February 25, 2009

Mid-Term Break

It's academic week 8, a short one week break before chaos reigns again.

Although it's called term break, deadlines are still conveniently slotted in the recess week and for some, mid-term tests. Just 2 days ago was the interim submission for my Java project. Things went well pretty alright, which I attribute it to a diversity of talents in this team of 3, programming, database and documentation. I was surprise myself that after years of stagnancy, my knowledge of database management still holds well, well enough for me to pass the waiver test too.

Myself aside, things weren't so good for my friend. She cried in school. She did not manage to submit the project in time (2359Hrs) and only managed to finish it for submission 6 in the morning. No thanks to the non-locals in her team.

I just can't wait summer holidays to start and embark on some non-academic pursuits, volunteering, temporary job, redo my room decor, catching up with friends, short holiday out of Singapore and soooooo much more.

If any of you guys know of any temporary job from April to August, do let me know. Doesn't have to be IT-related. :)

Heading back to my research paper. Ciao!

February 09, 2009

Waking up today with a sense of helplessness, I know somehow I need to vent this negative feelings.

I have been leading a school life with the sole concern on deadlines that I did not realize I am in week 6 of school. Week 7 is where most of my deadlines are due and also my approaching mid-term examinations. Home after school, most of the time were spent on making ends meet than to revise on my studies.

Out of the 6 modules (4 full modules and 2 half modules), 4 include projects as part of the continuous assessment. Some of the projects exist for the sake of existing. Do we need a project to learn creativity? Do we really need a module to learn creativity? Perhaps this is resulted from the inherent flaw of our education system, everything can be learnt, everything can be expressed in theories and pushed down the throats of the eager minds.

Day after day, I grow weary of the schemes of my school. Something I did not feel in my previous studies. Was it the fertility of the mind that leads to this self-awareness?

I have myself to blame in self-deceiving 6 modules are manageable. Perhaps I overlooked the fact that some of the modules are project intensive.

As much as I detest the current state I am in, I read with interest on the fast-track programme allowing students to pursue a Bachelor and Master degrees at a shorter time, specially, the BSc (ISM) & MITB (Financial Services) Fast-Track and the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) Fast-Track. The work of a conditioned mind in the pursuit of paper qualifications.

10 medical articles to digest, better work on it now before my meeting at 7pm.

January 28, 2009

Happy Lunar New Year 2009!

This year's lunar new year has been satisfying. Not in term of monetary inflow but a refreshing look of the house. A fresh coat of paint and new living room furniture, it's worth the mess (from the painting) and the time (from furniture scouting).

School hasn't been kind to me, projects, assignments and readings. Due to public holidays, I will have make-up lesson on Friday from 1900 - 2200 Hrs and Saturday from 1200 - 1500Hrs. The modules I am taking this term is pretty intensive with the readings. Although I am more prepared after going through the first term, it gets pretty monotonous when life after school is usually stuck in my room with school work after dinner.

Another thing that's on my mind is how am I going to spend my summer vacation. I thought of 'intern-ing' but so far, nothing has caught my attention.

3 deadlines this week, sleepless nights ahead. Ciao!

January 09, 2009

Year 1 Term 2

First week of school and the pressure is mounting again. Test and first assignment due next week and the week of Chinese New Year is filled with deadlines. I won't be surprise if I have to skip the house visitings to meet deadlines.

It's another crazy 3 months ahead. *sigh*

My friend had asked me whether am I keen to be her co-leader for the overseas community involvement project in Cebu she plans to organize in summer. I thought it would be an interesting experience but I have the intention of doing an intern during summer and being involved in 2 other CCAs, I doubt I can afford the time.

Wanted to prepare for next week's test and the school system is down. Great.

I hope it won't be long before my next post. Later.

December 23, 2008

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.

December 15, 2008

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. :(

November 21, 2008

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!

November 17, 2008

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. :)

October 18, 2008

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.

October 06, 2008

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. :)

September 23, 2008

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.

September 12, 2008

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.