's very hard to pinpoint a single most important value because every experience has made me what I am today. But one of the most important values that I learnt in AJC is time management. When I was a student councillor, I had to balance my schoolwork with the demands of being a student councillor. While I still do need practice, I think I'm much better at prioritizing my time now. Knowing how to manage my time was extremely crucial during my university days when I had to balance my studies with my extra-curricular activities as well as my radio work.

Jeremy is a very enthusiastic and passionate broadcast journalist. Always keen to try new things, his keenness to learn and to always experience new things has given him many opportunities. The AJCAA wishes Jeremy all the best in his future endeavours and may he bring AJC to greater heights!

Interview conducted by: Ng Gek Hong Peggy.