CinSpire Magazine

CINSPIRE
HOW TO BE
A BETTER STUDENT
VOLUNTEERING
#CURTINCARES
JODI ENG
“COOKING IS INTIMIDATING
AS I HAVE...”

Message from Pro-Vice Chancellor and President,
Professor Robert Evans
Welcome to the second edition of the Curtin Singapore magazine CINSPIRE, which has been compiled and
published by Curtin’s Media Club. Anyone who has been involved in publishing a magazine would know how
challenging it can be, so I begin by extending my thanks to all the contributors who put in many long hours
of planning, writing, editing and designing to produce such an excellent, interesting and visually appealing
second edition.
This edition showcases the work of the many clubs operating on campus. The campus clubs are a great way
for students to get to know each other and pursue interests outside of their study area. The academic journey
is a long and arduous one and to survive, it is important for students to maintain balance and not overly focus
on study alone. We are very lucky at Curtin Singapore to have such a wide variety of clubs to choose from so
there is something for everyone and it is very pleasing to see so many students joining in.
My thanks go to the organisers of these clubs for all the energy they put in to make the clubs successful and
to all the club members for the contribution they make to the community around us. In the nearly six years
that I have been Pro Vice Chancellor I have been privileged to see our relationship with the local Whampoa
community strengthen and deepen and it is largely because of the contribution that the campus clubs and
Student Committee make to special events, especially during the Charity Run, the John Curtin Weekend and
at Christmas.
It is very heartening to see students actively involved in trying to improve the lives of others and I know from
feedback I have received, that the community is very appreciative of your efforts.
I hope you enjoy this edition of the newsletter and I wish you all a very productive and successful 2018.
Professor Robert Evans
Pro Vice-Chancellor and President
Curtin Singapore

Editors’ Note
At the start of every trimester, student clubs at
Curtin Singapore see a new chapter begin as
fresh members join and further strengthen the
team. Students from various background also
eagerly commence their studies anticipating
interesting campus events and lifelong friends.
In 2017, Media Club shared the colourful and
exuberant Curtin student life on different media
platforms to enhance the sense of belonging
for the school community and these best memories
that are built and preserved into history
will be timeless treasures.
Curtin Media Club’s annual magazine; previously
titled MAUD has been re-launched as
CINSPIRE, highlighting Curtin Singapore;
which inspires students to greater heights. This
includes endless input and encouragement
from the lecturers and staff in school to inspire
the students to bring out the best in them.
Members also graduate with the knowledge
and confidence that they proudly earn through
their time served in clubs and societies that
inspire each and every one of them to learn and
grow.
With this issue of our magazine, we hope to
give new students a look into their Curtin
life ahead and to give current and graduating
students a token of remembrance of their time
here. We want to inspire good students to become
greater and to inspire a close-knit community
inside and out of the clubs and societies
that will leave a legacy.
Editorial Team
Aishath Zindh
Cao Hoang Nguyen
Yuan Ting
Writers
Alagusuthan Mariappan
Allaric Avicenna Renanda (Gaudi)
Chen Yu Chih
Chua Xian Wen (Jolin)
Collin Foo
Doan Thi Khanh Vy
Harry Vo
James Wee
Julie Tran
Minn Thant Zin Kyaw
Nelson Chow
Ng Qi Jing
Sudevi Ng
Tan Leyi
Verena Shieren
Zeke Wong
Photographers
Dave Jonathan Susanto
Nguyen Huu Thanh Vy (Rami)
Issue 02
January 2018
CINSPIRE is an annual publication of Curtin University
Singapore. The opinions and views in this magazine are
those expressed by the writers and do not in any way
reflect the official views of Curtin University Singapore.
Write to us
If you wish to contribute or have suggestions about our
magazine, contact us at
mediaclub@learning.curtin.edu.sg

CONTENTS
01 How to be a Better Student
05 School Changes
07 How to Work Well with Others
09 Catching Up with Graduating Students
Unwinding with Jodi 13
Student Committee Feature 15
Media Club Feature 17
19 Curtin Student Clubs
21 #CurtinCares

Travel 23
Beijing
Shwedagon Pagoda
The Jewel of Kedah
29 Book Review
31 Brave Living
32 Relaxation with Sports
For the Road Ahead 33

How to be a Better Student
Written by Zeke Wong
Students from different majors and background talk about
what ethics and commitments are required to shine and
become a better student.
Collin Foo, Logistics and Supply Chain Management
I believe that to be a student who can survive this course, there are a few qualities
that are essential to have. Firstly, it pays to have a slight edge in understanding
math, especially in areas like using statistics to solve problems, reading, and
analysing data. Also, it will be nice to be a team player as we will commonly be assigned
to do our projects in pairs or in groups. With good interpersonal skills, you
will be able to pull off the project with ease and get the scores you are striving for!
In my opinion, it is most important to embrace university life and engage the community
by taking part in clubs and joining events throughout the semester.
Joshua Rawlings, Nursing
Since young, I have always been fascinated with the roles and responsibilities
of a nurse. I had discovered my passion for nursing in my early teenage years as
I watched them at work on documentaries and the internet. I’ve always admired
nurses who are able to work in harsh environments and under huge amounts of
pressure without breaking a sweat while keeping a pleasant smile on their face.
Throughout my secondary and high school years, I volunteered for many different
organisations to help those in need. But it was only after applying for nursing and
starting this course could I finally start to fulfil my dream of becoming a nurse and to
work with many of my other role models like doctors, gynaecologists and paediatricians.
This is the first step of me achieving my dream and in becoming a full-time nurse since I
hope to specialise in the Department of Intense Surgery.
To become a better student, you just need to love what you do, and I really love what I do! I
highly encourage everyone to follow your goals and make those dreams a reality!
1

Pernilla Bursell, Mass Communication
I have always been very engaged in different types of media, whether it is working
behind the camera or scrolling through Instagram on my phone. As a Mass
Communication student, I like to keep myself active and updated on all types of
media. By doing so, it feels a lot easier to participate in discussions during lessons if
you are updated on what the topic is about.
Being a Mass Communication student is for the most part very fun. We get to write
our own scripts, produce our own short movies and the best part is using our creativity.
While all of this sounds very fun and simple it also comes with great responsibility. It is
very easy to forget that all the ‘fun’ is also part of your studies.
My tips on how to be a good Mass Communication student are to simply stay updated, live
an active life and be daring in using your creativity!
Lee YeeJia, Management and HR Management
I feel that the fundamental component to what constitutes in becoming a better
student is to attend all classes diligently. This is because by attending classes, one
will be able to gather various inputs from class discussions with the professors,
and this will also serve as additional notes that one will be equipped with besides
the content in the PowerPoint slides. In addition, during class, an individual can
clarify all the doubts that he/she might have to be able to grasp the concepts better.
This eventually translates into optimal results.
Students should also take responsibility of their own learning. By this I mean that one
should undertake a proactive role in the learning process; this entails reading through the
pre-class materials provided on Blackboard or textbooks (if any). Furthermore, one should
also prepare for their tutorial and not just attend class empty handed. In my opinion fulfilling
the above criterias can contribute to one becoming a better student.
Tan Leyi, Marketing and Advertising
University life can be very stressful but only if you don’t manage your time effectively
and do last minute work which I believe many of us are guilty of, especially
when assignments are stacked one after another and deadlines are just around the
corner. I manage stress by starting early and I cannot emphasize the importance of
listening in class and understanding the lectures and tutorials. This helps to prep me
for projects and exams so that I wouldn’t be lost and overwhelmed with work.
I also de-stress by letting loose sometimes with my friends. Being in an international
school has given me the opportunity to make friends of different nationalities and learn
about our cultural differences. You can also jazz up your time here by joining a club to
make more friends and pick up a skill! I’ve made great and skilful friends from the Media
Club and they have taught me knowledgeable tips on photography and editing. University
life can be a blast and I’m sure that you’ll enjoy your time here!
2

Shellen Natasha, Marketing and Management
Being a 5th trimester student in Curtin can be truly exhausting. Juggling endless
projects and assignments that has to be submitted with clashing dates has taught
me to be able to manage my time effectively. Previously, I was slightly apprehensive
on whether this major could bring a value for my future career or not. However, I
felt that being passionate about what you’re doing is very important and this is what
university is all about. Hence, I eventually chose it.
In my opinion, being a good student in this major is all about having great work ethics
and more importantly to be able to socialize well with your peers. It is exceptionally
important as well to be able to applicate the theories that has been taught on your previous
modules in real-life situations. The purpose of us learning these skills is to prepare us for the
real world once we graduate.
Baey Yu-Ling, Accounting and Finance
As a local student serving in the Student Committee, it is sometimes tough
having to juggle after school activities, academics and family commitments.
Inevitably, I often feel burned out with so much on my plate, but thanks to the
strong support that I have, it has kept me going when times get tough. I’m particularly
grateful for my friends and family who are understanding, patient and
supportive during stressful periods, and I believe that it is important to create and be
immersed in such an environment of positivity.
I feel that as a student, it is often easy to lose sight of what is important especially when
having to cope with many commitments. As such, it is all the more important to set aside
time and effort to look after our physical and mental health, so that we can look back
fondly on our days as a university student and confidently say that we came out a stronger
and smarter person.
Manognya Srinivas, Banking and Finance
Banking and Finance as a double major gives us an exposure to both aspects of
these fields through topics such as accounting, economics and finance. Timely
reading and scheduling can be a great way to approach the units to avoid building
up last minute anxiety, and of course practice makes perfect.
However, I also consider it essential to balance study with other activities to have the
best experience of student life which is essential for the overall growth of an individual.
Taking different classes each semester lets us meet new people and improve our soft
skills. I would like to conclude that enjoying the whole process of learning is the key to
success.
3

4

How did studying abroad on my own change my
life?
At Curtin Singapore, I have not only learned about
the theories in my specific major but also some important
life lessons. My first year in school was definitely
full of challenging experiences. If something
did not happen as I expected, I will try again until I
can achieve it.
“Never give up. Today is hard, tomorrow will be
worse, but the day after tomorrow will be sunshine.”
– Jack Ma
When I first came to the University, I was extremely
shy and afraid to talk to new friends. I felt embarrassed
to start conversations with my classmates. I
had then decided to join some clubs in Curtin Singapore
to develop my communication skills as well
as to increase my confidence. Since that decision, my
confidence has been growing and I do not feel shy
anymore while being able to forge friendships with
my international friends.
For some people, they may want to study
overseas in United States of America,
United Kingdom or Australia. For me, it
has been my dream to study in Singapore
since the first time I stepped foot here ten
years ago. It feels just like yesterday when
I had arrived in Singapore to start my
new life without my parents and beloved
friends. Looking back, I realize how much
I have grown as I had stepped out of my
comfort zone to discover a new world with
my friends and to get fantastic experiences
and valuable skills that can be put to use in
future.
Additionally, I feel lucky that Curtin Singapore has
many clubs for students to engage in. With the opportunity
to join Media Club in order to improve my
photography skills, I also had a chance to meet many
more seniors who are patient in their mentoring. I
was also a volunteer for the Curtin Singapore Charity
Run, John Curtin Weekend and Curtin University
Singapore Graduation Ceremony as a photographer
and these experiences have moulded me positively.
Changed Habits
In the past, I used to like hanging out at coffee shops
to chat with my friends. Now, I prefer going to the
coffee shops alone regularly and to be immersed in
a book instead. As we mature, I believe that there
are moments that I call “silence”. Enjoying a nice cup
of coffee or tea in a peaceful coffee shop setting and
reading my favourite book is the best way to spend
my leisure time in Singapore and this is where I appreciate
“silence”.
Self-independence
I have definitely become much more independent
ever since coming to Singapore to further my studies.
I have to stand on my own two feet without any help
from my parents; preparing meals, doing laundry
and other housework. By being independent, I also
know how to manage my time more effectively. This
has also enabled me on making better decisions and
5

School Changes
Written by Julie Tran
having the initiative to start and end
something productively and efficiently.
These experiences are my precious
lessons which my parents are unable to
prepare me for.
University life will eventually come to an end. Be focused
and enjoy your time to the fullest!
Making new friends
I have heard that it is more often
than not that one may form life-long
friendships while studying in uni and
I am extremely appreciative of the
international friends I have met. They
are gracious and welcoming which
makes the friendship much easier to
build. There is also nothing better than
to have a partner to study with when
assignment deadlines approach. So,
for new students on campus, it will
help greatly if you can find trustworthy
friends whom you can connect with
and with whom you can count on and
be yourself around them.
6

How to Work Well with Others
Written by Yu Chih
Have you ever wondered how some groups work effectively while others face endless problems?
Successful teamwork is the foundation for creating a desired output which requires every member’s
contribution for the project to be completed. To do so, spending time outside of class such as having an
outdoor picnic or dinner is key to getting more comfortable with each other as this will lead to better
teamwork to achieve goals. Here are some tips for you to develop into a better team player:
1. Effective communication
For international students, the biggest barrier is definitely language. When people are not speaking
the same language, they often do not express what they would like to say accurately and this can lead
to misunderstandings between one another. Members should be encouraged to freely express their
thoughts, ideas and solutions to any issue that arises in an open, honest and respectful manner. This
will help them understand each other and to solve problems quickly. Of course, we should not forget
that listening is also a part of effective communication. When we listen, we can better understand,
learn, empathize and connect with our teammates. Communication is a two-way process.
2. Have common goals
Team members will usually have different opinions, which may lead to conflicts. Therefore, it is important
to be aware of the goals of the project instead of focusing on individual views. Having a clear
vision and orientation of purpose is essential for effective teamwork. If the team has clear expectations
of goals, responsibilities and outcomes, teamwork will be smooth.
7

3. Ensure clear assignment of responsibility for each individual in the group
This is one of the prerequisites to making the teamwork process fair and organized. For example,
if there is a risk that two team members will have to compete for control over certain work, try to
divide the area into two separate sections and assign responsibilities based on each individual’s
strengths and tendencies.
4. Trust
In any relationship or in a team working environment, trust is an important factor. An effective
team environment is where people are comfortable accepting the right risks in communication,
advocating views and implementing action. Try to create the most relaxed working environment
for everyone!
5. Strong leadership
The speed of the leader is the speed of the group. A good team leader can place the importance of
a team goal on an individual goal and can provide direction while ensuring that team members
remain focused on achieving that goal. Leaders engage in meetings, assigning tasks, recording decisions
and commitments, assessing progress and ensuring the responsibilities of team members
are delegated equally.
Team members are individuals with diverse experiences and novel ideas. In fact, with a variety of
different perspectives from each member, the rate of success for a group assignment may be higher.
So do not be embarrassed when giving your personal opinions because your feedback may be a
large contribution to your team getting that ‘A’.
8

Catching Up with Graduating Students
Interview with Myat Sandi Aung
Written by Minn Thant Zin Kyaw
Known to her friends as Sandi,
this bubbly student is from
Yangon, Myanmar and she is
in her last trimester pursuing a
Bachelor of Commerce in Management
and Marketing. During
this interview, Sandi shared that
she had attended International
Language & Business Centre
(ILBC) in Yangon where she had
taken her International General
Certifcate of Secondary Education
(IGCSE) exams. After graduating
from ILBC, Sandi then
took eight months of foundation
program at Yangon Institute for
University Studies (YIUS) where
she prepared for International
English Language Testing System
(IELTS) before coming to Curtin
Singapore. Aside from spending
time poring over textbooks, she
has also worked as a salesperson
and has experiences in bookkeeping,
procuring, restocking and
processing deliveries. Amidst her
busy schedule, Sandi had made
time to chat with me about her
student life on campus.
Why did you choose Curtin?
My mother has a friend whose
son is enrolled in Curtin Singapore
and they had recommended
the school to us. However, I
did not make this decision on a
whim. I had researched about
the majors I wanted to pursue
and which universities in Singapore
offered them. I was very
interested in management and
marketing and Curtin Singapore
is the only university here where
I can pursue both courses at the
same time. Also compared to the
other universities, the duration to
complete the course was shorter
as well. I have spent eight months
completing my diploma and
about 20 months for my bachelor
studies. I have one last trimester
here at Curtin Singapore and this
will take another 4 months. Since
Singapore is really close to Myanmar
and I like to visit home often,
picking Curtin Singapore was an
easy decision.
How do you find your study
experience here?
I am plesantly surprised by how
similar the style of lecturing here
is with my previous education
institute. The lecturers cover the
topics in an in-depth manner and
whenever appropriate, they use
real-life examples and share their
experiences which resonates with
me. If I need consultation or have
clarifications, the lecturers always
make time to help. I also enjoy
doing group assignments as this
allows me to see varying viewpoints
from others as they are
from different countries and have
interesting perspectives.
What do you like about Curtin
Singapore?
Curtin Singapore is a small campus
similar to my high school and
this gives me a positive sense of
familiarity. I particularly enjoy
being in smaller tutorial classes
where the lecturer makes the
effort to get to know all students.
Being in a huge leture theatre
filled with hundreds of sudents
like what you see in a movie is not
something I prefer. There is also
a variety of clubs to be a part of
which has allowed me to expand
my social circle. I was a member
of Curtin Community Service
Club (CCSC) and was involved in
almost all of the activities before
stepping down recently to focus
on my academics in this last trimester.
The friendly staff here on
campus also makes the day to day
more enjoyable.
Can you describe Curtin Singapore
in a few words?
A friendly community I consider
my second home.
Can you mention a few memorable
moments while in Curtin
Singapore?
There were ups and downs, as
well as stressful times for me but
aside from that, many memories I
have are from my time in CCSC.
The experience I have of helping
the elderly to clean their homes
and distributing bread and fruits
to the needy at Whampoa Community
Club will be carried in my
heart for a long time.
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CCSC’s barbeque parties on campus
were also a whole lot of fun and the
Christmas Dinner Party held on campus
last year in 2017 which was organized
by the Student Committee is the most
enjoyable event I have attended so far.
What are your plans after graduation?
I am definitely continuing with my studies
and I have already applied for Master
of Science (Project Management) at
Curtin Singapore. With the work experience
I already possess, my plan is to
apply for a job here in Singapore after
completing my Masters.
Any words of advice for our current
and future students?
If anyone were to ask for advice on
which university to choose, my answer
is simple. It will be Curtin Singapore. I
have nothing but good thoughts about
the school. My advice would be to expand
your social circle as much as you
can. Do join the clubs that we have on
campus and I will of course recommend
CCSC as you get to help others who may
not be as fortunate as you are. Another
advice would be to manage your time
well especially before and during the
finals. Do not wait until the last minute
to rush to complete your assignments!
10

Catching Up with Graduating Students
Interview with Alagusuthan Mariappan
Written by Nelson Chow
Alagusuthan Mariappan, also
known as Suthan, is a student
from India who had completed
his degree in Bachelor of Mechanical
Engineering at Anna University
in 2015. During his time
there, he was an active volleyball
player and had represented his
school in tournaments and won
many medals. Upon graduation,
Suthan landed a job at a production
and manufacturing company
but realized that he had more
interest in design engineering. He
went on to take a Master Diploma
in Aerospace Design at CADD
centre in India for about a year
and expanded his studies to also
study a Master of International
Business at Curtin Singapore.
What made you choose Curtin?
I was searching on the internet
for schools that offer a Master in
International Business and that’s
where I chanced upon Curtin
Singapore. I had checked online
for Curtin Singapore’s placement
among the other universities and
the achievements of the school
coupled with the program being
able to be completed in a year
helped me make this decision.
How do you find your study
experience here?
The study experience is beneficial
for me as I have a bachelor’s
degree which is academically
different from what I am currently
studying now for my master
degree. The lecturers in school are
good as they have previous work
experiences and they are always
more than glad to impart that
knowledge to us. This makes the
lessons much more vibrant and
applicable when I go out into the
working world after graduating.
What do you like about Curtin?
I like how the school has students
from different countries and I
get to learn about their culture,
language and food preferences.
The students in school are also
friendly and approachable, unlike
campuses in India where it is
challenging to build friendships.
Academics wise, the lecturers at
Curtin Singapore are experienced
and are able to explain the modules
comprehensively to us.
Can you describe Curtin Singapore
in a few words?
There are friendly vibes all
around. Both students and lecturers
are always willing to extend a
helping hand.
Can you mention a few memorable
moments while in Curtin
Singapore?
A memorable moment would be
when a schoolmate helped me to
adapt to the culture in Curtin Singapore
and also on how to converse
with the other students. She
had guided me on assignments in
terms of referencing and presentations
and I am grateful for her
mentoring. Because of her kindness,
she has also encouraged me
to extend consideration to others
around me.
What are your plans after graduation?
I hope to get a job in Singapore in
the marketing field. If I am unable
to do so, I will then head back to
India to start a career there. In the
future, I plan to start up a marketing
consultancy company there.
Any words of advice for our current
and future students?
Do not hesitate to ask for help. I
cannot emphasize enough how
friendly and big-hearted everyone
here is on campus. My advice is
also for students to not only focus
on their studies but to participate
in events or join clubs in Curtin
Singapore to develop non-academic
skills.
11

12

Unwinding with Jodi
Written by James Wee
Joining Curtin Singapore in June
2017, Jodi Eng, Student and Academic
Services Manager has gotten
to know many students on campus.
Let’s switch gears, and get to know
her better.
Graduating from polytechnic with a
diploma in Early Childhood Education,
Jodi had went on to expand her
knowledge in a different field, taking
a degree in Bachelor of Arts with
concentration in Mass Communications.
Fast-forward to life after university
and with four years of events
experience under her belt, Jodi truly
enjoys working with people and has
a passion to serve.
Jodi is an advisor to the Student
Committee while mentoring 10
other student clubs. In fact, it is
with her guidance and support that
Curtin Singapore saw the formation
of two clubs where students were
able share their passion and impact
their campus experience in a positive
way. Campus events, Orientation
programs and Graduation Ceremonies
are also coordinated by Jodi. On
top of that, she works closely with
our community partner, Whampoa
Community Club where opportunities
are created for students to
volunteer, engage and give back to
the community.
What is the best thing about being
a Student and Academic Services
Manager?
The best thing about what I do are
the interactions with my students.
My role requires me to be available
for my students every day and it is
pretty demanding as it requires a
good deal of self-sacrifice – rushed
lunches when I have back to back
meetings with them, responding
to their texts during the weekends,
choosing to spend time with my student
clubs after clocking 10 hours of
work on campus but with that said, I
will not trade this for a 9-to-5 job.
Every student is dynamic and extraordinary
in their own way and
they never fail to amaze me with
the potential they have to imagine
and be creative. It gets tough sometimes
as immense patience must be
exercised to accommodate to each
individual’s needs but if I can inspire
or equip them with the relevant skills
needed when they make their own
way into the world upon graduating,
the time devoted to broadening their
hearts and opening their minds is
worth the while.
Who is your role model, and why?
My grandma. There is not a day
that goes by that I don’t miss her
as she had passed away five years
ago. Her life was arduous having to
bring up five children on her own,
but she was a fighter and her love
was selfless. As the years crept up on
her, she became very fragile and her
mobility was hindered but that did
not stop her from showering unconditional
love on her grandchildren.
My grandma is the definition of
resilience and she has shown me the
importance of grace and hard work.
She was amazing and will always be
my superwoman.
What are some of your personal
“rules” that you never break?
The first is “It takes less time to do
something right, than to explain why
you did it wrong”. I guess it is human
nature to be tempted in taking the
easy way out but rushed or sloppy
work leads to a tendency for carelessness
and poor quality output.
It then takes more time to fix any
arising issues from that so you might
as well do it right and good from the
start.
The second is to “Always be kind”
for everyone is fighting their own
battles.
What is a skill you’d like to learn, and
why?
This may be a very ordinary skill
to everyone else but I would like
to learn how to cook. Cooking is
intimidating as I have colour vision
deficiency, which also means that I
am colour blind. It is difficult for me
to identify and distinguish between
certain colours, so lets say when you
cook potatoes, you would know it is
time to remove them from the frying
pan when their colour change but I
would be totally oblivious. Of course
with some food like steak, it would
not be as much of a problem but
there would be painful after-effects
from ingesting undercooked chicken
or seafood. During the rare times
that I dare venture into the kitchen
and explore whipping up something,
I tend to overcook my food or try to
get them a little more burnt just to
ensure I don’t end up in the hospital
with food poisoning.
Complete the sentence, “When I’m
not working, I’m…”
… Still working, because I’m a
horrible workaholic! (Haha). But
on a more work-life balance note, I
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would be catching the latest movie in
theatres. I am a huge movie buff and
can watch two movies at the cinema
in a weekend, excluding the ones I
catch at home. There is nowhere better
to lose yourself than in film and
the immersive experience when you
are absorbed into the storytelling
cannot be replicated anywhere else.
I especially enjoy crime movies as
the plot twist and suspense is usually
much better compared to the other
dramas.
What job would you be terrible at?
I would be a really bad nurse as I
have a phobia of injections. The pain
doesn’t faze me, but it’s the syringe
that freaks me out. For every time
that I have to get an injection, I melt
into a puddle of mess. I think mess is
an understatement because I literally
sob, struggle, pull away and attempt
to run. Just a few months ago during
a medical check, three nurses had
to hold me down while the fourth
tried to take my blood. I have fought
cockroaches, hiked through a pitchblack
forest at 3am and been stranded
at an airport 15,000km away from
Singapore with no money and phone
data but nothing scares me more
than taking an injection.
What is the most useless talent that
you have?
I sleep like a dead log. To share how
dead I mean - I once missed 97 consecutive
calls, I have slept through
vacuum cleaning in my room and
the alarms I set on my phone are
so loud that it wakes my dad in the
next room even though our doors
are closed. Maybe it’s because the
alarms on my phone are the same
every morning and I am used to the
ringtone that I have tuned them out.
I am such a dead sleeper that I am
super disoriented when I wake up.
A few years ago, I got jolted awake
by the ringing and I picked up my
phone to say hello and it was only
when the phone continued to vibrate
that I realized I had greeted my
alarm. After years of coming up with
ways to fix this extreme deep sleep
situation and my body adjusting to
waking up at the same time every
morning, I no longer have this issue
during weekdays. It’s pretty useless
but I sure am thankful for this talent
when I get to sleep in during the
weekends.
How would your best friend describe
you?
Let’s find out from her directly!
Proceeds to show her text -
“Fiercely loyal, brave, extremely
caring, has bunny-like ears because
she is a good listener, and forgiving.
Sums up our friendship, from the
day I met you 9 years ago.”
She has a way with words (haha).
There we go, from my best friend
herself.
What do you want to be remembered
for?
I want to be remembered as someone
who has made a difference in the
lives of young people. I may sound
like a broken tape recorder reminding
my students to be detailed in
their work, on the importance of
accountability and to develop good
habits such as being punctual for
meetings but I believe that every one
of them is great in his or her own
ways. What’s important is about
unlocking that potential in them and
in helping them build that sense of
inner confidence and perseverance
that will serve them to blossom as
remarkable individuals.
14

Student Committee Feature
By Minn Thant Zin Kyaw
Insights from a Student Committee Member
Student Committee, STUCO in short, is an official student-led body that connects Curtin Singapore with its
students. STUCO brainstorms, promotes and executes events that aim to bring unity and create a sense of belonging
for the students on campus and the members volunteer for many of the other events that are organized by the
school as well. Many a time, they collaborate with the other student clubs too to reach out to the diverse student
population that the campus has.
There are four departments that make up STUCO: Events, Marketing, Finance and Purchasing and lastly Clubs,
which is a department that manages the other student clubs on campus. There is also the Executive Committee in
STUCO, also known as the EXCO which comprises of the President, Vice-President, Secretary and heads of the
departments.
I am a member of the Events Department, which organizes many events such as Teachers’ Day Appreciation
Week, Social Activities Day to integrate new students during Orientation week, Christmas party for children in
need from the nearby centres and also Curtin’s own Christmas party for our students. In simpler words, I am an
event planner. However, planning is not just what we do. We work with the Finance and Purchasing Department
to procure things necessary and manage how the events are run. The most challenging aspect is the planning
process. It takes days or even weeks to put together and tie up details to ensure everything is well covered. This
process involves brainstorming for ideas or activities based on many factors such as number of participants, flow
of movement, floor plan, program schedule and budget, just to name a few depending on the type of event we are
planning for. It is essential to iron out the mechanics before submitting a proposal to the school for approval. Our
Student & Academic Services Manager mentors us and guides us through any details we may have missed out before
the final proposal can be approved. It may sound tedious and tiring but all of these are essential to ensure all
15

ases are covered and more often than not, our events are a success and we take great pride in what we have done.
Even if the events are a success, there is always room for improvements and an After-Activity Review will be put
together with feedback from all participating members.
There are some students who have asked what are the benefits of joining STUCO since it takes up a lot of one’s
time and it is not easy to juggle both academics and after school activities. Well, I can say that STUCO gives a
great platform to exercise your leadership skills and to prepare you for the corporate world in future. You get a
chance to work with like-minded team members, who are from different cultures and background. Along the
way, there is also character development and good habits that you will form like responsibility, punctuality and
accountability. Of course, you will have to commit and have discipline in order to build on these character traits.
Furthermore, you get to make a difference at Curtin Singapore. If you have actively served in the committee for
two or more trimesters, you will also be awarded a Certificate of Membership, which you can include in your
resume upon graduating.
Can anyone join STUCO? YES! All students are welcome to join. However, that does not mean everyone will be
accepted. Applications are open at the beginning of every trimester and you will have to submit an online application.
There will be a panel interview conducted by the EXCO members where relevant questions will be asked to
assess your skills, experience and suitability. If you are shortlisted, you will join STUCO as a probation member.
More details are given upon being shortlisted, and you will be assessed during the probation period. If you do pass
the second and final trial, you will be assigned to one of the departments as an official member. By being an adaptable
and empowering leader, you can also work your way to joining the EXCO team.
We are always looking to make Curtin Singapore a better place so join us and be a part of the family!
16

Media Club Feature
Written by Harry Vo
Build your passion for
writing, photography and
videography with
Curtin’s Media Club!
Curtin Singapore’s Media Club was launched in November 2015 to ignite their member’s passion for the media
industry. Its vision is to create a platform for students to develop necessary skills required in the media field
where they can tap on their experience and knowledge as journalists, photographers, videographers and graphic
designers upon graduating.
At Curtin Singapore, events are held frequently and Media Club plays a pivotal role by being on scene every
time to capture the memorable moments of these happenings and uploading them to social media. You may
have seen them during Charity Run, John Curtin Weekend, Orientation Week, Graduation Day and Christmas
Parties; they will be hard to miss with their bright smiles and zest.
In 2017, Media Club had also revamped two notice boards in school to display updated campus and clubs
highlights, contributed to campus newsletters and spent months preparing and curating this magazine you are
currently reading. With constant updates on their social media, Curtin students will never have to miss a single
fun event even if they are unable to be physically present.
17

At the start of every trimester, Media Club opens up registration for new members during the club recruitment
drive and a welcome party is held to celebrate new members and to thank current members for their hard
work and effort. Members also come together to commence their planning for Vine video productions and
share ideas on how to further contribute and improve school broadcasting platforms. If you have great passion
for media and is initiative when it comes to covering events, Media Club will be delighted to extend its membership
to you. There are plenty of opportunities to inculcate and develop relevant competencies through the
different media channels while serving and benefitting the school community. For students who like to keep
themselves updated, being in Media Club also gives you first hand notifications for any school happenings!
Be a part of Media Club today to connect with others who have similar interests and we assure you that this
journey is going to be an exciting and rewarding one!
18

CCSC
Curtin Student Clubs
Written by Vy and Qi Jing
Curtin Community Service Club
(CCSC) works together as a solid team to
make life meaningful for others with the
best of them. From distributing bread to residents
in need at Whampoa Community Club to
cleaning the homes of elderly folks, these
are just a few projects where CCSC
has touched the hearts of many
with their commitment.
KUNCI
DANCE
KUNCI is a second home for Indonesian
students at Curtin Singapore.
The club encourages social bonding and
their members come together to share their
experiences living in Singapore. They also
have a good relationship with the rest of the
student clubs on campus and with
Indonesian communities in
other universities.
Dance Club is a dynamic team who welcomes
anyone with a keen interest in learning
dance basics, techniques and as well as
full choreographies. They serve to be an
inspiration to other students on campus
during showcases when they get to express
themselves creatively through their body,
mind and soul.
MUSIC
Music Club is where individuals with
the same passion for music come
together as a family. It’s also used as a
platform to increase their member’s
confidence through performances and
to enrich the student body’s appreciation
of musical arts.
19

GOLF
Golf Club provides a comfortable
environment to members, where they
can learn golfing skills at the nearby
range and go for a full golf course
experience at the end of the trimester.
Dedicated members also attend lessons
with a professional golf instructor
where they can obtain
their Golf Proficiency
Certificate.
BADMINTON
Badminton Club ensures that their athletes
will have an opportunity to reach their
fullest potential and they strive to create a
community that is supportive, progressive
and encouraging. Since their inception in
October 2017, they have participated in
numerous tournaments and
clinched Top-3 standings
for every competition.
FUTSAL
BASKETBALL
Basketball Club not only focuses on perfecting
their game but also on improving their relationship
within the basketball community with other
schools. Emerging 2nd place at a recent
tournament held in Trimester 3A 2017,
the players believe that basketball
is not just a game,
but a lifestyle.
CHESS
Current Interest Group
Chess Interest Group provides
their members with an environment
to develop healthy minds.
Honing critical mental and emotional
skills during practices, they
aim to equip their members with
the ability to strategize
in the game and life.
Futsal Club strives to promote honesty,
integrity, and professionalism amongst their
athletes. Their goal is to develop a strong soccer
culture by providing a fun, safe and competitive
community that their members
enjoy being a part of.
20

#CurtinCares
Written by Jolin Chua and Collin Foo
Curtin Singapore frequently
organises events to help students
connect with others and to
strenghten community bond. Doing
things for a good cause and
making a difference in the lives of
others also allow students to gain
intangible benefits such as pride,
satisfaction and accomplishment.
Curtin Singapore Charity Run
2017
Sunday, 13 August 2017 saw Curtin
Singapore holding their 4th
Charity Run and this is an annu-
al event that is one of the main
highlights of the year. Proceeds
from the registration fee went
to the Whampoa Community
Development and Welfare Fund,
which supports academically
outstanding students who require
additional financial aid.
With the help of Curtin’s Student
Committee, a registration booth
was set up on campus and Student
Committee also had their
members visit classes to share
about the event. There were a
total of 250 sign-ups and donations,
which was at the highest
compared to previous years.
There were also members from
our community partner, Whampoa
Community Club who had
joined us.
The event was graced by guestof-honour
Mr Heng Chee How,
Senior Minister of State (Prime
Minister ‘s Office) and MP for
Jalan Besar GRC (Whampoa).
Runners and walkers for the 3km
and 5km trial turned up bright
and early for a mass exercise that
was led by Curtin’s Dance Club
and after the flag off, participants
got to enjoy their run at the nearby
Toa Payoh Town Park that is
filled with lush greenery. The park
also provided a sense of tranquillity
and serenity where the fresh
air served to rejuvenate everyone.
After the run, participants were
greeted with a variety of booths
that had been set up back in
school. From tasty nibbles and
delicious pasta for the growling
tummies to interactive activity
areas, there was something for
everyone to be engaged in. There
was even a bicycle blender where
you can cycle to blend your own
fruit juice! Curtin’s Music and
Dance Club had also put up
wonderful performances for the
21

crowd and 1st place participants
got to go home with medals.
There were good vibes all around
and it is with much anticipation
that we are all looking forward
to this year’s Charity Run and we
cannot wait!
Christmas Parties at Curtin
Singapore
On 9 December 2017, Curtin
Singapore had welcomed 150
children from PCF Sparkletots@
Whampoa and their parents
to the campus to have an early
Christmas Party celebration. Led
and organized by Student Committee,
Curtin Community Service
Club (CCSC) and KUNCI,
the children had a ball of a time
at the game booths that were ran
by the student clubs. From ornament
crafting to pin the nose on
the reindeer and tossing the ball
into the bucket, joy and laughter
could be heard throughout the
room. Media Club had a photobooth
ready and parents were
eager to capture memories with
their children. One of the Student
Commiittee members had even
brought his cello to peform for
the children and parents and it
was absolutely melodic. A high
tea buffet was also catered for
them with delightful log cakes in
the shape of a carousel.
Our guest-of-honour Mr Heng
Chee How, Senior Minister of
State (Prime Minister’s Office)
and MP for Jalan Besar GRC
(Whampoa) had also graced the
event during the presents giveaway
ceremony. Our Student
Committee had put together
school essentials and a DIY craft
kid in Christmas themed goody
bags for the children in need and
it was wonderful seeing the children’s
faces light up upon receiving
them.
The presents that were given to
the children had been graciously
sponsored by Curtin students.
Also organized by Student Committee,
a Christmas Party had
been planned for our students
to let down their hair and their
registration fee had went to
sponsoring the presents. Music
Club and Dance Club joined in
the fun by performing for their
fellow schoolmates and there was
a sumptuous Christmas buffet
to feed their tummies. Singing
Christmas carols together with
teams pitched against one another
to compete in games, it was definitely
a night to remember.
The month of December was full
of love and giving and 2017 truly
ended on a high note.
22

On a Train Adventure to Beijing
Written by Gaudi
I had a great train journey experience
during my mid-trimester
break. Boarding a conventional
train, I had travelled from two
major cities, Shanghai to Beijing
where I had enjoyed a low fare of
RMB325.5 (S$66.68) as compared
to the regular price of RMB390.5
(S$80.00). The train I had boarded
was the T110 Express train
which departed Shanghai Railway
Station in the evening and
reached Beijing Railway Station
at 9.30AM the next day, taking
about 15 hours.
There are two conventional trains,
hauled by a locomotive, travelling
between Shanghai and Beijing.
Aside from T110, there is the ordinary
1462 which takes about 20
hours. I would not recommend
the 1462, since you will be spending
almost an entire day inside
the train. There are other trains
plying between these two cities
which are faster, however they are
more costly. My train tickets were
booked through chinahighlights.
com, which were sent to my hotel
and collected upon checking-in.
There are three major stations
in Shanghai, so do pay attention
to which one you need to be at.
Most conventional trains depart
from Shanghai Railway Station.
Other conventional trains to the
Southern part of China depart
from Shanghai South Railway
Station and most high speed
trains depart from Shanghai
Hongqiao Railway Station located
at the suburbs of Shanghai next to
Shanghai Hongqiao International
Airport. It is essential to check
your ticket and ensure that you
are at the correct station.
I suggest arriving at the station at
least an hour instead of 15 minutes
before departure time as you
will need to queue for security
checks and ticket validation before
entering the station. Do note
that information on your ticket
must match that on your identity
card or passport. If it does not
match, you will not be able to
board your train.
Upon entering the station, you
can check your designated waiting
room for your train on the
information screen, head upstairs
to level 2 and wait until your
boarding time. If you still have
time before the train departs,
then it will be possible to explore
the restaurants and convenience
stores.
When it is time to board the train,
proceed to your assigned coach
stated on your ticket by matching
it with the numbers near the train
doors. You then have to show
your ticket and validate your
identity to the staff standing at
the entrance. This staff will be in
charge of your coach throughout
the journey. The cheapest class
ticket I had purchased was Hard
Sleeper. Hard sleeper comes with
6 berths per compartment and
there are 3 decks of berths each.
This was my bed for the next 15
hours, stopping at Suzou, Wuxi,
Nanjing, Xuzhou, Dezhou, Cangzhou,
and Tianjin West stations
before arriving at Beijing Railway
Station.
Once the train departs, the staff
will go around collecting tickets.
In return, they will pass you a
berth card to prevent you from
getting lost should you alight
temporarily at certain stations.
I thought this was an excellent
system. There was also a push
cart selling snacks and drinks to
passengers on board the train.
Rather than being bored inside
my coach, I chose to explore the
train and it was great to discover
that the dining car was just
a coach away from mine. The
cashier actually goes around and
you can just pay at your dining
table. The dining coach looked
like a nice restaurant, however
the food did not meet my expectations.
Do not be surprised if the train
halts periodically as they are
giving priority to higher class
trains to pass. During my trip, we
stopped for five trains which took
about thirty minutes. As the sun
began to set and the night crept
in, the lights were finally turned
off, allowing me a good rest.
Early next morning, the coach
began to get lively as passengers
stirred from their sleep.
When the train reached its final
destination at Beijing Railway
Station, the staff exchanged my
berth card back to my ticket.
Upon getting off the train, I
walked through the underpass
and exited the station to my next
destination. I had a delightful
journey to the capital of China
and I hope my adventure inspires
you for a trip there.
23

24

Shwedagon Pagoda
Written by Minn Thant Zin Kyaw
A visit to the Republic of the Union of Myanmar will
not be complete without visiting Shwedagon Pagoda.
With over 50 million Buddhists which totals to 87 percent
of the total population living in the country, this is
the most visited sanctuary in Myanmar. Built on top of
Singuttara Hill during the 6th Century, the 2,500 years
old stupa enshrines holy relics and Buddha’s strands of
hair. It was merely 8 meters high
when it was first built. Kings after
kings would rebuild and terrace
to boast their power and the
stupa heightened. Now it stands
at 110 meters and is the highest
point of Yangon.
Four entrances facing North,
South, East and West lead to
a platform where visitors pray
and walk around the stupa. The
design of the stupa has several
components, however, the base
material for it is brick. These
bricks are then covered by hundreds
of gold plates donated by
individuals or families. A section
of the stupa called the umbrella
crown is encrusted with over
7,000 diamonds and rubies. A
76-carat diamond lies at the very
tip of the stupa called the diamond
bud, overlooking the entire
Yangon.
Bagan
This ancient city is home to the
largest concentration of Buddhist
temples, pagodas, stupas
25
and ruins in the world and it was
once a capital of the Kingdom
of Bagan. Bagan has been hit by
earthquakes and other natural
disasters and only 2,200 of 10,000
sanctuaries survived, with the
oldest dating from 11th century.
A lot of the remaining structures
have been repaired and restored.
This ancient city extends over an
area of 68-sq-km.
Bagan is to Myanmar as Angkor
Wat is to Cambodia. The difference
is temples and stupas in

Bagan are close to each other and visible
out in the plains. Angkor Wat on the other
hand has several temples built next to
each other and are hidden in the forests.
Another significant feature of Bagan is the
reddish rusty colour of the temples and
stupas. Centuries of aging from the erosions
from the wind and sun has led to the
stucco coating peeling off and revealing
the brick base, giving them a rusty, reddish
colour.
Bagan has always been a busy city since
its origination in the 9th century. It was
not only a capital, but also a destination
for Buddhist scholars and pilgrims from
around the world over the centuries. In the
present day, it is the main tourist attraction
of Myanmar. When visiting Bagan,
visitors not only get to see the centuries-old
structures but also get to appreciate
the breath-taking Bagan skyline during
sunrise and sunset.
http://www.peakpx.com
26

The Jewel of Kedah
Written by Jolin Chua and Collin Foo
The Jewel of Kedah
Located in the Andaman Sea 30km off
the mainland coast of North-Western
Malaysia lies the Jewel of Kedah, or more
commonly known as Langkawi. An
archipelago made up of 104 islands and
providing a cheap getaway with everything
being duty free, Langkawi has a
lot to offer and has proven to be a great
get-away for many who want to disconnect
from the world and enjoy nature at
its finest. Here are three must visit places
if you choose to make a trip there!
The Land
– Cenang Beach
The most popular beach in Langkawi would
be Cenang Beach, or Pantai Cenang as the
locals name it. The harmonious waves that
splash around you as you walk along the
beach will be an unforgettable experience.
The sand there is so fine that it sifts through
your fingers as if they were melting and the
shore is full of shack bars where you can go to
unwind and allow the sound of lounge music
and the nearby lapping waves to fill your soul.
If you are feeling peckish, there is also amazing
fresh seafood to satisfy your hunger.
27

The Sky – Sky Bridge
The closest you can ever get to the clouds would
be to visit the Sky Bridge situated between two
hilltops of Langkawi’s most famous mountain
Gunung Mat Cincang. Spanning 125 meters at a
height of 660 meters, standing on the Sky Bridge
will present to you one of the most stunning
views. The bridge is curved, which provides a
different perspective as you walk along it and
this is a treat for photo enthusiasts.
The journey to the top is equally exciting. Accessible
by cable car, it is a 15 minutes ride to
the bridge starting at the Oriental Village where
there are many retail stores and galleries. The
journey up can be chilly so do remember to
bring a sweater. A tip to share would be to ensure
that the skies are not cloudy so as to enjoy a
better view.
Love is in the air
Another attraction that you can find at the peak
next to the Sky Bridge is a much smaller bridge
filled with “padlocks of love”. Countless couples
have come here to lock their love in the sky,
wishing that their love is going to last forever.
Don’t fret if you do not have a padlock on hand
as you can purchase the colourful padlocks at
the station for you and your loved one.
The Sea – Pulau Payar
Marine Park
If you enjoy swimming at the beach, snorkelling,
or even scuba diving, the Pulau Payar Marine
Park is the place for you. Taking about an hour
to reach by speedboat from Kuah Jetty, Langkawi,
visiting the Marine Park is an ideal choice for
a day outing. Scuba diving gear is available for
rent and the best diving location is along the reef
that skirts the East, South and West of Pulau Payar.
Famous for the varied and colourful marine
life that they support, you will definitely have a
swell time.
28

Book Review
Written by Nguyen Cao
Contagious – Why things catch on – by Jonah Berger
”Jonah Berger knows more about what makes information ‘go viral’ than anyone in the
world.” – Daniel Gilbert, Harvard College Professor of Psychology and author of Stumbling
on Happiness.
that’s probably something you’re going to tell all
your friends about. And if you’re like most people
and cannot enjoy the good things without posting a
picture of it on Facebook or Instagram, you’re probably
going to share a picture of the cheesesteak as an
attempt at self-affirmation and social self-promotion.
So, the first principle is social currency, and the idea
there is if sharing your idea or product makes you
look good, they’re much more likely to share it.
2. Triggers – How are you reminded of the product?
There are six principles that Jonah Berger has
identified for why things catch on and why they
go viral. He has a PhD from Stanford, and he’s
basically an expert on viral marketing. After much
research, he has identified these six factors that he
calls STEPPS – social currency, triggers, emotion,
public, practical value and stories.
1. Social Currency – Does it make you look
good?
Let’s say you order a regular $5 cheesesteak, that’s
probably not something that you will want to
tell everyone about. However, if you were out for
dinner and decide to order the $100 cheesesteak,
You have probably heard the song ‘Friday’ by Rebecca
Black which has garnered millions of views
on YouTube. There may be many reasons for why it
has so many views, but one reason for it is that it has
a really good trigger. If you actually take a look at
the statistics on YouTube for how many people have
watched that video, you’ll see that there has been
a spike in views every Friday. Now imagine if the
song was about the first day of school with the same
amazing lyrics and vocals, tons of people might still
watch it on the first day of school, but they probably
aren’t going to watch it two weeks after the first day of
school, or a month, or three months after. So Friday
is actually a really good trigger because it happens
every week.
Kit Kat executed the same thing in 2007. Their sales
were declining every year and they needed an effective
marketing campaign so what they did was to link
Kit Kat to coffee. In all of their advertisements, Kit
Kat was always presented with coffee. For someone
who has not understand the power of triggers, the
coffee might not mean anything and it would just be
part of the advertisement. In fact, why didn’t they
advertised with hot chocolate? It may likely taste even
better with hot chocolate. But that’s not the point!
The point is that they had wanted to link Kit Kat to
something that gets consumed all the time like coffee,
so for every time a person thinks of coffee, he also
thinks of Kit Kat. And yes it might taste even better
29

with hot chocolate, but again that’s not the point as
consumers don’t drink as much hot chocolate as coffee.
Kit Kat’s sales had been declining 5% every year,
but in the next twelve months after the campaign,
their sales shot up by 33%.
3. Emotion – Strong emotions lead people to share
Think of Susan Boyle’s performance on Britain’s Got
Talent. Strong emotions like awe or happiness get
people to share. Higher-arousal emotions that relate
to anger and anxiety are overwhelmingly shared
and this is prevalent on media now. These emotions
are key to viral content, but the emotion you want
to stay away from is sadness. If something makes
people sad, they tend to get lesser social shares and
impressions.
4. Public – What is everyone else doing?
When you take a look at car buying behaviour, one
of the factors that affects if someone will purchase a
new car is whether his neighbours and community
are buying new cars. If all of them are buying a new
car, he’s much more likely to do the same as well.
Apple had this dilemma with their laptops. The Apple
logo used to face the viewer of the laptop when
it was closed which was a convenience for the user
because it was easier to orient the laptop once you
got it out of your bag. But the problem is that once
the laptop was opened, the logo would be upside
down to everyone else. The decision had to be made
whether the user’s convenience was more important
than everyone else looking at the laptop. After much
dilemma, they decided that how the others viewed it
was more important and Apple made the necessary
changes.
5. Practical value – Is it actually helpful?
The fifth principle is practical value. If you can offer
someone something that would help them greatly,
they are going to want to share it with the people
they know. There is a YouTuber who had uploaded
one of the shortest, easiest videos he had created and
this two minute video is about his new favorite way
to read. There were many people who had liked that
video and it has been shared numerous times. The
reason for that is because if you use that method,
you could actually read a heavy content book in only
three hours. Do remember that plenty of people take
weeks to read one book, so if someone were to share
with you a way where you can finish a book in three
hours instead of three weeks, there’s practical value
in it. And if you know of any one who struggles with
completing a book, of course you would want to
share this with them.
6. Stories - People communicate through stories
During the 2004 Olympics, a guy snuck into the
diving area and belly flopped into the pool. He also
had a name of a casino written across his chest.
That’s a great story and it got covered with people
talking about it but the story had nothing to do with
the casino. You can tell that story without mentioning
the casino, so it wasn’t really the most effective
advertisement.
On the other hand, some companies do this much
better. Blendtec is a blender company that made a
video series called “Will It Blend?”. In one of their
videos, they had put a brand new iPhone into their
blender and proceeded to blend it into powder. Now
that’s a cool story. If you had seen that video, you
would probably share it with your friends, but notice
how the product is an integral part of that story.
You can’t tell that story without the blender. When
you are sharing the story, you’re probably not going
to tell them about how there’s a new blender with
improved revolutions per minute on its blades, but
you will most probably tell the story of how the new
iPhone was blended into powder.
It has been researched and proven that these 6
principles of the STEPPS (social currency, triggers,
emotion, public, practical value and stories) framework
drive people to talk and share about content
which can lead to things catching on. It may not be
necessary for all these principles to be applied for
something to go viral but as Jonah says, “The best
way to think about it is as a recipe. The more ingredients
you have, the better the end result will be”.
30

Brave Living
Written by Leyi Tan
Have you ever backed away from something you
have always wanted to do due to the uncertainty of
the outcome?
Brave living is all about jumping out of your comfort
zone to daringly chase after your dreams amd passion.
The world can be quite a scary place to live in
especially when the reality of everyday expectations
kick in. Life will not be not a bed of roses and in order
to enjoy it to the fullest, I have put together four
tips to share and hopefully this article will inspire
you to view life in a different light and to approach it
with joy and gratitude:
1. Trust your intuition
Sometimes you got to have a little more faith in
yourself and trust your gut feeling. Take a moment
to listen to your heart instead of your mind before
making a decision. Don’t fear too much about the
future because what’s meant to happen will happen.
There is a time for everything and sometimes taking
a leap of faith will take you one step closer to your
destination.
2. Lift others as you climb
As much as it is important to grow and better yourself,
remember to always be gracious and kind to the
people around. It never hurts to lend a helping hand
to someone in need. Kind souls are needed every
day to spread love and positivity so as to make the
world a better place to live in.
3. Adversity introduces us to ourselves
It’s okay to make mistakes as long as we learn and
grow from it. There is a saying, “As the going gets
tough, the tough gets going”. Don’t be too harsh on
yourself and take one step at a time. What doesn’t
kill you makes you stronger and life is just shaping
you to be a tougher person.
4. Finding the right path requires getting a little
lost
Lastly, if you are feeling a little lost in life at this
point in time, don’t worry! Nobody is ever 100%
sure of the path that they want or they are heading
towards to. Live in the moment and let things
unfold. There are so many things in life that is out of
our control so try to see the good in every situation
and you’ll find yourself a much happier person too.
Best of luck and I hope that you’ll live life to the
fullest and enjoy every moment!
31

Relaxation with Sports
Written by Alagusuthan Mariappan
“You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation”–Plato
All of us know that one of the ways to stay fit and healthy is through sports. Apart from fitness, sports can
be beneficial in many ways. It helps to reduce mental pressure from daily routine work and also to improve
the feelings of physical and mental well-being. Moreover, playing sports teaches an individual more
than the rules of the game. Valuable lessons like self-confidence, responsibility, teamwork and discipline
can be picked up along the way.
As a student, we face a lot of pressure and stress from studies and in our personal lives. By being active
in sports, we can refresh ourselves and relax by taking our mind off these stresses. At Curtin Singapore,
we have sports clubs such as Futsal Club, Basketball Club, Golf Club and Badminton Club where one can
participate in and reach your true athletic potential. If you would like to explore more after-school activities,
there is also the nearby Toa Payoh sports complex.
In addition to what we have at school, Toa Payoh sports complex has Yoga classes and an outdoor swimming
pool. For anyone who does not know how to swim, there are classes you can take up.
There is also an outdoor athletic track and this will be great for everyone to start training for the annual
Curtin Singapore Charity Run held usually in August.
The mental benefits through investing your time in sports is something that you cannot put a price on, so
get moving in leading a healthier and mind-empowering lifestyle!
32

For the Road Ahead
Collected by Verena Shieren and Sudevi Ng
“Sometimes you can’t see yourself
clearly until you see yourself
through the eyes of others.”
- Ellen DeGeneres
“Things work out best for those who
make the best of how things work out.”
- John Wooden
“If you are not willing to
risk the usual, you will have
to settle for the ordinary.”
- Jim Rohn
“Courage is
grace under
pressure.”
- Ernest Hemingway
“Success is most often
achieved by those who
don’t know that failure
is inevitable.”
- Coco Chanel
“Learn from yesterday, live
for today, hope for tomorrow.
The important thing is not to
stop questioning.”
- Albert Einstein
“Success is walking from failure
to failure with no loss of
enthusiasm.”
- Winston Churchill
“All our dreams can come true if we
have the courage to pursue them.”
- Walt Disney
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Picture Acknowledgements
Cover, Editor Page: Yuan Ting
Content page book image: https://www.socialsciencespace.com/2012/02/post-phd-careers-plan-b-outsideof-traditional-academia/open-book/
Pg 25 ,26: http://www.peakpx.com/kids-jumping Pg 29: http://blog.
americanhotel.com/explore-these-must-read-books-for-hoteliers/ Pg 31: https://www.inteco.org/en_US/
blog/our-blog-1/post/inte-iso-ts-9002-2016-110 Pg 32: http://wallpapergur.com/swimming-5523/ Pg 33:
http://www.creativehdwallpapers.com/cute-hd-wallpaper/, https://www.wittyfeed.com/story/14614/10-
things-that-startup-ceos-do-differently-than-everyone-else, http://mightymykell.com/i-am-the-sun/,
https://hdwallsbox.com/outer-space-planets-paradise-escape-sea-fantastic-wallpaper-75034/ Pg 34:
https://www.pinterest.ie/alindell3/quotes-and-such/
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