24 students and 2 staff from Diploma of Materials Science (DMTS), School of Applied Science (SAS), Republic Polytechnic (RP), Singapore embarked on a 9-day International Academic Exposure Program (IAEP) to Korea from 13 to 21 Sept 2009. This program aims to give students opportunities to travel to foreign countries and obtain relevant academic exchange, industrial exposure and cultural immersion experience. The study trip was really an eye opening to our students!

They spent 2 days at Chonbuk National University (CNU) at Jeonju City and also 1 day at Korea largest private university, Kyunghee University (KHU) at Yongin City. They attended 3 lectures, visited a fuel cell research companies operated by professors at CNU and also a national research institute.

Students were particularly inspired by Prof Jeong from CNU, who did his post doc in MIT. He was an inspiring teacher who taught students to have dreams and also stressed on the importance of learning the fundamentals of materials science through to reading books. Students also attended 2 lectures about display materials trend by Prof Kim and applied chemistry by Prof Lee at KHU. They were exposed to the futuristic vision of the universities which focus very much on Thin Film Transistor (TFT) Display and Li secondary batteries for electric car.

The most excited experience was watching the stunning Taekwondo performance by KHU, the best team in Korea, who won the Olympic gold medal. After watching the performance, our students sang ‘We will get there’ for them in return. They were quite unprepared and felt so inferior at first. However, the outcome was much better than they expected and it boosts up their confidence.

They were impressed by the gigantic and fully automated manufacturing line in GM Daewoo, the creative product innovation by 3M and also the hospitality of Jeonju Institutes of Machine and Carbon Composite who treated them with very nice BBQ duck and filmed us on Korean Broadcast Station (KBS) news. Unfortunately, they were prohibited from photo taking at these companies due to confidentiality. They also attended cultural lesson at a village house and we learnt how to cook Pibimbap and the Korean culture by wearing Hanbok, the traditional costume.

A group of 20 students and 2 facilitators Shaun Cheng and Ishir Lim embarked on the Japan International Academic Exposure Trip from 7th to 16th Sep 2009. The objective for the overseas expedition is to raise the level of environmental awareness of SAS students through seeing and having hands-on experience in a completely different environment. The objective of the trip was to allow students to appreciate a diverse range of environmental issues and learn about new environmental technologies from the world’s second largest economy, Japan.

For example, they learnt about how expired food items could be recycled into animal feed for the pig industry at Odakyu Food Ecology Centre; how proper planning and design can integrate an “unpleasant” sight such as a Shibaura Water Reclamation Plant seamlessly into downtown Tokyo thorough the use of recreational facilities; and various cutting edge environmental engineering research carried out in the labs of Soka University. Besides the concrete jungle of Tokyo, students also managed to visit popular biodiversity sites in the Mt Fuji area and even explore an icy cave! This was a life-changing experience for the students and many wished that the trip could have been extended!

This pharmaceutical study trip was designed for Republic Polytechnic students with the aim of discovering and exploring the pharmaceutical industry in China and learning about modern traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The students visited some pharmaceutical companies, manufacturing plants and schools during this trip and had some interactions with the local students, providing critical insights and valuable first hand experiences about China.

The students had feedback that they were mistaken about the advancement of technology in China and were amazed with the pharmaceutical industry in China. They also had fun with the short courses conducted at TJUTCM and the several hands-on activities, including a practice station to feel the different types of pulses and disease state diagnosis based on different colours and states of the human tongue. Not forgetting our trip to the Forbidden City, the Great Wall of China and rickshaw rides at Hutong in Beijing, in which all the students enjoyed too. It was a truly eye-opening experience for everybody on this trip.

On the 30th of August 2009, a team of 24 students embarked on a study trip to India, Bangalore. “Home” for the next 7 days was a cosy service apartment tucked away in the city centre – Melange Service Apartment. The study trip included visits to state of the art pharmaceutical manufacturing companies like Strides Acrolabs and Biocon. The students learnt about the business strategies of these companies, how to gown up before entering the clean rooms and were introduced to sophisticated manufacturing equipments used in the manufacturing of tablets and gelatine capsules.

They also visited some hospitals including Mallaya Hospital, Hosmat Hospital and Narayana Hrudayalaya. These visits exposed the students to the varying levels of healthcare provided to patients of different social classes as well as medical tourism in India. College visits included the Sri Sri College of Aryuvedic Science and Research as well as the Vydehi Medical College. Students also had the great opportunity to visit the Art of Living Ashram and were addressed by the Guruji, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, himself. On this fulfilling study trip, students were also exposed to valuable lessons on life skills and the vibrant Indian culture during the city tour.

An Anatomy Workshop titled ‘A Matter Of The Heart’ was held on Saturday 26th September 2009 at RP and was attended by students from the Global Indian International School, Queenstown, Singapore. This was the students’ first visit to RP and they were thrilled to see the infrastructure & facilities that RP has.

They also participated enthusiastically in the 3 hour workshop and took great interest in learning to record their electrocardiograms, pulse and blood pressure on the powerlabs. The major highlight for this day was the visit to the Anatomy Museum where the students took great interest in the models and exhibits. They look forward to visit us again for similar activities in the near future.

On 11 September 2009, RP has its agreement Signing with Raffles Diagnostica – Radiology (X-Ray) of Raffles Hospital Pte Ltd. With this, Raffles Diagnostica will be offering attachment placements for SAS-DBMS students in their relevant discipline of study. The partnership was initiated by Nikhil Nicholas and has opened doors for other industry attachment possibilities in allied health discipline. Representatives from RP for the signing of agreement include Dr Terence Chong (Director, SAS), Mr. Ashley Chua (Assistant Director, Administration), Miss Khor Jan Nee (Deputy Manager, Raffles Diagnostica).

A three-hour workshop “Enzymes in Action” was conducted in Republic Polytechnic on 10th September 2009 as part of Science.09, a month of science, technology and biomedicine-related activities. Reaching out to the general public, this workshop aimed at illustrating the use of the biological catalysts known as enzymes in our daily lives. Under the careful supervision of their parents, youngsters performed hands-on activities that demonstrated how enzymes are used in forensic activities, to break down complex biopolymers into simpler substances and to treat enzyme deficiencies.

They also learned how to make an enzyme volcano, how meat tenderizer works, how living systems use enzymes as antioxidants and why you cannot use pineapple in jello. As a break from experimentation, the participants watched videos highlighting industrial applications of enzymes, how enzymes function in our digestive system and how scientists measure enzyme action. Judging by the flurries of questions that were raised by the participants, it was a great learning experience all around.

The workshop was designed to be interactive yet informative. It started off with the “Torso Puzzle”. Participants had good fun trying to place back all the internal organs in the shortest time. They were also intrigued by the forms and functions of each organ. This activity was supported by Maven IG members. These members were also mentors to the participants, answering to their queries during the workshop. The subsequent segments of the workshop had the participants engaged in “mini activities”. To name a few, participants enjoyed examining bone structures from our bone models and preserved chicken bones; examining the heart model and monitoring blood pressure; and reviewing the structure of the eye and ear.

Overall the participants had an enjoyable time apart from appreciating the human anatomy. They also learnt various ways to keep their bones, heart, eyes and ears healthy.

The various workshops, namely Making of Coloured Nanoparticles and Materials for Water Treatment, were arranged for the secondary school students as well. They had fun doing hands-on in the lab and experiencing the sophisticated instruments in RP labs. The fun fair ended with pushcart activities where all the students had fun collecting the stamps from the various pushcarts and indulging in the world of materials science. All the secondary school students enjoyed themselves and felt that they have learnt more about the field of Materials Science.

Eureka Interest Group @ Marina Square - 14 to 16 August 2009 - Launch of Science.09

Staff and students from the School of Applied Science Eureka Interest Group participated at the Launch of Science.09 at Marina Square with exhibits on “Application of Biotechnology’ showcasing scientific experiments, posters and activities. Organised by the Agency for Science, Technology & Research (A*STAR) and the Science Centre Singapore, science.09, also known as science month, is an annual national event to celebrate the dynamism of science, technology and biomedicine.

With other participating organizations, these activities and programmes are designed targeted at professionals, students and the general public. This year the unifying theme for science.09 is “Ask Why” – with the Official mascot, Professor Why. The theme is aimed at encouraging people from all walks of life to rediscover their natural curiosity about the world around them by asking why – a simple question that is at the heart of science.

Inaugural Opening of the PANACeA – A Pharmacy “store” run by our very own SAS Students!

The Panacea has finally found a “space” in RP! In July 2008, a proposal was written to request for a “store” space for The Panacea. After much email exchange and discussion with various departments, the hope of The Panacea getting a suitable “store” space in RP slowly became a distant reality until earlier this year.

From 3 pushcarts joined together, to a space under the staircase store room in the Student Forum in W1, to a store room space at the end of a corridor on the 2nd floor in W1 (similar to the TDC storage space at the end of a corridor on the 2nd floor of the W5 TDC labs), The Panacea finally found its place in the Wellness 360º Centre.

Dining in the Dark

Held on 30th July 2009 in conjunction with Metamorphosis: Service-Learning Awareness Week 2009, the Dining in the Dark event drew a crowd of both Republic Polytechnic (RP) students and clients from Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped (SAVH). The event aimed at raising an awareness of the challenges that people with vision impairment face everyday. This event was sold out within 2 days after the publicity campaign was launched!

For the first time, SAS students from Culinary IG, Conservation IG, Eureka IG and together with SOH students from the Hotel FUZE IG, collaborated to create this unique dining experience for RP students. By creating a completely pitch black environment, RP students were invited to fully exploit their other senses such as taste, touch and smell during the dining session. Read more…

The BROOKS Republic Run

The Brooks Republic Run @ North West, a charity fun run event, and part of the Asian Youth Games (AYG) Torch Relay, was organised by Nam Hong Welfare Service Society, and co-organised by North West Community Development Council (CDC) and Republic Polytechnic (RP), with the organizing team from RP headed by SAS staff, Cherry Chan. This event took place on 28 June 2009 (Sunday) at RP.

The charity run helps to raise funds for the Nam Hong Welfare Services Society which was founded in 2007. Nam Hong Siang Theon Free Medical Centre provides free Traditional Chinese Medical (TCM) services mainly to the community in Yishun.

Guest-of-Honour Mr. K. Shanmugam, Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs, flagged off the highlight of the event – the 5-km Asian Youth Games (AYG) Torch Relay. He lit the AYG torch and passed it to the first of nine athletes from various educational institutes in the North West District forming the relay. Read more…

Science Camp 2009

On 9th – 10th June 2009, SAS staff and students conducted a 2-day-1-night Science Camp 2009 in the polytechnic. The theme this year was “Waste to Resources”. Reaching out to about 100 secondary school students from 14 schools, these students were led through a variety of activities to find out how human activities can impact the earth, mankind and technology in the 21st century.

Students attended hands-on workshops which brought science and the environment together, such the mining of plants for compounds of therapeutic interest, and the identification of mangrove microbial using microbiology methods. The participants went on an Amazing Race around RP’s adopted park, Admiralty Park, where they learnt about biodiversity and environment management. At the Lim Chu Kang Mangroves, students had a first-hand experience on the impact of human activities on the environment and the part they can play in minimizing the impact.

It was not all work and no play either, as students watched a screening of the popular Disney movie, Wall-E, and also got to know each other better through the team-building games. A game design competition also had schools pit against one another, as students designed board games that serve to educate players on environmental issues.

SAS Freshmen Parent Seminar 2009

The 3rd annual SAS Freshmen Parent Seminar was held on the 23rd May 2009 at Republic Polytechnic, with a total turnout of approximately 230 parents and Year One students. The theme of the seminar was “Learning by Engagement”. This event included a sit-down session in the lecture theatre as well as diploma pushcart displays which was done up by our SAS staff. Professor Tony Luff from Monash University was also present to share with the parents about the joint Monash programs that SAS has with the University.

Eureka Interest Group at Launch of Science Club

School of Applied Science (SAS), Republic Polytechnic was invited to participate at the Woodlands Community Club for the launch of Science Club on the 17th May 2009. Ms. Ellen Lee, PBM, MP for Sembawang GRC, Advisor to Woodlands Grassroots Organizations, was invited to launch the Science Club in the presence of other dignitaries and visitors. The Club’s charter includes kindling of interest for science in young minds, promote passion and creativity for science and enhance team play through community activities. Eureka Interest Group took part at the Science Carnival with exhibits of science projects, posters and activities for the students, parent and children.

Schools’ Green Audit Awards 2008/2009 - 24 April

As part of RP continuous drive to establish RP as environmental champion, Republic Polytechnic have successfully secured Singapore Environment Council to host the National Schools’ Green Audit Awards for the 3rd consecutive year in RP. Gracing the Schools’ Green Audit Awards this year was Mrs Yu-Foo Yee Shoon, Minister of State, Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports. Mrs Yu-Foo gave an encouraging talk to all participants on their efforts to create a better living environment for everyone, and also highlighted notable examples of schools which have put in extraordinary efforts to carry out unique green practices.

Freshmen Orientation Programme 2009

RP’s Freshmen Orientation Programme 2009 was held from 15th to 17th April, with an estimated number of over 4000 freshmen attending this event. Almost 90% of enrolled students for SAS turned up and had an enjoyable time with their fellow school mates as well as their SAS seniors.

At the end of this three-day Orientation program, SAS students won the championship for the inaugural Principal’s Cup. Read more…

Republic Polytechnic’s 100,000 Plastic Bottles Challenge

Have you ever wondered where our plastic bottles go after we discard them? And how harmful it can be? Unless we discard them into the recycling bins, it will only cause more harm than good.

An environmental-friendly proposal scripted by Jasper Soh, winner of The Bayer Young Environmental Envoy Competition in 2008 was executed on 28th March 2009. In conjunction with Earth Hour 2009, 20 secondary schools were also invited to participate in this project, to increase the awareness in youths about the importance of going green. Read more…

MOU Signing with Singapore Heart Foundation (SHF) & Singapore Anti-Tuberculosis Association (SATA)

On 15 March 2009, both RP’s signing of MOU with the Singapore Heart Foundation (SHF) and also RP’s signing of MOU with the Singapore Anti-tuberculosis Association (SATA) took place in the presence of the Health Minister, Mr. Khaw Boon Wan.

Representatives from RP for the signing of MOU include Dr Terence Chong (Director, SAS), Mr. Ang Keng Loo (Senior Director, Student Affairs) and Dr Girija (Programme Chair, DBMS).

SAS Graduation High Tea 2009

The time has come for us to say goodbye to our graduating SAS students, and what better way is there for us to bid them farewell than with good food, exciting performances and wonderful memories?

Throw in a fantastic venue with breathtaking and panoramic views of Singapore’s waterfront and city skyline, and there you have it – the SAS Graduation High Tea at the Megu Hall, Singapore Flyer, held on 24 January 2009 (Saturday). Read more…

Open House 2009

Republic Polytechnic Open House 2009 was held on the 7th and 10th January 2009. Great showcases for our diplomas and courses were put up by our staff and students from the School of Applied Science (SAS).

At the five diploma booths, the Open House visitors got to experience hands-on activities that were fun and interactive. Innovative products such as functional ice-cream were also available for the visitors to try. Student final-year projects were also part of the focus of the Open House, whereby outstanding student projects were being exhibited during this event.

Launch of the Scientific Programme 2009 (7th Jan)

The Scientific Thinking Programme is an annual school outreach programme which aims to develop the curiosity of students towards the science of everyday life and the scientific thinking skills required to solve questions of phenomenon happening everyday.

Every year, students from different secondary schools will be invited to join this programme where they will have the chance to develop research questions and answer them using the scientific method of developing a hypothesis and testing the hypothesis using various research designs with the help of staff advisors from Republic Polytechnic. This year there are 39 participating teams from 14 secondary schools.