Issue 1 of 2017

A publication of Ngee Ann Polytechnic

GOING BEYOND GRADES

CLOSER INDUSTRY TIES

New industry collaborations

enhance learning for students

PROJECT HEARTWARE

Innovative final-year

projects that benefit the community

The Early Admissions Exercise is paving the way for students with passion and aptitude to enter Ngee Ann

/ contents /highlightsGetting China-Ready Students learn to engage the global powerhouse through collaboration with Business China A Boost for Industry Collaborations Enhanced learning opportunities for students through new partnerships with industry leaders and associations Uniquely Singapore Stickers Two Product Design & Innovation students clinch top prizes in local competition

Heroes Who Inspire Prominent social changemakers inspire students to build an inclusive society cover storyIn Pursuit of their Passions Students with strong aptitudes and interests can secure a place at Ngee Ann before their ‘O’ levels, thanks to the Early Admissions Exercise

featuresFor a Common Good Innovation and heart come together in final-year projects that can make a positive impact on others Learning from the Best Keynote address by leading academic draws the crowd at Service-Learning event Scientist with a Heart Research scientist at Ngee Ann wins prestigious medal for his research on membrane technology Lessons from Around the World Our students travel across the globe for valuable international exposure and rich cultural experiences Making a Foodful Effort Ngee Ann’s Food Drive amasses over ten tons of food for needy families

the last pageWhere Learning Takes Flight

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CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE

EDITOR V Prema

ASSISTANT EDITOR Melanie Wee

SENIOR DESIGNER Frances Sim

For enquiries, contact us at askNP@np.edu.sg or call 6466 6555.

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TRANSCENDING THE LANGUAGE BARRIERShe may not be able to speak Mandarin, but that did not deter Azrinnizzah Binte Mohammad Azhar from signing up for the Certificate in China Readiness (CCR) programme.

The Mass Communication student fell in love with China after her parents had taken her to Beijing and Xi’an in 2014. “China is one of my favourite countries as there are so many different aspects to the rich

earning to bridge cultural gaps and understanding China’s dynamic business environment are just some of the skills which Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP)

students can glean through the Certificate in China Readiness (CCR) programme.

An elective module from NP’s School of Interdisciplinary Studies, the programme was developed in collaboration with Business China in a Memorandum of Understanding signed in March 2017. Business China was launched in 2007 by the late former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew to nurture inclusive and bicultural Singaporeans.

“The CCR programme prepares our students to recognise and seek opportunities in the China market. Through this, we hope that our students will have better knowledge of China’s dynamism and complexity, and be ready to capitalise on the innovative and entrepreneurial energies in the Chinese market today,” said NP Principal, Mr Clarence Ti.

Throughout its three modules, second-year students who are selected for this programme will study China’s key business developments, its growth and changing values, and Chinese history and culture.

During the final module, these students will embark on a 12-day immersion programme in China, which covers visits to start-ups, institutes and corporations.

Accountancy student Simon Chow was among the pioneer batch of 70 students who signed up for the CCR programme which began in April this year. Running his own business selling sports equipment, attire and mobile phone

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Among the first batch of students taking the CCR programme are (from left): Jaryl Tan, Azrinnizzah

Binte Mohammad Azhar and Simon Chow.

GETTING CHINA-READYStudents learn to engage the global powerhouse through collaboration with Business China

accessories means that he liaises frequently with suppliers in China to import his stock.

“As an aspiring entrepreneur, I realise that there is still so much that I need to know about doing business in China. This programme lets me learn more about its business and emerging markets, which will be useful in my interactions with Chinese suppliers.”

Chinese culture. I hope to do my final-year internship there and even enter the Chinese media industry in future,” she said.

Azrinnizzah will be taking over her parents’ business in the future, with an eye to growing it internationally – to China. She said, “That’s one reason why I’m looking forward to this programme – to discover more about Chinese culture.”

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SINGAPORE FINTECH ASSOCIATION (SFA) A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in February 2017 between SFA and the five local polytechnics, including Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP), supports the drive to develop a robust pool of skilled manpower to establish Singapore as a smart financial centre.

Under the MOU, students will enjoy opportunities for industry exposure to help them understand the financial markets, and technology and regulatory environments. Working in tandem with the global FinTech community, plans for the year include innovation lab crawls, workshops, internships and mentorships.

At least 10 innovation labs will host exhibitions and conduct programmes to help students better understand their company operations. About 100 education workshops – where industry experts present new technological and regulatory advancements in the banking and financial sector – are also in the pipeline at different innovation labs.

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A BOOST FOR INDUSTRY COLLABORATIONSEnhanced learning opportunities for students, thanks to new partnerships with industry leaders and associations

Meanwhile, final-year students can get a head start in the FinTech industry, with internships in start-ups, financial institutions and regulatory bodies within the sector. SFA will also recommend industry practitioners as well as venture capitalists and incubators, as mentors to students.

Said NP’s Principal, Mr Clarence Ti, “We are excited that this partnership with SFA will open up more opportunities for polytechnic students to keep abreast of the FinTech sector’s evolving needs, fuel their passion and upgrade their skillsets to meet industry demands.”

NP students on a lab crawl at the Visa Innovation Centre Singapore, where they discover more about new digital payment

experiences and commerce applications.

Mr Mah Wee Beng (left), Deputy Principal of Ngee Ann Polytechnic, with Ms Theresa Tan, Vice President of Human Resources at Scoot and Tigerair, during the MOU signing ceremony.

Aerospace Technology students will benefit from more practical

learning opportunities, thanks to enhanced

industry collaborations.

(From left) Mr Chia Hock Lai, President, Singapore FinTech Association; Mr Peter Lam, Principal & Chief Executive Officer, Temasek Polytechnic; Mr Lim Peng Hun, Deputy Principal, Singapore Polytechnic; Mr Yeo Li Pheow, Principal/Chief Executive Officer, Republic Polytechnic; Mr Edward Ho, Deputy Principal, Nanyang Polytechnic; Mr Clarence Ti, Principal, Ngee Ann Polytechnic; and Mr Sopnendu Mohanty, Chief FinTech Officer, Monetary Authority of Singapore at the pan-polytechnic MOU signing ceremony.

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GOVERNMENT TECHNOLOGY AGENCY OF SINGAPORE (GOVTECH) Enhancing student competencies through smart technology projects for the public sector – that is the intent of the collaborations between GovTech and eight institutes of higher learning (IHL).

The agreements between GovTech and the IHLs – among them Ngee Ann Polytechnic – were signed in February this year. They will see about 300 students benefitting from internships and final-year projects. These students will work on

technological solutions for problems faced by public agencies. Among the potential projects for NP is video analytics.

Facial recognition technology, in particular, can be used for contact tracing of the elderly with dementia, tracking of individuals during epidemic outbreaks or to enhance homeland security.

“This set of agreements will allow us to help develop our next generation of tech talent, which is key to building Singapore into a Smart Nation,” said Ms Jacqueline Poh, Chief Executive, GovTech.

SCOOT/TIGERAIR & BOMBARDIER AEROSPACE SERVICES SINGAPORE Two Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) signed by NP’s School of Engineering in January 2017 will let students acquire practical industry skills and first-hand insights into aircraft operations, manufacturing and maintenance.

The MOU with Scoot and Tigerair will facilitate industry collaboration in aerospace technology and airline business education to provide NP students with relevant training, industry mentorship and career guidance.

Meanwhile, the agreement with Bombardier is a collaborative framework to develop and promote links in aerospace technology, education, training and career mentorship. In the pipeline are industry talks, plant visits, off-campus classes, and donations of aerospace parts and equipment for teaching purposes.

With greater exposure to the industry and more on-the-job learning opportunities, students can deepen their skills to better prepare them for the workforce.

At the signing, NP’s Deputy Principal, Mr Mah Wee Beng, said, “We will constantly work with industry partners to keep our students abreast of the latest technologies, and provide them with a robust curriculum that is backed by strong practical learning in this field.”

We will constantly work with industry partners to keep our students abreast of the latest technologies, and provide them with a robust curriculum that is backed by strong practical learning in this field.– Mr Mah Wee Beng, Deputy Principal Ngee Ann Polytechnic

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Thank you notes to foreign workers, penned by NP students.

Students trying on glasses and gloves that simulate the physical challenges faced by the elderly.

UNIQUELY SINGAPORE STICKERSTwo Product Design & Innovation students clinch top prizes in local competition

e put a creative spin on a classic local icon, and won recognition and a $2,000 prize for his efforts.

Second-year Product Design & Innovation student Chua Yong Ping emerged first runner-up in the LINE: Search for Singapore’s Next Young Sticker Artist competition with his sticker set titled “Fab Trolley Dollyz”.

The competition, organised in October 2016 by popular messaging app, LINE, was themed “Singapore Fabulous: Life in Singapore”. Local tertiary students were challenged to create sets of 16 stickers which were a personal interpretation of unique Singapore experiences.

Yong Ping’s winning design was inspired by national carrier, Singapore Airlines. “I wanted to create stickers based on something that is easily recognisable. That’s why I chose the Singapore Airlines stewardess in her classic sarong kebaya, which is among the most famous icons in our local context.”

Meanwhile, his course mate Luo Sheng drew her inspiration from Singapore’s coat of arms, represented by a lion and tiger. “I wanted to create distinctive expressions on

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• Pop Aye, a debut feature by Kirsten Tan, became the first Singaporean film to clinch a prize at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival in January. It won the Special Jury Award for Screenplay in the World Cinema Dramatic Competition. The film by the Class of 2005 Advanced Diploma in Film Production graduate also won the VPRO Big Screen Award at the International Film Festival Rotterdam. Pop Aye’s executive producer is Anthony Chen, a

HEROES WHO INSPIREProminent social changemakers inspire students to build an inclusive society

t is not every day that youths in Singapore have a chance to interact with social

changemakers. But that’s just what about 2,000 Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) students got to do during the Heroes Seminar, held on campus last November.

The annual event, currently in its sixth year, was themed “Inclusion Starts with Me”. It aimed to raise awareness of the importance of an inclusive society, especially across four segments: migrant workers, the silver generation, those with special needs and the disadvantaged.

Eighteen guest speakers took to the stage over the five-day event. They

included Mr John See Toh, chairman of Running Hour, a club where members run with the physically, visually and mildly intellectually-challenged; Mr Nicholas Tan, owner of Ugly Cake Shop which funds meals for children in Timor Leste; and Mr Mukul Hossine, a Bangladeshi construction worker who is also a published poet.

In addition, the event featured experiential activities where students could don glasses simulating glaucoma and wear gloves limiting their finger movements to better understand the physical challenges faced by the elderly. They could also play wheelchair basketball and learn sign language to help them empathise with the

Iphysically-handicapped and hearing-impaired respectively.

Students who were keen to do their part for society could sign up as volunteers at various booths set up by the SAF Volunteer Corps, Singapore Police Force’s Volunteer Special Constabulary and Running Hour.

Valerie Wee, a Business Information Technology student at the event said, “Through the talks, I’ve learnt to be more mindful of how my grandparents feel. I used to help them to do things so that they would feel loved, but now I realise I should also let them show their love by doing things for me, so that they can take pride in their independence and skills.”

Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Health & Ministry of Home Affairs, Mr Amrin Amin (third from left), with students at the event photobooth.

Class of 2004 Film, Sound & Video graduate and director of award-winning film Ilo Ilo.

• A team of students, comprising Devesh Logendran and Josephine Tanadi from the School of InfoComm Technology, emerged as second runners-up in the 7th Cyber Conquest Competition in October 2016. They beat industry professionals and university representatives in the competition which tested participants’ computer and network

security skills. The competition was held in conjunction with GovWare 2016, a cyber conference and exhibition organised by the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore.

• Twelve students from Ngee Ann’s School of Engineering were among the 19 polytechnic recipients of the Defence Science Organisation (DSO) Diploma Scholarship in 2016. The scholarship covers tuition fees, an annual allowance of $2,500 and an internship at DSO before graduation.

SPECIAL MENTIONS

Chua Yong Ping (left) and Luo Sheng with their prize-winning sticker designs.

these animals featuring our unofficial language, Singlish. To make them approachable and friendly, I created them in a cartoon version and selected colours that would appeal to children,” she said.

The sticker sets designed for the competition were downloaded over 300,000 times from the LINE sticker shop and utilised over a million times by LINE users.

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Students with strong aptitudes and interests can secure a place at Ngee Ann before their ‘O’ levels, thanks to the Early Admissions Exercise TEXT: MELANIE WEE

IN PURSUIT OF

ours of hard work designing intricate 3D graphic models of aircraft, battleships and skyscrapers paid off for Joshua Ng. They helped him gain a place in Ngee

Ann Polytechnic’s (NP) Animation & 3D Arts course, even before he had taken his 'O' levels.

Applying via the Early Admissions Exercise (EAE), Joshua’s interest and skills in 3D design shone through in his admissions interview.

“He wasn’t just a student sitting in his bedroom building stuff on his computer; he is very motivated and able to self-learn,” said Mr Philip Mitchell, a senior manager from NP’s School of InfoComm Technology who met Joshua during the selection process.

The EAE recognises a wider range of talents, as polytechnics – including NP – have greater flexibility to select and admit students on criteria other than academic merit. The admissions exercise lets students apply for and receive conditional offers for polytechnic admission based on their course-related aptitudes and interests, even before they obtain their final grades.

Once they accept the offer, students only need to score not more than 26 points for their 'O' levels and meet the minimum entry requirements for their selected course to confirm their place.

"Applying through the normal routes could probably get me a spot in an animation course, but it would definitely be more stressful," said Joshua, who began his studies in NP in April. MORE PLACES FOR EAE 2018 Close to 8,000 ‘O’ level students applied to polytechnics via the EAE when it was introduced by the Ministry of Education last year. From 2018, EAE applicants can form up to 15% of each polytechnic’s total intake, up from 12.5% in 2017.

Students will be assessed through their application write-ups, portfolios and interviews. Those with outstanding achievements in sports, arts, leadership, entrepreneurship and community service may also be considered.

NP Principal, Mr Clarence Ti, said, "The intent is to give priority admission to students who have demonstrated strong potential for a specific course as we believe that they will be able to do well in it if they have the right aptitude and interest."

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Number of ‘O’ level students who applied via the EAE for AY2017.

% of NP's total intake for AY2018 reserved for EAE applicants.

% of each course intake that can comprise EAE applicants.

% of annual intake allowed for 17 NP courses where aptitude and interest are key.

Mr Steven Lim (pictured), lecturer from the School of Humanities & Social Sciences, shares tips on preparing well for the EAE application. RAISING ONE’S SELF-AWARENESS It’s important for students to know what they are passionate about. What past experiences or projects were they involved in that saw them truly in their element – alive and with a sense of meaning and purpose?

Students may not be aware of their strengths and interests, but parents or teachers who have observed them can be a useful mirror, helping them to reflect and gain a deeper self-understanding of their strengths and talents.

It is useful to engage them in a conversation. Listen actively, and be open-minded and non-judgmental.

Some questions one can ask are: What are some things you feel you do well in? What drives you? What accomplishments are you most proud of? What is your favourite subject? If you could do any job for a day, what would it be?

DOING COURSE RESEARCH Students should find out more about the courses they are interested in. The more they know about the course, the better-equipped they will be to make an informed decision. This will also prepare them well if they are shortlisted for an interview. NP’s course information is available at www.np.edu.sg and course brochures can be obtained from the website or on campus.*For more information and updates on the EAE,

please visit eae.polytechnic.edu.sg

Source: Ministry of Education Press Release “Many Paths, New Possibilities: Expanding Pathways & Support for Lifelong Learning” at bit.ly/2qxxcQI

3 JULY – 22 AUGUST* Interviews for shortlisted

candidates.

THE EAE 2017 CALENDAR

22 JUNE – 28 JUNE* EAE application opens online at

eae.polytechnic.edu.sg. Students can select up to three courses.

28 AUGUST – 31 AUGUST* Notification of EAE posting

and online acceptance of offers by successful

applicants.

BY 6 OCTOBER* Withdrawal deadline if

applicants change their mind about accepting the offer,

so that they are eligible to participate in the Joint Admissions Exercise (JAE).

THEIR PASSIONSINSIDERS’ TIPS ON ACING THE EAE APPLICATION

UP TO 30%

UP TO50%

about 8,000

UP TO

15%

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MAKING IT MY WAY

YVONNE LEE Course: Business Studies Formerly from: Woodlands Ring Secondary School What motivated you to apply via the EAE? I was keen on NP’s Business Studies course as I wanted to pick up useful skills for my online business. Right now, I sell Korean-designed socks on my blogshop, shipping them to customers from as far as the UK, USA, Australia and Italy. But the cut-off point for the course was quite low. So I decided to try the EAE, since my online business is relevant to what I was applying for. How did you demonstrate your aptitude and interest for your course? During the interview, I shared how I started my blogshop, contacting suppliers in Korea until I found a reliable one. I also had to market my products, so I looked on Instagram for potential customers and left comments on their posts. I think the interviewers could sense my passion for business, because I managed to get a spot in the course.

Any EAE application tips to share? Get straight to the point instead of beating around the bush – the interviewers probably appreciate it when you’re direct. Also, be sure to show them your portfolio, even if you’re in a group interview; don’t be too shy to ask, “Would you like to see my portfolio?” if they don’t ask for it!

DENYSE TAN Course: Mass Communication Formerly from: Nan Hua High School What motivated you to apply via the EAE? I got hooked on photography in Secondary 2 when I attended a photography class conducted by an alumnus from my secondary school. I guess he spotted my potential in photography because he recommended that I try for Ngee Ann’s Diploma in Mass Communication. Like others who applied through the EAE, I wanted to get in early on the course; plus it was a chance to receive some feedback on my portfolio. How did you demonstrate your aptitude and interest for your course? Thanks to my senior’s recommendation, I became a student correspondent for Lianhe Zaobao, covering photography assignments. I also won the Singapore Youth Photographer Convention with a series of photos centred around traditional games like five stones and marbles. I included all these in my application to showcase my passion for photography and photojournalism. Any EAE application tips to share? Always be yourself during the interview and show your passion for the course. Give honest answers as the interviewers are genuinely interested in finding out more about your aptitude and interest.

With the Early Admissions Exercise (EAE) recognising a wide range of aptitudes and interests, every student has a different story to tell. We highlight three success stories who made it to NP via the EAE – each in their own unique way

During the interview, I shared how I started my blogshop, contacting suppliers in Korea until I found a reliable one. I also had to market my products, so I looked on Instagram for potential customers and left comments on their posts.– Yvonne Lee

BRANDON KONGCourse: Banking & Financial Services Formerly from: St Andrew’s Secondary School What motivated you to apply via the EAE? Inspired by my mother who works in the banking industry, I have always wanted to be a banker. So the Diploma in Banking & Financial Services was the ideal choice for me, since I’ll be able to learn first-hand how banks really work. I was hoping to get an early spot in the course before the ‘O’ levels, which is why my friends and I tried applying through the EAE. How did you demonstrate your aptitude and interest for your course? In my application, I included my online business experience. Over eight months, I had run a business on Carousell (an online marketplace) selling local attraction tickets. Buying the tickets in bulk, I sold them at a profit, earning a total of $18,000. I also shared about how I hoped to gain a broad-based understanding of the banking and finance sector, which will bring me closer to my ambition of becoming a banker. Any EAE application tips to share? Remember to include all your achievements, even if they may not be directly related to the course. For example, I listed the Edusave awards I had won, and also added my sporting achievements in water polo – captaining my secondary school team and representing Singapore at a youth-level international competition.

A KNACK FOR BUSINESS

AN EYE FOR PHOTOGRAPHY

BANKING ON THE FUTURE

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RASYIQAH SYAHIRAH BINTE RAHIM Product Design & Innovation

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FOR A COMMON GOODInnovation and heart come together in these final-year projects that can make a positive impact in the lives of others TEXT: MELANIE WEE & SARAH LIM

itnessing a train breakdown prompted Brandon Koh to think of ways to improve rail reliability.

Together with his course mate Tan Jian Hui, he collaborated with the National University of Singapore and SBS Transit to research, design and test a low-cost, non-invasive prototype structural health monitor for the early detection of faults on the rail tracks of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) system.

The monitor uses a stretchable sensor mounted on the train to detect surface irregularities and faults in the tracks, providing real-time measurements. This can help to reveal track faults before they worsen. Repair works can then be targeted at specific sections of the track early on, thus reducing maintenance costs.

The monitor was among the top projects

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BRANDON KOH & TAN JIAN HUI / ZECHARIAH TAN & SOON QING RONG Engineering Science

MUHAMMAD HAZIQ SYAHIR BIN SULAIMAN & YAP YEOK ANN Biomedical Engineering

delivery with more than 96 per cent certainty. Its non-invasive method works by analysing electrohysterogram signals, which measure contractions of the uterus.

Zechariah was spurred to embark on this project as one of his family members had gone through a miscarriage. He said: “I had to experience the pain alongside my family member. When I heard about this project, I thought I could use my skills to help expectant mothers. Our project will enable women at high risk to receive appropriate medical care and improve their chances of delivering at full term.”

asyiqah Syahirah Binte Rahim's family used to enjoy driving around for family outings. But when her father was diagnosed with diabetes, he got tired easily

because of his low blood sugar levels and would need to return home to rest.

"That was what drove me to produce HYEP, a canister that can be used by diabetics during hypoglycemic attacks when blood sugar levels become abnormally low. My father can't swallow pills to restore his glucose levels, so this is an ideal solution for him," said Rasyiqah.

HYEP pumps out 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates in each dose. It can be used five times before being easily refilled, so that diabetic patients do not have to worry about running low on doses while they are on the go. HYEP’s compact and lightweight design also means that it is easy to carry around.

"Other than helping my own father, I hope that HYEP will give other diabetic patients a new lease of life too," she said.

desire to help his elderly grandmother was the inspiration behind

Muhammad Haziq Syahir Bin Sulaiman’s final-year soft robotics glove project.

“My grandmother, who used to live with me, had a fall which made it difficult for her to walk. This made her inactive and soon, not just her legs, but also her arms grew weaker. She even faced problems with simple tasks like eating on her own as she couldn’t hold a spoon properly,” said Haziq.

The soft robotics glove is a boon for the frail elderly like Haziq’s grandmother, as it can be used during physiotherapy sessions to help them regain lost function in their hands.

Haziq and his course mate Yap Yeok Ann developed an app that controls the glove remotely. Commands can be given via the app to flex each finger separately or to clench the whole fist.

showcased at the Polytechnic Student Research Programme (PSRP) Awards Ceremony at Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) in March. Under the programme, third-year polytechnic students get the opportunity to work on their final-year projects under the guidance of experts at local universities and research institutes. A total of ten teams – two from each local polytechnic – received the Best Project Award.

Another NP team at the event showcased an efficient and reliable way to detect premature births.

The computer-based detection system, conceptualised by Zechariah Tan and Soon Qing Rong, can predict premature

A train breakdown was what prompted

Tan Jian Hui (left) and Brandon Koh to develop

a monitor which can detect rail track faults.

Rasyiqah Syahirah Binte Rahim with the HYEP

canister which can be a lifesaver for diabetic patients during hypoglycemic attacks.

Yap Yeok Ann (left) and Muhammad Haziq Syahir Bin Sulaiman developed an app for the soft robotic glove

that aids the elderly in rehabilitation exercises.

Zechariah Tan (left) and Soon Qing Rong with their project

that can predict premature births with an accuracy of

over 96 per cent.

The number of repetitions can also be programmed through the app.

With the portable glove, elderly patients can exercise in the comfort of their own homes, with the aid of a family member to adjust the app’s settings. This saves them from making

repeated trips to the physiotherapist, which can be tiring and time-consuming.

“I hope that this project can help the elderly like my grandmother with their rehabilitation, so that they can regain their motor skills,” said Haziq.

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SCIENTIST WITH A HEARTResearch scientist at Ngee Ann wins prestigious International Association of Advanced Materials Scientist Medal for his research on membrane technology

enior Manager Dr Antony Prince doesn't just have a passion for his work; he also has a resolute determination to make his work count in the lives

of others. Meet our award-winning material scientist from the Environmental & Water Technology Centre of Innovation (EWTCOI) who aims to change the world with ground-breaking research. What area of research are you involved in? My main area of research is in membrane technology. With water and energy supply being critical problems in today's world, my team and I develop energy-saving membrane-based green technologies for environmental and water applications. We also introduce cost-effective solutions to the industry.

What inspired you to pursue work in this area? When I learnt about the global threat of water scarcity, I was moved to do something about it. My chemistry background, which covers the structure, property and composition of materials, enabled me to see the importance of material science in membrane technology. At EWTCOI, I get to innovate with materials. I aspire to do more with novel materials that can provide solutions for water hygiene and sanitation issues, to benefit communities.

You recently conceptualised a ground-breaking desalination system, Distil™. Tell us more about it. I am the primary inventor of Distil™, the first-of-its-kind nanofibre-based membrane desalination system. It was produced together with my colleagues from EWTCOI. Distil™ can produce over 200 litres of desalinated water per hour or 5,000 litres per day, using just half of the energy compared to conventional systems. We are currently in talks with several companies to commercialise this technology.

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n a nod to continuing education and lifelong learning, 22 Ngee Ann

Polytechnic (NP) staff completed their Master of Education programme with the University of Adelaide and were conferred their degrees in March this year.

They were among the 82 staff that NP has sponsored so far to pursue a Master of Education programme. Since 2008, NP has worked with university partners, including the University of Western Australia and University of Adelaide to conduct these programmes on campus.

The programme is part of NP’s Professional Development in Education Roadmap for academic leadership. Staff who have completed the programme continue to lead and inspire their colleagues and students, while shaping teaching and learning in various roles within NP.

MASTERING THE ART OF TEACHING

As a scientist, what are some goals you hope to achieve in future? My ultimate goal is to develop water treatment systems that run on little to no energy. These would use renewable sources like wind, solar or geothermal energy. I hope to utilise my experience and knowledge to help the industry bring these inventions to market and thus benefit society as a whole.

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Dr Antony Prince with the Distil™ desalination system and its energy-saving solar panels.

Professor Robert Bringle presenting his keynote address to an audience of academics and industry professionals.

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LEARNING FROM THE BESTKeynote address by leading academic draws the crowd at Ngee Ann's Service-Learning event

arch 14 saw a full auditorium on campus as over 300 academics and industry professionals across Singapore gathered for "Getting the Best Out of Service-Learning",

a public lecture organised by Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP).Attendees hailed from both the public and private sectors,

including the Ministry of Education, National Youth Council, World Vision and Touch Community Services.

Professor Robert Bringle, a leading academic on Service-Learning, delivered the keynote address. The professor with the Center of Service and Learning at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis touched on the definition of Service-Learning, its outcomes and reflection opportunities. He also fielded questions from the audience after the address.

The event included NP students and staff sharing their Service-Learning experiences as well as a poster presentation of NP's Service-Learning projects.

"The lecture was a timely reminder for me, as it emphasised that the service and learning elements are equally important in Service-Learning, thus its acronym 'S-L'. The hyphen serves to integrate both elements to maximise the benefits of S-L," said NP's School of Health Sciences lecturer, Ms Jessie Tan.

Launched in April 2016, Service-Learning is NP's signature pedagogy. It encourages purposeful learning and active citizenry by leveraging the skills and knowledge of students' disciplines to meet identified community needs. NP is the first polytechnic in Singapore to introduce Service-Learning, with every diploma slated to offer at least one such module by 2018.

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NUR FARZANA JUPRI Health Sciences (Nursing)"Working with non-profit organisation, Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2), I spent half a day interacting with migrant workers at Little India. I distributed flyers to raise awareness of TWC2's services, so workers would know where to turn to if they needed help.

All the workers I spoke to felt that Singapore is a good place to live in and that Singaporeans are kind people. But they had also experienced discrimination from a minority of locals and sometimes felt obligated to give up their seats on the MRT – not just to pregnant women and the elderly, but even to ordinary Singaporeans.

Without Service-Learning, I wouldn't have stepped out of my comfort zone to interact with these migrant workers. It was the bridge that made it possible for me to learn what I didn't know before."

ONG SHING HE Electronic & Computer Engineering "We programmed a Bluetooth remote-controlled car and controller for the elderly in Jamiyah Nursing Home. This helps them to improve their hand-eye co-ordination. It was heartwarming to witness how their faces lit up when they saw our colourful cars which they could 'play' with.

This project allowed me to use my knowledge from the field that I'm trained in to make a difference. I lost my grandfather to cancer three years ago, so being able to bond with the elderly has been very meaningful for me."

MY SERVICE-LEARNING EXPERIENCE

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LESSONS FROM AROUND THE WORLD A closer look into the fascinating blend of eastern and western medicines, and tours of hospitals and pharmacies were among the most memorable experiences of Rachel Ang’s

study visit to Hong Kong.

HISTORY ON DISPLAY: During our visit to the Dr & Mrs Hung Hin Shiu Museum of Chinese Medicine, we saw traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) books, surgical tools and decoction utensils used during the dynastic era. There were even interactive games on acupuncture points and tongue diagnosis that gave us a better understanding of the essence of TCM. HERBS THAT HEAL: I really enjoyed our tour of Tung Wah Hospital, where we visited its TCM pharmacy and herbal decoction room. They were especially interesting as such facilities are not common in Singapore. The herbs were packed in drawers, similar to those in Chinese medical halls, and the pharmacists used machines to weigh and pack the powdered herbs. PHARMACY KNOW-HOW: For many of us, it was our first time entering a hospital pharmacy. We saw how prescriptions were checked by pharmacists and how the medicines were packaged and organised for each inpatient. We also gained a deeper understanding of how western and Chinese medicines can be integrated, and complement each other in a hospital setting.

HONG KONGRACHEL ANG

Pharmacy Science Year 3

Warrick Tan’s study trip, organised by the School of Film & Media Studies (FMS), wasn’t just about visiting Buckingham Palace and Hyde Park. He also got to tour some of the biggest companies and meet with established FMS alumni in the British

media industry.

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION: Watching a live news broadcast at the BBC studios with all the TV and video mixers was an eye-opener, as we got to see up-close how the cameras work in a news setting. We also went on the Making of Harry Potter studio tour at Warner Bros Studios. Going behind-the-scenes and stepping onto the authentic sets was an unforgettable experience for many of us who are Harry Potter fans. GAME-CHANGERS FOR NEWSMAKERS: We got the scoop on how the International Business Times works, thanks to an NP alumnus who is a senior technology writer there. We saw the internal system used to track their most popular posts and articles. And with news presentation methods changing rapidly, we learned about the emerging importance of infographics and creative visual mediums, especially on online platforms. CAREER INSPIRATION: Meeting with Film, Sound & Video alumnus and award-winning producer Anthony Chen during the alumni networking dinner was inspiring. Chatting with FMS alumni from different fields gave us a broader perspective of life beyond polytechnic, and opened our eyes to the differences between London and Singapore’s media industries.

As an aspiring architect, Vythiswari Muralli was thrilled to secure a three-month internship at DP Architects in Dubai, home to some of the most iconic

structures including the world’s tallest skyscraper, the Burj Khalifa.

DESIGN PROJECTS: My job involved designing upgrade options for existing buildings, so I spent most of my time doing 3D modelling and practical design thinking. I also saw how much effort goes into co-ordinating between offices in two different countries; for example, the Skype calls, emails and file transfers that were needed to make a project materialise.

SHARING OPINIONS: As an intern, I worked under the Associate Director of the Middle East and North Africa regions. I was surprised when she asked for my opinion on the design of building facades, their decorative elements and how they could be improved. It was an honour because I had only undergone a few years of architectural studies, whereas she was an industry veteran.

At the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the

largest mosque in the United Arab Emirates.

Vythiswari Muralli (second from left) and fellow intern, Toh Gin Fang (far right) with colleagues at DP Architects.

Warrick Tan at the office of Spindrift, a

digital agency under Publicis Groupe, one

of the world’s largest communications

companies.

At Ngee Ann, classes stretch beyond the four walls of a classroom. Our students travel across the globe for lessons, gaining valuable international exposure and rich cultural experiences TEXT: MELANIE WEE

GLOBAL CLASSROOM: When I first joined NP, I thought that I would simply study and graduate. But I got to visit places like Milan, Bali and Bandung for study trips and workshops, and go on this dream internship. Playing a part in these projects in Dubai has made me feel like I’m truly taking my first step into the world as an architect.

Rachel Ang trying her hand at calligraphy

at the Dr & Mrs Hung Hin Shiu Museum of

Chinese Medicine.

At Victoria Peak, the highest mountain on Hong Kong island.

Getting inside the BBC studios to watch a live news broadcast.

LONDONWARRICK TAN

Mass Communication

Year 3

DUBAIVYTHISWARI

MURALLI Sustainable

Urban Design & Engineering Class of 2016

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en tons of food – that was the goal that Ngee Ann Polytechnic’s School of Life Sciences & Chemical Technology (LSCT) set for its Food Drive this year.

And thanks to generous donations, they surpassed this goal, collecting almost 11.4 tons for a good cause.

The Food Drive began in 2010 as a small-scale programme with food donations from Ngee Ann’s staff and students. In 2013, under a partnership with Food Bank Singapore (FBSG), the Food Drive was expanded to include door-to-door collections in the heartlands. The amount of food collected has since grown steadily and this year’s collection is the largest received by FBSG from a school.

A partnership with the FairPrice supermarket chain saw collection points set up in three outlets over a weekend in April. More than four tons of food were collected through this channel. A food collection roadshow was also held on campus.

Meanwhile, students embarked on door-to-door collections in the Clementi and Bukit Panjang neighbourhoods. During their rounds, the students distributed personalised Gratitude

T

Notes to convey their thanks to residents, many of whom had donated generously.

“Through this event, we discovered many good Samaritans,” said Dr Huang Yinyi, LSCT lecturer and co-chairperson of the event. “Some FairPrice customers who had missed the event took the time to drive to Ngee Ann with cartons of food. One Clementi resident offered us drinks and helped us to carry the food items to the car. We also had a Ngee Ann staff who anonymously donated $500 worth of food.”

LSCT will work with organisations linked to FBSG throughout the year, to enable students to help with food distribution to the underprivileged.

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MAKING A FOODFUL EFFORTNgee Ann’s Food Drive amasses over ten tons of food for needy families TEXT: V PREMA

LSCT staff with the food items donated for needy families.

Hand-made gratitude cards distributed by students during door-to-door collections.

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WHERE LEARNING TAKES FLIGHTAerospace Electronics and Aerospace Technology students can undergo hands-on training in an actual

aeroplane cockpit on the Ngee Ann campus, thanks to an Airbus A320 aircraft simulator. Donated by the Blue Waves Group in January this year, the simulator provides students with an interactive experience, allowing them to gain

a deeper understanding of aircraft flight performance and the operating systems of an A320 plane.

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Corporate Communications Office Ngee Ann Polytechnic

535 Clementi Road, Singapore 599489 T: 6466 6555

www.np.edu.sg