Category: Culture

5 Fascinating Things Only NYP Graduates And Students Know To Be True!

Before I became a writer, I was a molecular biotechnology student studying my butt off at Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP). Even though I only had a brief stint at the school, I came to know the quirks and best finds like the back of my hand. Here are my five picks:

Riding on the escalator is terrifying

Only a handful of NYP graduates would know this. The year 2011 was a confusing time for the escalators near the atrium. There was a malfunction with the system and for weeks, the escalator would go down insanely fast.

There were no injuries, as it was a short ride and everyone had plenty of time to react. Still, I’m willing to bet my dollars that the experience had scarred their life — including mine. Suddenly, the escalator scene in Final Destination 4 doesn’t seem so far-fetched anymore.

The food at NYP is glorious

The following statement is coming from someone who enjoys eating packed lunch — so this says a lot. Simply put, NYP is a food paradise. Students who frequent the North Canteen would be familiar with the golden yellow buttered corn; the belly-filling roti prata; the country-fresh waffles; and the naturally tender chicken rice.

Other highlights include the Japanese stall at Koufu, the crispy-fried nuggets at the South Canteen, and the Nasi Ayam Panggang at Foodgle Hub. Just the description alone makes my mouth water.

The garden at Block P is stunning

Golly, this is even more attractive than the rest areas below our HDB blocks. This area used to be an empty space where students would walk across it to get to the escalators. Kudos to the school to make this eco-friendly garden such a blooming (pun intended) success.

Instagram fanatics, this calls for a selfie!

Finding a seat at the library is no walk in the park

During my last holiday as a secondary school student, my friend — a NYP first-year student — asked if I would accompany her to the library at her school. Since I was curious about exploring the polytechnics in Singapore, I immediately took up her offer.

I couldn’t understand why we had to go early in the morning, but by afternoon, it all became clear. An army of students against a limited number of sitting areas? Draw your own conclusion.

Two words: Jackie Chan

The beloved star made everyone’s day when he popped by NYP to promote Aversion, a new anti-drug mobile game that centres on the concept of steering away from the dangers of drugs and inhalant abuse.

It was created by the Preventive Education Unit (PEU), Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB), and a group of students from NYP School of Interactive & Digital Media (SIDM).

Take a minute and look at the expression everyone had on their face. Jackie Chan at NYP? Yeah, you can’t top that.

I don’t know about you, but I certainly miss my days at NYP. How did time fly by so fast?

Featured image credit: Today Online

Also read: 12 Peculiar Things Only NTU Students Will Nod Silently In Agreement

6 Local Brands That Make & Create Beautiful Products – We Really Love #2!

Singapore’s artisanal scene is amazing. We’re talking about scented hand-poured candles to fierce and edgy arm candies. Whether you’re bored of the same old or looking for something unique, these 6 local brands will definitely have something in store for you.

1. Matter prints

Everyone wants to look good when they’re on vacation and here’s a little something that can give your OOTD the extra edge.

Matter is a socially motivated lifestyle brand that produces fun yet functional pants using artisan printed and loomed fabric. These effortlessly chic pants are made for movement and comfort without sacrificing style. Just pair it with a plain top and you are ready to go. While you are at it, do check out their scarfs and reversible pouch too. Price ranges approximately from SGD 65.00 to SGD 206.00.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BCu71daJy0F/?tagged=matterprints

https://www.instagram.com/p/BCCxWmnpyyo/?tagged=matterprints

Matter
Online Shop: 3. Ling Wu

As much as we love our Givenchy, strutting a Ling Wu arm candy with pride is a different story.

Website:

Website:
Note: Clients are only served on an appointment basis only. An advance booking of at least 24 hours before the appointment is required. Click

7 Of The Most Important Things To Consider When Choosing A Credit Card

The fantastic plastics are everywhere, promising you life’s greatest payment convenience. Throw in the travel, living and dining perks, and it all seem so utopic. But are you choosing the right credit card? Are you truly getting more out of it?

To make the best out of all the credit cards out there, do consider these seven things before you sign up for one:

1. Get this clear once and for all: there’s no free lunch. ‘Free’ gifts that come along with your new credit card aren’t exactly free. Always read the fine print and understand the minimum expenditure within a stipulated period of time. Think twice before chalking up unnecessary bills (or worse – debt) for that freebie.

2. Little things count. That ‘small’ annual card fee is really the biggest fee of all. Call the bank and ask (nicely!) if they can waive the charges. But cards such as the ANZ Travel Visa Signature Card and DBS Altitude Card give away 10,000 free miles upon paying the annual fee. Worth it? It’s your call.

3. Extra rewards for overseas spending can come with hefty administrative charges. Also, don’t forget to check currency conversion rates, which is only an app away before you mad-swipe.

4. Thinking of getting covered by the complimentary travel insurance that comes with your card? It usually subjects you to pay for your holidays with that very same card. The problem is the coverage may not be up to snuff when stacked against proper travel insurance plans. But cards such as the Citibank PremierMiles card and ANZ Travel Visa Signature Card do offer outstanding coverage. Compare before you sign on.

5. If you rely on your plastic to chalk up airmiles for that next holiday to paradise, be sure to check the miles reward system. A dollar for a mile vs a dollar for 1.2 miles, which is better? Seriously, it’s not rocket science.

6. .. yes, life has taken a toll on you and a bill is forgotten, but it’s really not the bank’s job to be your financial nanny. A late fee charge is one debt you must avoid incurring. Check the terms and rates, which can change at the bank’s discretion.

7. Spare yourself the agony of going through boring brochure-talk. A financial and credit card comparison site like GoBear lists out cards that work harder according to your needs. Just key in your spending habits, salary and ideal reward outcomes, and you’re ready to compare all the benefits.

So you might wonder: why GoBear? Firstly, it’s free and most importantly, the financial metasearch engine gives you an awesome overview of cards with zero advertising from the providers.

It also currently has the widest selection of cards available in Singapore, including cards not often promoted by banks. Last but not least, you get to learn a thing or two on credit card finances from the bear itself.

https://www.facebook.com/GoBearSG/posts/943370912427923:0

From 16th to 19th March, find the GoBear mascot and you could win a pair of tickets to Gold Coast. Follow GoBear on Facebook to see where and when the bear will be giving out bits of financial advice.

This article originally appeared on Vulcan Post.

Ever Wondered Why There Are So Many Chu Kangs In Singapore? We Uncover The Mystery!

Just the other day I came across this Facebook post from FiveStarsAndAMoon and it sparked a surge of curiosity within me.

Why do we have so many places named “___ Chu Kang” in Singapore?!

To many of us Singaporeans, Choa Chu Kang, Yio Chu Kang and Lim Chu Kang all sound like they were named after the same person, but with different surnames. However, “Chu Kang” wasn’t the name of a person at all…

Unless you’re talking about a certain “Ah Beng” Contractor who declares himself as the “best in Singapore, JB and some say Batam”.

Don’t Play Play ah! Okay, let’s get back on track.

The origins of these names find their roots in the Kangchu system adopted by 19th century chinese agricultural settlers in Singapore.

So what is the Kangchu system? the Kangchu system is kind of like an administrative system made up of a collection of villages and plantations that’s usually situated around the mouths of rivers.

Back then, the dominant clan in each village held the title of Kangchu 港主(which means lord of the river), and their respective areas were marked with their clan names, which eventually resulted in the modern-day names of three of Singapore’s well-known districts.

As you would’ve guessed, Yio Chu Kang was controlled by the Yio clan, Lim Chu Kang by the Lim clan and Choa Chu Kang by the Choa clan. These were the only three that found a permanent place in our progressive society. Chan Chu Kang which was situated around Yishun, later became Nee Soon Village while Tan Chu Kang and Lau Chu Kang became relics of the past.

So, here you go! Mystery solved!

10 Unmistakable Signs That You Love Singapore’s Local Food As Much As We Do!

Singapore’s local food is something that will always makes us uniquely Singapore. So much so that we hear foreigners and tourists frequently raving about our culturally diverse local food and its no secret that we are known for our Chilli Crab (even though we know we are definitely more than that 😉 ). And somehow, we always manage to copy food from all over the world, and adapt it to suit our unforgiving Singaporean tastebuds.

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You don’t understand how anyone will get confused or won’t know how to order what they want. Aiyo how can? There’s simply no excuse for that!

But you are always eager to help and educate any confused angmoh or foreigner.

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2. And of course the art of ordering noodles 

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You will actually hunt down Chinese Singaporeans who are clueless over this and give them an hour long lecture.

3. Whenever you are overseas, you only crave for Singaporean food 

That moment when you’ve landed in Europe after a 12 long flight and all you ever want to eat is some Chicken rice, Laksa, Nasi Lemak, Mee Goreng, Prata, Kway Chap… Jialat sia. 

And then you remember this is only the start of the torture of not having local food for the next few days…or weeks…or months.

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5. You are willing to work for your food 

You are willing to travel all the way from the West to Bedok 85 for Bar Chor Mee and BBQ Chicken Wings. And you are a strong believer that queues are telltale signs of good food.

The longer the queue, the better.

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7. Hawker centres bring out the indecisiveness inside you

You want to order everything!

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10. After all, you know the best food is always found at the Hawker Centres

Never at some Michelin Star fine dining restaurant.

Or hipster cafe.

And most definitely not at some 5 Star Hotel with a 10-course, $128 per pax meal.

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12 Wildly Popular Toys Only 90s Kids Will Remember Playing With

If you are one of those who shake your head in disapproval when you see parents letting their children entertain themselves with iPad and iPhones, you’d also probably reminisce about your fun-filled, iPad-less childhood and say “Aiyo, kids these days.”

The 90s generation is probably the coolest generation (IMO as a 90s kid and I’m sure you would agree if you are one). We spent our childhood days equally running outdoors playing catching and playing on our gameboys which means we had the best of both worlds. Plus, we got to witness the growth of technology.

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Those were the days where almost everyone had a Beyblade, even girls! And I remember the ripoffs were sold everywhere, so there was no excuse not to have one. This spinning top toy was popularized by the Beyblade anime series and there were mini arenas for competitions as well.

One does not say no to an impromptu Beyblade Showdown.

2. Tamagotchi

I remember I used to get so depressed when my Tamagotchi pet died, then I would start blaming myself for not caring for it enough. Since my parents did not allow me to get a puppy when I was younger, my Tamagotchi was basically my baby. 

It sure did teach us a bit about responsibility.

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This was one of the coolest toys you could have then!

With their sophisticated yet super cool race tracks, we could compete each other and our eyes would be glued to our cars the whole time!

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We don’t know about you, but Tamiya cars were our very first cars. We remembered spending countless of hours making our cars from the kits. Then, testing and playing those cars at the void deck or tamiya tracks in the neighbourhood. There was also the regular maintenance (lubricating) and upgrading of car parts.

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We surely missed those days, including those when we were shouted at for playing at home, and spoiling all the furniture legs when our tamiya cars crashed into them!

4. Gameboy

Oh boy, don’t we all love playing the Gameboy?

Seriously though, this was practically the iPad of our generation with so many games we can choose from with the different game cartridges.

Needless to say, Pokemon, Tetris and Super Mario were our all-time favorites!

 

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This is a heart-stopping game that requires much strategic planning through careful situation analysis.

We all remember that moment when the tower is unstable and it’s gonna be our turn next and we nervous as hell.

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How? I could barely play with the yoyo properly.

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11. Pokemon Cards

Gotta catch ’em all! 

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Twisting our bodies in different ways we never knew could be twisted and then screaming at the gamemaster to hurry up.

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If you remember playing all these, I’m sure there is this wave of nostalgia that you would have felt after reading this article. There were so many simple games that used to entertain us for hours and hours and nope, none of it ever revolved around an iPad, which shows that fun can come in all forms with just a bit of imagination.

Let us know in the comments if we missed anything! 🙂