MARCH - MAY 2010 WWW.SPGG.ORG.SG

39years ofTogetherness

SINGAPORE POLYTECHNIC GRADUATES’ GUILD

Get Connected, Stay Connected

DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO START YOUR

OWN BUSINESS?Here are some tips from those

who have made it

Talks Galore!Investment, Health, Dress for

Success, Marriage & Beauty talks are just some of the many interesting

topics being lined up for you!

Patron graces our Lo Hei Celebration

Dr Khoo Kay Chai has been bestowed with an Honorary Membership

Results of SPGG Survey 2009We are grateful for your participation

Contents

22Restaurant’s Promotions

23PEL Promotions

MAR - MAY 2010

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND ADVERTISEMENT ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT THE PUBLISHER Contact Tel: 6796 9988Website: http://www.spgg.org.sgEmail: marcom@spgg.org.sg

Singapore Polytechnic Graduates’ Guild publishes Fission quarterly. The Guild and the Design Agency accepts no responsibility for any unsolicited manuscripts, illustrations or photographs. No part of this publication may be reproduced and/ or by any other means, electronic, mechanical, photocopied, recorded or otherwise, without prior written permission of the publisher. The views and opinions expressed or implied in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. Although every effort and care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, neither the publisher nor the employees of Singapore Polytechnic Graduates’ Guild can be held liable for any errors or omissions for any consequences of reliance on this publication.

MICA (P) 114/02/2010

Designed by Mediactive Pte Ltdwww.mediactive.com.sg

Fission welcomes contributions, please address scripts to The Editor, Fission Magazine:Singapore Polytechnic Graduates’ Guild1010 Dover Road Singapore 139658Phone: 6796 9988, Fax: 6796 9989

Club Directory

Get Connected, Stay Connected

17It was a X’mas light-up with a Difference!

1816 Bowlers participate in Grand Finals

19• Skin Revitalisation Forum• Food Factory Tour

20• Lasik New Frontier• Enriching Your Marriage Life

21• Children’s Easter Party• TCM in Health &

Beauty Workshop

14Do you

have what it

takes to start

your own business?

23

22

16Mafias Seize The Night

Editor B. Kula Writer Roopinder Kaur Contributor Stella Ong02Meet the Members Session

03President’s Thoughts

04• From the Honorary General

Secretary’s Desk• Results of SPGG Survey

2009

07SPGG Bursary Fund 2011

08You Can Now Tee-Off at JCC

Guild News

09“Change is not one’s Enemy but one’s Friend” says Prof Khong

10Phoenix Award Winner Richard Shares His Event Success Story

Networking

11Managing your weight – a sports medicine perspective

12Patron graces our Lo Hei Celebration

13Citation for Dr Khoo Kay Chai

Features

Activities

Entertainment

Front Cover - Mr Richard Tan, CEO Success Resources – SPGG Ordinary Member

Sports & Wellness FacilitiesBowling AlleyTel: 6796 996410am – 11pm (Sun – Thurs & P.H.)10am – 12mn (Fri, Sat & eve of P.H.) Gymnasium RoomDaily & P.H7.30am – 9.30pm Pool RoomDaily & P.H.9am – 11pm Swimming poolDaily & P.H.7.30am – 10pm Tennis CourtsDaily & P.H8am – 10pm Wellness CentreDaily & P.H.7.30am – 10pm Recreation FacilitiesJackpot Room Tel: 6796 9967 9am – 12mn (Sun – Thurs & P.H.)9am – 1am (Fri, Sat & eve of P.H.) Food & Beverage OutletsPrince Edward Lounge Tel: 6796 9962 3pm – 1am (Sun – Thurs & P.H.)3pm – 2am (Fri, Sat & eve of P.H.) The Poolside CaféTel: 6796 9960Daily & P.H11am - 9.30pm The Restaurant Tel: 6796 9961Lunch 12pm – 2.30pmDinner 6.30pm – 9.30pm (Mon – Fri)Lunch 11.30am – 2.30pmDinner 6.30pm – 9.30pm (Sat, Sun & P.H.)

Guild News 02

Loon Yeong TaiGeneral Managerloon@spgg.org.sg

Stella TanFinance Managerstellatan@spgg.org.sg

Ong Chin SeongAsst. Finance Managerongcs@spgg.org.sg

Fiona LowActing Head, Membership Servicesfionalow@spgg.org.sg

Azlan Md NoorBanquet Managerazlan@spgg.org.sg

Shasa ChangBanquet Sales Executiveshasa@spgg.org.sg

Kristine ChelladuraiBanquet Sales Coordinatorkristine@spgg.org.sg

B. KulaMarcom Managerbkula@spgg.org.sg

Ann AniMember Relations Executive ann@spgg.org.sg

Nurdiyana Sports & Social Officernurdiyana@spgg.org.sg

Masyita Zaine Sports & Social Assistantsyita@spgg.org.sg

Grace GohMembership Officergracegoh@spgg.org.sg

Pyae Wun ThidaMember Relations Officerpyae@spgg.org.sg

Eugene QuahInformation Technology Executiveeugenequah@spgg.org.sg

Roopinder KaurPublic Relations Executiveroopy@spgg.org.sg

Stella OngCorporate Relations Executivestellaong@spgg.org.sg

STAFF DIRECTORY

Meet the Members SessionEvery 3rd Fri, 7.00pm-8.30pm at the Conference Room19th Mar | 16th Apr | 21st May | 18th Jun | 16th Jul

As part of our efforts to better engage and service members, we will be introducing “Meet the Members Session” on a monthly basis. The purpose is for members to share their thoughts, feedback, suggestions and comments on matters pertaining to SPGG and also an opportunity for the Executive Committee Members to update members on such matters.

The “Meet the Members Session” is scheduled to be held on every 3rd Friday of the month from 7.00pm to 8.30pm at SPGG Conference Room.

The first session will kick-off on Friday 19 March from 7.00pm to 8.30pm. A member of the Executive Committee will be in attendance at the monthly session.

Members are strongly encouraged to take good opportunity of this new channel of communication with the EXCO members. Your involvement and contributions will certainly assist the EXCO to formulate policies and strategic plans to make SPGG a better club for you and your family.

For logistics purposes, please register with us at least one week before the session with Ms Fiona Low / Mr George Lim, by contacting them at 6796 9991 or e-mailing to them at membership@spgg.org.sg.

Thank You For GivingThe Executive Committee and staff of SPGG would like to take this opportunity to express our sincerest appreciation for your generous contributions to our Christmas Charity Box for St Joseph Home and Hospice (SJHH) & SPGG Gives Back for Autism Association Singapore. SPGG, SJHH & AAS are deeply grateful for your generosity.

It is through the support of members like you that we are able to strengthen our social responsibility role. In this New Year, with your continuous support, SPGG will continue to take part in such meaningful projects to serve our community.

Once again, thank you for making the 2009 Christmas Charity Box & SPGG Gives Back a success!

Handover of gifts to Autism Association Singapore; Bottom pic ‘Collection of donations – St. Joseph’s Home.’

Maintenance DatesWith effect from March, kindly take note that on every 1st Sunday of the month, the Male and Female Wellness Centres and the Gym will be closed for maintenance from 8pm to closing time. Towel Counter will issue last towel at 7.30pm.

For the calendar year of 2010, the dates for the closure are as follows:7 Mar, 4 Apr, 2 May, 6 Jun, 4 Jul, 8 Aug, 5 Sept, 3 Oct, 7 Nov, 5 Dec

Guild News

03

President’s Thoughts

PatronMr. Chan Soo Sen

Honorary MembersMr. Lim Chin Aik

Mr. Peter ChenDr. Khoo Kay Chai

The Executive CommitteePresident

Mr. Jimmy Lim

1st Vice-President Mr. Hoe Lye Soon

2nd Vice-President Chairman, PR & Marcom

Mr. Ng Hoo Yin

Hon Gen SecretaryMr. Tong Kok Yeo

Hon TreasurerMr. Chee Kim Wui

Hon Asst Gen Secretary Chairman, Member & Student Welfare

Mr. Vincent Lim

Honorary Assistant TreasurerMr. Christoper Soh

Chairman, Sports & WellnessMr. James Chua

Chairman, Membership DevelopmentMr. Lawrence Kim

Chairman, Membership ServicesMr. Henry Yeo

Chairman, Food & BeverageMr. Willy Wong

Chairman, Facilities ManagementMr. Wong Kian Keong

The Year of the Tiger is going to be a roaring, successful one for all of us!

Plans for the betterment of SPGG are being studied and drawn up by the Executive Committee members, and we will be implementing them shortly, working towards our Vision of making SPGG a Club of Distinction!

Entrepreneurship, Activities, Food & Beverage and Membership Development are our concerns, and we will be addressing each and every one of them.

With our focus on SPGG becoming an Entrepreneurial Hub, we shall soon embark on 3 more steps to make our hub a vibrant one. They are:

+ To provide for more entrepreneurship information on our web for all entrepreneurs and want-to-be businessmen.

+ To get the Guild involved in some of our nation’s entrepreneurial activities.

+ To establish a network for entrepreneurs to get connected and stay connected, locally and overseas.

On the Activities Front, we want to cater to a diversity of activities – social, recreational and sports – to suit your families’ needs. Where we can, we will get involved in national level events as well to make your SPGG a vibrant Club.

In this issue of Fission you will notice that we have lined up a whole range of activities to suit your taste. We have Health, Personality, Relationship and Investment talks, and even Children’s and Family events! Please participate in them; we need your whole-hearted support!

Membership matters is another area we need to pay special attention to. We need to grow your benefits in kind and the membership strength too! If everyone of us can introduce just one new member to SPGG, we will have a very healthy membership base which will propel us to grow at a much faster pace!

Besides, our Millennium guildhouse is ageing – it will be 10 years old on 10 Oct 2010. We can’t possibly carry out all improvement works at one time; we will have to take one step at a time. Currently, we are studying the feasibility of upgrading our Front Lobby, Food & Beverage outlets and the Wellness Centre. When details are finalised, we will definitely let you know the plans.

Before I sign off, I wish to take this opportunity to thank our Guest-of-Honour and Patron of SPGG, Mr Chan Soo Sen for gracing our Lo Hei celebration on 19 Feb.

We are also delighted to announce that our SPGG Senior Advisor Dr Khoo Kay Chai, the former Principal of our alma mater, Singapore Polytechnic (from 1976 to 1995), has been bestowed with an Honorary Membership during the Lo Hei.

We are most thankful to Dr Khoo for

all his contributions to SPGG and look forward to his continuing support and guidance in our endeavour to make SPGG a better Club for all our members.

Till you hear from me again in June,

have a Happy, Prosperous and Wealthy Lunar New Year!

Gong Xi Fa Cai!

Jimmy Lim

SingaporePolytechnicGraduates’Guild

Let’s Soar in theYear of the Tiger!

Guild News 04

Q2. Please rate the service of SPGG Excellent Very Good Average Fair Poor Response Total

Staff Service @ SPGG (28) 9.27% (153) 50.66% (107) 35.43% (11) 3.64% (3) 0.99% (302) 100%

Cleanliness @ SPGG (18) 5.96% (160) 52.98% (92) 30.46% (19) 6.29% (13) 4.30% (302) 100%

Ambience @ SPGG (12) 3.97% (111) 36.75% (139) 46.03% (33) 10.93% (7) 2.32% (302) 100%

Facilities @ SPGG (9) 2.98% (77) 25.50% (157) 51.99% (43) 14.24% (16) 5.30% (302) 100%

Total Respondents: 302

Q4. Please rate the following SPGG membership benefits in order of value to you.

Very Important Important Quite Important Somewhat Important Not Important Response Total

Free usage of gym and swimming pool (194) 64.24% (62) 20.53% (31) 10.26% (10) 3.31% (5) 1.66% (302) 100%

Discount of 15% at SPGG F&B outlets (151) 50.00% (85) 28.15% (32) 10.60% (22) 7.28% (12) 3.97% (302) 100%

Birthday Food and Beverage Voucher (111) 36.75% (89) 29.47% (44) 14.57% (45) 14.90% (13) 4.30% (302) 100%

Free copy of Fission magazine (85) 28.15% (76) 25.17% (51) 16.89% (44) 14.57% (46) 15.23% (302) 100%

Family Privilege Scheme (84) 27.81% (77) 25.50% (59) 19.54% (40) 13.25% (42) 13.91% (302) 100%

Personal Accident Insurance up to $30,000 (66) 21.85% (65) 21.52% (48) 15.89% (65) 21.52% (58) 19.21% (302) 100%

Vendors and Merchants Discounts (55) 18.21% (78) 25.83% (54) 17.88% (69) 22.85% (46) 15.23% (302) 100%

10% service charge waived for banquet (51) 16.89% (93) 30.79% (62) 20.53% (43) 14.24% (53) 17.55% (302) 100%

Reciprocal Benefits of 4 Clubs (46) 15.23% (69) 22.85% (65) 21.52% (67) 22.19% (55) 18.21% (302) 100%

Recruitment Incentive (MGM Scheme) (22) 7.28% (50) 16.56% (50) 16.56% (83) 27.48% (97) 32.12% (302) 100%

Total Respondents: 302

From theHonorary General Secretary’s Desk

Dear Members,

On behalf of everyone at SPGG, I would like to wish you all the very best for this New Year. We are optimistic that 2010 will be another exciting and eventful year for SPGG. The year 2010 is of significance as it marks the 10th anniversary of the opening of our premises.

No doubt many events and activities will be held and organised to celebrate this auspicious anniversary. We look forward to your active participation in these events and activities.

You would have learnt from reading this issue of Fission that we have initiated 3 new measures to better engage members. They are:

a) We have opened an account in Twitter, in addition to Facebook and Plaxo, where you can find the latest news for and about SPGG;

b) Letters to the Editor – we want more of your comments, questions and suggestions in addition to those given in the SPGG Survey 2009;

c) “Meet the Members Sessions” – once a month on a scheduled date and time, Executive Committee Members will be rotated to conduct these monthly sessions to meet members on any matter pertaining to SPGG.

The reasons behind these new initiatives are obvious. The profile of our general membership is changing and so are their needs and demands. We want to hear more from you so that we can formulate action plans to dovetail to your comments, questions and suggestions.

Towards this end and above all in the economics of membership equation, we will endeavour to narrow the gap between the cost of membership and the benefits of membership in tangible terms. This will inevitably pave the way in our efforts to make your membership with SPGG that more meaningful and attractive in our next lap of making SPGG a club of distinction.

Along the way, we may need your outstretched hand for support and understanding and even your hard nudging should we fail to differentiate the woods from the trees. This is the rapport that we seek and strive to establish with the general membership.

Will we ever arrive? I am confident we can as long as we keep the communication alive. We therefore, as always, look forward to receiving your comments, questions and suggestions.

With best wishes for 2010,

Tong Kok YeoHonorary General Secretary

SPGG Survey 2009 was conducted on-line from 17 July to 30 Sep 2009 by e-mail broadcast to 1,945 members who have their e-mail addresses registered with us.

At the close of the survey, a total of 302 members responded, thus achieving

Q1. How often do you visit SPGG? Response Percent Response Total

Once a week 38.41% 116

Once a month 29.80% 90

Once in 3 months 21.85% 66

Once a year 5.63% 17

Never (No time) 1.32% 4

Never (Too far home) 0.99% 3

Never (No club feel & identity) 0.99% 3

Never (Lack of facilities) 0.66% 2

Never (Overseas) 0.33% 1

Total Respondents: 302

Q3. Which form of communication do you depend on for information on SPGG events and activities? Response Percent Response Total

Fission Magazine 33.33% 226

E-mail Blast 22.86% 155

SPGG Website 14.75% 100

Posters at SPGG premises 12.83% 87

e-Fission Magazine (online) 8.85% 60

SPGG Reception Counter 4.28% 29

Word-of-Mouth 3.10% 21

Total Respondents: 302

RESULTS OF SPGG SURVEY 2009

Guild News

05

Q2. Please rate the service of SPGG Excellent Very Good Average Fair Poor Response Total

Staff Service @ SPGG (28) 9.27% (153) 50.66% (107) 35.43% (11) 3.64% (3) 0.99% (302) 100%

Cleanliness @ SPGG (18) 5.96% (160) 52.98% (92) 30.46% (19) 6.29% (13) 4.30% (302) 100%

Ambience @ SPGG (12) 3.97% (111) 36.75% (139) 46.03% (33) 10.93% (7) 2.32% (302) 100%

Facilities @ SPGG (9) 2.98% (77) 25.50% (157) 51.99% (43) 14.24% (16) 5.30% (302) 100%

Total Respondents: 302

Q4. Please rate the following SPGG membership benefits in order of value to you.

Very Important Important Quite Important Somewhat Important Not Important Response Total

Free usage of gym and swimming pool (194) 64.24% (62) 20.53% (31) 10.26% (10) 3.31% (5) 1.66% (302) 100%

Discount of 15% at SPGG F&B outlets (151) 50.00% (85) 28.15% (32) 10.60% (22) 7.28% (12) 3.97% (302) 100%

Birthday Food and Beverage Voucher (111) 36.75% (89) 29.47% (44) 14.57% (45) 14.90% (13) 4.30% (302) 100%

Free copy of Fission magazine (85) 28.15% (76) 25.17% (51) 16.89% (44) 14.57% (46) 15.23% (302) 100%

Family Privilege Scheme (84) 27.81% (77) 25.50% (59) 19.54% (40) 13.25% (42) 13.91% (302) 100%

Personal Accident Insurance up to $30,000 (66) 21.85% (65) 21.52% (48) 15.89% (65) 21.52% (58) 19.21% (302) 100%

Vendors and Merchants Discounts (55) 18.21% (78) 25.83% (54) 17.88% (69) 22.85% (46) 15.23% (302) 100%

10% service charge waived for banquet (51) 16.89% (93) 30.79% (62) 20.53% (43) 14.24% (53) 17.55% (302) 100%

Reciprocal Benefits of 4 Clubs (46) 15.23% (69) 22.85% (65) 21.52% (67) 22.19% (55) 18.21% (302) 100%

Recruitment Incentive (MGM Scheme) (22) 7.28% (50) 16.56% (50) 16.56% (83) 27.48% (97) 32.12% (302) 100%

Total Respondents: 302

Q1. How often do you visit SPGG? Response Percent Response Total

Once a week 38.41% 116

Once a month 29.80% 90

Once in 3 months 21.85% 66

Once a year 5.63% 17

Never (No time) 1.32% 4

Never (Too far home) 0.99% 3

Never (No club feel & identity) 0.99% 3

Never (Lack of facilities) 0.66% 2

Never (Overseas) 0.33% 1

Total Respondents: 302

Q3. Which form of communication do you depend on for information on SPGG events and activities? Response Percent Response Total

Fission Magazine 33.33% 226

E-mail Blast 22.86% 155

SPGG Website 14.75% 100

Posters at SPGG premises 12.83% 87

e-Fission Magazine (online) 8.85% 60

SPGG Reception Counter 4.28% 29

Word-of-Mouth 3.10% 21

Total Respondents: 302

RESULTS OF SPGG SURVEY 2009a confidence level of 95% for the survey results to be used with high confidence.

We are pleased to share with you the highlights of the results and the findings of the SPGG Survey 2009 which are summarized in the tables below.

Thank You for participating in the Survey

We are already in the midst of reviewing and implementing, where appropriate and feasible, many of the suggestions received from our members.

continued on pg 6

06Guild News

Q9 - Please give us your general suggestions and comments if any.

A total of 91 general suggestions and comments were received. Due to space constraints, we are not able to put them together with these findings.

Q7. Please rate the quality of food served in SPGG F&B outlets. Excellent Very Good Average Fair Poor Response

Total

The Restaurant (12) 3.97% (109) 36.09% (140) 46.36% (26) 8.61% (15) 4.97% (302) 100%

Poolside Café (12) 3.97% (109) 36.09% (138) 45.70% (34) 11.26% (9) 2.98% (302) 100%

Prince Edward Lounge (3) 1.00% (63) 21.00% (170) 56.67% (50) 16.67% (14) 4.67% (302) 100%

Total Respondents: 302

Q8. Do you receive SPGG weekly highlights of upcoming events by e-mail? Response Percent Response Total

Yes 87.42% 264

No (If you wish to receive the updates, please send your e-mail address to membership@spgg.org.sg) 12.58% 38

Total Respondents: 302

Q6. Please rate which activities / programmes would be of high interest to you.

Very Interested Interested Quite

InterestedSomewhat Interested

Not Interested

Response Total

Outdoor Excursions (24) 7.95% (72) 23.84% (92) 30.46% (61) 20.20% (53) 17.55% (302) 100%

Health/Wellness Talks (22) 7.28% (75) 24.83% (66) 21.85% (76) 25.17% (63) 20.86% (302) 100%

Networking Activities (20) 6.62% (58) 19.21% (89) 29.47% (86) 28.48% (49) 16.23% (302) 100%

Investment Talks (19) 6.29% (83) 27.48% (65) 21.52% (69) 22.85% (66) 21.85% (302) 100%

Entrepreneurship (19) 6.29% (69) 22.85% (75) 24.83% (71) 23.51% (68) 22.52% (302) 100%

Cooking Classes (17) 5.63% (56) 18.54% (62) 20.53% (77) 25.50% (90) 29.80% (302) 100%

Sports Activities (16) 5.30% (87) 28.81% (84) 27.81% (73) 24.17% (42) 13.91% (302) 100%

Child Development Workshops (15) 4.97% (57) 18.87% (42) 13.91% (67) 22.19% (121) 40.07% (302) 100%

Children’s Activities (14) 4.64% (61) 20.20% (42) 13.91% (68) 22.52% (117) 38.74% (302) 100%

Graduates vs SP Student events (14) 4.64% (38) 12.58% (76) 25.17% (75) 24.83% (99) 32.78% (302) 100%

Theme Parties (14) 4.64% (42) 13.91% (71) 23.51% (73) 24.17% (102) 33.77% (302) 100%

Community Service (11) 3.64% (53) 17.55% (85) 28.15% (85) 28.15% (68) 22.52% (302) 100%

Dance/Aerobic Classes (10) 3.31% (40) 13.25% (56) 18.54% (84) 27.81% (112) 37.09% (302) 100%

SP Concerts (10) 3.32% (65) 21.59% (84) 27.91% (67) 22.26% (75) 24.92% (301) 100%

Food & Fun Fairs (9) 2.98% (71) 23.51% (81) 26.82% (84) 27.81% (57) 18.87% (302) 100%

Beauty Talks (6) 1.99% (28) 9.27% (46) 15.23% (88) 29.14% (134) 44.37% (302) 100%

Ladies’ Coffee Morning (6) 1.99% (23) 7.62% (41) 13.58% (60) 19.87% (172) 56.95% (302) 100%

Lunch Forums (4) 1.32% (38) 12.58% (77) 25.50% (87) 28.81% (96) 31.79% (302) 100%

Total Respondents: 302

Q5. Please rate the SPGG facilities. Excellent Very Good Average Fair Poor Response

Total

Bowling Alley (37) 12.25% (172) 56.95% (78) 25.83% (14) 4.64% (1) 0.33% (302) 100%

Swimming Pool (29) 9.60% (138) 45.70% (116) 38.41% (16) 5.30% (3) 0.99% (302) 100%

Gymnasium (25) 8.28% (129) 42.72% (119) 39.40% (25) 8.28% (4) 1.32% (302) 100%

Jackpot Room (17) 5.63% (114) 37.75% (134) 44.37% (27) 8.94% (10) 3.31% (302) 100%

Wellness Centre (15) 4.97% (90) 29.80% (123) 40.73% (44) 14.57% (30) 9.93% (302) 100%

Poolside Café (14) 4.64% (101) 33.44% (139) 46.03% (40) 13.25% (8) 2.65% (302) 100%

Study Room (13) 4.30% (88) 29.14% (146) 48.34% (36) 11.92% (19) 6.29% (302) 100%

The Restaurant (11) 3.64% (106) 35.10% (141) 46.69% (35) 11.59% (9) 2.98% (302) 100%

Tennis Courts (9) 2.98% (101) 33.44% (165) 54.64% (26) 8.61% (1) 0.33% (302) 100%

Pool Room (7) 2.32% (79) 26.16% (143) 47.35% (62) 20.53% (11) 3.64% (302) 100%

Karaoke Room (7) 2.33% (65) 21.59% (148) 49.17% (57) 18.94% (24) 7.97% (302) 100%

Banquet Function Rooms (7) 2.33% (81) 26.91% (164) 54.49% (39) 12.96% (10) 3.32% (302) 100%

Prince Edward Lounge (7) 2.33% (76) 25.25% (156) 51.83% (48) 15.95% (14) 4.65% (302) 100%

Video Arcade Games (7) 2.33% (28) 9.30% (138) 45.85% (84) 27.91% (44) 14.62% (302) 100%

Total Respondents: 302

We will feature these suggestions and comments in subsequent issues of the Fission in a FAQ format accompanied by the actions taken or our explanations.

07

Guild News

New Arrivals at Jackpot RoomTwo new Jackpot Machines will be available from March onwards. Come try your luck this Lunar New Year with “Oriental Fantasy” and “Wild Panda”.

You could just walk away with lots of cold hard cash! Hurry now!

Appeal Letter for a $2 contributionIn February, you would have received, together with your Statement of Account, an appeal letter, requesting for a contribution of $2 to our fund raising efforts for our SPGG Bursary Fund 2011.

The purpose of your contribution is to help the needy and deserving schooling children of our members as well as the students of our alma mater, Singapore Polytechnic.

It may surprise many of us but the reality is that for many of them, due to some unfortunate or unforeseen circumstances, having enough money for necessities is a constant worry. The Bursary Fund hopes to assist families caught in this web of despair so that their schooling children can pursue their studies without being disadvantaged of having to constantly worry and agonise for their necessities instead of their studies.

In this regard, with your kind indulgence, we will be adding an amount of $2 to your March 2010 monthly account, being your contribution to the SPGG Bursary Fund 2011. However, should you wish not to contribute, you were requested to fill up an attached ‘OPT OUT FORM’ and mail it back to us in the provided self-addressed envelope.

Bursary Fund Donation BoxAny contribution towards the SPGG Bursary Fund 2011 will be greatly appreciated by us. The Donation box is placed at the Jackpot Room.

FUND RAISING EFFORTS for SPGG Bursary Fund 2011

Show your love through ARTFeeling creative? Love inventing items? Wish to contribute towards the SPGG Bursary Fund 2011? Send us your beautiful artwork & we will gladly put your pieces on display and if sold, all proceeds will go towards our Bursary Fund 2011. Drop off your artwork pieces/items with your name and membership no. at the Front Office or please call Ms Ann at 6796 9988 for more information.

08Guild News

A Day and Night Golfing ParadiseJurong Country Club is the latest golf club to offer special corporate rates to our members.

The course plays to a par 72 and is split into two distinct halves, with the clubhouse sitting snugly in the middle.

The front nine sprawls over heavily wooded hills and valleys with one major water hazard. The back nine, by contrast, is a green-carpeted plain. You can swing into widened fairways moulded with Zoysia grass running into the Jurong Lake that provides a velvet-smooth playing surface, and the incomparable Bermuda grass on the greens.

2 New FacesSports & Social

Nurdiyana Bte Abdul Karim, our new Sports & Social Officer graduated in Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Sport Management from Deakin University, Melbourne. She used to play soccer for the National U-19 Women’s team as a goalkeeper for around 6 years.

Masyita Zaine, Sports & Social Assistant with a customer-service working background is trying her hands on organising Sports & Social events for the Guild. When asked how her experience has been with the Guild so far, she said “I have realised my future and goal now!”

The two young ladies hope to make the Guild a livelier and fun place to be in and urge all Members to join in the events. “After all, these events are catered to our Members’ interests.”

SPGG Corporate Green Fee Rate

Morning 7.15am – 9.00am

S$70

Afternoon12.01pm – 1.45pm

S$80

Night5.01pm – 6.31pm

S$80

+ Booking must be one flight of four to enjoy weekday corporate green fee rates.

+ Tee times are subject to availability (Course is closed every Monday for maintenance.)

+ Promotion rates valid till 31st May 2010.

For details, pls log on to www.spgg.org.sg

You can now tee-off at JCC!

26 Jan 2010 - 31 May 2010

Letters to the EditorE-mail to bkula@spgg.org.sg

Dear Member,

We have devoted continuous efforts to have a good mix of articles to make Fission, your quarterly magazine, an interesting read!

In this regard, we want your feedback, comments and suggestions to improve it as we intensify our continuous efforts to make Fission more interesting by featuring wide ranging articles of general interest and news and happenings at your SPGG.

So let us have your thoughts by e-mailing them to bkula@spgg.org.sg.

Please do not limit your views to Fission only. Share with us your thoughts on other matters too! Together, we can make SPGG a better club for all.

We earnestly look forward to hearing from you!

Yours sincerely

B. KulaEditor

(From left) Nurdiyana and Masyita

Networking 09

The Guild welcomes Prof. Khong Poh Wah, 49 as our new Ordinary Member. Prof. Khong started his teaching career in 1988 and is currently teaching in Nanyang Technological University (NTU). He has conducted Undergraduate, Graduate and Executive short courses.

Prof. Khong has been a Resident Counselor now known as ‘hall fellow’ for Nanyang Technological University Hall 12 since 2000.

Fission: Welcome on board as our new member Prof. Khong! Share with us two memorable lessons you particularly enjoyed while you were still a student of Singapore Polytechnic.

Prof. Khong: In poly, the surveying (land surveying) class was where we learnt the technique and science for accurately determining the terrestrial or three-dimensional space position of points and the distances and angles between them. In order to accomplish the learning objective, elements of geometry, engineering, trigonometry, mathematics, physics, and law were taught in the classroom.

Outside classroom, field / practical work involved the basic tools used (mid

‘Change is not one’s Enemy but one’s Friend’ says Prof. Khong,

SPGG’s new Ordinary Member

I wish to share that nothing is impossible, if your heart is willing, and your attitude is positive. Live with the 3 Es: Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy. One should not waste precious energy on gossip, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things one cannot control, instead invest one’s energy in the positive present moment. One should transform adversity into success by deciding that change is not one’s enemy but one’s friend.

1980 technology) in planar surveying; they were a tape measure for determining shorter distances, a level for determining height or elevation differences, and a theodolite, set on a tripod, with which one can measure angles (horizontal and vertical), combined with triangulation.

Fission: What inspired you to sign up as a SPGG member?

Prof. Khong: The Guild’s President, Mr. Jimmy Lim inspired and convinced me that SPGG is a productive and efficient platform for all activities / events (regardless of social or commercial) to be launched.

Fission: When did you learn of your passion for teaching?

Prof. Khong: I learnt about my passion for teaching while I was still a student at Singapore Polytechnic where it provided me with my basic education and learning skill for life. I wanted to continuously learn and share my knowledge with whoever I thought would benefit from it. I wanted to make a difference in people’s life and there is no better way than to teach and cultivate knowledge, core values and morals in them.

Fission: Who or what motivates you to be what you are today?

Prof. Khong: My philosophy says it all: “Enjoy the ride. You only have one ride through life so make the most of it and enjoy it.”

Fission: Moving forward – what are your upcoming plans for the future?

Prof. Khong: I have many plans to be honest. Some key plans are:-

+ Cultivate quality programmes and professional ethics for the community.

+ Promote industrial ownership of standard & outcome.

+ Construct knowledge domains comprising academics, professionals and members of SPGG who come together in the fervour to establish high quality in the design, development and delivery of professional programs globally.

+ Establish benchmark through these knowledge domains, and gathering of such knowledge in the provision for the design and audit of quality programmes.

+ “Instead of complaining, focus on solutions. It’s the key to innovation.”

Enjoy the ride. You only have one ride through life so make the most of it and enjoy it.

10Networking

Phoenix Award Winner Richard Shares His Event Success Story

A get-together for the Building Industrialists

Mr Richard Tan, the CEO of Success Resources, the largest seminar organisation in Asia and the 7th fastest growing technologies in Asia Pacific, is an extra-ordinary man!

He was the Phoenix Award winner in 2003 in Singapore.

This award is given and recognised by the Singapore Government annually to only 1 person who has done exceptionally well in business and has gone through a lot of obstacles.

It was a Forum with a difference! Participants got to lunch together with the speaker at the private room of The Restaurant and ask all the questions they ever wanted regarding the ‘Hosting of a Successful Event’.

The forum, held on 20 January, was informal and very informative, thanks to the openness of Richard.

Starting off the forum, Richard gave a brief introduction of himself and talked about some of his success stories. He also shared formulas which he himself first learnt from a seminar by J Abraham, the Marketing Genius.

Mr Tan highlighted that the key point to

holding a successful event is “to have a room full of people.” Adding an interesting fact, he shared “85% of an event planning should be focused on selling, marketing or promoting to the right customers”.

According to him, whether an event succeeds or not, will all depend on the leader.

Organising an event is simple - anyone can do it - but marketing it to reach the targeted audience is the tough part.

“When you host an event, take the opportunity to market your next event. Don’t ever hesitate to do that”, he emphasised.

THE 4-MULA TO A SUCCESSFUL EVENT

4th important factor Copywriting

3rd important factorHeadline of Poster

2nd important factorThe Offer

1st most importantReach the Right Customers

Professionals from the building industry got together for a networking session at The Guild’s Bluebell Room on Wed, 9 December last year.

The event saw participants from the Engineering, Real Estate and the Architectural fields.

Name cards and talks were exchanged among the participants over coffee, tea and assorted sandwiches.

During the event, there was a competition on “Name card galore!” – The person who

collects the most number of name cards will win an Engraved Pewter name cardholder.

As the results turned out to

be a tie, 2 lucky winners walked away with the Engraved Pewter name cardholder.

The Guild is looking into organising networking sessions for different industries. If you have any suggestions on which Industry we should be looking into, write in to Letter to the Editor at bkula@spgg.org.sg.

1st SPGG Lunch Forum

11Features

a sports medicine perspective

Managing your weight:Contributed by Dr Jason Chia, Consultant Sports Physician, Singapore Sports Medicine Centre in alliance with Changi Sports Medicine Centre

I am often asked by people how much weight they can expect to lose through exercise and diet (what we would refer to as lifestyle intervention). Statistically speaking, based on the published studies of large pools of subjects, the answer is probably in the region of 5- 10% of the body weight on average over about 6 months.

The operative worse is “average” because the individual can lose much more than that or gain weight instead. The analogy I like to use would be a novice runner asking his coach what kind of timing would he achieve if he were to run his first marathon in six months. This (or whether he can finish the race at all) is dependent on his physical condition, health status and also very much on how well he can execute the necessary changes in his lifestyle to get his body into shape. So in practical terms, how much weight you lose is dependent on whether you want to lose weight (enough to do the necessary things to achieve it)

The analogy of the marathon is apt for various reasons. Firstly, the undertaking is a big one for some. Losing weight is not an isolated part of your lifestyle (most don’t realise that). Changing your eating

pattern has an impact on other aspects of your life.

For instance, changing your diet might affect your choice of social activities because it changes where you might dine out, or it might change the diet of the family (albeit in a healthier way) if you were to have your meals at home. Similarly, looking for an hour a day to exercise (and the recommendation is for an hour a day of aerobic activity for most if not all days of the week) also would entail changes to your working or even sleep habits. The practical implications involved in executing the instruction “eat healthy and exercise” are the ones that most patients don’t see and find it difficult to cope with.

Secondly, both entail actually changing the body through training. This takes constant work and it takes time, more than what most people would imagine.

“To put things into perspective, one kilogramme of fat is about 7700kcla in energy terms. A 70kg person would have to run about 110-120km to burn as much in terms of calories”.

This is much more than most people would run in a week (even for those

training for a marathon). No wonder it is difficult to budge the numbers on the bathroom scale.

Thirdly, both tasks take a lot of discipline and consistency applied to the many aspects of life. For instance, it would not be sufficient to burn off all the calories through diligent exercise and then to undo the work by not watching your calorie intake.

While the mechanics of what needs to be done is quite straight forward (especially in the day and age of computers and internets where there are websites to help with keeping track of calories intake and exercise) , it is often the execution of what needs to be done that is the difficult step. Often my patients say that they are “simply not disciplined” and therefore cannot keep to the diet or exercise regime, and therefore cannot lose weight. While it is a matter of debate whether some people are “born with discipline”, what is not obvious is that discipline is a matter of degree and more importantly can be trained.

DISCIPLINE TRAINING TIPS

+ Have a realistic picture of the journey ahead -

+ Set a meaningful goal.+ Setting intermittent goals and

achieving these goals.+ Take the guesswork out of it.+ Maintain a routine as this

creates a habit + Don’t sabotage yourself. + Be prepared for setbacks.

12Features

The Year of the Tiger took off on a roaring note at SPGG on 19 Feb when we had our annual Lo Hei Celebration at our Grand Ballroom with our Guest-of-Honour and Patron of SPGG, Mr Chan Soo Sen, and more than 100 of our members and close associates.

Three roaring lions from our alma mater, Singapore Polytechnic, a classical musical performance from the well-known Luminus Group, and a spectacular contemporary dance show from our neighbouring school, New Town Secondary, made the afternoon all the more entertaining, and enthralling too!

To add icing to the cake, our guests had a hearty time tossing their Yu Sheng ‘skywards’ to make this auspicious occasion, falling on the 6th day of the Lunar New Year, a memorable one for all.

As our President, Mr Jimmy Lim, had summed it up in his opening speech, “The Year of the Tiger is going to be a roaring one for all of us! The plans that my fellow Executive Committee members and I had drawn up in the Year of the Ox are slowly but surely taking shape and will steer SPGG towards our vision of becoming a Club with a diversity of activities for our members and their families.”

The highlight of this year’s Lo Hei was the conferment of an SPGG Honorary Membership to Dr Khoo Kay Chai, the first Singaporean principal of our alma mater, SP, in 1976.

To know more about this extraordinary man, who had paved the path for what SPGG is today, please read the Citation on the next page.

Our distinguished guests

SP Lions wish the Guild a Prosperous, Roaring New Year!

Top row from left: Patron Mr Chan Soo Sen, SPGG President Mr Jimmy Lim, Honorary Member Dr Khoo Kay Chai, Honorary Member Mr Lim Chin Aik, Honorary Member Mr Peter Chen, NTUA President Mr R Sinnakaruppan. Bottom row from left: SPGG 1st Vice-President Mr Hoe Lye Soon, NUSS President Mr Johnny Tan, Immediate Past Principal of SP Mr Low Wong Fook, Ngee Ann Alumni President Mr Anthony Loke

Contemporary dance by New Town Secondary School students

Patron graces our Lo HeiCelebration

Musical performance by Luminus Group

13

Features

Dr Khoo Kay Chai studied Civil Engineering at the University of Malaya and graduated in 1961. Since then, Dr Khoo has had a distinguished career. He worked as an Engineer in Singapore Public Works Department (PWD) from 1961 to 1964.

In 1964, Dr Khoo left PWD to join Singapore

Polytechnic as an Assistant Lecturer in Civil Engineering. As a lecturer, Dr Khoo undertook several engineering consultancy projects. In 1966, Dr Khoo was awarded a French Government scholarship to study Aerial Photogrammetry in Paris.

In 1967, Dr Khoo was asked by McNamara Engineering Consultants to prepare a comprehensive Engineering Topological plan for the island of Pulau Blankang Mati, now better known as Sentosa.

In 1972, he studied Education at the University of Manchester, UK and in 1986, attended the Senior Executive Program at the Sloan School of Management at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the US.

Beyond work, Dr Khoo also served the community and his profession. He served on several committees in both the public and private sectors. Dr Khoo was Chairman of the Activities Committee of the Institution of Engineers, Singapore (IES) from 1968 to 1970 and its Honorary Secretary from 1970 to 1972. In recognition of his contributions, Dr Khoo was conferred Honorary Doctorates from universities in Australia, Mongolia, the Philippines and the UK.

With such illustrious accomplishments, it was no surprise that Dr Khoo assumed the position of Principal of the Singapore Polytechnic in 1976 until he retired in 1995. He has the distinction of being the first Singaporean Principal of Singapore Polytechnic and the longest serving principal as well.

For 30 years, from the year Dr Khoo joined Singapore Polytechnic in 1964 till his retirement in 1995, he was the driving force and chief engineer of Singapore Polytechnic’s growth and development. Under his capable and dynamic leadership, the Singapore Polytechnic was transformed from a mere technical institute into a modern institute of technology and a model institution in the region.

As Principal, Dr Khoo was also actively involved in students’ interests and well-being. He was featured in the publication called 100 Inspiring Rafflesians (1823 – 2003) and earned the caption: Dr Khoo Kay Chai – The Student’s Principal.

Such was his care and support in students’ interests and well-being that prior to his retirement, he urged Singapore Polytechnic graduates to gear themselves up for higher-value added industries of the future or risk being left out.

It was during Dr Khoo’s tenure as Principal of Singapore Polytechnic that SPGG owed much gratitude. In 1987, Dr Khoo granted SPGG permission to establish its clubhouse at Block EB7. How SPGG has evolved since then is history but SPGG’s successes must be attributed to the bold vision of Dr Khoo in granting the permission then.

This possibly explains why upon his retirement from Singapore Polytechnic in 1995, SPGG seized the good opportunity to appoint him as SPGG Senior Advisor. As SPGG Senior Advisor, he has been providing good guidance and counsel to SPGG Executive Committee and has been instrumental in helping SPGG weather through several crises with flying colours.

For his signal and sterling contributions to SPGG, both when he was the Principal of Singapore Polytechnic and Senior Advisor to SPGG (and he still is), SPGG is privileged and honoured to confer SPGG Honorary Membership to Dr Khoo Kay Chai.

Citation for Dr Khoo Kay Chai

Dr Khoo Kay Chai

14Features

Starting a business seems to be as fashionable as podcasting or getting a botox jab these days. In fact, according to a Straits Times report, Singapore is placed amongst the top 10 in an international entrepreneurship ranking in terms of overall entrepreneurial activities.

With the lure of financial freedom, and sometimes even fame for those who make it, entrepreneurship is an attractive option. Yet according to a US finding, 50% of small businesses fail in the first year and 95% fail within the first five years. With such high failure rates, how do you know if you have what it takes and how can you minimise the risk of failure?

Knowing yourselfThe first step is in taking a critical look at yourself. Can you imagine sacrificing your social life, having little or no personal time and working even during weekends? Do you thrive in challenging circumstances? Are you a good decision-maker? Are you prepared to lose all your money in the event the business fails?

Successful entrepreneurs share these traits: passionate, self-reliance, willingness to shoulder responsibilities, leadership, great perseverance and self-discipline. Most importantly, they are not afraid to fail.

Do you have what it takes to start your own business?

Nanz Chong-Komo, founder of the former One.99 retail stores and now author of national bestseller One Business 99 Lessons, adds good interpersonal, communication and relationship-building skills to the list. “No business person can carry on a successful business and life without these,” she says.

Armed with these skills, she was able to gain trust and make many friends through her business. The goodwill that she built up through these relationships made a crucial difference in times of difficulty. When one of her business ventures failed, she recalls how “a few creditors came rushing to tell me they forgave my debts, and two of them I owed between five to six figure sums.”

Common reasons for business failureThe most common reasons that cause business failure can be broadly attributed to bad management, weak financial practices, cash flow problems and poor marketing.

Management encompasses a spectrum of activities that include planning, organising, leading, communicating.

Planning is essentially about drawing up a business plan and this is an important first step. A good plan enables you to examine all aspects of the business, helps you set goals and work out operational details. It also allows you to objectively analyse the business strengths and where you are lacking compared to competitors.

Nanz, who is now a business coach and speaker (www.NanzChongKomo.com), observes, “Many business people are too absorbed in the details of day-to-day operations and firefighting that they cannot go back to the big picture of their original vision.” In this instance, a business plan acts like a compass, navigating you back to your initial vision just when you start getting bogged down by the nitty-gritty.

Nancy Lim, an entrepreneur in her 30s who owns a management consultancy business, feels that a common mistake made is in not anticipating certain business downturns. Thus good planning ought to take into consideration potential downturns and what to do if it occurs. She believes that having a contingency plan is also important.

Successful entrepreneurs make it look so easy. In truth, however, starting a business comes with high risk and opportunity costs. What can we learn from those who have made it?

by Ruth Wong

15

Features

Next, if you are raising capital from investors or applying for loans, having a detailed, well-written business plan is imperative.

Staff management is also one major challenge that entrepreneurs have to contend with. Hiring, guiding, motivating, communicating and leading put the skills of most business owners to the test. Of these, hiring is one aspect where executed ineffectively, could cost the business dearly. Nanz learnt this lesson the hard way. Recounting her experience, she says, “I spent too much time hiring cheap, and then having to rehire. Much time was spent in the process and if I were to quantify the cost, it would be substantial!” Justin, an ex-entrepreneur in food business, echoes her sentiment, “You can have the best of everything but without good workers, it will result in a lot of frustration.”

The lack of a good team can cripple a fledgling business, but weak financial practices and cash flow problems are far more fatal. One mistake budding entrepreneurs commonly commit is in underestimating the amount of money required to run the business, and overestimating when profits will roll in. For a start, differentiate between the sum required to set up the business and that of operating it. Business takes time to pick up, some longer than others. So you need patience and the finances to wait it out. Experts advise putting aside cash for at least 12 months of business and personal expenses.

In addition, unreceived accounts, poor collection methods and unrestrained business expenditure could all lead to cash flow problems. In her book, Nanz dedicated one chapter on cashflow management, and has this piece of advice to give: “when you start your business, keep your eyes on your cashflow and cash projections – it absolutely does matter.”

Justin summarises his own experience in managing cashflow with this remark, “Cashflow is very important. Without proper tight control of cashflow, any business can fail.”

Lastly, examine the marketing plan. Good marketing plan helps you create customers, increase sales and gain a larger pie of the market share. To do this, Justin says, “Study the market and conduct surveys if you need to. Paying the money upfront for surveys will help you avoid surprises later.”

In your research, gather background information about your customers (age, gender, income etc.), what they like best about your products or services, who are your competitors and what do customers like about them. Think carefully about what makes your product or service unique, and use that as your selling point. Also think about how you could use that in promotional campaigns to appeal to the customers and pump up the sales figures.

What else?Ask about advice for people who are married and want to start their business, Nanz replies, “Ask their spouse! A happy family makes a successful entrepreneur. If the spouse is not supportive, the couple ought to work through the cost and benefits together. I suggest a compromise. Start the type of business that could potentially meet the needs of the family as well as time commitment, funding etc.”

In business, not everyone ventures alone. Justin said, “For partnership, one should take time in knowing the person in great depth before making him/her a partner. If you’re the prime investor, ensure you’ve the greatest share and the legal rights to make decisions. Also, businesses can fail. Having the foresight and knowing when to cut losses is very important.”

That’s good insight from one young man who plans to start his business again. In true entrepreneurial spirit, he will never say die.

Careers & Business OpportunitiesWe are listening to your calls! We are doing away with our inactive forum page shortly to make way for what you desire - a new feature called Careers & Business Opportunities.

Highlights of New FeatureCareers – JobsCentral & JobStreet will feed Permanent, Part-time and Internship jobs for poly diploma graduates and under-graduates.

Business Opportunities – if you would like to include whatever business opportunities you have in this section, all you have to do is to call our IT personnel Eugene, and give him the necessary info and we will feed it in for you.

Now you will have a whole range of new jobs available to you!

The above article has been reproduced with permission from JobsCentral Community (http://community.jobscentral.com.sg), a comprehensive career resource for jobseekers and working professionals.

COMING

SOON!Watch out for a

brand new feature

on our Web

this March!

Activities 16

It was a night of pure action and entertainment during our Countdown 2010 party, themed “Mafia Night”. Dramatic entrances by 6 of our Executive Committee (EXCO) members who dressed up as international dons namely Lethal Dragon Hoe (Hoe Lye Soon), Machine Gun Hoo Yin (Mr Ng Hoo Yin), Rusty Vince (Mr Vincent Lim), Lingchi Chris (Mr Christopher Ho), Shanghai James (Mr James Chua) and Lucky Lawrence (Mr Lawrence Kim) were one of the highlights of the evening.

EXCO Chairman of Sports and Wellness, James Chua shared

Mafias Seize The NightMafia Night Countdown 2010

with us on how he felt dressing up as one of the dons, “It was a moment of spontaneity that I took the opportunity to share this event with Members and Guests, to be able to mingle and enjoy the party with them. My family and I enjoyed ourselves.”

The most anticipated entrance

was by President Jimmy Lim who was known as the Big Bad Daddy of the night, escorted in by Lady Syita, our Sports and Social Assistant to the soundtrack of ‘The Godfather’.

After President Lim addressed the enthusiastic crowd, an 8-course Chinese dinner was served by our

Catsinecradle singing away

From left: EXCOs Ng Hoo Yin, James Chua, Christoper Soh and Vincent Lim

Kiki the Magician

banquet staff, uniformed in black and white with Mafia Hats.

Catsinecradle kicked off the night with their charming and perfect performance to songs like “Fly Me To The Moon” and “Hotel California”.

Donna Daniels, an International Artist was great on stage with her first performance of the night, singing and dancing to Lady Gaga’s hit single “Pokerface”. Her 1st game was involving Mr. Lawrence Kim who was chosen by Big Bad Daddy aka President Jimmy Lim to go up on stage. Lawrence had to learn to dance to the song “Buttons” by Pussycat Dolls and boy did he dance well!

A member who wanted to remain anonymous enjoyed Donna Daniels performance and added “I am glad I joined the year end party... it was totally worth it!”

Kiki, a Comedy Magician performed magic with audience participation. Our members’ and guests’ children were in awe with Kiki’s witty magic comedy.

Lucky winners walked away with lucky draw prizes.

The Countdown began with usual Auld Lang Syne; members and guests dancing the night away to Latin Swings, Italian Swings, Mambo, Cha Cha, Disco and the latest hip hop hits

We now leave you with pictures of our Mafia night Countdown 2010!

Donna Daniels and her dancers setting the stage on fire

One of the Don families

17

Activities

It was a Christmas pre-celebratory mood for SPGG members and their families when they participated in the SPGG Christmas Light-Up on 12 December 2009. Our Christmas tree was decked up with vibrant ornaments and tags that were wishes from the Kids at Autism Association Singapore.

Riding on the spirit of giving, the SPGG Bursary Awards 2010 presentation was also held during the same occasion to add cheer to the life of 21 students.

What is a Christmas Light-Up without Santa Claus, Santarina and the mischievous elf? To keep the spirits high, our staff and a SP student gamely transformed into the 3 magical characters. Kids cheered at the appearance of Santa Claus and company, and clamoured to take photographs with them, doing an impromptu can-can dance with the elf!

Shortly after our SPGG President Mr Jimmy Lim kicked off the programme with his welcome speech, singing by the SP Christian Fellowship filled the happy atmosphere. Kids added plenty of laughter to the atmosphere as their parents took

Adding Glitter was the SPGG Bursary Awards 2010

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pictures of them grinning and giggling as Santa and company gathered close. Guests also helped themselves to the Christmas buffet prepared for them.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the SPGG Bursary Awards 2010 where we saw 21 bursary recipients, made up of 7 schooling children of SPGG Members and 14 students of Singapore Polytechnic. The President handed out the bursaries individually, offering his well wishes and words of encouragement on their studies.

Meng Chun, the Balloonist, entertained the crowd with balloon-y antics in his performance and when it was time for him to leave, the kids had to reluctantly say goodbye to him!

Representative Mr Krish Phua - Manager, Corporate Services (Autism Association) who attended the Christmas Light-Up was ecstatic to know that 33 Christmas tags were served by our Members. He wishes to thank everyone who had come forward to make the children’s wishes come true.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank the 18 Singapore Polytechnic Students who helped us make the Christmas Light–Up a success!

Singapore Polytechnic Christian Fellowship students with SPGG Staff

Bursary Award recipients with President Jimmy Lim in the centre.

Kids’ dream come true with Santarina, Santa Claus and Elf!

It was a X’mas Light-Up with a Difference!

Activities 18

Sunday, January 17 was once again the time for the Bowling Monthly Medals Grand Finals at the Guild! Sixteen SPGG bowlers had an enjoyable time pitting their skills against each other over 4 categories – namely 8-pin tap, 9-pin tap, 3-6-9 Free Strikes & With Handicap.

Consistent contender James Chua came in tops amidst stiff competition and pressure, to achieve a spectacular total score of 2685 points. Following closely behind was Alvin Chua with a total of 2570 points and at 3rd place was Ng Tiong Lam with 2568 points.

In the 8-pin tap category, James Chua clinched 865 points for three games to beat runner up Edmund Tan by 48 points.

16 Bowlers participate in Grand Finals

Victory for SPGG Pool Team!

Wayne Kwek surprised everyone in the 9-pin tap category when he emerged tops with 749 points while Francis Ng bowled past Johnny Kok by 14 points to take the 2nd spot.

James once again stole the limelight in the 3-6-9 Free Strikes category with his tally of 647 points. Francis Ng too put up a good fight to finish 2nd with 640 points – 2 points ahead of 3rd placed Alvin.

In the ‘with Handicap’ category, Eric Seet won with 607 points while Edmund Tan and Maureen Lye shared 2nd position with 547 points each.

After an evening of tough challenges, the participants were treated to a sumptuous dinner before being presented with their prized winnings during the Prize Presentation.

SPGG vs SP Friendly

Scoresheet9-Ball Category (Top 3)Ryan Tan (SPGG) 3-2 Jason Tan (SP)Daniel Lau (SPGG) 3-2 Qihao (SP) Paul Tan (SPGG) 2-3 Clement Chow (SP)

8-Ball Category (Top 3)Nicholas Mok (SPGG) 3-0 Melson Chua (SP)Benjamin Huang (SPGG) 3-1 Jeremy W (SP)Wayne Chan (SPGG) 3-1 Low C K (SP)

Our Pool players came from behind to edge out Singapore Polytechnic 88-84 in a friendly competition at our Pool Room on 17 January.

SPGG, who were lagging behind 71-75 at one stage, bounced back with vengeance towards the end to snatch sweet victory.

“It was a very tight and intense match as both teams played to their best abilities” said Nicholas Mok of SPGG.

Most valuable player of the day was SP’s Chevy Lok who produced a 2-0 score in all his games.

Melson Chua, a participant from SP

Moberly added “It’s a breathtaking event with players from both sides performing at the peak of their abilities. Every single player competed for their personal glory as well as the pride of the team. We would like to thank SPGG for giving the team from Moberly an opportunity to participate in this friendly match.”

SPGG Team player in full concentration

SP Moberly Team

Bowling Participants

From left: Ng Tiong Lam (3rd), James Chua (Champion) and Alvin Chua (2nd)

19

Activities

BINGO IS NOW ONCE A MONTH!1ST FRI OF EVERY MONTH

Don’t miss this chance of walking away with the Jackpot of $1000!

Apr2nd

May 7th

Mar5th

For details, call 6796 9988 or e-mail to nurdiyana@spgg.org.sg / syita@spgg.org.sg

Thu, 18 Mar9.00am – 3.00pm

Member Adult $12 Member Child $10 Guest Adult $14Guest Child $12

Highlights:-+ Tour of Yakult & Kikkoman Factories+ Introduction on both factories+ Corporate Video viewing+ Open Q&A session+ Lunch provided – McDonald’s Happy

Meal by the Park @ Sembawang Park

FOOD FACTORY TOUR

SKIN REVITALISATION FORUM

Date: Fri 12 Mar | 7.30pm-9.30pmVenue: Poolside Event Room

Member $3+ / Guest $5+

Speaker: Dr Yeak Hwee LeeMedical Director, Singapore Aesthetic CentreMBBS (S’pore), Dip in Practical Dermatology (UK) – Merit Award

Agenda:*What can sun exposure and sun

damage do to my skin?*Why is sun protection important?*What are my treatment options for

freckles, sunspots and ageing skin?*Am I a suitable candidate?

Still Searching & Looking?

SINGLE’S NIGHT OUT

Fri, 30 Apr 7.30pm -10.30pm

Fee: $15+ Member / $17+ Guest

*Inclusive of 1st Drink & Finger Food!

Activities 20

Member $3+Guest $5+

Date: Fri 26 Mar Time: 7.30pm-9.30pmVenue: Poolside Event Room

Speaker: Assoc. Prof. Leonard Ang, Medical Director Premium Lasik Surgery Clinic & The Eye & Cornea Transplant Centre

Agenda:• Advances in LASIK &

refractive surgery• Options for those above 40 years

old with presbyopia (“lao hua”)• Alternatives for those unsuitable

for LASIK & more!

Member $3+Guest $5+Refreshments provided

Enriching Your Marriage life

4 keys to a great relationship

Sun, 28 Mar 2.00pm-4.00pm

Real menReal women

Real differences

LASIK’S NEW FRONTIER

Consult the

Experts now!

Sat, 20 Mar

10 games of 8-pin tapFee: $50/- per bowler

Prizes for ALL participants!

1st Bowling Monthly

Medal

Create a designer

look with your

own twist!

Sat, 27 Mar 2.00pm-4.00pm

Member $8Guest $10

Customise, Design & Personalise your own T-Shirt to create your own fashion line or trend unique to yourself.

Eligibility: 6 yrs & above

BRING YOUR OLD T-SHIRTS!

For details, call 6796 9988 or e-mail to nurdiyana@spgg.org.sg / syita@spgg.org.sg

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Activities

Highlights:+ Introduction of the Prehistoric Chinese Healing Therapy+ Guasa & Facial – The Meridian Line & Acupoints+ Reflections of inner Health & Beauty from your skin+ Traditional 4 steps of Guasa & their benefits+ Simple & Therapeutic Self-De-Stress tips from our

expertise+ Demonstration & Attendees participants on DIY facial

de-stress Acupoint

GIVEAWAY!!+ Welcome Gift worth $195+ Tension Relief Hand Treatment worth $60+ Free! Body Mass Index – BMI Wellness Analysis+ TOUCHE™ promotion on Skin & Body Treatments+ Lucky Draw upon purchase of Promotion Items

Sat, 3 Apr 2.00pm - 4.00pm

Member’s Child $14+Guest’s Child $16+

Refreshments Provided!

DRESS FOR SUCCESS

A UK-certified Image Consultant and a Franchisee of First Impressions, Kitti Sani is the Founder and Principal Trainer at ImageXchange International. Her cheerful personality makes her workshops lively and entertaining, enjoyed by adults, youth and children.

How important are clothes to our self-image?

Sign up now to find out!

Wed, 7 Apr, 7.30pm-9.00pmMember $8+ / Guest $10+

Refreshments Provided!

*Fun & Games *Magic Show*Goodie Bags*Tele-Match

Join Us!

Children’s Easter

Party

TCM in Health & Beauty WorkshopSat, 22 May 4.00pm – 6.00pm

Member $4+ / Guest $5+

Refreshments provided

For details, call 6796 9988 or e-mail to nurdiyana@spgg.org.sg / syita@spgg.org.sg

Entertainment 22

PromotionsThe Restaurant’s

March

Appetizers:-- Grilled pepper salad with seafood- Mozzarella cheese and tomato- Nicoise salad- Smoked salmon with condiment- Caesar salad

SoupMinestrone soup & mushroom soup

Pasta Live StationSpaghetti, fettuccine, linguineChoice of seafood, ham, bacon, mushrooms, asparagus, fresh clams

Local Pasta Live StationBan mian with minced pork, chye sim, egg, ikan bilis, prawn, crab stick in a clear stock

Hot Food Live StationSalmon steak, grilled chicken with black pepper sauce

PizzasOriental Pizza (spicy / non-spicy)Prawn, BBQ pork, duck meat, chicken floss, Chinese mushrooms, bell peppers, sliced onions, sesame seeds, and hoi-sin sauce topped with Mozzarella cheese.

Seafood PizzaPrawn, crabstick, clams, smoked salmon, mushrooms, bell pepper, tomatoes, sliced onions, black olives, stuffed olives, tomato sauce topped with Mozzarella cheese

Italian semi-buffetLunch & Dinner: Sat, Sun & P.HAdult: $17.80+, Child: $10.80+

Titillate your palate with the varied flavours of Italian cuisine at our Semi-Buffet this March. Take your pick from the various Live Stations of Pasta and Pizzas and top it off with a lavish buffet of appetizers and desserts!

Hawaiian PizzaHam, pineapple, mushrooms, bell peppers, tomatoes, sliced onions, black olives, stuffed olives, tomato sauce topped with Mozzarella cheese

DessertsFresh fruit platterAssorted mini pastriesSherry trifleIce-cream with toppingsAssorted mini muffins

Beverages:Coffee & tea

23

Entertainment

March to May

April & May

Ngohiang BabiSliced pork mixed with 5 spice powders, rolled in bean curd skin

Ayam Buah KeluakChicken pieces cooked with stuffed black nut and prawn

Babi PonteyPork stew with salted bean paste and Chinese mushrooms

*15% Member’s Discount is not applicable for these promotions.

PRINCE EDWARD LOUNGE SPECIALS2 BOTTLES JOHNNY WALKER BLACK LABEL 70CL @ $178 NETT

2 BOTTLES CHIVAS REGAL 12 YEARS 75CL @ $198 NETT

1 BOTTLE OF X-RATED FUSION LIQUER @ $80+

Nonya delightsLunch & Dinner: Sat, Sun & PH$23.80+ (2 persons), $45.80+ (4 persons), $68.80+ (6 persons).

Whet your appetite with our Nonya delicacies! Don’t miss out our Executive Chef’s signature dishes - Ayam Buah Keluak and Udang Kuah Pedas Nanas!

Nonya ChapChyeBraised cabbage with Chinese mushrooms, dried prawns, bean sticks, Lily flowers, black fungus and tang hoon in salted bean paste

Ikan Panggang Daun PisangSpicy fish fillet baked in banana leaf

Udang Kuah Pedas NanasWok-fried spicy prawn with onions in pineapple sauce

Entertainment 24

The Guild is an ideal networking venue for private functions, dinner & dance events and corporate seminars. For corporate functions, such as company meetings or formal business luncheons, our well-equipped function rooms offer a comfortable, conducive environment with the latest facilities. In total, we have 6 meeting rooms and function rooms with varied seating capacities to suit all requirements.

HALF DAY SEMINAR PACKAGE (4 HOURS ONLY)Package AOne Coffee Break with 3 snack items at $20.00++ pp

Package BOne Lunch only at $30.00++pp

Package COne Coffee Break with 3 snack items & One Lunch at $35.00++pp

FULL DAY SEMINAR PACKAGE (8 HOURS ONLY)Package DTwo Coffee Breaks with 3 snack items per break at $32.00++pp

Package ETwo Coffee Breaks with 3 snack items & One Lunch at $45.00++pp

The above meeting packages are inclusive of:-+ Use of function room as time stated+ Welcome morning coffee & tea+ One flip-chart with papers & markers+ Meeting amenities inclusive of bottled writing materials, bottled water & mints for all participants.+ One portable screen+ PA sound system with One wired or wireless handheld microphones+ Complimentary car parking ( First-come-first-served basis)

*Prices quoted are on a minimum of 20 persons & subject to 10% service charge & prevailing GST unless specified as NETT.For further enquiries, call Ms. Kristine Chelladurai at 6796 9988 / 8200 1428

Host Your Event At SPGG

25

Entertainment

If you want to reach the people with the spending power, we will provide you with the reach and necessary platforms to do so at the Singapore Polytechnic Graduates’ Guild. With us, you can tap the best of two worlds – the working professionals, and the students of the Singapore Polytechnic, who will in time be professionals too!

How to get Maximum Exposure at SPGG?Fission Our quarterly publication has a circulation of 3,500 and it reaches the professionals, who are mostly directors, managers or entrepreneurs, aged between 30 and 50 years old. Touching on the lifestyle of our members, Fission has a far greater readership of at least 5x as it is available at several local alumni clubs and golf clubs, and also at the Singapore Polytechnic, the oldest and most established polytechnic. www.spgg.org.sg When you advertise in Fission, we will allow you to promote your product/service on our website too so that you can reach the IT savvy readers.

We can place your offer for 2 months either under the Media / Features or Guild News section, depending where your product fits.

E-mail blasts Maximise your reach to working professionals & Current Singapore Poly students via 3 e-mail blasts.

Stretch Your Advertising Dollar!

Advertising Rates For FissionFREE WEB POSTING & E-MAIL BLASTS

Position Rates Member’s Rates

Outside Back Cover $1,500 $1,200

Inside Front Cover $1,300 $1,040

Inside Back Cover $1,200 $960

Run On Page (full page) $1,100 $880

Centre-spread $2,200 $1,760

ROP (Half Page) $600 $480

Frequency:Quarterly – Mar-May, Jun-Aug, Sept-Nov and Dec-Feb

Call Now! 6796 9988Or e-mail to Ms Roopinder at marcom@spgg.org.sg for more information! Please log on to www.spgg.org.sg for mechanical specifications and material requirements.

MAGAZINE * WEBSITE * E-MAIL BLASTS

Entertainment 26