Final issue of OTE Uncovered by Worklife@OTE

Transcript

1. September 2011 Issue 2 OTE Uncovered!!! Words from the Chairperson Colleagues of OTE! Time ticked by so quickly especially when we are having fun. It is time for Work life 2010/2011 to welcome the new committee comprising of Kartini (Chairperson), Jann Tan, Daphne , Samsiah, Xueli , Janice and Anita to take over the helm of Work life. We would like to wish them success in their future undertakings. This last edition of OTE Uncovered! will share with you some of our insights on OTEans pastimes. The word passion is in cadence with their hobbies and our dedicated Paparazzi reporter has successfully trailed 3 unique individuals to bring you their interesting stories. Also, it warms me to know that OTEans respect and bond with each other very well. As a newcomer myself, I am deeply heartened to see OTEans from other units conversing with each other on any and every topic under the sun. Hence, I am proud to affirm that the OTE culture is a positive culture and will continue so! In the next pages, we will feature some newbies, one of whom is a new Work life member. See if you can guess correctly who it is! To find out more, flip over to the Interview with the Newbie Section. In addition, there have been a few departures and new hires since the last newsletter in Nov 2010. For those who have left us, we wish you all the best in your future endeavors. For the new hires, we certainly look forward for you to get immersed into OTE culture and have lots of fun with your new family! Siti Hajar SA Chairperson Worklife@OTE Our Acknowledgements to: Mrs. Koh Sou Keaw, Advisor to Work life for her kind guid- ance and advice. Assoc. Prof Huan, Assoc. P r o f V i l m a a n d Ms.Stephane Cheung for giving us the permission to use the Chinese New Year photo- graphs in this edition of OTE Uncovered! All CeL and OTE staff who made the video tribute for the retirement party possible despite your busy work schedule. We truly appreciate your work! Special thanks to Ms Tati Nur Syaadah and Ms Charmaine Chia, who has since left OTE, for working with us on T.E.A. Aerobics Buzz project. Michelle Lim, one of the Work life members who left OTE in August for her wits and crea- tivity. Last but not least, to Prof Tay Eng Guan who has helped in editing the newsletter. 1 INSIDE THIS ISSUE Interviews with OTEANs  Hobbies 2 - 6  Working in Singapore 7 Welcome the Newbie's 8-9 Happenings around OTE 10-12 Hall of Fame 12-13 OTE Trivia 14-15 Good Bye! Siti Hajar Lay Hoon Christine Tan Amy Wang Niko Chen Annie Tan
2. Associate Prof Vilma, the Nature Advocate What do you like to do during your free time? I am an advocate for nature. In 2007, my friends and I started a non-profit organiza- tion called ―Cicada Tree Eco-Place‖. We organize classes for children and parents and teach them about nature, mammals, rep- tiles, amphibians and invertebrates. The classes are con- ducted both indoors and outdoors, mostly hands-on at Jacob Ballas Children‘s Garden, HortPark, Pasir Ris Park, Lower Peirce Reservoir Boardwalk and Pulau Ubin, to name a few. Many of the participants get to ex- perience wilderness from outings to Sungei Buloh, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and MacRitchie Reservoir which are usually conducted during weekends by a group of volunteers. The participants are charged at $15.00 per person and each session is of 2 hours in duration. In addition, we managed to get a grant from the Rotary Club, Jurong Town and Lee Foundation to run nature lessons for kids from low income backgrounds. To help the less privileged, these children will be indentified by schools to join our lessons without any charge. Tell us how it has started? I was a nature lover since young. I owe my ‗green veins‘ to my parents who had encouraged me to appreciate nature by the many outings I had with them in the wil- derness. In the late 1990s, I joined the Nature Society. I headed the Nature Society‘s Education Group for eight years before making my foray with friends to form CTEP in 2007. It is still run by volunteers until today. 2 Interviews with OTE Hobbyist Tell us more about your hobbies that are re- lated to nature? I like to walk in the forest for the purpose of doing sur- veys for National Parks. I volunteer to do a vertebrate study on endangered animals in Singapore forests. It is interesting to see such endangered animals like the mouse deer, leopard cat and slow loris living in their natural habitats. These animals are nocturnal. As they are only active during the nights, many of my outings with nature are usually in the night. I have also developed photography as a hobby for 2 to 3 years now. My favorite shots will be shots of animals in their natural habitats. In your work area, please tell us some of the ar- eas that you do towards the perseveration and conservation of the earth? Trying to make Meranti as green as possible by encour- aging students to bring their own cutlery and plates. At the start of The Meranti Project, they were asked to bring their own plates and spoons. They were informed to wash them after use. However, it did not go well with the students and washing facilities at NIE, as sinks of- ten got choked from leftovers. The students are hence encouraged to bring their own cutlery now, and we provide biodegradable corn ware, no Styrofoam. In addition, the NIE Green Club started a Butterfly Garden at NIE more than 5 years ago. Sadly the gar- den is no more. I would like to donate towards the mak- ing of a permanent Butterfly Garden at NIE to attract the butterflies. I certainly hope to see the butterfly population at NIE grow with the years. Prof Vilma‘s favorite photo of a leopard cat spotted in an oil palm plantation.
3. I was a nature lover since young. I owe my ‘green veins’ to my parents who had en- couraged me to appreciate nature by the many outings I had with them in the wilder- ness. Next in my list is to see OTE as a unit not using Styro- foam ware for all its future events. Corn ware which is biodegradable should be used as alternative. Can you tell OTE the ways they can get to know about fun nature activities? I will be glad to tell. Here are the links that will be use- ful for your reading. URL: www.wildsingapore.com URL: www.ecologyasia.com Join Cicada Tree Eco-Place on our nature walks with your family www.cicadatree.org.sg You may email me at vilma.drozario@nie.edu.sg to indicate me your interest in joining as volunteers. What is your work scope in CeL, OTE? Beside taking official photo- graphs for the institute, my main task at the moment is to archive old photos which I took from 1981 to 2001. Most of these photos are on nega- tives/slides and prints. These are to be stored in NIE LIBRIS where future generations can refer to and benefit from them. What are your hobbies? I love Photography and Art. I like to travel. And of course exercising, such as jogging, swimming and cy- cling. William Oh, the avid Photographer 3 How long have you pursued photography as a hobby? I started off with Art (oil painting) in Primary 5 when I took part in an art exhibition. But I switched to photography when I was in Secondary 3. I have enjoyed the medium since. Have you participated in any Photography competitions? If yes, name the awards you have won. Yes, I have. These are some of my awards: 1) Grand Shell Discovery Artist 96 2) 2nd Prize Channel News Asia Photo contest 3) National Geographic Channel Digital Photo con- test Small-toothed Palm Civet we spotted in a Red Stem-fig tree. The tree was by the roadside, and the civet was about 10m up the tree.
4. What types of photography works are you in- terested in? Portrait photography, candid photography, Abstract? My favorite is action and candid street photography because one has to be alert all the time in order to get a good shot. I also like Abstract photography as it gives me more time to compose and reflect on the subjects . Taking portraits is also one of my favorites. When- ever I shoot portraits of our staff, I put in my heart to get a perfect shot, as I know that these pictures will be remembered for the rest of their lives. I talked to them, looking into their eyes and try to make them feel comfortable before I press the cable release. What is the difference between traditional film photography compared to the modern digital photography. Which type do you personally prefer and why? I am fortunate to have the opportunity to work with both mediums. In traditional film photography, you cannot afford to make any mistake, as you will only get to see the re- sult more than 24 hours later. Also traditional film costs more and needs more space to store. But of course, it has its plus point as you gain more skills and experience when developing and printing B & W in the darkroom. As for digital photograph y , you spend less money and stor- age and also you get to see the result immedi- ately. I would prefer using a digital came ra fo r work. However, for personal in- terest, I will still go for tradi- tional film. Have you been on photography tours to exotic places? My most memorable tour was a one and half month journey from Dec 2008 to Jan 2009. I travelled from Vietnam to London on the Trans Siberian Railway. Some of the cities I visited were Ho Chi Minh City, Ha- noi, Beijing, Moscow, St Petersburg, Helsinki, Tallinn, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Berlin, Prague and London. It was really an experience! I was on the train for 6 days from Beijing to Moscow across 7 time-zones. The temperature outside the train went below -20 Degrees Celsius. I had the opportunity to meet lots of people from around that region. There were Chinese, Mongolians, Russians and many oth- ers. I also got to share different types of food and ex- perience different cultures. Another place I visited was Myanmar Inle Lake (floating village). To enjoy Myanmar to the fullest, leave your mobile phones and credit cards at home. These things don‘t work there. And there is no Big M or Nike. It‘s a very different experience for me. 4 William Oh ‘s photography work entitled No Smoking Inside William Oh ‗s Winning photography work entitled Big Walk
5. 5 Associate Prof Vivien Huan with her 6-year old nephew, Zac Name us one of the places and cite us an interesting incident that you had been in order to capture a unique shot. I was in Cairo once. There was a small old run- down car parked in the middle of a busy road. Just as I have finished taking pictures, a man appeared and told me not to shoot anymore and they actu- ally removed the car immediately. But I noticed that the car was the middle of road for some time already. Would you trade anything for your hobby? Not at all. I hope my photographs can help in cre- ating awareness. There is lots of suffering going on around the world, such as Cambodia and Phil- ippines. In 2009, I volunteer for Gawad Kalinga Alaminos City project. Gawad Kalinga translated in English means ―to give care‖. This projects aims to provide homes for the homeless and food for the hungry. Associate Prof Vivien Huan, the Sub Dean with a Heart of Gold What is your work scope in OTE? I oversee implementation of the PGDE programme and the academic advisement of student teachers in NIE. My research interests include juvenile delinquency and managing deviant behaviors in the classroom. What are your hobbies? I enjoy playing the drums, piano and the guitar. I also swim and do long walks whenever I am free. I like reading and spending time interacting with adoles- cents and young adults from church. William Oh ‘s photography work entitled Suntec Windy What is your advice to our colleagues who want to take up photography as a hobby? 1. Practice makes prefect for beginners. 2. Shoot at least ten thousand frame and more. 3. Be willing to accept criticism from others. Be open to compare and view others‘
6. I find true joy in helping adolescents who are not able to cope with different stressors in life. In facilitating their personal growth and enhancing their self esteem, it is hoped that one day, these young will be role models to the next generation . Would you trade anything for your hobbies? No, I wouldn‘t. I find true joy in helping adolescents who are not able to cope with different stressors in life. In facilitating their personal growth and en- hancing their self esteem, it is hoped that one day, these young will be role models to the next genera- tion . In your opinion, do you think youths nowa- days are ‘reckless’ and do not spend their time usefully? I disagree with that. I have seen many youths with very positive mindsets and contribute actively to the society. Just to name you an example, I was at an Aged Home recently when I noticed a group of youths helping out at the homes. The occupants, elated with their visit warmed up to them as they chatted on their well-being. In addition, the news has reportedly shown youths helping to spruce up the rented homes of the elderly when they were told that these homes had been infested with bedbugs. Share with us other than the church activi- ties, how do you spend your time person- ally ? I have many nieces and nephews whom I spend a lot of time. Every weekends, their parents would bring them to my Auntie‘s home where the whole family will gather. I will play with them and some- times bring them out for a walk or swim. Tell us more about your hobbies Besides attending church on Sundays, I spend most of my time helping youths and young adults in different ways. As a devout Christian, I lead a group of older adolescents in Bible study on Sundays and also pro- vide counseling to those who need it. At the same time, I also interact with another group of people, made up of mainly young adults in the age range of 23-28 years old . I co-lead these young adults in Bible study every Friday and coincidentally, most of them are in the teaching profession too. Through my time with them, I am able to share my experience and at the same time learn from them about issues faced by new teachers in today‘s generation. Why do you choose volunteering on counseling as your hobby? It is definitely time well spent and I see it as my contri- bution back to society. I have gained much in my years of learning and I hope to help the next genera- tion, especially youths who are at risk, to a better foot- hold in life. Share with us on some of your memorable mo- ments / events that you have encountered dur- ing the activities Some of my memorable moments, while working with the youths, include seeing them move away from the negative influences and making the right decisions in life. It was fulfilling hearing them verbalize their thought processes, critically examine each of their choices and arriving at one that is both positive and morally sound. 6
7. Interview with Stephane Cheung Working in Singapore Tell us about your job scope in OTE unit. I oversee the administration and programme develop- ment of holistic programmes, specifically GESL and The Meranti Project research and prepare reports in relation to programme development and local and overseas teacher education initiatives. How many years have you been working in Sin- gapore? 2.21 years Which country are you from? Complicated. But Hong Kong is my root. Why do you choose to work in Singapore? Its an experience. Comparing Singapore and Hong Kong, how dif- ferent between are the two countries i.e. in terms of culture, people and food? Both cities have a lot of similarities, both being vibrant with strong dynamic Asian culture. It's easier and more efficient to get around in Hong Kong through the public transportation system, and food parlors or restaurants are available in close proximity from early morning till late at night. People in Hong Kong are always rushing within the con- gested city, whereas Singapore has wider streets and greens which makes the city more relaxing. Have you worked in Hong Kong before? Never worked in Hong Kong before. The "work" experi- ence I had was to volunteer and help out a youth organi- zation in Hong Kong on systems design and develop- ment. Is there much change in lifestyle since the move? The weather in Singapore is generally warm and humid throughout the year, so there is a shift to less outdoor ac- tivities. Yet, I only need a set of summer clothes here which takes up less storage space. In terms of dietary changes, I get to sample a variety of South East Asian food. There is also less chance to con- sume chewing gum in Singapore. If you were given a choice, would you choose to work and play over Hong Kong? Why? Singapore is a better place for work and Hong Kong is good in terms of the diverse choice of sports and enter- tainment. What is your favorite food in Singapore? Crab Bee Hoon Soup from Melben Seafood & Freshness Burger =). What do you do to de-stress from work? Travel, gym, golf, cook, watch TV. 7 Stephane Cheung pictured in one of her zoo visits.
8. Janice Yeo during one of her holidays in Japan Welcome the Newbies on the Block Name: Yeo Choon Yan , Janice Age: 27+ Designation: Officer (Practicum Unit, OTE) Job Scope in OTE: I assist the Deans and the Assistant Head in all practi- cum and school-related matters for the different teacher preparation programmes. My work scope in- cludes entering of grades, maintaining system data- bases and website, handling school postings, assigning student teachers to academic groups for practicum su- pervision, collating, disseminating and summarizing reports, handling enquiries, planning and organizing briefings for NIE staff, student teachers and school per- sonnel. In addition, to the above , I provide adminis- trative support to the office such as recording meeting notes, monitoring of office supplies and performing counter duties. What is your previous job like before joining NIE? I was working in a relocation company as an Associate Consultant, mainly assisting in administrative duties and consolidating monthly reports for the total popula- tion of expatriates moving into the Asia Pacific region. Services includes liaising with schools for the children of the expatriates, arranging accommodation into ser- viced apartments or even long term accommodation, as well as engaging tax and immigration vendors (if re- quired) to aid the expatriates in settling down at their assignment locations. Besides drafting budgets and preparing documentation, I also need to ensure their benefits, such as allowances and claims, can be success- fully reimbursed. What makes you want to be a part of the NIE organization? I feel that this organization will be an ideal environ- ment for me to learn and grow with. I hope that I will be able to contribute and do my part in this organiza- tion. Describe yourself as a person? I am receptive to ideas and feedbacks. I loved meeting people and enjoy conversing with people. What is your favorite pastime? I have always been interested in doing crafts since young and this has helped me in cultivating my passion to make scrapbooking gifts for my friends and family. Besides having fun with crafts, I also like reading and occasionally meet up with friends for karaoke sessions. 8
9. 9 Name: Wan Fareed Bin Mohamed Yusof Age: 38 Designation: Educational Technologist (CeL, OTE) Job Scope in CeL: In short, providing support to staff and students in areas of educational technology and evaluating technologies for e-learning. What is your previous job like before joining NIE? I was involved in a research project (CRPP). As the name implies, the scope was research-based where I collected and analyzed data. I also wrote papers and presented at conferences. D e s c r i b e yourself as a person? A little intro- verted, but can be crazy when already ‗in- tuned‘. What is your favorite pastime? My pastime is always about spending time with my family. We take part in a variety of activities (free or cheap ones where possible) such as going for picnics, kite-flying, visits to museum, parks, farms or fringe events. Wan Fareed with wife and two daughters Name: Nurul Shaheerah Age: 24 Designation: Executive, Programme and Student Development, OTE Job Scope in OTE: As the Meranti Project Coordinator, my job requires high involvement in managing and developing the Program for student teachers. From logistics and coordination, to han- dling feedback as well as research on improvements for the program, it sure entails many interesting daily doses for me. What is your previous job like before joining NIE? I would say the previous job was very high profile, interest- ing and with lots of room for exploration with various issues that happen in our country. It taught me many important skills and knowledge that interests me – a lot of critical thinking and research as well as knowing the ground senti- ments sure filled my days there! What makes you want to be a part of the NIE organization? Never had to think twice about joining an education industry. I didn‘t think I would have the passion to be a teacher frontline per se, but I would love to learn and explore what it‘s like to work with them and be a part of their ―molding the future of our nation‖ motto ;) Describe yourself as a person? I think I‘m a positive person - I always try to look at the bright side of things. I also make sure that I do not let unhappy circumstances put me down. I‘ve always believed that as long as you are determined to achieve your goals, you work towards it and in time, the re- wards will come. Having said that, you can obviously guess I‘m a very determined person as well! What is your favorite pastime? Watching movies with my loved ones, bowling and dancing.
10. Also welcome other new hires!  Ms. Cao You Fang (CeL) - Multimedia Developer  Mr. Yeo Yeu Ann (CeL) - Assistant Educational Technologist  Mr. Jason Yai Yuen Sen (CeL) - Instructional Designer  Ms. Avila Ava Patricia Cabigui (OTE) - Research Associate  Ms Yeoh Hui Shih (OTE) - Research Assistant  Ms Tan Ying Jie Jacqueline (SP, OTE) - Officer Yeu Ann (left) & Jason (right) On 27 June 2011, Work Life organized a farewell party for Mr. Cheang and Ms Seah who retired in Aug 2011 and June 2011, respectively. Work life begun its important mis- sion of marking the day by capturing all OTEans well wishes via video and signing of two giant farewell cards. Click here for more pictures! We would like to record the happenings in and around from our Paparazzi lens. The pictures were taken from the various staff farewell parties organized by none other than the warm hearted OTEans themselves. Mazlan Hasan CeL Instructional Designer Charmaine Chia OTE Tati Nur Shaadah Taib OTE Azhar Rahim CeL Multimedia Developer Cao You fang Avila Ava Yeoh Hui Shih Tan Ying Jie, Jacqueline 10
11. 11 Christmas To spread the cheer of Christmas, Work Life went our way to distribute goody bags to staff of OTE. Generally, OTE has a long tradition of Christmas being celebrated in the various units. Besides sending Christ- mas cards, our Paparazzi reporter also reported that Blk 2 office was in a party where partygoers put on mini Santa Claus hats. A myriad of activities were organized individually by OTE offices at Blk 1 and CeL. Lunar New Year On 9 February 2011, the 7th day of the New Lunar Year, we organized a tea reunion for both OTE and CeL staff. It was a joyous occasion where OTEans mingled and chatted about old times. On this occasion, Dean of OTE, Prof Tan Oon Seng wished longevity and prosperity for all OTEans. Each staff was given a Red packet to signify the beginning of a good year ahead. Click here for more pictures! In conjunction with healthy living, Work life team collaborated with staff from Strategy & Pedagogy (SP) unit, Tati and Charmaine to jointly or- ganize Aerobics for BUZZ on 15 April 2011. Thank you Tati, for being such a great Aerobic instructor. One-Two-Three-CHEERS! BUZZ - Truly Easy Aerobics
12. On 19 May 2011, we collaborated and planned for a day of healthy living. In line with our Buzz activities, we or- ganized a day of eating healthily during office break— The Eat Healthy day. Work Life also distributed a green and a red apple to each staff for their breaks. To further emphasize the Eat Healthy day Blitz, staff were fed with information about the different breeds of apples with dif- ferent names. Promotion to Junior Officer Grades Choo Hwee Khim (CeL/OTE) Afida Bte Jappar (OTE) Zabrinah Binte Zaini (OTE) Hall of Fame We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the following OTEans who had gotten their due recognition and were recently promoted to the next level of service. Good Work Done! Promotion to Executive Grades Loh Pek Mee (CeL/OTE) Lim Puay Yin, Abby (OTE) Phang Mui Leng, Jean (OTE) Wong Sock Yee, Cecilia (OTE) Senior Lecturer Dr Jessie Png was promoted and transferred to the OTE family on 1 June 2011 as Sub-Dean, School Partnerships. Welcome to the Family ! 12 Healthy Living
13. 13 Awarded 2011 National Day Honors by the President of the Republic of Singapore Congrats to Prof Philip Wong on his long years of service with NIE. He was presented with the Long Service Medal by Prof Lee Sing Kong during the Annual Tea. A/P Philip Wong National Day Award 2011 - Long Service Medal Long Service Award 2010 Also we are extending our Congrats to the following outstanding individuals for having displayed a high level of dedication, quality and integrity in their work Mrs. Tok-Tan Kok Mui National Day Award 2011 - Long Service Medal National Day Award 2010 - Commendation Medal Mrs. Mak Lek Cher National Day Award 2011 - Long Service Medal National Day Award 2011 - Commendation Medal Mdm Chua Ka Ai National Day Award 2011 - Efficiency Medal Mr. Chee Ted Shing National Day Award 2011 - Long Service Medal Associate Professor Vilma Ann D'Rozario National Day Award 2011 - Long Service Medal Hall of Fame
14. OTE Trivia Easy Bread Pudding Part 1 8 slices of Gardenia bread 500 ml fresh milk Part 2 2 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla essence 1 tablespoon corn flour 50g butter 4 tablespoons fine sugar Part 3 2 tablespoons custard powder (mix with a little water till it’s dissolved and not lumpy) 1 can of evaporated milk 4 table spoons fine sugar Method: Part 1 Tear the bread slices into smaller pieces. Layer them in a baking tray. (My baking tray is about A4 size). Add milk and let it soak for about an hour. Bake at 160 – 180 °C for about 45 minutes or when the top of the pudding is golden brown. Part 2 Beat all the ingredients in Part 2 with a mixer. Pour over the soaked bread and mix well. You may also wish to add about 2 tablespoons of raisins and 2 tablespoon of al- mond slices. Part 3 To make the custard sauce, empty the evaporated milk in a saucepan and heat it in very low fire. Mix sugar and stir. Pour in the custard powder. Keep on stirring till you get the texture that you want. ( I normally turn off the fire just before it starts to simmer). Pudding can be served hot or chilled with custard sauce. You can also serve with a scoop of ice cream or chocolate fudge. I really enjoy baking. I baked them during the weekends and as a special dessert for my son’s birthday. Nurashikin Binte Harun (Officer, Planning and Programme Management Unit, OTE) 14
15. Hot Plate Teriyaki Chicken Make: 4 - 6 servings Ingredients: 2 - 3 pcs chicken thigh (remove the bones) 2-3 big white onion (sliced) 1 teaspoon garlic (chopped) 2 teaspoon ginger (chopped) Canola Oil Teriyaki Sauce 3 tablespoons soy sauce 3 tablespoons sweet cooking rice wine (mirin) 1 tablespoon Japanese rice wine (saké) 1 tablespoon sugar 1 tablespoon water Method: Mix and cook the Teriyaki Sauce together, simmer over low heat for about 5 minutes. Leave the sauce to cool. Marinade the chicken thigh together with the Teriyaki Sauce for a minimum of 30 minutes. Heat the wok and pour 2 tablespoons of Canola oil. Pan-fry the chicken until is half-cooked. Remove the chicken from the wok. Stir the onion for a few minutes. Then, add in the chopped garlic and ginger. Stir fry until fragrant. Add in the chicken and the remaining marinade sauce. Simmer until the chicken is cooked. The recipe can be taken up by busy parents who finds juggling time with work and family challenging. A Tip for you—the Teriyaki sauce can be bought off the shelf from the store , It is easy and fast to cook with little preparation time. Moreover, the chicken can be marinated overnight and ready to cook on the next day. Tan Bueh Hua Christine (Officer, Student Liaison, OTE) 15