RCYC Briefing for Eunos GRLs

3 June 2010

PAYM conducted a briefing on the Residents' Committee Youth Chapter (RCYC) initiative to fellow grassroots leaders of Eunos.

Some statistics of youth PAssion card holders were presented to us, allowing us to have a feel of the number of youths in each RC and their top interests. RC Chairpersons also took the opportunity to propose some ideas on how to attract youths into interest groups.

Local youth residents will make up the RCYCs. RCYC members would include those who participate in RC interest groups or volunteer at grassroots events.

Our Adviser Zainul Abidin Rasheed also took a photo with YEC members who recently attained the PAYM Meritorious Youth Club Award.

初次观摩经禧讲演会

2 June 2010

经禧华语讲演会 (Cairnhill Mandarin Toastmasters Club) 是国际讲演会80区域L1分区的新会员。很荣幸的被邀请担任作业评论员。

Recce to Pang Sua Park

30 May 2010

After a late night at RWS, woke up early for a recce to Pang Sua Park. According to NParks website, "the Pang Sua Park Connector starts from Zhenghua Park and runs along Bukit Panjang Road, connecting to Bukit Panjang Park along the route... forms part of the Western Adventure PCN, linking PCN users to various PCs, parks and nature reserves."

We were surprised to see water flowing into this rusted pail. Seems like someone didn't make it alive to collect the pail... Wonderful plot for a horror movie.

The morning drizzle did not deter us from completing the 1.8km segment that we came here for.

We were surprised and pleased to see dozens of butterflies along the trail. It is such a rare chance to catch these lovely creatures in this urbanised island.

We also got to step on the railway, which will soon be part of Singapore's history.

SHINE - PAYM Awards & CYC Installation Ceremony 2010

29 May 2010

Many things can happen within two years. For the group of us in Eunos CC YEC, the past two years had been a transformational one.

The Chinese has a saying 台上三分钟，台下十年功 (literal translation: 3 minutes on stage are the results of ten years of effort). Under the leadership of a perfectionist, each YEC event was taken seriously. If anything, our team set out to redefine the meaning of "youth" in Eunos.

PAYM Awards & Central Youth Council (CYC) Installation Ceremony 2010 was held at Resorts World Sentosa. Individuals and Youth Clubs are assessed by a panel for the achievements they attained for the past term of two years.

The grandiose nature of the ceremony brought back memories of Prom Night. Clad in lounge suits and ties/evening gowns, everyone walked the red carpet right.

Soon after the arrival of the Guest-of-Honour and VIPs, flash mobbers took us by surprise, with their synchronous hip-hop dance to the beat of techno songs.

CYC Chairperson Lina Chong gave an opening address, highlighting the achievements by the YECs and thanking YEC members for their commitment.

The Guest-of-Honour, Ms Grace Fu, Senior Minister of State for National Development & Education, Member of PA Board of Management, urged youths to continue with our community involvement efforts.

Elected members of the new term Central Youth Council also received their appointment letters from the GOH. Outgoing Chief Executive Director of PA, Mr Tan Boon Huat and CED-designate Mr Yam Ah Mee were also present as the CYC was installed.

When the Meritorious Youth Club Award was received by Hock Rong on stage, Eunos CC YEC members and Bedok North Secondary School Service Learning Club did three rounds of loud "huat"s to express our exhilaration. The Meritorious Youth Club Award is given out to the top 10 Youth Clubs in Singapore. (In case you are wondering, there are over 100 Youth Clubs).

Was also happy for my One Asia Forum friends whose Youth Clubs also received the Award.

Well, even when the tough gets going and the going gets tough, our bunch did have our fair share of fun. And that's where Serious Business meets Serious Fun!

NACLI Course - Media Management

29 May 2010

Attended the Media Management course at the NAtional Community Leadership Institute (NACLI).

The lesson was conducted by Mr Azhagiya Pandiyan, Senior Manager (Media Relations), Office of Corporate Communications, Republic Polytechnic.

A media person himself, Mr Pandiyan worked as a news telecaster, BBC radio presenter, MediaCorp Radio DJ and also lectured at Republic Polytechnic.

The 1-day course was enriching. We learnt how to handle questions from reporters to the best advantage for our grassroots organisations.

Vesak Day Celebrations @ Expo

28 May 2010

Went to check out the Vesak Day Celebrations at Singapore Expo. Joined in the chanting of Amitabha for about half an hour before leaving.

Badminton with 7uicy Wonders

27 May 2010

Had a great time with 7uicy Wonders at Hougang Sports Hall.

Presenting an Award - Friend of the School

25 May 2010

"Presenting an Award" is an advanced Toastmasters project, part of the Special Occasions manual.

I delivered my speech at Kg Chai Chee Toastmasters club chapter meeting as a school principal. The setting was the school's speech day, and I was to present the Friend of the School award.

In my speech, I deliberately left out any mentioning of the individual's name until the final part where I called upon everyone to applaud in honour of the individual.

Sincerity is very important when delivering an award presentation speech. Speaking without a script, one should avoid giving the facial expression or any gestures that might indicate that the speaker has forgotten what to say.

State Funeral Service for the late Dr Goh Keng Swee

23 May 2010

Several PA Grassroots Leaders assembled at PA HQ in the morning. There were representatives from all the CDCs as well as youth representatives from the PAYM. Unionists and representatives from NCSS also gathered there.

The men were dressed in white top black bottoms while the ladies were in black attire. We were then transported to the Singapore Conference Hall to attend the State Funeral Service for the late Dr Goh Keng Swee.

The biography documentary of Dr Goh, prepared by Channel NewsAsia, was screened while we awaited the service to commence.

The eulogies were read by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew, Temasek Holdings Chairman S Dhanabalan, Dr Goh's grand niece Marian Hu & Dr Goh's grandson Goh Ken-Yi.

After that, there was a one-minute silence for everyone to pay our last tributes to Dr Goh. I remember reading about this man frequently in my readings. Perhaps due to his dislike for public attention, I always wonder what happened to this man who had helped achieved so much for Singapore.

After PM Lee and Mrs Goh laid wreaths, the bugle was played.

37th SSEAYP Team Building Selection Session

22 May 2010

After the selection interview held a week ago, the 37th SSEAYP Team Building Selection Session was held at Camp Sembawang.

I thought it was quite a paradox to have a team building and selection at the same time. Nevertheless, it was great fun getting to make friends with youths who are outstanding in their own fields.

Besides personality profiling tests and indoor games, there were also low-elements activities. We relived our school days when we made our thunderous group cheers.

In the evening, I attended a Temple Dinner at the only Temple in Eunos constituency.

YoSpinz Pizza Gathering

21 May 2010

Organised a Pizza Gathering for our YoSpinz members (an Interest Group under the Eunos CC Youth Club).

It can be both glee and glam working with the energetic kids. But on the whole, it had been an enjoyable experience.

6 months into its formation, YoSpinz will be restructured to enhance opportunities for members to turn professional and allow them to own the stage.

到友诺士华语讲演会担任作业评论员

19 May 2010

说来也挺怪的。我在友诺士基层组织当义工那么多年了，却还没出席过民众俱乐部的华语讲演会的例常活动。

经该会长陈可妮的邀请，我终于来到了他们的活动，担任作业评论员

每一次观摩友会的活动都有不一样的收获，学到不同的东西。

即席演讲时，我谈了“面子”而该主持赠送了这幅书法：