No matter the emotional toll his dad’s passing had on his life, the quiet boy, the youngest of three siblings, was determined to do better in school to make his father proud.

Jagjeet, who enrolled in the Singapore Indian Development Association’s (Sinda) tuition programme when he was in Primary 4, registered a marked improvement in his grades for English, mathematics and science subjects at PSLE, and now harbour dreams of becoming an engineer one day.

On Saturday (Aug 25), he was one of the best overall award recipients at the 15th Joint Tuition Awards Ceremony, a prize presentation event organised by The Chinese Development Assistance Council (CDAC), the Eurasian Association, Sinda and Yayasan Mendaki. They are collectively known as the Self-Help Groups (SHGs).

A total of 517 students were lauded at the event, which recognises the scholastic achievements of students at the PSLE, GCE N and O-level examinations.

Some of the awardees were beneficiaries of the SHGs’ Collaborative Tuition Programme, which gives students from low income families of different races access to affordable tuition islandwide.

The number of tuition centres under this programme has grown from 11 when it was launched in 2002 to 97 today.

A total of $66,050 in book vouchers were presented by the guest of honour, Mr Ng Chee Meng, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office and Secretary-General of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), in the ceremony on Saturday at Singapore Polytechnic.

Mr Toh Jing Jie, a Year 1 student at ITE College East and award recipient, also had his parents at the back of his mind when he realised at Secondary 2 that he had to improve his grades if he wanted to be able to provide for his family one day.

His father is unable to work due to health problems and his mother is a cleaner and is the sole breadwinner of the family.

The only child scored three Grade 1’s and two Grade 2’s during his N(A)-Level Exam last year.

Currently pursuing a Higher NITEC in Chemical Technology at ITE College East, he hopes to make a career in the field of material or environmental science.

Referring to the award, he said: “I didn’t really expect this so I was very excited to hear that I was the most improved student. My advice to other students would be to pay attention in class, ask questions and always revise your work. The most important thing is to just do your best.”

Before presenting the awards, Mr Ng praised the recipients.

He said: “This is a celebration of our young and promising minds. Most importantly, it is a platform for us to come together as Singaporeans to honour and motivate our talents on the path to success.”

He also praised the work done by the SHGs particularly their specifically curated programmes which are designed around the needs of different communities.

He highlighted Vibrance @ Yishun as an example of a successful collaboration – a joint centre that was launched on Aug 5 by heads of the SHGs to offer their programmes for those living in the vicinity.

The new centre, which is located at the previous premises of CDAC@Yishun, is the first such collaboration between the SHGs and is equipped with five classrooms with seating for 14 to 20 people, a computer laboratory for 12 people, a mini library, an Internet surfing corner and a self-study area.

It will offer educational programmes as well as workshops and multicultural events for both students and parents.

“This new centre allows all four self-help groups to bring together their different expertise in education and enrichment programmes, as well as provide full spectrum of services such as social assistance schemes and SkillsFuture courses that can benefit people of all ages in the community,” said Sinda acting chief executive Anbarasu Rajendran.

“Collaborating is our way of eliminating red tape and ensuring that Singaporeans can attend all programmes, no matter their ethnicity or financial constraints,” he added.

(Article&picture from The Straits Times)

The team, comprising two Singaporeans, two Indian nationals and an Australian, proposed using 3D printing to produce customised micro-thrusters using water propulsion, instead of relying on expensive options available now.

The team pitched the idea to an international panel of experts in an innovation competition, ActInSpace, and won the Airbus Innovation Prize for their efforts.

The competition, which is related to space technology, was held in France on Wednesday (June 27).

While they fell short of winning the grand prize – a chance to experience zero-gravity flight – their win meant they got to visit the European aerospace company Airbus, to learn more from experts on how to further develop their project.

The students – one from Tanglin Trust School and four from the National University of Singapore (NUS) – also had a flight training session on an Airbus A320 simulator.

Nano satellites, especially a common type known as CubeSats, are small, cubical devices about 10 centimetres wide and weighing around 1.3 kilograms. They are used for a wide range of functions such as space exploration and conducting experiments in space.

The executive director of the Singapore Space and Technology Association, Ms Lynette Tan, 38, said that because the lifespan of these satellites are short, lasting between three months to about two years, they tend to veer from their orbit and fall to earth over time.

Ms Tan, who was one of the judges, said conventional micro-thrusters can be installed to increase the devices’ lifespan by altering their orbit path, but they are often very expensive, with a typical unit costing up to $250,000.

The Singapore team said micro-thrusters using water propulsion can be installed on the CubeSats to keep them in space for a longer period, for one-quarter of the cost.

The team, “Insert Space”, had only 24 hours to come up with their idea during the Singapore leg of the competition on May 26 organised by the association.

The students eventually joined 30 international teams in France, and edged most out to join four other teams in the final round of the competition organised by the French space agency CNES and the European Space Agency.

The team had to make a six-minute pitch of their proposal, which was assessed on the use of space technology and data to devise economically viable solutions, and the level of innovation and benefit to society such solutions provide.

“We were inspired by the need to make space exploration affordable and accessible for everyone,” said one of the team members, Mr Francis Lee, 23, from the School of Computing at NUS, adding: “Ultimately, we aim to…enable them (university students) to perform missions that were previously impossible.”

Article & picture from Straits Times

The Straits Times tackles burning questions that parents may face during the Primary 1 registration exercise, including which schools may be oversubscribed this year based on past data, in an interactive graphic.

P1 registration for the 2019 cohort kicked off yesterday, and will last until Oct 31. The exercise is conducted over seven phases.

Using data for P1 registration from the past six years, the graphic is able to come up with a forecast on how likely it is that a school will enter balloting, based on the number of applicants in past years.

Balloting is required when the number of applications exceeds the vacancies available.

ST’s P1 registration tool makes it easier for parents to gauge their chances under the different phases, said its senior education correspondent Sandra Davie.

But that should not be the only factor influencing parents’ decisions. The graphic also incorporates tips from Ms Davie on other factors parents should consider.

“At the end of the day, it is not about getting your child into the top school, but the right school,” she said.

Parents should consider carefully their child’s strengths and weaknesses – and not just the school’s academic achievements.

“If they have in mind a highly competitive school, then parents need to ask if their child will thrive in competition, or wilt under stress,” she said.

The sports and co-curricular activities that a school offers are also important factors as they contribute to the development of a child’s character and soft skills.

Ms Davie said: “In the end, instead of aiming for a top school, parents should pick a school that will help bring out the potential in a child, be it in academics, sports or arts.”

Article & picture from Straits Times

Create your own art pieces

Get crafty at the art labs with your kids. Students will guide you as you create your very own masterpiece. There are over 30 different activities happening at three locations!

Try Chinese painting using your fingerprints, paint a mug without using brushes, make mini clay food magnets and even attempt the ancient art of Japanese marbling, suminagashi.

When: June 30-July 1, 2018
Where: Bukit Panjang Plaza (12.30pm-5.00pm), United Square (1.00pm-5.00pm), Jurong Regional Library (1.30pm-5.30pm)

Be a dancing king or queen

Every child that has watched movies like High School Musical, Step Up, Hairspray and so on, has probably dreamed of being part of a mass dance. Now they can! Join the students at Bukit Panjang Plaza and groove together, or revel in a mix of ethnic and modern dance gigs, put together by students from primary and secondary schools.

When: June 30-July 1, 2018, 12.00pm-6.00pm
Where: Bukit Panjang Plaza

Immerse in Singapore’s diverse cultures

Enjoy traditional music and dance by our very own students. For children, this would be an eye-opening and educational experience to see and hear instruments such as the Angklung, Sapalele and Kulintang, which they might not have even heard of! There will also be performances in collaboration with the Singapore Wind Symphony and Sambiesta, a local percussion group.

When: June 29 (6.00pm-9.00pm), June 30 (6.00pm-8.30pm), July 1 (5.00pm-8.00pm)
Where: Concourse and Outdoor Theatre, Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay

Fire up your imagination

Remember what it was like listening to a storytelling session as a child and having your imagination all fired up? Head down to the National Gallery to listen to a dramatised reading of a play script, and you might just have a show playing in your head. The original scripts, “Good Enough” and “National Language Class”, were co-devised by students and local playwright Chong Tze Chien. You can also hear about the students’ learning process and experience.

When: June 29, 5.30pm-7pm, and June 30, 2pm-5.45pm
Where: Singapore Courtyard, National Gallery Singapore

Watch fables come alive…with a twist

If imagining a show is not for you, you can watch a drama production for real, put together by students from primary and secondary schools. In particular, on June 30, Kids Play! will feature primary school students’ creative interpretation of fairytales and fables.

When: June 30, 2018, 1pm-4.30pm
Where: Programme Zone, Jurong Regional Library

Interact with electronic music

Here’s your chance to be part of a gig – Ahmad Ibrahim Secondary School students will be manipulating and performing music based on sounds chosen by the audience. A single sound can evolve into something completely unexpected. Zhenghua Secondary School’s Drums Ensemble will also be improvising rhythms based on the audience’s facial expressions.

When: July 1, 2018, 2.30pm-6.00pm
Where: Padang Atrium, National Gallery Singapore

Experience how art can inspire music

Inspired by three pieces of art currently on exhibit at the National Gallery, student-musicians of Hougang Secondary School will be performing a special musical response, featuring the gamelan with electronic music.

When: June 30, 2018, 2.30pm-3.00pm and 4.30pm-5.00pm
Where: Padang Atrium, National Gallery Singapore

Catch LIVE performances

Tune in to Youth Station, a live showcase of original songs, written and performed by students, under the mentorship of industry professionals. Also, check out pop band and beatbox performances at the Evolution! talent quest, as the students compete for the top prize.

When: [Youth Station] July 7, 3.30pm-6.00pm and [Evolution!] July 8, 4.00-6.00pm
Where: Singapore Plaza, Level 1, National Library

Be inspired by art

Art pieces by students are amazing because we catch a glimpse of the perspective of a child. Visit the SYF 2018 Art Exhibition, featuring more than 400 works by students on the theme Artist and Citizenship, and get your child’s creative juices churning too!

When: July 4-August 3, 2018, 10am-10pm
Where: Supreme Court Terrace, Level 4, National Gallery Singapore

Article & picture from Schoolbag

“I had the opportunity to perform for others and tell the public about the 5-step mozzie wipeoutwhich helps prevent the breeding of Aedes mosquitoes. My family also came to watch my performance,” shared Tan Hui Yan, 10. Her family members have also observed improvements in her ability to communicate with others.

Such experiences were a result of the school’s Applied Learning Programme, which they have coined “Engage, Excite, and Express (E-Cube)”. Through scriptwriting and acting, students addressed issues such as water resource matters, animal conservation, threats of communicable diseases, littering and food wastage.

“We want them to understand social concerns and come up with ways to create awareness. In doing so, we teach them to be concerned citizens and contributing members of the community,” said Miss Suhana Binte Abdul Hamid, Level Head for English at Kuo Chuan Presbyterian Primary.

“I’ve learned to help the earth by playing my part, being appreciative of the resources that Singapore has and not wasting them,” shared Lim Chong See Vera, 12, on the topic of water conservation.

Skills for the future, learnt from young

Working in groups also presented opportunities for students to learn important skills, such as teamwork and self-discipline. During the research phase, students looked at various sources for information to understand the issue and decide on their message.

“I learned to build relationships with my friends and work in teams without quarrelling,” said Han Cheng Xun Calen, 12.

When scripting and rehearsing, they also learned to pay attention to what their friends were saying, as well as to the music and visual cues so that the performance could be delivered smoothly.

“We listened to others so that we could deliver our lines at the right time,” recalls Aarav Nath, 10. “I became a better actor and learned how to improvise during live performances.”

Supporting children, both on and off stage

During the preparation process, teachers also observed how strong parental involvement helped to motivate the students. For example, during the school holidays, parents would guide their children as they conducted their research, directing them to reliable websites. When some were overwhelmed by the amount of information, it also helped to talk through what was accurate and relevant.

As the children’s biggest cheerleaders, many parents would turn up for the performances. Often, they would be surprised by how well their children could act.

“No matter how many times they have performed, students will still feel nervous before a performance. Seeing their parents seated before them gives them the encouragement and moral support they need to give their best,” said Miss Suhana.

Article & picture from Schoolbag

Amidst these demanding circumstances of life, Asyikin did not entertain any thoughts of learning a musical instrument. But now, she takes on a leadership role in the school’s Junior Orchestra, conducts the singing of national anthem during flag raising each morning and hopes to become a professional musician one day.

It all started during music lessons at Dazhong Primary School (DZPS). Asyikin would pay rapt attention and it wasn’t long before her keen sense of interest caught the attention of her music teacher. In Primary Three, she was given the chance to join the school’s Junior Orchestra (JO) Co-curricular Activity (CCA), Inspiratum@DZPS. Asyikin was dedicated. Her teachers quickly observed improvements in her musicianship and gave her opportunities to fulfil her leadership potential.

“Now I’m more confident about leading younger members and my parents have also asked me to mentor my brother,” shared Asyikin.

Providing Opportunities through the Arts

The Learning for Life programme (LLP) at Dazhong Primary focuses on Arts Education by providing students with exposure to music, the visual arts, drama, and dance. For example, in exposure to music, all students would have learnt basic violin skills by Primary Three. Those who show aptitude and interest can then further choose to hone their skills by choosing to join a variety of arts-related CCAs like the Junior Orchestra, which is an extension of the programme.

Taking an inclusive approach, the Junior Orchestra provides the group of 85 students with access to learning an individual instrument and music education in a deeper way.

Physical challenges caused Jovi Siow, 12, to be self-conscious and shy. He struggled to look people in the eye. But as he pursued his passion in music through the orchestra, he found himself able to achieve and grew more confident. It was inspiring for his parents and teachers to see him take on the role of a sectional leader, proudly guiding his juniors and passing on his tuba playing skills.

Such personal qualities of independence and teamwork are what Mrs Dawn Kuah, Subject Head of Aesthetics and special advisor to the CCA, looks out for. When students learn these values, they are able to work effectively as an orchestra, producing music that people want to hear, and doing justice to the notes a composer has written.

To play their part, each student musician has to work hard and persevere at his or her musical instrument. Not all musical practice is fun and it is at times challenging and repetitive. They need to practise continuously, and continue to do so to maintain that high standard once they have attained it. Through the experience, they develop rigour and discipline – values that are essential for anyone who hopes to accomplish and achieve.

Hard work certainly paid off for 9-year-old Ganesh Anuratha Kaosalya. With her natural inclination towards music, sense of discipline and the provision of learning opportunities in the orchestra, she is now able to play the violin, trumpet and other percussion instruments such as the drums.

Instilled at a young age, these values and qualities will shape their approach towards life as they grow up, and prepare them to achieve in other areas as well, shared Mrs Kuah.

Garnering Parental Support

As early as seven on Wednesday and Thursday mornings, students stream through the school gate with musical cases and schoolbags, and head up to the music rooms for a quick practice before school starts.

These optional Morning Buzz sessions complement the usual CCA sessions on Tuesdays and Fridays, and are supported by parents. They volunteer to set up the music rooms, and interact with the students. Seeing parents interested and involved in their school activities motivate and encourage the students.

“Parents have seen improvements in their children and discovered how much value music has for our youths,” shared Mrs Kuah, who noted the feedback received during Parent-Teacher meetings and through surveys with parents.

The Dazhong Primary School Junior Orchestra will be performing at the National Gallery, with the String Ensemble from Methodist Girls’ School, as part of the Singapore Youth Festival Celebrations. Catch their performance on 30 June 2018, 3.30pm or 4.30pm. 

Article & picture from Schoolbag

NTU gained pole position in this year’s Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Top 50 Under 50 league for universities that are 50 years old or younger.

QS research director Ben Sowter said NTU’s No. 1 ranking exemplifies “Singapore’s emergence as a globally competitive research nation”.

He added: “As NTU continues to reiterate its highly successful transformation from a primarily engineering-focused university to a more diverse, international institution, it will be difficult for the ambitious young universities below it to displace it at the top of the rankings.”

According to QS, which released the list last Wednesday, NTU leads a new generation of young Asia-Pacific universities that occupy seven of the top 10 spots this year. NTU’s institutional research impact remains the highest among Singapore universities – jumping 11 places to rank 46th in the world this year. NTU also performed strongly in the academic reputation indicator this year, rising 12 positions to 38th place globally.

QS said universities from the Asia-Pacific region dominated this year’s list, with 27 of the 50 places occupied by institutions from Asia or Australia.

PUSHING NEW FRONTIERS

It’s such an exciting time to be at NTU Singapore… We continue to strengthen the foundations of the university – investing in excellent people who will push new research frontiers, provide them with world-class and sustainable facilities, and educate and inspire the next generations with our innovative teaching methods.

PROFESSOR SUBRA SURESH, president of Nanyang Technological University.

Article & picture from Straits Times

Prior research has already shown that students who double-major can earn more than peers who majored in only one field.

New research we conducted recently shows that double-majors fare better in another way as well: They are more innovative.

We are education researchers with an interest in how the college experience develops students.

What we found in our newly published study is that students who double-majored scored 17.4 percentile points higher on our overall innovation measure than the average student. The innovation advantage for double-majors is almost three times higher than any other major, including business, engineering and math/statistics.

This finding held even after we controlled for a number of variables, including a family history of entrepreneurship, courses taken in college, race, gender and grade point average. We even controlled for personality traits, such as being an extrovert and being open to new experiences.

While certainly our data demonstrates that double-majors are the most innovative, we do not conclude that this academic pathway is always the best choice for students or industries. What we do suggest, however, is that colleges and universities help students find ways to integrate material across disciplines, interact with each other across majors, and work on teams to solve real-world problems.

We also considered the institution students attended, the quality of teaching to which they were exposed and the nature of their interactions with faculty members.

So what does it mean to be more innovative and why does it matter?

WHAT MAKES A PERSON INNOVATIVE

For our study, we sought to measure students’ innovation capacities. We did so using a relatively new survey instrument that enabled us to determine how institutions can help students develop their innovation capacities. These capacities include skills related to networking, persuasive communication, working on diverse teams, and risk taking.

These innovative qualities matter in the job market. That’s because employers want more from college graduates than good grades.

What employers really want – according to a recent survey – are graduates who can effectively work in diverse teams, are creative thinkers and have persuasive communication skills.

In short, employers want innovators.

Since innovators are in demand, it begs the question: Are graduates who double-majored more innovative because they double-majored? Or did they double-major because they were already more innovative?

Self-selection could be at play. To be sure, one aspect of the connection between innovation and double-majoring is related to the fact that certain students want more than any one discipline or major can provide. They want to choose, or perhaps not choose.

A DESIRE FOR MORE

Perhaps double-majors are the kind of students who need more than many programmes offer. It could be a signal of proactive and creative choice for students who don’t fit the mould in terms of how higher education is currently delivered.

Double-majoring might also provide students with experiences in which students see connections between content in different courses.

Additionally, taking classes required for two majors might increase networking with peers across disciplines.

Does this mean that all students should double-major and employers should hire only these graduates? Probably not.

While certainly our data demonstrates that double-majors are the most innovative, we do not conclude that this academic pathway is always the best choice for students or industries.

What we do suggest, however, is that colleges and universities help students find ways to integrate material across disciplines, interact with each other across majors, and work on teams to solve real-world problems.

This could be done through existing courses or perhaps new centres and spaces dedicated to innovation on college campuses.

That way, even if students don’t double-major, they might still become more innovative – and more attractive to employers.

• Dr Matthew J. Mayhew is a William Ray and Marie Adamson Flesher Professor of Educational Administration at the Ohio State University, while Dr Benjamin S. Selznick is an assistant professor at the James Madison University.

Article & picture from Straits Times

Professor Christine Goh, the current dean of graduate studies and professional learning, will replace Professor Tan Oon Seng.

Prof Tan, 60, will remain as an education professor at NIE, and will be the director of the new Centre for Research in Child Development later this year.

He was appointed NIE director in July 2014, and has been credited with boosting NIE’s reputation and programmes during his tenure.

In 2014, Prof Tan received the Public Administration Medal (Silver), in recognition of his contributions to education.

Prof Goh, 60, has been with NIE for the past 24 years and is recognised as an applied linguistics expert for her work in the field. She has advised the Ministry of Education on aspects of English language education and research, and is also a member of the NTU Academic Council’s advisory board that advises the university on issues such as new academic programmes.

She said that she will look to leverage NIE’s strengths to lead the future of teacher and professional education in Singapore and internationally.

Professor Ling San, provost and vice-president (academic) at NTU, said: “Prof Christine Goh brings a fine mixture of professionalism, innovative ideas and academic integrity that makes her ideally qualified to lead the NIE on to further and bigger success in the future.”

In other appointments, Professor John Wang, 52, will take over from Prof Goh as the dean of graduate studies and professional learning.
Professor Low Ee Ling will be the dean of teacher education at NIE’s Office of Teacher Education, and Professor David Hung will be the dean of education research.

Article & picture from Straits Times

Instead, it will be a dish based 100 per cent on plant-protein.

The vegetarian satay is one of the products that could emerge from the new WIL@NUSCorporate Laboratory, which aims to drive innovation in food technology and sustainable biochemicals.

The $110 million research facility, which is jointly set up by Wilmar International, National University of Singapore (NUS) and the National Research Foundation, was launched yesterday by Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat, who is also chairman of the foundation.

Wilmar is the world’s largest manufacturer of oleo-chemicals, used in the production of everyday consumer items like industrial cleaners, lubricants and fragrance.

The 2,000 sq m joint research lab will comprise of two key clusters.

The first will look to address major public health issues through the development of healthier foods, like the plant-based satay.

The other cluster will look at designing cost-effective and sustainable methods of producing chemical compounds using natural sources.

Currently, plant-based feedstock is used for the production of high-value oleo-chemicals.

Scientists at the lab will look to produce biochemicals from natural sources with the use of microbes and enzymes.

Researchers at the WIL@NUS Corporate Laboratory will also look at ways to formulate healthier cooking oils that could reduce cholesterol levels and in turn lower the risk of chronic diseases.

They will also develop food products such as ready-to-eat meals and beverages that could help to manage diabetes and obesity.

Wilmar chairman and chief executive officer Kuok Khoon Hong said that his Singapore-based company was thrilled to be embarking on the collaboration with NUS .

He added that the food industry was experiencing a paradigm shift.

He said: “From the elderly to millennials, people are demanding healthier and more nutritious food. To stay ahead of the curve, we embrace open innovation.”

Mr Heng said in his speech at the launch ceremony: “This partnership between NUS and Wilmar is testimony to the increasing public-private R&D collaborations between universities and industry in our innovation ecosystem, which allows our universities to work closely with industry to develop commercially applicable solutions for problems faced by the industry.”

Mr Heng added that he looked forward to food products from the lab that could enhance people’s health and well-being, as well as to greener and more sustainable production of biochemical compounds for the industry .

Article & picture from Straits Times