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AJCAA Undergraduate Bursary Award 2012 Applications Now Open

Dear Alumni of Anderson Junior College,

Anderson Junior College Alumni Association (AJCAA) is sincerely inviting suitable ex-students of AJC to apply for its annual undergraduate bursary award.

The undergraduate bursary award is instituted by AJCAA in 2005. This award(s) aims to assist former students of AJC who require financial assistance for their full-time undergraduate studies in Nanyang Technological University, National University of Singapore, Singapore Management University or Singapore University of Technology and Design. Since its inauguration, a total of 11 ex-AJCians have received this award.

Each award is valued at $1,500 and the amount will be disbursed to successful applicants in 2 instalments on September and January.

Interested applicants can obtain all necessary information from our website at http://www.ajcaa.com/bursary/.

Application opens now, and closes on 30 Jun 2012.

Short-listed applicants will be invited for a short interview with the AJC Alumni Association Executive Committee in the later half of July.

For any enquiries, feel free to contact us at bursary@ajcaa.com.

Thank you.

Best regards,
Lau Kiat Meng
President
AJC Alumni Association

Posted on 12 May 2012 by Bursary | Permalink

AJC Career Talk 2012

The AJC Career Talk is an event during which we invite illustrious alumni to share their career experiences with the current JC2. Through this sharing, we hope to inspire the students to embark on a career of their choice and also ignite the courage to pursue their passion.

Invited guests can share on various aspects of their lives especially why they are in their current job. The sharing will be an enriching session for our students and hopefully help them to start thinking about what they may want to do in future.

Date: 3rd July 2012
Time: 7.45 am to 8.45 am
Venue: AJC Auditorium

Programme Summary:

7.45 — 8.05 am: First speaker to share his/her experiences
8.05 — 8.25: Second speaker to share his/her experiences
8.25 — 8.45: Panel discussion

Please contact Ms Koh Ee Hway for further details if you are interested in attending the Career talk as a guest speaker. Thank you.

Office Tel: 6459 6822 Ext. 135
E-mail: koh_ee_hway@moe.edu.sg

Posted on 12 May 2012 by Webmaster | Permalink

AJCAA Annual General Meeting 2012

The Anderson Junior College Alumni Association (AJCAA) Annual General Meeting (AGM) cum Tutoring Programme Appreciation Presentation was successfully held on 25th February 2012, Saturday, 10am to 12pm at AJC LT5. 13 people have attended and graced this esteemed event. AJCAA President, Mr Lau Kiat Meng kicked start with the introductory slides on the AJCAA history (since 2001), EXCO list, long-term and ad-hor programmes, reaching out, workplan 2012/2013 as well as moving forward. Next, the tutor volunteers for the Tutoring Programme 2011 were presented with token of appreciation including a cheque and certificate. Lastly, Mr Kent Teo and Ms Mo Peiying shared the Secretary’s Report and Treasurer’s Report respectively.

The President giving the welcome address and sharing the new workplan with the Alumni.

One of the key highlights mentioned in the President’s address is the close collaboration and partnership with the college as agreed by the new AJC Principal, Mr Lee Seng Hai during the college leaders’ meeting on 22nd February 2012. This will definitely benefit the alumni association in executing its coming workplan.

The Secretary sharing the Secretary's Report with the Alumni.

Another is the great success of our 10th Anniversary celebration — Reunion 2 performance and Melodies of the Heart I.

The President expressed his words of appreciation and gratitude to those outgoing members for their valuable contributions. They are Kwan Qi Xiang, Chan Jun Yang, Terry Toh and Tjan Shi Ying from the EXCO as well as Ms Tan Joy and Ms Ang Fengling from the Alumni Office. We wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

In addition, he welcomed a new member Mr Ng Hong Peng and thanked Mr Udayakumar who has taken over Ms Tan Joy as the head of the Alumni Office.

The Treasurer sharing the Treasurer's Report with the Alumni.

The updated EXCO members are as followed:

• President: Lau Kiat Meng
• Secretary: Kent Teo
• Treasurer: Lim Kian Kiat
• Assistant Treasurer / Choir Head: Mo Peiying
• Senior Adviser: Ms Siau Fong Fui
• Service Learning Coordinator: Kendrick Tan
• Interest Group Coordinator: Foo Peow Ee
• Corporate Communications Coordinator: Toh Zhiqiang
• CO Head: Tan Qiuting
• Next StAJe Head: Shannon Ling
• Executive Member: Priya
• Executive Member: Wong Hongyi

The EXCO will continue to work with the Alumni Office in strengthening the partnership and engagement with the College. We would like to thank the following AJC teachers (who are also ex-AJCians) who have stepped forward to join the Alumni Office:

• Mr Udayakumar
• Mr Su Weizhi
• Ms Ng Erin
• Mr Ng Hong Peng

Some of our tutor volunteers for the Tutoring Programme 2011.

Currently, there are available vacancies for the following positions:

• Assistant Secretary
• Membership IC
• Content Writer (e.g. for newsletter, blog, etc.)
• Facebook Moderator
• Event Coordinator

Interested alumni can email us at secretary@ajcaa.com for any enquiry.

Posted on 26 February 2012 by Secretary | Permalink

An Enabling Spirit Conquers All

By Wong Hongyi (Class of 1999)

Amos Wee was a student of Anderson Junior College in the late 1980s. Belonging to one of the pioneering batches of AJCians, Amos quickly immersed himself in the college and its various activities. Among the numerous hats that Amos wore, he was most famous for coming up with the original “AJ Rap” while he was a student councillor in the college. The rap was first introduced to the school at the 1987 Orientation Campfire, and has since undergone modifications to become what it is today. Without a doubt, Amos was a role model for his fellow schoolmates, and a dependable student leader for his teachers. All those who knew him adored him, and he worked hard with his peers to bring the college to greater heights.

Life, however, is full of surprises. Amos suffered a stroke while running in school during his second year in AJC, and the accident completely changed his life.

For Amos, the road to recovery was long and tedious. Because of the stroke, he lost the use of his limbs on his left side, and rehabilitation was a big challenge. Despite the setback, Amos fought bravely with his disability. With the support of then principal Lee Fong Seng and several of his teachers, Amos stayed a third year in college in order to better prepare himself for the A-Levels. After receiving his results, he enrolled in SIM University and received his first degree in Economics. He subsequently completed a Master’s degree in Computer Science, and has been working with MOE as an administrator for 15 years.

Apart from a posting in MOE HQ, Amos has also worked in Yishun Junior College. His current appointment as the Vice-Principal (Admin) of Presbyterian High School has brought with it new challenges. Because of his faith in Christianity, Amos feels a strong sense of belonging to the school, and he hopes to contribute to its growth and progress. To Amos, a positive attitude conquers all. As he rightly asserts: “Even though you’re disabled, it doesn’t mean you’re unable.”

Perhaps the most admirable thing about Amos is his determination to live his life without conceding to his disability. As a working adult, Amos drives to school, an act which is quite a feat considering that he is supposed to have lost the effective use of some of his limbs. To Amos, however, it is just one of the things he has chosen to do to the best of his abilities.

Given the proximity of Presbyterian High to AJC, I asked if Amos thought about coming back to his alma mater to help run the college. Without hesitating, he replied that he has always wanted to give back to AJC. To him, the spirit of Non Mihi Solum has guided him to where he is today, and he will relish any opportunity to contribute to the college.

Towards the end of our interview, Amos shared that he is grateful to God for all that He has done for him. He believes that his accident may be seen as something fortunate, because it has brought him closer to his faith. Citing from the Book of Job, Amos says that it is always for a reason that things are given to us, or taken away from us. He stresses that we should never wait until something bad has happened before beginning to appreciate our lives. For Amos, a life well-lived begins from being grateful to the little things that we have. Judging from what he has achieved, I would say that it is a philosophy worth subscribing to.

Posted on 26 February 2012 by Webmaster | Permalink

AJCAACO Chinese New Year Charity Performances

Chinese New Year has always been the most important festival for the Chinese. As many of us were enjoying ourselves during the festival, our Chinese Orchestra did not forget to bring the joy and spirit to the less fortunate ones by holding 2 charity performances over 2 Saturdays (28 Jan and 4 Feb).

Our appreciative and encouraging audience.

The first of the 2 performances happened on 28 Jan at Sree Narayana Mission Home for the Aged Sick in Yishun. The group arrived early to help with the preparation of the venue for the annual CNY celebration event of the home that includes decorating the stage, pumping and putting up the balloons etc. After which, it was a half an hour performance by the Orchestra which includes familiar Chinese New Year songs and some nostalgic tunes which many of the elderly could relate to.

The performing crew.

Not only performing, our Orchestra also donated some CNY goodies with the money from our kind sponsors, benefitting both the residents at the home and also the home’s beneficiaries residing in the Marsiling area.

The donated CNY goodies.

On the following Saturday on 4 Feb, our Orchestra held the second performance at Angsana Home @ Pelangi Village. Similarly, the Orchestra put up a performance of half an hour to an estimated audience of 80 people. CNY goodies, packed into small gift boxes, were also donated to the residents there with the support of our sponsors.

Gift boxes of CNY goodies.

After the performance, our Orchestra organized some activities which included a demonstration on making some of the Chinese musical instruments using materials such as paper plates, balloons and disposable chopsticks and a sing along session. We were glad these activities were met with great response!

Sing Along Session.

In addition, we are pleased to say that this performance is held in conjunction with the Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO) National Chinese Orchestra Marathon 2012. The foremost objective of the Marathon is to showcase the vibrancy and passion of the Chinese Orchestral scene in Singapore. As part of the finale to the Marathon, a concert by the SCO was put up on 25 Feb and we are proud to say that we had 4 of our Orchestra members being selected to perform alongside with the SCO in one of the finale pieces!

Lastly, the AJCAA and the AJCAACO will like to thank our sponsors, Lee Foundation, Ms Jocelyn Ng and Techfount Systems Pte Ltd for their generous donations to make these events successful!

Posted on 26 February 2012 by Interest Group Coordinator | Permalink

AJCAA Meeting with College Leaders

AJCAA had a meeting with the College Leaders on 22 February; the Principal of AJC, Mr Lee Seng Hai (left photo), and Vice-Principal 2, Ms Siau Fong Fui, were present for the meeting. Mr Lee shared his vision and direction for AJC and AJCAA, while AJCAA President, Mr Lau Kiat Meng, shared the history and profile of AJCAA.

In the meeting, Mr Lee highlighted his goal of making AJC a college of choice for both teachers and students, espousing the Non Mihi Solum spirit while promoting greater spontaneity among the students. He also envisions the alumni as role models for current AJCians and looks forward to more presence and influence of the alumni in college, contributing to the ethos of care and nurture that is at the heart of the AJC experience. In addition, Mr Lee, Ms Siau and Mr Lau support the idea of having greater collaboration between the alumni and current student population through ad-hoc projects.

The meeting ended with Mr Lee’s proposal to have biannual meetings between the College Leaders and AJCAA.

Posted on 26 February 2012 by Secretary | Permalink

Goodbye, Ms Leong

By Wong Hongyi (Class of 1999)

To many of us who grew up in Singapore, the principal represents the ultimate authority in the school. As a rule, we stay out of their way the best we can, partly out of fear and partly out of reverence for their appointment. Rarely do we consider getting to know our principals better, until it is too late.

My interview with Ms Leong makes a poignant statement about this. Despite the initial butterflies in my stomach, the things she shared in that conversation allowed me to see a woman who does not only call herself principal, but also friend, mentor, colleague and daughter.

Ms Leong came to Anderson Junior College as its fifth principal. Prior to that, she was the principal of two secondary schools, and holds the record of being the youngest female principal to be appointed to office, at the age of 31.

A model student when she was in school, Ms Leong won herself an overseas teaching scholarship to read Geography in Cambridge University. Upon the completion of her studies, she came back and started her teaching career in Raffles Junior College.

When asked about her philosophy on teaching, Ms Leong said: “Through feedback and self-reflection, I have come to realise that you should teach the students, not the subject. It is much more important to ensure that your students understand what you are teaching, than to focus on giving them all the knowledge you possess.”

Apart from that profound statement, Ms Leong also believes that she must always “value-add” to the students she is in charge of. To her, all her students come in with their own beliefs and preconceptions. The challenge is to work with these differences and help one another to grow into better human beings. Throughout her years as a teacher, Ms Leong is certain that she has learnt from her students as much as they have from her.

AJCAA Treasurer, Mr Lim Kian Kiat, handing over a token of appreciation to Ms Leong on behalf of AJCAA during AJC Staff Dinner on 4th November 2011.

As a principal, Ms Leong continues to give support to her students. Despite her busy schedule, she makes it a point to meet with students who are facing problems in school or at home. To her, it is important to understand what is bothering these students, and tackle the problem at its root. By giving them an opportunity to speak, Ms Leong also helps her students to understand themselves better, in turn empowering them to make important decisions that will have an impact on their lives in the future.

I was curious to find out from Ms Leong what she would miss most from AJ, and her reply was both a pleasant surprise and a reaffirmation of our college creed. To her, the most wonderful thing about AJ is the kindness and warmth that is displayed by both staff and students. The spirit of Non Mihi Solum is something she has always subscribed to, and in the college she was impressed to see it being practised at the school-level.

In the latter part of her term in AJ, Ms Leong lost both her parents and went through a very difficult period. Fortunately, she had the support and understanding of her deputy principals and other key personnel throughout the ordeal. With tears in her eyes, Ms Leong acknowledged that the college and its spirit of Non Mihi Solum helped her to recover from her loss and move on.

Towards the end of our interview, I asked Ms Leong what flowers she liked. The principal replied that she does not like flowers, but then went on to say that she does think that the orchid is very pretty. She also finds the orchid admirable because of its tenacity and its ability to last a long time without withering. Not surprisingly, her mother loved the orchid and the family used to grow them at home.

When asked what she would say to a man who gives her flowers, Ms Leong burst out laughing. She replied candidly that someone who gives her flowers does not really know her. To her, it is more important in life to be down-to-earth and frugal, and flowers – as presents – are transient and impractical. Till the end, she remained a role model for her students.

Without spending that hour and a half with Ms Leong, I would never have known that the principal has a strong sense of humour and enjoys a good conversation. What is more, Ms Leong is an avid photographer who loves to travel when she has the time. Just how good are her photographs? I shall leave you to judge them for yourselves with some pictures she had taken during her trips to Myanmar and Canada.

Posted on 21 January 2012 by Webmaster | Permalink

Project Melodies from the Heart II

As you may have already know, AJCAA launched our very first International Service-Learning project to Indonesia this year, where a group of 20 like-minded youth went to Malang to spread the spirit of joy, laughter and happiness. However, should you missed such a great opportunity this year, fret not because your chance is HERE!

Project Melodies from the Heart II is back!

In this upcoming June 2012, we will be heading to YBL in Malang, and continue with our signature long-term goals such as building libraries and organizing games day for the children! Of course, not forgetting the cultural exchange aspect as well!

Be assured to have a memorable and fulfilling experience with Project Melodies from the Heart II. Interested parties and donors, please contact us NOW at projectmelodies@gmail.com.

Posted on 22 December 2011 by Webmaster | Permalink

Chinese New Year Charity Performances

In conjunction with Chinese New Year 2012, the AJCAA Chinese Orchestra will be having charity performances at Sree Narayana Mission Home for the Aged and Angsana Home@Pelangi Village on 28 Jan and 4 Feb (tentatively). Following the performance, there will also be interaction with the residents of the home and the giving out of CNY goodies for the residents there.

We are currently looking for volunteers and performers for these 2 events. As this is the first time that the interest group committee is organizing such community outreach programs, your kind and generous support (logistics, manpower or financial) will be greatly appreciated.

We will also like to take this opportunity to thank our sponsors so far, Lee Foundation, Ms Jocelyn Ng and Techfount Systems Pte Ltd for their generous donations.

If you are interested to volunteer your services or willing to sponsor cash for the running of these 2 events, feel free to contact our Interest Group Coordinator, Peow Ee at 9742 8054 or email igc@ajcaa.com.

We are also looking for people to spearhead some local community service projects. If you are interested, do come forward and contact us!

Posted on 21 December 2011 by Interest Group Coordinator | Permalink

Reunion 2 Updates

Anderson Junior College Alumni Association, through The Reunion 2 Performance Team, has raised a total of $10,753.20 for the bursary fund. Our target was to raise $15,000. We are S$4,246.80 away from our target. We are appealing to every one of you to make contribution to this fund, spread the joy of giving this Christmas!

Any amount, with minimum denomination of S$10, matters. Please send in your cheque payable to “AJC Alumni Association” (remember to cross out “bearer”) and post it to:

AJC Alumni Association — The Bursary Fund
c/o Anderson Junior College
4500 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 6
Singapore 569843

If you wish to donate via cash or internet banking transfer, kindly send us an email at secretary@ajcaa.com so that we can provide you with more information.

Lastly, we like to thank the following companies, organisation and individuals who have donated generously to the Bursary Fund:

• Lee Foundation
• Techfount Systems Pte Ltd
• MP Mr Seng Han Thong
• MP Ms Indranee Rajah
• Chew Ing Lim
• Chew Li Ping
• Choon Meng
• Chris Liew
• Josephine Phua
• Marilyn
• Neo Kim Ho
• Ong Kwee Hoon
• Poh Leong Yeow
• Say Chiou Mei
• Soh Joon Kiat Kelvin
• Tan Boon Yen
• Xiao Fanghui

Posted on 20 December 2011 by Secretary | Permalink