20 GROUNDBREAKING FYPS 20 UNFORGETTABLE ALUMNI 20 BIRTHDAY WISHES - ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF
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20 UNFORGETTABLE ALUMNI
20 GROUNDBREAKING FYPS
20 BIRTHDAY WISHES
VOL. 8 ISSUE I1 JAN – MAY 2012
ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF THE
Affix
stamp
here
Wee Kim Wee School
of Communication and Information
31 nanyang link, #04–43, wkwsci building
singapore 637718
CONTENTS CHAIR’S MESSAGE
A
s this issue of ConnexSCIons goes to press, plans are well underway for the School’s
20th Anniversary celebrations. On May 11th we will be hosting a special fundraising
dinner at the Fairmont Hotel (some of you may be reading this in the ballroom).
CAMPUS 4 sojourning into pyongyang The event has been designed to allow us to look back over the past two decades together
Journalism students on landmark practicum bond over blackouts, freezing and appreciate the achievements of the School’s students, alumni and faculty. It will also give
temperatures and bizarre episodes us the opportunity to honour the founding dean of the School, Prof Eddie C.Y. Kuo, and
6 theatre with no sexual boundaries support something that he is deeply committed to – fostering greater understanding through
Daring play by WKWSCI alumnus and students rocks the Arts House with sold-out intercultural experience and communication. The can learn more about the study abroad
performances scholarship in the magazine.
7 cambodia calling
New Regional Strategic Communication Management practicum encourages
Current students and recent grads know that the school is highly supportive of international
community awareness
experiences and helps to promote them through student exchange and specialized courses
8 WEE DID IT Again
Students and alumni do the school proud once more
that have an overseas component. This issue features stories on two of these courses. Students
travelled well out of their comfort zones and into North Korea and rural Cambodia. In both
10 study abroad scholarship launched
Founding Dean Prof Eddie Kuo launches new scholarship at anniversary dinner locations students learned about worlds that are far removed from Singapore while developing
11 gala dinner for 20th anniversary
skills in journalism and strategic communication. The School’s endowment, the Wee Kim Wee
Celebration marks two decades of “strong and steady progress” legacy Fund in particular, makes these special courses possible.
COVER STORY 12 20 years and beyond We will continue to run these courses and expand the offerings to include more students.
Trailblazing spirit continues to be secret of WKWSCI’s ground-breaking growth To do so, the full subsidy will have to be reduced, and students participating will share the
costs. To ensure that all qualified students are eligible regardless of their means, travel
ALUMNI 22 20 alumni who left their mark bursaries will be available on a needs basis. We also hope to involve alumni more in the
In honour of our anniversary, ConnexSCIons features 20 alumni who have left an trips, so be on the lookout for news of your former classmates in upcoming stories on
indelible impression on professors and peers with their idealism, professionalism GO-FAR and other courses with overseas components.
and, yes, humour
Speaking of alumni, we have a lot of news about them in this special 20th
Anniversary issue. As the School continues to mature and the ranks of our alumni
grow, we expect to hear more back from more of you. Please take the time to
drop us a line when you have something of interest to report. You can use the
ConnexSCIons email address on the previous page, or just write to me. I am always
ON THE COVER happy to hear from former students.
In celebration of the 20th
anniversary of WKWSCI, Not only do we like to hear from our alumni, but we like to see you, too. So we are
the design team chose a planning a special event next academic year to launch the Newsplex-Asia, an integrated
visual of a sign post against multi-media news facility that will help our students and faculty keep up with the latest
the backdrop of a blue sky. trends in digital media production. The exact date has yet to be determined (probably
The signpost speaks of the sometime around the mid-autumn festival), but it will be on a Saturday afternoon so that
crossroads where the school as many alumni as possible can come to NTU and see the changes in the WKW School
WRITING TEAM DESIGN TEAM
now stands, while the blue and meet up with old friends. We are planning a number of activities including a
Basu Roy Jayanti, Chow Aiyan, Eng Jing Ci Eufratia Raissa Mandhela, Hemma d/o
sky represents optimistic barbeque, and it should be a lot of fun.
Dawn, Hu Huiyi, Kelly Koo Min Rui, Kwang Balakrishnan, Lim Pei Yi, Neo Chin Ding,
growth and boundless
Shu Wen, Lee Shi Jun Derrick, Ng Jun Feng, Seet Kwang Jen, Yap Ee Ping Jodee
dreams for the future.
Ngeng Shu Wen, Alex Lim Zheng Rong, Finally, I would like to express my appreciation to the ConnexSCIons
– Eufratia Raissa Mandhela
Amellia bte Abdul Razak team for adopting an accelerated production schedule in order to get
and Seet Kwang Jen
the magazine out in time for the 20th Anniversary dinner. As usual,
the students have done a very nice job, and I am sure they have learned Benjamin H. Detenber
ADVISORS SPECIAL THANKS TO E-mail us your news to include in the next issue:
connexscions@ntu.edu.sg a lot about communication and media production. I am sure you Chair
Dr Yeoh Kok Cheow, Ms Juleen Dr Benjamin Detenber, Dr Lee Chun
will enjoy the fruits of their labour.
Shaw, Mr Christopher Yaw Wah, Ms Lena Ow
2 CONNEXSCIONS CONNEXSCIONS 3
CAMPUS
much extravagance in a country with a meagre GDP
was stunning.
“You’d be surprised at how much North Korea tries
to give off this perfect image, from multi-talented,
plastic-smiled kindergarten kids to chandeliered ceilings
in libraries and subway stations. For a country so poor,
it’s amazing and shocking at the same time how they
prioritise the flow of money,” Jieying observed.
She has a new appreciation for the comfort of
Singapore—how lucky we are to not have the frequent
blackouts and desolate lands of North Korea.
While she was in Pyongyang, Jieying was also
unable to shake off the feeling of being watched.
“There’s this talk about hidden cameras behind
mirrors in the room and that possibility got some of us
Sojourning into a little paranoid,” she admitted.
That was not the only “creepy” feeling the students
had during the week-long visit. Even a visit with
A soldier paying respects at the site where the 1953 Armistice ending the Korean
War was signed
Pyongyang by Amellia Razak
kindergarten children gave the group chills, as the
entire visit had an air of being overly staged and
carefully executed.
Elizabeth recalled their visit to a school where dead
Journalism students on a landmark practicum bond over animals stuffed with cotton lined the corridors.
blackouts, freezing temperatures and bizarre episodes “The teacher had a long stick which she would
use to point at animals and the kids would shout their
W
names, or point at the animals to answer the question.
hen a group of final-year students won herself, “Thank goodness we went there earlier. If not Since I was one of the photographers, I was standing
the chance to visit North Korea for a I’d be really annoyed.” quite near the front and the next thing I knew, a kid
week last December for their Short The Straits Times ran a special feature on the group’s was grabbing me and shoving the stick into my hand!”
Overseas Journalism (SOJOURN) module, they visit to Asia’s famously hermitic nation. While the children put on a performance for their
never imagined that the most newsworthy event “Honestly, it was very, very humbling,” said visitors, they appeared to be capable of “turning on you
would take place after they left. Eight days after they Elizabeth. “When you look at the other names in the fast”, Elizabeth observed.
departed Pyongyang, North Korea’s supreme leader newspaper, you know these people work hard for their “One minute they’re welcoming you at the top of
Kim Jung Il passed away. bylines, but all we did was be at the right place at the their lungs and the next, they’re laughing loudly at you
When the country’s gates closed to the outside right time, with the right person.” The brightly lit Pyongyang railway station at night
for not knowing what ‘hedgehog’ is in Korean.”
world, final-year student Elizabeth Law thought to Each year, the journalism faculty allows a select Regardless, stepping into a land steeped in history gave
few to venture overseas for its SOJOURN programme. the group many learning points. North Korea is a cultural
Supported by the Wee Kim Wee Legacy Fund, the goldmine that outside eyes try hard to peek into.
programme was created to give students the opportunity The group visited the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ)
to hone their journalism skills in an environment in Panmunjeom, even stopping at Mangyongdae, the
unlike home. birth town of Eternal Leader Kim Il-Sung.
For the group of 16 final-year students on the For the group, those precious few days will remain
practicum, being so close to an event that had a great with them for a long time, not just because of the
impact on foreign relations between East and West had bizarre behaviour of the children, or the North Koreans’
more personal implications. obeisance to their leaders, but rather, because of the
Despite the freezing temperatures, Elizabeth counted bond the students developed with one another.
herself lucky to have walked the streets of Pyongyang. “We were not allowed any gadgets other than our
“It was about zero degrees and even though the cameras and we didn’t have the chance to be plugged
walk was supposed to take only 45 minutes, we took in (to the computer) or use our phones,” Jieying said,
nearly two hours and by the end of it, I could barely feel adding that as they only had each other for company
Supervisor Ms Hedwig Alfred (centre) giving a briefing on the my face,” she said. and entertainment, “I think the bunch of us grew from
bus To fourth-year student Foo Jieying, the sight of so strangers to pretty good friends in a week”. C The Sojourn team taking a photo with kindergarten children
4 CONNEXSCIONS CONNEXSCIONS 5
CAMPUS CAMPUS
Theatre with
no sexual Cambodia
boundaries Calling By Darius Zheng
By Kwang Shu Wen New Regional Strategic Communication Management
practicum encourages community awareness
W
Daring play by WKWSCI alumnus and students rocks the Arts House with hile most students spent their one-week departments in various companies. The students hope Patients in
Oudong Referral
sold-out performances mid-semester break in February revising, to see the module culminate in an exhibition slated to
Hospital do not
A
or travelling if they were lucky, a group of take place in May at the Arts House.
bold original play, “F’Friends” (you can decide Behind the Scenes second-year students chose to spend theirs on an eye- “Within and outside school, there are really not
have the benefit of
proper sanitation,
what “F” means), which ran at The Arts House
Play Den from 18 to 21 January this year,
with “Samantha” opening trip to aid Cambodian villagers who have little many socially-relevant classes available. For students to the concern of
family members
access to safe water and proper sanitation. wanting to deviate from the typical corporate track, this
turned out to be a roaring success for its playwright- Year 3 student Quek Huiying, who played such as Ms Ouk
The 12 WKWSCI students travelled to rural is an option for them,” said Asst Prof Fernando. It was a
Samantha in “F’Friends”, had a tough time juggling Rathana (above)
cum-director, WKWSCI alumnus Jocelyn Chua, and Cambodia with instructors Mr Tim Clark and win-win situation for the school as well as Lien AID.
her young cast. rehearsals, school commitments and her internship Assistant Professor Fernando De La Cruz Paragas as The organisation’s Senior Manager, Lim Chee Leong
at the same time. But she did it, because theatre is
Four out of five of the shows were sold out. part of a newly minted overseas module—Regional said, “At Lien AID, we believe in the need to increase
one passion that she cannot give up.
Wittily pieced together, the production was a Her role of Samantha was not an easy one. Strategic Communication Management. The trip was public awareness of the need for proper water and
brave attempt at “untamed and uncut” theatre by this “I am not like Samantha!” remarked Huiying, made possible by a partnership with Singapore-based sanitation hygiene, which remains a pertinent problem
collective, a young arts company set up by Jocelyn. who described Samantha as “ah-lian”. A non-governmental organisation (NGO) Lien Alliance today in areas such as Cambodia, China and Vietnam.”
The scenes in the play were set in HDB flats all over dominating and manipulative character, Samantha for International Development (Lien AID). He added, “It has been a great experience working with
Singapore and delved into complicated love, as well as nevertheless secretly possessed a soft heart.
The new module aims to provide students with an the school for this trip to visit our project sites. We hope to
The role was a physically demanding one, as
lusty and awkward relationships among six couples. Huiying and her partner had to practise their experiential learning opportunity to study the nuances further increase this form of community consciousness of
Jocelyn, who graduated from WKWSCI in 2006, blocking on stage multiple times in order to and intricacies of communication issues faced by non- the public via more partnerships in future.” C
had specialised in Broadcast and Cinema Studies. perfect the scene. In one instance, they had to profit organisations. Through the module, the school
She wrote and directed the 2004 staging of Paparazzi, fling objects at each other. aims to bring community awareness into the classroom
an annual WKWSCI theatre production. “We had to be careful not to hurt each other to develop socially-mindful and well-rounded students.
but yet come across as convincing,” Huiying
Despite the inexperience of the young cast in Students on the 10-day trip travelled to Lien
recalled.
“F’Friends”, three of whom are current WKWSCI Praise from the audience made all the effort AID’s project sites in Cambodia’s Kampong Speu and
students, Jocelyn was impressed by their performance Kampong Chhnang provinces, where they visited Students
and rehearsals worthwhile.
interviewing staff
level and professional attitude. “It was heartening to see our hard work being referral hospitals and a health centre. They also visited in a provincial
Indeed the audience was visibly moved by the rewarded by the applause during curtain call, along Asia’s largest freshwater lake, the Ton Le Sap, where hospital, to gather
marvellously daring performances of the young cast. with good feedback and reviews from friends
they spoke to families in the floating communities who information on
who had come down to support me,” she said
Kenneth Kwok, an arts reviewer for The Inkpot happily. “I remember one of my friends texting me: face issues of access to safe water and proper sanitation. local sanitary
Reviews (a theatre and dance online review website) “It is such a different experience as compared issues
‘Please continue acting!’ I believe these are the best
said of the production, “I’m excited. We are now seeing indicators of my performance.” to touring in developed countries,” observed Year 2
more and more young people coming out of theatre or The cast remained close even after the student Tay Qiao Wei. “It was honestly quite an eye-
literature courses in JCs, polytechnics and universities production ended. “I find it cool to be able opener for me. I’m thankful for this opportunity given
to save people’s contacts in my phone and
saying, Hey, let’s rent a space and put on a play.” for us to interact with the unfortunate and know more Course instructor
categorise them as ‘F’Friends’! It kind of seals the
The review highlighted the excellent performances bond,” Huiying siad with a grin. about their lives.” Asst Prof Paragas
of all three WKWSCI students in the cast. Hoping to participate more widely in the local At the end of the module, students were required to (left) running
“It is important to remember that for quite a few arts scene, she added, “We can’t buy happiness, through the
assemble the stories they had documented—in the form
but we have the right to chase our dreams, and itinerary with Lien
of them, this is their professional stage debut. Best in of photography, videos and words—to develop possible AID Cambodia
show: Willy Beh, Quek Hui Ying ad Marcus Yew and that’s kind of the same thing.” C collaterals to pitch the aims of NGOs to potential Deputy Manager
especially Ellison Tan, “ wrote Kwok. donors such as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Sopheak Sim
6 CONNEXSCIONS CONNEXSCIONS 7
CAMPUS CAMPUS
WEE DID IT AGAIN
ConnexSCIons congratulates our talented new batch of award winners
By Dawn Eng
CROWBAR BRONZE AWARD NFFTY INTERNATIONAL SHOWCASE
SELECTION
Chiang Wei Liang Tay Lide
T W
he Crowbar Awards is a recognised means for hen Tay Lide first heard about his group’s
the winner to get a foothold in the competitive film, “Bukit Chandu”, making it into the
advertising industry. But Bronze Award winner official selection under the International
Chiang Wei Liang did not care about all that. Showcase at the National Film Festival for Talented
To him, film making is not about the end result, Youth (NFFTY) 2011 in Seattle, he was stunned.
but the process and people behind it. “If making At the point of their win, his team, comprising
films is a way of generating publicity, good grades Elizabeth Lee, Maryam Mokhtar, Pedro Shiu,
or popularity for yourself, you really undermine the Chiang Wei Liang and himself, had only picked up
SINGAPORE SHORT FILM spirit of film making, which is just story telling,” he said film studies for less than a year, each with only about
EYEKA AWARD
AWARDS NOMINATIONS in a phone interview from Taipei, Taiwan, where he is three short films under their belts.
Audrey Woon Benny Lim currently working on his FYP. They were “as clueless as most students were”,
His winning film “8MMTPE”, which refers to confessed Lide, whose team used fellow hall residents
the film format 8mm, was shot when he was a Year 2 and friends as their talents and make-up artistes.
D E
student on an exchange trip to Taiwan. Having botched an attempt at using wireless
espite their last-minute submission, Audrey yeka award winner Benny Lim attributes his win “I first met (director) Arvin (Chen) on exchange,” microphones for the audio for the film, the group
Woon and her group members Jeanette Lim, to all of the members of his team: Lisa Tan, Ou said Wei Liang. “I sent him a long e-mail after I watched had to resort to using ADR (Automated Dialogue
Yap Junhua and Wallace Woon had their Xin Ying and Edwin Lim. “Perseverance and one of his films, asking him what it was like to shoot in Replacement) to re-record the dialogue and dub it over
film nominated for best documentary, best editing team spirit are the key to ensuring that a film shoot Taiwan, and we subsequently met up. I was touched by their visuals, costing them many extra hours of labour.
and best cinematography in the Singapore Short Film runs smoothly,” he said. how a renowned director like himself took the time to With all their difficulties, the group did not hold
Awards (SSFA). The film is about a girl missing her home in the days answer my amateur questions, and even paid for our out high hopes for their war film. “Bukit Chandu”,
Their film centres around the conversations that before she goes to study in the US. “Lisa is an awesome meal. Veterans here give young people like us a real a fictional story, was based on the real-life Bukit
Bangladeshi workers have with their families, and director who always had the film’s vision in her chance to develop and show our talents.” Chandu story. The group was inspired to portray
seeks to show how these foreign workers have loved mind,” said Benny. Not forgetting the rest of the team, For his winning film, he took elements of films he “a proud piece of our heritage, and also a constant
ones back home that they are working hard for. he added, “Edwin is an excellent DOP who was a admired and experimented on them. “I’d like to think of reminder of our needs as a fledgling nation: that we
“Hopefully the audience will be urged to look steadying presence in the production. Oxy (Xin Ying) my film as an homage to my favorite directors,” he said. alone will defend ourselves in times of war”.
further than the stigma that society creates around is a terrific sound recordist who did her job efficiently His film, about a man who photographs Taipei, seems to “We had to watch a lot of reference films to get a
these Bangladeshi construction workers who are, in and effectively. The production assistants were amazing have been inspired by his own love for a city he described better idea of what had to be done in order to make the
fact, lonely in a foreign country,” said the group. in going the extra mile for us too.” as “magical”. “When I have time I just cycle around and story compelling,” said Lide.
Securing filming locations was tough. “We called His team stuck together through the inevitable look at things—there are so many stories here,” he said. “It was our first selection for a film festival, and
up dorm after dorm and even made a trip down to difficulties they faced, including trouble with securing “8MMTPE” was also selected for the National Film understandably, that was the hugest achievement in
Kaki Bukit and got turned down at the door,” said locations and holding auditions. Festival for Talented Youth (NFFTY) 2011 in Seattle, my life,” he added with pride. “The fact that I was on
Audrey. But their “why-not?” attitude finally won Their collaborative efforts paid off in the end, and, USA, in addition to another film collaboration he did exchange in Seattle and was able to attend the festival
through. in Benny’s own words, “It was a great morale booster.” with fellow WKWSCI students entitled “Bukit Chandu”. in person was the cherry on top!” C
8 CONNEXSCIONS CONNEXSCIONS 9
CAMPUS CAMPUS
study abroad
C: Can you describe the bond you share with C: How do you think this scholarship will improve the
the school that inspired you to launch the world view of WKW students?
scholarship? EK: One cannot deny that effective and fruitful
scholarship EK: WKWSCI is my baby. It is my brainchild. Ever
since it was founded, I have watched this school
communication can only be achieved through
discourse and a diverse pool of ideas contributed by
launched
grow and prosper over the years. It has evolved with people from different parts of the world. Students
changing times. People have come and gone, but the who will use my scholarship to study abroad will have
infectious spirit of the learning environment in this transformed to an all-new individual with enriched
school has remained intact. An eagerness to imbibe views on several issues and be a very successful
Founding Dean Prof Eddie Kuo launches new newer values while striving to achieve in every conversationalist.
scholarship at anniversary dinner By Jayanti Basu Roy endeavour is the mantra of this school. I just wanted Students will now be incentivised to work harder if
to take a step forward and extend my affection for the they aspire to be awarded this scholarship. Once they have
school and my zeal in the field of communications returned from exchange and are global citizens, they will
be prepared to face the world and overcome all obstacles. C
T
through this scholarship.
he launch of the new and anticipated Professor Prof Kuo, who is Professor Emeritus and Founding
Eddie C.Y. Kuo Study Abroad Scholarship is Dean of WKWSCI, is a global educator who has carved
one of the highlights of the WKWSCI 20th a niche for himself as a reputed academic and policy
Anniversary Dinner on 11 May 2012.
The scholarship is aimed at maximising the potential
of students who believe in the power of communication
maker. He continues to teach and share his knowledge and
experiences with new generations of students in WKWSCI.
In a conversation with ConnexSCIons, Prof Kuo
GALA DINNER FOR
across cultural barriers. Through his philanthrophy, Prof revealed more about the scholarship and his affection
Kuo hopes that more students will gain valuable experience for a school that is his “baby”. By Amellia Razak
from exchange programmes both within Asia and beyond. Celebrating 20 years of nurturing excellence within and beyond
C
ConnexSCIons: What is the inspiration behind the
elebrating WKWSCI’s 20th anniversary is a WKWSCI Chair, Associate Professor Benjamin
Professor Eddie C.Y. Kuo Study Abroad Scholarship?
grand gala dinner on 11 May. To be held at Detenber, described the progress of the school as “steady
EK: In the past few years, I have made regular
Fairmont Hotel, the dinner is expected to have and strong” due to the dedication and hard work of faculty,
contributions to the WKW Legacy Fund. In late 2011, I
450 guests, including faculty, staff and alumni. staff and students.
offered to donate a sum of $10,000 to the Legacy Fund in
The event will be graced by the family of the late President “I believe our alumni will make their mark not just in
support of a student scholarship. However as the Legacy
Wee Kim Wee as special guests. media industries, but in other sectors as well,” he predicted.
Fund is not a directed fund, there is little that the school
A highlight of the dinner would be the launch These very alumni will converge at the gala dinner
can do to ensure the perpetuity of this scholarship. With
of the Professor Eddie C.Y. Kuo Study Abroad on May 11 to join in the anniversary celebrations.
further consideration, it was agreed that it is high time
Scholarship. Named after the Professor Emeritus and Seats will be on sale from April onwards. If you are
that a named endowed scholarship is passed.
Founding Dean of the school, the scholarship is being interested in attending the dinner or organising a table
launched to realise Prof Kuo’s vision of nurturing top for your alumni mates, please call 6790-4577 or e-mail
C: How will the beneficiaries qualify and what will
communication and information students through WKWSCI20ANNIV@ntu.edu.sg. C
they receive?
overseas exchange programmes.
EK: The first scholarship will likely be awarded in
Providing entertainment will be our own alumnus,
AY2013/2014. Students who aspire to be awarded this
singer Tay Kewei, from the class of 2006. In addition,
scholarship must demonstrate above average academic
there will be a silent auction, featuring unusual and
performance (Cumulative Grade Point Average should
interesting items contributed by faculty, staff, and
exceed 4.0). A passion to learn and interact with people all
donors. This includes a manual typewriter from the
over the world coupled with teamwork and leadership skills
1960s donated by Founding Dean Professor Eddie
will help one to qualify for this prestigious scholarship.
Kuo, and a hanfu (traditional Chinese robe from the Dr K. C. Yeoh
This is an endowed scholarship that has long-term
pre-Ching dynasty) specially designed by Assistant with the hanfu he
benefits to the students as the income from the yearly designed specially
Professor K.C. Yeoh. All profits from the auction and
distribution derived from the principal sum can be used for the silent
table sales will go towards the scholarship.
to support annual award of the scholarship. A one-time auction at the
In addition, students and faculty will be putting up 20th Anniversary
donation would have supported only a one-time award.
key pieces of their works from overseas programmes dinner
Endowed scholarships also receive higher Government
such as Go-far, Sojourn, ISCM (International Strategic
Prof Kuo believes that a student who has been on an matching, thus enhancing the impact of the gift.
overseas exchange will have “enriched views on several issues Communication Management), and RSCM (Regional
and be a very successful conversationalist” Strategic Communication Management).
10 CONNEXSCIONS CONNEXSCIONS 11
C O V E R S T O RY
years
and beyond
Even as WKWSCI celebrates its 20th anniversary, the
school’s trailblazing spirit continues to be the secret behind its
ground-breaking growth By Alex Lim, Hu Huiyi and Kelly Koo
T
hink of a 20-year-old and a picture of youth and promise springs to mind. It is the age where, on the one
hand, idealism still leads, and on the other hand, exuberance has been tempered by experience.
This is the very picture of the Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information (WKWSCI) as
she celebrates her 20th anniversary. Faculty, donors, alumni, students and well wishers come together this year to
mark the coming of age of a school that has been a pioneer of sorts from its very inception.
From a tentative newcomer to the academic landscape of 1980s Singapore to a world-class school today, the
Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information has had a history peppered with pioneering stories.
This trailblazing spirit continues to be the secret behind our ground-breaking growth.
n and Information
Staff and faculty of Wee Kim Wee School of Communicatio
12 CONNEXSCIONS CONNEXSCIONS 13
C O V E R S T O RY C O V E R S T O RY
2012
A Pioneering Spirit 2010 Celebrates student numbers over the span of three years, Professor
Kuo and his team decided to construct a building that
THE WEE KIM WEE
Hosts the 60th its 20th
“Go west!” is the iconic call of pioneers, and western
Annual Conference anniversary
Singapore (Jurong, to be specific) was literally where would serve as an intimate and personal space for this
our fledgling school, with its pioneer communications
of the International
Communication
Association 2007
burgeoning community. Indeed, that marked the birth LEGACY FUND
programme, was staked out and set up. of the “benches”.
Hosts the Wee Kim Wee is more than one of the Presidents of Singapore—
On May 10, 1997, then Minister for Information
But the school as we know it almost did not come 2006 first World he was a diplomat, the ex-chairman for MediaCorps’ precursor,
about. Officially named Journalism and the Arts, Mr George Yeo, officiated at the grand the Singapore Broadcasting Centre (SBC), and above all, a
Education
In 1980s Singapore, the field of Communication the Wee Kim
Congress opening of the SCS building. For the four-year-old journalist. His roots as a journalist moulded him to be a valuable
Wee School of
Studies was as yet unchartered territory. The first Mass Communication 2004 school—an infant compared to the rest of its older NTU diplomat and an irreplaceable President in every Singaporean’s
heart and mind.
Communications programme was launched in the and Information Establishes siblings—this was a magnificent and unforgettable
National University of Singapore (NUS) as more of a
the Singapore 2001 event.
The Wee Kim Wee Legacy Fund provides students
Internet Becomes with a chance to pursue a vibrant and holistic education in
department overseeing an enrichment programme. Research the School of The SCS was the first school in NTU to have a communication studies, by enabling many students to engage
Centre Communication building of its own, and this building continues to be a
In 1987, Communication Studies became a subject in enriching programmes. These opportunities enable them to
and
in the Bachelor of Arts programme at NUS. Finally, in Information
source of gratification for Professor Kuo, who counts its experience first-hand the many intricacies of communication
1993, the School of Communication Studies (SCS) in 1999 2000 construction as one of the wiser decisions he made with studies and the impact it has on society.
Hosts Some of the initiatives of the Wee Kim Wee Legacy Fund are:
Nanyang Technological University (NTU) was born, Graduates his team.
its first PhD the global
It is “a building our students are proud of and that
SOJOURN
headed by its founding Dean, Professor Eddie Kuo. candidate IAMCR 2000
The initial plan was to set up a School of Journalism. conference gives them identity”, he said with paternal pride.
Then-President of NTU, Professor Cham Tao Soon, 1997 1998
was astute in his delegation of the responsibility of this Graduates
Graduates What’s in a Name? The Short Overseas Journalism practicum exposes students to
the first class the experience of reporting in an overseas environment. Students
new school to Professor Kuo. of undergraduate the first class Three name changes marked the three milestones that
of Masters are tasked to be a translator for readers— to translate the sights
Having previously been Head of Sociology at NUS, students who reflected the changing landscape of the school. and sounds of a culturally diverse and different country into
completed the students
Professor Kuo had established himself as a distinguished The School of Communication Studies (SCS) was succinct articles to titillate readers’ minds. This programme is
school’s four-year
scholar in the fields of Sociolinguistics and Media. changed to School of Communication and Information
honours degree
1996 also fully sponsored by the Legacy Fund to ensure that worthy
After analysing the increasingly vital role that curriculum
Moves into a (SCI) a year after the Division of Information Studies was students are able to take advantage of the opportunity without
new $22.6 million added, to emphasise the school’s increasing IT slant. financial concern.
Communications plays in various industries and
the lack of human resources in this arena, Professor
1994 building housing the
On December 5, 2006, SCI was renamed Wee Kim
Launches latest in print, audio/
Wee School of Communication and Information in
Kuo chose to expand the school’s field to cover
Communication Studies as a whole rather than narrow
The Nanyang
Chronicle
video, photo and
multimedia honour of the late beloved President of Singapore, who
WEE KIM WEE
its focus to just Journalism. 1992 technology
was also a respected diplomat and seasoned journalist.. UNDERGRADUATE
The School of Communication Studies was born Established as
a free-standing
In explanation of why the late President was chosen SCHOLARSHIP
out of the pioneer team’s judiciousness and foresight, School of as an icon of the school, Professor Ang said fondly, “The
one of the many wise decisions that created and crafted Communication only two persons I know whom nobody has ever said a The undergraduate scholarship sponsors students with
Studies
the school into the elite institution that it is today. bad word about is my grandmother and Wee Kim Wee.” outstanding results and co-curricular records to pursue a
Dr Wee also embodied the values of communication in Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies on a full time basis in
The first faculty, led by Professor Kuo, consisted of
the Wee Kim Wee School of Communications and Information.
distinguished academia from around the world with
invaluable professional experience, and they helped
MILESTONES his work as a diplomat, added Professor Ang.
Associate Professor Benjamin Detenber, the current
pave the way for the school’s brisk success. Professor
Kuo and his pioneer team of colleagues, which included
Professor Ang Peng Hwa, who was to be the school’s
Continued on page 16
GO-FAR
next Dean, deliberated over different curriculum
models and decided on a structure that proved to be
PROGRAMME
an important foundation for the school. One stand-out GO-FAR (Going overseas for advanced reporting) is an
feature of the curriculum is the first Bachelor’s Degree annual journalism programme which allows WKW students to
in Communication Studies, which was unique to NTU. apply their skills on a major project in a foreign environment.
The Chinese Heritage Centre acted as a foster home Students are tasked to prepare for their fieldwork and pitch
their stories to the lecturers—an entirely independent process
for the Communication Studies students from 1993
which hones their organisational skills and creativity. The
to 1996. Although the critical audio and video suites Legacy Fund fully sponsors the programme expenses, which
in the location were not of the best quality, lacklustre allows students from all backgrounds to participate as foreign
equipment could not stall the progress and enthusiasm correspondents. Countries that GO-FAR students have been
of the passionate students. Following the rapid growth of on and Ar ts BG (NS) sent to include Thailand, Myannmar, Timor Leste and Laos.
ning by Minister of Commuicati
School Official Ope
George Yeo
The late President Wee at the opening ceremony of the
14 CONNEXSCIONS School of CONNEXSCIONS 15
Communication Studies in 1997
C O V E R S T O RY C O V E R S T O RY
and serve society. Assoc Prof Detenber said he regretted
birthday
Chair of the school, elaborated, “Wee Kim Wee served
as a diplomat, he was the ambassador in Japan, and not having had the opportunity to meet Dr Wee personally,
he had a keen understanding of intercultural and but added that he continually strove to represent Dr Wee’s
interpersonal communication. These are things we feel personal and professional values in the school.
are reflected in the values of the school.” Not only a journalist but also eventually the Chairman
Wishes
The late President Wee was also a journalist who had of SBC (Singapore Broadcasting Corporation), Dr Wee
an investigative spirit, as well as a passion for seeking the had dedicated his life to journalism and the media, as
truth and presenting information that would help people well as to serving people and serving Singapore. The “Happy Birthday,WKWSCI! You will always hold a special “Happy 20th WKWSCI! Looking forward to many
place in our hearts no matter how old you grow.Thank more years of producing the finest communication &
Continued on page 19 you for all the wonderful memories! information students and research.”
Miss Regina Tan, Class of 2010 Dr May Lwin, Associate Chair (Undergraduate Studies)
“We started off with no proper office, labs, studios, and “Happy birthday SCI! I can’t think of a better school
only half a floor at the NUS computer centre in the early that would have made my undergrad experience more
OUR three
days. As this is a water dragon year, my birthday wish enjoyable and engaging! Here’s to many more years
for the school is: May WKWSCI continue to water the ahead :)”
plants of teaching and research.We will continue to shine Miss Joanna Hor, Class of 2010
pioneers
and strengthen our place in the international academic
community.Warm Congratulations!” “Happy 20th birthday WKW! Don’t worry, half the
Dr Lee Chun Wah, Assistant Chair student population is still older than you…”
Miss Michelle Ann Kwara,WKWSCI,Year 1
“Twenty & forever sexy.That’s what you are,Wee Kim Wee.”
ConnexSCIons uncovers what they really think Miss Evonne Ong,Year 1 “WKWSCI is just one year away from being legal! Trust
of the students... and each other that Wee will never lose the dynamism and passion
“Happy birthday—you are no longer a teen, may you that makes you unique. May all aspiring journalists,
Do you think that the students at WKWSCI have taught you mature in producing the best media practitioners and publicists, creative directors, filmmakers go through
journalists in Asia!” this rite of passage to fulfill their dreams. Happy 20th
anything? Miss Cassandra Yeap,Year 3, former chief editor of birthday!”
Dr Detenber What I’ve learned is that students help keep us Prof Benjamin Detenber and Prof
From left: Prof Ang Peng Hwa, Assoc The Nanyang Chronicle Miss PeiRu Ng, Class of 2010
young. I feel better connected with the way the world is moving Eddie Kuo
because I work with young people and this is why I continue “Happy birthday, SCI.Working life cannot hold a candle to “I wish WKWSCI will continue to be the best
to teach. Seeing the world through their eyes gives me a better the times we had in school. Minus the exams of course.” communication and information school in Asia attracting
He takes care of colleagues. He’s the one who really pushes the Mr Philip Lim, Class of 2010 the best faculty and students to come to NTU and also
understanding of the way the world is changing. It’s good to be research agenda in the school. Initially we didn’t have the reserve wish that our graduates will be most sought after not only
reminded that enthusiasm and willpower count for a lot. You for that but by the time he took over he was really supporting and “Happy 20th, SCI.You may be younger than me but you in Singapore but beyond Asia.”
may not have all the skills and talents but if you’re willing to promoting conference participation and other activities. That hold much, much more intellectual discourse at your Mr Vincent Teo, Assistant Director (Media)
dedicate yourself, and work hard, and you go about what you’re was a major contribution to the school. benches than I did. I am jealous.”
doing with great enthusiasm, you’re going to have some measure Miss Rosalinda Yapit, Class of 2010 “Happy 20th WKWSCI! Stay forever young and more
‘hapz’ than other schools!”
of success. Dr Kuo For Ben, one of his strengths is that he speaks very well. “20 is a great age to be.When you hit 20, you leave the Miss Celine Chen,Year 2
Ben has to deal with layers—different chairs, different offices. teenage years behind and approach the future with a new
We know how your contributions have changed the school. But For that, he has to be articulate. He can express his position confidence. Anything is possible at 20, and you have the “Congratulations on achieving a major milestone! Happy
has the school also contributed to shaping you as a person? which is very important to the school. drive and the vision to make an impact on the world—the 20th Birthday!”
Dr Ang When I studied at law school, it was like four years of school has that potential and my wish is to see it realised.” Mr Ng Heng Ghee, IT Executive
Mr Andrew Duffy, Lecturer
Year 1. I wanted our school’s programme to be exciting and Dr Detenber What I admire in Eddie Kuo is his patience and
“Happy 20th WKW! You beautiful sexy thing. Stay
different. The school has changed me in that I’ve learnt to be a perspicacity. There are few people in the world with the breadth “For 20 years you moulded not just intelligent and sensitive awesome.”
little softer. I find that I’m able to work with a lot of people now. and depth of academic experience that Eddie has, especially professionals, but characters with heart and soul, a school Mr Sulaiman Daud,Year 2
when it comes to leadership. What I have learned from Eddie, every generation is proud to call home.To many more years
Tell us one thing that you admire about each other. and admire greatly in him, is that one needs to take time to of excellence and integrity.” “20 years have come and gone, and you have given
Dr Ang For Eddie, one thing comes quickly to mind. When I first Mr Tan Thiam Peng, Class of 2011, countless individuals like myself the chance to gain
review complex situations in order to fully understand them and
former CI Club president overseas exposure, enjoy school activities and learn from
became Dean of WKWSCI, I found myself yelling at our estate respond appropriately. mentors and friends. Happy anniversary WKWSCI, and
management facilities staff. They said, “Why you yell at us, the What I admire in Peng Hwa is his compassion and concern “WKWSCI is a place in the hearts of many who have here’s to an even greater 20 years ahead!”
previous deans didn’t do that.” Turns out that out of all the deans for others. I know that whenever we are engaged in a difficult graduated. Happy 20th Birthday.” Miss Maxie Au-Yeong,Year 4, former news editor of
in the university, only Eddie had never yelled at them. discussion or disagreement (yes, it’s true—we disagree at times) Mr Zakaria Zainal, Class of 2010 The Nanyang Chronicle
Dr Kuo [laughs]: This is called soft power! I know that he never loses sight of how others are feeling or
“Happy 20th birthday,WKWSCI! Wishing you all the best “Happy birthday WKWSCI! Please bring back the
might be affected. His sense of fairness drives him to look for the and more fruitful years ahead!” sandwich machine!”
Dr Ang Ben has a very good heart. He means well in many things. optimal outcome, not the most expedient. Miss Nithiyah D/O Muthukrishnan,WKWSCI Graduate Mr Benjamin Lim,Year 1
Programmes Office
16 CONNEXSCIONS CONNEXSCIONS 17
C O V E R S T O RY C O V E R S T O RY
memorable
final year projects
shed light on the challenges and ethical dilemmas faced,
and painted a clearer picture of the lives and challenges of
these residents through personal accounts. By Goh Moy
Yen, Lim Xin Hui Alicia, Ong Kai Wen and Thong Wan Ling
Wee family recognised the request to name the school
after Dr Wee as a meaningful gesture, as the school
was an embodiment of Dr Wee’s lifelong passion for
Serene. journalism.
“Journalism was the closest to his heart, and the
• = Enclosed Worlds, Open Minds (2010)
This project explored the neurological disorder that is Wee family recognised that,” said Professor Kuo.
A special characteristic of WKWSCI students is their desire to contribute to social growth and autism.Through four profile feature stories, the study
change. Here are 20 FYPs over the years that had students putting the spotlight on marginal looked into the joys, woes, struggles and difficulties that
individuals with autism faced as they battled with social
The First Batch of Graduates
communities and taking steps to better lives stigma and insufficient resources. By Han Weiding and Any mention of the pioneer batch of graduates never
Wong Hui Foon. fails to put a smile on Professor Kuo’s face.
Brick by Brick (2012) The Big Bedroom Bustup @ Zouk – Overcoming Junk “The pioneer batch has a very special position in
This campaign helps troubled and underprivileged youth in Sleep (2010) Nintendo Wii as an Intervention: improving the Well-
being of Elderly in Long-term Care Facilities (2009) my heart as they were really the ones with the pioneer
Boys’ Town Singapore by updating their facilities. Locally- The campaign, touted as the first of its kind to tackle
designed t-shirts are sold on the http://brickbybrick.sg/ the problem of junk sleep among youths in Singapore, This study examined the positive impact of playing spirit. They grew up together with the school,” he said.
website to raise funds for this facility that is not funded by advocated responsible use of technology and getting Nintendo Wii on the psychological, social and physical The pioneer batch was a passionate bunch that
the government. By Charlene Low Ying Xiu, Seng Qian Ling sufficient hours of restful sleep. By Chew Siew Woon, Ho well-being of the elderly. It explored the unique benefits played a major role in the development of the school.
Stellina, Sufiyan Bin Sulaiman and Seet Seng Joo Sean. Ying Yi, Lum Aiyi Dawn and Nur Raihana bte Muhammad of the social interaction and physical activity that the
Razali. elderly derive while playing Wii. By Koay Jing Li, Ng Sihui They founded The Nanyang Chronicle, decided the
They Work While You are Sleeping (2011) Janissa and Wong Li Chieh Gladys. colour of the convocation gowns, and gave the first
This project put the focus on graveyard shift workers in Out of Sight Out of Mind – A Photojournalism valedictorian speech.
Singapore.The students burnt the midnight oil to interview Exhibition (2009) Adults with Autism (2010)
This project uncovered the plight of adults with Convocations then were known to be solemn and
more than 100 workers, their families, experts and doctors, This project aimed to foster an understanding of people
immersing themselves in the world of the toilers of the night. with mental illness. By Adeline Ong & Lim Chin Ping. autism. Students interviewed more than 50 autistic boring affairs, but Professor Kuo recalled how “the
www.asightofmind.com adults, their parents, doctors, and experts, results of instant our first batch of graduates appeared onstage,
The Invisible Force (2010) which highlighted the lack of autism care for adults in
they really made a scene”.
This illustrated journalism feature uncovered the Gurkha’s India’s Growing Surrogacy Industry (2009) Singapore as compared to children. By Amanda Tan and
journey from Nepal to Singapore, their life here with their India’s growing surrogacy industry was the focus of this Fiona Low. Associate Professor Detenber added with a chuckle,
families and their fortunes after they returned home. The project, which aimed to raise awareness on surrogacy, “They didn’t drop the F-bomb, but they did clap and
project was developed into an anthology of portraits and women and poverty. The students spent 10 days in Gujarat cheer. They were boisterous. Our students have been
anecdotes entitled “Our Gurkhas” by Zakaria Zainal. By and nine days in Mumbai, Maharashtra, where surrogacy
Zakaria Zainal and Chong Zi Liang. activity was highest in India. They talked to about 70 known to be very outspoken and demonstrative.”
people— including surrogates, intended parents and doctors, This outspokenness is a characteristic of the
See & Be Seen (2012) opening up discussions of class, culture and human rights WKWSCI students that Associate Professor Detenber
An initiative to promote safe cycling at night, the campaign issues. By Tan Wei Xin, David Lee and Muhd Nurluqman
takes pride in, as it has led to requests from the President
will reach out to 1,000 youths through social media and a Suratman.
night cycling event in the first quarter of 2012. The team for the attendance of students to enliven ministerial
collaborated with Firefly Night Cycling and PedalSG for the Rebuilding Bukit Lawang (2009) forums and other events. “We like them because they
project. By Marcus Yong, Grace Auyong, Ginger Chia and This project examined the positive role that ICTs (Information speak up” is a common observation. This contagious
Alex Shieh. http://www.seeabseen.com and Communications Technology) played in the rehabilitation
of a community after a flood—in this case, the population Naturally Overused: An Analysis of Health Claims enthusiasm is a personality trait that still permeates the
Sharing Plates: Cooking and Coping with Cancer of Bukit Lawang, Indonesia.The study defined the role of on “Healthy”, “All-natural” Supermarket Food lively atmosphere of the school to this day, 20 years on.
(2010) ICTs in long-term disaster recovery and set out directions Products (2009)
An inspirational cookbook with recipes by cancer for policymakers for the livelihood rehabilitation of rural Using content analysis, students examined the wording and
Continued on page 20
survivors, the initiative aimed to spread the message communities. By Shilvia Kasdani and Anisha Baghudana. images on the packaging of 328 food products in Singapore.
that cancer patients need not severely restrict their An online experiment examined whether extrinsic cues
diets but have healthy yet tasty, home-cooked food. By The Funeral (2009) and external seals effectively influenced consumers’
Goh Ji En, Joan Kuang, Rachel Tan, Ng Jia Min, Rhys Lim The short video explored how values and family perception of a product’s nutritional attributes. By Ho Jia
and Kuek Jinhua. relationships were threatened by conflicting faiths. Through Hui Eunice, Klyne Mary Ann and Chua Wanlin Joanne.
the story of a typical Singaporean family preparing for a
Reviving the Death Industry (2010) funeral, the dramatic short focussed on the emotional Unplug! World Wider than WWW (2011)
This project put the focus on the funeral industry to connection among family members with different religious This campaign addressing Internet dependency amongst
raise awareness about consumers’ rights and restore beliefs. By Ang Guangzheng, Tan Chet Hua Darren, Wang youth in Singapore, raising awareness about the importance
to them the right to mourn without worrying about Junjie and Zhang Zhengyong Johnson. of moderating one’s time online.Via the agents of interactive
getting fleeced.The students interviewed more than 40 programmes, interesting collaterals and a consistent media
funeral parlour owners, employees and clients to put a human Reclaim Land: The Fight for Space in Singapore (2009) presence, the campaign encourages youths to embrace a
face on an industry long shrouded in taboo. By Elizabeth Soh This online journalism project explored the need for space world wider than the World Wide Web. By Chew Wen Jing,
and Gwendolyn Ng. in Singapore. It looked at the everyday life of ordinary Lim Xinyi, Loh Cheryl and Quee Yan Jing.
people and how they created space in a setting where state
Food Waste Republic (2010) planning dominated the cityscape. By Justin Zhuang, Wong Daughters of God (2011)
The rampant problem of food wastage in Singapore was Shu Yun, Sam Kang Li and Serene Cheong. A documentary that centred on gender issues in
addressed in this project. The students worked undercover Malaysia, the film uncovered the lives of Anusha
at hotel banquets, spoke to more than 200 people and For Rent (2009) and Varsha, who attended a Hindu temple built by
collected food waste from 150 households. By Chen Wei Li, A video documentary that uncovered the secrets of residing Thirunankais (Indian transsexuals) during the day, but
e renaming of the
Miak Aw and Estelle Low. www.foodwasterepublic.com in subsidised one/two-room Housing Development Board roamed the streets at night as prostitutes. By Chai Jac-
So on offiiciating at th
Quinn, Lai Kahei. ident Cham Thao
(government housing) and rental flats in Singapore, the report Former NTU Pres
school in 2002
18 CONNEXSCIONS CONNEXSCIONS 19C O V E R S T O RY C O V E R S T O RY
Current Affairs students have been presented at prestigious certain that the students are up for the challenge.
Today, WKWSCI has grown into a prominent school international academic conferences. Another goal is to see the development of the
that is curiously described as “sexy” by students, faculty Many finished works of Journalism students have school’s focus on overseas exposure. Every year, the
and the general public alike. been produced as compilation books or published in International Student Exchange Programme (INSTEP),
The school holds a preeminent position in the The Straits Times as Special Reports. Global Summer Studies (GSS), Global Immersion
region as a premier institution for Communication Campaigns organised by Public Relations students Programme (GIP) and Professional Internship (PI)
Studies, continuously generating research and analysis have been adopted by small medium enterprises and take Wee Kim Wee students to more than 20 overseas
on critical communication topics and policy issues. multi-national companies. destinations, giving students invaluable, hands-on
Boasting undergraduate and graduate programmes This spirit of excellence appears to be recognised experience in the practice of real-world journalism and
designed to be on the cutting-edge of the industry, by the industry at large in the way WKWSCI graduates public relations.
the school also maintains links to a global network of are often snatched up for employment in media and PR Associate Professor Detenber aims to provide
educators, researchers and practitioners dedicated to agencies, at times even before they graduate. even more opportunities for fully-subsidised overseas
advancing knowledge and raising the bar of excellence attachments for the students, ensuring that things will
in the communications landscape. Breaking New Ground never remain at status quo at the undergraduate level.
The Bachelor of Communication Studies is a four- What’s next for this ambitious 20-year-old? Associate “I don’t know of other schools that have this
year honours classified programme. Students receive Professor Detenber, and his team have set their sights level of participation
an inter-disciplinary education when they first start on more groundbreaking moves. in overseas
out, equipping them with theoretical knowledge as well “We’re trying to develop a greater core of expertise programmes,” he said
as all the basic functional skills they need. around issues related to health. Health communication matter-of-factly.
Once this foundation is in place, students have the and health information are becoming very important in With its high-
opportunity to design their own customised curriculum the 20th century and our school can play a part in that,” he calibre faculty, zealous
From left: Prof Ang, Prof Kuo
by choosing one or more of the major tracks for in- and former NTU President said. students, innovative
Cham Thao Soon at the sch
ool renaming in 2002 There is ongoing research and development being curriculum, and a team
depth specialisation, taking the courses they are most
interested in. done to bolster this health communication initiative. of visionaries leading
The four major tracks now available to students are WKWSCI students continue to excel in all four “We’re in the process of enhancing our doctorial the school, WKWSCI
Broadcast & Cinema Studies, Journalism & Publishing, tracks, showcasing their talent in their final year training, increasing both the quality and quantity of the can look forward to a
Communication Research & Policy, and Public projects (FYPs) which are known for winning local and doctorial students that we’re bringing in,” he elaborated. future that promises
Relations & Advertising. For the latter two, a minor in international awards year after year. One of his prime goals is to help the doctorial creativity, excellence
Information Studies is also offered. Broadcast students have produced documentaries, graduates attain faculty positions in leading universities and continued relevance
The minor examines new media technologies and dramas and multimedia projects that have been around the world. “It will take us some time to get to the communications
sculpture in 1997
applications from the perspective of information and screened in film festivals and competitions worldwide. there,” he admitted, but added that he has the utmost field and the world at Installation of our familiar
knowledge management. Papers written by Communication Research confidence in the top-notch WKWSCI training and is large. C
Was it Love at First Sight?
Students and staff recall their first day at
y
g the welcome ceremon
e rem em ber the Me diterranean buffet durin ing tha t the
“W re exclaim
nts of WKWSCI. We we
held for the new stude d ben efit s and welfare. During the “When I came to work on my first day
really goo
students probably have that they are the best. I was thinking ‘this place looks great!’.
cam p, we me t wit h seniors and rea d lise
rit.”
orientatio n died the pass-it-on spi The library was newly renovated so I
ey we re ext rem ely helpful and really embo rry Go h, Yea r1 (left) felt really good working in this spacious
Th She
and bright environment. I was given
portive community in the opportunity to start my day at the
ut hel pin g us but also having a sup
“It’s no t jus t abo are countless examples service desk and I really enjoyed it. The
thi s is evi dent from Day 1. There ere
W KW SC I and our Facebook page wh students are the ones who really make
dness! One instance is
showing the seniors’ kin rm ative pla tfo rm for the the difference. They are cheerful, polite
chip in to make it an info Orientation
seniors and graduates e a co mp reh ens ive map of NTU and and very friendly. It was a great way to
e du rin g the Freshman
nts . Fro m Da y 1, we hav
urse registration system
.
“We had a grea
t expe rie nc ed forward to
new stu de
understanding of the co
begin my journey here in WKWSCI!”
ie nd s an d we really look ted
SC I, and a goo d and hea rt- Camp! We mad
e ne w fr hool is connec
W KW
otic transition to unive
rsity a sm oo th Sri Deva Rani, Staff, Asian Communication
r th e ca m p. Everyone in sc sc rib ab ly
They have made a cha Resource Centre meeting them
af te
ly share a bond
that is in de
ho rt re al
warming one.” Serene Chai,Year1 (right) and the entire co
.”
anywhere else & Cai Yi Ming,Ye
ar 1
and unmatched Felicia Ee (left)
20 CONNEXSCIONS CONNEXSCIONS 21You can also read
