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Expresso YourselfITE opens Delicatessen, an authentic training café that serves real customersBy Josephine Lefort

02 Quality Assurance

03 Deepening Ties

04 Food for Thought

05 Book-Pairing

06 Tribute to ITE’s Heroes

09 Our Distinguished Visitors

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ISSUE127 | nov-DEc 2014infinITE is a publication of the Institute of Technical Education

Creating Delicatessen’s Signature Red Velvet Drink: (From left): Mr Bruce Poh, Mr Bob Tan, Chairman/ITE, Ms Denise Phua, Sharon Sim Ya Li, Nitec in Food & Beverage Operations student, and Dr Yek Tiew Ming, Principal, ITE College West.

Something is brewing at ITE College Central.

Staff and students can now enjoy gourmet beverages and freshly baked pastries at their doorstep. Also serving the public, Delicatessen, a training café, was officially opened on 6 November 2014 at the Zentrum, ITE Headquarters.

With operations and layout fashioned after European-style cafés, Delicatessen provides an authentic learning environment for students from the Nitec in Food & Beverage Operations and Nitec in Pastry & Baking courses. Through the commercially-functioning café, students get to experience the conditions, challenges and rewards of working in the Food & Beverage (F&B) industry. These are valuable lessons beyond what textbooks can offer.

Hanisah Batrisyia Bte Rashid, a first-year Nitec in Food & Beverage Operations student, said, “Like my peers, I welcome the opportunity to work in Delicatessen, as part of my training. This is a great way to gain industry-relevant skills before my industry attachment next year.”

PreParing Work-ready, World-ready graduates

Delicatessen is a major feature in the ITE Epitome, which is a commercial and retail hub with student-run shops at ITE College Central.

Expressing optimism at the potential of the café, Guest-of-Honour at Delicatessen’s Official Opening, Ms Denise Phua, Mayor, Central Singapore District, said, “Beyond the hardware, training and courses, it is essential that young people who wish to join the F&B sector do so with the right attitude. I am confident that this new training facility will not only set new benchmarks and standards for the F&B industry, but also serve as a leading training provider for the industry.”

I TE and Microsoft Singapore inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for a new collaboration framework towards one-to-one learning across

all Colleges. Over 20,000 ITE students and 1,500 staff members are expected to benefit from this partnership.

Under the new framework, ITE will adopt Microsoft’s ‘Partners in Learning’ Programme, educational technology tools and ‘partner ecosystem’ to enhance teaching and learning opportunities. Three key development areas – Staff Professional Development, Student Empowerment and Innovation Initiatives – have been identified for the adoption. Under this collaboration, the ‘iLab’ will be set up, which is a technology-enabling creative learning space for educators and students to explore creative teaching and learning approaches.

Mr Bruce Poh, Director & CEO/ITE, said, “IT is the enabling technology of the 21st century. ITE’s partnership with Microsoft has allowed us to re-look at our teaching and learning methods. ITE will continue to engage industry leaders and partners to equip our students with work-ready, world-ready skills.”

Towards One-to-One Learning

deepening Ties

exTending GLObaL ParTnershiPnew Memorandum of Understanding inked between ITE and Australia’s Polytechnic WestBy Jenn Tan

QualiTyassurance

over 20,000 staff and students to benefit from partnership with Microsoft SingaporeBy Josephine Lefort

A new, integrated Health, Safety, Environment and Quality Assurance (HSEQ) Centre has been set-up at ITE College West to enhance

training for engineering students. The centre is the first-of-its-kind in an education institution.

As more companies recognise the importance of HSEQ for better quality products and services, without compromising safety and the environment, the setting up of the HSEQ centre is timely. Mr Bruce Poh, Director & CEO/ITE, said, “Observing HSEQ is critical to business success. Having a one-stop centre such as this will help our students appreciate the efforts towards ensuring consistent high quality in products and services.”

The HSEQ Centre was launched with support from Endress+Hauser (S.E.A) Pte Ltd, Hexcel Solutions Pte Ltd, Non-Destructive Testing Society Singapore, and Rotary Engineering Limited. The four partners signed a Memorandum of Understanding with ITE on 31 October 2014 to collaborate in developing HSEQ-ready manpower.

ITE partners four companies to set up Health, Safety, Environment and Quality Assurance centreBy Shalini Veijayaratnam

ITE and Holmesglen renews Memorandum of UnderstandingBy Jenn Tan

Be HSEQ-Ready!: Mr Bruce Poh (in jacket) and MOU Signatories witnessed how students can benefit from using the Virtual Welding Simulator to practice their welding skills.

Newly Minted Partners: MOU signatories, Mr Bruce Poh and Ms Jill Jamieson, Managing Director and CEO/Polytechnic West (fourth from right), were flanked by representatives from both institutions.

Enabling Staff and Students with Technology: Mr Bruce Poh and Ms Stephanie Hung, Public Sector Director, Microsoft Singapore, are Signatories of the Memorandum of Understanding. The Signing took place on 10 November 2014.

Eight Years and Counting: Mr Bruce Poh, Director & CEO/ITE (in silver tie), Director & CEO/ITE, and Ms Mary Farone, Chief Executive, Homesglen Institute of TAFE (third from left), affirmed the strong partnership between both institutions with the renewal of MOU in Melbourne, Australia.

I TE renewed its partnership with Homesglen Institute of TAFE for a further five years at a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing

ceremony at Holmesglen Institute’s Chadstone Campus on 2 December 2014.

Since 2006, when the first MOU between ITE and Holmesglen Institute was signed, both institutions had provided opportunities for nearly 100 Health Science and Biotechnology students to attend lessons, and training and industry visits in both countries. Under the new MOU, ITE expects to expand the areas of collaboration, exchanges and capability development projects for the next five years.

Mr Heng Guan Teck, Deputy CEO (Academic), ITE, said, “Our partnership with Holmesglen Institute has been a long and exceptional one. With this new agreement in place, we hope to see an even closer working relationship between ITE and Holmesglen, and to further explore other avenues to create opportunities for our staff and students.”

Holmesglen Institute is one of the largest providers of vocational and higher education in the Australian state of Victoria, delivering programmes to more than 50,000 students across four campuses: Chadstone, City, Moorabbin and Waverley.

C ome 2015, students from Polytechnic West’s Diploma of Fashion can look forward to experience the Singapore Fashion Week 2015

during their study abroad stint in ITE.

This opportunity is made possible with the new five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between ITE and Polytechnic West.

Under the newly-minted partnership, signed on 27 November 2014 by Mr Bruce Poh, Director & CEO/ITE, and Ms Jill Jamieson, Managing Director and CEO/Polytechnic West, both institutions are poised for learning and collaboration opportunities. These include student and staff exchanges, benchmarking and sharing of best practices, and cooperation in curriculum and pedagogic development. Polytechnic West is the largest-funded VET provider in Western Australia. It is known for producing some of the best skilled apprentices and VTE graduates in the state.

Mr Poh said, “The signing is the first of many milestones we hope to achieve with Polytechnic West. Polytechnic West’s approach to VET is closely aligned with ours — an approach that is rooted in developing multiple competencies in students, and a deep emphasis on close partnership and consultation with industry.”

Polytechnic West is ITE's latest partner. It joins 17 other premier global VTE institutions that ITE has partnered, such as Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong, South Korea and USA.

InfinITE newsletter 2014InfinITE newsletter 201402 03

green NurturingITE college East students groomed to be environmental championsByline: Josephine Lefort

E co Kepalas, or environmental champions, was the term of the day at the South East Clean and Green

Singapore 2015 Carnival, at Changi City Point, on 15 November 2014. The two-day event saw Mr Eden Liew, Principal, ITE College East, launch the ‘Eco Kepalas @ SouthEast Schools’ with Guest-of-Honour, Ms Jessica Tan, Grassroots Advisor for East Coast GRC and Dr Mohamad Maliki Osman, Mayor of South East District, as host.

Under this project, ITE College East students will attend workshops and be roped in to help identify environmental

issues in the community. The National Environment Agency and South East Community Development Council hope that by nurturing these Eco Kepalas, these individuals would be committed towards driving green initiatives.

The Carnival also saw ITE College East receive a Green Schools @ South East Excellence Award for their enthusiastic support in various green community projects.

▲ Not Trashy: (From left) Dr Mohamad Maliki Osman and Ms Jessica Tan saw how recycling could help turn trash into crafty projects at the Carnival.

Callingon the

FuTureFirst ITE-Samsung Tech Hub officially opens at ITE college EastBy Shalini Veijayaratnam

▶ Future Tech Experts: Ms Sim Ann, Minister of State, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Communications and Information, toured the newly launched ITE-Samsung Tech Hub with Mr Bruce Poh (centre, in jacket), and Mr Eden Liew, Principal, ITE College East (on Mr Poh’s right).

F or 600 less financially-stable ITE College West students, meal tokens will be coming their way, thanks

to the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Marina Singapore.

JCI Marina Singapore is the local chapter of a worldwide association, which gathers young people who wish to contribute to community improvements. They helped

raised $16,000 for ITE College West’s Education Fund as part of the JCI Bag to School Singapore project. The project seeks to provide school essentials to less fortunate students.

As part of their aim to empower and inspire young people, JCI Marina Singapore also held a series of motivational workshops. Two hundred graduating ITE College

West students got to listen to 38-year-old entrepreneur, Alvin Yip, An ITE graduate, Alvin hoped that by sharing his life experience, his juniors will be motivated to seize the opportunities that await them when they graduate.

“I am grateful for [my Lecturers’] guidance and I wish to be able to guide my juniors as well,” he said.

Food for

ThoughT$16,000 to Sponsor necessities for Less Fortunate StudentsBy Karen Sum

◀ More Support for Needy Students: JCI Marina Singapore raised $16,000 for ITE College West’s Education Fund, which Dr Yek Tiew Ming (extreme right), Principal, ITE College West, received during the ‘Bag to School’ Convention held at the College on 20 November.

Book-PairingITE students create complementary products for book launchBy Jamie Chan

◀ In Good Company: Mr Eugene Loh (second from right) with some ITE students, who designed an array of products to complement his book.

I TE Epitome hosted the launch the fourth edition of ‘A Slice of Life’ on 27 November 2014. The book, by MediaCorp 938LIVE

radio personality, Mr Eugene Loh, covers a range of self-improvement topics like self-esteem, personal effectiveness, happiness, relationships and peace of mind.

To coincide with the event, students showcased their created products at ITE Epitome as well. Members of the public who had ordered the book earlier visited ITE Epitome to collect it and meet the author for an autograph session. They also had

the opportunity to purchase the students’ products.

Some of the products included rustic handicraft and floral basket arrangements by Nitec in Floristry students. Customers could also choose to pair the book with Christmas-themed candle holders or key tags created by Nitec in Laser & Tooling Technology students. To complete the gift, customers could add on an e-greeting card specially produced by Nitec in Social Media & Web Development students. Aside from pleasing gift recipients with the wide range

of creative products, guests were served beverages and pastries from Delicatessen, ITE’s training café.

Observing the atmosphere of the Launch, Mr David Hoo, Manager, ITE Epitome, said, “Generally, the products produced by the students were well-received, with many of them sold to members of the public. It is an excellent ‘pairing’, where fans of Eugene Loh, in attending the Launch, had the opportunity to visit ITE and have a look at what our students are capable of.”

S amsung is all set to train manpower for the mobile and display technology industry, with the

installation of the ITE-Samsung Tech Hub at ITE College East. As part of a three-year collaboration between ITE and Samsung, the Tech Hub is Samsung’s first in-house comprehensive learning facility in an education institution. It was officially opened by Ms Sim Ann, Minister of State, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Communications and Information, on 21

November 2014.

Students from the Nitec in Electronics (Mobile Devices) and Nitec in Electronics (Display Technology) courses will get real-world training to enhance their employability at the Hub. The Hub comprises a Display Solutions Centre, to showcase various emerging display technologies, and a Mobile Service Centre, which simulates Samsung’s customer service environment to train students

in mobile device technical support and customer service. As part of the collaboration, Samsung will also provide industrial attachment opportunities, joint certification training programmes and scholarships for students.

On the partnership, Mr Eden Liew, Principal, ITE College East, said, “The programme is to create our own homegrown, specialized labour force with trained technicians.”

InfinITE newsletter 2014InfinITE newsletter 201404 05

Tribute to

B ehind every ITE success story is a story of a caring and dedicated lecturer. Lecturers play important roles: they encourage students, influence their young minds, stretch

their abilities and strengthen characters. Their responsibilities are plenty, and challenges innumerable. Yet, they tirelessly groom students and help shape their future. They deserve recognition and applause for their dedication and passion.

Annually, ITE pays tribute to outstanding lecturers and long-serving staff. On 14 November 2014, 17 exemplary lecturers received top awards, while about 350 staff received long-service awards. Of the long service recipients, more than half have worked in ITE for more than 25 years! This proves the good working environment in ITE, and passion among ITE staff.

to ite staff, With loveAt the ITE Awards Ceremony, Guest-of-Honour, Mr Bob Tan, Chairman/ITE, expressed his appreciation to ITE staff. He said, “Many of you have exemplified our ITE Care values in your daily work and won the respect of your colleagues. Your strong sense of duty, effort and the sacrifice of your personal time has ensured that our students’ needs are continually met. Through the example you set and the role you play, you motivate those around you to give their best as well.”

ex-footballer to lecturerAmong the award recipients is Mr Jeykanth Jeyapal. Since young, he aspired to be a teacher. It was not surprising when he applied to National Institute of Education to teach, after completing his college education. However, in a twist of fate, Mr Jeykanth became a footballer. Football was his bread and butter more than 15 years, before he decided to pursue his childhood dream.

He joined ITE four years ago, and in a short time, has touched the lives of many students. In his words, a teacher is a friend. Mr Jeykanth said, "I always believe that if you treat students with the right respect, tolerance and patience, they will respect you accordingly."

He has indeed earned the respect of many students, as he received an award for Student Care and Development at the awards ceremony. He is currently Section Head, Fitness Training, at ITE College Central.

simPly extraordinaryHailing from South Africa, Ms Leah Jade Fellstad made her way to start her teaching career in Singapore four years ago. Only then did

she hear of stereotypes of ITE. “I don’t understand it. ITE is a fantastic place,” said the Food & Beverage Lecturer from ITE College West.

Ms Fellstad also received an award for Student Care & Development at the ceremony. She was singled out for exceptional care given to Toh Yi Liang, a student with mild autism. In class, Ms Fellstad broke down tasks for him, attached a buddy to assist him, and took videos

ite teacher aWards 2014

teaching excellence

1. ms christina chung Lecturer, Retail Merchandising ITE College Central

2. ms iris tham Lecturer, Human Resource & Administration ITE College Central

3. mr toh nam hor Lecturer, Precision Engineering –

Technical Engineer Diploma ITE College Central

4. mr hanley loo Lecturer-Mentor, Info-Comm

Technology ITE College East

5. ms lily tan Senior Lecturer, Electrical Engineering ITE College West

6. ms toh hy-cin Lecturer, Lifeskills ITE College West

7. mr rajeev saxena Lecturer, Food & Beverage ITE College West

student care & develoPment

8. mr kenny tan Lecturer, Semiconductor Technology ITE College Central

9. mr Jeykanth s/o Jeyapal Section Head, Fitness Training ITE College Central

10. mr khalid kassim Lecturer, Mechanical Engineering ITE College East

11. ms heather leung Senior Lecturer-Mentor, Beauty & Spa

Management ITE College East

12. ms elaine tan Lecturer, Passenger Services ITE College West

13. ms leah Jade fellstad Lecturer, Food & Beverage ITE College West

14. mohd razali bin abdul majid Lecturer, Electronics ITE College West

cca contributions

15. ms christina lam Section Head, Nursing

ITE College East enterPrise, innovation & technology

16. mr stephen Phee Lecturer, Mechatronics Engineering ITE College Central

17. mr ng Wee loon Lecturer, Chemical Process Technology ITE College East

of practical lessons to help him practice at home. She also rallied his classmates to forge strong bonds, and give him support. She even personally scouted for a suitable employer to do his internship with his parents over weekends.

A passionate Lecturer, Ms Fellstad said, “My students are important to me. Their happiness is mine.”iTe’s heroesiTe’s heroes

Annual Awards Dinner honours deserving staffBy Shalini Veijayaratnam

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Role Models: (Seated)Mr Heng Chiang Gnee, Deputy Chairman, ITE (left), Mr Bob Tan, and Mr Bruce Poh, Director & CEO, ITE (left), with the outstanding educators who received ITE Teacher Award recipients at the ceremony.Absent: Ms Lily Tan and Ms Heather Leung

▲ Good Job! Mr Bob Tan, Chairman/ITE, thanked staff for their dedication to students during his speech

▲ Role Models: (Seated from left) Mr Heng Chiang Ngee, Deputy Chairman/ITE; Mr Bob Tan, Chairman/ITE; and Mr Bruce Poh, Director & CEO/ITE, with the outstanding educators who received ITE Teacher Awards at the Ceremony. Not in picture: Ms Lily Tan and Ms Heather Leung.

InfinITE newsletter 2014InfinITE newsletter 201406 07

EvEry Idea MaTTers

I TE celebrated its annual Innovation Fiesta on 7 November 2014, where a total of 294 awards were presented by Mr Bruce Poh, Director & CEO/ITE to recognise staff for their

contributions in innovation and productivity. Here are some prominent projects that received awards.

ProJects for the community

One prime example is the ‘Puppetry robotic glove system’ (ProGS) project that won the most innovative Project gold award at the PS21 ExCEL Convention Awards Ceremony and the 2014 innovation of the year award presented by the League for Innovations in the Community College, USA. Mr Peter Ong, Head of Civil Service, also commended the ITE team for reaching out to the community and thinking out-of-the-box for this innovation, which had brought cheer to stroke patients and care givers.

EvEry Idea MaTTersInnovation Fiesta 2014 celebrates staff creativityBy Serene Lee

CEO Innovation Award Project: Chemical Process Technology Lecturer, Mr Ng Wee Loon from ITE College East presenting to interested colleagues on how the EnteroSense, an intelligent device that detects the placement of a nasogastric tube (NGT) accurately in the stomach.

Every Idea Matters: The ITE College Services Department enjoyed a light-hearted moment at the Innovation Fiesta.

Out-of-the-box Thinkers from ITE College West: (From left) Mr Ng Chun Kee, Section Head,

Electronics; Mr Tzong Yong Khiew, Lecturer; Mr Meng Weilin, Lecturer, Electronics; Mr Masjuri

Maswan, Lecturer, Security Technology; and Mr William Tan Boon Wee, Section Head, Electronics, has

worked closely with St Luke’s Hospital to provide an affordable rehabilitation device which makes a

difference to stroke patients' physical rehabilitation.

Our Distinguished VisitorsBy Mah Yen Ling, Jenn Tan, and Lim Hui Ling

4 NOVEmbEr 2014 The Honourable Jerome Fitzgerald (second from right, in purple tie), Minister of Education, Science and Technology, The Bahamas

Geared for Learning: At ITE College Central’s Aerospace Hub, The Honourable Jerome Fitzgerald (second from right, in purple tie), Minister of Education, Science and Technology, The Bahamas, was given a demonstration on the Aircraft Landing Gear Trainer. Simulating a typical landing gear system, the Trainer was able to prepare students for the aerospace industry by providing a hands-on understanding of brakes operation and bleeding of brakes.

4 NOVEmbEr 2014Mrs Mary Grace Poe-Llamanzares, Senator, Republic of the Philippines

Nailing Success: Mrs Mary Grace Poe-Llamanzares (waving to the camera), visited the Beauty Therapy Training Centre at ITE College East, where she interacted with students honing their manicure skills under the supervision of their lecturers.

11 NOVEmbEr 2014Presidents of Korea Polytechnics

Embracing Digital: Eleven Presidents from various Korea Polytechnics witnessed how ITE harnesses the power of technology to facilitate teaching in Centre of Technology in 3D Applied Technology (iCUBE) at ITE College Central. The four-sided immersive room offers full interaction in learning applications and increases the engagement of today’s digital learners, enabling them to grasp concepts faster.

13 NOVEmbEr 2014His Excellency Mr Nara Chandrababu Naidu, Honourable Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, India

Hands On, to be Precise: His Excellency Mr Nara Chandrababu Naidu (centre in cream shirt), Honourable Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, India, at the Precision Engineering Hub at ITE College Central, where Laser and Tooling Technology training and development for staff and students are carried out. Students gain hands-on experience by working on CNC Laser Cutting Machine, Bending Machine and Turret Punching Machine with the aid of specialised CAD/CAM software, to create a wide array of metallic products ranging from name cards, pens and serviette holders to pendants, lamp shades and wall décor.

InfinITE newsletter 2014InfinITE newsletter 201408 09

ITE graduate’s time lapse video of Singapore enthrals Prime Minister By Jamie Chan

On 30 October 2014, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong shared a time lapse video titled A Tiny Modernity (Singapore Time Lapse 2014) on his Facebook (FB) page, pointing out that the photographer had done a great job blending Singapore’s “nostalgia and anticipation”. The awe inspiring video depicted modern scenes of Singapore, beautifully interspersed with rural and cultural scenes. Created by Nitec in Digital Audio & Video Production graduate, Marklin Ang, the video that PM Lee shared attracted close to 5,000 ‘likes’ and over a thousand ‘shares’ on PM Lee’s FB page.

The video was produced mostly on weekends from March to October 2014. Markiln had the idea when he realised that there were not many time lapse videos depicting the rural side of Singapore.

Marklin said, "Although Singapore is a modern city, we have many rural landscapes. Hence, I decided to do this project to present a blend of various scenes. I shot the photos in

this video mostly on weekends due to my National Service commitments, over the last seven months or so. Sometimes, the weather wasn't right, so I would go back five to six times to the same places.

life in Positive light

I found my passion for photography at ITE. The opportunities that ITE provided me made me self-confident and optimistic about my future. I am going to continue to work hard to be successful."

Marklin not only discovered his love for photography in ITE, he graduated with a perfect Grade Point Average score from ITE College West in December 2009. He also achieved the Lee Kuan Yew Scholarship to Encourage Upgrading Award in 2010. As a result of his exemplary results, Marklin went on to study Visual Communication at Temasek Polytechnic. He is currently serving his National Service.

You can enjoy more of Marklin’s creations at www.facebook.com/marklinangphotography and www.flickr.com/photos/marklinang. You can also admire his time lapse video at vimeo.com/109097527.

Picture perfect

Shooting for the Stars: Marklin posed with a photograph he took in Indonesia, which features a group of porters gathering around a campfire. The photograph was showcased at the Noise Singapore 2014 Festival Exhibition held from 27 August to 14 September 2014.

It is never easy embarking on a journey less travelled, more so when one decides to be a freelance theatre practitioner in Singapore. In this issue of InfinITE, we posed a few questions to ITE graduate, Siti Khalijah, who has not only survived, but thrived in this career in the 12 years since she left ITE. For her outstanding contributions to the industry, Siti was honoured with the prestigious Young Artist Award from President Tony Tan in 2014, alongside Cultural Medallion recipients.

how difficult was it to be a theatre practitioner, especially in the early days of your career?

“It is true that the theatre scene in Singapore suffers from an unfortunate impression of elitism, where highly-educated

people act out their intellectual readings of scripts. ITE graduates, by that reasoning, because most of us are hands-on learners, are not immediately associated with performing in professional theatre.

When I started, I did everything from crew work to dresser to taking on minor roles. Some jobs paid me, some jobs didn't. But I was never picky and just wanted to learn how theatre worked. I guess I’m more serious than others, who like theatre because it is fun. Well, it is fun, but I’m also passionate about growing in my craft. I seized every opportunity that came along.

It took me three years or so to stabilise the uncertainties of a freelance career. There were times during those years when I wondered whether I should find a ‘proper’ job and provide steady income for my family. But I’m glad it all worked out and that my hard work is appreciated by the industry.”

how did ite support the development of your career?

"When I first started doing drama at ITE as a CCA, there was such a sense of camaraderie among students in the Centre for

Music and the Arts. We came from different backgrounds. We were all there to learn from scratch. And we were eager to just enjoy the experience of making theatre. I looked forward to the rehearsals, where the 'non-intimidating' environment allowed me to fully express myself and gain confidence on stage.

how has your life changed since receiving the young artist award?

“My life hasn't changed. I’m still doing what I love. When I received the Award at the Istana, my mother, who was present

at the Ceremony, had tears in her eyes. I saw that and it made me cry a little too.”

Stage Presence.

An Interview with ITE graduate, Siti Khalijah, Recipient of the Young Artist Award for 2014

By Victor Yen

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About Siti Khalijah: Siti is a full-time stage and television actor. She is also Recipient of the Best Actress Award at the 11th Life Theatre Awards in 2011. (To think it all began with her playing Hermia in ITE's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' musical production in 2002!).

Some of her recent works include ‘Best Of’, which is a one-woman show by The Necessary Stage in 2013, which has toured in Penang and Kuala Lumpur to rave reviews. Siti also played ‘Sandy’ in Wildrice’s year-end musical pantomime ‘Monkey Goes West’, which was staged at the Victoria Theatre in November 2014.

InfinITE newsletter 2014InfinITE newsletter 201410 11

hiTTing the Right Notes

behind the scenesadvisors: • MsSabrinaLoi | Deputy CEO (Corporate)• MsThamMeiLeng | Divisional Director/Corporate Affairs & Development • MrMathusuthanP | Deputy Director/Communications & Marketing • MrJailaniNathan| Manager/Corporate & Media Relations

editor :Mr Victor Yen | Head/Stakeholder Communications, Corporate Affairs Division

design, layout & Printing:99 Degree Pte Ltd

Student-run concert vocal Xchange celebrates ITE’s vocal talentsBy Jamie Chan

For the first time, ITE multi-faceted performance, Vocal Xchange was fully run by ITE students who took care of every aspect, from stage set-up, sound and lighting, to artistic direction and performances. A showcase of talents, the concert, on 15 November 2014, featured the voices of 130 ITE students who belted out 25 songs to a Hollywood theme. A thousand and two hundred people attended the concert.

budding voicesIt took seven months to prepare for ITE Vocal Xchange, and it brought together vocal talents from five vocal groups in the ITE Colleges. These groups included Central Music, West Unplugged, East V.I.P’s, That

Acappella Group and the ITE Show Choir.

Some of the performers were taking to the stage for the first time. Higher Nitec in Event Management student, Ling Zhi Ting, President of the Central Music Club, was one such performer. She said, “Vocal Xchange is a good opportunity for students like me to gain confidence and experience in performing in front of a large audience. I am looking forward to performing at next year’s concert!”

backstage starsBehind the vocal performance was a team of dedicated backstage crew members that comprised 18 Higher Nitec in Performance Production students. They were led by fellow student and Production Manager, Rashid Shiddiq. Within a limited budget, the crew set up an imposing backdrop that easily filled the large stage at the Auditorium, Tay Eng Soon Convention

Centre. Although it was a fixed set, the students applied creative lighting and multimedia techniques to customise the look and feel for every song. This was in line the Artistic Director, Mohamed Amirul Bin Jamil’s vision for the show.

Amirul, who is also President of the ITE Show Choir, took up the challenge of being the Artistic Director for the first time. He shared his satisfaction at the end of the concert, “I have learned so much from being the Artistic Director. For the first time, I had to learn how to manage a very large number of performers, see how each group is different and understand the need to find their own identity. It was really tough for me at the beginning, but I moved forward and kept pushing myself. I am very pleased with the improvements that the groups made. As I was part of Vocal Xchange 2011, I can see that the standards as a whole have gone up.”

hiTTing the Right Notes

Moving to the Beat: ITE Show Choir danced as they sang a cover of N-Sync’s “Bye Bye Bye”.

All About That Talent: East V.I.P’s rendition of pop song ‘All About That Bass’.Singing their Hearts Out: Central Music Club performed a special series of Latin American songs and even played the instrumentals themselves.

Curtain Call: Performers take a group shot to remember their experience at ITE Vocal Xchange 2014.

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