Fission Dec - Feb 2012

DECEMBER 2011 – FEBRUARY 20121

Get Connected, Stay Connected

Happy New Year!

32nd Annual General Meeting Here’s an overview of what happened at the AGM.

Tee-Off at Tamarin Santana Golf Club, Batam Enjoy privileged rates at Tamarin Santana Golf Club & more.

years of Togetherness

Festive Promotions There’s a variety of F&B promotions at The Restaurant from Christmas till Chinese New Year

Singapore Polytechnic Graduates’ Guild

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DECEMBER 2011 – FEBRUARY 2012

CLUB DIRECTORY FRONT OFFICE Main Line: 6796 9988 Fax: 6796 9989

SPORTS & WELLNESS FACILITIES

Get Connected, Stay Connected

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Editor B. Kula l Writer Roopinder Kaur

CO N TE NT S

Bowling Alley Tel: 6796 9964 10.00am – 11.00pm (Sun – Thu) 10.00am – 12.00mn (Fri, Sat & eve of PH) Wellness Centre Monday – Sunday & Public Holiday (PH) 8.00am – 10.00pm Swimming Pool Daily & PH 8.00am – 10.00pm Tennis Courts Daily & PH 8.00am – 10.00pm Pool Room Daily & PH 8.00am – 11.00pm

RECREATION FACILITIES Jackpot Room Tel: 6796 9967 Daily & PH 10.00am – 12 midnight

10 Member-Get-Member Scheme

Guild News

Karaoke Rooms 4.00pm – 12 midnight (Sun – Thu & PH) 3.00pm – 1am (Fri) 4.00pm – 1am (Sat)

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FOOD & BEVERAGE OUTLETS

Prince Edward Lounge Tel: 6796 9962 4.00pm – 12 midnight (Sun – Thu & PH) 3.00pm – 1am (Fri) 4.00pm – 1am (Sat) The Restaurant Tel: 6796 9961 Daily & PH Lunch: 12.00pm – 2.30pm Dinner: 6.30pm – 9.30pm

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Inside Front Cover

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Non-Renewal of the Group PA Scheme President’s Thoughts We Are Giving Out $15,600 worth of Bursary Awards this year

17 An Evening of Christmas Favourites

Networking 5

Tee-Off at Tamarin Santana Golf Club, Batam

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32nd AGM elects 27th EXCO

What’s Coming Up? 17 Water Dragon 2012 secrets unveiled

Wine & Dine 19 Pre Christmas Menu

Poolside Café Tel: 6796 9960 Daily & PH 11.00am - 10.00pm

19 Pre New Year Set Menu 20 Chinese New Year Gourmet

For more Information and Advertisement Enquiries:

Contact Tel: 6796 9988 Website: 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, illustrations 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 omissions for any consequences of reliance on this publication.

MICA (P) 100/12/2011

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

5 Features 8

10 12 14 16

Feng Shui 2012 – Emergence of the Black Water Dragon A Singapore Polytechnic Love Story Can Money Buy Work Happiness?

Lipid (Cholesterol) Disorders Desmond, Pamela, Edmund & Roy Shine

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Guild News S TA F F > DIRECTORY

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Stella Tan Acting General Manager stellatan@spgg.org.sg Fiona Low Membership Services Manager fionalow@spgg.org.sg Charlie Lee F&B Manager charlielee@spgg.org.sg Kristine Chelladurai Banquet Sales Executive kristine@spgg.org.sg B. Kula Marcom Manager bkula@spgg.org.sg Eugene Quah Information Technology Executive eugenequah@spgg.org.sg Roopinder Kaur Public Relations Executive roopy@spgg.org.sg Elaine Lim Senior Membership Sales Executive elainelim@spgg.org.sg Priscilla Senior Sales & Marketing Officer priscilla@spgg.org.sg Ann Ani Acting Head, Lifestyle, Sports & Wellness ann@spgg.org.sg

BEANO

Night Replaces Bingo from Jan 2012

Please note that from January 2012, Beano Night will replace Bingo Night.

The first session of Beano Night will be in the Jackpot Room on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 at 7pm during the Chinese New Year Celebrations. Thereafter, subsequent sessions will be held on every first Friday of the month at the same venue.

For further clarification, please approach the Front Office.

Non-Renewal of the Group PA Scheme The yearly renewable Group Personal Accident Insurance Scheme, implemented in January 2009, has had minimal claims from our members over the last 3 years.

The cost of the policy against the benefits gained or intended to gain from it has far outweighed the benefits and as such the Executive Committee has decided not to renew the Scheme after it ends on 31 December 2011.

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Change of Operational Hours for PEL: The operational hours for PEL & Karaoke Room will be as follows: Sun - Thu & PH : 4pm - 12 midnight Fri : 3pm - 1am Sat : 4pm - 1am

Moving On It is with regret that we announce the resignation of our General Manager, Mr Loon Yeong Tai after 8 years of serving the Guild.

As the Finance Manager from 2003 to 2007, he played a key role in consolidating the financial standing of SPGG. In March 2007, he relinquished the Finance Manager position to move on to assume the post of Marketing Manager and Acting Operations & Admin Manager. These movements had put him in good stead to later assume the position of General Manager in August 2008 till the day of his departure.

While we will miss his presence in the Mr Loon Yeong Tai Club, we wish Mr Loon all the best in his future endeavours.

Ms Stella Tan, Finance Manager is now the Guild’s Acting General Manager.

Ms Stella Tan, Acting GM

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President’s

Singapore Polytechnic Graduates’ Guild

THOUGHTS

Patron Mr. Chan Soo Sen

Honorary Members Dear Fellow Member, My heartfelt thanks to you for your resounding vote of confidence in electing my team of 12 into the 27th Executive Committee for the term 2011/2013 at the 32nd Annual General Meeting on 28 October at the Grand Ballroom.

Mr Tay Choon Mong, Mr Tham Choon Kin, Mr Victor Lye, Mr Raymond Tay, Mr Gerald Ng and Ms Cindy Ang are the six new EXCO members who have joined the team to further strengthen the vitality and vibrancy of the Guild.

Mr. Lim Chin Aik Mr. Peter Chen Dr. Khoo Kay Chai

The Executive Committee President Mr. Vincent Lim

With your continuing support and encouragement, we will strive to further increase our membership strength and our income from recreational gaming operations in this Fiscal Year!

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

We will also endeavour to make our Food & Beverage operations profitable. We are currently looking into renovating the Poolside Café, and also the possibility of outsourcing the Prince Edward Lounge to run it more efficiently.

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

Other plans in this new two-year term are - implementing new strategies in the re-branding of SPGG to be a Club of Distinction, improving the Guild’s facilities, maintaining close relationship with Singapore Polytechnic and other alumni bodies, Reciprocal tie-ups with Clubs in the East, North and South of Singapore and lastly but not least to improve the service level provided by our staff.

Honorary General Secretary Mr. Jimmy Lim

We are pleased to share that if SPGG does better than our forecasted surplus this year, we intend to give back to our supportive members by rewarding them with dividends which may be in the form of food and beverage vouchers.

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

My deepest gratitude goes to my fellow colleagues and friends, Mr Hoe Lye Soon, Mr Tong Kok Yeo, Mr Christopher Soh, Mr Chee Kim Wui, Mr Lawrence Kim and Mr James Chua, who had served with me on the Executive Committee in the last term. They have stepped down to make way for the new EXCO members and I thank them for their tireless service and invaluable contribution to the success of SPGG. To the newly elected EXCO colleagues, I am humbled by your confidence in my leadership, and I thank you for asking me to lead the team. This will be my first two-year term as the President of SPGG. The year 2011 is now coming to an end, and it’s the time to be merry and celebrate! 17 December will be a special day as we are giving out 41 bursary awards to our Members’ Children and SP students during our Christmas Light-up. An interesting programme has been lined up, so do join us at the Front Lobby. Those who wish to contribute to next year’s bursary awards, please feel free to drop us a cheque anytime.

To usher in the new year 2012, we are having a countdown party themed Hollywood & Oscar Nite and I urge all of you to book your seats now and come dressed as your favourite star!

Till you hear from me again, have a wonderful festive season with your loved ones!

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and Gong Xi Fa Cai! Yours truly, Vincent Lim

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

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

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Guild News

This year at our Annual

We Are Giving Out $15,600 worth of Bursary Awards this year

Christmas Light Up event on 17 Dec, we will be giving out $15,600 worth of Bursary Awards to 3 SPGG Members’ schooling children and 38 Singapore Polytechnic students.

FESTIVE

OPERATING HOURS

Please take note of the following operating hours during the festive period: • 25 Dec 2011, Sunday (Christmas Day) & 26 Dec 2011, Monday (PH) All outlets will be in operation as usual except the Admin Office.

• 31 Dec 2011, Saturday (New Year’s Eve) All outlets will be in operation as usual except the Admin Office & Poolside Café which will operate till lunch only.

• 1 Jan 2012, Sunday (New Year’s Day) & 2 Jan, Monday (PH) All outlets will be in operation as usual except the Admin Office.

• 22 Jan 2012, Sunday (CNY Eve) The Admin Office, Jackpot Room and PEL will be closed. The Front Office, Poolside Café and Bowling Centre will operate till 2pm.

The Restaurant will only be operating from 5.30pm for dinner.

• 23 Jan 2012, Monday (1st day of CNY) All outlets will be closed.

• 24 Jan 2012, Tuesday (2nd day of CNY) All outlets will be in operation as usual except the Admin Office & PEL. • 25 Jan 2012, Wednesday (3rd day of CNY) All outlets to resume operation.

NEW MERCHANTS ON BOARD

Porcelain the face spa Enjoy the following deals at Porcelain and pamper yourself!

1) Customized Signature Facial + RevitalEye Luxx + Relaxing Aroma Footbath @ $60 (U.P $365) 2) 5% Off All Ala-Carte Services 3) 10% Off Products Purchased

AMICI Authentic Italian Restaurant Here’s your chance to enjoy 20% off total food bill at AMICI Authentic Italian Restaurant in Holland Road!

Reservations are recommended. SPGG membership card must be presented when footing the bill.

Log on to www.spgg.org.sg – Members’ Benefit for more details!

Fission

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Networking

Tee- ff at Tamarin Santana Golf Club, Batam

The Tamarin Santana Golf Club, located in the Nongsa area of Batam, lies on the north-eastern side of the island. The 9-hole par 36 golf course is designed by Jack Nicklaus and is laid out over gentle hills along the Batam coastline, with a good mixture of lakes & bunkers to provide a challenging game for both beginners or experienced golfers.

Golfing rates exclusively for SPGG Members:

WEEKDAYS

WEEKENDS & PH

1 x 9 holes 2 x 9 holes

1 x 9 holes 2 x 9 holes

IDR IDR IDR IDR SPGG 130,000 150,000 165,000 185,000 Published IDR IDR IDR IDR Rates 280,000 345,000 380,000 420,000

Turi Beach Resort

The Resort is nestled in Nongsa Resorts and is 35 minutes away from Singapore by ferry and 15 minutes from Hang Nadim Airport.

Turi Beach Resort is your idyllic retreat in the tropical Riau Islands amidst unspoilt beauty and fine beaches where tranquillity and impeccable service are rightly yours to savour.

SPGG Members are also entitled to the following privileges at Turi Beach Resort:• 10% discount at all Food and Beverage outlets • 10% discount Spa Treatment at Tspa, Turi Beach Resort • 10% discount Sea Sport Activities, Turi Beach Resort Terms & Conditions:

• SPGG members must present a Letter of Introduction at the golfing registration counter on arrival.

• SPGG members must make a reservation for the tee off time on their own at least one week in advance, and inform the club of any cancellation at least two days before the stipulated date of play. Kindly book via e-mail to

enquiries-tamarin@nongsaresorts.com or call +62-778-761069.

• SPGG members are allowed to bring guest to fill one flight to play, however, the guest has to pay full charge.

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Networking

32nd AGM elects 27thEXCO SPGG’s 32nd AGM on 28 October was also the Election Day for the 27th Executive Committee of 12 members.

The President of the 26th Executive Committee, Mr Jimmy Lim, addressed the 70-strong crowd of members with an update on the Guild’s financial performance, highlighting that SPGG had accumulated a positive cash flow from operation over the years.

For the last Fiscal Year, however, the cashflow was lower than that of the previous year as the Guild had invested about half a million dollars in the renovation of the Male and Female Wellness Centres.

He added that the Food & Beverage department was still being subsidised and was close to breaking even last year, and was confident that the Guild could breakeven or have a small surplus in the ongoing fiscal year.

It was also noted that our Jackpot takings decreased by 10% when compared to the previous Fiscal Year. This was partly due to the attraction of the casinos at the 2 Integrated Resorts.

Several achievements over the past financial year included the completion of the renovation of the wellness centres, the successful mass media membership recruitment campaign, 3 themed Networking Nights, the inaugural ministerial dialogue with former Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong titled ‘What is Singapore’s Future’ and also our reciprocal tie-ups with university alumni clubs in Australia and the United States of America.

SPGG has also continued strengthening its ties with our alma mater, the Singapore Polytechnic, and other alumni groups in Singapore such as NUSS, NAA and NTUA, and also external organisations such as SingTel Recreational Club (SRC), Singapore Business Federation (SBF) and Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (ASME).

Mr Lim also spoke about the challenges that SPGG was facing to move forward and those were: • Rising costs, Tight Labour Market & Competition from Integrated Resorts (IRs) • Management Resources & Operational Excellence • Membership Growth • Visionary & Committed EXCO Leadership Thirteen candidates, including 6 members of the 26th EXCO contested for the 12 seats in the 27th EXCO. As only nine candidates were present, they gave their election speeches to campaign for votes from the General Members; with the common aim to contribute to the Guild and elevate it to greater heights.

The voting results revealed the top 12 candidates for the 27th EXCO with Mr Vincent Lim emerging with the highest vote count. On behalf of the 26th EXCO, Mr Jimmy Lim ended the 32nd AGM with a vote of thanks to Mr Hoe Lye Soon, Mr Tong Kok Yeo, Mr Christopher Soh, Mr Chee Kim Wui, Mr Lawrence Kim and Mr James Chua who had stepped down from the Committee.

SPGG congratulates the 27h EXCO and welcomes the 12 newly elected EXCO members on board.

Mr Jimmy Lim

Mr Tay Choon Mong

Mr Vincent Lim

Mr Ng Hoo Yin

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Mr Wong Kian Keong

We present you SPGGâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 27th EXCO SPGG welcomes a new Executive Committee following its 32nd Annual General Meeting held on 28 October 2011. The new Executive Committee brings with them great enthusiasm and exciting ideas for the Guild.

The team aims to foster communication and involvement amongst the members as well as ensure that their voices are heard. Do keep a lookout for new activities coming your way and we look forward to the continuing support of members.

Mr Vincent Lim President Mr Ng Hoo Yin

1st Vice President Chairman, CorpComm & Marketing

Mr Tay Choon Mong

2nd Vice President Chairman, Member & Student Welfare

Mr Wong Kian Keong Honorary Treasurer

Chairman, Special Facilities Projects Mr Raymond Tay

Honorary Assistant General Secretary Chairman, Lifestyle & Wellness Honorary Assistant Treasurer

Mr Victor Lye

Chairman, Sports

Mr Gerald Ng

Chairman, Membership Strategic Planning

Ms Cindy Ang

Chairman, Membership Services

Mr Willy Wong

Chairman, Food & Beverage

Mr Tham Choon Kin

Chairman, Operations Facilities Management

Ms Cindy Ang

Mr Gerald Ng

Mr Willy Wong

Mr Tham Choon Kin

Mr Victor Lye

Mr Henry Yeo

Mr Henry Yeo

Honorary General Secretary Mr Raymond Tay

Mr Jimmy Lim

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Features

Emergence of the Black Water Dragon Come 4th February 2012 at around 18:23 local time (UT+8), when the Sun’s solar longitude is at 315°, we will switch into the year of the Dragon. The date starts the solar 1st month also known as lì chūn (立春).

The practice of most Chinese metaphysical methods e.g. four pillars eight characters, sì zhù bā zì (四柱八字), qí mén dùn jiǎ (奇門遁甲 ), dà liù rén (大六 壬 ), many Fēng Shuǐ (風水) formulae, hinges on the Sun’s motion rather than the Moon’s motion in the universe. Therefore, if a child is born after the 1st day of the lunar new year (23rd January 2012) but before 4th February 2012, the child is still a rabbit (卯) child instead of a dragon (辰) child!

As our planet Earth rotates and revolves around the Sun with the rest of the heavenly bodies (planets) e.g. Moon, Jupiter, etc, the energy also known as qì (氣), of the entire space changes. The annual energy is what gives the characteristics or ‘personality’ for the year.

In looking at the Fēng Shuǐ for the year and especially for a residential place, the most important factor is the health aspect. Knowing the afflicted locations will enable us to manage the place better.

In Fēng Shuǐ, we have two energy sources that influence us - one from above (sky) and one from within the ground due to the Earth’s rotation on its own axis as well as the influence by the heavenly bodies (planets) above.

Therefore, for residents of a house or apartment up to 4 floors in height, the residences of all level would not have different influences. However, for high rise condominiums, the residences on the lower floor and those on the upper floors have different quality of influences from the same afflictions as noted below: For 2012 - The year of the water dragon, the locations we should take particular attention are those in the SouthEast, South and SouthWest locations.

The compass degrees are as follows: SouthEast : 112.5° – 157.5 °

South : 172.5° – 187.5°

SouthWest : 202.5° - 217.5° Note: Pink : sān shā (三煞)

Green : tài suì (太歲)

Yellow : wǔ huáng (五黄) To a layman, the above afflictions may sound unfamiliar and far-fetched.

Here’s a little explanation to these terms: sān shā (三煞) : a.k.a 3 ‘killings’. The effects of being affected are usually health related including injury, accidents as well as robbery. tài suì (太歲) : a.k.a Grand duke. It is originally a term from astronomy and it is ‘directly’ opposite the movement of planet Jupiter.

The effect for ‘disturbing’ tài suì is multi-fold and most devastating to disturb.

Mainly affect s the health of the person or people living within the structure. wǔ huáng (五黄) : a.k.a 5 yellow, second potent only to tài suì but easier to invoke.

The effects from ‘disturbing’ 5 yellow’ are mainly health related.

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C A U T I ON Although the energies above seem ‘devastating’ we should NEVER assume it is 100% to be in effect. The POTENTIAL, however, is always there.

Just as a chemical reaction may need a catalyst, to ‘activate’ the above affliction also needs some form of ‘trigger’. By ‘trigger’, it could be an energy ‘spike’ or some kind, also known as an additional energy source to set the affliction in motion. These ‘triggers’ can be in the form of: monthly energy, construction activities involving heavy machinery or even the constant opening / closing of doors. More direct and faster ‘triggers’ can be in the form of ‘poison arrow’ from external environment.

Therefore, in 2012, sites / properties facing or located on the ‘SouthEast’ (see compass directions above) are the most prone for afflictions. The following sample illustrates the facing/sitting of a property to the southeast direction / location:

House / Structure ‘sitting’ on Southeast

House / Structure ‘Facing’ Southeast

For more information on why 2012 is a Black Water Dragon Year, please visit : http://www.singaporefengshui.org more in-depth description and http://www.alliancefengshui.com world-wide organisation

The simplest solution to NOT trigger the affliction is NOT to use the locations (as defined) above. Some solutions are available for example, the putting of different symbolic figurines around the house. However, due to the different designs and our body energy; it would be better for a professional consultant to be called in to recommend solutions. Some structures are simple to ‘remedy’ but some are more complex.

In summary, this short article is not meant to fully cover the complexity in describing the involvement of this subject but really to bring forth the awareness of such knowledge for the masses to identify and make informed decisions.

To contact the author, please call his mobile at +65-90466008 or email to hoo@afsresearch.com

Ng Hoo Yin Professional Feng Shui consultant AFS Research 1st VP, 27th SPGG executive committee Diploma, Electronics & Communication Engineering. Singapore Polytechnic Msc. Data Communication, University of Salford, UK

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Features

A Singapore Polytechnic Love Story

Engineering graduates meet, gain diploma and find love after leaving SP.

O

n a lovely late morning of 10 September, we had the honour to host one of our members Louis Ng Koon Chian and his wife, Lau Tian Ai for their wedding shoot, at the Swimming Pool area. The lovely couple shared their thoughts and some of the photos taken at SPGG.

Fission: How did you meet each other?

Louis: I was in the Mechanical Engineering Club (MEC) and she was in the Electrical & Electronic Engineering Club (EEEC) when we were in poly. Although we were in different clubs, she always attended activities that were organised by my club.

Tian Ai: I knew of his existence but didn’t really know him much then. It was until after graduation when we both attended a chalet hosted by one of Louis’s senior that we bumped into one another, got together after sometime and started our relationship.

Fission: How long did you date before deciding to tie the knot?

Louis: We were dating for two years before we registered our marriage in 2008. The customary marriage was on the same day as our wedding photoshoot on 10 September.

Fission: How did you propose to your wife?

Louis: We were on a holiday in Genting during Valentine’s day in 2009 & I told her that I had forgotten to bring a Valentine gift ( I had actually prepared a proposal solitaire). When we were doing some shopping, we passed by a gift shop where we bought a Valentine’s day card for each other. When we reached to our room, I wrote in the card - “Today is a special date, not only because it is Valentine’s, but it is also the date that I propose to you.” When she turned around, I was on my knees with the solitaire placed in front of her and I proposed!

Fission: What made you decide to choose SPGG as your wedding photoshoot venue?

Tian Ai: As both of us were students from SP and it was the first place where we met, we decided to return to this memorable place take our photoshoot.

11 Fission: Tell us more about your solemnisation; Christian way or other.

Louis: Our solemnisation was simple. Due to the housing, we were in a rush to perform the solemnisation. We had a fairly simple party where we borrowed my wife’s uncle’s house, did some decoration and arranged for a solemniser to come to the place to hold the ceremony.

Fission: Tell us more about your prewedding preparation – was there any special or funny incident that happened?

Tian Ai: We had a long time for the pre-wedding preparation. It took us around 2 years to prepare for the wedding, starting from selection of the wedding dinner, pre-wedding photoshoot and actual day photo and video shoot. Then there were the floral decorations, wedding invites, brainstorming of ideas for our wedding and Chinese Tea ceremony. We were very glad that things went smooth, although ideas had been changed again and again in order to best suit the wedding. We both had a lot of fun doing all the planning & this brought us closer as a couple.

Fission: There’s a saying that brides and grooms find themselves in an altered state of consciousness on their wedding day. Was this true for you and your husband?

Tian Ai: I would say that is due to the rush that people say such a state occurs. But to me, I felt that our wedding was really blissful and I enjoyed every second during our wedding day. It was the best day of my life that may be the reason why it felt magical and a dream come true.

Fission: Any advice for couples out there planning for their wedding?

Louis: Budget! Do not plan for a wedding that is out of reach. If you really want a good wedding, then save up and then spend the savings as you have budgeted. Be aware that having a good and memorable wedding is priceless, hence, for once in a lifetime, save up your budget and spend it good. Other than that, enjoy your preparation and cherish your time with your other half.

Features

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WORK HAPPINESS

The answer is apparently “no”, according to a survey conducted by JobsCentral Group. Let’s find out who are the happiest workers

Article by: JobsCentral BrightMinds

Money may not be able to buy happiness. The happiest group of workers, according to gross monthly salary, are those who earn between $8,000 and $9,000 per month. This group scored 67 points, much higher than the overall average of 57.4. The second happiest group are those who earn less than $1000 per month (59.6 points). On the other hand, those who earn above $10,000 per month (the highest salaried group in the survey), scored 58 points. The unhappiest workers are those who earn between $6,000 and $7,000 per month (55 points).

A total of 2,385 respondents took the 2011 JobsCentral Work Happiness Indicator Survey, which was conducted online from August to September this year. This survey has been conducted every year since 2009.

This year, the overall average Work Happiness Indicator score of the respondents is 57.4 out of 100, the highest since the survey started two years ago.

Singapore workers scored 55.5 in the 2010 survey and 56.4 in the 2009 survey. 60% of the respondents also indicated in the survey that they are satisfied with their current job.

The Survey also discovered that advancement opportunities, reasonable work demands and salary are the top 3 most important work attributes. However, the same 3 attributes are also rated poorly in terms of satisfaction level. Advancement opportunities are ranked lowest by level of satisfaction, with an average score of 5.06 (upon 10), followed by salary, which scored

5.47. Acceptable work demands is ranked at 9th position, with an average score of 6.11.

“It is not surprising that Singapore workers are happier because pay freeze and bonuses were mostly restored this year after Singapore recovered from the 2009 recession. Furthermore, the employment market has also been good, which means we have fewer unhappy workers stuck in unsuitable jobs,” says Lim Der Shing, CEO of JobsCentral Group.

“To improve happiness level further, employers can address the three most important work attributes cited in our survey. Employers should provide active employee career management focusing on advancement, expectation management, and promotion or pay prospects,” advises Mr Lim. “Instead of holding just one review at the end of the year, managers can consider having regular quarterly reviews. This allows them to communicate expectations and tell their staff what they need to do to excel and be promoted. Furthermore, any employee unhappiness will be detected earlier, allowing for quick resolution.”

“Similarly, employees should also initiate frequent feedback sessions to know their managers’ expectations and learn how they can perform better.

Consistent communication will allow both managers and staff to take on an active role in helping the staff succeed and contribute,” he added.

13 Public Relations practitioners are the unhappiest workers For two years in a row, Public Relations professionals are found to be the unhappiest workers in Singapore. This group scored 53.5 in the JobsCentral Work Happiness Indicator this year and 50.4 last year.

The top 5 job functions with the unhappiest workers in Singapore are: • Public Relations • Customer Support • Finance • Engineering • Sales

Profile of the happiest worker in Singapore Comparing against different categories including age, years of working experience, industry of work, the survey presents the profile of the “happiest worker” as the following: Male, holds a PhD qualification, works in a professional/executivelevel position, is in the medical and precision instruments industry, does risk management, has worked for 35-39 years and earns $8000-$9000 per month.

Work happiness indicator by salary

Gross Monthly Salary

2011

2010

1,000 - 1,999 2,000 - 2,999 3,000 - 3,999 4,000 - 4,999 5,000 - 5,999 6,000 - 6,999 7,000 - 7,999 8,000 - 8,999 9,000 - 9,999 10,000 and above

59.6 56.6 59.0 57.2 57.1 55.0 58.4 67.0 59.2 58.0

57.9 57.9 55.8 54.2 55.5 55.3 59.2 58.0 57.9 56.4

% Change 3.0 3.0 5.7 5.4 3.0 0.6 1.4 15.6 2.2 2.8

JobsCentral BrightMinds is a special section of JobsCentral that offers entry-level positions and internships to students and alumni from Singapore’s tertiary institutions such as Singapore Polytechnic.

Organisations listed in BrightMinds are made up of premium employers from MNCs, government agencies and established SMEs looking specifically to hire entry-level graduates. Visit http://brightminds. jobscentral.com.sg for more information.

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Features

Lipid Disorders (CHOLESTEROL)

Each time when one was noted to have a “high cholesterol” problem, the questions that one will usually ask are: how severe is my lipid disorder and are medications required? If medications are warranted, are they meant to be taken life-long and do they carry any side-effects?

What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol refers to fatty substances circulating in our bloodstream. They can be classified as bad and good. Bad lipids clog up our arteries, resulting in heart attacks, stroke and peripheral artery disease (narrowing of the blood vessels of the limbs). There are two types of bad lipids – LDL cholesterol and Triglycerides. We also have a good lipid – HDL cholesterol. A low level of LDL Cholesterol and Triglyceride as well as a high level of HDL Cholesterol reduce our risk of ischemic heart disease (IHD) and stroke.

How severe is my lipid profile and do I need medications?

LDL cholesterol is the primary lipid to target control. As such, it is always the prime consideration in determining how severe one’s lipid profile is. A LDL Cholesterol level of more than 190 mg/dL (4.9 mmol/L) is considered very high. A level between 151 to 190 mg/ dL (3.9 to 4.9 mmol/L) is considered moderately raised.

A level between 131 to 150 mg/dL (3.4 to 3.9 mmol/L) is considered mildly raised.

Besides Lipid Disorder, there are also other major risk factors that contribute to one’s risk for IHD and stroke. These are Diabetes, Hypertension, Smoking, Age, Male Sex, Family History of IHD/stroke.

Hence, in deciding whether one’s lipid disorder is severe enough to warrant anti-lipid medications, these other risk factors need to be taken into consideration as well. For example, someone without any of these co-existing risk factors need not go on anti-lipid medications if the LDL Cholesterol is mildly raised. On

Cholesterol plaque in artery

the other hand, someone with Diabetes or presence of many of these risk factors will be strongly encouraged to go on anti-lipid medications even if the LDL Cholesterol is mildly raised.

Framingham Risk Score is a common formula that doctors use to risk stratify one’s risk of developing IHD over the next 10 years. Depending on which risk category one falls into, the levels of LDL Cholesterol to consider starting anti-lipid medications will be different. The target to achieve control will also be different.

Unfortunately, such methods may still not predict one’s risk fully. This is where there are tests that can help further define one’s risk. These include Ultrasound Scan Carotid Arteries (looking out for plaques within the major neck arteries as well as measuring the vessels’ wall thickness) and Calcium Score (CT scan to assess the Calcium deposit burden within the heart blood vessels).

Lifestyle changes The management of cholesterol problem always involves lifestyle changes. This includes diet changes, quitting smoking, exercising and maintaining a healthy weight. Strict dietary therapy can lower total cholesterol by 5 – 10%. This includes: 1. Keep total fat intake to 25 to 30% of total daily calories and limit saturated fat intake to less than 1/3 of the total daily fat intake.

2. Keep cholesterol intake to less than 200 mg/day.

3. Increase intake of fruits and vegetables as well as foods rich in soluble fibres like oats.

4. Increase intake of foods rich in unsaturated fats like fish especially oily fish such as sardine, salmon and mackerel at least 3 times a week. Replace meat and poultry with beans or tofu on some days.

5. Use vegetable oil (olive oil, soybean oil, corn oil, sunflower oil) instead of animal oil in cooking. Replace coconut milk with low-fat milk/yogurt when preparing curries and gravies.

6. Choose soup-based food over fried food. Reduce or avoid adding gravy. Cut down deep fried food and snacks.

7. Moderate alcohol intake has been linked with higher HDL cholesterol. However, the benefit is not great enough to recommend drinking alcohol as it may aggravate high blood pressure and increase the risk of stroke.

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Exercise 30min or more on most days Try to exercise 30 minutes or more on most days. This will help to increase HDL cholesterol, reduces the risk of heart disease and help to control weight, diabetes and high blood pressure. Try to reduce or quit smoking as smoking damages your blood vessel lining and increases LDL cholesterol deposit. Maintain a healthy weight. A BMI (Body Mass Index) of between 18 to 23 is considered healthy. Weight reduction helps to increase HDL cholesterol.

Medications Anti-lipid medications help to reduce our risk for IHD disease and stroke by improving our lipid profile and reducing the inflammatory damage occurring within one’s blood vessels.

These medications work only while one is on them. Once they are stopped, one’s lipid profile will usually return to its original undesirable state. Most lipid disorders have a very strong familial inheritance. This means that the lipid disorder stays with one for life and hence the need for continued use of the anti-lipid medications.

Any medication comes with potential side-effects and this is no exception for anti-lipid medications. When anti-lipid medications have to be started, it is under the situation where benefits outweigh the potential risks. Some possible side-effects associated with anti-lipid medications include liver inflammation and muscle ache.

Fortunately, these potential side-effects can be monitored and are usually reversible once the medications are stopped.

About Frontier Wellness Pte Ltd Frontier Wellness Pte Ltd is a wellness entity set up by Frontier Healthcare Group to provide health screening services, health education on disease prevention and workplace health promotion. Other than conducting workplace health screening, mass vaccinations and health talks, it also runs a premium health screening clinic on sessional basis.

For more information on our services, kindly log on to www.frontierhealthcare.com.sg or www.facebook.com/frontierhealthcare.

To book a health screening appointment, you may call our hotline at 9838 5398.

Eat a Healthy Diet Article contributed by Dr Chong Chin Kwang. Dr Chong is a Resident Family Physician in Frontier Healthcare Group.

He is also a Workplace Health Promotion Consultant.

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Features

The SPGG Annual Bowling Championships

was back with a bang in September with 10 days of competition featuring the Men’s Open, Ladies’ Open, Graded and the Senior categories.

In the Men’s Open, after an intensive fight, Desmond Chan clinched 2000 points to beat runner up Victor Lye by 113 points. Our ladies open bowlers too put up a good show with Pamela Huang grabbing the crown with her card of 1786 points.

In the Graded category, Edmund Tan was at his peak, carding 1921 points to bag the title. Twentyfour points behind, in second place was Albert Tay. The Seniors category saw Edmund Tan bowl his way past Johnny Kok by 124 points to take the top spot with his 1985 total, whilst Roy Wong chalked up 2040 points, 64 more than Benjamin Wong to emerge tops in the Youth category.

Overall, our bowlers did well, hitting their targets set before the championships.

Congratulations to all the winners!

SPGG – Pin Energy Inter - Club Friendly The first ever inter-club SPGG and Pin Energy Bowling Club friendly bowl took place on Wednesday, 26 October at the SPGG bowling alley. The bowlers were welcomed with a generous dinner spread and mingled around before the game started.

Twenty bowlers from both clubs were formed into 5 teams of 4 bowlers and after an interesting challenge, SPGG emerged winners with a 15 – 10 score. Everyone had great fun and are definitely looking forward to the next interclub bowling friendly.

NE W E V E N T S ...

What’s Coming

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Join in the fun with your family Sat, 17 Dec • 7.30pm Member adult $6+ Member child $3+ Guest adult $8 Guest child $5+ Highlights:

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• Christmas Tree Light-up • Christmas Buffet Spread • Christmas Mascot mingles with the crowd • Santa Claus & Carolers • Games & Entertainment

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Acoustic live music with DMAT

Chill out with your buddies at the Poolside Café with Live music every fortnight!

Presented by Diploma in Music & Audio Technology Every Fortnight (Fri & Sat) 7.00-8.00pm Christmas Special: 17 & 23 Dec 13, 14, 27 & 28 Jan 2011 n

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Water dragon 2012 secrets unveiled A Feng Shui Talk

Mark your calendar and join us for great insights on what the year of the water dragon will bring!

Fri, 13 Jan 7.30-9pm *incl Light Refreshments Member: $5+ / Guest: $8+ Highlights: • Wealth and auspicious trades in Water Dragon year •Your animal zodiac personal luck in 2012 • Feng Shui 2012 : do’s and don’ts in your house • Auspicious interior design ideas to embrace 2012

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Gym Orientation

Get great fitness tips by attending the orientation. Not to be missed!

Sat, 7 Jan • 11am – 12.30pm Member: $3+ / Guest: $5+ Highlights: Learn how to utilise available exercise in proper form & technique • Gym etiquette, health tips & more • Simple exercise plan to cater to your goals • Receive a goody bag

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CNY mahjong competition Battle out your mahjong skills this CNY & win attractive prizes!

Sat, 4 Feb 9am – 5pm *incl of breakfast, lunch & tea-break Venue: Carnation Room Member: $18+ / Guest: $22+ Prizes: 1st : trophy + $150 worth of vouchers

2nd : trophy + $120 worth of vouchers

3rd : trophy + $100 worth of vouchers

Consolation: 4th – 8th prize

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Wine & Dine The Guild goes to great lengths to bring quality meals and fancy feasts for you & your loved ones and guests.

So come dine with us at every opportunity you get.

5-Course Pre-Christmas Menu Delectable weekdays treat of Roast Duck with Mango Salad, Clear Chicken Vegetable Soup, Lime Sherbet & a choice of either Roast Turkey with Mushroom & Cranberry Sauce Or Honey Baked Ham with Raisin Sauce served with Croquette Potato and Brussel Sprout.

19th – 23rd Dec – Lunch & Dinner 24th Dec – Lunch Only Lunch: $21.80+ Dinner: $23.80+ (Adult) / Lunch: $13.80+ Dinner: $14.80+ (Child)

6-Course Christmas Eve Set Dinner An appetizer of Tropical Caesar Salad with Snow Crab, Cream of Escargot, Mango Sherbet & Oriental Pork Rib teases your taste buds before the main course- Pan-fried Spicy Tom Yam Garoupa Fillet topped with Straw Mushroom and served with Pineapple Rice arrives. Countdown to yuletide with the not-to-be-missed Christmas Log Cake!

24th Dec – Dinner only $30.80+ (Adult) / $16.80+ (Child)

5-Course Pre New Year Set Menu Another dose of weekday gourmet treats to get you in the festive mood.

Start off with Chicken Gelatine with Wolfberry Vinaigrette, Cream of Carrot with Roster Walnut, Orange Sherbet and a choice of either Roast Leg of Lamb with Tamarind Sauce Or Baked Salmon Fillet with Cheese and Mushroom & Pommery Mustard Sauce, served with Roast Potato & Green Vegetables. A sweet treat of Hot Chocolate Brownie with Ice-Cream to end the course!

27th – 30th Dec – Lunch & Dinner 31st Dec – Lunch Only Lunch: $21.80+ Dinner: $23.80+ (Adult) / Lunch: $13.80+ Dinner: $14.80+ (Child)

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Wine & Dine

6-Course New Year’s Eve Set Dinner 6-course New Year’s Eve Set Dinner Usher in the New Year with a splendid meal! Enjoy Avocado, Snowcrab with Honey Yogurt Dressing, Double Boiled Chicken Consommé with Shark’s Fin Dumpling, Green Tea Sherbet & followed by a hot appetizer of Black Pepper Pork Ribs & main course of juicy Stuffed Chicken with Foie Gras & Red Wine Sauce served with Roast Potato & Green Vegetables.. End it off with yummy Chocolate Truffles!

31st Dec Dinner only: $30.80+ (Adult) / $16.80+ (Child)

Chinese New Year Eve Reunion Dinner Indulge in a scrumptious spread of Braised Superior Shark’s Fin with Crabmeat & Fish Maw, Steamed Seabass in Light Soy Sauce,, Braised Soy Rose Wine Chicken, Wok-fried Crayfish with Ginger & Spring Onion in Black Pepper Sauce, Stir- fried Sea Scallop with Asparagus in XO Sauce & much more for your reunion dinner as you usher in the year of the Dragon.

22nd Jan 2012 8-Course + Salmon Yu Sheng $488++ per table of 10 persons

Chinese New Year Family Set Enjoy a `prosperity CNY feast and ‘Lo Hei’ your way to another prosperous and successful year!

25th Jan - 6th Feb 2012 6-Course + Yu Sheng: $198+ (4 Persons) 7-Course + Yu Sheng: $268+ (6 Persons) 8-Course + Yu Sheng: $368+ (10 Persons) Lunch & Dinner

Salmon Yu Sheng Our popular Salmon Yu Sheng is available in 3 quantities: Small, Medium & Large.

16th Jan – 6th Feb ’12 Small - $18 + Medium - $28+ Large - $ 38+ *Take-away available at an additional $3+ Lunch & Dinner * All Prices are subject to 7% GST. The 15% F&B Discount is Not Applicable for these Promotions

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Host Your Event At

SPGG is an ideal meeting venue for private functions, dinner & dance events and corporate seminars. For corporate functions, such as meetings or formal business luncheons, our well-equipped function rooms offer a comfortable, conducive environment and varied seating capacities to suit all 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 day Package G Two Coffee Breaks with 3 snack items & One Lunch at $52.00++ per person per day Package H Two Coffee Breaks with 3 snack items & One Lunch & One Dinner at $80.00++ per person per day

the ideal networking venue

The above meeting packages are inclusive of: • Use of function room as 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 serve basis) • All packages require a minimum of 20 persons • A surcharge of $100.00++ 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

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