Ryan again...again...and again...

This article is taken from Sharon Tan's blog. Our dear AIESEC in Singapore MCP.
Ok, so there isn't any infringement of copyright as I have already asked for her consent and I also acknowledged her here *haha..watever, I am so into my Media Law and Ethics now -___-''
Thanks Sharon.

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We just had a great country visit by Ryan, our AP Director, and I can't help following in the footsteps of Mindy in quoting some of the interesting stuff I have heard in the 5 days that Ryan spent in Singapore...p.s. I don't have that good a memory so this is reconstructed based on what I can remember =)


Ryan on Motivation:
As you move into different roles and take on more responsibilities, it is only right to expect that the highs and lows you experience will grow as well. So many people go into taking more responsibilities with the expectations that things will remain the same, that the lows won't go lower or that the highs won't go higher. But that's not going to happen.

The difference between any normal leader and the outstanding leader is that the outstanding leader is able to channel the energy from the low moments into a drive to aim for a high.
Remember the high moments and the excitement and satisfaction you felt. And remember the low moments because that is where the challenge is, to pick ourselves and the people around us up, channel the energy into that fierce drive which will bring us to the high again.

Ryan on diversity of ideas and making decisions:
With so many diverse individuals on the team (not just in nationalities but also opinions, backgrounds, thoughts) it may seem hard to come to a consensus or make a decision that every single person is 100% satisfied with. Which is why we spend so much time getting our fundamentals right.

Fundamentals such as the identity, the vision, the AIESEC Experience, the Brand Promise, being what is central to the organisation and what we do. And when we all have a clear consensus and understanding on the fundamentals, there is so much space and flexibility beyond for each individual to contribute. And of course, it takes that level of commitment to making the best decisions and delivering the best for the benefit of the organisation as a whole.

Ryan on AIESEC and It's Up to You:
AIESEC is like sitting on a couch and watching television. If you DON'T like what you are seeing, you just have to make that decision, GET OUT of that couch and MAKE THAT CHANGE.

Ryan on some AIESEC stuff:
It's meant to be a tool, to be used as an indicator. It cannot be taken as a science, because sciences always have their flaws.

Ryan on AIESEC being global (which he quoted from Taco):
You know you're working in a global organisation when you turn on the television and what you watch on the news actually affects your work.

Ryan on Singapore:
(wiping sweat from his brow) Phew it's hot!
I'm looking for a satay stall.

Thanks Ryan for all the sharing, the inputs and the advice!! All the best in the rest of your country visits and we look forward to seeing you back in Singapore again!!!

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Ryan is in Malaysia Truly Asia now, another country that I love aside from Indonesia, Switzerland, South Korea, Japan and many more *hehe*. You can eat more Satays there :)

Am still amazed to meet an angmoh who can speak Indonesian language despite his NZ 'twenty-tieeenn' accent. And gosh, he knows how to sing our National anthem too, isn't that fab?

Ow....another good news is that our ER team managed to get Chronicle down and interview Ryan. We took some pics during our meeting and Gin interviewed Ryan on behalf of Chronicle. Thanks Gin Shi. Just wait for the article in January issue k!! Coolio ER.

And yeah, we WELCOME you in Singapore anytime k.

We are moving

We Moved the AIESEC Room...

Sounds familiar?
Yeah, it's pretty similar to one of our Global Exchange Partners' tagline 'We Move The World'.

So, last month [okay, this post is outdated *sorry guys], the KLIN-ing Squad went down to NYH and get in action. We cleaned the new room, dumped some old stuffs from the old room, removed the huge cupboards and stacks of documents, threw away unidentified items, redecorated the new room, and so on.

It's a real team work to make this happened. From EBs to senior and new members, thanks for coming and helping us yar. Let's rock the new cozy lil AIESEC room :)

Bye-bye old room...

Welcome to our new room.
It's only 1/3 size of our previous AIESEC room

Nice music and two plushies to accompany our cleaning and decorating act

The incomplete 'KLIN-ing SQUAD'
Thanks to Lita, Intan, Zhang Lei, Julian Lim, Alvin, Jessie, Mayas and Diana

Yey..we have a room. A new room. A new cozy room. A new cozy AIESEC room.

Oh Ryan...is in Singapore

There has never been a better experience than meeting a 22-year-old young chap who is presently leading the Asia Pacific Growth Network (AP GN) of AIESEC. Humble, cheerful and intelligent were some of the first impressions that he gave us. Hailing from New Zealand, Mr Ryan Shepperd, the current AP director, is now on his country visits within the region. And this time, HE’S IN SINGAPORE!!!

Oct 23 marked his “special appointment” with the EBs of NTU LC. It was an empowering session for the EBs, where we got to freely throw him private and @-related questions (more like interrogation, Hehe). Below are some of the interesting topics that we dwelled on during the discussion.

Ryan initially joined AIESEC five years ago because of a girl. He was attending the info talk about @ at his university one day, when his attention was drawn to a gorgeous young lady. Without hesitation, he signed up as a member at the age of 17, and embarked on his AIESEC journey since then. (Unfortunately, the girl left for traineeship abroad after a few months). Most importantly, our director speaks Indonesian, coz he stayed in indo before for 6 years.

[L-R] top: Ryan, Imran, Alvin, Qiqi, Avin, Gin Shi, Mayas, Zhang Lei
bottom: Diana, Lita, Jessie

We started of the meeting by asking him what he does as the AP Director. Ryan said that he’s basically in charge of the overall growth of AP GN, development of global strategies, entrepreneurship LN, and consulting the year plans of all AP countries. Besides, he’s responsible for the execution of competency model and library of actions.

The EBs were surprised when Ryan mentioned that he’s not directly involved in the development of AIESEC in India and Mainland China. Instead, Cornelia the AIESEC International Exchange Director is held accountable for the progress of @ in these two Asian giants. The reason is because these India and China are too huge, and it can be overwhelming for him to focus on them whilst not neglecting other AP countries at the same time. Nonetheless, Ryan is still the ultimate person who monitors the whole GN :)

The coolio NTU EBs team *some left early, but we represented them in various poses :)

He also talked about the great potentials of @ Singapore by looking at our annual exchange figures, due to the presence of many global partners. Besides, he complimented the progress of LCs’ initiatives in establishing regional exhange partnerships (REPs) with companies in the Lion City. (Great job ICX!!!). He’s particularly impressed by our “Expansion into China project” since everyone in the world is trying to derive mileage from this emerging economic powerhouse.

When asked about what is his strength, Ryan said that he’s a person of persistence. He ran for LCP and MCP two times each, and lost for the first time in each running. Most notably, he was once the leading LC which was on the brink of closing down in the beginning of his LCP term. With only 25 members on the outset, only 2 members were retained a few months later. (He kicked out those who did not perform). Notwithstanding such major setback, he took drastic measures to improve his LC. And at the end, it’s still 25 members, but all of them were actively contributing to their LC.

That is also, according to Ryan, the greatest achievement in his life so far.
Touching on being the LCP, Ryan said that the best position to run for in AIESEC is LCP. This is because one in this position can see, by his very eyes, the direct results on the ground, and perform multiple functions at the same time.

It's good..It's good...
It's good be an LCP...

AIESEC and UN, is there any relationship between them? The former is the largest youth-driven organization in the world, and the latter being the largest global organization dedicated to . The answer is YES! Brodie (the previous PAI) was once invited to be present in the UN general assembly in New York when the voice of youths was needed. Apart from that, AIESEC has cooperation with a few chapters of UN, especially the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) of UN. Amazing, aren’t we?!?!?!?!

In terms of member retention, Ryan said that as EBs, we need put ourselves into the shoes of our members. We need constantly ask ourselves, “How can I think to ensure that there are enough opportunities is a comfortable environment for them to explore. With regards to this matter, I am particularly intrigued by what Mindy’s (MCP of @ HK) stated in her blog

“If the @XP that we've been through is not good enough, we need to make that better for our new members.”

“EBs are not for execution, but provider of opportunities, facilitator of the platform that we promised. If we select our members, we need to trust that and let the members take the opportunities we promised.”

Thank you AP Director for leaving such indelible markers in our minds. We are truly enchanted by your charisma and wonderful @ experience.May u have a pleasant journey to Malaysia, and other AP countries subsequently. See you in APX 2007 in Hyderabad, India……

Dinner after the discussion at NTU Cafe by the Quad
We had a live performance too..by Imran, LCP of NUS

*Alvin Hong signing off...

Deepavali? Diwali?

Deepavali (or Diwali) which literally means "rows of lamps" is one of the four main festivals of India. Throughout the world all Hindus celebrate Deepavali or Diwali with great pomp and enthusiasm.

The celebration of Diwali lasts six days, beginning on the 12th day of the month of Kartik (as per the North Indian lunar calendar). The day before Diwali, in order to evoke the grace of God, women fast. It is not that God wants you to go hungry or takes pleasure in your suffering - the principle is that you gain only by giving up. That evening, devotees worship Gomata (the cow) and her calf and feed them special food. Women pray for the welfare of the entire family. This holy day is called Vasubaras.

The first official day of Diwali falls on the 13th of Kartik. People set about cleaning houses and shops, and decorating doorsteps and courtyards with rangoli or multi-coloured designs. They purchase gold ornaments, new vessels, clothes, and other such items. Devotees arise early in the morning before sunrise and take oil baths. If possible, they wear new clothes. In the evening, people worship coins representing wealth. Houses and courtyards glow from the lights, and families decorate with lanterns. This day of celebration is called Dhantrayodashi or Dhanteras.

The second day is called Naraka Chaturdashi. People take an oil bath in the early morning and then in the night they light lamps and burn firecrackers. People visit their relatives and friends, exchanging love and sweets.

On the third day, people worship Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth. People decorate their houses with lit lamps and lanterns to welcome Lakshmi to their home and hearts. On this day businessmen close old accounts and open new accounts. The earth is lit up by lamps and the skies are coloured by the multi-hued lights of fireworks.

In North India, the Govardhana Puja occurs on the fourth day of Diwali. Devotees in the North build hillocks made of cow dung, symbolising Govardhana, and decorate and worship them. North Indians observe this day as Annakoot, or the mountain of food.

The fifth day of the festival called Bhaiyya Dooj celebrates unique and fun customs. Every man dines in his sister's house, and, in return, presents her with gifts. North India calls it Yama Dwitiya.

The Message of Deepavali

During the night of Deepavali the myriad of little clay lamps (diyas) seem to silently send forth message of Deepavali: "Come, let us remove darkness from the face of the earth."

The dharma of the fire is the same wherever it is. It gives light and heat. The flame of the light is always turned up. The message is that our mind should be focused on Atman, the Self wherever we are. The lamps remind us of our dharma of realising our divine nature. The lights of Deepavali represent Brahman and the creation.

The rows of lamps teach yet another important lesson and that is of unity. The light that shines forth from the Sun, the moon, the stars, the fire is all the same. To see and recognise that one light, the light of consciousness, which is manifesting and pulsating in and through all of creation is the goal of life. Thus, recognising all of creation to be an expression of your true Self spreads the light of love and compassion.

The lights of Deepavali are displayed at the entrance doors, by the walls of houses, in the streets and lanes. This means that the inner spiritual light of the individual must be reflected outside. It should benefit society. Passer-bys may thereby be prevented from stumbling on their way to reach their destination.

Feeding empty stomachs, lighting blown-out diyas and bringing light to those whose lives are in darkness is the true spirit of Deepavali. This is true prayer.

AIESEC Days: Deepavali ... join us!

The First Ever

'AIESEC Days: Deepavali'
Saturday, 14 October!!
3pm onwards
@ Little India The Banana Leaf Apolo
48 Little India Arcade, 2nd Level
Across the street from Tekka Center

Agenda:
3PM - 5:15PM : Learn Indian Dancing! Plus a Collection of Colourful Cultural Activities!

5:15PM - 6PM : Indian Cuisine! Plus a Special Guest!

6PM - 7PM : 'The Deepavali Challenge!'

7PM - 8:30 : Watch Street Procession andConcert on Race Course Rd.

8:30PM ~ : Drinks at Brewerks, Clarke Quay

Dress in Your Best Indian Costume.

Prizes will be awarded for best 'custume'

An Evening of Food and Fun For only $12 [early bird who confirm their attendance now] or S$15 [on the door].
*All profits will be Donated to AIESEC in Singapore.

Confirm Your Attendance EARLY.
Only 60/100 Seats Available!

More Info contact:
Diana Dawidson at diana.dawidson@gmail.com or
Nivedita at niveditav@yahoo.com

ps: FIRST COME FIRST SERVE BASIS, so confirm your attendance to avoid disappointment. If you wanted to perform or conduct an interactive workshop, do not hesitate to contact us too.

pps: ONLY 15 more days to our T-shirt Design Competition.

CYAaaa....

NTU T-shirt design competition is in da house!!

ASK YOURSELF!!!

Longing for our own LC T-shirt?

Want to reinforce your LC identity?

Unleash your creativity?

Be different? Be cool? Be NTU?

Well, now it's the chance for you to have your say.

Presenting: AIESEC in NTU T-shirt Design Competition


When?
~ October 1st - October 20th 2006 [Friday], 12 midnight

Who?
~ This competition is ONLY open to members of AIESEC in NTU

How?
~ Send in your design and its details [e.g.: pantone colour] to diana.dawidson@gmail.com
~ Both hi-res front and back design

Prizes???
~ More AIESEC T-shirts into your collection [one of your own design and another AIESEC T-shirt]
~ PROUD and be recognized physically and virtually *hey..we are wearing your design here!!

What to put onto the design?
~ AIESEC Logo [Nothing covering the logo!!]
~ You MUST use all AIESEC in NTU , AIESEC in NUS and AIESEC in SMU [but put AIESEC in NTU in a more catchy way: bold, italic, colors, bigger, etc]
~ AIESEC in Singapore wording is NOT compulsory, but you can put merely SINGAPORE in any part of your design
~ NO obscene design and vulgarities
~ Preferably 1-2 colours for the design [*as more than 2 colours can be very costly to print]
~ Where to get the logos and branding guidelines: www.aiesec.org/brandsite

Selection process: EBs will choose and then members to VOTE online!
YOU HAVE THE FINAL SAY!!

Disclaimer: Braning guidelines have to be properly followed, thus there is a need to edit and change some part of the design if it's deemed necessary. The designer is liable to assist in the editing process.

Remember, you have 20 days to design now.
We're awaiting for your design.

Should you need any clarification, have any queries, need some ideas on our current AIESEC T-shirt designs, feel free to contact Diana k.

Thanks all... REMEMBER 20 days!!

Some designs for your reference:

Waiting for your designnnnnsss arrr!!!