What is it to be a Singaporean?

This article is brought to you with permission from Sharon Tan [MCP06/07]. It was written on 2003 when she was just a newbie and experienced her first Global Village.

So, now for some of you, your first Global Village may come SOON during NLDS. More representatives and more countries than my first NLDS [2005]. It would be an AWESOME experience. I am really excited and looking forward to it, and I hope you too. Why don't you give it a try?

***

What is it to be a Singaporean? Strangely I have never given that question much thought before; as a matter of fact, that question has never popped into my head for the past 19 years.

But recently, after joining AIESEC in NTU, this question has struck me quite a few times. AIESEC is an international student organization present in 85 countries which promotes youth development through its overseas traineeship opportunities. Members work to bring in and send out youths for actual work experiences with established companies, and at the same time, take part in international conferences. It has a very vibrant culture and its members include people from all over the world. So far, I have met students from India, Myanmar, China, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and I dare say it has been quite an experience. I have also met a couple of trainees who are here on their attachment. There are people from France, Slovakia, Romania, Japan, even Switzerland.

Anyway, it all started on National Day, when there was an AIESEC party and gathering. I had been assigned the task of manning the Singapore booth and naturally I had to do my research. As I sat in front of my computer trying to think of what Singapore had to offer, I couldn’t help but think that I wasn’t really very Singaporean after all. Hey I couldn’t even think up a lot of interesting stuff. Sure, sure, everyone knows the little facts about how Singaporeans are kiasu, that we are a “fine” country, that our government is a big nanny, that there are so many restrictions here, blah blah. But is that all that Singapore has to offer? Am I going to tell these “ugly” characteristics to a group of foreigners so eager to learn about their host country?

Speaking of the trainees, I must say I have a lot to learn from them. They had their own country’s booth too and as I went around listening to what they had to offer, I was struck by how well they knew their country, and how proud they were about their origins. I mean, I spent more than half an hour at the Switzerland booth looking at the photos and listening to the Swiss describe their way of life. Their attitude and zest really say a lot.

I’ve realized that the foreign students in AIESEC are really interesting too. Nowadays, I like to ask them what they think of Singapore. Strangely enough, their answers have helped me recognize what I have been taking for granted for so long.

“Singapore’s really clean.”
“The government takes good care of the people; back from where I was, that doesn’t happen at all.”
“It’s very accessible around here.”
“Almost everyone gets to go to school. I came from a village so imagine how different it is back home.”

Oh and I’ll never forget when this Indonesian guy asked me if I knew how the Singapore River was cleaned up in the 60s. He was so pleased and proud of himself as he described the process to me. To think I was complaining to him about the education system here not too long before that.

“A Singaporean is never more Singaporean than a Singaporean not in Singapore.” Perhaps we have really become complacent in this protected and comparatively care-free environment after so long. I don’t know. If I were studying overseas I might be able to comment on that. But then again, I don’t think I’ll fret too much about that. I’ve come to realize that I still can learn a lot about being Singaporean, especially through AIESEC.

On October 15, a trainee will be arriving from Romania. I think I’ll volunteer to join his welcome committee to bring him around and get him settled in. I may be a Singaporean in Singapore, but being with non-Singaporeans might very well teach me a thing or too about being more Singaporean. =)

By Sharon Tan (2003)

Brewerkz once again

Brewerks? A place for chilling out? Where?


HAHA, finally I got my question answered when Adam, Diana, Sharon, Cecilia Ling, Melissa, me, and many other COOL @ trainees visited Brewerkz at Clarke Quay yesterday. Most importantly, I got to meet my mentor’s girlfriend for the first time!!!!! (oops, I shouldn’t be propagating, should I? :) )

The “stressed-out-by-exam” smiles by Sharon and me.


Guess what!?!?! Miss LCP Diana has got a new haircut (left).
She looks like a Jap now, doesn’t she?

Cecilia Ling finally got her meal served. Walking from Raffles Place to Clarke Quay to meet us (so touched…..)

The trainee couples. Happily ever after….


Adam ordered a gigantic burger that took him more than an hour to finish.
It’s as big as his face!

Top: Aditi from New Zealand (left), Adam and Melissa (right). Nice to meet you!
Bottom: Cecilia posing with Diana(Left) and Sharon (right). Nice smiles.....

Diana had been looking forward to meeting her Mama Tiro, and she got her desire fulfilled last evening.


Last but not least, CHEERS for @!!!

It was another evening with a bunch of passionate @ers. Thanks for making my Friday evening a colorful one.

What next? Post exam party on Dec 2!!! Join us! Do not hesitate!

Cheers,
Alvin
*Alvin is @NTU ER Exec, a Msian guy who's tremendous passion for @ and UN. Way to go Alvin!! Have fun back home now.

Post-exam Party is COMING...REAL SOON

Harloowww AIESEC!!

Exam is almost over [well, almost...10 days from now]. Am sure you all have done well on that, right? C'mon... no need to be shy ^.*

Well, our post-exam party is ready to de-stress y'all. Let's have FUN together under the sun.

When? December 2, 2006 [Saturday]
What time? 12noon at Harbour Front MRT Station
[those going from NTU, let's meet at 11am at Boon Lay MRT Station]
Where? SENTOSA *yay*

Agenda *you can come in any time here*:
11.00am: Meet up at Boon Lay MRT Station [those from NTU]
12.00pm: Meet up at Harbour Front MRT Station [those NOT from NTU]
12.15pm: Lunch at the nearby kopitiam before we board on the shuttle bus to Sentosa
1.00pm: On the shuttle bus to Sentosa
2.00pm: Games games games....LC R&R and Prize giving.... discussion w/ friends.... dance.... anything you want!!

And if we stayed till late enough, we could even go to the Water Laser at 8pm.

What to bring?

• Sunblock or suntan *wakaka
• A set of change w/ towel, soap, shampoo, etc
• Cards to play
• Volleyball if you had any
• Water
• $3 for Sentosa ticket
• Snacks
• Medicine *if you needed any*
• and most important...
• GREAT SPIRIT!!
  

So, let us know if you're coming so we'd wait for you k. Write to Chris Chan at chris.chan@aiesec.net or beep Diana [can't post her no. here].

Meanwhile, still all the best for exams...and don't forget to vote for your fellow EBs and members *refer to the LC Rewards & Recognition*.

Awhh...and we can get out T-shirt soon!! Make your order before it runs out.

See you all!!! AZA!

NTU LC rewards & Recognition 2006

Dear AIESECers,

Whassup??

Exams have started... hope everything is going on fine. : )

Anyway, I know you are busy studying (you'd better be, haha), but I need your help for our first ever LC NTU Rewards and Recognition (R&R)! The winner of each category gets to win our very own spanking new AIESEC NTU t-shirt as well as MTV goodies. The purpose of R&R is to reward and acknowledge deserving individuals who have shown their dedication in AIESEC activities.

How this voting works:
Each member gets to vote for one person in each category. However, the EB members will have higher weightage (1 EB vote = 3 votes). The rationale behind this is because the EBs will have a clearer overall picture of who has been actively playing his/her part in AIESEC NTU as well as in their respective departments.

How to vote?
Easy! Just reply this email and replace the [fill in name here] brackets below with the name of the person you wish to vote. Votes are confidential.

Categories:
Leadership award (choose among junior members)
This award is given to a member who has displayed leadership qualities during AIESEC events and gatherings, such as leading and helping other members or uniting people to do something together. I vote for [fill in name here]

Initiative award (choose among junior members)
This award is given to a member who dares to take the initiative to question something and learn more, provide recommendations and suggestions as well as a person who is willing to challenge their worldview and ready to assist and extend their hands to others. I vote for [fill in name here]

Most approachable EB (chose among EBs)
This award is given to a member of the Executive Board who is dedicated and is willing to go the extra mile to help out a new member. He or she should be someone who the juniors feel easy to talk to and learn from. I vote for [fill in name here]

So please vote for the above categories by 11.59pm, 1 Dec by replying to this email. Prizes will be given out during the post-exam party on 2nd December.

Good luck for the remaining papers!

p.s: Remember to book your time for our Post-exam party on 2nd December, 2006 at Sentosa. More details coming up soon, check it out here.

AIESECly yours,
PANG SZE FEI

Our Youth. Our Future.

ECO 10 things to do

Do you want to do something to stop global warming?

Here are 10 simple things you can do and how much carbon dioxide (CO2) and money you.ll save doing them.

Change a light
Replacing one regular light bulb with a compact fluorescent light bulb can save 130kg of CO2 and $50 a year.
IKEA: $5-$8 depending on size

Drive less
Walk, cycle or carpool more often.
If you take the public transport, you can save 4,200kg of CO2 and $2,500 a year.

Recycle More
You can save 1090 kg of carbon dioxide PA by recycling your household waste

Use less hot water
Wash your clothes in cold or warm water & dry them under the sun.
You can save 450kg of CO2 and $150 a year.

Avoid products with a lot of packaging
You can save 545 kg of carbon dioxide if you cut down your garbage by 10%
Reject plastic and paper bags; use a reusable fabric bag, take it with you when you shop;
Buy at Cold Storage, Carrefour, NTUC from $1-$5

Adjust your thermostat
Setting your air-conditioner at 25°C can save 900kg of carbon dioxide &
$300 a year without compromising on cooling comfort.
Buying an A/C? Make sure it has an energy label; http://www.nccc.gov.sg/energylabel/aircon.asp

Use an electric fan
You can save 1,400kg of CO2 & $500 a year by using electric fan instead of A/C.

Plant a tree anywhere.
A single tree will absorb 1 ton of carbon dioxide over its life time
Go to any nursery or upper Thomson Rd or http://www.plant-a-tree-today.org

Turn off your electronic devices, Switch off at the main power
Lights, appliances and electronic equipment, when they are not in use.
You can save 250kg of CO2 and $100 a year.
Tell a friend
Tell a friend to see the movie .An Inconvenient truth.

Courtesy of:
The Campaign 4 An Inconvenient Truth (Singapore)
environmental challenge organisation (Singapore)

NLDS Flash

Oopps....not yet hibernating.

Here is our NLDS flash, enjoy!! Do not forget to register yourself and see you there!



ps: Thank you for being patient as the file will take a few minutes to load depending on your connection speed! :)

Exam wishes

AIESEC in NTU

Wishes you...

ALL THE BEST in YOUR EXAM!

YOU CAN DO IT!! *yey*

"The human mind is the most malleable thing in the creation. You say to it, 'I can't''...it gives up. There is defeat even before the battle is begun. You say to it day after day, 'I can', and follow it up with discipline, persistence and hard work... then Success is yours even before you realize it and easier than you thought."
Copyright © 2006 Guru Prasad

Take care all and cya at the Post-exam party.


ps: We're hibernating for at least a week :)

Our winning T-shirt *yay

Hola...

Finally, we 've gotten our T-shirt Design *yey*.

Thanks for all who have voted *through polling or sending me email and msgs.

Our winning design is Design no 1 [black colour] by Samuel. CONGRATS to Samuel!!
You tee is gonna be 'exported' yar.

Samuel 'NTU ICX' who wants to be known as 'cool' hehe..*pizz Sam

The result:
Design 1 [black]: 51.4%
Design 2 [white]: 0.6%
Design 3 [brown]: 48%



Thanks to all the designers for the effort put in: Samuel, Deng Lu, Wan Xin, Andrew and Diana.

For order, please fill in your particular at the SURVEY section inside @.net or email Diana at diana.dawidson@gmail.com [first come first serve basis in terms of size]. Estimated cost per-tee: lower than $10.

Let's wear the tee during our NLDS.
Show ALL of them that NTU ROCKS the house *yippee

So, don't forget to register for NLDS [9-12 December] and book your agenda for Post-exam Party [2 December].

Aza aza fighting everyone!!

Take care.

The AIESEC Logo

By AIESEC in NTU ER Brand Management Team
[Cai Long, Zou You, Gita, Li Jun]


People think of McDonald's as quickly as when they see the red bend-standing M letter with “I’m loving it” below. Even young children, not knowing what the company name is, will tag their mom’s hands repeatedly asking for French fries or a cup of McFlurry when they see it. At other instances, people may raise their eyebrow in amazement when they see the latest-model laptops with a bitten apple logo on it. Many people will say it is a good brand even without having used it. Why is a logo so powerful? How can it be associated with these positive attributes?

A logo is a graphic element, symbol, or icon of a trademark or brand and together with its accompanying fonts which is set in a unique typeface or arranged in a particular way. It is an iconic symbol designed to represent a company, organization, product, service, and sometimes certain places.

The AIESEC logo which was introduced in 1991 is at the heart of AIESEC identity, it distinguishes itself from other logos in three aspects: logotype, icon and subscript. First, the abbreviated text “AIESEC” is the logotype of AIESEC, which allows any viewer to identity the AIESEC brand at first glance. Second, the symbols of young people carrying books walking from blue mass are the icon of AIESEC logo. Walking forward represents walking towards the future. Increasing definition represents forming/developing as individuals. Emerging from the blue mass represents building your own path or moving towards your personal vision. Third, the global descriptor, which is a description of the organization, is “The international platform for young people to discover and develop their potential”. “International” reinforces Global and describes nature of AIESEC experience. “Platform” represents the different opportunities we offer. It addresses connecting and brings out the self-driven aspect of activating leadership. “Young people” is a most accurate description of the youth-driven element of AIESEC brand promise. “Develop and discover” is a distinguishing feature of AIESEC experience and activating leadership.



Since the AIESEC logo is at the heart of AIESEC identity, it should be presented without any mistakes. Here we will introduce to you some key points on how to create the AIESEC logo correctly in documents and web pages.

1. Since AIESEC is an acronym, therefore when the six letters appear together, you should always remember to type them in capital letter.
2. When you create an AIESEC document or web page, the AIESEC header should always take up 80% of the page width. What needs to be emphasized is that the logo should never be stretched or compressed, and the subscript should end at the same vertical line as the main body of the logo.
3. Color specification of the logo is very important. Do not use transparent typeface instead of standard colors.
AIESEC Blue Logo can be placed on white, AIESEC Orange, and AIESEC Light Orange backgrounds.
AIESEC Black logo can be placed only on white background
AIESEC White logo can be placed only on AIESEC blue background
4. Do not use the logo as a background for other images or text, and do not put other images or text on it. It should not be modified in any way.

Things mentioned above may sound too technical for some people. Yet, it is very important for AIESECers to understand this as a part of AIESEC branding image. Consistent logo will reflect the professionalism and credibility of AIESEC. The branding inconsistencies may confuse people and AIESEC stakeholders, which may also lead to a doubt of the organization’s image. How can people trust AIESEC if the brand itself is always different from time to time? We cannot call it a McDonald’s Golden Arches if we were to see a bend-standing M letter in blue, can we?


ps: Yey... so proud of my members, so proud of each and everyone of you :)
We CAN make it... Let's leap towards excellence!

I am so EXCITED!!

This year's AI dance "I am so excited" keeps playing again and again in my head.

Must have been that wonderful meeting with our Teacher Advisor, Prof Hooi Den Huan.

Sze fei and I went to the meeting anticipating something good *yah he told us that he has some good news to tell us* with regards to our plan of having a Marketing workshop. It was our 2nd meeting.

Prof Hooi is one of the Marketing Gurus, he befriends the Marketing Gurus too [Philip Kotler, Hermawan Kartajaya...check who they are if you had no idea :) ]. So, during our first meeting, we went from a small plan of merely educating our member base to having a bigger scale workshop targetting the undergraduates, especially those from NTU.

So, he brings in another speaker to our workshop, Prof Wan. Yes, another Marketing Guru from Nanyang Biz Skul. Apparently, he was an AIESECer back in 1970s while he was studying in Switzerland. OMG... true AIESECers just can't let go of AIESEC :) That's why I am proud to be in. Maybe to be one of a real AIESECer in the future too.

Up till this part... I was: "Great...more speakers, more credibility, more attendees, more sponsors."

But, that's not the main thing.

Prof Wan managed to secure a 5K sponsorship for this workshop using his network. Ouch...I was floating in the sky by now. Of course, there are some deliveries to this sponsorship. But hey..it's good right? We have something to start with.

By this time, if I was not fit enough, I might have gotten a heart attack level 9 *haha*

Then, Prof Hooi continued telling us his story. He was having a conversation with his friend when he mentioned about this event...And gosh, his best friend showed his interest to join in as a speaker. He wants it as he himself is the Advisor for AIESEC Local Chapter in Surabaya! Yah..talk about our network - but that's not the point here.

We were SHOCKED to the max. My jaw dropped. What? Another Marketing Guru to join our line of speakers. Woo hoo...AMAZING!! Not just an ordinary Marketing Guru, we have Hermawan Kartajaya here... Hello!!!

Haha..many things to do now. The expectations are high, at least from my side. But well... It's one of the starting point. We gotta nail it down no matter what.

So all, beware of this:
1. Marketing workshop next year *book your agenda!
2. 3 reputable Marketing Guru: Hermawan Kartajaya, Prof Hooi Den Huan and Prof Wan Chew Yoong *what else huh?
3. Media coverage?? we'll see *haha

Can't stop smiling...and yeah, I'm so excited!
Heart beat level is getting higher and higher.

Everyday starts today!

Celebrating Deepavali the AIESEC Way

CELEBRATING DEEPAVALI THE AIESEC WAY
By Hazel Almeida

It was party time at the Banana Leaf Apollo as AIESEC members from all over Singapore gathered to celebrate AIESEC day. There were over 130 people of over 30 different nationalities in attendance. It was the first time that AIESEC Singapore ever held an informal event of such a great magnitude.

I've toldja it's HAPPENING!!
If you missed it, then too bad lor...join us next time k!

Founded in 1948, AIESEC has since evolved into the largest student organization in the world spanning over 800 universities in 95 countries and territories. The main aim of AIESEC aim is to foster leadership qualities in young people by developing them through programs such as International internship programme, learning networks and global conferences where young people can gain exposure to cultural diversity and broaden their worldview.

The event, organized to mark the Indian festival of Deepavali was celebrated in true Indian style. Several of the guests sported Indian attire. The event started with a series of comical, impromptu skits prepared to introduce the guests to the customs behind the auspicious occasion. It was then followed by a dazzling Indian dance display after which the guests were on the floor trying out the fast paced Indian dance steps.

The highlight of the event was a skit based on the Indian custom of arranged marriages. It was a hilarious description of several Indian customs and even how to wear Indian attire. The play had a multicultural touch to it as the star couple were not Indian but Chinese.

Let's dress up the 'groom' and 'bride' the Indian way :)

After a lot more dancing, the guests were treated to a mouthwatering meal with Indian specialties such as Biriyani and Tandoori Chicken. This was then followed by the Deepavali challenge where the guests had to team up into groups of about five and ask as many passersby as possible about what made Deepavali special for them.

It was a day that not only brought AIESECers in touch with each other but it also introduced them to the very rich Indian culture. David Liem, an AIESEC intern from Canada currently working with Adam Khoo Learning Technologies group Pte, who was one of the main organizers of the event, said that the event was organized to bring together the foreign interns and the local AIESECers so that everyone could come together for a truly international experience. He was impressed with the turnout and said, “It was great to see everyone together. I feel this was a great achievement. It inspires me to organize something even better.”

From catwalk, skit, dances to awards...
What else could I ask?

The participants too felt the event was a success as they enjoyed themselves tremendously. Bjoern Orth, from Germany said, “I found the event very interesting. It was good to find out what Deepavali was all about. I got to know a lot more about Indian Culture.”

The event was typical of AIESEC events where everyone has an absolutely fantastic time at the same time gaining something that will help them grow.

After the celebration, it's Brewerkz chilling time.
So happee many NTU @ers were there...
Great to have you guys there ^.*v

See you at our next AIESEC events!!