Horizons
JAN/FEB ISSUE
A Bi-monthly Magazine of the Management Development Institute of Singapore
MCI (P) 201/04/2013
Travelling Back in Time for MDIS' Staff Appreciation Night
School of Psychology Revisits IMH
Engineering a Better Tomorrow Exactly what does the outgoing President of the Student Council do?
A
Editor’s Note
lthough MDIS is an educational institute first and foremost, we make sure that our students always have a good time when studying with us. Take the Dessert Making Workshop that we recently conducted, for instance, the students enjoyed learning from a professional chef on how to make their very own sweet treats. Our rooftop Valentine’s Day celebration was another such occasion where students were given the opportunity to come together and enjoy each other’s company. Not only was the rooftop garden breezy and pleasant in the evening, it also allowed students to appreciate the MDIS campus from a vantage point not often seen. Of course, the academic achievements of our staff and students should also be celebrated! We would like to take this opportunity to once again congratulate Dr Christina Zerda Floresca, senior lecturer of the School of Health & Life Sciences, for the successful publication of her paper in the Sensors and Actuators B journal. Monish Kotak, our cover personality for this issue, has also been a most exemplary student. We spoke to this third-year Engineering student to find out more about him as a person, a student and as the outgoing President of the Student Council. At the end of the day, it all boils down to balancing work and play. It is important to work hard, but it is also important to play hard as well; just make sure it’s not before or during your exams!
Tan Gek Khim, PBM Editor
EDITOR Tan Gek Khim, PBM STAFF WRITER Terence Leong ADVISORS Dr Eric Kuan Dr R Theyvendran, PBM Roger Tham CONTRIBUTORS Surina Tan Gede Krishna Marco Chieppa Yvonne Chai Dr Christina Zerda Floresca Harshanal Abdul Halim Philippe Guerrand Kaliyeva Radmila George Low Ray Loh Monish Kotak Steven Tan
“
The greatest oak was once a little nut that held its ground. - Unknown
Olive Liaw Pei Ying Seik Peik Foong Gerson Lapid
”
In Horizons Nov/Dec 2013, the Best Student and Best Project Awards from the University of Bradford graduation should go to Lok Shih Heng (Best Student) and Mohamad Elias Bin Ibrahim (Best Project) for the B.Eng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering, and to Ee Kar Hao (Best Student and Best Project) for B.Eng (Hons) in Electrical Engineering respectively. We apologise for this printing error.
Management Development Institute of Singapore Reg. No. 201001793H 20 May 2010 to 19 May 2014
MDIS Campus 501 Stirling Road Singapore 148951 Tel: (65) 6278 8000 Fax: (65) 6278 5312 MDIS Dhoby Ghaut 20 Orchard Road Singapore 238830 Tel: (65) 6372 1000 Fax: (65) 6338 1048 www.mdis.edu.sg | email: mdis@mdis.edu.sg
A member of the Singapore Association for Private Education (SAPE) Horizons is the official bi-monthly publication of the Management Development Institute of Singapore (MDIS). For contributions in the Special Features or other sections, please email comms@mdis.edu.sg. Editorial material does not necessarily reflect the views of MDIS. Information is accurate at time of printing. Copyright ©2014 Management Development Institute of Singapore. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced or printed in any form without prior written consent from MDIS. Horizons is printed by Stamford Press Pte Ltd.
04 MDIS Roadshow @ Cineleisure 05 On Excellence in the F&B Industry 06 Staff Appreciation Night 2014 08 "Green" Paper-Based Biosensors
Newscope
MDIS Roadshow @ Cineleisure O
n 17th to 19th January, the MDIS roadshow, which was set up just outside Cathay Cineleisure, introduced its academic programmes to the general public. Operating from 12pm to 8:30pm in the evening, the MDIS roadshow booth attracted a lot of attention from the crowd and saw several interested parties signing up for courses that range from Business & Management to Engineering, Fashion & Design, Information Technology, Health & Life Sciences, Mass Communications, Psychology and Travel, Tourism & Hospitality Management.
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Newscope
On Excellence
in the F&B Industry
The F&B industry today is facing many challenges: keen competition, increasing ingredient costs, a shrinking pool of talent, perpetually demanding customers and, of course, rising rent. However, despite all these challenges, the industry is still growing, and has not stopped growing in a long time. The “Current Trends and Challenges in the Food Service Industry” seminar, held on 25th February 2014, saw three guests speakers: Mr Terence Goh, lecturer from the MDIS School of Tourism and Hospitality; Mr Glendon Cheok, operations manager of FLA Singapore; and Mr Felix Cheok, operator of the Trung Nguyen Café Chain Pte Ltd. Each spoke about a different aspect of the food and beverages (F&B) industry. Mr Goh began by talking about how many entrepreneurs in Chicago and Japan became successful by defying conventional wisdom and staying away from malls. Instead, these restaurateurs focused their efforts on technological innovations, resulting in clever F&B concepts such as kitchen vans, conveyor belt food delivery systems, iPad point-of-sale solutions and so on. For his part, Mr Glendon Cheok shared his insights into the challenges that franchisees face. “Franchises that are just fashionable don’t last”, he said, emphasising that when you buy into a franchise, you are buying their system in addition to their product. If the franchise does not continually invest in research and development, training, global networking, brand development and world-class support and heritage, the brand will never survive. Finally, Mr Felix Cheok showcased the many innovations that Trung Nguyen Coffee, the brand he is currently managing, developed in order to remain
competitive. Sharing his plans to expand their current coffee processing plants in Vietnam to coincide with the launch of their new instant coffee named “G7”, Mr Cheok was obviously optimistic about the future and growth of the company. The entire seminar gave us many valuable insights into the workings of the F&B industry, and we are thankful that the school gave us this opportunity to learn so much more about a subject that is dear and close to many of our hearts.
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Many entrepreneurs in Chicago and Japan became successful by defying conventional wisdom and staying away from malls.
”
- Mr Terence Goh Lecturer from MDIS School of Tourism and Hospitality
This article was contributed by Gede Krishna Marco Chieppa who is pursuing a Bsc (Hons) in International Tourism and Hospitality Management in the MDIS School of Tourism and Hospitality. Horizons Jan-Feb Issue > 5
Staff Appreciation Night The staff of MDIS travelled back in time on 24th January 2014 for MDIS’ Staff Appreciation Night! With a theme of “The Olden Days of Singapore”, everyone turned up dressed to the nines in a wide variety of costumes that ranged from creatively hilarious to sexy and dashing. Every staff was presented with a door gift made up of “old-school” sweets and treats such as hawthorn candy and Apollo chocolate wafers. Even sweeter, however, were the kind words of appreciation that each staff’s head of department wrote and put into the bag, thanking him or her for the year of hard work and service to MDIS.
2014
Pre-Event Activities Prior to the actual dinner, attendees were also treated to all sorts of olden games and activities: like an a-gogo dance performance from some MDIS staff, a ring toss station and even an “illegal” gambling stall (that was promptly “busted” some time later by another staff member dressed as a police officer from the 60s!). By the time everyone had their fill of fun, they had all worked up an appetite: which was convenient, since it was time to ‘lau yu sheng’ or, as it is known in Cantonese, ‘lo hei’. This symbolic gesture not only allowed staff to celebrate the Chinese New Year together, but is also said to ensure good fortune and prosperity for everyone who takes part in the ritual, making it both the perfect start to dinner and the year.
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Newscope Awards 48 staff were awarded and recognised for their loyal service to MDIS with the Long Service Awards; of particular note was Senior Director Ms Tan Gek Khim, who has been with MDIS for exactly 20 years! The top three departments that came best-dressed – namely, Product Marketing & Management, Finance, and Corporate Administration – also walked away with many attractive gifts and prizes. Product Marketing & Management Department
Corporate Administration Department Finance Department
Special prizes were also awarded to the MDIS “King and Queen of Smiles”. Chosen as much for their cheery demeanour as they were for their dazzling pearly-white grins, Ocean Ngo from International Business and Amber from Human Resources and Development were crowned King and Queen respectively. A special prize – the “Most Kissable Lips” – was also awarded to Mataac Chito from the School of Health & Life Sciences, but we most certainly do not advocate using this as an excuse to smooch him!
The King and Queen of Smiles
Mataac Chito's "Most Kissable Lips"
Alas, the evening’s festivities had to eventually come to a close, but no tears were shed, nor was a single frowning face to be seen anywhere. After all, there’s always next year to look forward to! Horizons Jan-Feb Issue > 7
“Green”
Paper-Based Biosensors If you think that the lab work inside the School of Health & Life Sciences is all just theoretical, you are sorely mistaken!
W
orking together with Associate Professor Swee Ngin Tan from the National Institute of Education and Mr Kuek Chee Shiong Lawrence from Nanyang Technological University, MDIS School of Health & Life Sciences senior lecturer Dr Christina Zerda Floresca has recently developed a new type of biosensor. Made from cellulose paper, it is not only fast and highly-sensitive, but also relatively cheap to produce and “green” due to its low environmental impact, making it ideal for applications in food-processing control or biotechnological analysis. The specifics of the biosensor was published in “Sensors and Actuators B”, a peer-reviewed journal dedicated to new developments in the field of biosensors. While the current design is commercially feasible and functional, it can also serve as a base to springboard future research and development into similar paper-based biosensors.
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10 Revisiting IMH 11 Rising Up In General Society 12 Making The Right Move 13 Rebranding Yourselves 14 Ang Mo Kio - Thye Hua Kwan Hospital
Learning
S
Revisiting IMH
tanding at the entrance of the Institute of Mental Health (IMH), surrounded by the excited faces of my classmates, I was both delighted and eager to be part of the School of Psychology’s field trip to IMH. This was my second trip to the institute, but my first trip was so interesting and educational that I found myself just as enthusiastic about this repeat visit. The introductory presentation was enlightening and highly informative, covering a wide range of topics ranging from the modern role and purpose of IMH to a far-reaching history of mental illnesses, and how different cultures and communities used to treat these conditions. Of particular interest was how people used to think that mental disorders such as schizophrenia or borderline personality disorder were caused by evil spirits, and would therefore attempt to treat them with exorcism rituals; today, of course, such conditions would be treated through a combination of psychotherapy and drugs instead of dragging the patient to the nearest ‘bomoh’ (Malay witch doctor) or priest.
We were soon reorganised into smaller groups and allocated different wings to visit. My group made its way to the visiting area and quickly made the acquaintance of many different patients. Every one of them was different and had their individual quirks: like the Chinese uncle who appeared to be perpetually sad and weeping, but was actually just taking a nap in the corner. This uncle happily joined us for a game of mahjong when we invited him. He proved to be unexpectedly social and taught us not to judge a book by its cover.
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Another surprise came in the form of another Malay uncle who had developed an amazing ability to sketch and doodle just about anything. He revealed that it was a skill that he picked up during his time in IMH, and it made us honestly reconsider some of our prejudices and misconceptions about these patients being handicapped or incapable. One thing was clear: given a helping hand, the correct guidance and someone who was willing to listen to them with an open mind, these patients flourished and grew. The initial air of nervousness that surrounded us quickly disappeared, to be replaced by a relaxed and open attitude as we came to know and befriend these patients. Before we knew it, it was time for us to say goodbye, and I could not help but feel just a little sad. We said our farewells and made our way back to the presentation room to share our experiences with each other. At the end of the day, we gained an eye-opening experience in seeing the patients of IMH as people with their own talents and aspirations. We also saw first-hand how hard the staff of IMH work, and how absolutely committed and dedicated they are to their job. It can be a thankless job at times, especially when dealing with patients whose disorders leave them less than rational, but these nurses still manage to put their whole heart and soul into their work; and for that, they deserve to be commended. This article was contributed by Harshanal Abdul Halim who is pursuing a Diploma in Psychology with MDIS School of Psychology.
Learning
Rising Up
In General Society
I
n January, the Singapore class of the Grenoble Graduate School of Business (GGSB) had the pleasure of visiting the local office of Société Générale, a French multinational banking and financial services company headquartered in Paris. Located in the heart of the Marina Bay Financial Centre, the Singaporean branch of the company was established in 1979 and offers a wide range of financial services ranging from lending and foreign exchange to money market, derivatives, commodity finance and advisory.
The class was met by Mr Lambert, Chief Country Officer, and Mr Hurson, Commodities Derivatives Structurer. Not only did they provide us with a detailed overview of the company and its functions, but also served up plates of delectable French patisseries. Mr Lambert took the time to share with us some of the Société Générale’s core businesses, corporate strategies and career opportunities, while Mr Hurson presented us with a glimpse into some of the company’s projects dealing with financial and commodities derivatives. The visit was both informative and interesting, and gave all of us a very useful look into the realworld workings of an internationally-renowned financial company. The experience allowed us to apply some of the theory we learnt in the classroom with the practical wisdom witnessed in the company. We would like to thank both the Société Générale team as well as the GGSB team for organising this visit. This article was contributed by Philippe Guerrand who is pursuing a MSc in Finance with the Grenoble Graduate School of Business.
Horizons Jan-Feb Issue > 11
Making The Right Move O
n 17th January 2014, the students of the MDIS Business School had the rare opportunity to attend a networking workshop conducted by Mr Anthony Matis, the General Manager for Education, Business Development of CPA Australia. He began by sharing how certain experiences and decisions he made shaped his career path, and noted that in today’s highly competitive business environment, fresh graduates often encounter many challenges when pursuing their dream jobs. However, there is hope: and that hope comes from having a good network. “Networking is about selling your personal image,” he said. “Which is why the way you dress, speak and carry yourself matters more than you imagine.” Take for instance a simple thing like understanding the dress code for a given networking opportunity. If you show up to such an event underdressed, for instance, it can often leave a bad impression on the other people you are meeting; which is why it is often better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed. Another common mistake that a lot of people end up making is asking for a job or position immediately upon meeting someone new for the first time. Instead, one should first make some small talk by introducing oneself. Find some common topics with the other person, be it about news, sports or even
entertainment. Once rapport has been established, make sure you take the opportunity to exchange name cards, ensuring that you are always easily contactable thereafter. Mr Matis concluded his presentation with a statement that resounded with a lot of us. “Do not chase after the money. Instead, volunteer to do the ‘dirty’ jobs so that you will be noticed. When you are successful, the money will chase you.” We are grateful to MDIS for organising this event and look forward to more of such workshops and industrial visits in the future.
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Do not chase after the money. Instead, volunteer to do the ‘dirty’ jobs so that you will be noticed. When you are successful, the money will chase you. - Mr Anthony Matis General Manager for Education, Business Development of CPA Australia
”
This article was contributed by Kaliyeva Radmila who is pursuing a BSc (Hons) in Accounting and Finance with the University of Bradford. She is also Chairman of the Competition Sub-Committee in MDIS Business Club.
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Learning
Rebranding
Yourselves
“First impressions are dependent on the social and business networks that we create, as well as how we present ourselves through our personal branding. We must develop a personal brand that makes us look unique and stand out from the crowd,” said Ms Diana Anne, associate trainer of Image Flair Academy of Modern Etiquette.
T
he Professional Etiquette and Personal Branding workshop was conducted on 22nd February 2014 at the Tropical Breeze Training Centre on the MDIS Campus. Diana, the guest speaker and an expert in image and etiquette, was on hand to share all sorts of useful tips and tricks that one can use to easily improve one’s personal brand. Apart from her impressive grasp of such techniques, Diana also managed to engage the group through practical exercises and demonstrations. When speaking about posture, for instance, Diana demonstrated how a simple change in one’s stance and body language can quickly elicit different responses from the audience. “It is a great workshop that everybody should attend,” said one attendee, who was a member of the MDIS Alumni. “The entire presentation was an eye-opening experience, and we walked away inspired to improve our own personal branding and workplace protocol.”
“ ”
We must develop a personal brand that makes us look unique and stand out from the crowd. - Ms Diana Anne Associate Trainer of Image Flair Academy of Modern Etiquette
Horizons Jan-Feb Issue > 13
Ang Mo Kio -Thye Hua Kwan
Hospital Visit
P
eople say that Mondays are meant to be blue, but this Monday of mine was surprisingly exciting. As part of MDIS’ industrial visit programme, my class and I visited Thye Hua Kwan hospital, the leading provider of rehabilitative care in Singapore. Upon arrival at the hospital, we headed to the Therapy Services Training Room for an introductory talk by a staff member, where we learned that the hospital’s motto was “Learning Hands, Caring Hearts”, reflecting the mission of the hospital: to allow patients to relearn, reintegrate and ultimately become self-reliant in a caring, nurturing environment. Our class then split into two main groups: a “befriending” group, where we would socialise with the patients, and a “bingo” group, where we would play Bingo with them instead. I found myself in the former group, and a friendly staff member quickly led us to a ward where the patients spent most of their time. Although the conversation was initially stifled and awkward, as you may imagine it would be between two complete strangers, the patients were surprisingly sociable and outgoing. It did not take long before we were chatting away like long-lost friends, smiling and laughing with each other. In the blink of an eye, it was time for us to swap places with the other group and head upstairs to play some Bingo. It did not take long for the room to be filled with laughter and people yelling out predictions for what they thought the next number to be called out was going to
“
Sometimes all you need is to be a little more patient with them; and then you’ll realise that every one of them have led full and fruitful lives, and each of them have many interesting stories to share.
”
- Harshanal Student of MDIS School of Psychology
be. It warmed our hearts to see the patients enjoying themselves so much, and before we knew it, it was time for us to bid farewell to our newfound friends. Although we only spent a short time with the patients, I believe I speak for all of my class when I say it was a meaningful experience for all of us. Our hearts were warmed by how friendly and welcoming the staff and patients all were, and the things that they say still stay with us even today. As my classmate Harshanal said, “Sometimes all you need is to be a little more patient with them; and then you’ll realise that every one of them have led full and fruitful lives, and each of them have many interesting stories to share.”
This article was contributed by Ray Loh who is pursuing a Diploma in Psychology with the MDIS School of Psychology.
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16 Engineering a Better Tomorrow 18 Dessert Making Workshop 19 Ringing In The Chinese New Year 20 Valentine's Day @ MDIS 21 A Firefighter's Gratitude 22 Psychology, Boring ?
Campus Beat
Engineering a
B
Better
efore you speak to third-year Mechanical Engineering student Monish Kotak, you would never guess that his athletic frame hides a keenly intelligent mind. Speak to him for more than a few moments, however, and you will quickly discover that he is as versatile as he is sharp. “I play the piano in my spare time”, he says with an easy grin, “but I also like the occasional game of tennis and football if my schedule permits it.”
That last disclaimer is especially important, because Monish certainly enjoys keeping busy. The 20-year-old not only served on the advisory committee of the MDIS Engineering Club, but also served as the President of the MDIS Student Council in 2013. What’s more, one of the main reasons he chose to study with MDIS is because the institute has an express degree programme that allows him to finish his Engineering degree with the University of Bradford in three years instead of four.
me all the knowledge and skills I need to be an effective engineer, but in a much shorter period of time. Of course, it does mean that we have to work that much harder, but I like the pressure.”
“Compared to the other engineering schools in Singapore, MDIS uses the trimester system instead of a semester system, meaning that we do three terms worth of coursework in a year instead of just two. This gives
Monish says that Singapore is an excellent place for Asian students to get an international experience while still remaining close to home. Born and bred in India, Monish shared that the geographical proximity to home makes it easier for him to remain close to his family: something particularly important for him.
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Campus Beat So what exactly does he do in his Mechanical Engineering course? “My primary area of interest is in fluid- and aero-dynamics. In fact, I’m actually building a functional ornithopter as a class project this year, to demonstrate via proof-of-concept that we can mechanically duplicate the flapping motion of a bird’s wings to achieve flight.”
Tomorrow That’s not the only thing Monish worked to achieve. While serving on the Student Council, Monish also helped out in many events: such as International Day in October, where MDIS students from all over the world came together to share what was special about their respective country and culture. The council arranged for students to sample over ten dishes from different countries such as Hong Kong, India, France, America and, of course, local Singaporean cuisine. Monish was also part of the two Blood Donation Drives that was held in May and October. “We had originally intended to hold only one drive in May, but because a lot of students had recently travelled to high-risk countries during that period of time, they were not able to donate blood, even though a lot of them wanted to. Because of this, we rallied and organised another drive in October, and eventually managed to collect 90 pints of blood: substantially more than the 56 pints of last year!” Monish looks back fondly at the year he spent on the Student Council, and has nothing but praise for his fellow council members: “I made many friends during that year, and together we forged even more memories while serving on the Council. I’m sure that the new Student Council of 2014 will do a job that is just as fantastic, and I would like to wish them all the best for their upcoming year of service.”
“
Compared to the other engineering schools in Singapore, MDIS uses the trimester system instead of a semester system, meaning that we do three terms worth of coursework in a year instead of just two. This gives me all the knowledge and skills I need to be an effective engineer, but in a much shorter period of time. Of course, it does mean that we have to work that much harder, but I like the pressure.
”
Horizons Jan-Feb Issue > 17
Dessert Making Workshop S
ome people say that the opposite of "Stressed" is "Desserts", and we certainly found that to be true! MDIS Membership recently held a Dessert Making Workshop on 28th February 2014 at the Staff Lounge, and it turned out to be a night full of 'sweetness'. Students walked away not only sated by the desserts that they made with their own hands, but also with the satisfaction of being a "professional" pastry chef for at least one night.
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Huang Ying, a student from the School of Tourism and Hospitality, said:
I'm not a person who enjoys sweet stuff, so I was initially not very interested in this workshop. However, at the urging of my friend, I decided to sign up anyway, just as a way to unwind from schoolwork; and I'm glad that I did! Although the end product was complex, the entire process was broken down into simple, easy-to-follow steps. I hope that MDIS will organise more of these events so that we can both have fun and still learn something useful!
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Campus Beat
Ringing in the Chinese New Year
O
n 6th February 2014, the MDIS Student Council decided to ring in the Chinese New Year with a bit of festive cheer. Seeing how Mandarin oranges – also known as “jin ju”, “kam” or “gik” – are commonly considered by the Chinese to be symbols of good fortune and prosperity, the Council decided that everyone could do with a bit of luck to celebrate the event!
Starting at 11:30am, eight Council members began giving out Mandarin oranges to delighted MDIS staff and students in the canteen. Seeing how MDIS is a home to many students of more than 70 different countries and nationalities, the Student Council members also took some time to share with these students the significance and symbolism behind this practice. Demand quickly grew, and by 12:30pm the Council – slightly exhausted but no less enthusiastic – had finished giving out the many cartons of Mandarin oranges they had brought with them.
Horizons Jan-Feb Issue > 19
Valentine's Day @ MDIS
O
n the evening of Valentine’s Day, members from the MDIS Angel Heart, Photography and Toastmaster Clubs came together to celebrate this special occasion at the Rooftop Garden of MDIS Campus Block A.
Framed by the scenic view from the rooftop gardens, the attendees enjoyed a special performance from MDIS dance group Misstery while mingling and making new friends. Some lucky attendees even walked away with prizes from the Best Dressed Awards and the lucky draw!
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A Firefighter’s Gratitude
Campus Beat
N
ormally, firefighters are on the receiving end of thanks and gratitude, but this time around, we found ourselves unexpectedly receiving kudos from a firefighter instead. Ms Olive Liaw was a part-time student and full-time firefighter who recently graduated from MDIS and wrote us a heartwarming letter. We’ll let her words speak for themselves. Thank you, Olive.
7th January 2014 Ms Tan Gek Khim Senior Director Management Development Institute of Singapore 501 Stirling Road, Singapore 148951
Dearest Ms Tan, My name is Liaw Pei Ying, Olive, and I recently graduated with my Bachelor of Business in Convention and Event Management with MDIS-Southern Cross University. I am writing to express my sincere appreciation to the school, lecturers and administrators. It is only thanks to their dedication and commitment that I was able to pull through this programme. As a full-time fire-fighter with the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), I was often unable to attend my lessons due to needing to pull a shift or attend to a sudden emergency. However, the lessons in MDIS were very engaging, and the lecturers and programme constantly made me feel motivated to attend lessons no matter how tired or busy I was. Previously, when I was studying in UniSim, I would often find myself dreading classes even though they only took place 3 days a week; but not so in MDIS! The environment was so conducive to my studies that not once did I find myself having to attend classes just out of obligation. I would like in particular to thank the following individuals for their assistance: 1. Ms Louise Nguyen, the smiling administrator who was always there with a helping hand. There was some confusion in my contract at the beginning but she settled it beautifully during my course and after I graduated. She was always prompt in replying emails too: one of a student’s biggest fear is when enquiries are not attended to promptly, but Ms Louise never made me feel this way. 2. Mr John Ng Chwee Seng, the best lecturer in my course. He gets along extremely well with the students and, understanding that every student is unique, adjusts his teaching methods to fit different students. He is an invaluable asset to the school. Thank you, Mr John, for sharing your life experiences with us and not just sticking to the textbook. 3. Mdm Marina Rahim, a very soft spoken lady who was very knowledgeable about the Food & Beverages industry. Her lessons were intriguing, and she too took the time to share many experiences from her work that no textbook would ever contain. Thank you, Mdm Marina: you were such a good teacher that you almost made me switch my career to F&B! 4. The management responsible for the remarkable lecturers in MDIS, and for creating a place that was conducive for studying and growing. School is not just about books and exams: building a student’s character and attitude is a priority too, and MDIS has done it all. Well done and congratulations! I am very pleased with the school, lecturers and the administrators, and I will highly recommend your school to anyone who wishes to further their studies. Of course, there are still some areas for improvement, but I will not fuss about them as they are quite minor. I hope the school would continue their motto and produce more students than ever.
Ms Olive Liaw Pei Ying
Horizons Jan-Feb Issue > 21
PSYCHOLOGY
BORING A
s the end of each term draws near, students from every school can be seen burning the midnight oil in a fevered attempt to complete and hand in all of their assignments… well, that is, students from every school except the School of Psychology. Instead of lengthy reports or essays, students in the “Psychology of the Individual” module instead formed groups of 5-6 and put on little “role-plays” on a variety of topics. Students were given the freedom to choose any topic they liked, as long as it had something to do with psychology. After sweating over their respective research and preparations, it was time for the presentation on 3rd February 2014. Senior Lecturer Mr Amir Singh presided over the controlled chaos of the day. Dressed in a wide range of costumes, some students gave performances that would have put professional actors to shame, while others impressed the audience with eloquent monologues. Every
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?
student’s presentation was not only interesting and entertaining, but extremely educational as well: from morbid topics like cannibalism to creepy ones such as phobias and schizophrenia, we learned as much from watching these presentations as a lecture or textbook could teach. It was a fun-filled and exciting experience that left many of us thoroughly tickled but also thoughtful, and we all walked away a little better informed about the impossibly vast and varied discipline that is Psychology. This article was contributed by Seik Peik Foong who is pursuing a Diploma in Psychology with the School of Psychology.
24 Students' Reflections 26 Book Reviews 27 MDC Training Programmes 28 Membership Activities 29 Chill Out
Connections
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Connections
Students' Reflections
Horizons Jan-Feb Issue > 25
O U R L I brarian
Resource HUB (Library)
Block C, Level 4, MDIS Campus Tel: 6796 7828 Email: resourcehub@mdis.edu.sg
recommends . . .
Lee Kuan Yew A Life in Pictures
The Straits Times team of Editors Straits Times Press 2013 Hardcover
Lee Kuan Yew - A Life in Pictures was published as a tribute to commemorate Singapore’s most influential leader on his milestones in celebration of his 90th birthday. A pictorial consisting of approximately 480 carefully-curated photographs, this book not only covers the breadth of Mr. Lee’s great achievements, but also reveals the intimate moments of his personal life. What makes this book special is the fact that readers will be taken on a journey through never-before-published photographs from a wide range of sources, including Mr. Lee’s personal albums. After all, as the saying goes – a picture is worth a thousand words. Who should read it: Anyone looking to learn more about Mr Lee Kuan Yew
BRAINWAVES THE BOOKSHOP...
The Objects of Affection Arthur Asa Berger ISBN: 9780230103733 Year: 2010 Retail Price: S$40.25 Member’s Price: S$36.25 In this book, preeminent semiotician Arthur Asa Berger decodes the meanings of common objects of consumption and their perceived "sacredness" in consumerist cultures. Using semiotic theory, consumer culture is dissected in new and fascinating ways. The first part of the book introduces semiotic theory and its key theorists and practitioners, while the second part applies semiotic theory to interpret advertising, marketing, and branding. With levity and precision, Berger leads the reader to think critically about our lives and the menu of lifestyles promoted by corporations that profit from branded consumption.
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True North
Discover your Authentic Leadership Bill George Jossey-Bass 2012 Hardcover True to its title, "True North" serves as a guide on effective leadership traits. Readers will learn of several important points that serve to educate leaders on defining the right values and leadership principles to motivate and build a cohesive team. Author Bill George lists stories to numerous leaders in companies and NGOs and how their experience drove them to acquire authentic leadership. It goes back to leadership basics, using plenty of real-life stories of top leaders and talks about leadership that comes from a place of integrity and character. An enlightening read that is sure to direct your leadership abilities to the right track. Who should read it: Anyone looking to enlighten themselves on the topic of Leadership.
Resource HUB (Brainwaves)
Block B, Level 1, MDIS Campus Tel: 6796 7901 Email: brainwaves@mdis.edu.sg
The Big Book of Team Coaching Games Mary Scannell, Mike Mulvihill and Joanne Schlosser ISBN: 9780071813006 Year: 2013 Retail Price: S$34.80 Member’s Price: S$31.35 Teams that enjoy working together operate on a whole different energy level than teams that don't. They break down silos. They build stronger relationships. They retain what they have learned. And they drive results. The Big Book of Team Coaching Games provides the structure and games you need to build and manage powerful teams. Packed with dozens of physical and verbal activities, it leads you step-by-step through the process of teaching team members how to identify their values, leverage their strengths, and reach their goals--and have fun while they’re doing it! Nothing can stop the momentum of a team that wants to get things done. The Big Book of Team Coaching Games is the ideal playbook for making sure your teams contribute more than their share to the bottom line.
Maximise Your Potential
flexible solutions that meet your needs
A holistic approach to deliver interactive and strategy-focused Customised Programmes that create high performance individuals by providing the resources to ensure personal success.
Supervisory Management
Financial Management
Team Management Skills Performance Coaching Managing Diversity - Harnessing the Potential of a Multi-Generation Workforce Being a Competent Manager
03 - 04 Mar 10 - 11 Mar 28 - 29 Apr 15 - 16 May
Communications 13 - 14 Mar 17 Mar 03 - 04 Apr
Handling Challenging Discussions Effectiveness and Etiquette on the Phone Mediating Conflicts and Disputes
Critical Thinking for Leadership Role Leadership During Change 21st Century Leadership Creative Problem Solving for Leadership Role
03 - 04 Mar 08 - 09 Apr 08 - 09 May 22 - 23 May
HR Management Competency-Based Interviewing Skills Conducting an Effective Training Needs Analysis Performance Appraisal Talent Management: Recruitment, Retention and Development for the Future
28 Mar 15 - 16 Apr 19 - 20 May 26 - 27 Jun
6 Sigma: Towards Organisational Excellence Using Computer Mind Maps for Higher Work Effectiveness Productivity Box - More with Less
12 - 13 Jun 19 - 20 Jun 29 - 30 Sep
Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
Risk and Business Management Torts & Legal Remedies for Wrongful Acts Creating and Managing International Contract Law Business Statistics: Statistical Thinking for Decision Making Understanding Simple Contract Law and Drafting a Contractual Agreement
17 Mar 19 - 20 May 23 - 24 Jun
EQ Skills for Team Leaders and Managers Mastering Emotional Intelligence Emotional Intelligence (EQ) for Better Working Relationship
28 - 29 Aug
Office Management
Sales & Marketing Social Media Marketing and Public Relations Understanding Customers and Decision Making Process The Craft of Copywriting
03 - 04 Mar 24 - 25 Mar 05 - 06 May
Service Excellence
(65) 6842 6666
20 - 21 Mar 10 Jun
Personal Effectiveness & Productivity
Team Leadership
Service AMBASSADORS Delivering Quality at Every Level
Budget and Control for Service & Retail Industries How to Work Effectively and Efficiently with Auditors
17 - 18 Mar 29 - 30 Apr
mdc@mdis.edu.sg
The Dynamics of Business Writing Project Management Masterclass Office Administration Management for Executives and Managers
27 - 28 Mar 16 Apr 19 - 20 Aug
24 - 25 Apr 19 - 20 May 16 - 17 Jun
Languages Fine Tuning your Business English Basic English Business Writing
24 - 25 Mar 07 - 08 Jul
*Applicable for Professional Development Workshops except IT Short Courses
www.mdis.edu.sg/corporate-training
Membership Activities | April 2014 APRIL
APRIL
18
26
Canon eos academy: basic photography workshop
Basic archery for beginners Date Time Venue Member Alumni Non-Member
: : : : : :
MEMBERS ONLY
18th April 2014 (Friday) 9.00am MDIS Campus (Meeting Point) S$35 S$40 S$45
Date Time Venue Member
: : : :
26th April 2014 (Saturday) 12.30pm MDIS Campus Complimentary
This is a complimentary 3-hour Basic Photography Workshop conducted by Canon Academy. Seats are limited to 15 participants only and will be on a first-come-first-serve basis. DSLR cameras will be provided to all participants.
Aimed at sharpening your mind and body alike, this simple introductory course to archery is open to anyone interested in the art of archery.
APRIL
APRIL
19
26
Bright vision hospital heritage carnival 2014
Photography club outing @ pulau ubin Date Time Venue Fee
: : : :
Date Time Venue Fee
19th April 2014 (Saturday) 9.00am Pulau Ubin Complimentary (excluding transport fees)
: : : :
26th April 2014 (Saturday) 9.00am Hougang Central Hub Complimentary
Celebrate Singapore’s pioneer generation with the MDIS Angel Heart Club! Come on down to find out more about life back in Singapore’s founding years, and discover how these values shaped the very future of our nation.
Calling nature lovers! Come and join us in this exciting journey where we explore and capture the magnificent greenery of Pulau Ubin.
Fees quoted are inclusive of GST. MDIS Interest Groups
Sports Interest Groups
Special Interest Groups
Get active in pursing your personal interests! Share your passion in sports with like-minded individuals by taking part in a wide variety of competitions and tournaments designed to keep you engaged, healthy and fit. Join us now and add that vital touch of spice to your campus life!
• • • •
• • • •
Badminton Club Basketball Club Cricket Club Soccer Club
Toastmasters Club Photography Club Angel Heart Club Modern Dance Club
For registration and payment of workshop/activity, please proceed to Membership & Alumni Relations Department, Energy HUB, MDIS Hostel, Level 5 or register your interest at events@mdis.edu.sg For more information:
6473 5885
28 > Horizons Jan-Feb Issue
events@mdis.edu.sg
www.mdis.edu.sg/Membership/interest-groups
Chillt ! Ou
Connections Present your MDIS membership card at the following merchants to enjoy these exclusive benefits!
• One regular pizza + One garlic cheese onion rings
+ Two drinks @ S$20 (UP: S$33.20). Free Delivery! Terms & Conditions • Not valid with any other promotions and discounts. • Surcharge applies for Cheese Burst, Cheesy Crust, Classics, First Class pizza and cheese saurce upgrade. • Present MDIS membership card to enjoy the offer. • Valid till 31st Dec 2014.
• 15% off all floral arrangements and 10% off gift items.
• 10% discount on Yogurt and Toppings only. • Not valid in conjunction with other promotion discounts.
• 15% discounts on Total Food Bill. • 10% discount on wine bottles. Terms & Conditions • Not applicable to all other discounts, privileges or promotional items. • Minimum spending of S$80 on Total Food Bill.
• 15% off
on all hairdressing services and selected haircare products. Terms & Conditions • MDIS members must present Membership card before billing.
Terms and conditions apply For more discounts and privileges from our other merchants, please log on to our website at http://www mdis.edu.sg/Membership-benefits/treats
Horizons Jan-Feb Issue > 29
Dear Eric, You have been attentive to my every needs and played an instrumental role in helping me resolve a recent issue regarding payment. With your prompt follow-ups, promptness and diligence, you are the perfect role model when it comes to walking the extra mile in customer service. Thank you! Mike Wong (Guardian)
Dear Andre,
Many thanks for helping me with my attendance, which was such a confusing thing for me! You were very patient with me, despite my slowness! Rossiana Putri Diploma in Business Management, MDIS
Dear Danielle, Thank you for being so responsible and helpful. It is people like you that make me glad to be in MDIS. The service of the staff in the student service centre is prompt and excellent, and every problem has been dealt with in a very efficient manner. Thank you! Shao Yingjing Diploma in Business Management, MDIS
30 > Horizons Jan-Feb Issue
Dear Melissa, My gratitude for the assistance you and the management has extended me is endless. Words alone are not enough. Alan Bright Preparatory Course for Singapore-Cambridge GCE ‘O’-Level Examination Programme, MDIS College
Bouquets
Dear Ms. Kalaivani, MDIS is great because of people like you! I will definitely recommend MDIS to anyone who wants to pursue education. My sincere thanks to you for all of your assistance. Sowmiya Vasanthan Diploma in Psychology, MDIS
Dear Dee, Thanks for being the most efficient Student Service Assistant! You are kind, helpful and always so willing to listen and help me with my problems, whatever they may be. Chia Eu Jinn Professional Certificate in Marketing and Communications Management, MDIS
Hi Laurence,
I am planning to come in on the upcoming intake, and would like to thank you again for taking the time and effort to come on a Saturday just to meet with me. Your kindness and commitment is greatly appreciated, and hope to hear from you again soon.
“
He who conquers others is strong; He who conquers himself is mighty. - Lao Tzu
”
Chua Boon Choy Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Business Computing, University of Bradford
A staff member made your day? We’ll love to hear about it! Find any one of these “Thank You” cards – located all over campus, but particularly around Student Services – and fill them out to make their day too! Horizons Jan-Feb Issue > 31
Source: The Sunday Times Š Singapore Press Holdings Limited. Reproduced with permission.
Source: Berita Harian Š Singapore Press Holdings Limit
ted. Reproduced with permission.
Press Room Source: The New Paper Š Singapore Press Holdings Limited. Reproduced with permission.
Source: The Sunday Times Š Singapore Press Holdings Limited. Reproduced with permission.
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