JUNE - AUGUST 2010 WWW.SPGG.ORG.SG

39years ofTogetherness

SINGAPORE POLYTECHNIC GRADUATES’ GUILD

Get Connected, Stay Connected

4D/3N Driveawayto Lake Kenyir and Cameron HighlandsDon’t miss it! It’s happening in June

Do you have the 3 Bsfor Job Happiness?Find out all about it from Edwin Yeo, the CEO of RUBICON

Get $500 of Member’s Credit when you successfully introduce a new memberGet your friends or associates to join SPGG now before we finalise our renovation plans

SP ACHIEVES 2 MAJOR

MILESTONESCongratulations

SP_Frisson_Jun/Aug10 copy 4/27/10 11:52 AM Page 1

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C M Y CM MY CY CMY K

Contents

19Restaurant’s Promotions

JUN - AUG 2010

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND ADVERTISEMENT ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT THE PUBLISHER Contact Tel: 6796 9988Website: http://www.spgg.org.sgEmail: 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) 114/02/2010

Designed by Mediactive Pte Ltdwww.mediactive.com.sg

Fission welcomes contributions, please address scripts to The Editor, Fission Magazine:Singapore Polytechnic Graduates’ Guild1010 Dover Road Singapore 139658Phone: 6796 9988, Fax: 6796 9989

Club Directory

Get Connected, Stay Connected

16SPGG Friendly Bowl with SSC

17Take Charge of Your Investment Destiny

18• New Beginners

Salsa Class• You & Your Car II

10RoboCup 2010

20

19

Editor B. Kula Writer Roopinder Kaur Contributor Stella Ong02SP Celebrates its 50th Graduation Year

03Our heartfelt congratulations to SP on their achievement of 2 milestones!

04Career Portal is UP!

05Who We Are Makes A Difference

06SPGG Bursary Fund 2011 raises $10,000

Guild News

10RoboCup 2010 Singapore

12Do You have the 3 Bs for Job Happiness?

14Are Downturns the best times for new Business Ventures

Features

Activities

Entertainment

Front OfficeMain Line: 6796 9988 Fax: 6796 9989

Sports & Wellness FacilitiesBowling CentreTel: 6796 996410am – 11pm (Sun – Thurs & PH)10am – 12mn (Fri, Sat & eve of PH) Wellness CentreDaily & PH8am – 10pm

Swimming PoolDaily & PH8am – 10pm

Tennis CourtsDaily & PH8am – 10pm Pool RoomDaily & PH8am – 11pm Recreation FacilitiesJackpot Room Tel: 6796 9967 9am – 12mn (Sun – Thurs)9am – 1am (Fri, Sat & eve of PH)

Karaoke Rooms Tel: 6796 9967 12pm – 1am (Sun – Thurs)12pm – 2am (Fri, Sat & eve of PH) Food & Beverage OutletsPrince Edward Lounge Tel: 6796 9962 3pm – 1am (Sun – Thurs)3pm – 2am (Fri, Sat & eve of PH)

The Restaurant Tel: 6796 9961Daily & PHLunch: 12pm – 2.30pmDinner: 6.30pm – 9.30pm (Mon – Fri)

The Poolside CaféTel: 6796 9960Daily & PH11am - 10pm

18New Beginners Salsa Class

08• Welcome Freshies• Stay&Play@Youth

Olympic Village

Networking

Guild News 02

STAFF DIRECTORYLoon Yeong TaiGeneral Managerloon@spgg.org.sg

Stella TanFinance Managerstellatan@spgg.org.sg

Ong Chin SeongAsst. Finance Managerongcs@spgg.org.sg

Fiona LowActing Head, Membership Servicesfionalow@spgg.org.sg

Charlie LeeF&B Managercharlielee@spgg.org.sg

Azlan Md NoorBanquet Managerazlan@spgg.org.sg

Shasa ChangBanquet Sales Executiveshasa@spgg.org.sg

Kristine ChelladuraiBanquet Sales Coordinatorkristine@spgg.org.sg

B. KulaMarcom Managerbkula@spgg.org.sg

Eugene QuahInformation Technology Executiveeugenequah@spgg.org.sg

Roopinder KaurPublic Relations Executiveroopy@spgg.org.sg

Stella OngCorporate Relations Executivestellaong@spgg.org.sg

Elaine LimSenior Membership Sales Executive elainelim@spgg.org.sg

Ann AniActing Head, Lifestyle, Sports & Wellnessann@spgg.org.sg

Nurdiyana Sports & Social Officernurdiyana@spgg.org.sg

MasyitaSports & Social Assistantsyita@spgg.org.sg

Admin fee for reactivating of membership (for suspended members only)With effect from 1 April 2010, a $100 admin fee (before GST) will be payable for reactivation of suspended membership.

Revision of Entry fee for SP StudentsPlease note that with effect from 12 April 2010, a nominal fee of $5 per entry is charged when a SP Student registers at the Reception to use the Swimming Pool, Spa Wellness and/or the Gym.

Tribute to the Late Dr GohAs a mark of respect for the Late Dr Goh Keng Swee, the Guild flew the State’s flag at half mast from 20 to 23 May.

The late Dr Goh was one of the founding fathers of modern Singapore and was deemed the “economic architect”, contributing greatly in shaping the development of the country into a prosperous nation as the first Finance Minister in 1959 and later as the Defence Minister.

He also held appointments such as First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Education and Chairman of Monetary Authority of Singapore and Chairman of several government-led companies.

SP Celebrates its 50th Graduation YearOur alma mater, Singapore Polytechnic (SP), marked its 50th Graduation Ceremony on 18 May by having its first registered student, 86-year-old Lim Chin Aik, meet and present a memento to its 150,000th graduate, Kenneth Chen.

Kenneth, 21, graduated with a Diploma in Environmental Management and Water Technology and will pursue Environmental Engineering at the National University of Singapore.

We, at SPGG, are indeed honoured to have the passionate Mr Lim with us as an Honorary Member. We are proud to have him mentor and serve the Guild well over the years.

3 SPGG Student Members Graduate with MeritWe wish to congratulate 3 of our SPGG Student Members for graduating with Merit

in their respective field of studies.

They are:Lee Yuan Fu Richmond – Diploma in Mechatronics with MeritLi Yi – Diploma in Aerospace Electronics with MeritAlagappan Balamurugan – Diploma in Biomedical Science with Merit

You all have done the Guild proud and we wish you the best in your future endeavours!

Mr Lim (left) with the 150,000th Graduate, Kenneth Chen (right).

Guild News

03

Notice

President’s Thoughts

PatronMr. Chan Soo Sen

Honorary MembersMr. Lim Chin Aik

Mr. Peter ChenDr. Khoo Kay Chai

The Executive CommitteePresident

Mr. Jimmy Lim

1st Vice-President Mr. Hoe Lye Soon

2nd Vice-President Chairman, Corporate

Communication & MarketingMr. Ng Hoo Yin

Hon Gen SecretaryMr. Tong Kok Yeo

Hon TreasurerMr. Chee Kim Wui

Hon Asst Gen Secretary Chairman, Member & Student Welfare

Mr. Vincent Lim

Honorary Assistant TreasurerMr. Christoper Soh

Chairman, Lifestyle, Sports & WellnessMr. James Chua

Chairman, Membership Strategic Planning

Mr. Lawrence Kim

Chairman, Membership ServicesMr. Henry Yeo

Chairman, Food & BeverageMr. Willy Wong

Chairman, Facilities ManagementMr. Wong Kian Keong

Maintenance DatesKindly take note that on every 1st Sunday of the month, the Male and Female Wellness Centres and the Gym will be closed for maintenance from 8pm to closing time. Towel Counter will issue last towel at 7.30pm.

Schedule dates for next 4 sessions are as follows: 4 July, 8 Aug, and 5 Sept.

Our heartfelt congratulations to SP on their achievement of 2 milestones!

SingaporePolytechnicGraduates’Guild

Dear Fellow SPGG Member,

This year marks two major milestones for our alma mater – Singapore Polytechnic. We congratulate them on their celebration of 150,000 graduates at the 50th Graduation Ceremony, and wish them the very best in the years ahead!

We are indeed proud to be a part of SP, the oldest polytechnic in Singapore, and look forward to SP garnering many more outstanding achievements in this new decade!

2010 is incidentally a big year for SPGG too! It marks the time to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of our Millennium Guild House in Oct, and also the time to revitalise some of the facilities to make it even more inviting and exciting for Members.

Your Executive Committee has appointed a task force to study and evaluate proposals to upgrade our Wellness Centres, The Restaurant, Poolside Café, Prince Edward Lounge and the Front Lobby. I would definitely keep you updated on the progress of this exciting project.

This is a major upgrading project and it is estimated to cost about S$750,000. We need every possible avenue to generate more cash to fund this massive project, and there is something you can do to help. No, I’m not asking for your donation. What you can do is introduce

your friends or associates to join us as Ordinary or Associate Members.

Our entrance fee is still kept at $2,000. But, we might consider raising it after the renovation. So, spread the word around and do your bit to help make our Guild House a more exciting place to dine & wine, socialise and network with our family and friends.

Don’t forget, that’s not all! Your friend will get $1,000 worth of Member’s Credit and you, as the introducer, will be rewarded with $500 of credit too!

In the meantime, your SPGG staff have been working very hard in organising many fun-filled exciting programs for you and your family. For example, you might want to take your family on a driving holiday during this June school holiday to Lake Kenyir and Cameron Highlands from 17-20 June.

Till you hear from me again in the next issue of Fission, have a jolly good time at your Guild! Bring your friends along and I look forward to welcoming them as new Members of our Big family.

Yours truly

Jimmy Lim

Guild News 04 05

Meet the Members SessionAs part of our efforts to better engage and service Members, we have recently introduced “Meet the Members Session” on a monthly basis. The purpose is for Members to share their thoughts, feedback, suggestions and comments on matters pertaining to SPGG and also an opportunity for the Executive Committee Members to update Members on such matters.

The “Meet the Members Session” is being held on every 3rd Friday of the month from 7.00pm to 8.30pm at SPGG Conference Room. A Member of the Executive Committee will be in attendance at the monthly session.

Members are strongly encouraged to take this new channel of communication as a good opportunity to communicate with the EXCO Members. Your involvement and contributions will certainly assist the EXCO in formulating policies and strategic plans to make SPGG a better Guild for you and your family.

For logistics purposes, please register with us at least one week before the session with Ms Fiona Low/ Mr George Lim by contacting them at 6796 9991 during office hours or e-mail them at membership@spgg.org.sg.

The next scheduled session dates are as follows: 18 June, 16 July and 20 August.

Career Portal is UP!Our newest Career Search section, brought to you by our supporting partners, JobsCentral and JobStreet is finally up and running on our webpage!

It’s comprehensive, extensive and good enough to say ‘Look no further now for job opportunities!’

Check it out and have a fruitful time job hunting! These include all jobs for various qualifications and many well sought after positions.

Introduce your friends before we embark on our upgrading plans for the Guild House

Call Elaine Now! 9066 8818 / 67969988 or e-mail to joinus@spgg.org.sg

* The Club reserves the right to terminate or revise the promotion mechanics without notice.

Yes, you will be rewarded with $500 of Member’s Credit for every friend or associate you successfully introduce as an Ordinary or Associate Member at the Entrance Fee of $2,000.

What’s more, when your friend signs up, he/she will enjoy $1,000 worth of Member’s Credit too!

Get $500

of Member’s Credit when you successfully introduce

a new member

Guild News

04 05

SPGG members can now enjoy 10% discount off shirts, ties and cuff links from ROFF Ties & Cuffs.

New Merchants on Board!

Batik Boutique Hotel is a lifestyle hotel located at Kuching City offering plush suites with numerous amenities and F&B outlets.

SPGG members can enjoy special corporate rates (in RM) for 2 persons per room per night.

SPGG members can now enjoy a 10% discount off the a la carte food menu at Friends Restaurant @ Jelita.

Sunway International Hotels & Resorts Pte Ltd has offered a 10% discount for SPGG members when making reservations for some of their selected holiday packages!

Cherie Hearts is a multiple-awarding winning homegrown brand of childcare centres that prides itself on its vast experience in the provision of quality and innovative early childhood education.

SPGG members can enjoy 10% discount on Infant care, Child care & Student care Programme Fees @ all Cherie Hearts’ Branches.

A health conscious person would have often come across the saying “We are what we eat”. A motherhood statement that spews much wisdom, but one needs discipline, determination and diligence to abide by the saying, by adopting a healthy lifestyle.

More often than not, one only appreciates such wisdom when health problems surface in the later stages. The “ifs” and the “buts” will surely surface. One then can only hope it is not too late to adopt a healthy lifestyle.

When this wisdom is translated into the dynamics of an organisation like SPGG, it must mean that measures must constantly be taken to ensure the organisation is always in the pink of health – not only in terms of the financials which is the easiest thing to do, but in our service culture, our service to the community and most importantly our engagement with Members. Otherwise, we can only degenerate.

This is indeed a tall order but inevitable. It calls for the wisdom of collective leadership to match the increasing demands of the general membership. The landscape of SPGG in all aspects has changed or is changing. We therefore need to have the gumption to find new ways of doing things, to be more efficient and productive, and at the same time to discard irrelevant practices.

Let me share with you this story:

There was a great teacher who set very challenging examination questions for his students every year. One year however, after the questions were handed out, there was complete silence in the examination hall. Every student had a puzzled look.

Finally one of them raised his hand and said: “Sir, I think there

is a mistake - you have given us last year’s question.” To which the great teacher replied: “There is no mistake. It

is the same question. But this year, I am looking for different answers.”

That teacher is none other than Dr Albert Einstein.

This is where Members need to play their part by giving us feedback and suggestions by participating in the monthly “Meet the Members Session” and/or writing in to the Editor. All feedback and suggestions will be acknowledged and fully deliberated and considered within the resources of SPGG to adopt and implement.

This is a joint responsibility for all of us to embrace in our journey to make SPGG a better place, a Club of Distinction. Indeed SPGG is only as good at its Members want it to be. The onus rests in all of us to tell ourselves that “Who We are Makes a Difference”.

Tong Kok Yeo

WHO WE ARE MAKES A DIFFERENCEFrom the Honorary General Secretary’s Desk

06Guild News

We have reached our target of $10,000 for the SPGG Bursary Fund 2011!

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your kind support and in particular, the 3 donors who generously donated a total of $5600 to help us meet our goal.

In all, we plan to give away 35 bursaries this year – 14 more than last year – to financially assist the deserving schooling children of our SPGG Members and also the students of our alma mater, Singapore Polytechnic.

Fund Raising Efforts for 2012Now that our target for 2011 has been met, we have set our

eyes on raising $15,000 for next year and we hope that you will continue to give your support through the following ways -

1. Bursary Fund Donation BoxAny contribution towards the SPGG Bursary Fund 2012 will be greatly appreciated by us. The donation box is placed in the Jackpot room.

SPGG Bursary Fund 2011 raises $10,000

2. Purchasing of Engraved Pewter Name cardholder for a good causeThe Engraved Pewter Name cardholder can be found next to the Front Office and is priced at $20. Kindly ask the Front Office for assistance should you want to purchase it. 3. Show your love through ARTSend us your beautifully crafted artwork & we will gladly put them up on display. If sold, all proceeds will go towards our Bursary Fund 2012. Drop your artwork pieces/items with your name and membership no. at the Front Office.

For Members who would like to contribute more, pls call Ms Fiona Low at 6796 9988 for more information.

SPGG Bursary Awards 2011ELIGIBILITY(a) SPGG Members

• Schooling children of SPGG Ordinary, Associate and Life Members who are studying in a government or government-aided school in Singapore.

• Must be a member for at least one year at the time of application.

(b) Singapore Polytechinc Students• Full-time students enrolled in diploma courses

at SP.

LevelsNumber

of AwardsValue

Primary 10 $100

Secondary 5 $200

ITE 5 $400

Junior College 5 $400

Singapore Polytechnic 10 $400

CRITERIA • The applicant family is facing financial difficulties

such as unemployment or medical commitments.

• The total monthly household income does not exceed $4,000.

• The Bursary recipient should have good conduct and must be supported with testimonials from the school.

Closing date for all applications is 31 August 2010.

Interested applicants may collect the Bursary Application Forms from our Front Office. Alternatively, you may also download the form via our website at www.spgg.org.sg from 15th July 2010 onwards. Successful applicants will be notified by mail within two months after the closing date of application. For further enquiries, please contact Membership Services Department at 6796 9961 or e-mail to membership@spgg.org.sg.

07

Guild News

Networking 08

The Guild was all hustle and bustle from 12-14 April during the three-day Freshmen Orientation programme for 2,000 students from the Singapore Polytechnic Schools of EEE, DMIT, SMA and MAE.

A short presentation introduced the Guild as their “second home”, a place to unwind, network and have an adrenaline rush after which our staff took turns to give the students a Guild tour, introducing the facilities and letting them have a feel of what it is like being a Member of the Guild.

Lucky draw vouchers were also given to students who had responded well to the quiz questions.

The Freshies were extremely grateful to their student leaders and the staff of SPGG for giving them such an entertaining time and helping them blend into the new environment.

The Guild wishes all the Freshies an enjoyable three-year tertiary life!

Welcome Freshies!

The Singapore Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee invites YOU to STAY & PLAY at the Youth Olympic Village (YOV) and have an experience of a lifetime as we celebrate the first-ever Youth Olympic Games (YOG).

Stay & Play@Youth Olympic Village30-31 July 2010

All these for $188 Nett Per Person!Transportation and meals will be provided during the stay

Don’t miss the chance of a lifetime, Come sign up NOW!

Call 6796 9988 or e-mail to stellaong@spgg.org.sg to register.

Highlights :-+ Enjoy a 2D1N at the Youth Olympic Village.

+ Accommodation with free room service (Housekeeping & Laundry only)

+ Enjoy a range of recreational activities @ the Village: Console Games, Pool, Tennis, Swimming, Indoor Movie Theatre, Dance Club and many more!

+ Sneak preview of the Official Opening of the Inaugural Youth Olympic Games and the YOV official opening!

09

Networking

I am glad I took

up the offer and I

can visit the Guild

anytime to enjoy

the facilities &

enjoy myself with

my friends!

Don’t miss this chance to get a $2,000 Singapore Polytechnic Graduates’ Guild Membership at just $200 if you sign up now!

What’s more, get 2 or more of your SP friends (full-time or part-time students) to sign up together with you before 31 August, and you will each be rewarded with a $50 voucher which can be utilised at our sports, social and food and beverage facilities.

Ask Gabriel Seah, a recipient of the Lee Kuan Yew award at Singapore Polytechnic last year, and he will say – “Despite paying so little, we still get to enjoy all the club facilities at a discounted rate. What more can one ask for?”

Gabriel’s favourite memory at the Guild as a Student Member was the time he visited the Gym with his lecturer together after lessons. “It was a fulfilling moment as I not only learnt from him as a student but also as a friend.”

For student member Heng Hi Yao, he successfully claimed insurance coverage of $1000 for his medical expenses under our Group Accident Insurance policy after injuring himself in a hit-and-run accident.

The 20-year-old Diploma in Clean Energy student shared with the Guild on how relieved he was when he learnt from our Insurance Agent that he was able to claim the coverage through us.

Yi Hao encourages all students to take up this great offer and reap the benefits, “I find the $200 Student

STUDENT MEMBERSHIP FRIENDSHIP PROMOTION

Sign up together with 2 or more friends to enjoy a $50 Voucher each!

Membership an excellent deal and I urge all students to take this opportunity to join the Guild.”

Yi Hao proudly says, “I am glad I took up the offer and I can visit the Guild anytime to enjoy the facilities & enjoy myself with my friends!”

Remember, SPGG is your 2nd home, it’s your place to unwind, have fun, network & give yourself an adrenaline rush!

Don’t let this $4,680 Super Saver Deal go! It’s totally worth it! Sms or Call our Membership Sales Officers now at 9066 8818 or 6796 9988 or e-mail us at joinus@spgg.org.sg.

Lee Kuan Yew Award Recipient (Gabriel Seah is 2nd from right)

Student member Hi Yao who claimed the Insurance Coverage

11Features

RoboCup 2010 kicks-off in less than a month. So, how are Singapore Polytechnic’s (SP) teams preparing to take on the big boys of the robotics world?

Dr Carlos Antonio Acosta Calderon, lecturer at the Advanced Robotics & Intelligent Control Centre (ARICC) at SP, says that the six teams representing SP at RoboCup 2010 began their preparations the very next day after they returned from last’s year’s finals in Graz, Austria.

Dr Carlos believes the experience gathered and the motivation to do better on home soil is very high. “We have done well so far in past RoboCups and this year we hope to make it to the finals of each of competitions we enter,” he said. “The fact that this year we have home ground advantage, it should help us in terms of support and motivation.”

There will be more than 3000 participants from over 40 countries at this year’s “robot world cup” and the competition will be one of the toughest in the history of the games. Dr Carlos believes such competition will spark the creativity amongst the youth in Singapore and get more of them interested in robotics.

“Robotics is a multi-disciplinary area, so it is not unusual to find that

teams have members from engineering backgrounds, students from design, IT and even business”, he says.

Let’s hope the perfect blend of technology and passion takes our

teams to the top at RoboCup 2010!

For more information visit www.robocup2010.org.

The robots are coming...

World Cup

12Features

Fission: Congratulations once again on your company, Rubicon, being nominated for the Spirit of Enterprise Awards 2009! How did it feel to reach to that level?

Edwin Yeo: I was certainly excited with the nomination and, at the same time, accept it with humility as arriving at such a station is never a one-person effort, many factors are in play. Most important of which I would like to summarily highlight by using the acronym “USB”, i.e.:

1. “U” – Understanding and support from the family, immediate and extended.

2. “S” – Support from stakeholders, viz., Clients, Candidates, Associates, Affiliates, etc.

and, most importantly,

3. “B” – Blessings from God.

Fission: Mr Yeo, you have held a variety of portfolios from working in a Engineering Company to General Manager of an Infrastructure Engineering firm and now the CEO of Rubicon. Please share with us which transition turned out to be the most rewarding for you?

Edwin Yeo: Every move had its risks and rewards. Each role is a learning experience, as well as an opportunity to develop relationships – business as well as personal. So, no regrets.

Do You have the 3 Bs for Job Happiness?

If you don’t, Edwin Yeo, the CEO of an Executive Recruitment Company, may be able to help you!

SPGG Member Edwin Yeo is a hands-on, practising Executive Search Specialist since the late 1990s. He is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Rubicon Int’l Talent Exchange Pte Ltd (RUBICON) – a regionally networked specialist management recruitment company.

On the most “rewarding”, I suppose it is obvious to say that it is when I “fell” into this Executive Search activity. Although I did not know it then, it fitted the principle of the 3 “B”s (a model subsequently developed by RUBICON) that would enhance the achievements of a person in his/her position. They are:

1. BORN – The in-born trait, personality, behavioural characteristic of an individual.

2. BRED – The education, learning, training, skills, experience acquired by an individual.

3. BLISS – The joy felt when performing the role.

Graphically, if each of the above “B” is represented as a circle, then where the 3 circles intersect, that is the area of vocational “happiness” of a person. Executive Search is the intersection of the 3 Bs in my vocation.

Additionally, not only is Executive Search a career choice, it is also the point at which I crossed the Rubicon*, from being a corporate employee to becoming an entrepreneur. (* Crossing the Rubicon, a definition: An irrevocable commitment and decisive action to move forward from which there is no turning back).

Edwin during an interview session

13

Features

Vocational “happiness” is when the 3Bs intersect

Fission: Tell us what is your average day at work like?

Edwin Yeo: There is no “average” day, just typical activities, which involves: from pitching to prospective customers, consulting with clients, managing key assignments, hunting candidates, interviews, short-listing talents, reference checking, business lunches, networking sessions, overseas conference calls to evening functions. Each day would involve a combination of these activities.

Fission: What is the biggest challenge you face in hiring talent?

Edwin Yeo: It is the same challenge which our clients and every employer faces: getting the employee of the right fit. Some employers expect the ideal. Unfortunately, as much as there is no perfect company, there is no perfect candidate.

On the other hand, other companies just rely on what we call the R&R, i.e., Responsibilities and Requirements of the position; which, of course, is insufficient. (By the way, our client’s need analysis questionnaire is at least four pages long!) It is essentially finding the best employer-employee match.

Fission: What would you say is the most important lesson you’ve learnt in moving from Engineering to Executive Search?

Edwin Yeo: That our candidates are individuals (not “products”, engineering or otherwise) who are professionals, and should be treated accordingly. Being industry specialists, we focus in their vertical markets for the long haul and, therefore, seek to build healthy business relationships with them. Hence, like the value of a diamond, our associations are founded upon

the principles of the four “C”s, viz., Consideration, Confidentiality, Counselling and Closure.

Fission: As an Executive Search Consultant, what is the most pertinent advice you can share with us on transitioning careers?

Edwin Yeo: Find something and somewhere where your Born-Bred-Bliss intersects. To have that happen, the individual first has to know his / her in-“Born” character, then take an audit of their “Breeding” (i.e., learning, training, skills, experience acquired, or can be acquired) and reflect on the things they were most “Blissful” doing. And then take action towards that overlap.

Fission: If you could wave your magic stick and make a significant development in one specific area of Executive Search practices worldwide, where would that fall?

Edwin Yeo: An Executive Search company’s (like RUBICON) offerings are premium services – they should neither be used indiscriminately nor, on the other hand, be shunned totally. We target and identify sources of top performing individuals and then approaching them to offer a specific career opportunity with the intention of placing them in client organisations.

We are like Specialist Surgeons in the field of medicine. For all usual malaise, the General Practitioner is first resort; and where expert help is needed, please seek the specialists. So, my wish? That employers understand and appreciate the true value-proposition of bona fide Executive Search companies.

Fission: Anything else you’d like to share with your fellow SPGG Members?

Edwin Yeo: I wish all Members success in finding, and living, in their respective zones of the Born-Bred-Bliss intersects.

3’Bs’ Model

BORNBORN

BREDBRED

BLISS

BLISS

14Features

In a recent survey, it was reported that one third of the university’s graduating cohort wanted to be entrepreneurs. This was something unheard of 10 years ago where many still found comfort working for Multi-National companies, financial institutions, the Government sector and established organisations.

But looking back at recent history, Bill Gates created Microsoft during the recession in the 1970s, and his little start-up went on to become the number one computer operating system and software developer in the world. Although this global trend could have been driven by the lack of job availability arising from the global economic crisis, there were more fundamental reasons.

Many saw the time as perfect opportunity for those who were tired of working for someone else but were still interested in venturing out. They valued the control that self-employment provided them over their lives. Unlike their parents who had been working hard for someone else; our current generation of workers rather work hard for themselves where whenever faced with a moment of crisis or retrenchments, they would have more control over their destinies.

Are Downturns the best time for new Business Ventures?

Contributed byWriter Mr Tay Kok Choon Head of Strategic Sales Development of JobStreet Singapore

4 reasons to start a business during a Recession

1. Downturns are a great time for start-ups as;

a) Opportunity cost is at its lowest; b) It allows for small businesses a year or two

to iron out kinks before the buying sentiment picks up;

c) Overhead costs tend to be lower, advertising rates are cheaper, commercial spaces are often easier to find, and competition for talent is less intense.

d) It also enables you to reap the positive gains the moment economy turns around.

2. Recessions are especially good times for entrepreneurs to build loyal followers. Big

companies are distracted during a recession while they find ways to keep their heads down, reducing

15

Features

expenses and avoiding new investments. If an entrepreneur can take ownership of them during recessionary periods, it gives him or her tremendous leverage in the marketplace.

3. A good time to steal market share from established but vulnerable competitors.

4. Recessions also offer entrepreneurs the most affordable brand of market research in existence.

When the economy slows, customers tend to give themselves permission to complain openly and honestly to anyone who will listen. The next stepEntrepreneurs tend to have great business ideas that are usually followed through regardless of the macro economy.

The Bread Talk founders firmly believed that there was a space in the consumer market which was not adequately addressed hence; they created buns that filled the desire of Asian taste buds rather than the European flavors.

The JobStreet founders saw a need to expedite the recruitment process from months to days hence, created a paradigm shift in recruitment moving from print to online and built a predictive talent bank to address organization’s requirements before the actual hiring demands.

Therefore, Innovation is the key. Entrepreneurs are not expected to be followers. They thrive on an environment that allows them to observe and fill the needs of consumers.

Some interesting facts about the Recession and its benefits to you:

1. They end a lot faster than we think. These are windows of opportunity for the right

individual to capitalise on it.

2. It is a great time to achieve self-worth. If successful, it will be followed by net-

worth. Whatever the outcome, it is the many experiences gained and learnt with the least opportunity cost.

3. There is no better way to keep the morale high; rather than sitting around waiting

for the recession to be over; try venturing into something new.

Activities 16

At the recent Image and Grooming Talk entitled, “Dress for Success”, the attendees gave positive feedback on what they have learnt from the presentation by Ms Kit Sani of ImageXchange International.

Ms Sani shared many useful tips and advice on the importance and benefits of creating positive first impressions: the three elements of first impressions include the way we ‘Look’ (personal grooming and dress sense), ‘Walk’ (deportment and body language) and ‘Talk’ (our verbal communication & choice of words we use).

“The way you Look, Walk and Talk is vital in your personal and professional life. Your style, image, deportment as well as etiquette are the factors that will make a statement about who you are, your credibility and the confidence you project to others”, says Kit Sani

Apart from highlighting the top Image Killers for men and women, Ms Sani also helped the audience to identify their wardrobe personality, how to dress appropriately, having good poise and posture as well as understanding a few basic body languages.

If you had missed this talk, join Ms Sani at our upcoming Dining Etiquette event happening on Fri, 27 Aug.

41 Sunset Way#02-06 Clementi Arcade

For enquiries, call 6465 5335Email: danz@joyfulstepsandrhythm.com.sgWebsite: www.joyfulstepsandrhythm.com.sg

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We offer:dance classes for children/teenagers/adults• rental of studio services• birthday party services•

advertisement in SP Graduate Guild House Publication • half page: 210mm x 148.5mm 1 april 2010

Singapore Swimming Club (SSC) and SPGG brought their bowling teams together at the Guild’s Bowling alley on Sunday, 4 April, to enjoy an evening of bowling fun.

As some matches got very intense, the overall score saw SSC defeat SPGG 21:4. Both teams agreed that the games were all played in good fun, sportsmanship and spirit which were more important than winning or losing the match.

SPGG looks forward to more such friendly matches in the future with like-minded bowlers!

SPGG Friendly Bowl with SSC

Dress for Success – Present Yourself Right

17

Activities

For details, please call 6796 9988 or e-mail to ss@spgg.org.sg

Fri, 11 June7.30pm – 9.30pm Charges: $3+ (Member)/ $5+ (Guest)

Highlights:-- Why most traders/investors lose money?- Why traders/investors allow

themselves to be made victims of the market.

- The key to successful Trading/Investing- The Golden rules of Trading/ Investing- Stage analysis of market trend- Approaches to Trading Short &

Medium Trend- The tasks of Top trading

Take Charge Of Your Investment Destiny

Date: Sat, 12 June, 7.30pmSat, 26 June, 7.30pm

Venue: Rooftop

Movie Under the Stars

Highlights:-+ Introduce techniques to craft & design a Scrapbook+ Rediscover Creativity

& enjoy yourself!

+ Basic Kit & Refreshments included!

Scrapbook WorkshopLet’s Get Creative!

Sat, 12 June

2pm - 4pm

Charges:

$23+ (Single Member & Child)

$25+ (Single Guest & Child)

Date: 17 – 20 June 2010, Thur – Sun

From: $418 per adult – Triple Sharing (Member)$438 per adult – Triple Sharing (Guest)

$248 per child (3yrs – 12yrs) Sharing room / parents with no Extra Bed (Member)$268 per child (Guest)

Accommodation: Lake Kenyir Resort Trengganu (2 Nights)Equatorial Cameron Highlands Hotel (1 Night)

Highlights: Boat Cruise on Lake KenyirExcursion to Kelah Fish SanctuaryVisit to Kenyir Herbal GardenSwimming & Picnic by the Lake Scenic Drive from Lake Kenyir to Cameron Highlands via Gua Musang Country RoadShopping at Brinchang Night Market up on Cameron HighlandsSteamboat Dinner over Charcoal Fire Visit to Malaysia’s famous Boh Tea plantation & factoryShopping at Kea Farm Fruit & Vegetable Market5 Lucky Draw PrizesGoodie Bags Insurance Coverage All cars will be provided with Walkie Talkie

SPGG & STAR Automobile Present4D3N Lake Kenyir & Cameron Highlands Driveaway

SPGG & STAR Automobile Present4D3N Lake Kenyir & Cameron Highlands Driveaway

Activities 18

For details, please call 6796 9988 or e-mail to ss@spgg.org.sg

Highlights:-• Know the types of

Chronic Diseases

• Are your prescribed medications actually working?

• How to take control of our health & our lives?

Chronic Diseases & Chiropractic TalkFri, 16 July 7.30pm – 9.30pmCharges: $3+ (Member)

$5+ (Guest)

Fri, 27 Aug7.30pm – 9.30pmCharges: $22+ (Member)

$25+ (Guest)

* Get familiar with the cutlery & tableware & how to use them

* Table Manners – The Dos & Don’ts

* Come & learn the basics of dining etiquette & get tips on getting through a dinner interview!

* Dinner included!

Dining Etiquette with

Kitty Sani

Tue, 15 June12.30pm – 6.30pm

Charges: $12+ (Member) $10+ (Member Child) $14+ (Guest) $12+ (Guest Child)

Sat, 19 June8.30am – 12noonVenue: STAR Automotive –

Jalan Boon Lay BranchCharges: $3+ (Member)

$5+ (Guest)

Highlights:- Basic Vehicle Maintenance- Dos and Don’ts while driving in

Malaysia- What to do during breakdowns- Q & A Session with STAR Team- Free Membership from STAR

Automobile- STAR Goodie Bags- Free car diagnosis

Sat, 28 Aug3pm – 5pmCharges: $6+ (Member)

$8+ (Guest)

* Learn how to make a variety of mocktails like Shirley Temple, Tornado Twist, and Cherry Fizz!

* Learn the fancy moves and secret tasty tips of this popular trade!

Make your Own Mocktails

Beginners’ Salsa

Class NEW

SPGG Poolside Event Room8 weeks (Every Tue)Starting 20 July, 7.30pm – 8.30pm$150+ per person (Member)$160+ per person (Guest)

You & Your Car II

Heritage Tour

Asian Civilisations Museum & Fuk Tak

Chi Museum

19

Entertainment

AppetisersPie Tie (6pcs) $7.20Po Piah (1 Roll) $2.20Lor Bak with Century Egg (1 Roll) $4.80

SoupPig Stomach Soup $5.20(With Sea Cucumber, Pork Ball, Carrot, Gingko Nut, Mushroom & White Pepper Corn)

Pig Tail Soup $5.20(With Chinese Herbs, Lotus Roots, Peanuts and Rose Wine)

Main CoursePenang Laksa $10.20(Garnished with pineapples, mint leaves, ginger flower, cucumber, sliced onions & prawn paste)

Penang Prawn Noodles Soup $11.00(Yellow noodles in Prawn Stock with Pork Ribs & KangKong topped with fried shallots)

Entertainment

PromotionsThe Restaurant’s

June

Pick your choice from the variety of authentic Penang dishes on the a la carte menu. Served with steamed rice.

Lunch & Dinner: Daily

Penang Delights

Penang Lam Mee $10.20(Yellow noodles with prawn meat, pork belly, beansprouts, crab meat & julienne egg topped with Ku Chye, fried garlic & dried sole)

Penang Hokkein Char $10.20(Wok-Fried flat yellow noodles with prawn, pork belly, soft cuttlefish, beansprouts, egg and Green Chives, fried garlic with prawn stock)

Penang Curry Chicken $10.20(Served in Claypot with traditional crispy Hard Roll)

Sotong KangKong $5.80(Soft cuttlefish Salad with spicy sweet sauce topped with grated prawns and sesame seeds)

A la Carte Menu

Entertainment 20

SoupBoxthorn with Prawn Meat and Egg Flower orPork Ball with Old Cucumber and Red Date

Main Course2 pax ($24.80)Deep-fried Baby Garoupa in Light Soy SauceWok-fried Chicken with Chinese Sausage & Salted FishStir-fried Hong Kong Nai Pek with GarlicBarley with Beanstick & Gingko Nut.

4 Pax ($45.80)Deep-fried Baby Garoupa in Light Soy SauceWok-fried Chicken with Chinese Sausage & Salted FishCurry Pork RibStirfried Hong Kong Nai Pek with GarlicBarley with Bean stick & Gingko Nut.

6 Pax ($65.80)Deepfried baby Garoupa in Light Soy SauceWok-fried Chicken with Chinese Sausage & Salted FishCurry Pork RibSeafood Beancurd in Hot PlateStir-fried Hong Kong Nai Pek with GarlicBarley with Beanstick & Gingko Nut.

Coffee / Tea

July & August

Family Set Menu

PRINCE EDWARD LOUNGEPresents F1 Promotions!

Buy 3 bottles of JOHNNY WALKER BLACK LABEL 70CL @ $328 NETT & Get another bottle 70CL FREE!

Take your family on a gastronomical feast with our well-loved family set menu!

Lunch & Dinner: Daily

21

Entertainment

Entertainment 22

“My heartiest congratulations to the 2010 Graduands of SP. You have successfully completed your

studies in SP and many of you will go for further studies but ALL of you will be SP’s pride.

Alex Lo, President SPEC

“50 years have gone by, you are growing stronger year after year, SP, our alma mater. Congratulations

and Best Wishes to all your 150,000 graduates! We are proud to be one.

Jimmy Lim, President SPGG

“Congratulations SP on your 50th Graduation Year. We are so proud to be a part of you!

George Wong, Chairman SPIMA

Singapore Polytechnic Congratulations

Meet SP’s Institutional Medalists for 2010

Back row from left to right:Yee Zheng Kang, Diploma in Aerospace Electronics, recipient of the Lee Kuan Yew AwardDesmond Thiam Wei, Diploma in Biomedical Science, recipient of the Lee Kuan Yew AwardOng Clinton, Diploma in Business Administration, recipient of the Toh Chin Chye Gold Medal Justin Ross Clarke, Diploma in Infocomm Security Management, recipient of the Lee Kuan Yew Award

Front Row from left to right:Suresh Kumar Sarad, Diploma in Business Information Technology, recipient of the Low Guan Onn Gold MedalNick Ng Guo Feng, Diploma in Landscape Architecture, recipient of the Tay Eng Soon Gold MedalPriscilla Tan Siew Leng, Diploma in Architecture, recipient of the Chua Chor Teck Gold Medal

Singapore Polytechnic Graduates’ Guild

on your celebration of 150,000 graduates at your 50th Graduation Ceremony!