The Growth Camp at Kota Tinggi (Malaysia)

"I'm finally able to go out of Singapore!"
This was the "first" time in my 15-years of life, going away from Singapore. I never have the chance to go to overseas as whenever I am free, my parents would not and vice-versa. The actual first time I went out of Singapore, headed to Malaysia too, was for my cousin's Wedding. I was young back then and did not appreciate to enjoy the trip.
All of us were excited and to go for this trip as we could have a different experience from attending the one at the MOE campsite. The bus, which brought us to Malaysia, was filled with chattering and excitement.
Well, it was a long 2 hours ride to enter Malaysia. At the very beginning of the trip, all kinds of noises could be heard, be it music, shouting, whispering, singing. It was these that created the atmosphere in the bus. After a certain moment, the bus was zero- noise volume, silence throughout the rest of the trip.
"Okie guys and girls! Please wake up now, we have reached Malaysia!"the tour guide used the microphone to wake us up, "now let me introduce some history and facts about Malaysia."
Obviously, everyone was oblivious to the surroundings and continued their beautiful dreams.
The first destination was the Spastic Home, it is a place where spastic children was sent to, to be educated in many ways. Some of them were able to represent the Spastic Home for bowling and many other sports. All of us did our very best in entertaining them. Although it was only a short 1 hour to accompany them, we still made a difference in their lives.
We had our lunch at the shopping mall, which was approximately a 30minutes drive from the Spastic Home. Another 1 hour was added on to our boring moments, we were heading to our "bunks". The "bunks" were located at the Seafood restaurant, where we had our breakfast, dinner and supper. To our amazement, the rooms were not evenly spread out. Some of the bunks were to be occupied by 8 people, but instead, only 4 of them occupied the room. The room which was allocated to me was not a very tidy one. Dusts were lying on all of the beds.
In the night, we played team-building games at the field, such as blindfolding. After taking our baths, we had a good playing time in the bunk.
Rise and shine. We had to report at 7.30am at the restaurant for briefing, warm-up and breakfast. What we had accomplished in the second day required a lot of perseverance and determination. We went hiking on Gunung Panti hill the for the whole afternoon until evening, when we were all beat tired. Certain parts of the hike were very hot and certain parts were raining. The last part of the trip was raining when we were walking towards the bus. We played on the way and had much fun. All of us fell asleep on the bus until we reached the Seafood Restaurant. We had our dinner and reflections in the night. Although we were very tired and the most wanted thing we wished for was our bus. We played within ourselves until midnight when we reached the peak of our tiredness.
The next morning, we packed our "luggage" and set off for Singapore!

Choice of career

A career of my choice? Back then when I was a child, many kids wanted to become a superhero like Superman or Batman. The closest choice to it was a policeman. And this was my childhood dream. As for now, I am open to a wide variety of choices, a teacher, psychologist, being in the military force, or even a lawyer. In secondary school, we are open to activities like managing a school event such as Student Councilor Investiture. Joining various Co-Curriculum Activities open us out to different individual skills needed in life. Nevertheless, we should decide this path on our own and none should be interfering into it lest it may affect.
The past childhood dreams are unrealistic and as time had passed, interest may changed. And sooner or later, we are to narrow our views and decide on our own career of choice and interest. Through thorough and careful thinking, taking into consideration my interest and capability, I decided on being a Event Manager.
On the whole, clients will be coming up to Event Managers with a very vague idea and it all depends on the Manager whether to evolve it into a reality or just a "all talk, no action" situation. From concerts to farewell parties, and conferences to promotions fair, are all planned by these managers. Firstly, managers will come up with a basic framework, and after which prepares the marketing plans. Well, of course, sponsors, vendors etc are the ones that make the event possible. Naturally, hunt for sponsors for food and beverages etc. The search of suitable venues for the particular event, a marriage's venue will differ from a farewell party. Hire of various artistes and performers may be needed. Invitation cards may have to be given out and, event such as a ballroom dinner, menus are needed. Lookout for the stage and lightings, arrangements for transportations for different people. At least 3 weeks before the event will kick-off, the plans and every aspect of the event must be finalised and verified. Any last minute changes may affect the on-going performance of it. Usually, event managers will start work months before the event to assure punctuality and professionalism.
As any other job has, skills are always needed in any aspect.

• Analytical thinking and problem solving - Analytical and critical thinking, and problem solving are compulsory skills needed in this field. Fast acknowledgment of various problems, recognised that it has to be solved. From there, think of solutions and how to salvage the situation, and how to avoid such problems in the future.

• Client service orientation – It is the ability of being focused to one's client and dedicated to meeting the needs of the customer. Being client focused, he must attempt to realise the client's needs, put them at ease. Strong bonds of respect and trust must be build during the interaction.

• Good negotiating skills - On the contrary it is a skill in business which, when developed, makes you an astute minded businessman.

• Ability to work under pressure and meeting deadlines – One should be able to work under much pressure and stress, and able to meet the deadlines. In the meticulous planning and arrangements, one small mistake, it takes, to trigger off the worst outcome of the event. At rehearsals, one should remain calm and keep their cool, and most importantly, perform our own role as planned.

• Teamwork, facilitation and co-operation – Teamwork is always needed is in such a project. “Teamwork” does not consists of an “I”. Nevertheless, one should not only know how to lead a team, but also co-operate with everyone and finally, get the job done. One should be able to build a team of efficient people and bring the best out of them, which is also facilitating their effectiveness.

• Planning, co-ordination and organisation – It is the ability to coordinate effectively and organise oneself or situations in a proper manner.

• Good networking skills – An event manager has to have many contacts and a wide network in order to be successful. The more contacts one has, the more successful he is. Regardless in what business one is in, only networking can make one be successful. Therefore, it is a must to enhance one's networking skills, go out into the public and talk to the people.

  Requirements :

• Degree/ Diploma in marketing or related qualification preferred ;

• Relevant experience with creative conceptualising, planning, co-ordination and management of lifestyle or corporate events ;

• Effective proposal writing skills ;

• Strong client management and account servicing experience ;

• Highly motivated, resourceful, efficient, and with good leadership skills ;

• Able to value-add with marketing experience ;

• Good organisational techniques with attention to details ;

• Able to work long hours and travel for work ;

• Lifestyle, fashion and consumer trends savvy ;

• Excellent communication skills, with a pleasant, mature and outgoing personality.

Future Prospects :

• To assume the role of General Manager, Event

• Responsibilities include : - Overseeing a team of 5 – 6 event – project manager

Chong Boon Secondary School Rules

"Nope! No sights of handphones, or else necessary actions will be taken!"
Usually, in Chong Boon Secondary School, handphones seen in any part of the school will be confiscated. Parents are the only ones that are able to solve the problem. Teachers and parents involved will be meeting up to talk about the issue. Nevertheless, being late for school, vandalism and defiance will be considered a form of opposing the school rules. Necessary measures ,such as counselling, caning and meeting of parents, will be taken. I think that after school periods mobile phones should be allowed, as long as it does not affect lessons. Take for an example, if a pupil needs to make an emergency call, the only places where he can make the call are the general office, the canteen and the book shop. With a handphone, it will be more convenient and less time-consumption for the student. These days students prefer to just wear t-shirt and jeans to school, together with their pair of shoes. Why

In a modernised society, to prevent inconvenience, mobile phones are used. Uses of it is to communicate with the other party, be it short or long distance, in a short period of time. It can always be use anywhere with reception and of course, the batteries should be on standby. If pupils are restricted from using mobile phones in school, and the school allows pupils to bring them, what is the purpose of it? Pupils are allowed to bring, but not allowed to use it. If the pupils used the phones for emergency calls, and the teachers confiscates it, it would be unfair to the pupils. Teachers should clarify with the students before taking away the phone, otherwise, he may feel accused and agitated.

T-shirts, polo-tee, denim jeans, shorts, bermudas revolve around a teenagers life. In University, walking into the school with a casual attire seems appropriate. However it does not apply the same thing to Secondary Schools. How does an attire affect your studies? Students prefer to wear casual wear than to dress up in shirt and either pants or skirt. How ever well or badly one dress does not affect nor neglect academically. Wearing a school uniform is just a recognition of which school one is from, and not to be part of your education. Teenagers prefer just dress in a casual attire and attend school, it will be much more comfortable and they will feel that they have more freedom, thus, students will not be playing truancy.

Using mobile phones in classes and entering the school with jeans may not be an ideal idea for a Secondary School. Students may be misusing the freedom of using mobile phones in school. They can be using them in class and not paying any attention to the teacher. And therefore neglecting their academic and parents will be wondering why is their child dropping academically. The principal and teachers will be pulled into the picture. However, giving the students too much freedom is not a very good idea. Wearing denim jeans to school is too casually attired, not any suitable for a secondary school, but for an undergraduate. Together, as a school, wearing the school uniform symbolises the bond between all of us. If there were to be a school field trip and everyone dresses casually, outsiders may be doubting and have a bad impression of the school. It is how we carry ourselves out that creates either a good or bad impression.

Whatever we wear to school does not matter, it is how we carry ourselves out. Using handphones in school is appropriate, but it all depends on when do we use. If we use it in class, it would be wrong of us. If there is not such rules, the school may be overruled by the students, and thus, causing chaos. School rules are there to guide us through our school life, and not to restrict us.

Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year is known to be a 15-days period of time of reunion and thanks-giving.
Families and relatives get together and have a meal as one. One of the most important dinner is on the Chinese New Year's eve. As a family, everybody will sit on the same table, having a reunion dinner, which is very important to all Chinese.
On the first day, families usually visits the most senior or oldest in their extended family, most probably their great grand parents or grand parents. Several families get the lion dance troupe to perform at a location to ward off the bad luck and omen. At the end of meals, everyone will come together to toss raw fish salad, also known as "Yu Sheng".
Usually, married daughters do not have the time to spare for their own birth families. The second day of Chinese New Year is normally the day which is made use of for the married daughters to visit their birth families.
From the 3rd to the 8th day, some celebrations will be held, as it will normally be schooling days and will be inconvenient for most people.
Prayers will be held on the 9th day. It is the day whereby the Chinese will offer prayers to the Jade Emperor. It will usually be hold at the midnight of the 8th day. Arriving at midnight, the Teochews and Hokkiens will be preparing the offerings. Sugarcane will be inclusive for the Hokkiens.
On the 15th day, also known as "yuan xiao jie", is the day whereby families get together to have dinner, mostly for Teochews.
There are many superstition for the Chinese during the Chinese New Year. For example, if any of one's kin passed away for the past 3 years, they are not supposed to go for visiting, as a form of respect to the dead. After passing midnight of the Chinese New Year's eve, no families are allowed to decorate or do any cleaning , as it resembles of sweeping away their fortune. Windows and doors will be open to welcome the fortune. Doors open to welcome the God of Prosperity, also known as "Cai Shen Ye". The money in Red Packets are used to suppress or put down the evil spirits around us. People usually wear red coloured clothings to ward away the evil spirits and bad fortune.
Basically, the Chinese New Year is a period whereby families create bondage between one another and to catch up with the times.

The Singapore Flyer

It was awesome. The ride on the Singapore Flyer was very amazing. One can practically see almost the whole of Singapore. Previously, I expected the ride to be a thrilling experience. And I was right. All of us had the opportunity to see the bustling city below.
As we approached the capsule, we were all excited and had the anxiety in us to board on it. When we entered, the cacophony of students' chatter and discussions could be heard. Some of my classmates had acrophobia and butterflies in their stomach. They were trying to remain calm for the torturing 30mins. The photographers of each group were busy taking photos of the panoramic scenery. Majority of us could enjoy the breath-taking scenery and were filled with excitement to be "lifted" up to the highest point of the ride. As the capsule was moving slowly, the victims of acrophobia were starring in wonderment into space, not believing it could reach to such a high point. The experience was such an exhilarating one and wish that I could be on that Singapore Flyer again. To me, it was a joyous occasion as we could "distress" ourselves from the Secondary 3 work. I think that it is a good experience for all of the Secondary 3 pupils in Chong Boon as not all of us can have the opportunity to board on the Singapore Flyer. And most importantly, this stone killed two birds. On this trip, we could enjoy as much as we can, and also, the teachers had given us homeworks on the ride. Homeworks like, this English journal, Physics, Mathematics and lastly Chemistry.
This is all for the Singapore Flyer. Thank You.

New technology ; A Threat or a Promise

Is new techonology a threat or a promise? Mobile phones are created for instant communication. Automobiles are for transportation within a short period of time. And lastly, internet is useful for researching purpose on information and playing online games.

People have been misusing mobile phones by chatting with their fellow friends through SMS, which will in turn cost a bomb. Automobile emits carbon monoxide, and this gas will harm the atmosphere. Students' academic have been deteriorating because of the internet. Youngsters use the internet for online gaming, and thus, neglecting their studies.

However, new technology does not mean all bad and no good. Technology has also help us in many ways too. In the past, trishaws and horse carts were used to transport from one point to the other. Whereas, now we have cars, which is much more convenient and comfortable. In order to communicate, we had to post letters for long distance communication. And now we have the mobile phone communicate both short and long distance call. In the past, only books were used for research purpose and it is such a meddlesome. Internet is created for easy research and convenient for all.

Therefore, we can conclude that new technology has its own threats and promises.

Has the Internet done Us Good or Bad

"Has the internet done us good or bad?" There is no answer to this question as many people have their own point of views about it. It may have harm small children, by meeting strangers online and surfing the net for things which are not suitable for them. The internet may also helped them by educating them using websites to do some online researching. We also can use the internet to chat online for hours and hours, but which is the better choice, talking over the phone for hours or chatting online for hours? It totally depends on the user's opinion on it.

Many students deteriorated in their studies because of online gaming and chatting. Parents had been disagreeing of their children to play online gaming as it affects concentration in their studies. Because of online chatting, girls these days have been mixing with male strangers and were being harmed by them, both physically and psychologically. Nevertheless, parents forbids their children to go online to chat with strangers, lest they get hurt.

However, students have been engaging in several online education. Teachers have been issuing online homework to students through the use of internet. Without the internet, it would be less convenient for communication wise and education for researching. The internet is one broad way of increasing your own general knowledge, and of course, if you want to go into a particular topic, you can.

During a period of time, students may tend to lose their concentration on studies, and instead they spend time chatting with their friends or maybe, strangers, on the internet. Perhaps they may find studies boring. However so, they will spend less time on their studies and eventually hitting rock bottom for their tests. Yes, they may build a stronger bond between their friends, but what about their studies? They must always have a balance between friends and studies.

Some parents set this rule, " You cannot use the phone to call your friends". Now, the internet comes into use. Children now take the advantage of using the internet to chat with their friends, relatives and teachers as well. They think that the internet will provide anything you want, and you can discuss anything online, for example, using the MSN chatting service, and it is free for all. If children are scared that their diaries will be check by their parents, they can create a online blog and keep the website address as a secret, only to himself.

Ultimately, the internet has its own advantages and disadvantages, it all depends only on how we use it. The decision is up to us on how we use it, let it be, whether to us is a good thing or a bad one.