Thursday, June 28, 2012

A Wild and Thrilling Time at Jerangkang

By Shahril Khairi, Diploma in Business Management, Year 1

Being a polytechnic student can be stressful and living in a city makes us fail to remember how beautiful nature can be. So you can imagine how glad I was to have the opportunity to unwind and soak in some amazing scenary recently. The NYP Adventure Club (ADC) gave me and about 70 members the opportunity to experience nature, and thrilling water activities at Jerangkang Waterfall at Pahang, Malaysia, during our term break from 18 to 21 June.


The tranquillity and serenity of Jerangkang Waterfall makes it an ideal place for rejuvenation. To me, this experience can’t be replicated in Singapore.

There are two things that made this trip so significant- experiencing outdoor camping in Malaysia for the first time, and bonding with each other.

Here are the highlights of the expedition.

We had a bumpy lorry ride (an hour’s worth) from the village of Kampung Gelugor to our campsite in Jerangkang. Along the way, we sang songs, cracked jokes and enjoyed the morning scenery.


Our camping skills were put to the test when we were pitching the Basha (a waterproof canvass sheet with loops at the perimeter) for our shelter. Luckily, it did not rain throughout our entire trip.

We were taught how to collect fresh water from the river. The water was cold, refreshing and clean.


For most of us, this was our first time experiencing cliff jumping. The height might seem low but when you are perched at cliff, it was a different story. Most of us overcame our fear of heights and enjoyed the sensation of jumping into the water. 

We took proper safety precautions when jumping.  For example, we had to ensure there were no boulders around, and we avoided jumping too close to the wall of the cliff. We also tried to land into the water at a vertical angle. This minimises impact with the water and puts less stress on body parts.


This was one of the rare opportunities we had where we slid into the waterfall on 2 floats. It is very thrilling yet exciting. Although this may look scary, we made sure that safety was still a priority. We wore helmets, and held on securely to ropes that were tied to the floats.

In fact, before any activity starts, we would analyse the risks via a procedure called Risk Analysis Management (RAM), which includes Physical, Mental, Social and Financial risks. We also look at the People, Environment, Equipment and Procedure factors to ensure that everything we do is as safe as possible.


Usually during camps, we would expect Maggie noodles for our breakfast, lunch and dinner, but not in ADC. ADC believes we deserve good food since we exhaust our energy with strenuous activities. So for breakfast, we actually had yummy pancakes.
 
Most of us agree that this “morning dip” was one of the most memorable moments in the expedition since the water was extremely cold and it helped to keep us awake throughout the day.


To get to the Jerangkang Waterfall, we had to trek up the steep and humid terrain for 2 hours. Communication and teamwork were important since we were moving a group and in an unfamiliar environment.

After enjoying the waterfall, we headed back to the base camp by river tracing. This involves moving from one point to another by swimming, or climbing the boulders along the river.


We tried more cliff jumping along the way. Basically, there were lots of cliffs to jump from.

Fire making was another survival skill we learnt.  This was very new to everyone and we had fun trying to start fires. It turned out to be such a handy skill! We used 5 things to start a fire - lighter, dried leaves, thin wooden twigs, medium sized sticks and large sticks.

First, we dug a hole and removed anything around the hole. Then, we poked a stick in the centre of the hole and placed the twigs and leaves around it. We then lit it from the edge and blew at the flames. One of the participants even called himself “Dragon” because he could make a fire bigger by blowing at it.


We also share the campsite with very interesting creepy crawlies. The insects there were so much bigger, faster and more dangerous compared to the ones found at home. I call them commando insects!


Before heading back to Singapore, we stopped by the roadside to eat some yummy durians.

Here’s a group photo we took in front of a mosque at Kampung Gelugor. It
was near the road that led to the waterfall.

In conclusion, the trip had been awesome. Most of us would agree that we learnt useful new skills and great values such as teamwork and communication. We also built our character by testing our leadership skills, and got to know each other’s strengths and weaknesses.

We also learnt that experience is the best teacher because through experience, we can truly understand, feel and see everything for ourselves. Indeed it was a very beneficial and fun expedition.

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Shahril Khairi is a Year 1 student from Business Management who loves music, history, other cultures, writing and travelling. Some say “Active” is his middle name because he enjoys adventures and keeping fit. He loves eating and judging food and has a strong interest in The Art of War and strategy games even though he enjoys peace. He is a guy who enjoys the bright side of life.

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Harry Potter: A Magical Experience at the ArtScience Museum

By Nur Wahidah, Year 2, Diploma in Mass Media Management



Harry Potter fans, hang on to your seats right now. I’m sure you will definitely love this article as it’s about the latest exhibition at the ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands (MBS) - Harry Potter.


My heart was thumping with excitement as I was walked through MBS Shopping Mall, admiring all the Harry Potter Exhibition posters that could be found at almost every angle.



First of all, if you hate crowds, I suggest you don’t visit this exhibition on a Friday or during the weekends. From tourists to locals to teenagers, the Harry Potter exhibition has truly attracted massive crowds. The exhibition has received such a huge response that only a certain number of tickets could be sold for different entry times. Hence, my ticket only permitted me to enter the exhibition at 6pm.


Before I even stepped into the exhibition itself, there was a long line of people, waiting for their pictures to be taken. The staff will hand you a Gryffindor or Slytherin scarf and a wand to pose with. These pictures can be purchased later on.


I could also see the famous “invisible flying car” displayed outside the exhibition area. Many excited Potter fans were snapping pictures of it.


All 7 Harry Potter Movie Posters were displayed in the “waiting area” once you’re done having your picture taken. I only waited for about 10 minutes before I was allowed to enter.


I shall not spoil the exhibition for you but I’ll tell you what you can expect. You’ll be meeting the sorting hat, definitely. Who knows, you might even find out which house – Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Slytherin or Ravenclaw - you’ll be sorted to. You’ll be surrounded by moving pictures. Step into Hagrid’s hut and see how big the character actually is. Enter the dark forest and be frightened by the Deatheaters and have the opportunity to actually pull out a crying Mandrake!


Intrigued enough? These are only a few of the highlights of the exhibition. There’s definitely more to see there. All costumes and props displayed are from the movie itself. So you’ll actually know how tall Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson is.


Even though it was quite a short trip, it was definitely a memorable one. I spent less than an hour exploring the exhibition so I suggest you take your time and examine every inch of the props because it is truly a magical experience.


If you plan to shop, don’t forget to bring some extra cash! Be sure to try out the Jellybeans and Chocolate frogs ($6 each) as it is delicious and you’ll get to taste the unique flavours like grass, earwax, cinnamon and booger! You can’t get those flavours easily anywhere.

The unique Jellybean flavours

As no photography is allowed inside the exhibition, I’ll leave you with this trailer of the exhibition where you can glimpse some of the exhibits. Enjoy! And be sure to catch this exhibition held at the ArtScience Museum! It opens everyday from 10am to 10pm (Last admission at 9pm) ends on the 30th September.



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Wahidah is a second year student doing her Diploma in Mass Media Management. She is passionate about writing, travel, food and good music. Her idea of a good time is spending an afternoon with a few friends over a cup of hot chocolate, or watching classic films featuring stars like Audrey Hepburn, Dick Van Dyke, Julie Andrews and so on. Her dream is to travel and have a food adventure around the world.

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Celebrate NDP with LEGO ®!

By Nur Wahidah, Year 2, Diploma in Mass Media Management

For 13 days, more than 500 volunteers worked hard to complete a 12m-by-9m scale of the Marina Bay Floating Platform National Day Parade (NDP) celebrations using tiny pieces of LEGO ®.

NYP volunteers building up the LEGO® model of the Marina Floating Platform

On June 8th 2012, these volunteers from Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP), *SCAPE, Pathlight School and the Asian Women’s Welfare Association finally completed their model at *SCAPE building along Orchard Link.

The project, “Building a LovingSg”, was initiated by NYP and headed by Chia Meng Chao, 20, a student from NYP’s Diploma of Marketing. The NYP volunteers came from all seven schools – Engineering, Information Technology, Design, Business Management, Health Sciences, Chemical & Life Sciences, and Interactive Media Design.

Not only did they build a model of the Marina Floating Platform, but showcased the National Day Celebrations held there. There was a model of the stage lights, mini-figurines of our President, Commanders and the parade as well. Close to 200,000 LEGO® bricks were used in this project.
This project was such a big one that Meng Chao remembers feeling nervous when he was nominated to be in charge of it.

“I felt nervous as it is indeed a large project. However, with the help from my peers from the Students’ Union, we had  overwhelming support!” he said.


Following the theme of this project, they indeed built a picture of a loving Singapore and captured the colours, joy and excitement that Singaporeans would be displaying on the 9th of August. The project, which started since March, aims to collect at least $200,000 for the Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund.

According to Meng Chao, the highlight of this project was definitely during the last day, when they completed the model and saw the LEGO® structure in its entirety.

“I felt a sense of accomplishment when we saw the platform being completed. However, it is not the end yet as there is still Part 2, which is to sell the mini LEGO® figurines for charity,” he said.

Show your support for this project by donating $5 or more through the NDP Official Site, NDPeeps Facebook Page or at *SCAPE from the 30th June to 5th July 2012.

After you’ve made your donation, you are entitled to customise 2 LEGO ® figurines, which you can place one on the LEGO® model of the Marina Floating Platform.

The different designs you can choose for your figurines


The different customised figurines

If you haven’t already played your part, the LEGO® model of the Marina Floating Platform is now at NYP’s Atrium! Just remember to make a donation of $5 – just like my friends and I did! So head there now and show your support!

This event will only be at NYP until tomorrow. So hurry!

*UPDATE*

We have raised more than $10,000 in NYP. Thank you for your contributions!
Building a LovingSG can be found at the following locations should you wish to make donations:

30 June to 5 July - *SCAPE
7 July to 8 July - Causeway Point
11 July to 15 July - Compasspoint
20 July to 22 July - Marina Square

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Wahidah is a second year student doing her Diploma in Mass Media Management. She is passionate about writing, travel, food and good music. Her idea of a good time is spending an afternoon with a few friends over a cup of hot chocolate, or watching classic films featuring stars like Audrey Hepburn, Dick Van Dyke, Julie Andrews and so on. Her dream is to travel and have a food adventure around the world.

Back to School with Legos and Shopping!

Volunteers with their favourite Lego characters!
NYP students had reasons to smile when they returned to school this semester!  They could create customized Lego figurines or go on a shopping marathon. What a fun way to start the new term!

Building a LovingSG


When Lego fans returned to school they were greeted by a Lego platform in the centre of the Atrium. This display is part of “Building a LovingSG” - a National Day Parade fundraising effort for the Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund.

Decisions, decisions...
This event was organized by the NYP Student Union.  400 student volunteers recreated a replica of the Marina Bay Floating Platform using 200,000 Lego bricks and mini-figures. This blockish structure spans an area of 12 by 9 metres.

Everybody wants their Lego characters to have the best seats in the house.
For $5, visitors can create 2 customized Lego figurines, one to place on a replica of the Marina Bay Floating Platform, and the other to keep as a souvenir.
Check out this NYP section!
What a great way to show Singapore how much you love her on her 47th birthday!

This event takes place from 25 -28 June at the Atrium from 10am to 7pm.

Marathon of a Shopaholic
NYP’s School of Business Management decided to chase away the ‘back-to-school-blues’ with some retail therapy!

Look at all the cute accessories!
Popular Blogshop Badangdangs had plenty of clothes and accessories on sale!

 “Marathon of a Shopaholic” takes place from 25-27th June from 10.30am – 4.30pm and offers discounts galore, with many popular blogshops selling their wares.

What to buy?
$3 for clothes?! Woohoo!

Shoppers also stand a chance to win tickets to Jayesslee’s Meet and Greet Session and priority standing tickets to their concert too!

Welcome back to NYP! Hugz!

Friday, June 22, 2012

Good Friends, Wise Choice

(From left) Kiat Han, Royson and Kiang Siang, who've remained good friends since secondary school
One night after the release of the GCE ‘O’ level results, three good friends from Xinmin Secondary sat down at their usual hangout place, a void deck in Sengkang.  There, Kok Kiat Han, Ang Kiang Siang and Royson Lee De Sheng started to seriously talk about which polytechnic they wanted to enter.  The boys, who had attained good GCE ‘O’ level grades, had various options opened to them.

By the end of the evening, the trio – who had been friends since Secondary One – had decided to take up a Diploma in Information Security course at NYP.  Explained Royson, “We heard from our seniors that the School of IT (SIT) at NYP has a good reputation of being strong in IT.  So we naturally picked NYP as our poly of choice.”

Fast forward to three years later in 2012: it looks that the three buddies – who are all CSIT-Nanyang scholars – have certainly made a wise decision as all three have graduated with top honours during their recent graduation ceremony on 24 May.  Kiat Han received the Lee Kuan Yew Medal, which is a prestigious award given to the most outstanding graduates from technology courses in NYP, as well the CSIT Gold Medal. Kiang Siang received the CSIT Bronze Medal while Royson attained a Diploma with Merit. 

Besides doing well academically, the boys also did NYP proud in numerous IT-related competitions. For example, Royson and Kiat Han won Code::XtremeApps:2011 Open Category (first position), Singapore Cyber Conquest (first position) and SyScan Capture-the-Flag (first position), while all three of them took part in SyScan Secure Coding 2012 (bronze).  Royson and Kiat Han also won gold and bronze medals for the IT Network Systems Administration category of WorldSkills Singapore in 2010. 

Besides taking part in competitions, the boys also led a busy but meaningful campus life by taking part in various activities.  Kiat Han was Captain of the Water Sports Club (Life Saving) and Royson joined tennis.  Kiang Siang is the Vice-President of the Association of Information Security Professionals (AISP)-NYP, Student Chapter. 

Looking back, the trio are glad that they have made NYP their polytechnic of choice.  As Royson puts it, “NYP has provided us with many opportunities that develop our potential.  We’re glad to be a part of NYP.”

At the end of their NYP journey, the trio are now going separate ways. Kiat Han plans to further his studies under a SMU-CMU (Singapore Management University-Carnegie Mellon University) fast track programme. Royson will be taking up a Computer Science degree at National University of Singapore (NUS) while Kiang Siang is considering an offer to do the NUS-Computer Science with Business Administration (Accountancy) double degree.

However, they remain best friends, and would often travel around Singapore in search of good food.  Said Kiang Siang, “We have supper at places like Tampines, Hougang, Buangkok, Sengkang and Punggol Park.  Once, we even went to Sentosa at 2 am.”

Kiat Han, Kiang Siang and Royson would like to say a big THANK YOU to all their SIT lecturers for their dedication throughout their poly years!

Thursday, June 14, 2012

5 Exercises for Stronger Shoulders

 By Shahrilkhairi, Diploma in Business Management Year 1

NYP’s BodyWatch gym is a great place for students to exercise and keep fit. This week, we’re looking at developing strong shoulders.

If you play sports involving shoulder movement, having strong shoulders would help you to stay injury free.  In addition, strong and broad shoulders can boost your self-confidence. For example, men with attractive physiques typically have broad shoulders and a thin waist, giving them a “V-Shape”.

The shoulder is the most moveable and unstable joint in the body. It is very important to keep the soft tissues in the shoulder strong, flexible and conditioned to handle stress.

Here are 5 exercises to help you develop healthy and broad shoulders while giving you that elusive “V-shape”! Do remember to do some light warm-ups before going these exercises.

*Disclaimer: Before embarking on any fitness or exercise routine (including this one), remember to consult your doctor or physician. Please also ensure that the weights you handle are manageable and not too heavy.


For all exercises perform 3 sets of 12 repetitions. Take a 1-minute break after every set.

1. Shoulder Presses
Step 1: Stand up and hold two dumbbells at shoulder level, palms facing forward. Ensure your elbows are at 90 degrees.
Step 2: Press the dumbbells straight up until your elbows almost locking and lower them back down after a short pause.
Do's and Don’ts:
*Keep your body straight
*Use weights that allow you to perform 12 repetitions per set.
*Do not jerk your body in attempt to raise the dumbbell


2. Lateral Raises
Step 1: Stand up and hold one dumbbell with each hand in front of your hips, palms facing each other.
Step 2: Raise the dumbbells to your sides until your arms are parallel to the ground and lower them back down after a short pause.

Do's and Don’ts:
*Keep your body straight
*Use weights that allow you to perform 12 repetitions per set.
*Do not jerk your body in attempt to raise the dumbbell
*Try to maintain the angles in your elbows still throughout



3. Front Raises


Step 1: Stand up and hold one dumbbell in each hand in front of your thighs, palms facing your body.
Step 2: Raise the dumbbells forward then up until your arms are parallel to the ground and lower them back down after a short pause.

Do's and Don’ts: 
*Keep your body straight
*Use weights that allow you to perform 12 repetitions per set.
*Do not jerk your body in attempt to raise the dumbbell
* Keep your arms extended throughout.



4. Upright Rows
Step 1: Stand up and hold one dumbbell in each hand in front of your thighs.
Step 2: Raise both dumbbells until your arms are parallel to the ground and lower them back down slowly after a short pause.
Do's and Don’ts:
*Keep your body straight.
*Use weights that allow you to perform 12 repetitions per set.
*Do not jerk your body in attempt to raise the dumbbell.



5. Side Raise
Step 1: Stand up, keep your elbow 90 degrees and keep it close to your body. Ensure your palms are facing each other.
Step 2: Raise both dumbbells until your arms are parallel to the ground and lower them back down slowly after a short pause.



Do's and Don’ts: 
*Keep your body straight.
* Use weights that allow you to perform 12 repetitions per set.
*Do not jerk your body in attempt to raise the dumbbell
Shahril Khairi is a Year 1 student from Business Management who loves music, history, other cultures, writing and travelling. Some say “Active” is his middle name because he enjoys adventures and keeping fit. He loves eating and judging food and has a strong interest in The Art of War and strategy games even though he enjoys peace. He is a guy who enjoys the bright side of life.