Documenti di Didattica
Documenti di Professioni
Documenti di Cultura
JULY 2013
13 a chance to soar
16 sud-o-mania
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Contents
CEOs Note
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CEOs Note
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Sud-O-Mania About Us
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Thought Leadership Series In Conversation Series 2013 Boys to Men Managing the Change Star Leadership Helping Build More Dreams
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COVER STORY Shabir Tabare Alam: The Music Man
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Infographic : Enrol Your Child in Pre-school Today!
Publisher
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Project Teach in the Spotlight Scoring at Soccer as well as in School
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Bizarre Bazaar Marvellous Science! As the Race Jr Challenge Back Bigger and Better Unlocking Young Minds Value-O-City PSLE a Family Affair Visualise This A Chance to Soar Ready, Steady...Baby! Raise the Roof Ministerial Dialogue with Minister Heng Swee Keat Improved Programme Gets the Thumbs Up Paving the Way 3-in-1 Maths and Reading Fun
Singapore Indian Development Association EDITORIAL TEAM Corporate & marketing communications Division, SINDA advisor T Raja Segar, CEO, SINDA Chief Editor Ravindran Nagalingam production Editor Dhana Narayan design & layout Green House Design + Communications Pte Ltd printer Stamford Press Pte Ltd License No: L022/04/2012 TO SUBSCRIBE SINDA CONNECTIONS To receive SINDA connections, send your home or office address to connections@sinda.org.sg To inform us of a change in mailing address, send your new address to connections@sinda.org.sg SINDA E-NEWSLETTER Send your email address to e-news@sinda.org.sg TO CONTRIBUTE towards the SINDA CPF Fund: (to start contributing or increase contributions) Tel: 1800 295 4554 www.sinda.org.sg
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SYLP in Cambodia
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Justice of Peace Our Happy Time-table
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Partners for Progress
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At a Glance
Thought Leadership Series
Indian youths are learning that their thoughts count. The third instalment of the Thought Leadership Programme on 6 April engaged 15 youths from diverse backgrounds in a riveting discussion with guest speaker Mr Janadas Devan, Director of the Institute of Policy Studies and Chief of Communications at the Ministry of Communications and Information. Issues of integration and social mobility were the focus of the day.
Star Leadership
Self-esteem and study skills are the focus of this 8-session school-based motivational programme. 73 students from four schools, Huamin Primary, Xingnan Primary, Paya Lebar Methodist Girls Primary and Jurong Primary, are currently on board for 2013. In the final component, their parents will join in to learn how they can support their journey towards academic excellence. Also, for the second time, SINDA tied up with the National Junior College Indian Dance troupe to mentor 25 Primary 4 and 5 pupils from February to April this year. The Refuse to Sink scheme is part of the Star Leadership programme.
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SYLP in Cambodia
The SINDA Young Leaders Programme (SYLP) 2013 Community Engagement & Study Trip, Understanding Social Leadership, was organised for our youths to learn the dynamics of Social Enterprise. It also helped them internalise the essence of Social Leadership.
orphanage; as well as an awe-inspiring walk around the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Angkor Wat. 16-year-old Yaazhini, a participant from NUS High School, certainly spoke for the group when recounting, The trip to Cambodia truly changed my views on life. It has not only made me appreciate the things around me more but has also opened my mind to pressing social issues in the world, and equipped me with the skills to approach these issues as an individual. She added, On top of putting others before self, we must also learn to put ourselves in their shoes to be able to truly help them. SYLP is the flagship programme of the SINDA Youth Club, which aims to develop the next generation of young leaders. This trip is a critical complement to the SYLP Act to Change programme, in which participants will initiate, design and deliver a community project in Singapore.
I saw a little girl picking up rubbish to be sold at the market. Its quite a sight to see children doing that instead of going to school. The enthusiasm of the kids at Transformation House for study and the effort they put in is really amazing. Tinesh Kumar s/o Murugesen, 17, Nanyang Polytechnic
It was a trip that had a profound impact on me. I understood the governments urgency to provide education to everyone. I also understood the importance of my role (in SYLP) in impacting change within the Indian community in Singapore. It was reminder to take a step back and be aware of the needs of the people around us. Sri Divya Bharati d/o Mohan, 20, National Technological University
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youths between the ages of 18 and 24 were launched on a life-changing journey on 19 March, spending five days in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The eyeopening trip included a visit to a school in the middle of a slum; an encounter with a Khmer Rouge survivor at the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum; an insight into the production centre of social enterprise Villageworks; a sharing session by Ms Diana Saw, the Singaporean founder of Bloom, a non-profit social enterprise; an
What struck me most were two things: 1) the resilience of the locals; and 2) the innocence in their eyes, which spoke of joy. The example of Pol Pot taught me how powerfully the actions of a leader reverberate across time and space, be it positive or negative. My key takeaway from the trip was deciding to be an agent of change. Kanitha d/o Jagatheson, 22, National University of Singapore
From Ms Diana Saw of Bloom, I learnt that as a social leader you need to be brave and take risks, and that it is passion which helps leaders to survive a stressful environment and emerge as winners. I also learnt to aim high but be prepared to fail it is important for a leader to be able to adapt to various difficult situations. Kripesh Aishwarya, 17, Anderson Junior College
At each stop, my discoveries were inspiring, enriching and sometimes truly shocking. One of the deepest impressions I had was of the locals. I was surprised that those living in such harsh conditions seemed to be happy and highly contented. The Singaporean mentality of taking things for granted and complaining about trivial things should change. Annapoorani Chidambaram S, 21, Republic Polytechnic
I realised I was in a country where the people have strong willpower and want to improve themselves. From them I learnt that if we are motivated and believe in what we do, we will definitely succeed.
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Justice of Peace
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INDA warmly congratulates Mr Naseer Ghani on his recent appointment as Justice of Peace. The appointment by President Tony Tan is the latest recognition for Mr Ghanis long standing work in the Singaporean Indian community. Mr Ghani has served on SINDAs Executive Committee and is perhaps better known as president of the Singapore Kadayanallur Muslim League (SKML), a position he has held since 1991, when he became SKMLs youngest-ever office bearer to hold the post. As a teenager in the 1970s, Mr Ghani was a keen participant in SKMLs Tamil Oratorical and Story Telling Competitions, an association which deepened when he later became an SKML committee member. Having had a strong interest in community work even then, Mr Ghani has since extended his involvement through various senior and executive capacities with MUIS, MENDAKI, West Coast CC, and more. A supporter of SINDA from its early years, Mr Ghani facilitated the collaboration with SKML on many SINDA projects, including the distribution of Festive Gift Packs to those in need during Eid, and garnering donations for Project Give. Mr Ghani is currently the Head of Department (PE & CCA) at New Town Primary School. The father of four attributes his achievements to his wife and family, calling them an immense support and pillars of strength. He remains unassuming as he shares: The journey has been educational, fulfilling and challenging, as much as it has been a very satisfying one.
Set realistic goals so your child can better manage his or her time. Help your child prioritise schoolwork and activities that require more attention.
Make an effort to praise your child for a good effort made, and celebrate what your child has done well!
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Not many can say, work is play for me, but popular musician Shabir Tabare Alam, who puts in more than 12 hours most days, has much to share with the secondary school students he is mentoring in SINDAs GAME Lite 2.0 music programme.
What were your growing-up years like? My parents separated when I was four. My mother worked full time with another two part time jobs to put food on the table for my two older brothers and me. I was a lonely kid with no friends. I suffered from low self-esteem. In my teens, I associated with wrong company but thankfully moved on. I read many books, and that opened my eyes to a bigger world.
I have won a Derana TV award for Best Music Video in Sri Lanka and early this year in Chennai I received the Edison Award for Best International Artiste. This year also marks my Kollywood debut with two songs for the movie Vathi kuchi , produced by A.R Muragadoss. I consider Edhugai , my songwriting movement to elevate Tamil songs written in Singapore, as seed for future generations. Something unforgettable is that a fan named her son Shabir and her shop Shabir Empire. That is the best compliment! The biggest highlight must be writing Si ngai Naadu for Singapores National Day last year. It was well received and even the Prime Minister mentioned it on his Facebook page.
As an Indian, have you had to work extra hard to prove yourself in the industry? Being an Indian in Singapore has one major limitation specific to the music industry a small market. My solution is to build an international audience, using the Internet. I see this as an opportunity to improve myself. Ive learnt that hard work with a good strategy pays well.
How has it been, working with the students in SINDAs GAME programme? I am impressed; they have some very cool ideas. The students have a different energy which I absorb every week when I meet them. As much as they are learning from me, I am learning from them.
Do the accolades motivate you? The awards mean people trust you and expect you to scale further heights, fly the flag higher. That motivates me. I still have much to learn and achieve.
Who has been the main influence in your life? My eldest brother Ilyas, who is 10 years older than me. He took on the role of father, guiding us and teaching us. Once, he told me, If you see rubble on the path, remove it so that it does not hurt anyone. I practice that to date.
What advice do you have for young people who are torn between taking up something they love versus a career which is seen as more grounded? You must be determined to face enormous challenges. Ask yourself, can I live happily with my choice 10 years from now? Find what you love and make that a part of your life. That will give you all the inspiration to excel.
Who would you attribute your success to? My wife is my pillar of support; my children Ameera and Alesha give me energy; my mother inspires as the epitome of hard work and determination. I also have some amazing friends and the Almighty. My wife keeps me sane and focused. She has always believed in me. Sometimes all you need is for someone to believe in you.
Tell us how your career in music developed. I grew up listening to 80s Ilayaraja songs as Ilyas was an aficionado. He would explain the intricacies of the lyrics to us I think those were my first lessons in writing music! Ilyas wrote some pretty neat music; my brother Abbas too. I wrote my first song when I was 12. When AR Rahman entered our airwaves, I loved the way Tamil sounded with all that synthesized music and immediately connected to it. I borrowed a keyboard and not long after was playing in a band called QonsepT. I have had many inspirations Kitaro, Metallica and Wyclef Jean among them but as an artiste I just wish to be myself. There is space for one Shabir Tabare Alam in this world so I would like to make good use of that space.
What values guide you? Respect for all, and humility. Stay hungry for knowledge, because knowledge is power. A clich but true.
You are only 28, and youve achieved much. What are some of your high points? It started with Vasantham Star and then came my first album Alaipayuthey in 2006, TraffiQ in 2008 and Swasam in 2012. I won the Best Actor award at Pradhana Vizha 2011 and Most Popular Soundtrack in 2012. That year, I received the prestigious Kannadasan Award from the Association of Singapore Tamil Writers, which was a real honour.
Capture this QR code on your smartphone to watch this exclusive video of Shabir in his studio!
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A Bizarre Bazaar
Who doesnt love shopping? And if it boosts your Maths skills, well then so much the better! The objective was met when 150 Primary 3 and 4 students were set on the prowl at Yew Tee Point on 16 March.
he outdoor learning programme involved a host of fast-paced activities, with the shoppers armed with challenge booklets directing them to shops where they were tasked to solve mathematical problems in simulated scenarios including currency transactions and purchases. The idea behind the Maths Bazaar was to show students how fun Mathematics can be, and help them understand that Mathematics is part of almost all our daily actions, explained Ms Sivakami Chinniah, Assistant Director of SINDAs Education Programmes Unit. The creative concept proved a hit with the children, who thoroughly enjoyed themselves a sure formula for success!
Marvellous Science!
47 Primary 4 and 5 students embarked on the Marvellous Adventures of Captain Discovery on 20 April, and discovered new insights into Science. he learning journey under SINDAs Project GuidE brought the budding scientists on an adventure into the world of research, with volunteers from information management company EMC leading them in a morning of experiments. After lunch, the students piled into buses to visit Bollywood Veggies and Qian Hu Fish Farm, where they enjoyed an up-close introduction to local flora and fauna. Enthused Thanga Akalyaa Devi, a Primary 5 participant, I enjoyed tasting flowers, doing experiments and learning new words!
The annual SINDA Junior Challenge saw a stepped-up version launched this year on 22 March. The popular contest pitting various STEP Centres against each other attracted double the 2012 participation, with 202 pupils from 18 STEP Centres putting on their thinking caps in a spirit of camaraderie.
Also for the first time, this years programme included a parents talk by Mr K Balakumaran, Principal Coach of The Thinkers Learning Centre, which drew 56 parents. The pupils ranging from Primary 1 to 6 descended upon Sengkang Secondary School to showcase their skills in spelling, Mathematics and Science. The SINDA Junior Challenge introduces children to the benefits of healthy competition, said Children Division Manager Mr Manoharan. He added, such activities help motivate the students and build their confidence.
Value-O-City
arious stations around a city each taught a lesson in values to the 149 Primary 5 and 6 students who took part in this Amazing Race-styled event. 61 Raffles Institution (Junior College) student facilitators hosted the kids at Sentosa on 16 February in an effort to instil perseverance and responsibility, among other values, in students and support their academic journey. A skit performed by the students underscored the importance of these values, and added a sprinkling of fun to the day.
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or four couples who are expecting their first child, SINDA provided just this learning opportunity with the Joy of Parenthood workshop on 11 May. These parents-to-be spent the afternoon at the Orchid Country Club, taking notes from Family Life Educator Ms Evelyn Khong of Fei Yue Community Services. Practical tips were the order of the day, not just for useful parenting skills, but also in understanding the financial framework and baby bonus packages available. The couples also learnt how to prepare themselves individually and as a pair for the mental, emotional, physical and psychological aspects of parenthood.
icking off the initiative was a two-day camp for 30 high-potential students from 1617 March, with an exciting array of sports and games to inculcate leadership skills in them. The enrichment and motivational workshops woven in, such as personal effectiveness and time management, were conducted by High Achievers Training Consultancy, and will go a long way in raising the teens profiles.
palpable, and facilitators warmly described them as vastly talented and mature. Following this, another seven months worth of booster sessions will be conducted, up till September. These will reiterate the points picked up at the camp, and see more leadership and fun elements included to spur the youths on to aspire towards a leadership role in the community.
Visualise This
Dare to dream! 42 O Level students were challenged to dream big, at the three-day, power-packed Beyond O study camp from 1921 March. hoenix EduHub debunked myths about enduring success, taught Secondary 4 and 5 students to recognise their learning barriers and strengths, and fuelled the dreams of the graduating cohort. The dynamic sessions also encompassed academic strategies, and demonstrated in dramatic fashion the power of visualisation with a makeover photo-shoot that saw the participants decked out in graduate gowns and mortar boards. Ms Irene Tong, Chairman of the Braddell Heights Community Clubs Womens Executive Committee which supported the event said, It is a great opportunity to reach out to the younger generation. Education is close to many mothers hearts. The programme held at Braddell Heights CC, was also supported by the Southeast Community Development Council.
A Chance to Soar
he SINDA-Raffles Institution (RI) Eagles Eye programme has taken flight once more, with a third batch of Primary 5 Singaporean Indian students joining the one-year mentorship scheme. At the launch of 2013s programme on 3 April, four academically promising pupils from neighbourhood schools and humble backgrounds met their RI mentors, all high-achieving Year 5 students. Together, they will work towards excelling in the PSLE, and building a successful future. A total of 20 students have graduated from the Eagles Eye so far. Many of them have gone on to prestigious schools such as National Junior College, Cedar Girls, Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) and St. Josephs Institution, with one winning a scholarship to Raffles Institution.
Being well-equipped for the transition from couplehood to parenthood leaves these new parents free to relish their anticipated bundle of joy and embrace their new roles as father and mother with confidence. The workshop is one of the strategic initiatives of the SINDA 2020 Review, which highlighted family resilience as an area for improvement.
If you are doing well in school, apply now for the Eagles Eye programme for 2014. The programme will mentor you and put you on the way to your dream secondary school!
To apply or for more information, please contact Narayanan at 6393 7226 or email narayanan@sinda.org.sg today. Terms and conditions apply.
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Essentials, such as the registration process and an overview of the primary school education system, were also covered, along with information about SINDAs programmes. Practical advice was plentiful, from coping with challenges to enjoying a balanced lifestyle. Participant Nallammai Palaniappan, 40, said after the event, I understand more about the holistic development of the child. Meanwhile, the little ones got to experience a simulated Primary 1 classroom environment which introduced English, Maths and project work through fun activities that stoked their enthusiasm for school. They left the session brimming with excitement about the new school year ahead; indeed a bright start to their academic journey!
DPM
Tharman, who is also Chairman of SINDAs Board of Trustees, toured classes, witnessing first-hand how the programme runs. The initiative has seen an enhanced curriculum since the SINDA 2020 Review two years ago, and is already reaping the rewards. Last year, more students passed the PSLE after being enrolled in Project Teach. St. Anthonys Primary School Principal Ms Christina Teo shared how much Project Teach has helped her students. She added that the strength of the programme lies in its small class size, which allows for close monitoring of the students performance. Enrichment activities and interactive elements feature strongly in Project Teach, and outside the classroom, innovative IT initiatives such as the SINDA School website (http://www.sinda.org.sg/school/) are available to further boost the Indian student community.
he new Numeracy and Literacy Programme (NLP) retains all the creative methods and fun activities of the previous programmes, as well as a standardised curriculum across 25 community centres. The children will benefit from trained and experienced pre-school teachers, while our SINDA and IAEC volunteers who conducted the sessions previously will continue to provide support for tots needing additional help, including weekly home visits. Customised accordingly for nursery and kindergarten-going children, the programme
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Sud-O-Mania
Fill in the grid below with the right numbers to win! Every row, column and mini-grid must contain the numbers 1 through 9 once. 3 correct entries will each win a $50 voucher. The winning correct entries will be picked in a lucky draw. The judges decision is final. Winners will be contacted by SINDA to collect their prize and the winners names will be published in the next issue of SINDA connections. This contest is only open to children in Primary Schools in Singapore.
Please submit your entries together with your particulars, to SINDA Children Division, No 1 Beatty Road, Singapore 209943 by 10 September 2013.
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Curious
They wonder, question and explore the world around them
1 3 2 7 8 1 6 1 5 2 7 3 7 6 1 2 8 5 6 9 7 3 6 1 8 9 6 4 3 1 7 5 3 1
Active
They learn best by doing!
Competent
They can learn almost anything with the right help
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Chichen Itza Colosseum Machu Picchu
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Aesthetics and Creative Expression Discovery of the World
ABOUT US
VISION To build a strong and vibrant Singaporean Indian community together MISSION To build a well-educated, resilient and confident community of Indians that stands together with the other communities in contributing to the progress of multi-racial Singapore VALUES Respect, our culture Integrity, our foundation Service, our promise Excellence, our pursuit BOARD OF TRUSTEES Patron Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong Chairman, Board of Trustees Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam Life Trustees Prof S Jayakumar Mr S Dhanabalan Mr S Chandra Das Mr J Y Pillay Mr Sat Pal Khattar Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam Mr K Shanmugam Dr N Varaprasad Term Trustees Mr Inderjit Singh Ms Indranee Rajah Mr M Rajaram Mr V Shankar Mr Ravi Menon Mr R Jayachandran Mr Hsieh Fu Hua Mr Girija Pande Mr Gautam Banerjee MG Ravinder Singh Justice Judith Prakash Mr K Kesavapany Advisors Dr Vivian Balakrishnan Mr S Iswaran Mr Hri Kumar Nair EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President Ms Indranee Rajah Vice Presidents Mr Viswa Sadasivan Mr Shabbir Hassanbhai, PBM Secretary Mr Sarjit Singh, BBM Treasurer Mr Shekaran Krishnan Members Mr V P Jothi Mr R Rajaram Mr Puvan Ariaratnam Dr Joshua V M Kuma Mr R Subramaniam Iyer Mr P Thirunal Karasu, BBM Mr Aaron Maniam
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Motor Skills Development Numeracy Social and Emotional Development
SOCIAL
A loving child who gets along well with, respects and appreciates others
CONFIDENT
Having a strong sense of right and wrong, adaptable, resilient, independent and happy
ACTIVE CONTRIBUTORS
Innovative, and an effective team worker
SELF-DIRECTED LEARNERS
Responsible, questioning, persevering