December 2008 Update

I think the frequent between my posts are spreading wider. Now, should I update just once a month and titled it by the month? :)

I enjoy jogging even more after going through military training. No, I haven't consider a marathon yet, for now it's just short distance of 6 km or less. I bought myself a Nike + iPod Sport Kit shortly after investing in an iPod Nano. It keeps track of my runs (time, distance, pace, etc), motivates me with the power song feature and even congratulates me when I hit a personal best. Although the distance is sometime way off and once it lost sync with my iPod Nano and recorded a 5.1 km run as 2.28 km run it still my best companion whenever I sweat it out.



Headed down to Dhoby Ghaut after my course last week to donate blood and to support my university's blood drive. It was the same event that I was given the opportunity (refer here) to organize after going through a round of interview. I think what deters most people from donating is the sight of the needle. What you can't see, can't scare you, so don't look at it when the nurse insert it in. Less than an hour of my time and just 450 ml of my blood (imagine a coke bottle) to save 3 lives, it's worth it. Please donate. :)

Tried The Soup Spoon for the first time and I find it pretty normal, nothing much to rave about. I had the Beef Goulash soup with Mushroom Pesto sandwich. My dining companion's Boston Clam Chowder was tasteless and 'boring'.



I'm one year older today. Feel so old now, hate to think of my age when I finally complete my degree. I had an early celebration with my family at home the day before. Going for another celebration at Lawry's later. :)

In loving memory of my miniature Schnauzer who passed away on 1st December 2006.

School's out? Right.

Third week of December and It's fast approaching the end of my school vacation. For all the blood and sweat I gave for my projects and exams, I haven't enjoyed enough! If this isn't enough, I will be attending a one week Java course later. Great.

My results are not really satisfactory, qualifies only a Cum Laude. I am contented if I can graduate with a Cum Laude and not slip any further back.

Met up with Ms. Ng and Amanda a few days back for dinner at Shoduko, Raffles City. The usual catching-up and stuff. Also met-up the TB030 in our 2-monthly gathering. The gathering was at Jewel Box @ Mt. Faber. We had fine dining in casual wear and the most expensive roti prata at $17 for two. *roll eyes* But it's the company that matters. The cable car ride was amazing, love the night scenery around Vivocity. Ended the night with a chill' out session at Alan's pub.

All the catching-ups, I'm suddenly reminded I'm suppose to meet my Chief Clerk from my camp for lunch.

The day before attended an appreciation night event by Microsoft held at Singapore Polytechnic Graduates Guild. The event aside, it provides great networking opportunity. I spoke with this gentleman who is in-charge of Live Search in Singapore and it was simply amazing knowing how things work behind the scene.

I really hope December lasts forever. :(

and they said, opportunity don't knock twice.

The outgoing Events Director of my university's mac society called me a few days back, asking me if I am interested to take up the soon to be vacant position. For a period of time, I was pretty active, helping to run an event. I guess it was because of this I got noticed.

Because of my Microsoft Student Partner involvement, I'm not sure if I should take up the post. I do not want to be in the position where I neglect my studies because of my co-curricular activities.

If only the post was offered to me when I am in my Year 2 after the lapse of my MSP. Oh well.

Anyway, I decided not to work in December. I took the plunge by signing up for enrichment course offered by my school, Sun SL275 Java Programming. It's a risk I took as I skipped the basic course (Sun SL-110) and went straight one level up.

If I do well for the course, I might consider taking up the Sun Certified Java Programmer certification exam.

Revision for exams going on a rather slow and inefficient pace. I kinda forgotten how to study for exams. :(

It's 4am now, heading to bed and resume my revision 5 hours later. Ciao!

Revision Week

Revision week finally! 13 weeks of hell and 2 more weeks of crazy mugging I can look forward to my December holiday!

Alot had happened since my last post. First on the list, I bought a Macbook Pro! It was a much needed upgrade to my 4 years old Powerbook. I hate to let it go, it had struggled to keep up with my work, ALICE programming, Java programming and presentations.

It sits peacefully besides my Macbook Pro. Don't really know what to do with it, I hate to sell it away (it doesn't worth much anyway) and it lacks the computing power (a G4 processor) to do any serious work. Might explore the option of running it as a server with Mac OS X server.

Second on the list, I am now a Microsoft Student Partner (MSP)! If you recall the interviews I mentioned in my previous posts, yep, it's interviews for MSP. First round of interview was conducted in Singapore Management University, and the second and third are conducted at Microsoft Singapore, One Marina Boulevard. Some background information,

Quoting from Microsoft,

Microsoft Student Partners are a select group of students in Singapore who are passionate about technology and have a strong willingness to share their knowledge with their peers. Student Partners are the students creating and leading campus clubs or organizations and special interest groups. Always on the leading edge of technology innovation, these students are evangelists in the classic sense, looking to spread their infectious enthusiasm for software development far and wide. Student Partners are black-belt and highly experienced student developers who have demonstrated their technical and/or managerial expertise and commitment to their respective campus communities.

These students are recognized, credible, and accessible individuals with expertise on the Microsoft developer platform. They actively participate in online and offline communities to share their knowledge and expertise with other students and in some cases, with professional developers.

The Microsoft Singapore Student Partner Program is the way that Microsoft formally acknowledges the accomplishments of these individuals for their contributions to community. It is focused on allowing all students, and most especially, these select student influentials, to realize their full potential.

From Wikipedia,

The Microsoft Student Partners is a worldwide educational program to sponsor students majoring in disciplines related to technology. MSP program attempts to enhance students' employability by offering training in skills not usually taught in academia, including knowledge in various Microsoft technologies.

Looking forward to the opportunities the programme may have to offer. :)

Been sick for a week, probably due to late nights from my projects. Going to have a proper rest during this revision week. Of course, not forgetting my studies. :)

Interview - One Marina Boulevard

Recess week was just over and I really ponder why is it a recess week when I still head back to school everyday for project discussions and mid-term exams.

Now barely one week from recess week, my stress level is reaching its peak again. A 4000 words essay to write, presentation slides to amend and an 5-page individual assignment. All my next week. I hope I can perform yet another miracle. I have to.

This evening, headed over to One Marina Boulevard for interview. The view from the office was stunning, unhindered view of Marina Bay and the Esplanade.

One of the questions asked, what will your commitment be if you are shortlisted. I don't really like question on commitment, especially now I am going through a trying period in school. On one hand, I would like to commit myself to the fullest extent as required of me, but on the other, I don't want it to be at the expense of my studies. I gave a politically correct answer as usual.

To me, this doesn't top my priorities, it's good if I clutch it, if I did not, I have more time for my studies. :)

The new Macbook Pro has just been released. In the name of future-proof, mini DisplayPort replaced DVI-D video output. Cost of ownership just got higher with the need to get 2 silly adapters to convert the mini DisplayPort to DVI and VGA. Oh well.

Mid-Term Update

Recess week is finally here but looking at my calendar, it seems not much of a difference. School is still a daily affair.

These 7 weeks were exhausting. Rushing through assignments, numerous project discussions and case studies. Things doesn't seem to stop, with the passing of a deadline, another appear.

Last week was especially trying. I had to read up on 2 case studies, helping my group mate to prepare a debate and project discussions. I spent the holiday plonked in-front of my monitor screen rushing through my Java assignment. No, you don't have to tell me how lifeless I am.

Java assignment, I'm glad it's finally over. Headed over to school at 11pm to submit the hard copy. Hard copy submission was tomorrow but I'm too lazy to wake up early for submission. Over school, met my friends who are still furiously tapping the keyboard, codes appearing at the speed of thought.

2 of them had prior experience with Java and 1 was working as a programmer before school starts. I tried to help them but the thing with programming is, given the same scenario, there are many possibilities in solving it. I gave them my code but it differs too much to be of any help.

Looking back, I seem to have given up a lot to meet my school commitments. I was shortlisted after an interview for the post of Sponsorship Executive for a Red Cross event organized by my school chapter. It was one of the many hell weeks during that point of time and I had to let go of this opportunity.

4 years of hectic school lifestyle. I'm not sure if I can stomach this.

Will be posting pictures of the latest TB030 adventure in Facebook soon. :)

Calculus

I realize I do love Calculus. Every questions completed correctly give me a sense of satisfaction.

With additional mathematics background, I should have loved it to bits but I did not. Solely because I don't have a good head start in this subject back. Many beg to differ, but I didn't have a good mathematics teacher back then to generate my interest.

Not that I have a good teacher now though. This Professor of mine like most mathematics teachers, love to talk to themselves. Sometimes you wonder if he is teaching you or just trying to solve the problem on his own.

If we have a year like when we were in secondary school to study this subject, I will probably do very well for this subject. Interest overcomes everything.

It's a blessing I have someone close as a personal tutor.

National Service: Afterthought

Collecting my pink IC on Tuesday, it occurred to me no matter how prized it is by NSFs, at the end of the day it is just an ordinary identity card. Was national service all about collecting this pink card that we so unwillingly surrendered upon enlistment?

I dreaded national service for it deprived me of an early university education at the prime of my time. But it's a higher calling that I grew to accept and probably the source of my discontentment with foreigners who so easily gained Singapore citizenship without having to serve national service.

In all honesty, I gained much from national service, to be specific, when I was in the Air Force. Working life here isn't without its ugly side. Office politics fill every corner of the workplace, but the same goes for every jobs available outside. Being a male-dominated workforce, it is inevitable for people to work using their ego. However, at the end of the day, politics and a little of relationship-tugging do get the work done quite efficiently.

Knowing your purpose in what you are doing, you tend to work with a little more pride. This was the case for me. I don't mind sacrificing a little of my personal time just to get work done properly.

Looking back the past 2 years,

Sep 06 - Enlisted at Basic Military School 1 ('H' Coy) as a Recruit
Dec 06 - Passed out from Basic Military School as Private
Dec 06 - Entered School of Infantry Specialists (SISPEC, 'H' Coy) for Basic Section Leader Course
Mar 07 - Completed my graduating 28km route march
Mar 07 - Passed out from SISPEC as Corporal
Mar 07 - Entered Air Force School for Air Defence Weapon Specialist Course
May 07 - Passed out from Air Force School as Third Sergeant (3SG)

And my achievements,

May 07 - Master of Ceremonies for 42th ADSS Graduating Ceremony
Jan 08 - Master of Ceremonies for unit's Change of Command Ceremony
Mar 08 - Awarded Outstanding Serviceman of the Month
May 08 - Awarded Outstanding Serviceman of the Year
Jun 08 - Nominated for Best Serviceman (Air Defence System Specialist) Award
Jun 08 - Article on Manpower Initiatives in the Air Force selected for publication
Aug 08 - Awarded Letter of Commendation for Good Achievement and Performance from Brigadier-General Wong H.S.

All these would not have been possible without a supportive and understanding superior.


At the end of the day, it's knowing you have made a positive impact on others

The ride out of camp was a difficult one. Saying goodbye to colleagues and packing my personal belongings, my heart felt heavy to part a place which I had spent my 1.5 years.

I probably won't be coming back here again in the next 4 years and the experience will be very much different coming back as a reservist.

People often find it unbelievable there is actually someone who sings positively for national service. I enjoyed my national service and I am proud to share it.

Time to move on.

ORD Lo!

Day and night, I hoped this day will come soon. Now, at its arrival, there is this bitterness in me. I enjoyed my days in Air Force, doing what I like and putting in my best effort.

I did not collect my civilian IC today. No, I am not that insane to give up on civilian life. I had a full day in school today, as such, I will collect it tomorrow.

I had my first presentation last week. I spent 1 week to touch up on the slides as if my life depends on it (indeed, it does). Before this, the last presentation I had was with TB030 for final year project. But for now, it's a sole presentation.

I think NS and SMU has changed me. I speak so naturally that I find it hardly nature of me. For Question and Answer, I answered all questions bombarded at me and after the presentation, I was on cloud nine. The email sent my Professor on my presentation made the effort even worthwhile.

Time to head back to my assignments. Ciao.

Serenity, where are you.

Barely 3 weeks into school, the rate of projects, assignments and research are piling up exponentially, waiting to be done.

On certain days, you are just contented with 4 hours of sleep. To have 5 hours of sleep is a miracle that you pray each day.

The dreadful truth that you spend three-quarter of your time in school and the remaining time for meals and sleep at home hits you now and then.

You feel yourself crumbling away mentally, emotionally and physically from the mounting pressure. You ponder, would you emerge stronger or just fade into darkness from this episode?

SMU Convocation 2008

Last Saturday was the Singapore Management University's Convocation ceremony. A little more details on the event,

Convocation is a formal event with all the pomp and ceremony, and SMU's Chancellor, Chairman, President and faculty in full academic regalia on hand to welcome the new students to SMU.

Dr Noeleen Heyser, Singapore 's first female Under Secretary General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, and Her World Woman of the Year 2008 will be addressing you at this event. Get inspired and challenged as she shares with you her journey to reach where she is today.

Soak in all the festivities and energy from the special performances put up by your seniors, specially for you!

Join us at this memorable, once in a life-time symbolic event, together with your new-found friends, your seniors and your family as you embark on this next chapter of your life as a freshman at our University of Choice!

The opening performance by the university symphonic band - SMU Symphonia, was spectacular. You really have to be there to feel it, it was simply amazing.

After the event was formally over, we skipped the informal segment, where silly games are being played once again. Seriously, do they expect people to really have fun in in their formal attire?

Ended the day with a late lunch at Swensens.





More photos will be uploaded on Facebook.

School started on Monday and for 1st week of school I already have the overwhelming feeling with the projects and case studies lay out for you. I thought 'A' maths was a done deal back in Secondary School and now it's back to haunt me in Calculus module.

I really have to buck up now... *sigh*

Visit to Red Cross Home for the Disabled

As part of our participation in SMU Challenge, we visited Red Cross Home for the Disabled located at Elizabeth Drive.

We were divided into different groups and assigned with different tasks. My group was to perform for the elderly residents of the Home and prior to the visit, we learnt to sing a few songs, namely, 月亮代表我的心, 甜蜜蜜, Top of the World and Ji Pa Ban (Hokkien). I also doubled up as the AV guy in-charge of providing audio support.

For the first time in my life, I felt so helpless as I tried to communicate to the residents. Some laid motionless on the bed, some were able to respond with a smile and a few were able to carry out a normal conversation. I suddenly feel how fortunate most of us are, to be able to lead a normal life.

We helped with the cleaning of the Home after the performance. There wasn't much time left, but we managed to clean the doors, windows and the balcony grille.

It was a short 3 hours but it made me realize so much about the plight of the less privileged segment of the society.