Showing posts with label School. Show all posts
Showing posts with label School. Show all posts
RIP, Professor Koh :(
Life is short and unpredictable. We all know it, read about it, talked about it. But how many of us actually really internalized it?
My afternoon took a turn for the worse when I receive news that my favourite professor and mentor from college has passed away. It was so sudden everyone who knew him was caught completely off guard. For the first few hours, we questioned the email we received via our Alma Mater's President. Is this a hoax? No this can't be real. We didn't read anything in the news. This can't be happening. Prof Koh couldn't have left us like that. You could say most of us were in complete denial.
Merely days ago, he was still updating his Facebook account of his latest marathon achievement and his diving lessons. And today, we received news that he has left us because of a diving mishap. That he was reported missing since Tuesday and his body was found yesterday.
Known as one of the most popular professors in school, Prof Koh was a shining example of living one's life to the fullest. He didn't just taught us Game Theory and Entrepreneurial Finance, he taught us the essence of life. We were always encouraged to venture beyond our textbooks and that the world was more than "sitting in the study cubicle and solving business cases". We were always taught to learn something new, pick up something we are completely unfamiliar, explore the world so we could tell him stories of our corporate adventures. He wasn't just a professor to us, he was a mentor, a friend, a father figure and a beacon of constant inspiration.
He was always the go-to person when I had doubts about life and career paths, and for the 4 years in school, he had always been my idol (pretty much like everyone else). We lived vicariously through the amazing photos of his adventures around the world, understood the mental strength he had for completing marathons after marathons, and learned that despite the hardships and harshness we faced at work - there was always someone out there who was more than happy to share some care and love.
I remembered penning him emails during my arduous months of hunting for my first job. Much as he was boggled down by probably a few hundreds of other students who were facing the same issue as me, long emails filled with care and advice were always sent back to me. Years later when I penned him yet another email to seek advice for a career switch, he highlighted that he still remembered the joy I had when I signed on my first job. "I still keep the emails you sent and I could still feel the joy when I read them again" was what he said. His emails are still kept safely in my inbox, where I refer back to them every now and then when I feel lost about where I wanted to move on in my career. He was a mentor who truly cared.
It's been hours since I got the news but I still find it unbelievable. We all still find it unbelievable. We wish the family courage and strength to bring them through this.
Facebook is still being flooded by words of all his friends, colleagues and ex-and current students. It serves as a stark reminder that at the end of the day, it's not about how much money you make in a lifetime, it's so many people you have impacted in your lifetime and how many remembers you as an inspiration when you are gone.
"Time is too slow for those who wait, too swift for those who fear, too long for those who grieve, too short for those who rejoice, but for those who love, time is eternity" - Henry Van Dyke. Thank you prof for sharing this quote, thank you for being my professor, thank you for teaching me valuable lessons both in and outside of class, thank you for showing us what it is like to be living life to the fullest, thank you for showing us that sincere love and concern is possible even in difficult times. I am most definitely grateful to have met you and had the honour of being your student and mentee for 4 years of my college years. Thank you for being a constant source of inspiration, and that even in your passing, you remind us that life is short and we should never delay the pursue of our passions.
"Time is too slow for those who wait, too swift for those who fear, too long for those who grieve, too short for those who rejoice, but for those who love, time is eternity" - Henry Van Dyke. Thank you prof for sharing this quote, thank you for being my professor, thank you for teaching me valuable lessons both in and outside of class, thank you for showing us what it is like to be living life to the fullest, thank you for showing us that sincere love and concern is possible even in difficult times. I am most definitely grateful to have met you and had the honour of being your student and mentee for 4 years of my college years. Thank you for being a constant source of inspiration, and that even in your passing, you remind us that life is short and we should never delay the pursue of our passions.
RIP, Professor Koh - you will be sorely missed :(((
CFA or MBA?
Got a message from KP yesterday asking me if I was happily settling into H*V*S.
I replied saying that I have yet to start work there but hopefully if he ask me again in another few months time I can give a relatively positive response. We started chatting about CFA and MBA - he's planning to go take a MBA in Europe next year because he don't need to waste 2 years in a US graduate school and he doesn't need to pay for a GMAT either.
He got my heart itchy about getting a MBA. I had once wanted a MBA badly but monetary constraints is a big issue so I kind of pushed it out of my mind a while back. Guess I will go check with KP what he plans to do and then I'll see if I can take a leaf out of there. He's after all the most driven and practical friend I have (No offence to anyone out there ;) )
Maybe I should go get both?
Sounds like I don't know what I want in my life though - MBA would give a broader path but I'm not sure if that is what I want. Seemed too early to be tying myself to a more specialized path with CFA though.
HMMM.
Time to write to my favourite professor again. Hee hee
I replied saying that I have yet to start work there but hopefully if he ask me again in another few months time I can give a relatively positive response. We started chatting about CFA and MBA - he's planning to go take a MBA in Europe next year because he don't need to waste 2 years in a US graduate school and he doesn't need to pay for a GMAT either.
He got my heart itchy about getting a MBA. I had once wanted a MBA badly but monetary constraints is a big issue so I kind of pushed it out of my mind a while back. Guess I will go check with KP what he plans to do and then I'll see if I can take a leaf out of there. He's after all the most driven and practical friend I have (No offence to anyone out there ;) )
Maybe I should go get both?
Sounds like I don't know what I want in my life though - MBA would give a broader path but I'm not sure if that is what I want. Seemed too early to be tying myself to a more specialized path with CFA though.
HMMM.
Time to write to my favourite professor again. Hee hee
How to get an A+ in SMU
First, my junior told me to watch it. I was like NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.
And then more people told me to watch it, I was still NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.
Okay so I decide to click on the link after hearing countless "watch it! damn cool!"
Let's just say partially it is true - because as a Business school, and somehow we seem to function that way too - someunscrupulous means tactics are required to make things work. Especially when you are in an ocean of smart kids and scholars. LOL
Don't get me wrong, I remember working very hard for the A range grades I get. Okay maybe it's because I know I'm bad at sucking up to my professors. LOL I was too busy part-timing to suck up to anyone anyway.
I do know of people who goes through at least half the tactics mentioned above. Yes they did get their As and they did get to hang around with their "Ivy-league" clique - but from what I see after graduation, not many of them have great PR skills in their workplace. Well it depends on which professor you are under too. LOL. I happen to get really righteous ones. LOL
And then more people told me to watch it, I was still NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.
Okay so I decide to click on the link after hearing countless "watch it! damn cool!"
Let's just say partially it is true - because as a Business school, and somehow we seem to function that way too - some
Don't get me wrong, I remember working very hard for the A range grades I get. Okay maybe it's because I know I'm bad at sucking up to my professors. LOL I was too busy part-timing to suck up to anyone anyway.
I do know of people who goes through at least half the tactics mentioned above. Yes they did get their As and they did get to hang around with their "Ivy-league" clique - but from what I see after graduation, not many of them have great PR skills in their workplace. Well it depends on which professor you are under too. LOL. I happen to get really righteous ones. LOL
With practice, comes perfection
After writing to Yan Zhuang (formerly known as xiao ting before she became a nun) for the past 4 years, my ability to write traditional Chinese characters is getting better:
I can read traditional Chinese characters well but writing them is a different ball game altogether. Sadly, after 4 years, I am still in learning phase of learning how to write them in a less deformed way...
I love reading Yan Zhuang's letters coz they make me ponder about my flaws and helps me grow up as well. She has grown incredibly Zen these years and I guess living in a temple for the past 4 years do make a difference. I hope I haven't been bothering her with too much worldly issues these years. Lol
I'm going to sleep now so I can wake up tomorrow to go Central Lib to mug. This afternoon's session was good coz I cleared 2.5 chapters in 1 hour. I shall go back earlier tomorrow to try my luck at getting the book I want.
And I gotta say...Lee Kong Chien Reference Library is an excellent place to mug. Great view, great tables and of course, great-looking people like me are mugging all around you. Where to find such fantabulous mugging spot?
If anyone needs a good mugging partner like yours truly (whose *gasp!* silence is worth more than gold while mugging) and excellent mugging ground, come visit me at Level 7.
I sound like I am selling a product. HAHA
Good Night world =)
I can read traditional Chinese characters well but writing them is a different ball game altogether. Sadly, after 4 years, I am still in learning phase of learning how to write them in a less deformed way...
I love reading Yan Zhuang's letters coz they make me ponder about my flaws and helps me grow up as well. She has grown incredibly Zen these years and I guess living in a temple for the past 4 years do make a difference. I hope I haven't been bothering her with too much worldly issues these years. Lol
I'm going to sleep now so I can wake up tomorrow to go Central Lib to mug. This afternoon's session was good coz I cleared 2.5 chapters in 1 hour. I shall go back earlier tomorrow to try my luck at getting the book I want.
And I gotta say...Lee Kong Chien Reference Library is an excellent place to mug. Great view, great tables and of course, great-looking people like me are mugging all around you. Where to find such fantabulous mugging spot?
If anyone needs a good mugging partner like yours truly (whose *gasp!* silence is worth more than gold while mugging) and excellent mugging ground, come visit me at Level 7.
I sound like I am selling a product. HAHA
Good Night world =)
SMU Commencement 2008
After all the fun and laughters from Grad Nite, it was time to don the official graduation gown and go through the ceremony.
The ceremony to mark the official end of my 16 years of education.
I was home late the previous night (due to Grad Nite,and thank god I didn't go St James Power House or Zouk with the rest of the crowd), I didn't get up until 10am. No worries though since we only have to arrive at 1pm. Haha
My parents were super cute because it seemed that they were excited for the graduation ceremony (the last one they attended was their own like donkey years ago..). My mum was fussing over which pearl necklace should she wear, and my dad fussing over which tie he should wear. My sis was super chilled about everything because she wasn't attending (haha).
My mum helping my dad with his tie:
Commencement 2008! Should have taken a solo pict here. Lol:
I went off to the dressing room to change into my gown while my parents go roam ard Suntec because it was too early. The dressing room:
Changed!:
Youfen and me
The ceremony to mark the official end of my 16 years of education.
I was home late the previous night (due to Grad Nite,and thank god I didn't go St James Power House or Zouk with the rest of the crowd), I didn't get up until 10am. No worries though since we only have to arrive at 1pm. Haha
My parents were super cute because it seemed that they were excited for the graduation ceremony (the last one they attended was their own like donkey years ago..). My mum was fussing over which pearl necklace should she wear, and my dad fussing over which tie he should wear. My sis was super chilled about everything because she wasn't attending (haha).
My mum helping my dad with his tie:
Commencement 2008! Should have taken a solo pict here. Lol:
I went off to the dressing room to change into my gown while my parents go roam ard Suntec because it was too early. The dressing room:
Changed!:
Youfen and me
Ron and me. Talk about a ghostly presence (on the left that is) Lol
Tingying and me
Jiahui (my twin!) and me
Me, Yicui, Youfen
Ben Ben and me
Gershon and me
My parents and me. If only Sis came too.
Me, Yicui, Youfen
Ben Ben and me
Gershon and me
My parents and me. If only Sis came too.
Met Michelle on my way to the main ballroom. For the uninitiated, Michelle is my JC Band mate =)) Her elder bro is graduating this year as well:
Ran into Jimmy on the way to the ballroom as well. He was my orientation mate and I took most of my Yr 1 core modules with Jimmy and were projects mates for Comms and Economics modules as well:
My seat number:
I find the Professors' gowns really cool:
After all the speeches and whatsnot, Econs students proceeded down to Level 2 Ballroom 3. Well of course, before the ceremony starts, it's all about photo taking:
Prof Winston Koh and me
Ran into Jimmy on the way to the ballroom as well. He was my orientation mate and I took most of my Yr 1 core modules with Jimmy and were projects mates for Comms and Economics modules as well:
My seat number:
I find the Professors' gowns really cool:
After all the speeches and whatsnot, Econs students proceeded down to Level 2 Ballroom 3. Well of course, before the ceremony starts, it's all about photo taking:
Prof Winston Koh and me
My new friend for the day, Robin! He was sitting next to me (number 104) and we started to chat. Hahaha. It's amazing to think that we have been in the same fac for 4 years (with only 116 students in my batch of Econ) but never saw each other before. Lol. But destined to be friends on our last day as SMU students:
After awarding the degree, it was time for group shot!! Getting ready:
I bet you dunno where I am:
After awarding the degree, it was time for group shot!! Getting ready:
I bet you dunno where I am:
I dunno where I am as well. Ha
Phyllis came!! Thanks babe! =)):
Phyllis and moi =)))))
From Left: Phyl, me and Eve. Mini A04 gathering. Lol
Fortuna and me =)
From Left: Phyl, me and Eve. Mini A04 gathering. Lol
Fortuna and me =)
I can't possibly put everything up coz I will go crazy having to resize everything..Haha.
It was an extremely tiring day given I didn't sleep much and there was much preparation work as well. Although some say I just need to attend, there's actually more than it meets the eye. I was totally restless for the whole of Sunday (didn't help that I slept at 4am and woke up at 8am) and almost overslept for work today. I so need to rest a few days man.
For those who didn't make it, still many thanks for congratulating me on my graduation =)
Now let me go find a dream job =)) Haha
It was an extremely tiring day given I didn't sleep much and there was much preparation work as well. Although some say I just need to attend, there's actually more than it meets the eye. I was totally restless for the whole of Sunday (didn't help that I slept at 4am and woke up at 8am) and almost overslept for work today. I so need to rest a few days man.
For those who didn't make it, still many thanks for congratulating me on my graduation =)
Now let me go find a dream job =)) Haha
SMU Grad Nite 2008 - Couleurs
Time to update about Grad Nite!!
I have gotta be the most last min person on earth when it comes to the Grad Nite this year. I got my dress the day before, my shoes like 3 hours before the event, and my bag about 2 hours before it.
That's a punishment for not having enough girly stuff at home. Haha.
No black and white. So no surprise, I chose pink:
Just ignore the mess I made in my room all because of Couleurs.
I have gotta be the most last min person on earth when it comes to the Grad Nite this year. I got my dress the day before, my shoes like 3 hours before the event, and my bag about 2 hours before it.
That's a punishment for not having enough girly stuff at home. Haha.
No black and white. So no surprise, I chose pink:
Just ignore the mess I made in my room all because of Couleurs.
And can I totally complain about dinner clutch, they are so small u cant stuff much:
And I underestimated how light the material was for the dress. Once the wind blow, I can do a Marilyn Monro. Like seriously.
And I underestimated how light the material was for the dress. Once the wind blow, I can do a Marilyn Monro. Like seriously.
Yicui came over to drive us to Fullerton Hotel. The sceneries along the way were beautiful.....:
We ran into a crazy traffic jam:
We managed to reach Fullerton like...1 hour later than the meeting time because we got lsot trying to find the way into Fullerton. I swear no one should ever rely on me..to get directions because I am of no help. I usually keep quiet when you ask me directions. Haha.
In the lift:
The whole event started later because majority of the people were late and everyone was just busy catching up and snapping photos away. The ballroom:
President of SMU, Howard Hunter giving a speech:
Our fist dish, some prawn salad thing. Small in portion but really nice:
We had a letters game. Each table has an envelope with 10 random alphabets inside. Supposed to trade with other tables the alphabets you want to make a 10-letter word. The fastest table wins 2 bottles of wine:
Sends everyone into a frenzy of trading alphabets. Which reminds me of a trading floor - where people shout for deals and prices they want. But we shout for the alphabets we want:
Haha.
After that we had the drinking game. Where the person who drinks the last drop wins. So you either drink everything in the first gulp or you have other better strategies. Zhihon was really good. He drank the whole jug:
And so he won 2 bottles of wine for his table too.
We ran into a crazy traffic jam:
We managed to reach Fullerton like...1 hour later than the meeting time because we got lsot trying to find the way into Fullerton. I swear no one should ever rely on me..to get directions because I am of no help. I usually keep quiet when you ask me directions. Haha.
In the lift:
The whole event started later because majority of the people were late and everyone was just busy catching up and snapping photos away. The ballroom:
President of SMU, Howard Hunter giving a speech:
Our fist dish, some prawn salad thing. Small in portion but really nice:
We had a letters game. Each table has an envelope with 10 random alphabets inside. Supposed to trade with other tables the alphabets you want to make a 10-letter word. The fastest table wins 2 bottles of wine:
Sends everyone into a frenzy of trading alphabets. Which reminds me of a trading floor - where people shout for deals and prices they want. But we shout for the alphabets we want:
Haha.
After that we had the drinking game. Where the person who drinks the last drop wins. So you either drink everything in the first gulp or you have other better strategies. Zhihon was really good. He drank the whole jug:
And so he won 2 bottles of wine for his table too.
After this will be a series of photos...I don't think I can put all or I might go crazy..haha. Go Facebook to see more =)
Huifang and me
Shumei, me, Gershon
Professor Winston Koh (My Game Theory and Entre Finance prof) and me
The SMUBE people (L to R: Terence, Huixin, Keris, me, Jasmine)
Shunhao and me
Chris, me and Kangqin (my lovely CAT project team mates!)
Before we leave the hotel.
Huifang and me
Shumei, me, Gershon
Professor Winston Koh (My Game Theory and Entre Finance prof) and me
The SMUBE people (L to R: Terence, Huixin, Keris, me, Jasmine)
Shunhao and me
Chris, me and Kangqin (my lovely CAT project team mates!)
Before we leave the hotel.
What did all the photos tell you about me? I'm a boring person with 1 pose. HAHA.
It was in all a tiring but extremely fun night =)))))
Will update on Commencement 2008 soon!!!!!!!!!
Ok now I want to sleep. Lol
It was in all a tiring but extremely fun night =)))))
Will update on Commencement 2008 soon!!!!!!!!!
Ok now I want to sleep. Lol
The debt-ridden one
Received a letter from DBS today. Moment of truth in revealing my debt amount. Lol.
$12,580.
ZOMG.
And to think my loan only started in Year 2.
SMU so ex
Bleah
$12,580.
ZOMG.
And to think my loan only started in Year 2.
SMU so ex
Bleah
When old birds gather
Last Sat, Melwyn organized a KTV session for the old birds of SMUBE aka all the year 4s who were done with their exams. Of coz we have along with us a couple of young birds as well :)))) It was hell of a glass breaking (on my part that is) and old-songs galore session man!
Virgin experience of KTV in Singapore! The first time I ever KTV in my entire life was in Beijing, and on this day, with the rest of the old birds of SMUBE, first time in Singapore.
I started my day with tuition with Lionel..and one of his assignments was:
Google?! For Primary 1? Wow.
I proceeded to school for a much-needed gym session, and ran into Choon Hong. We chatted for a good 30 min before I realise I hadn't gym-ed yet and he was hungry. So we proceeded to Kopitiam (school canteen), and realised...
They already started to tear down the things already :S No more Kopitiam :((( Heard Koufu is coming in. Lol.
I went for my gym session after Choon had his food. Did about 2.5km and I was half gone :S On my way out of gym, caught Terence sitting at the corner, making a hat.
He made a really nice Mexican hat using vanguard paper! Haha, I just gotta say he's really good with all these paper cutting and folding things.
I went on my way home, and took pictures of the school as I walked towards business block:
1. The underground concourse:
2. Our school bookshop:
3. The huge A380 model in the air travel shop in school:
4. SMUBE Studio:
5. View outside studio:
6. The not-that-sensitive escalator to Business block:
7. The gantry where I always tapped the wrong card (Ez-link instead of student pass):
8. Business block:
9. Most importantly, SMU:
Ahhh...so much memories.
Went home to change, and met Keris for dinner at Somerset. It's been such a long time since I hit the city! And to think SMU's campus is..well..in the city. Haha.
We met up with Kristen and Heyuan at the train station before moving over to Party World at International building :))))
Nice cabin:
Kristin posing:
Snacks:
The rest came subsequently:
From left to right, YiHui (Bernard), Heyuan, Kristin, Nina, Melwyn.
And the bill came up to:
$274 :S
In order to protect the privacy of everyone in the cabin that day, I won't be posting videos. Lol.
But we had so much fun singing old songs like Backstreet Boys' "Get Down", Aqua's "Barbie Girl", Spice Girls' hits and many growing up songs.
It was fantastic :))))))
Must go K again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Virgin experience of KTV in Singapore! The first time I ever KTV in my entire life was in Beijing, and on this day, with the rest of the old birds of SMUBE, first time in Singapore.
I started my day with tuition with Lionel..and one of his assignments was:
Google?! For Primary 1? Wow.
I proceeded to school for a much-needed gym session, and ran into Choon Hong. We chatted for a good 30 min before I realise I hadn't gym-ed yet and he was hungry. So we proceeded to Kopitiam (school canteen), and realised...
They already started to tear down the things already :S No more Kopitiam :((( Heard Koufu is coming in. Lol.I went for my gym session after Choon had his food. Did about 2.5km and I was half gone :S On my way out of gym, caught Terence sitting at the corner, making a hat.
He made a really nice Mexican hat using vanguard paper! Haha, I just gotta say he's really good with all these paper cutting and folding things.I went on my way home, and took pictures of the school as I walked towards business block:
1. The underground concourse:
2. Our school bookshop:
3. The huge A380 model in the air travel shop in school:
4. SMUBE Studio:
5. View outside studio:
6. The not-that-sensitive escalator to Business block:
7. The gantry where I always tapped the wrong card (Ez-link instead of student pass):
8. Business block:
9. Most importantly, SMU:
Ahhh...so much memories.
Went home to change, and met Keris for dinner at Somerset. It's been such a long time since I hit the city! And to think SMU's campus is..well..in the city. Haha.
We met up with Kristen and Heyuan at the train station before moving over to Party World at International building :))))
Nice cabin:
Kristin posing:
Snacks:
The rest came subsequently:
From left to right, YiHui (Bernard), Heyuan, Kristin, Nina, Melwyn.
And the bill came up to:
$274 :S
In order to protect the privacy of everyone in the cabin that day, I won't be posting videos. Lol.
But we had so much fun singing old songs like Backstreet Boys' "Get Down", Aqua's "Barbie Girl", Spice Girls' hits and many growing up songs.
It was fantastic :))))))
Must go K again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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