The National University of Singapore (NUS) today joins iTunes U, making educational and research content available for free to the university community and the world at large. In line with its commitment to create a dynamic “no-walls” environment for delivery of high quality educational experience, NUS is the first university in Singapore and in South Asia to join iTunes U, joining other top universities including Harvard University, Stanford University, Yale University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of California Berkeley, University of Oxford, and HEC Paris.
iTunes U is a dedicated area within the iTunes Store (www.itunes.com) that offers a powerful way to distribute video, audio and podcast contents to students, faculty, staff and visitors both on and off campus. With its availability on iTunes U, NUS shares interesting content such as videos of public lectures by distinguished speakers; videos of a youth forum on championship; research achievements and publications; as well as information on student life at NUS. All content can be easily downloaded in the same way individuals access applications on the iTunes Store. In addition, the NUS Asian Research Institute, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, and NUS Press will also have an active presence at NUS on iTunes U.
Offering seamless access to our educational and research content through iTunes U is a logical way to expand our outreach to students, scholars, alumni, partners and friends.
To access NUS on iTunes U, visit http://itunesu.nus.edu.sg.
24 August 2010
19 August 2010
Campus Food Fest, July 30
All of the international students attending the National University of Singapore were invited to attend a Food Festival featuring cuisine from throughout Southeast Asia.
It was a wonderful experience to meet soo many students and explore the multitude of booths (some featuring cultural dances, games etc.)
Advancement Summit, July 28
Today I had the opportunity to attend a Council of Advancement and Support of Education Master Class on Social Media and Educational Advancement. This area of University Advancement is of particular interest to me and so I always seek out professional development opportunities such as this. Previous Director of CASE Asia Pacific, Krista Slade, was kind enough to link me with the right people to attend.
Ironically the keynote speaker, Andy Shaindlin, from LA was someone I heard speak a couple years ago at another CCAE conference in Kelowna, British Columbia, where he was equally as inspiring.
This summit included advancement professionals from all the major post secondary institutions throughout Singapore and was extremely worthwhile.
I look forward this year to pursuing more of these opportunities outside of my studies.
Ironically the keynote speaker, Andy Shaindlin, from LA was someone I heard speak a couple years ago at another CCAE conference in Kelowna, British Columbia, where he was equally as inspiring.
This summit included advancement professionals from all the major post secondary institutions throughout Singapore and was extremely worthwhile.
I look forward this year to pursuing more of these opportunities outside of my studies.
Questions on Canada, July 28
As a Rotary Scholar there is a requirement to give 10-15 talks/presentations during your period of study.
Thanks to my host councillor, John Ng, who is like me personal booking agent, he was able to get me in tos speak at the Rotary Club of Changi. I spoke for 15 minutes about my scholarship, intent of study, background of education/work and life in Canada and the had 5-10 minutes of Q & A.
Here were some of the questions that prominent Rotarians (professionals and community leaders) ask me:
Q: "What is the average price of land per foot?" (As land here is very expensive) Of course being raised on farm, my comparison was provided in cost per acre..LOL.
Q: "What is your country up to?...we don't hear about Canada in the news."
Q: "What is the climate like between English French Canadians?"
Q: "What is Canada's relationship like with the United States in terms of trading?"
Q: "What is the current state and strength of Canada's banking system?"
I write these questions because I find them very telling. Of course I provided the best, diplomatic answers I could think of for each one, but at the same time found myself questioning how could Canada improve its communication to the rest of the world about what we ARE up to?
Thanks to my host councillor, John Ng, who is like me personal booking agent, he was able to get me in tos speak at the Rotary Club of Changi. I spoke for 15 minutes about my scholarship, intent of study, background of education/work and life in Canada and the had 5-10 minutes of Q & A.
Here were some of the questions that prominent Rotarians (professionals and community leaders) ask me:
Q: "What is the average price of land per foot?" (As land here is very expensive) Of course being raised on farm, my comparison was provided in cost per acre..LOL.
Q: "What is your country up to?...we don't hear about Canada in the news."
Q: "What is the climate like between English French Canadians?"
Q: "What is Canada's relationship like with the United States in terms of trading?"
Q: "What is the current state and strength of Canada's banking system?"
I write these questions because I find them very telling. Of course I provided the best, diplomatic answers I could think of for each one, but at the same time found myself questioning how could Canada improve its communication to the rest of the world about what we ARE up to?
Relaxed, July 26-27
The last two days I actually slowed down a bit....and for those who know me...I know you're smiling! haha
Was nice to explore a bit by jogging, however with the high humidity I didn't make it near the distance like what I'm used to on those crisp early mornings back in Northern Ontario.
Started pre-reading history of Southeast Asia material to prep for classes and started reading the local Singapore newspaper called the 'Straits Times.'
Was nice to explore a bit by jogging, however with the high humidity I didn't make it near the distance like what I'm used to on those crisp early mornings back in Northern Ontario.
Started pre-reading history of Southeast Asia material to prep for classes and started reading the local Singapore newspaper called the 'Straits Times.'
Island Observations, July 25
After attending church this morning, my host family (who I'm staying with for the first few weeks) took me for lunch at the Singapore Country Club. After enjoying some excellent seafood we went for a drive so I could see more of the island.
Things I observed/learned:
a) Singapore has significant amount of reclaimed land, especially along the East Coast.
b) Still getting used to everyone driving on the LEFT side of the road (remembering this too is a commonwealth country with much British influence even still)
c) All the cars are new! The government has a policy that you cannot own a vehicle for more than 10 years, for environmental pollution etc. which makes Singapore one of the largest exporters of used vehicles to surrounding countries.
d) There are beautiful trees along every street! However this is not by accident but I learned has been planned. That's right...the foresight and vision of Lee Kuan Yew of planting trees and plants everywhere is the reason that today it is one of the most luscious, green countries in this region. They are owned by the government, maintained very well (workers everywhere triming them, raking leaves etc.)
e) There is little road congestion. Due to the ERT system, where vehicles are charged to drive in the inner city (which incidentally was the first system...then copied by London and then spread to other world centres) it is very expensive to drive here. As well, it is quite costly for car ownership and registration here.
Things I observed/learned:
a) Singapore has significant amount of reclaimed land, especially along the East Coast.
b) Still getting used to everyone driving on the LEFT side of the road (remembering this too is a commonwealth country with much British influence even still)
c) All the cars are new! The government has a policy that you cannot own a vehicle for more than 10 years, for environmental pollution etc. which makes Singapore one of the largest exporters of used vehicles to surrounding countries.
d) There are beautiful trees along every street! However this is not by accident but I learned has been planned. That's right...the foresight and vision of Lee Kuan Yew of planting trees and plants everywhere is the reason that today it is one of the most luscious, green countries in this region. They are owned by the government, maintained very well (workers everywhere triming them, raking leaves etc.)
e) There is little road congestion. Due to the ERT system, where vehicles are charged to drive in the inner city (which incidentally was the first system...then copied by London and then spread to other world centres) it is very expensive to drive here. As well, it is quite costly for car ownership and registration here.
Rotary in Singapore, July 24
This morning, the other Scholars and myself were guests to the District 3310 Rotaract Conference held at another campus, Singapore Polytechnic. Current District Governor Dr. Abraham was the keynote speaker. All university campuses were represented there as Rotaract Teams.
Interestingly, I learned:
"District 3310 comprises of Brunei, Singapore and parts of Malaysia (Johor, Melaka, Sarawak, Labuan FT and Sabah).
As of Jan. 2010 they have a total of 65 Rotary Clubs in the District: 2 clubs in Brunei, 23 clubs in Singapore, 4 clubs in Malacca, 1 club in Labuan FT, 8 clubs in Sarawak, 11 clubs in Sabah and 16 clubs in Johor.
The oldest club in our District is the Rotary Club of Singapore (chartered on 11th August 1930) closely followed by the Rotary Club of Malacca (chartered on 1st September 1930)."
STATISTICS AT A GLANCE:
65 : Rotary Clubs-
26: Rotaract Clubs
146: Interact Clubs
Interestingly, I learned:
"District 3310 comprises of Brunei, Singapore and parts of Malaysia (Johor, Melaka, Sarawak, Labuan FT and Sabah).
As of Jan. 2010 they have a total of 65 Rotary Clubs in the District: 2 clubs in Brunei, 23 clubs in Singapore, 4 clubs in Malacca, 1 club in Labuan FT, 8 clubs in Sarawak, 11 clubs in Sabah and 16 clubs in Johor.
The oldest club in our District is the Rotary Club of Singapore (chartered on 11th August 1930) closely followed by the Rotary Club of Malacca (chartered on 1st September 1930)."
STATISTICS AT A GLANCE:
65 : Rotary Clubs-
26: Rotaract Clubs
146: Interact Clubs
NUS Orientations, July 23
Today was the international student orientation on campus. From this I learned a few things:
a) National University of Singapore Campus is HUGE!
b) The term 'International' Student at NUS refers mostly to students outside of Singapore but still from Asia. Out of the 500 plus student in the auditorium I was one of the few blonds in the crowd for sure;) Therefore after meeting a new student I would often say, 'It'll be easier for you to pick me out of the crowd so be sure to say hello next time you see me.' LOL
c) Everything starts ON TIME here and is extremely efficient!
a) National University of Singapore Campus is HUGE!
b) The term 'International' Student at NUS refers mostly to students outside of Singapore but still from Asia. Out of the 500 plus student in the auditorium I was one of the few blonds in the crowd for sure;) Therefore after meeting a new student I would often say, 'It'll be easier for you to pick me out of the crowd so be sure to say hello next time you see me.' LOL
c) Everything starts ON TIME here and is extremely efficient!
Raffles Hotel & Little India July 22
Today after breakfast the other house guest, Jil from Australia who runs a centre in East Timour, went touring on the Singapore 'Hop on Hop off' bus. I totally love those in whatever city I may find myself as they enable you to have much flexibility.
We window shopped on orchard road for the first time...and they really do have every single high end name brand you could possible think of on one street.
Raffles Hotel: Of course we had to stop in to have the famous Singapore Sling at the Raffles Hotel which was absolutely a beautiful building and glimse into colonial history. Jil and I actually split the drink, as it was quite strong for the middle of the afternoon and $25 SGD just for one;)
Little India: We ended up walking through most of little India which was an eye opening experience for me. Everything from the open market baskets of hot peppers and spices to the endless stores selling nothing but gold jewellery and the beading garments were all quite something to take in amongst the crowded side streets. Nonetheless, I am truly fascinated by this culture and hope to learn much more during my stay.
We window shopped on orchard road for the first time...and they really do have every single high end name brand you could possible think of on one street.
Raffles Hotel: Of course we had to stop in to have the famous Singapore Sling at the Raffles Hotel which was absolutely a beautiful building and glimse into colonial history. Jil and I actually split the drink, as it was quite strong for the middle of the afternoon and $25 SGD just for one;)
Little India: We ended up walking through most of little India which was an eye opening experience for me. Everything from the open market baskets of hot peppers and spices to the endless stores selling nothing but gold jewellery and the beading garments were all quite something to take in amongst the crowded side streets. Nonetheless, I am truly fascinated by this culture and hope to learn much more during my stay.
Registering at NUS, July 21
This morning I registered for my program after my lengthy medical examination, almost a full physical. In the afternoon my Rotary host, John Ng took me to Chinatown for a few hours to walk around China town before meeting up with the other Ambassadorial Scholars and their hosts for a nice, authentic, Chinese dinner. I am getting better at using chopsticks but was pleasantly surprised that the restaurant offered a fork and spoon as well!
Interesting Tid-bits learned through conversation:
Public Service Workers: They are paid well here in Singapore which is one theory as to why there is so little corruption here. Basically it is not worth it for these professionals to accept bribes, for example, as the fines and punishment are much too high and risky to chance loosing everything.
Longevity, Prosperity, Wealth: These are 3 sought after virtues in the Chinese culture.
Durian: This is a specialty fruit here in Singapore, grown in Malaysia and in season right now. It is hand picked in the middle of the night, as they spoil in the day time sun, after falling to the ground, and then drove 4-5 hours in trucks to the island to arrive at the start of each morning to all the major markets. Interestingly, Durians have such a potent smell, that they are band from all public transportation, malls and most community spaces.
Chinese Sign: My host bought me a keychain reminding me of my chinese year sign. Born in 1983 I am of the year of the Pig. The store owner explained that I should marry a Tiger and will be very good friends with anyone born in the year of the sheep or rabbit. Any of you out there? Do you know what you are??
Business Cards: People are crazy about business cards here! Everyone I meet has a ton on them. The thing to remember is to hand yours over with both hands and receive others with both hands showing a sign of respect I believe. You are to look at all the information on it right away (actually read it) and then store it properly, aka. not put it in your back pocket!
Population: Singapore is home to approximately 4 million people, one third of which are foreign workers and expatriats.
Interesting Tid-bits learned through conversation:
Public Service Workers: They are paid well here in Singapore which is one theory as to why there is so little corruption here. Basically it is not worth it for these professionals to accept bribes, for example, as the fines and punishment are much too high and risky to chance loosing everything.
Longevity, Prosperity, Wealth: These are 3 sought after virtues in the Chinese culture.
Durian: This is a specialty fruit here in Singapore, grown in Malaysia and in season right now. It is hand picked in the middle of the night, as they spoil in the day time sun, after falling to the ground, and then drove 4-5 hours in trucks to the island to arrive at the start of each morning to all the major markets. Interestingly, Durians have such a potent smell, that they are band from all public transportation, malls and most community spaces.
Chinese Sign: My host bought me a keychain reminding me of my chinese year sign. Born in 1983 I am of the year of the Pig. The store owner explained that I should marry a Tiger and will be very good friends with anyone born in the year of the sheep or rabbit. Any of you out there? Do you know what you are??
Business Cards: People are crazy about business cards here! Everyone I meet has a ton on them. The thing to remember is to hand yours over with both hands and receive others with both hands showing a sign of respect I believe. You are to look at all the information on it right away (actually read it) and then store it properly, aka. not put it in your back pocket!
Population: Singapore is home to approximately 4 million people, one third of which are foreign workers and expatriats.
17 August 2010
First day in Singapore! July 20
Woke up @ 5:30 a.m. and was already to start my day shortly after. Had a nice visit with the maids at the house who were very kind and made my meals each day. Mel is from Kuwait, and Myrana from the Philippines. After breakfast, the father, Pok Zin, took me with him to his office in the financial district of Singapore. His assistant took me to open a bank account with POSB which was a good first thing to get off the 'to do' list.
Lunch today was at the Tanglin Club, a members only British club, with a family friend of theirs who owns a scuba-diving company in Australia- the first of many interesting people I would soon meet. There are many clubs on the island that people belong to, many of which are associated with joint memberships for golf courses.
I was able to get a 'high card' for my new Singapore mobile in the afternoon and also get my transportation ez link card- used for both the MRT (mass rapid transit) and buses.
Lunch today was at the Tanglin Club, a members only British club, with a family friend of theirs who owns a scuba-diving company in Australia- the first of many interesting people I would soon meet. There are many clubs on the island that people belong to, many of which are associated with joint memberships for golf courses.
I was able to get a 'high card' for my new Singapore mobile in the afternoon and also get my transportation ez link card- used for both the MRT (mass rapid transit) and buses.
Canada to Singapore! July 19
Today I flew from Pearson International Airport directly to Hong Kong which took 15 hours. After a quick layover, there was another 3 hour flight to the Changi Airport in Singapore. Arriving around 6:00pm local time, I was greeted by my Rotary Host from District 3310, John Ng who gave me a lovely driving tour of the East Coast before dropping me off at my first Rotary host family.
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