NUss Distinguished & outstanding Member Awards

THE GRADUATE JUly - SepTeMber 2011 A pUblicATioN of THE NATioNAl UNivERsiTy of siNGApoRE sociETy 

The Magazine of The National University of Singapore Society July - September 2011 

NUss Distinguished 

& outstanding 

Member Awards 

Mr Gopinath Pillai, 

Mr Ernest Wong Thian Yow 

and Professor 

Dr James Newton Boss 

recognised for their 

significant contributions 

Post-General 

Election Dialogue 

political candidates electrify 

members with frank discussions 

NUSS AGM 2011 

New members elected into 

Management committee

President’s Message 

Dear Members 

In this issue of The Graduate 

we feature special interviews 

with winners of the 2011 NUSS 

Distinguished and Outstanding 

Member Awards. These 

longstanding members have not only 

distinguished themselves in their chosen 

fields, but have also unselfishly devoted 

their time and share their expertise with us 

for the betterment of NUSS. 

At the Annual General Meeting (AGM) 

held on 29 April 2011, the six resolutions 

that were tabled were all carried and I 

would like to thank members for their 

support and for taking the time to 

participate in our Society’s affairs. The 

AGM also saw eight members elected to 

the Management Committee and I would 

like to extend a warm welcome to the two 

new faces, Mr Jeffrey Khoo Poh Tiong and 

Dr Paul Wang Syan. 

At the same time, I wish to put 

on record our deep appreciation to 

Dr Rosemary Khoo and Mr Siva S Retnam 

who have stepped down because of other 

personal commitments. As Chairperson 

of S-Connect Sub-Committee, Rosemary 

championed the causes of active ageing 

and lifelong learning; while Siva, who has 

served on the Management Committee for 

more than 10 years, contributed much to 

NUSS particularly in the areas of Sports & 

Recreation and Finance. 

As part of our continuing effort to 

promote and nurture a more creative, 

innovative and enterprising generation, the 

Society partnered NUS Enterprise to launch 

the Innovation and Enterprise Award this 

year. Supported by the National Research 

Foundation’s University Innovation Fund, 

these Awards aim to recognise individuals 

and companies within the university 

and the alumni community who have 

achieved significant accomplishments in 

entrepreneurship and innovation. 

The Awards were presented to the 

recipients at The Enterprise Connection 

networking dinner at Kent Ridge Guild 

House on 19 April 2011. Attended by some 

450 entrepreneurs, innovators as well 

as NUSS members, the event featured 

keynote speaker, Mr Eduardo Saverin, cofounder 

of Facebook, who inspired many 

budding entrepreneurs in the audience to 

pursue their dreams. 

In early May, Singaporeans witnessed a 

watershed moment in the nation’s General 

Election history with the highest number 

of contested seats since independence, and 

with political parties fielding the largest 

number of younger candidates. Seven 

promising young politicians, who had 

contested in the election, accepted our 

invitation to participate in a Post GE2011 

Dialogue on 26 May. 

Unlike last November’s Pre-Election 

Political Dialogue where representatives 

from major political parties spoke on 

what their parties stood for and the hot 

button issues that were in the minds 

of most Singaporeans, this time, the 

speakers came in their personal capacity 

and it was indeed a privilege to hear them 

articulate their views and experiences on 

GE2011, and the motivations driving 

them to be a part of our nation’s new 

political landscape. 

The closed-door session was 

moderated by Dr Lam Peng Er and was 

well attended by over 400 members and 

invited guests. I would like to once again 

thank Dr Lam and all the speakers – 

Mr Gerald Giam (WP), Ms Harn Ho (RP), 

Mr Benjamin Pwee (SPP), Ms Nicole Seah 

(NSP), Mr Harminder Pal Singh (SDA), 

Dr Vincent Wijeysingha (SDP) and 

Mr Alex Yam (PAP) for their participation. 

As this issue goes to print, preparations 

are well underway for us to host the 6th 

NUSS Professorship Lecture which will be 

delivered by Professor Andre Geim, winner 

of the 2010 Nobel Prize in Physics, on 

7 July 2011. 

Professor Geim will speak on his 

groundbreaking discovery in graphene, a 

one-atom thick, 2-dimensional crystalline 

material which has a breaking strength 

200 times greater than steel and is able to 

conduct heat 10 times faster than silver. 

Graphene is known to be the thinnest and 

strongest material ever found. Touted as 

‘the next big thing’, such a discovery could 

change everyday life for humanity and we 

can expect many to turn up to listen to one 

of the greatest minds in Physics. 

Finally, it gives me great pleasure 

to announce that the Society will 

be conferring the NUSS Honorary 

Membership on Mr Lee Kuan Yew at 

a conferment ceremony to be held at 

Kent Ridge Guild House on 29 July 2011. 

Mr Lee’s visionary and transformative 

leadership of Singapore has enabled our 

country to make remarkable progress since 

independence. 

We are indeed privileged to have the 

opportunity to recognise his immense 

contributions to the nation with the 

highest accolade that NUSS can bestow 

on such a distinguished person. 

Johnny Tan 

President 

JUL-SEP 2011 THE GRADUATE 1

JULY-SEPTEMBER 2011 

11 

14 

4 

Cover Story 

A Watershed 

election 

The Graduate spoke 

to analysts and 

politicians on why 

this year was such a 

watershed moment 

for Singapore’s 

political history. 

8 

InSIghtS 

Post-general 

election 

Dialogue 

The Post-General 

Election Dialogue 

was recently held 

at the Kent Ridge 

Guild House where 

candidates from the 

different political 

parties were invited 

on their own personal 

capacity to share 

their thoughts on the 

recently concluded 

general election. 

11 

hIghlIghtS 

Annual 

general 

Meeting 

2011 

Two new members 

were elected, six 

re-elected while 

another eight will 

continue to hold office 

for another year. 

14 

Club neWS 

Appreciation 

Dinner 

Mr Gopinath Pillai, 

Mr Ernest Wong Thian 

Yow and Professor 

(Dr) James Newton 

Boss were awarded the 

Distinguished Member 

and Outstanding 

Members respectively 

for their significant 

contributions to NUSS, 

NUS and the wider 

community. 

18 

SPeCIAl rePort 

Sustaining 

Singapore’s 

Future 

Encouraging sustainable 

development is 

one of the ways the 

Singapore government 

is embracing to mitigate 

the energy challenges 

ahead. 

25 

lIvIng 

back Pain 

getting you 

Down 

Experts give their tips 

on mitigating back 

pains and keeping 

your spine supple. 

28 

CAreer 

Managing 

People 

Inspire your 

subordinates without 

micro-managing 

30 

trAvel 

bites of 

northern Italy 

Go on a foodie road 

trip in Northern 

Italy and discovers 

gastronomic delights 

plus marvellous 

architecture along the 

off-beaten track. 

46 

Money 

Key Questions 

to Ask When 

buying a 

Financial 

Product 

Advice on financial 

products that suit your 

long-term goals 

nuSS Club neWS 

1 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE 

22 HIGHLIGHTS 

39 SNAPSHOTS 

40 SPORTS 

50 DINING 

54 CALENDAR Of EvENTS 

8 

30 

Cover Photo BY YAP YEW PIANG 

NUSS Distinguished Member Mr Gopinath Pillai 

(seated) and NUSS Outstanding Members 

Mr Ernest Wong Thian Yow and Professor (Dr) 

James Newton Boss.

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nuSS Management Committee 2011/2012 

OffIcE BEARERS 

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cOMMITTEE MEMBERS 

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SUB-cOMMITTEE cHAIRPERSONS 

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community care Archie ong liang-gay 

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finance Wong Peng Meng 

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Sports & Recreation Mohan balagopal 

Secretariat Management team 

chief Executive Officer tong hsien-hui ceo@nuss.org.sg 

finance Director ong Cheng lee (Ms) chenglee@nuss.org.sg 

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Printed in Singapore by Times Printers Private Limited MIcA (P) 152/03/2011

Cover Story 

it is hard to quantify the effect the key issues had on a voters as a significant proportion of young adults were voting for the first time, said Dr Koh. 

Social media revolution, 

a more engaged citizen 

and the fall of Aljunied 

GRC were among some 

noteworthy events that 

made this year’s general 

election so electrifying. 

Here, The Graduate spoke 

to analysts and politicians 

on why this year was such 

a watershed moment 

for Singapore’s political 

history. Text and photos 

by Khalil Adis 

4 THE GRADUATE Jul-Sep 2011 

this year’s general elections 

was indeed a watershed 

moment for Singapore as it 

marked many firsts for the 

nation. 

For instance, it was the first time 

that all seats were contested, with the 

exception of a walkover at Tanjong 

Pagar Group Constituency Representative 

(GRC). 

It also marked the first time many 

Singaporeans were finally able to exercise 

their right to vote and partake 

in the democratic process. 

Perhaps, most significantly, it was 

the first time that the ruling People’s 

Action Party (PAP) saw one of its GRC 

fall to the opposition. 

Previously thought to be impregnable, 

the loss of Aljunied GRC to 

The Workers’ Party witnessed the PAP 

losing five seats, along with Foreign 

Minister, Mr George Yeo. 

Although the PAP was returned to 

power, securing 81 out of 87 Parliament 

seats, it was the party’s worst 

showing by far. 

The PAP secured a vote margin 

of 60.14 percent, down from the 

66.6 percent it secured in the 2006 

election. 

Hard to pinpoint 

Despite a drop in vote margin, analysts 

disagree when asked if the key 

issues had impacted voters’ decision. 

The key issues that dominated this 

year’s general election included public 

housing affordability, the influx of 

foreigners, the rising cost of living, security 

lapses and transportation woes. 

According to Dr Gillian Koh, 

Senior Research Fellow at the Institute 

of Policy Studies, it was the quality of 

candidates from the various opposition 

parties that made a difference.

“It is necessary to note the quality 

of the slate that the different 

opposition parties presented which 

made the opposition politicians more 

electable than in previous elections,” 

says Dr Koh. 

Dr Koh also noted that it is difficult 

to gauge support for the PAP as 

more constituencies were contested. 

“It is important to note also that 

more constituencies were contested 

and many contested the first time 

in decades. The last contest in the 

Marine Parade area was in 1992, so it 

is very difficult to gauge support for 

the PAP based on previous results,” 

says Dr Koh. 

In addition, Dr Koh said it is hard 

to quantify the effect the key issues 

had on a voters as a significant proportion 

of young adults were voting 

for the first time. 

“There was about 26 percent of 

post-75ers voting either because they 

had just come of age or again because 

their constituency was contested and 

it is not clear what the effect of that 

is. This is reinforced by the possibility 

that they also tend to get a lot of 

their information online and this adds 

yet another dimension as to how they 

form their opinions leading up to the 

vote,” says Dr Koh. 

Social media revolution 

Many would also agree that this 

year’s election generated the kind of 

excitement and fervour that was not 

seen in previous elections. 

Political apathy appeared to have 

dissipated with the use of social media 

by the various political parties to 

reach out to young voters. 

“There was certainly wider and 

more creative use of social media 

such as the use of posters and videos 

in the elections. People could also 

watch rallies and interviews unfiltered 

in their own time and were not 

hindered by the number of rallies they 

could attend in a night. We saw the 

emergence of new media stars,” says 

Dr Koh. 

The new media star is of course 

Ms Nicole Seah from the National 

Solidarity Party (NSP). 

Within a span of days, she became 

the country’s number one politician 

with 105,152 ‘likes’ to date on her 

Facebook page. 

“Honestly, I was taken aback by 

the results. I don’t think I expected 

such massive feedback. The main 

thing was voters were looking for a 

political figure that they could resonate 

with. I think they were looking 

Ge 2011 tHe DIfferenCe 

Cover Story 

“It is necessary to note the 

quality of the slate that the 

different opposition parties 

presented which made 

the opposition 

politicians more 

electable than in 

previous elections.” 

for someone whom they felt was 

authentic and maybe that’s why my 

message resonated with the younger 

voters,” says Ms Seah. 

Dr Koh also notes that social 

media is a powerful tool as it allows 

the public to share their thoughts 

and opinions. 

“The key influences come from 

the fact that netizens can share their 

views freely and people can see 

how many like-minded people there 

are out there; also there are certain 

images, certain material that are 

Wider and more 

creative use of 

social media meant 

people could watch 

rallies and interviews 

unfiltered in their 

own time and the 

emergence of new 

media stars. 

Dr Gillian Koh 

Senior Research Fellow 

Institute of policy Studies 

lee Kuan Yew School of public policy 

National university of Singapore 

shared very quickly and shifts the 

tide of opinion, from Ms Nicole Seah 

to certainly MM Lee Kuan Yew’s 

comments about Aljunied. It is also 

a medium that does not undertake 

to write up the full background of 

any policy or political issue, unlike 

say the journalists in mainstream 

media,” says Dr Koh. 

While social media is a force to 

reckon with, Dr Koh still has her 

reservations. 

“I wonder how much that matters 

for new and young voters, and for 

Jul-Sep 2011 THE GRADUATE 5

Cover Story 

Ge 2011 tHe GrC SySteM 

“To abolish it 

outright may 

not serve the 

original purposes 

of ensuring a 

minority race 

representative 

in the group. 

Maybe what is 

needed is to have 

smaller GRCs 

with one minority 

candidate and 

two or three 

others.” 

Mr Harminder Pal Singh 

Singapore Democratic Alliance 

“Redrawing is 

very worrying. 

I’ve done my 

walkabout in 

Serangoon where 

I tell the residents 

that they are now 

in Marine parade 

GRC.” 

Ms nicole Seah 

National Solidarity party 


Crowds at a political rally: Dr Koh said it is hard to quantify the effect the key issues had on a voters 

as a significant proportion of young adults were voting for the first time. 

people who find that they suddenly 

get to vote after years, if not decades 

of not having to do so. Would it affect 

what really sticks in their political 

consciousness? Would it affect how 

they view different parties and politicians?” 

asks Dr Koh. 

Wither the GrC system? 

With the fall of Aljunied, there has 

been many calls online and among 

the opposition parties to do away 

with the GRC system. 

“We should revert back to all single 

member constituencies (SMC),” 

says Mr Gerald Giam from The Workers’ 

Party. 

“It is fundamentally opposed to 

the concept of democracy. I do not 

know whom I’m voting for. I do 

not know how many votes they got 

and whether or not each individual 

prospective MP won. It has to go,” 

says Dr Vincent Wijeysingha from the 

Singapore Democratic Party. 

“Redrawing is very worrying. 

I’ve done my walkabout in Serangoon 

where I tell the residents that they are 

now in Marine Parade GRC,” says 

Ms Seah. 

However, others disagree. 

“What weakness? I thought that 

Aljunied proves that you quite simply 

have to mount a good team. Each 

man or woman counts,” says Dr Koh. 

“To abolish it outright may not 

serve the original purposes of ensuring 

a minority race representative in 

the group. Maybe what is needed is to 

have smaller GRCs with one minority 

candidate and two or three others. 

This will be more representative of 

the general population too. Having 

larger groups may not be necessary,” 

says Mr Harminder Pal Singh from the 

Singapore Democratic Alliance. 

Others have also accused the PAP 

of redrawing the GRC boundaries as a 

form of gerrymandering. 

However, Mr Alex Yam from 

the PAP says redrawing is necessary 

so that MPs can do their job more 

effectively. 

“Redrawing electoral boundaries 

have a lot to do with population size. 

With more and more people, will an 

MP still be able to do his job?” he 

questions. 

One thing, however, remains certain 

– the public’s desire for changes 

in policies. 

“The desire is there. The challenge 

is to take it the desire to the 

next level. It has to go right down in 

the civil service to the policy level,” 

says Mr Benjamin Pwee from the 

Singapore People’s Party. 

Note: The political candidates were expressing 

their views on their own personal capacity.

SInGAPore’S 2011 eleCtIonS 

Political Implications 

for A Globalising City 

Singapore faces a delicate balancing act in 

ensuring local issues are tackled head on while 

striving for economic growth in its bit to be a 

global city. By victor r Savage 

The 2011 Singapore elections 

results was a sobering experience 

for the ruling people 

Action party (pAp), the only 

party in power since 1959 

and one that Singapore’s populace have 

grown to equate with government, nationalism 

and Singapore. This reflection 

however is not concerned with a critical 

analysis of why the pAp lost its Group 

Constituency Representative (GRC) 

five seats, the ‘mistakes’ it made or why 

the Singapore electorate lost faith with 

their leaders. It is a broader conceptual 

contextualization of what the elections 

results represent in a globalising city. 

Given that the city-state has just gone 

through its best economic performance 

in 2010 (14.5 percent growth) and still 

economically sizzling in the first quarter 

of 2011 (8.3 percent growth rate), the 

pAp’s elections results have called for 

political recalibration. 

There are several ways of interpreting 

what global cities like Singapore 

have to handle with regard to domestic 

politics. Firstly, one has to accept that 

most cities are spatial and social 

traps. Citizens in cities develop often 

long residential comfort zones and 

networks, job security and social ties 

which embed them in residential areas 

and their urban settings. 

Singapore more than other cities 

is perhaps the penultimate spatial and 

social trap because as a city-state its 

citizens have less spatial mobility in the 

country – Singaporeans cannot pack up 

and move to other cities when the going 

gets difficult as Americans or Australians 

can do. This is compounded further 

when one realises that nearly all of 

Singapore’s food, natural resources and 

energy are imported which makes its 

citizens vulnerable to changing global 

market forces. 

Singaporeans are more territorially 

embedded since 90 percent of 

them own their homes. This immobility 

magnifies local political issues if 

the government chooses to neglect or 

ignore them. The opposition hammered 

home the realities of the high costs of 

living, unaffordable housing, transport 

problems, social injustice, the growing 

inequality of wealth and relative poverty 

that clearly resonated with Singapore’s 

middle income workers, aged residents 

and poorer citizens. In the latest 2011 

global competitive rankings, Singapore 

has fallen into third place behind the 

united States and Hong Kong principally 

because of its high inflation and 

costs of living. 

Younger Singaporeans, however, 

with greater academic qualifications 

and technical competence or talent, 

have the best mobility – the world is 

their oyster! When they are disgruntled 

and dissatisfied, they emigrate 

elsewhere. 

Secondly, the tragedy of all global 

cities is that globalisation and urbanisation 

unfortunately can increase 

inequalities which in turn create pools 

of relative poverty. No city, no matter 

how wealthy can claim it does not have 

poor residents. The noted geographer, 

Doreen Massey, shows even a World 

City like london has poor people. This 

widening of the income gap is a political 

issue in many World Cities (such as 

Tokyo, New York and paris). 

poverty and poor people are relative 

issues and while Singaporeans on 

average are richer than most Southeast 

Asians, it does have poor citizens in 

comparison to its rich residents. For 

the ruling leadership this relatively poor 

group was belatedly acknowledged in 

the elections as those people falling between 

the cracks. However, compounding 

this relative poverty issue is the fact 

that Singapore’s leadership has created 

a political system of elitism – the top 

echelons of government and private 

sector corporations remain highly paid 

and carry all the exclusive trappings of a 

highly stratified society. 

The widening income gap and 

relative poverty has become politicised 

because the government has allowed 

knowledge-based foreign workers to fill 

the ranks of the thousands of multinational 

and transnational corporations 

operating in Singapore. equally, talented 

and educated Singaporeans have also 

risen in the income ladder but they 

Cover Story 

have become a minority in the maze of 

foreign commercial corporations. Singaporeans 

that do not make the global 

city grade in professional expertise are 

thus seen to be left behind. 

Thirdly, global cities are also 

cosmopolitan, with accepted pools 

of foreigners defining their global 

identity. No global and World City is 

culturally monolithic. In a way, being a 

global city means benchmarking with 

the best in order to complete. Singapore 

alone has 2, 880 financial institutions 

which in 2010 managed assets of 

over uS$1.1 trillion. 

Singapore, with 5.1 million people, 

in 710 sq km, tapping into 2 percent of 

total global trade, needs to adapt and 

upgrade its labour force in order to sustain 

itself. The nature of all global cities 

is to compete by keeping options open, 

attracting talent and knowledge-based 

workers, and expanding the pool of local 

educated people. Singaporeans want 

a Singaporean Singapore which requires 

political deft handling by any government 

sourcing for foreign expertise. 

Fourthly, as a global city, the 

elections threw up stark contrasts 

about the global-local nexus. unfortunately 

global cities need to wade 

into international flows to maintain 

spatial networks and the heightened 

importance of ‘relational’ spaces and 

social systems. Yet, on the other hand, 

the government needs to monitor the 

local pulse to ensure it does not ignore 

grounded issues. The art of politics is 

the ability for government to fine tune 

a balance between global economic 

capture and domestic citizenry concerns. 

In short, there needs to be a 

morphing of cosmopolitan mindsets 

within embedded heartland aspirations. 

If global cities are shibboleths for 

neo-liberalism and cosmopolitan values, 

then the Singaporean domestic politics 

of tomorrow must ensure the local politics 

of the ‘little people’ must remain in 

sync with Singapore’s wider international 

status as a place of quality living. 

Victor R Savage is 

an Associate Professor 

in Geography at 

the National University 

of Singapore 

(NUS) and NUSS 

member. These are 

his personal views. 


Cover Story 

Post-General election 

Dialogue at nUSS 

promising young politicians were invited to share their views and experiences on 

the recent General election and also the motivations driving them to be part of 

our nation’s new political landscape. 

the mood was an electrifying 

one as candidates from the various 

political parties descended 

upon the Kent Ridge Guild House for 

the Post-General Election Dialogue 

held on 26 May. 

Headlined, ‘A Watershed Election’, 

the invited candidates were attending 

the dialogue session on their personal 

capacity where they shared their 

thoughts and took questions from 

NUSS members about the recently 

concluded general election. 

Although mobbed by their fans, 

some of the invited speakers managed 

to take time out to speak to 

The Graduate about their campaign 

highlights 

“I didn’t really feel a specific high 

Mr Johnny Tan, Mr Benjamin Pwee, Mr Gerald Giam, Dr Vincent Wijeysingha, Mr Harminder Pal Singh, Ms Nicole Seah, Ms Ho Soak Harn, Dr Lam Peng 

Er and Mr Alex Yam. 


Active participation by NUSS members during 

the Q&A session. 

at a certain significant event per say. 

I think throughout it, it was really 

the little things that mattered. For 

example, when someone came up to 

me and said I have never voted for 

Mr Benjamin Pwee (second from left) with 

Mr Johnny Tan (extreme right) and invited 

guests at the dialogue session. 

the past 20 years and now you are 

giving me that chance or if someone 

came up to me and said “I want you 

to be my voice”, those were the most 

gratifying thing because that is why I

Political candidates shared their views and experiences frankly with invited NUSS members. 

Invited members soaking up the electrifying atmosphere at the dialogue session. 

am here in the first place,” says 

Ms Nicole Seah 

“I think it was being able to meet 

people and confirm to ourselves that 

the kind of issues we were raising 

were the people’s issue. So we were 

not wrong. We weren’t on the wrong 

track. It translates into a win for us. 

However, the fact that such a significant 

percentage of the population 

voted for the opposition as a whole 

meant that people are changing their 

mindset about how people are governed,” 

says Dr Vincent Wijeysingha. 

“It was probably the huge support 

shown by WP supporters at the rallies 

and on the ground. For those who 

joined us as volunteers, I was truly 

touched by all their support,” says 

Mr Gerald Giam. 

A watershed moment 

This year’s election was indeed a 

watershed moment as it saw many 

quality candidates from varying background 

coming forward to contest as 

political candidates in all wards. 

This has given many Singaporeans 

the opportunity to cast their votes for 

the first time. 

It was also significant as it saw 

the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) 

securing its lowest vote margin in 

history. 

Cover Story 

This then prompted Prime Minister 

Lee Hsien Loong to reshuffle his 

cabinet with the promise to listen 

intently to Singaporeans’ concerns. 

Behind closed doors feedback 

Held behind closed doors, the political 

candidates shared their views and 

experiences frankly with invited 

members. 

Opening the dialogue was 

Mr Gerald Giam. 

“The PAP responds best when 

it performs poorly. This is the first 

election in a long time when a lawsuit 

was not involved,” says Mr Giam. 

Agreeing with his comments is 

Ms Ho Soak Harn. 

“The PAP ran a clean election. 

However, it remains to be seen what 

the PAP would do to tackle unaffordable 

housing and the increasing 

cost of living. The formation of the 

ministerial committee to look into the 

pay of minister’s salary is a good sign 

as it shows they are listening to the 

public,” says Ms Ho. 

Ms Nicole Seah said she noticed 

people were more accepting of opposition 

parties. 

“In the past, when I was doing 

my walkabout, people would slam 

their door in my face. However, this 

time, people are opening up to us,” 

says Ms Seah. 

Dr Vincent Wijeysingha also 

agreed on the changing political 

landscape. 

“The political climate today is very 

different. A party like the PAP does 

not concede to failure easily. They 

were reeling from the result of the 

election,” says Dr Wijeysingha. 

Mr Benjamin Pwee said there 

is a strong desire for change from 

Singaporeans. 

“The desire (for change) is there. 

The challenge is to take it (the desire) 

to the next level. It has to go right 

down in the civil service to the policy 

level,” says Mr Pwee. 

Mr Harminder Pal Singh said 

local issues dominated the general 

election. 

“Singaporean’s first policy was a 

hot topic. We have to learn to work 

together regardless of which parties 

we are from,” says Mr Singh. 

Agreeing, Mr Alex Yam said he 

aims to connect with Singaporeans. 

“My focus in the days ahead will 

be our roots and links. We shall never 

forget who have contributed regardless 

of their party colour,” says 

Mr Yam. 


Cover Story 

Q&A session 

During the question and answer 

session, many members wanted to 

know if there will be genuine changes 

post-election. 

“People say PM Lee means 

business. I’m taking a wait-and-see 

approach. After the 2006 elections, 

a lot of sweeteners were promised. 

After six months to a year, it was 

back to status quo. Currently, our key 

performance index (KPI) is economic 

growth. Our economy is the best but 

inside, our heartware is empty,” says 

Ms Seah. 

One member specifically raised an 

issue where the ruling party appears 

to be a bunch of “yes men”. 

“As a member of the PAP, I’m not 

a rubber stamp,” says Mr Yam, correcting 

members’ perception. 

Others also wanted to know the 

real reasons why the GRC boundaries 

are constantly redrawn, as they 

believe it gives unfair advantage to 

the PAP. 

Responding to members’ query, 

Mr Yam said redrawing was necessary 

as it allows PAP MPs to better serve 

their residents due to changing population 

size and demographics. 

However, other political parties 

disagreed. 

Mr Alex Yam responding to questions from the floor. 


“Redrawing is a short-term tactic 

by the PAP so they do not lose,” says 

Ms Seah. 

“Redrawing should be done six 

months to one year before the elections 

and not one month before,” says 

Mr Giam. 

In the meantime, Dr Wijeysingha 

said the true test of the PAP’s sincerity 

behind the redrawing of the GRC will 

be Potong Pasir. 

“Politics is a dirty game. Whether 

they will dissolve Potong Pasir will 

be a real test,” says Dr Wijeysingha, 

drawing thunderous applause from 

the floor. 

Moving ahead 

With the general election now concluded, 

the various political parties 

said there are lessons to be learnt 

which they want the PAP to look into. 

One such issue is the need for genuine 

feedback from grassroots leaders 

so that PAP MPs will not second 

guess each other. 

Meanwhile, Dr Wijeysinga 

said there is a need to inculcate 

mutual respect. 

“We need to jettison draconian 

laws. We need to inculcate more 

respect for each other’s views. For 

good or bad, the SDP has been on the 

Mr Gerald Giam shaking hands with fellow 

members. 

forefront of democracy. The SDP will 

continue to do what it does – removing 

the fear that lurks in society,” says 

Dr Wijeysingha. 

Despite the debate and various 

issues raised, the dialogues session 

ended on a high note with everyone 

agreeing that there are qualities worth 

admiring in each political party and 

that they have Singapore’s best interest 

in mind. 

“I do admire the NSP for taking 

time to talk to residents. The PAP 

does have a strong mandate and 

needs to move forward with the 

voices of the people,” says Mr Yam.

Members sharing a light moment as they cast their votes. 

More than 200 members attended 

this year’s Annual 

General Meeting (AGM), 

held on 29 April at the 

Kent Ridge Guild House. Greeted by 

hawker-style buffet delights, members 

took the opportunity to mingle with 

each other before adjourning to the 

Guild Hall for the election and to vote 

on resolutions. 

Eight members, including two new 

faces were elected and six resolutions 

were passed. 

This year, there were nine 

nominees vying for the eight vacancies 

in the Management Committee 

2011/2012. 

However, as one nominee 

withdrew, the remaining eight were 

automatically elected into the new 

Management Committee, including 

two new faces. 

The two are Dr Paul Wang Syan 

and Mr Jeffrey Khoo Poh Tiong. Six 

members from the previous Committee 

comprising Dr Fong Poh Him, 

Mr Lai Kim Seng, Mr Chandra Mohan 

K Nair, Mr Johnny Tan Khoon Hui, 

Mr Toh Yong Soon and Mr Wong 

Peng Meng were re-elected. 

New resolutions passed 

When the meeting moved to the six 

proposed Resolutions pertaining to 

absent and outstation membership, 

spouse members, reduced entrance 

fee for postgraduates, new graduates 

and postgraduates who join within 

four to six years of their graduation, 

electronic communication and 

a pledge of $1 million to help needy 

students enrolled for studies at NUS 

University Town, members’ discussion 

was focused and differing 

opinions were expressed respectfully 

and in good spirit. After a passionate 

HIgHlIgHts 

Annual general Meeting 2011 

Two new members were elected, six re-elected while another eight will continue to 

hold office for another year. 

ANNuAl geNerAl MeetINg 

Date: 29 April 2011 

Venue: Kent Ridge Guild House 

More than 200 members attended this year’s 

Annual General Meeting. 

This year’s AGM was chaired by Mr Johnny Tan, 

President of the NUSS. 

jul-sep 2011 THE GRADUATE 11

HIgHlIgHts 

discussion, members voted and all 

resolutions were carried. 

Making a difference 

Having been successfully elected, 

the two new members said they 

would like to make a difference by 

contributing to the continued success 

of NUSS. 

“I would like to build on the success 

we had with the NUSS Karaoke 

competition and various mini 

events. I also plan to organise more 

innovative culture related events for 

this coming year with my team. In 

particular, I will be spending some 

effort in organising the production of 

an album comprising of Singaporecomposed 

materials performed by 

talents from NUSS. We also have a 

number of fundraising events to support 

throughout the year that needs 

President: johnny Tan Khoon Hui 

Vice President: David Ho peng Cheong 

Honorary Secretary: Yip Kum Fei 

Honorary Treasurer: Wong peng Meng 

Honorary Assistant Secretary: paul Wang syan (Dr) 

Honorary Assistant Treasurer: Darryl Chong Yi Wey 

12 THE GRADUATE jul-sep 2011 

a lot of attention and effort to realise 

them. It will be a busy year ahead 

and beyond. The Cultural Sub- 

Committee is not only about music. 

There is also the arts and drama that 

have to be encouraged and nurtured,” 

says Mr Khoo. 

“For the last 12 months, I have 

been volunteering my time serving 

in the iConnect Task Force. I have 

learnt much and gotten a lot of satisfaction 

serving with fellow NUSS 

members,” says Dr Wang At the 

close of the AGM shortly before midnight, 

Mr Johnny Tan thanked two 

outgoing members, Dr Rosemary 

Khoo and Mr Siva Retnam, for their 

hard work and contributions. 

He also extended a warm welcome 

to the new incoming Management 

Committee before calling the 

AGM to a close. 

tHe Nuss MANAgeMeNt CoMMIttee 2011/2012 

Committee Members: 

Mohan Balagopal 

Chong Hoong sang 

Fong poh Him (Dr) 

jeffrey Khoo poh Tiong 

joshua VM Kuma (Dr) 

lai Kim seng 

Chandra Mohan K Nair 

Archie Ong liang-Gay 

Francis pavri (Dr) 

Toh Yong soon 

Nuss eNdowMeNt 

FuNd For 

utowN studeNt 

AdvANCeMeNt 

HAViNG achieved a majority 

support from members at the 

AGM 2011, the society has 

established the Nuss endowment 

Fund for uTown student 

Advancement. 

The society has pledged to 

raise $1 million to be met by 31 

December 2016 providing financial 

assistance to disadvantaged 

singaporeans enrolled for studies 

at uTown. 

The society is pleased to 

announce that Dr Della lee and 

Mr lee seng Gee, Chairman of the 

lee Foundation, have contributed 

a sum of $1 million towards the 

Nuss endowment Fund for 

uTown student Advancement. 

As a gesture of the society’s 

deep appreciation, the Guild Hall 

at Kent Ridge Guild House will be 

renamed the Della & seng Gee 

Guild Hall. 

The unveiling will take place on 

13 july 2011.

New MANAgeMeNt CoMMIttee MeMber 

Mr JeFFrey KHoo PoH tIoNg 

With his passion in music and culture, members can look forward to an 

exciting year ahead with arts and entertainment events. 

FOR Mr jeffrey Khoo poh Tiong, serving Nuss is a calling. 

Mr Khoo works at a private equity firm involved in the agriculture and food 

industry. As a General Manager, he travels extensively throughout Asia looking 

for value in companies. 

“i naturally gravitate towards looking for value in any activity i drive. it is 

important to make fellow volunteers appreciate the value in their participation, 

as not all things can be measured in terms of dollars and cents,” says Mr Khoo. 

Having been an Nuss member for the past 17 years, Mr Khoo said he enjoys 

the modern facilities and participated in various programmes organised by the 

previous Management Committee members. 

“This time round i would want to dedicate my time and effort to give back 

to the society that i call my second home,” says Mr Khoo. 

last term, Mr Khoo served on the Karaoke special interest group and 

also on the intellectual pursuit sub- 

Committee. 

With an interest in music and the 

arts since young, Mr Khoo said this will 

help add value to the society. indeed, 

Nuss recently benefitted from his contribution 

with the 2011 Nuss Karaoke 

Competition. 

Moving forward, members can expect 

an exciting year ahead with culture 

related events, fundraising and arts 

activities to be spearheaded by Mr Khoo. 

“it is important to 

make fellow volunteers 

appreciate the value in 

their participation, as 

not all things can be 

measured in terms of 

dollars and cents.” 

New MANAgeMeNt CoMMIttee MeMber 

HIgHlIgHts 

dr PAul wANg syAN 

Dr Wang’s fulfilling experience serving in the iConnect Taskforce led him to 

run for elections to serve Nuss. 

DR paul Wang syan 

leads an active and 

healthy lifestyle. Therefore, 

it came as no surprise 

that he aspires to 

promote healthy living 

and lifelong learning as 

a member of the Management 

Committee. 

A strategic planning 

Director for NeC 

Asia pacific, Dr Wang 

brings with him more 

than 20 years of working 

experience in both 

the private and public 

sectors where he has 

worked in various management 

positions. 

A strategic planning 

Director for NeC Asia 

pacific, Dr paul brings 

with him more than 

20 years of working 

experience in both 

the private and 

public sectors where 

he has worked in 

various management 

positions. 

Dr Wang, however, is no stranger to Nuss. Having served 

in the iConnect Taskforce for the past 12 months, Dr Wang 

decided to run for elections as he wants to make a contribution 

towards Nuss. “i believe i could channel my energy to 

support Nuss activities,” he says. 


Club news 

nuss APPreCiAtion Dinner | 8 April 2011 | Kent Ridge Guild House 

From left: Mr David Ho, Mr Wong Ah Long, Professor (Dr) James Newton Boss, Mr Gopinath Pillai, Mr Ernest Wong Thian Yow, Mr Gerard Ee and 

Mr Johnny Tan. 

luminary members honoured at 

nuss Appreciation Dinner 

Mr Gopinath pillai named Distinguished Member while Mr ernest Wong Thian Yow 

and professor (Dr) James Newton Boss named Outstanding Members. 

nUSS members came out 

in full force to recognise 

and honour its Distinguished 

and Outstanding 

Members at an 

Appreciation Dinner held on 8 April. 

Picked by a judging panel comprising 

NUSS Advisory Panel members 

Mr Gerard Ee and Mr Wong Ah 

Long; and NUSS President Mr Johnny 

Tan, three luminary NUSS members 

were selected for both awards. 

“Tonight, we gather to recognise 

the contributions and celebrate the 

outstanding accomplishments of 

some of our longstanding members. 

In particular, we will be presenting 

the NUSS Distinguished and Outstanding 

Members Awards to three 

of our members who have made 

significant and lasting contributions 

to NUSS and the wider community,” 


Guests toasting to Mr Gopinath Pillai’s recognition as NUSS Distinguished Member.

said NUSS President Mr Johnny Tan, 

in his opening speech. 

Indeed, the three selected recipients 

have made significant contributions 

to the Society and Singapore in 

their own ways. 

Mr Gopinath Pillai, recipient of 

the Distinguished Member Award, 

for instance, played a pivotal role in 

persuading the Development Bank of 

Singapore (DBS) to finance the construction 

of the old Kent Ridge Guild 

House (KRGH) during the Society’s 

early days. 

Most significantly, he helped to 

successfully secure the members’ 

mandate to increase the entrance fee 

from a mere S$15 to $2,000. 

That helped bring in close to 

1,800 members and added $1.8 million 

to NUSS’ development fund. 

“I feel very honoured and very 

privileged. I never expected this so 

I’m very happy. Very touched,” says 

Mr Pillai. 

Likewise, Mr Ernest Wong Thian 

Yow, recipient of the Outstanding 

Member Award, was instrumental in 

shaping NUSS to what it is today. 

During his tenure as President 

from 1971 to 1973, he personally 

oversaw the completion of the Evans 

Road Guild House by tapping on his 

contacts for building materials and 

manpower resources. 

“I feel very honoured. As far as 

I’m concerned, I am just an ordinary 

member,” says Mr Wong. 

Recalling the early years when 

NUSS was still in its infancy stage, 

Mr Wong said he was proud to be there 

when the Society needed him the most. 

“I was most proud when I was 

Club news 

Mr Gopinath Pillai, recipient of the 

Distinguished Member Award, for instance, 

played a pivotal role in persuading the 

Development Bank of Singapore (DBS) to 

finance the construction of the old Kent 

Ridge Guild House (KRGH) during the 

Society’s early days. 

involved in developing the Society at 

a time when it was in a very critical 

situation. We almost lost a building, 

the properties and all. I was part of 

the team that had to resurrect it,” 

says Mr Wong. 

Another recipient of the Outstanding 

Member Award is Professor (Dr) 

James Newton Boss. 

Professor (Dr) Boss joined NUSS 

in 1983 and was involved in the Community 

Care, Community Service and 

Membership Sub-Committees as well 

as the Orchard Guild House Steering 

Committee. 

He was also the Chairperson of 

the 50th Anniversary NUSS Lecture 

and is currently serving in the Intellectual 

Pursuit Sub-Committee and 

the Editorial Panel. 

“Receiving this award today is another 

milestone for me into my collection. 

That’s one of those things I look 

forward to – my contribution towards 

society,” says Professor (Dr) Boss. 

Long Service Awards were also 

presented at the dinner to 13 members 

who had volunteered their services 

in the various Sub-Committees 

continuously for at least five years. 

long serviCe 

AwArD reCiPients 

10-Year long service 

• Mr Chong Hoong Sang 

• Mr Chua Hock Huat 

• Mr Yip Kum Fei 

5-Year long service 

• Dr Ang Wai Hoong Catherine 

• Mr lee Choy peng eddie 

• Mr Mohan Balagopal 

• Mr lee Jim Teck edward 

• professor (Dr) James Boss 

• Mr phua Chun Yen Alvin 

• Mr Joseph Y Hassan 

• Mr Dinesh Singh 

• Dr Joshua VM Kuma 

• Mr Toh Yong Soon 

From left: Mr Johnny Tan, Mr Mohan Balagopal, Professor (Dr) James Newton Boss, Mr Joseph Hassan, Mr Yip Kum Fei, Mr Chong Hoong Sang, 

Dr Joshua Kuma, Mr Eddie Lee, Mr Edward Lee, Mr Dinesh Singh and Mr David Ho. 


Club news 

luminary members honoured at nuss Appreciation Dinner 

Mr gopinath Pillai 

NuSS Distinguished Member 

NUSS from my time has grown to be 

a very large Society and it has done well. However, 

it could do more, in the sense that it could bring 

together more graduates because many of the 

graduates, once they leave the university, majority 

of them do not keep a link with the university.” 


Mr Gopinath pillai cuts an imposing 

figure as he spoke to The Graduate 

prior to receiving his award. 

Best known during his term as Chairman 

of NTuC Fairprice Co-operative limited, 

Mr pillai graduated with a Bachelor 

of Arts from the then university of Malaya 

in 1961. 

At the university, he was a noted activist 

with the Socialist Club. 

This had caused the Singapore government 

to take notice of him as a rebel of 

some sort, something Mr pillai had readily 

acknowledged during his acceptance 

speech after receiving his award. 

His revolutionary spirit, however, 

proved useful as he went on to establish 

an illustrious career in the private sector 

where he held senior positions in firms 

such as Intraco limited and Inno pacific 

Holdings ltd. 

He then went on to forge a career as a 

diplomat where he served as Singapore’s 

High Commissioner to pakistan and Singapore’s 

Non-Resident Ambassador (NRA) 

to Iran. 

Mr pillai is currently an Ambassadorat-large 

as well as the Chairman of the 

Institute of South Asian Studies (ISAS) at 

the National university of Singapore (NuS). 

Despite his many contributions to 

NuSS, Mr pillai feels more can be done. 

“NuSS from my time has grown to be 

a very large Society and it has done well. 

However, it could do more, in the sense 

that it could bring together more graduates 

because many of the graduates, once 

they leave the university, majority of them 

do not keep a link with the university. I 

think NuSS must find a way to forge that 

link. I think that must be the mission,” says 

Mr pillai. 

He also would like to see NuSS as a 

think centre. 

“The body of graduate should also 

look at national issues not as a political 

gimmick but as an objective educated 

body,” says Mr pillai. 

In closing, Mr pillai hoped more fresh 

blood would come onboard to help the 

Society grow further. 

“Join NuSS and make it stronger.”

Mr ernest wong thian Yow 

NuSS Outstanding Member 

Mr ernest Wong Thian Yow is 

seen by many as a visionary 

and a maverick. 

As president from 1971 to 1973, he 

was at the helm when the Society was 

asked to vacate its premises at Dalvey 

estate. When a dilapidated house at 15 

evans Road was offered to the Society, 

it was his never-say-die attitude and faith 

that made the completion of the evans 

Guild House possible. 

When he was president again from 

1982 to 1984, he led a group of founding 

members and established the first Kent 

Ridge Guild House. 

From its humble beginnings at Dalvey 

estate, NuSS has now grown to four 

guild houses across Singapore. 

Still, Mr Wong would like to see NuSS 

expanding beyond Singapore. 

“It is about time that NuSS considers 

moving overseas as many of our graduates 

are travelling a lot, taking up either 

temporary or permanent positions overseas. 

The Society will be well placed to 

have a presence in some of the overseas 

Professor (Dr) James newton boss 

NuSS Outstanding Member 

Professor (Dr) James Newton Boss 

has received so many awards and 

accolades in his lifetime. 

So much so that his wife used to tell 

him: “You are putting a lot of things into 

the showcases.” 

Indeed, beyond NuSS, professor (Dr) 

Boss’ contribution to Singapore and 

society-at-large is his invention of a new 

composite material to substitute the 

cumbersome and heavy metallic implants 

in hipbone replacement surgery. 

This invention won him the Gusi 

peace prize in 2008 which is considered 

the Asian equivalent of the Nobel peace 

prize. 

professor (Dr) Boss’ contributions 

extends beyond Singapore. 

He was featured among prominent 

individuals in the biographical record of 

Who’s Who in the World 27th edition 

2010 and 28th edition 2011. 

In addition, he is one of the 16 Singaporeans 

to have been knighted in Rome 

by the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem 

of Rhodes and of Malta. 

Club news 

My advice is 

to get more involved 

in the affairs of the 

Society beginning with 

standing for elections 

in the Society and then 

contributing in whatever 

your skills are. Whatever 

talents that you can 

contribute, use them.” 

cities where we can provide for them,” 

says Mr Wong. 

Moving forward, his vision is to see 

more members contributing to NuSS. 

“My advice is to get more involved in 

the affairs of the Society beginning with 

standing for elections in the Society and 

then contributing in whatever your skills 

are. Whatever talents that you can contribute, 

use them,” says Mr Wong. 

I would love to see 

younger members to be 

more participating in 

the society, the university 

and society-at-large.” 

Having been an NuSS member for 

close to 30 years, professor Boss said 

serving the Society during its 50th anniversary 

was his proudest moment. 

“I was the chairperson when I 

organised the grand dinner for the 50th 

anniversary a few years ago, including 

the 50th Anniversary NuSS lecture. I was 

very happy because it was successful and 

the system works,” says professor Boss. 

like his contemporaries, professor 

Boss would like to see more young 

people making a difference to NuSS. 

“I would love to see younger members 

to be more participating in the 

society, the university and society-atlarge,” 

says professor Boss. 


Special RepoRt 


encouraging 

sustainable 

development is 

among some of the 

ways the Singapore 

government is 

embracing to 

mitigate the energy 

challenges ahead. 

By Khalil adis 

Sustaining 

Singapore’s 

Future

the global drive for sustainable 

development and the 

urgency to look for alternative 

forms of energy have 

never been greatly felt 

until the global economic downturn 

took the world by surprise in 2008. 

During the Lehman Brothers’ era 

crisis, oil prices fluctuated significantly 

causing much uncertainty in the 

energy market. 

A Bloomberg news report, for 

instance, showed oil prices reaching 

a high of US$147 a barrel in July 

2008 before dipping to $32 a barrel in 

December 2008. 

By October 2009, oil prices had finally 

stabilised and established a trading 

range of between $60 and $80. 

Nevertheless, global uncertainties 

still remain. 

Fresh from a post-Iraq war era, 

oil rich Middle East continues to be a 

volatile region. 

Meanwhile fossil fuels are rapidly 

depleting in supply. 

For a vulnerable and small country 

like Singapore, the search for alternative 

and renewable energy sources is 

no longer an option. 

Government’s initiative to 

tackle energy challenges 

With no natural resources and hinterland 

to fall back on, Singapore took a 

bold step in January 2008 to formulate 

a national strategy for Singapore’s 

sustainable development. 

The government set up the Inter- 

Ministerial Committee on Sustainable 

Development (IMCSD) to prepare the 

country to avert similar scenarios in 

the near future. 

It did this in the context of emerging 

domestic and global challenges. 

The IMCSD was co-chaired by 

former National Development Minister 

Mah Bow Tan and former Environment 

and Water Resources Minister 

Dr Yaacob Ibrahim. 

Their portfolios have since been taken 

over by Ministers Khaw Boon Wan 

and Vivian Balakrishnan respectively. 

IMCSD’s members include the 

Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Transport 

and Ministry of Trade & Industry. 

“Today many of us are concerned 

about higher fuel prices and everincreasing 

demand for resources. 

While we must tackle these impor- 

tant issues, the uncertainties remind 

us that we cannot just look at our 

present needs, but should think ahead 

to secure our future. Singapore is our 

home, not just for the current but 

also future generations,” says former 

National Development Minister Mah 

Bow Tan. 


New sustainable blueprint 

launched 

Indeed, the recession in 2008 was 

the worst ever to hit our shore since 

independence. 

For the first time, the city-state 

had to dig deep into its reserves to 

weather the storm and to keep its 

economy afloat. 

The Inter-Ministerial 

Committee on 

Sustainable 

Development has 

come up with various 

strategies and initiatives 

that it believes are 

needed for Singapore to 

achieve both economic 

growth and a good 

living environment for 

the next two decades. 

“Today many of us are concerned 

about higher fuel prices and everincreasing 

demand for resources. 

While we must tackle these 

important issues, the uncertainties 

remind us that we cannot just look 

at our present needs, but should 

think ahead to secure our future. 

Singapore is our home, not just 

for the current but also future 

generations.” 

Mah Bow tan 

Former National Development Minister 



With this in mind, the IMCSD has 

come up with various strategies and 

initiatives that it believes are needed 

for Singapore to achieve both economic 

growth and a good living environment 

for the next two decades. 

Called the ‘Sustainable Blueprint’, 

it maps out Singapore’s energy use for 

the next two decades. 

“By planning now for Singapore’s 

sustainable development in the next 

10 to 15 years, we ensure two key 

things. First, we can be more efficient 

in using resources to grow our 

economy and stay competitive. Second, 

we can ensure that, even as our 

population grows, all of us continue 

to enjoy clean air and clean water in 

an attractive, quality living environment,” 

says former National Development 

Minister Mah. 

When 

completed, Six 

Battery Road 

is expected to 

improve energy 

efficiency 

by about 20 

percent. 

Six Battery Road. 


According to the BCA, the estimated 

retrofitting cost to upgrade all existing 

buildings owned by government agencies 

will be about $500 million over the next ten 

years. This will lead to substantial energy 

savings of $120 million per year. 

Real estate industry taking 

the lead 

Recognising that Singapore’s built up 

environment is responsible for most 

carbon emissions and energy consumption, 

the Building and Construction 

Authority (BCA) took the lead in 

2006 by implementing the First Green 

Building Masterplan. 

Under this masterplan, all new 

public buildings and those undergoing 

major retrofitting works are 

required to meet the minimum stand- 

ards of environmental sustainability 

that is equivalent to the Green Mark 

Certified level. 

BCA Green Mark is a green building 

rating system to evaluate a building 

for its environmental impact and 

performance. 

In 2009, the industry soared to 

even greater heights. 

That year, the IMCSD and BCA 

launched an ambitious target that will 

require at least 80 percent of the buildings 

in Singapore to achieve the BCA 

GReeN BuildiNGS 

CapitaCommercial Trust (CCT) in May last year, announced 

plans to retrofit its existing office building at 

Six Battery Road. 

Retrofitting works commenced in October 2010 and will be 

executed in phases until 2013 at a total capital expenditure of 

approximately $92 million. 

Six Battery Road will feature an iconic “green” wall with living 

green plants that will be constructed in the main lobby. 

When completed, Six Battery Road is expected to improve 

energy efficiency by about 20 percent. 

For its effort, Six Battery Road was awarded the 2010 

Green Mark platinum certification by the BCA. 

This makes it the first existing 

office building in Singapore to receive 

this accolade. 

City Developments limited (CDl) 

has also done their bit. 

In 2009, it achieved new milestones 

with the launch of 7 & 9 Tampines 

Grand and Tampines Concourse. 

7 & 9 Tampines Grande use Solar 

photovoltaic and Solar Thermal 

panels on its roofs and façades. 

Totalling 2, 080 sq m, the panels 

are the largest use of its kind in a 

11 Tampines Concourse. commercial property in Singapore. 

In 2008, Tampines Grande was 

awarded the BCA Green Mark platinum - the highest rating 

given to green buildings in Singapore. 

Meanwhile, 11 Tampines Concourse broke new grounds in 

2009 by being the first CarbonNeutral development in Singapore 

and Asia pacific. 

This commercial building utilises innovative building materials 

to reduce the usage of natural resources in the construction 

process, and reduces its carbon emissions to “net zero” 

annually. 

11 Tampines Concourse building was awarded the BCA 

Green Mark Gold in 2009.

Green Mark Certified rating by 2030. 

To achieve this, the BCA rolled out 

its Second Green Building Masterplan. 

This roadmap sets out specific 

initiatives to achieve a truly sustainable 

built environment in Singapore 

by that said year. 

When fully implemented, the 

Second Green Building Masterplan 

will result in annual savings of S$1.6 

billion in terms of energy cost reductions. 

To encourage existing building 

owners to upgrade their buildings’ 

energy performance, the BCA introduced 

a bold S$100 million Green 

Mark Incentive Scheme for Existing 

Buildings, called 2(GMIS-EB), to 

jumpstart the ‘greening’ of existing 

buildings in the private sector. 

This cash incentive scheme aims 

to encourage private owners of existing 

buildings to undertake retrofitting 

works to achieve improvement in 

energy efficiency. 

When the co-funding scheme is 

fully implemented, private building 

owners would be able to enjoy collective 

energy savings of about $120 

million per year. 

The government is also taking 

the lead by requiring all medium or 

large new air-conditioned public sector 

buildings to achieve the highest 

Green Mark accolade, the Green Mark 

Platinum award. 

In addition, all existing public sector 

buildings are required to achieve 

the Green Mark Gold Plus Award 

by 2020. 

According to the BCA, the estimated 

retrofitting cost to upgrade all 

existing buildings owned by government 

agencies will be about $500 

million over the next ten years. 

This will lead to substantial energy 

savings of $120 million per year. 

Green spin-offs 

According to Dr John Keung, CEO of 

BCA, the Second Green Building 

Masterplan will provide a boost to 

the ‘green collar’ job market. 

Some 18,000 green specialists at 

the PMET level are expected to be 

trained over the next 10 years in the 

development, design, construction, 

operation and maintenance of green 

buildings. 

This will include upgrading of 

existing personnel and bringing in 

new entrants for this high growth 

area to develop a highly skilled ‘green 

collar’ workforce to support our vision 

towards a more sustainable built 

environment. 


Private homeowners can install a Solar Photovoltaic system or use a Solar Water Heater to tap on 

alternative forms of energy. 

GReeN tRivia 

Green buildings equal productive workers 

expeRTS say workers in green 

buildings tend to be more productive. 

Mr Ishan palit, president & chief 

executive officer of TÜV SÜD Asia 

pacific, said improving ventilation and 

eradicating the use of painted surfaces 

that produce gaseous substances can 

significantly improve health of workers. 

“Health has a direct impact on 

TÜV SÜD’s 

Palit: Improve 

ventilation 

and eradicate 

use of painted 

surfaces. 

productivity as it not only improves a workers ability to operate at maximum 

efficiency but reduces the number of sick days they take,” says Mr palit. 

TÜV SÜD Asia pacific is a firm that provides consulting and research 

studies on how to make a building green plus providing certification for 

green buildings. 

alternative forms of energy equal savings 

on utility bills 

By tapping on to alternative forms of energy, consumers can save 20 to 50 

percent off their electricity bills monthly. 

“For private homeowners, one good way to tap on alternative form of 

energy is to install a Solar photovoltaic system. Another alternative is to use a 

Solar Water Heater using the heat captured from the sun to heat up the water 

used for bathing,” says Mr peter Goh, Director of Business Development 

at Chloros Solutions pte ltd. 

Chloros Solutions pte ltd is a green start up that was incorporated in 

October 2010 by Mr Goh, who graduated from the Faculty of Arts and Social 

Science at the National university of Singapore (NuS). 

Funded by SpRING Singapore under the yeS! Scheme as of March 2011, 

his firm provides green technology consultancy and project management 

services. elaborating, Mr Goh said consumers using a solar water heater can 

reduce their electricity consumption that is usually used in conventional 

water heaters. They can expect their Return-On-Investment (ROI) in five to 

seven years. 

However, there are limitations. 

Both solar solutions are applicable on landed properties only. 


HIgHlIgHts 

sPoRts & RECREatIoN NIgHt 



this year’s Sports & Recreation 

Night saw NUSS 

members coming together 

to celebrate their sporting 

achievements over 

sumptuous buffet dinner with ‘live’ 

burlesque entertainment on 9 April. 

Members had earlier spent the entire 

day indulging in the Inter-Section 

Games (ISG), leading to the Sports & 

Recreation Night where members from 

all the sports sections came together 

for a night of celebration. 

Four different sports and games 

comprising bowling, darts, badminton 

and balut were played across different 

locations. 

The special cabaret-style performance 

by dance group, Morlesque, the 

entertainment was a welcome respite 

after a day’s of games and sporting 

activities. 

good showing by table tennis 

and soccer teams 

This year, the bowling section was 

responsible for organising the Sports & 

Recreation Night. 

The table tennis section swept 

most awards at this year’s ISG. It 

emerged second place for three games 

– bowling, darts and badminton. 

This was followed by the soccer 

team who emerged champions in 

bowling and third in balut. 

An organising member of the bowl- 


Members from all the sports sections came 

together for a night of celebration. 

sports & 

Recreation Night 

Members were entertained with cabaret-style 

performances after a day’s of sports and games. 

ing section said playing the different 

sports have helped build camaraderie 

and bonding among each other. 

“The participation and camaraderie 

that you have with your friends is very 

much enjoyable compared to just being 

centred in your own game,” says 

Mr Lim Shoo Hoe, convener of the 

bowling section. 

Milestones achieved for 2010 

The Sports & Recreation Night is also 

a celebration of the achievements that 

the Sports & Recreation Sub-Committee 

had achieved in 2010 in its bid to 

reach out to more members. 

“For Sports & Recreation, in the 

year 2010, the milestone is we have 

opened up the sports facilities to all 

our members which number about 

15,000,” says Mr Chong 

Hoong Sang, bowling 

advisor for NUSS. 

One of the initiatives 

introduced is concessionary 

rates to encourage 

members to use 

the facilities during the 

off-peak period. 

Moving forward, the 

Sports & Recreation Sub- 

Committee said it has set 

new goals for 2011. 

“We have identified promising 

sports sections. The idea is to grow 

each section, increase participation, 

widen our network and interassociation 

games,” says Mr Mohan 

Balagopal, balut section member and 

Management Committee member. 

The ISG is an annual event 

where all sports sections in NUSS 

come together to participate in the 

various games. 

Inter-section games 

ResulTs 

BowlINg 

1 soccer section 

2 Table Tennis section 

3 Golf section 

DaRts 

1 Badminton section 


3 Balut section 

BaDMINtoN 

1 Golf section 


3 Darts section 

Balut 

1 Bowling section 

2 Badminton section 

3 soccer section

highlights 

the Ridge Reading Room Opens 

Award-winning Singapore author, Ms Suchen Christine lim, graces opening at the 

Kent Ridge Guild House. 

the Ridge Reading ROOM 



the Ridge Reading Room 

opened its door on 12 

April with the NUSS Book 

Club holding a reading 

session featuring Singaporean 

award-winning author Ms 

Suchen Christine Lim. 

The Reading Room is part of the 

redevelopment plan for Kent Ridge 

Guild House (KRGH) under Phase 2. 

Under this plan, a facility is to be 

provided for to accommodate a space 

for quiet reading and a niche library 

of books for references and loans. 

Although work on Phase 2 was 

completed in April 2010, the Reading 

Room was launched a year later to give 

the S-Connect Sub-Committee time to 

brainstorm on how the facility should 

be structured and administered. 

Facilities 

As S-Connect activities cater to members 

who are 50-years-old and above, 

it was considered appropriate that the 

library should maintain a collection of 

materials. 

As such, books, reports and magazines 

related to issues on ageing were 

included. 

The quiet reading space has a 

selection of magazines and newspaper 

with four computers for use by 

members. 

The library is where the present 

collection of books is kept and displayed. 

It covers a range of reading 

interests from fiction to anecdotal 

history and politics. 

In all, there are approximately 

500 well-chosen volumes in the 

collection. 

In January 2010, the facility was 

named the ‘Ridge Reading Room’. 

Monthly book session 

NUSS members can look forward to 

a book reading session every month 

Singaporean award-winning author Ms Suchen 

Christine Lim reads her books, Rice Bowl and 

Fistful of Colours. 

plus an opportunity to meet invited 

authors. 

At the first reading book reading 

session, for instance, Singaporean 

award-winning author Ms Suchen 

Christine Lim was invited to read 

her books, Rice Bowl and Fistful of 

Colours. 

“We will be reading a book every 

month. Of course, if circumstances 

permit, we will have another reading 

Behind-the-scenes with dOnald wyatt 

The S-Connect Sub-Committee has been busy with the behind-the-scenes 

work and preparing the required facilities leading up to the launch of the 

Ridge Reading Room. donald wyatt, an NUSS member, has the details. 

FoR almost a year leading up the 

launch of the Ridge Reading Room, the 

S-Connect Sub-Committee was busy 

brainstorming on how the facility should 

be structured and administered. 

The library Committee, comprising Ms 

lim Bee lum, Dr Catherine Ang and yours 

truly, drew up with the rules and regulations 

governing the use of the room which 

were subsequently approved. 

Members were also assigned to attend 

to the Ridge Reading Room. 

For instance, Ms lim, who was a 

former Head of Hon Sui Sen Business 

School library at the National university 

of Singapore (NuS), worked with the 

by an author. We will explore for 

more of Singapore’s authors who can 

come for a reading,” says Dr Francis 

Pavri, a book club member who helps 

organise such activity. 

The Ridge Reading Room is now 

open for browsing and borrowing. 

designer of the building project on the 

design and layout for the Ridge Reading 

Room. 

She also handled the collection and 

cataloguing of the materials. 

The committee also came up with 

novel ideas to engage members. 

one of the activities proposed by the 

S-Connect Committee was ‘project Heritage’. 

This project is a collection of the personal 

stories and achievements of NuSS 

members over the years since 1954. 

The NuSS Management Committee 

has since endorsed the project. 

The NuSS Heritage project collection 

will be worked on in due course. 


HIgHlIgHts 

NUss Karaoke Competition 2011 

Females ruled at this year’s competition sweeping all top three awards 

NUss KARAoKE 

CompEtItIoN 2011 

Date: 21 March 2011 


Although there were 

equal numbers of male 

and female contestants 

at this year’s NUSS 

Karaoke Competition, 

the women proved to be the hot 

favourites by making a clean sweep 

for all the top three award categories. 

Ms Chen Jing Wen emerged winner 

while Ms Chiu Kai Ling and Ms 

Janice Goh were the first runner-up 

and second runner-up respectively. 

“It was great. I thought it was a 

tough fight between the first runner-up 

and second runner-up,” says Ms Chen. 

Ms Chen admits she had no formal 

training but has been joining the 

competition ever since she became 

an NUSS member. 

“We have regular singers over at 

Suntec City Guild House. We sing at 

least once a week over there,” says 

Ms Chen on how she prepared for the 

competition. 

According to Mr Jeffery Khoo, 

convenor for the Karaoke Section, this 

year’s competition saw changes in 

the scheduling of the different singing 

categories. 

“For this year, there was a change. 

The previous two years, we had a 

separate English and Chinese competition. 

This year, we merged both 

together,” says Mr Khoo. 

Judges, comprising Mr Archie Ong, 

Mr Desmond Wang and Ms Zhuang 

Su Feye, based their decisions on each 

contestant’s voice quality and diction. 

The NUSS Karaoke Competition 

is an annual competition open to 

members. 

the Karaoke section is a newly 

established interest group for Karaoke 

enthusiasts. It hopes to identify talented 

individuals and provide them with 

opportunities to perform at the Society’s 

functions and events. For enquiries, please 

contact Stefanie Ho at 6586 3741 or email 

stefanieho@nuss.org.sg 

24 THE GRADUATE JUL-SEP 2011 

Winner Ms Chen Jing Wen (above); With NUSS President Johnny Tan are Ms Chiu Kai Ling (below) 

and Ms Janice Goh (bottom). 

REsUlts 

Winner – Ms Chen Jing Wen 

1st Runner-up – Ms Chiu Kai Ling 

2nd Runner-up – Ms Janice Goh 

Consolation prizes: 

Mr Kelvin Choo 

Mr Stanley Chen 

Ms Diana Ho 

Mr Poh Zi San 

Mr Liu Soon Leong

That so many of us have 

problems with our back 

should come as no 

surprise when you realise 

what a complex structure 

the backbone is. 

Stretching from the base of the 

skull to just above the buttocks, the 

backbone is made up of 33 vertebrae, 

more than 30 muscles, numerous 

ligaments, multiple joints, and 

connecting or intervertebral discs. 

With so many parts making 

up the spine, things can easily go 

wrong. 

Discounting injury from 

accidents, most back pain stems 

from daily activity 

A dull ache in the upper back, 

for example, can be caused by sitting 

at the computer for hours on end 

without proper back support. 

This is mostly from muscle strain, 

and most people recover after six 

weeks – provided the problem is not 

aggravated by the same old habits. 

However, the most distressing 

form of back pain by far is lower 

back pain, as it involves more than 

just muscle. 

Lower back pain is a very 

common complaint for a simple 

reason. 

Since the lowest part of the spine, 

the lumbar spine, is connected to 

your pelvis, it is where most of your 

weight-bearing and body movement 

take place. 

The most common cause of 

lower back pain 

“One of the most common causes 

of lower back pain is a slipped disc. 

Also known as a herniated disc 

or prolapsed intervertebral disc 

(PID), it is a condition when the 

core of one of the discs between 

the vertebrae protrudes through a 

tear in its covering. If the protrusion 

occurs along the spinal canal, it 

living 

Back Pain getting You Down? 

eight in 10 adults can expect to experience some form of back pain at some 

stage in their lives. The good news is that good habits, including correct 

posture, can reduce your chances of this troublesome ailment. 

How to tell if your 

slipped disc is serious 

• The pain is aggravated when you 

bend in any direction. 

• It lasts a long time, and is not 

relieved by standard types of 

medical management. 

• There’s numbness, burning or a 

pins-and-needles sensation in 

the legs. 

• You find it difficult to pass urine, 

or have little control urinating. 

If your slipped disc is serious enough 

to require surgery, do consider 

keyhole surgery. “Keyhole surgery 

for slipped discs allows for accurate 

removal of the slipped discs, with 

minimal damage to surrounding 

normal tissue. patients thus are able 

to shorten their hospital stays, experience 

less pain and return to activities 

sooner,” Dr Yue Wai Mun, senior Consultant, 

Department of Orthopaedic 

surgery, singapore General Hospital. 


living 

can compress on the nerves which 

control the legs and sometimes even 

those controlling bladder and bowel 

functions,” said Dr Yue Wai Mun, 

Senior Consultant, Department of 

Orthopaedic Surgery, Singapore 

General Hospital. 

For young people, a slipped disc 

often occurs suddenly. 

You could be lifting a large object 

and before you know it, you’ve put 

your back out. 

Hint: Always bend your knees, 

sort of in a squatting position when 

lifting anything heavy from the 

ground. 

A slipped disc could also happen 

gradually through repetitive injury, 

such as playing tennis or golf. With 

this kind of injury, all you may need 

is complete rest in bed for a few days. 

Hint: Learn the proper technique 

and stance of a sport that 

requires swinging or bending. 

In older people, a slipped disc 

is often the result of wear and tear. 

Degeneration of the spine means the 

intervertebral discs are less capable 

of cushioning the spine, with different 

degrees of severity. 

Seek medical advice and 

treatment if necessary if any back 

pain lingers. 

Always bend 

your knees, 

sort of in a 

squatting 

position 

when lifting 

anything 

heavy from 

the ground. 


A slipped disc could also happen gradually through repetitive injury, such as playing tennis or golf. 

Detecting The 

Severity of Back Pain 

A THOrOuGH medical history and 

physical examination is done before 

tests are ordered. The tests below 

can rule out conditions such as 

infection, fractures or even cancer. 

X-raY. Checks for fractures or 

other problems in the bone 

CT SCan. similar to an X-ray but 

shows greater detail. 

Mri. Detects conditions including 

slipped discs, nerve root compression, 

infections of the bone or 

spinal canal, fractures and tumours. 

nerve ConDuCTion STuDY or 

eleCTroMYograM. Helps determine 

the presence of nerve abnormality 

and distinguish between 

nerve root and muscle disease.

Keeping back pain away 

• Physical therapy is important 

in the treatment of low back 

pain. In the initial period, you 

may need combinations of heat, 

traction and physiotherapy 

massage. As the pain subsides, 

the therapist may introduce 

exercises to relieve stress and 

also to strengthen the back. Doing 

them regularly can help to 

further reduce the pain as well 

as protect the back from recurrent 

attacks of pain. 

• Different types of medication 

may be prescribed for different 

types of back pain. Among the 

most common are non-steroidal 

anti-inflammatory drugs, or 

nSaiDS, although they are often 

prescribed purely for pain relief 

rather than for anti-inflammatory 

effects. NsAIDs are taken 

only when required, as there 

are some side effects. always 

consult a doctor for this. 

• Muscle relaxants help to 

reduce muscle spasm and 

stiffness that occurs during 

a pain attack. sedatives and 

tranquillisers may be taken 

at night to ensure a restful 

sleep. Ice packs, hot packs or 

heating lamps, ointments and 

medicated plasters of various 

kinds can ease the condition, 

but it is important to remember 

that these aids, like massage, 

soothe but do not cure. 

• More serious treatment options 

include radiofrequency ablation, 

which uses heat to destroy 

the nerve’s ability to transmit 

pain, spinal cord stimulation to 

electrically block out pain and 

spinal injections with anaesthetic 

to reduce pain or reduce 

inflammation. 

Tell Me, DOCTOr 

My back pain has not improved despite treatment. What should i do? 

You should go for an X-ray of your lower back to exclude conditions such 

as tumours. Magnetic resonance imaging or MrI can show up a prolapsed 

intervertebral disc (pID) or nerve compression. Besides X-ray or MrI, there 

are bone scans, CT scans or myelogram, which are all tests to investigate 

back problems. 

aside from a slipped disc, what other causes of recurrent back are there? 

spinal canal stenosis (the word stenosis refers to “narrowing”) is another 

cause of recurrent back and leg pains. In older people, a condition termed 

lumbar spondylosis (where joints of the spine wear out) can result in occasional 

back pain. Osteoporosis or softening of the bones can occur in the 

elderly, resulting in back pain. patients who have had a previous history of 

cancer elsewhere, and having persistent back pains, should seek a medical 

opinion. less common conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing 

spondylosis and various types of infections can also afflict the spine. 

living 

TiPS 

a healthy back 

• If you sit too long, take time 

out to stand and stretch. same 

too with gardening or anything 

that requires you to be in the 

same position for long periods 

at a time. Modifying the activity 

means you are less likely to 

strain the back. 

• If you are doing something that 

causes your back to hurt, stop 

and rest or stop altogether. 

• If yours is a desk job, invest in 

an ergonomic chair that supports 

your back properly. 

• Be sure your back and neck 

are properly supported when 

you sit or sleep. Get expert 

help in choosing your mattress 

and pillows – you can upset 

the alignment of your spine if a 

mattress is too soft, or a pillow 

too high. 

• lose weight: If your weight 

is causing excessive pressure 

on your spine, weight loss can 

reduce your discomfort. 

• lift objects properly: Always 

bend your knees so your arms 

are at the same level as the 

heavy object you plan to lift. 

• exercise is vital for a healthy 

spine. Best for the back are 

stretching exercises like pilates 

or yoga. If you have never been 

in the habit of doing exercise 

or if you already have had an 

injury to your spine, talk to your 

doctor or physical therapist before 

you start on any exercise 

routine. 

OrTHOpAeDIC and spine patients can now have less invasive 

surgeries, faster recovery times and improved outcomes. All this, due 

to 3D Fluoroscopy with stealth navigation or Medtronic O-arm that 

allows surgeons a multidimensional view of the patient’s anatomy 

during the operation, monitor the status of surgery as well as verify 

surgical changes with 3D volumetric images before the patient 

leaves the operating suite. 

The article was contributed by Singapore Health Services (SingHealth) which offers more than 40 clinical specialties across Singapore with two tertiary hospitals, five National Specialty Centres for 

Cancer, Heart Neuroscience, Eye and Teeth and a network of primary healthcare clinics. 


Career 

The art Of 

Managing People 

A company’s most valued asset is its people. Find out how you can get the most 

of your staff without micro-managing. By axer Goh 

according to recent 

research, CEOs have 

cited high quality staff 

as the top factor that has 

contributed most to the 

growth of their company. 

Interestingly, finding, hiring and 

retaining qualified employees have 

also become one of their biggest 

operational challenges in managing 

their company’s rapid growth. 

One of the top reasons people 

usually give for leaving their job is 

more often than not, their immediate 

superior or management. 

Managing people should no 

longer be simply viewed as just 

a responsibility, but an extremely 

important skill that managers should 

constantly hone and improve to deal 

with the diverse personalities and 

cultures in a team or company. 

Compound that with an acute 

global shortage talent across all 

industries, it has become more critical 


that business managers know exactly 

what energises and motivates their 

staff in order to keep its invaluable 

human capital within the organisation. 

Here are some management 

insights on how managers can 

effectively get the most out of their 

staff, and motivate them to put in their 

best not just for a day – but always. 

adopt a People-Focused 

Culture 

There is a reason why some of the 

world’s top organisations attribute 

their success to their people. 

By treating their employees as the 

most valuable asset of the company, 

they achieved impressive results and 

became more competitive across 

many fronts. 

Such companies tend to create 

a favourable brand perception 

(internally and externally) by treating 

their staff right, and naturally become 

desired employers to work for. 

A people-focused culture 

energises the employees, and inspires 

them to achieve more than what they 

think is possible, especially if they 

know they are part of the company’s 

growth and success. 

Employees enjoy coming to work 

where their contributions are valued, 

and morale is increased when they 

given more responsibility, autonomy 

and freedom. 

They are more likely to articulate 

the company’s shared vision and bring 

their best ideas to work. 

Empowering staff also gives them a 

sense of responsibility. 

It motivates them to be more 

independent and do what needs to be 

done without being told and makes 

them feel they have a significant 

impact on their work. 

Be a Leader, Not a Manager 

Many business managers are often 

trapped in the daily operations of

unning their companies or assigned 

divisions. 

The point is, micro-managing all 

aspects of a business would probably 

make you a strong manager but not a 

great leader. 

In today’s world, to remain 

competitive and stay ahead of the 

game, the organisation requires 

inspiring leaders who can inject 

enthusiasm into the work environment 

and make employees excited about 

their job, as opposed to having staff 

simply executing orders issued by a 

conservative and rigid management 

who depress and control. 

A great business leader moves 

people to extraordinary performance 

and is able to communicate his vision 

to his staff and get their buy in. 

Genuine leadership cleverly 

uses talents to bring about real and 

limitless productivity, as employees 

begin to emulate and internalise their 

leaders’ positive attitude and approach 

to work, especially when these leaders 

support them wholeheartedly in 

whatever they do. 

To bring out the best in people, 

never lead by intimidation or by your 

own corporate standards. 

It is more important that you earn 

the trust, respect and consideration 

of your people so that they are 

encouraged to put in exceptional 

performance for you and the company. 

People do what they have to do 

for a manager but they will offer their 

very best for a great leader. 

encourage risk Taking & 

Innovation 

When a company becomes too 

entrenched in rules, regulations, 

guidelines and policies, it kills 

creativity and innovation within the 

workplace. 

Employees will clock in their hours 

daily and perform their assigned 

duties as contracted, with hardly any 

interest in achieving the company’s 

mission, vision and goals. 

An organisation that does not 

challenge its people to think, create, 

innovate and contribute will only give 

rise to more people with a “why rock 

the boat” mentality. 

Build a culture that encourages 

and empowers people to take certain 

level of risks. 

With the knowledge that mistakes 

are permissible, employees would be 

more open and proactive in sharing 

their thoughts, ideas and opinions on 

how to make things better. 

Many innovative products and 

ideas in the world such as sticky 

notepads, white-outs and band-aids 

are the brainchild of ordinary people 

and staff in the company, giving those 

organisations a significant competitive 

advantage within their industry. 

A relentless focus on continued 

innovation, entrepreneurial creativity 

and experimentation would allow 

employees to contribute more value 

to the organisation than just their 

time at work. 

Employees are undoubtedly the 

best creative resource for innovative 

An organisation 

that does not 

challenge its 

people to think, 

create, innovate 

and contribute 

will only give 

rise to more 

people with a 

“why rock the 

boat” mentality. 

ideas and solutions as they are 

closest to the business, its customers 

and processes. 

The best way to tap into that 

exceptional pool of resource is to 

instil confidence by showing trust and 

celebrating those who are willing to 

take risk, and supporting those who 

try and fail. 

The ability to recognise, nurture 

and harness intellectual capital for the 

benefit of the organisation will lie on 

the kind of corporate culture you have 

created for your people. 

Stretch and Challenge 

Constantly challenge your staff by 

setting and exacting the highest 

standards, spurring them on 

to achieve what are seemingly 

Career 

impossible targets. 

By ensuring that everyone is 

working to meet these standards, you 

are engendering enthusiasm among 

the workforce and generating a 

competitive spirit within the company. 

When a company involves and 

ignites its people to make such stretch 

targets a reality, they get excited about 

the work and are eager to achieve 

the vision by maximising their own 

capabilities. 

In the process, they may even 

surpass themselves and end up doing 

much much better than they originally 

thought they could do. 

Keep up the energy of the 

organisation and recruit people who 

share the same kind of passion for the 

work you do. 

Live the action every day and 

inject fun, challenges and opportunities 

into your business so that 

employees look forward to coming to 

work and contributing their best to 

the company. 

Ms Axer Goh is a 

Manager (Contracting 

division) with recruitment 

firm, Robert 

Walters.

NUss Distinguished & outstanding Member Awards

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