MAR - MAY 2013 > 1

years of Togetherness

Singapore Polytechnic Graduates’ Guild

Reinventing SPGG To Serve You Better pg 6

SPGG Endows SP Students With A Gift Of Education pg10

Endowment Fund

MAR 2013 – MAY 2013

Get Connected, Stay Connected

SPGG Lo Hei 2013SPGG Lo Hei 2013

2 < MAR - MAY 2013

FISSION PUBLICATION FREQUENCYQuarterly: Mar-May, Jun-Aug, Sept-Nov and Dec-Feb*15% Commission to all Accredited Advertising Agencies* Series Discount: 5% for 2 insertions, 10% for 3 insertions and 15% for 4 insertions.

MECHANICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Booking Deadline: 8 weeks before publicationMaterials Deadline: 4 weeks before publication

FISSION (Printed Publication)Trimmed page size: 297mm x 210mm Text area: 277mm x 190mm

Bleed: 303mm by 216mm

MEDIAMac formatted disks, Zip 100/250, CD-ROM.Files Supported are JPEG, TIFF or EPS.All submitted advertisements must be clearly labelled.Artwork is subject to the approval of the Management of Singapore Polytechnic Graduates’ Guild.Resolution: 300 DPI for all submitted images and files.Colour: All submitted images / files must be converted to CMYK.

PROOFAll submitted files must have digital / 4-colour progressive proofs with standard trim and bleed marks for colour guidance on press. *Fees are subjected to Prevailing GST.

SPGG E-MAIL BLASTS & WEBSITEPortrait Size 640pixels x 905 pixels

Call Now! 6796 9988Or e-mail to Thirukumaran at thiru@spgg.org.sg for more information!

YOUR ADVERTISING DOLLAR!>> Magazine>> Website>> E-mail Blasts

If you aim to reach people with the spending power, we will provide you with the reach and necessary platforms to do so at the S ingapore 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!

H o w t o g e t M a x i m u m 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 more 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.

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 $1,100 $880 (full page)

Centre-spread $2,200 $1,760 ROP (Half Page) $600 $480

Advertising Rates For FissionFREE WEB POSTING & E-MAIL BLASTS

MAR - MAY 2013 > 1

Guild News2 Your 15-year Old Child Is Now Eligible For A Supplementary Card Please Utilise Your Loyalty Benefit Voucher By April Facility Rates & Peak Hour Period To Be Revised

3 President’s Thoughts

4 New Affiliate Agreement With NUSS SIA Group Sports Club & Hollandse Club Renew Their Arrangements With Us

5 SPGG Teams Up With Boys Brigade To Give Back

6 Reinventing SPGG To Serve You Better

Networking9 SPGG Lo Hei 2013

Features10 SPGG Endows SP Students With A Gift Of Education

12 Good Start For Now And The Future

14 The Best Careers For Your Zodiac Sign

For more Information and Advertisement Enquiries: Call: 6796 9988Website: http://www.spgg.org.sg Email: marcom@spgg.org.sg

Singapore Polytechnic Graduates’ Guild publishes Fission quarterly. The Guild and the Design Agency accept no responsibility for any unsolicited manuscripts, illustra-tions 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 omis-sions for any consequences of reliance on this publication.

MICA (P) 001/12/2012

Design by PaletteWorks paletteworks@singnet.com.sg

Fission welcomes contributions, please address scripts to: The Editor, Fission Magazine Singapore Polytechnic Graduates’ Guild 1010 Dover Road Singapore 139658 Phone: 6796 9988, Fax: 6796 9989

C L U B D I R E C T O R Y

FRONT OFFICEMain Line: 6796 9988 Fax: 6796 9989

SPORTS & WELLNESS FACILITIESBowling Alley Tel: 6796 9964 Daily 10.00am – 11.00pmSpa Wellness Centre Daily 7.30am – 10.00pm [Closed every Tue, Thu and Sat for regular cleaning of Spa Pools from 7.30 – 10am] [Closed every 1st Sun of the month at 8pm for routine maintenance works]

Swimming Pool Daily 7.30am – 10.00pm [Closed every Tue, Thu and Sat for regular cleaning from 7.30 – 10am]

Gymnasium Daily 7.30am – 9.30pm [Closed every 1st Sun of the month from 8pm onwards for routine maintenance works] Tennis Courts Daily 8.00am – 10.00pm

Pool Room Mon – Sat : 10.00am – 10.00pm Sun : Closed

RECREATIONAL FACILITIESJackpot Room Tel: 6796 9967 Daily 10.00am – 12.00 midnight

Karaoke Hall Mon – Thu : 4.00pm – 1.00am Fri – Sat : 4.00pm – 2.00am Sun : 6.00pm – 1.00am

FOOD & BEVERAGE OUTLETSLustre Lounge Mon – Thu : 4.00pm – 1.00am Fri – Sat : 4.00pm – 2.00am Sun : 6.00pm – 1.00am

Poolside Café Daily & PH: 11.00am – 10.00pm Last Order at 9.30pm

The Restaurant Tel: 6796 9961 Mon-Fri: Lunch: 12.00pm – 2.30pm Dinner: 6.30pm – 9.30pmSat, Sun & PH: Lunch: 11.30am – 2.30pm Dinner: 6.30pm – 9.30pm

ContentsEditor B. Kula l Writers Roopinder Kaur & Thirukumaran Get Connected, Stay Connected

MAR 2013 – MAY 2013

What’s Coming Up? 18 CPF Finances For Near Age 55 Golf Lessons For Beginners – 3rd Batch Intake Control Your Destiny Complete Wealth Protection Retirement Planning

Wine & Dine 19 Taiwan Porridge

20 Peranakan Delights

18

17

16

Past Events16 SPGG Welcomed 2013 In Gangnam Style

17 Tornado Wins Again Rebecca Is Crowned Queen Of SPGG Lo Hei Mahjong

2 < MAR - MAY 2013

< STAFF > DIRECTORY

Nesh SelvarajGeneral Manager nesh@spgg.org.sg

Stella TanFinance Manager stellatan@spgg.org.sg

Charlie Lee F&B Manager charlielee@spgg.org.sg

B. Kula Marcom Manager bkula@spgg.org.sg

Fiona Low Ag Membership Manager fionalow@spgg.org.sg

Shyam RambiniAsst Operations Manager shyam@spgg.org.sg

Ann Ani Asst Events Manager ann@spgg.org.sg

Priscilla Sanaseei Membership Sales Executive priscilla@spgg.org.sg

Ellis Tan Sales & Marketing Executive ellis@spgg.org.sg

ThirukumaranSenior Marketing & Communications Executive thiru@spgg.org.sg

Eugene Quah Information Technology Executive eugenequah@spgg.org.sg

Fission

Guild News

Please utilise your Loyalty Benefit Voucher

Your 15-year old child is now eligible for a Supplementary cardFor just an additional $10 subscription per month, your spouse and your children aged from 15 to under 21 years can enjoy SPGG club membership privileges as supplementary cardholders.

Sign up your immediate family members now under the Family Privilege scheme! Kindly call 6796 9988 or e-mail to membership@spgg.org.sg for details.

by AprilAs a token of our appreciation to our members for our better than expected surplus of $1.063 million in Fiscal Year 2012, we had mailed out a $10 Loyalty Benefit Voucher to every active member who had joined us by 31 July 2012.If you have yet to utilise the voucher, please do so at either the Poolside Café or The Restaurant by 30 Apr. We wish to once again thank you for your continuing support.

Facility Rates & Peak Hour Period to be revised Please be informed that with effect from 1 May 2013, Peak Hour will commence from 5.00pm instead of the current 6.00pm.The booking rates for two of our facilities will also be revised to meet rising operating costs.

CURRENT RATES REVISED RATES

Before 6pm After 6pm Before 5pm After 5pmFACILITIES

Tennis 2.70 hr 3.75 hr 3.50 hr 5.00 hr

Mahjong Room 3.25 hr 4.30 hr 4.50 hr 5.50 hr

MAR - MAY 2013 > 3

PatronMr. Chan Soo Sen

Honorary MembersMr. Lim Chin Aik Mr. Peter Chen Dr. Khoo Kay Chai Mr. Low Wong Fook Mr. Tan Hang Cheong

The Executive Committee

President Mr. Vincent Lim

1st Vice President Chairman, Corp Comm & Marketing Mr. Ng Hoo Yin

2nd Vice President Chairman, Member & Student Welfare Mr. Tay Choon Mong

Honorary General Secretary Chairman, SPGG Endowment Fund Mr. Jimmy Lim

Honorary Treasurer Chairman, Special Facilities Projects Mr. Wong Kian Keong

Honorary Assistant General Secretary Chairman, Lifestyle & Wellness Mr. Raymond Tay

Honorary Assistant Treasurer Mr. Henry Yeo

Chairman, Sports Mr. Victor Lye

Chairman, Membership Strategic Planning Mr. Gerald Ng

Chairman, Membership Services Ms. Cindy Ang

Chairman, Food & Beverage Mr. Willy Wong

Chairman, Operations Facilities Management Mr. Tham Choon Kin

Singapore Polytechnic Graduates’ Guild

Vincent Lim

President

President’sTHOUGHTS

The recent Lo Hei celebration at the Grand Ballroom marked a milestone in the history of SPGG as it was the day we launched the SPGG Endowment Fund to help deserving Singapore Polytechnic students who are in need of a Gift of Education.

Undertaken in collaboration with SP, this fund has already received more than $300,000 of contributions.

We also wish to take this opportunity to thank our Patron and Guest-of-Honour Chan Soo Sen for gracing the occasion, as well our distinguished guest, Chairman of SP Board of Governors Bill Chang for taking time-off from his busy schedule to be with us on this special occasion. For the record, this is the first time in the history of our Lo Hei celebration that the Chairman of the SP BOG had attended such an SPGG event, and we are most appreciative of it. This will only further strengthen and mould the SP-SPGG relationship as one big family in the near future.

Reciprocal / Affiliate Tie-ups

It now gives me great pleasure to announce that the reciprocal tie-up with SIA Group Sports Club has been extended by another year till 31 March 2014. Among the member privileges you will enjoy are a 20% discount at Harry’s and a 10% discount at D Cuisines at SIAGSC.

Another piece of good news: we have tied up a new affiliate arrangement with NUSS which allows our members to continue to patronise Kent Ridge Guild House’s two exclusive F&B outlets - ‘The Scholar’ and ‘Café of the Ridge’. Likewise, NUSS members too can visit our F&B outlets - the Poolside Café and The Restaurant – where they will enjoy a 10% discount.

Our affiliate arrangement with Hollandse Club has also been renewed for another year, so please continue to participate in its activities, and dine at its F&B outlets at member rates. However, if you plan to stay at its hotel rooms, please note that you will be charged guest rates.

SPGG Family Privilege

To encourage family bonding at SPGG, we have now reduced the age limit from 16 to 15 years for children who wish to enjoy membership privileges as a supplementary cardholder.

All you, the principal member, have to do is sign them up under the Family Privilege scheme which charges just an additional $10 subscription per month for all your children who are aged between 15 and 21 years and your spouse to enjoy membership privileges at SPGG too!

Renovation of Front Lobby Area

The renovation of the Front Lobby area is now nearing completion. The Jackpot’s ambience has already been spruced up with rich carpet and lightings, the cosy Quiet Corner is ready to accommodate 10 people, and the Front Desk is already operating from an enclosed area.

What’s left is the operations of our new food and beverage outlet – The Coffee Hub – and the laying out of the History Wall murals which will stretch from the inside to the outside of The Coffee Hub.

3 New Co-Opted Committee Members

In order to serve you better, we have recently co-opted Mr Jasmond Chua, Mr Low Ming Wah and Dr Khong Poh Wah into the 27th Executive Committee. With their expert guidance, together with our 12 elected members, we hope to achieve our Vision of making SPGG a ‘Club of Distinction’.

Till you hear from me again in June, I wish you all the best this Lunar New Year!

Cheers!

4 < MAR - MAY 2013

Guild NewsFission

New Affiliate Agreement with NUSS

SIA Group Sports Club & Hollandse Club Renew Their Arrangements with Us

We are pleased to announce that SIAGSC and Hollandse Club have renewed their reciprocal and affiliate arrangements respectively for another year!

SPGG members can also enjoy events and activities at SIA Group Sports Club (SIAGSC) and Hollandse Club at member rates.

All you have to do is log onto their websites for any event/activity & call their Events Departments.

Do ensure to mention that you’re a SPGG member and show your membership card when requested.

SPGG members can now patronise the exclusive NUSS members only outlets, The Scholar and the Café on the Ridge at NUSS Kent Ridge Guild House under a new 2-year agreement which ends on 31 Dec 2014.

In exchange, the privileges extended by SPGG to NUSS members are to patronise:n The Restaurant at a 10% discountn The Poolside Café at a 10% discount.

SIAGSC: www.siasportsclub.sg Tel: 6214 8171

Hollandse Club: www.hollandseclub.org.sg Tel: 6461 1110

F&B OUTLETS TIMING USAGE HOURS

LUNCH

Mon to Fri & eve of PH 12pm to 3pm

Sat, Sun & PH 11.30am to 4pm *Last order 15 mins before closing time DINNER

Sun to Thu & PH 6pm to 10pm Fri, Sat & eve of PH 12pm to 10pm *Last order 15 mins before closing time

Café on the Ridge Sun to Thu & PH 12pm to 10pm

Fri, Sat & eve of PH 12pm to 10.30pm *Last order 15 mins before closing time

The Scholar

Kent Ridge Guild House facilities for your enjoyment:

MAR - MAY 2013 > 5

Register Your Virtual Office at SPGG for only $90+ p.a.*

Application forms are now available at the Front Office

For enquiries, please contact Ms Stella Tan / Ms Joyce Loo at 6796 9966 / 78 or email stellatan@spgg.org.sg / joyceloo@spgg.org.sg

•Enjoy a mailing address for your business

* Only for companies / Societies / Associates

SPGG teams up with Boys Brigade to Give Back

We are delighted to announce that SPGG met its goal to help fulfil the wishes of 38 less fortunate individuals and their families in its annual SPGG Gives Back initiative conducted from Nov to Dec last year.

Carried out in partnership with the Boys Brigade, a total of 50 food hampers were also given away to beneficiaries which included the Christian Outreach To The Handicapped, Latch Key Kids Centre and MINDS.

SPGG would like to thank all members who generously contributed towards this effort.

Oh Good! I can work wherever I like, and enjoy my latté at the same time!

•Let us receive on your behalf your mails/parcels from postal courier services

6 < MAR - MAY 2013

Since our last issue, several SPGG facilities h a v e u n d e r g o n e a makeover to excite your visits, inspire your stay and renew your passion for your Graduates’ Guild!

We are delighted to announce that the vision of the lobby with its enhanced features and an enclosed front desk is now a reality. Experience SPGG’s renewed air of distinction as you step past the new bright red SPGG signage to be flanked by the newly done-up Corporate Wall on the left and creatively constructed History Wall on the right.

Front Lobby

Guild NewsFission

Reinventing SPGGto serve you better

MAR - MAY 2013 > 7

While the structure for The Coffee Hub is ready, we are sti l l pending a p p r o v a l f r o m t h e r e l e v a n t b o d i e s t o officially launch the Hub. We urge you to wait just a little while longer and we apologise for the delay caused.

Formerly known as the Study Room, the Quiet Corner is ready for use and can accommodate up to 10 people at a time.

Please note that we will be doing away with the booking system and the Quiet Corner will now be occupied on a first-come-first-served basis.

Quiet Corner

The Coffee Hub

S P G G ’ s v e r y o w n J a c k p o t Ro o m n o w boasts richly designed carpet and lightings that’s definitely a sight for your eyes. Bask in the new ambience and atmosphere in this magical arena of luck!

Jackpot

8 < MAR - MAY 2013

Montigo-Travel+Leisure-Fission-297x210-FAp-HiRes.pdf 1 3/8/13 4:50 PM

MAR - MAY 2013 > 9

9

The Singapore Polytechnic (SP) Lion Dance Troupe set the celebrative atmosphere at the Front Lobby of the Guild on 22 Feb as the “lions” pranced about to clashing cymbals and loud drumbeats to welcome our Guest-of-Honour and Patron Chan Soo Sen as he arrived to grace the Lo Hei occasion.SPGG President Vincent Lim, who gave the welcome address to the more than 100 guests present at the lunch that followed at The Grand Ballroom, thanked everyone for their support of the Guild, before going on to highlight the achievements of SPGG over the year. He proudly announced that the past year was the best of the decade for SPGG and in recognition of it SPGG had rewarded its members by presenting them with a $10 loyalty benefit voucher and an iPad stylus with LED light and laser pointer.Mr Vincent Lim said, “First and foremost, I am proud to announce that we have expanded our networking with local clubs and we are now a Reciprocal partner of SIA Group Sports Club and Ngee Ann Alumni, and an affiliate partner of Hollandse Club and NUSS Kent Ridge. “I would like to thank all our club partners for their kind support and hope that we will continue to collaborate into the years to come!”Mr Lim also emphasised, “Our relationship with SP has been growing from strength to strength and we are now one big, happy family. SP is now our Corporate Member and will continue to be so at least till the year 2018. “I also like to thank the Marketing Institute of Singapore and the Singapore University of Technology and Design for joining us as our Corporate Term Members last year.”Mr Lim then went on to emphasise on the continuous efforts taken by the Guild to achieve the Club’s Vision of becoming a Club of Distinction. He highlighted that SPGG had already begun upgrading its facilities by renovating the Front Lobby area and was expecting the renovation to complete by early March.He highlighted “The new lobby will feature a brand new SPGG history wall, a new display of the Vision and Mission statements, and 3 specially installed LED panels to keep members updated on happenings, ongoing promotions, functions and activities at the Club.”The highlight of this year’s Lo Hei was the launch of the SPGG Endowment Fund where Honorary General Secretary and Chairman of SPGG Endowment Fund Committee, Jimmy Lim, presented a cheque of $285,400 to Singapore Polytechnic’s Principal Tan Choon Shian. The feasting soon began as everybody dug their chopsticks into the Salmon Yu Sheng plate to toss together for good luck, prosperity and good health in the Year of the Snake.

Fission

Networking

SPGG Lo Hei 2013

Montigo-Travel+Leisure-Fission-297x210-FAp-HiRes.pdf 1 3/8/13 4:50 PM

10 < MAR - MAY 2013

“Each year, there are more applicants than recipients for bursaries under existing schemes,” said Mr Jimmy Lim, Chairman of the Endowment Fund Committee, as he addressed the 100-strong crowd. “We are aware that SP has already a wide array of bursaries in place to help deserving students financially.”

Mr Lim went on to explain that the Endowment Fund was designed to ensure more needy students who are experiencing financial hardships are able to get a bursary – even if they are not academically outstanding. He was pleased to announce that the Endowment Fund had raised almost $300,000 worth of donations.

Concluding his speech, Mr Lim gave his heartfelt thanks to the donors, half of whom who were non-SP graduates or even SPGG members and encouraged other members to do the same. “Whatever the quantum, your gift will be much appreciated. So please, do not hesitate if you are thinking of contributing to this good cause!” he said.

The event was also graced by Singapore Polytechnic (SP) Principal Tan Choon Shian, who was on hand to receive the endowment cheque of $285,400 to aid needy SP students with a Gift of Education.

Endowment FundSPGG Endows SP StudentsWith A Gift Of Education

The Launch of the SPGG Endowment Fund

Fission

Features

Th e a n n u a l S P G G Chinese New Year “Lo Hei” celebration also

marked the launch of the SPGG Endowment Fund on Friday, 22 February. Against the backdrop of a lighthearted occasion to usher in the Lunar New Year, lay a very serious message to everyone gathered there.

Endowment Fund Chairman Mr Jimmy Lim presenting the Endowment Fund cheque to SP Principal Tan Choon Shian

MAR - MAY 2013 > 11

For more information on the SPGG Endowment Fund, please contact:

Mr Jimmy Lim

Chairman SPGG Endowment Fund

HP : 9788 0246

E-mail : jimmylim@spgg.org.sg

Mr Nesh Selvaraj

General Manager

SPGG Tel : 6796 9988

E-mail : nesh@spgg.org.sg

A joint collaboration between SPGG and our alma mater SP, the Endowment Fund was conceived in consultation with Immediate Past Principal Tan Hang Cheong and SPGG’s Executive Committee.

For a gift of $20,000, a donor’s contribution will be matched 1.5 times by the government so that a bursary of at least $1,800 will be awarded to a needy SP student on a yearly basis.

Benefits of donating to this fund include enjoying the naming right for the bursary, the donor being able to decide who he wishes to help, receiving a 2.5 times tax deduction from IRAS on the amount donated, the donor’s name appearing on the “Donor Walls” at SPGG and SP Moberly, getting the chance to meet the students who have benefited from the gift and having the gift given out every year in the donor’s chosen name.

12 < MAR - MAY 2013

K eith Tan was a member of the very first SP Team that won the Student In Free Enterprise (SIFE) National Championship in 2008 (note: Recently, SIFE was renamed to “Enactus”). He graduated

from the Diploma in Business Administration (DBA)in 2009. He was in the headlines lately after winning awards at the Start-Up@Singapore Competition for StartNow, a social enterprise he started with a friend.

Good Start For Now And The Future

Fission

Features

Keith Tan (main picture) now and back in 2008 when he was a member of the SP SIFE Team.

MAR - MAY 2013 > 13

Q: What are you doing now, Keith?A: After national service, I joined the National University of Singapore (NUS) as an architecture student. But even before joining NUS, I was also busy with a new startup called StartNow which I started with an old friend, Ivan Chang.

Q: Yeah, we heard you won some good money with StartNow.A: Haha…yes. We came in first for the new Social Enterprise / Cooperative category, which won us a $15,000 cash prize. We were named second overall for the Open Category and took another $7,000, and then another $1,000 for the People’s Choice of the Day. Most recently, we won a $10,000 seed grant at the Singapore International Foundation’s Young Social Entrepreneurs Programme which mentors and seeds young social enterprises.

Q: That’s a cool $33,000 in all. So what have you guys done to the money?A: We re-invested it back into our start-up.

Q: How did StartNow come about?A: We started with a desire to grow volunteerism here in Singapore and in Asia. StartNow is a social enterprise for non-profit organisations and they are at the core of what we do. We also provide an enterprise solution for businesses that seek to leverage the power of corporate volunteering to build their brands and create deeper employee engagement. Our platform allows businesses to connect their employees with volunteering opportunities and also track and assess the impact of volunteering activities across their organisation.

Q: That sounds like a really cool idea. How did this desire for volunteerism grow in you? Did your involvement in SP SIFE play a part?A: I was involved in marketing for the SP SIFE Team during my SP days and that was in itself a form of volunteerism in the social enterprise arena. Ivan and I wanted to focus on this area because when we looked at the social sector here, we saw a lot being done in the area of donations and microfinance but little being done to grow volunteerism, which is equally important, if not more important. In fact, in 2010, the value of volunteerism in Singapore was valued at some $1.8 billion, surpassing the $1.06 billion that was donated in the same year. The SIFE experience was a game changer for me. It created the realisation that we could utilise business tools to effect social change. This realisation started me on the path of social entrepreneurship which led to the creation of Start Now.

Q: What about your Business Administration diploma course? Did the modules play a part in how you shape this startup?A: I’ve always been a strong advocate of how valuable my BizAd diploma has been. The analytical skills gleaned from the rigours

of project work imbued in me a sharp business sense. The course has been instrumental in implementing the Start Now social enterprise. I was also fortunate to be part of the Entrepreneurship Concentration programme which was responsible for igniting the entrepreneurship spirit in me.

Q: How do you plan to grow this business further? A: Moving forward, Start Now is re-evaluating our position and thinking of a major revamp in the next few weeks. We will be dropping our scope which for now limits us to volunteerism and instead be expanding our focus to the general “social good” while retaining our existing volunteering platform as one of the key prongs. After all, our vision is for people to Start Now and get involved in solving the challenges of our time. Volunteering is one of the ways but we think there are more ways we can help and we must.

Q: How much money did you and Ivan pump in to start this?A: We got a nice funding grant of $50,000 from SPRING Singapore and a matching amount of $13,800 was also injected into it at the beginning. We have been very fortunate also to be able to raise funds from several business plan competitions. Apart from the recent win at the Start-up@Singapore Competition, StartNow was also nominated by IS Magazine as one of 2012’s Most Promising Startups. We also got a Special Mention at MediaCorp’s Young Entrepreneur Awards 2012 and were the 2nd Runner Up at Penn Olson’s Startups in the Asia Startup Arena Challenge earlier this year.

Q: Wow… that’s quite an achievement! Who have come on board StartNow so far?A: We are working with organisations like Singapore Gymnastics, Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association, Blessings in a Bag, Apex Harmony Lodge and Clarity Singapore. Most recently, the National Kidney Foundation, Cat Welfare Society, Young NTUC and Rotary Foundation Singapore have also signed up. These are among the more than 120 non-profit organisations on our platform.

Q: Ten years from now, where do you see yourself? An entrepreneur?A: Most definitely. Ten years from now, I hope to see StartNow as the leading platform for volunteerism and social good in Asia, and perhaps myself still playing a key role in that organisation. And of course, I hope to be a good architect who can also build social causes and not just buildings.

For information on StartNow, visit startnow.sg, facebook.com/startnow.sg or contact keith@startnow.sg.

Start Now was started by Keith (right) and an old friend, Ivan Chang.

The Start Now team visited rural villages in Thailand and also studied the different social enterprises there as part of the Singapore International Foundation Young Social Entrepreneurs Programme (SIF YSE).

Another visit by the team to a rural village in Buriram, Thailand, to understand how microfinance under the Village Development Bank programme was implemented.

14 < MAR - MAY 2013

Features Fission

Believe Lady Gaga when she says she was “Born This Way.” As an Aries, she’s a fire sign, making her naturally inclined to be high energy, very creative and fiercely independent.Whether or not you actually accept that Lady Gaga’s career success is a result of her zodiac sign, you’ve got to admit that it’s interesting to see what astrology says about personality and career path — because sometimes, like in Gaga’s case, it’s eerily correct.“Many high school students take an aptitude test to guide them on a path that they would enjoy. Astrology works the same way — it’s like a blueprint of your personality,” says Katherine Metcalf, a professional astrologer from Phoenix, Ariz. “We all come into this world with likes and dislikes, natural talents and areas where we need to learn and grow.”A Gemini, for example, is totally comfortable networking and socializing, Metcalf says. “Put her in marketing or sales and she’s happy. Stick her in a cubicle with no human contact and she will wither.”Want to know if your career is on the right track for your Zodiac sign?We got a chance to talk to two longtime astrologists, Metcalf and Stacey Wolf — author of “Never Throw Rice at a Pisces” and resident astrologer for Cosmopolitan magazine — about the career paths best suited for each sign.

According to Metcalf, the most general way to identify your natural career strengths is by your element, of which there are four in the zodiac: Fire, Earth, Air and Water, with three signs belonging to each element. Here’s what she says your element reveals about you:Fire signs (Aries, Leo and Sagittarius): All Fire signs are natural leaders. They are high energy, very creative and independent. Like a flame — they get inspired quickly and can motivate others. However, they may burn themselves out by having too many irons in the fire.Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn): All Earth signs are practical and grounded. They like having a plan and taking steps to achieve success. They do best in the corporate world where structure is needed.Air signs (Gemini, Libra and Aquarius): Air signs are the thinkers of the zodiac. Don’t expect them to get their hands dirty — they prefer working on a computer or brainstorming ideas with others.Water signs (Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces): The Water signs are the touchy, feely people of the zodiac. Water is related to our emotions and many excel at counseling. They are highly empathic and each sign has its own unique energy.Looking for a more in-depth analysis of what the cosmos hold for your career? Wolf pinpoints the key traits, and best and worst careers for each sign, below.

By Kaitlin Madden

???

The Best Careers for your Zodiac SignThe Best Careers for your Zodiac Sign

MAR - MAY 2013 > 15

Capricorn December 22 – January 19

Sagittarius November 22 – December 21

Aquarius January 20 – February 18

Pisces February 19 – March 20

Scorpio October 23 –November 21

Libra September 23 – October 22

Virgo August 23 – September 22

Leo July 23 – August 22

Cancer June 21 –July 22

Gemini May 21 – June 20

Aires March 21 – April 19

Taurus April 20 – May 20

This article was reproduced from JobsCentral Community with the permission of JobsCentral Pte Ltd, a CareerBuilder company. The contents cannot be reproduced or further circulated without the prior written consent of JobsCentral. For more career- and education-related articles, please visit http://community.jobscentral.com.sg

Key traits: Analytical, clever, inventive, and obstinate. Friendly and autonomous, you get along with most people, yet you have no problems voicing a divergent opinion.Best careers: Apps developer, veterinarian, scientist, engineer, alternative care practitioner.Careers to avoid: Any conventional job that discourages independent thinking or differing opinions.

Key traits: Compassionate, intuitive, flexible and overly sensitive. A visionary like Albert Einstein and Dr. Seuss, you work best in a situation where you can actualize what you see in your imagination.Best careers: Artist, designer, psychologist, entertainment, charitable foundations, dog walker.Careers to avoid: Any job that has a physically or psychologically grueling schedule or deals with the harsh realities of life.

Key traits: Enthusiasm, creativity, warmth – a short attention span. As a leader, you have great ideas but dislike getting mired in the tiny details.Best careers: Entrepreneur, sales, film/TV, stockbroker, military, rescue worker.Careers to avoid: Any mundane, detail-oriented desk jobs.

Key traits: Determined, hard-working, loyal, stubborn. You enjoy accomplishing tasks from big to small.Best careers: Engineer, computer programmer, technician, administrative assistant.Careers to avoid: Any job that involves taking too much financial risk.

Key traits: Quick-witted, clever, adaptable, indecisive. You multi-task well and get bored easily so it’s hard to focus on the same project for long periods of time.Best careers: Media, advertising, marketing, journalist/writer, delivery/driver.Careers to avoid: Serious or mundane jobs that are extremely detail-oriented.

Key traits: Caring, intuitive, creative, persevering, moody. You love to support and nurture people but can feel burdened by this responsibility, too.Best careers: Real estate, interior design, psychologist, teacher, therapist (occupational, speech, etc).Careers to avoid: Isolating Jobs that involve constant oversight and no creativity.

Key traits: Confident, ambitious, creative, generous and domineering. You shine in careers that show off your dynamic personality. Plus you need to be in charge of something.Best careers: Entrepreneur, entertainment, politics, public relations, maîtred.Careers to avoid: Any job where you are out of the spotlight.

Key traits: Detail-oriented, analytical, hard-working, yet fussy. You love to cross things off your to-do list.Best careers: Editor, accountant, engineering, graphic design, florist.Careers to avoid: Jobs that deal with a variety of people, who may not be as fastidious and perfectionist as you.

Key traits: Diplomatic, artistic, intelligent yet prone to indecision. Because you are graceful under pressure, you work best in partnerships with other people.Best careers: Architect, designer, lawyer, counselor, behind-the-scenes in the arts.Careers to avoid: Conventional jobs that lack creativity and independence of mind.

Key traits: Dynamic, creative, resourceful, strong willed. Outspoken and self-starting, you can only work in a career that you feel very passionate about.Best careers: Psychologist, designer, law, humanitarian organizations or charitable foundations.Careers to avoid: Anything you perceive as shallow or materialistic.

Key traits: Philosophical, optimistic, straightforward. You enjoy your freedoms of movement and self-expression and do best working in a field that allows you both.Best careers: Entrepreneur, airline pilot, sports industry, police officer, flight attendant.Careers to avoid: Any full-time desk job.

Key traits: Ambitious, resourceful, patient and authoritarian. Driven and competitive, any project you take on, you’ll do what ever it takes to be the best.Best careers: Finance, business development/management, doctor, trainer.Careers to avoid: A financially risky job or a career where there is no room for advancement.

16 < MAR - MAY 2013

Fission

Past Events

SPGG Welcomed 2013 inGangnam Style

‘SPGGians’ bid farewell to 2012 in Gangnam Style at the Countdown Party at the Grand Ballroom on 31 Dec.

Dancers, dressed to the likes of the sensational Psy, set the tone for the evening with their sharp and sexy grooves to “Oppan Gangnam Nite”, before leaving it to the emcee Adrian Tang to take centre stage with his bagful of teasing table and stage games.

The atmosphere got even more heated up when fire artist Danny Koh turned up spinning perilous fire tricks. He got the party goers to practically to hold on to their breath as he ‘ate’ one fire after another -blindfolded - with the flame just inches away from his skin.

When dinner passed and with just an hour or two left for the countdown, everyone took to the dance floor and partied the night away to hit songs such as “Dancing Queen” and the latest chart topper “Oppan Gangnam Style”.

Suzie Wong’s pole dancing performance was another highlight of the evening and it provided the party goers with the much needed breather from all the dancing. Surprisingly, some of our members and their guests were even sporting enough to give the pole a try! But none could manage the acrobatic skills that Suzie Wong executed.

And when the clock struck 12, SPGG welcomed 2013 with a big bang as ‘guns’ shot loads of confetti to give a fitting finale to the celebration.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

MAR - MAY 2013 > 17

Tornado wins again

After 33 weeks of intense competition, the 21st SPGG Foursome Bowling League came to a successful conclusion on Sat, 5th January 2013 with defending champion Tornado emerging victorious again with 550 points.

In second place in this member / guest bowling league which had 11 teams competing was Fusion with 547 points. It was followed in third place by the foursome from reciprocal club partner, SIA Group Sports Club.

Masters Finals

Alvin Chua Of AGAPE amassed 1411 pinfalls over 8 games to emerge tops in the Graded Division. Second was Christine Chan, who registered 3 pinfalls less.

In the Men’s Open, played over 10 games, Dexter Chan of Real Idea took the top spot with 1983 pinfalls whilst Sebastian Ong finished second with a score of 1891.

Emerging tops in the Ladies’ Open was Lee Whai Yih of Fusion with 1844 pinfalls. Second was Christine Chan, who carded 1780 pinfalls.

Our heartiest congratulations to all the winners!

Rebecca is crowned Queen of SPGG Lo Hei Mahjong

The 3-round SPGG Lo Hei Mahjong 2013 competition on 17 Feb saw Rebecca Yap being crowned as the Overall Champion with a score of 1746 (542, 735, 469).

Second was Michael Hui at 1678 (599, 541, 538), followed by dark horse Vivienne Lin, who made a gallant comeback of 757 – the best round score of the day - in the third and final round to end in third position, just 4 points behind Michael.

The competition was stiff from the start and although most of the 64 participants finished Round 1 within two hours, 6 out of the 16 tables took another 30mins to finish the game as the banker had won the game and had to go for another round of the same wind (East, West, North, South – 4 games per wind).

The surprise of the morning was Shaunica Kang who clinched 10 doubles within the first 30 minutes of Round 1. She, however, could

not continue her winning form and had to give in to Kelly Koh, who emerged as the winner of the round with 664.

The competition soon moved on to round 2. Participants were seen to be more at ease as they were more familiar with the rules of the round and the styles of play.

Though most participants tried their best to reach for the highest double, Shaunica was just unbeatable at 10 doubles! Round 2 ended at 3.00pm with Rebecca Yap flying high with a score of 735.

In the third and final round, the atmosphere was tense as the competitors gave their all and by the time the round ended at 5.30pm, Vivienne Lin emerged tops with a score of 757 and eventually took the Overall 2nd Runner-up prize with her 1674 total (617, 300, 757).

21st SPGG Foursome Bowling League

18 < MAR - MAY 2013

What’s Coming Up?NEW EVENTS.. .

Golf Lessons for Beginners 3rd Batch Intake

Date: Tue, 26 or Thu, 28 Mar Time: 7.00pm – 8:00pmLesson 1 – 7 @ Nature Park Driving Range – BishanLesson 8 – 10 @ Mandai Executive Golf CourseCharges: Member $225 / Guest $236*Price inclusive of GST

Highlights:• Learn the basic knowledge of playing Golf• Play on actual 9-Hole Golf Course • Get a Proficiency Certificate after completion of 9-Hole Golf Game

26 Mar or 28 Mar

To register for the above events, please call Ann at 6796 9988 or e-mail to events@spgg.org.sg

27 Mar

Control Your Destiny

Date: Wed, 27 Mar Time: 7:30 – 9:30pm Charges: Member $7 / Guest $9 *Price inclusive of GST

Highlights:• Know what is your “Ba Zi”• What does your “Ba Zi” represent?• What improvements can you make to your life with your “Ba Zi”?

19 April

Date: Fri, 19 April Time: 7:30 – 9:30pm Charges: Member $7 / Guest $9 *Price inclusive of GST

Complete Wealth Protection

Highlights:• Learn the issues involved in Wealth Protection• Hospitalization – Critical Issues & Needs• Replacement Income Needs• Severe Disability Needs• Mortgage Protection• Ensuring Your Loved Ones Can Survive After You Are Gone• Learn the latest tools available to address Wealth Protection Needs

17 May

Retirement Planning

Date: Fri, 17 May Time: 7:30 – 9:30pm Charges: Member $7 / Guest $9 *Price inclusive of GST

Highlights:• Discover how much you really need for retirement• Inquire all critical factors to plan• Explore various exciting financial instruments• Be empowered to take charge of your finances• Be on track to fulfill your life-long dreams

20 < MAR - MAY 2013

Wine & DineFission

Peranakan DelightsSet Menu

Set Menu for 6 persons at $88.80+

Choice of Soup of Bakwan Kepiting or Itek TimNgohiang BabiAyam Buah KeluakBabi PontehIkan Panggang Daun PisangUdang Kuah Pedas NanasNonya Chap ChyeBobor Terigu

Set menu for 2 persons at $32.80+

Choice of Soup of Bakwan Kepiting or Itek TimNgohiang BabiAyam Buah KeluakBabi PontehNonya Chap ChyeBobor Terigu

Set Menu for 4 persons at $62.80+

Choice of Soup of Bakwan Kepiting or Itek TimNgohiang BabiAyam Buah KeluakBabi PontehIkan Panggang Daun PisangNonya Chap ChyeBobor Terigu

A la Carte

Soup:

Bakwan Kepiting (Minced Pork, Bamboo Shoot, Crabmeat, Prawn Meat, Chinese Mushroom & Spring Onions)

Itek Tim(Salted Vegetables, Tomato, Duck & Mushroom)

Main Dish:

Ngohiang BabiAyam Buah KeluakBabi PontehNonya Chap ChyeIkan Panggang Daun PisangUdang Kuah Pedas Nanas

Dessert: Bobor Terigu

Members’ 15% discount applies

May – June 2013Lunch & Dinner,

Weekends & PH Only

MAR - MAY 2013 > 21

Peranakan Delights

Host Your Corporate or Private Event At

Our 6 well-equipped function/meeting rooms

offer a comfortable, conducive environment

with varied seating capacities to suit your

requirements

Half Day Seminar Package (4 Hours Only)

Package A: One Coffee Break with 3 snack items at $28.00++ per person per day

Package B: One Lunch only at $35.00++ per person per day

Package C: One Dinner only at $38.00++ per person per day

Package D: One Coffee Break with 3 snack items & One Lunch at $42.00++ per person per day

Package E: One Coffee Break with 3 snack items & One Dinner at $45.00++ per person per day

Full Day Seminar Package (8 Hours Only)

Package F: Two Coffee Breaks with 3 snack items per break at $38.00++ per person per dayPackage G: Two Coffee Breaks with 3 snack items & One Lunch at $52.00++ per person per dayPackage H: Two Coffee Breaks with 3 snack items & One Lunch & One Dinner at $80.00++ per person per day

The above meeting packages are inclusive of:• Use of function room at time stated • Welcome morning coffee and tea• One flip chart with papers & markers • Writing materials, ice water and mints• One portable screen• Food, No Pork, No Lard (Halal, Vegetarian can be arranged)• PA sound system with One wired or wireless handheld microphone.• Complimentary car parking (First-come-first-served basis)• All packages require a minimum of 20 persons• A surcharge will be charged if it’s below 20 persons• Additional usage of function room chargeable @$100.00++ per room per hour.

* Prices quoted are subject to 10% service charge & prevailing GST unless specified as NETT. Waiver of 10% service charge is exclusive for SPGG member only

For enquiries, please call our friendly F&B team at 67969988/91008889 or email banquet@spgg.org.sg

www.facebook.com/spgraduatesguild www.spgg.org.sg

Seminars • Meetings • Dinner & Dance

22 < MAR - MAY 2013

Singapore Polytechnic Graduates’ Guild 1010 Dover Road Singapore 139658 www.spgg.org.sg

Contact Us Now! Call 6796 9988/ 9066 8818/ 9385 2478 or e-mail joinus@spgg.org.sg

Graduates & Corporations

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Join us today at $1,500 for your GIFT!

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*Interest free instalments available for DBS and UOB Credit cardholders

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