Not About Angels - Birdy

July has been such a tiring week/month and i've grown so tired of trying to preserve what may feel like mine. What if it isn't? People come, people go. I've been trying to get that in my head since forever but I reckon my heart will never grow accustom to that fact.
School's been crazy as well and dealing with people..... it's tough.
Emotionally and physically drained but I know that all will work out for good to those who believe. Thank You for Your never ending Strength and ever endearing Presence.

In need of another getaway but for now,
back to work!

-

How unfair, it's just our love
Found something real that's out of touch
But if you'd searched the whole wide world
Would you dare to let it go?

'Cause what about, what about angels?
They will come, they will go, make us special

Don't give me up.

WorldSkills Singapore // Reflection

We all want to do something that will help take you a step closer to achieving your dream. For me, it came at the most unexpected timing, from the most unexpected person, and I feel awfully blessed.
One fine morning, Ms Dora, my last semester's PTN, knowing how keen I am on writing and being part of a media team, told me about being a blogger for Singapore Polytechnic at the WorldSkills Singapore 2014. Without hesitation, I took up the role and prayed for the chance to take this step closer towards my dream.

For those who have no clue what the WorldSkills competition is about, it is basically the Olympic of skills. Students come together from different Polytechnics, ITEs and other schools that teaches skills, like Shatec, to compete for the top spot to represent Singapore at the International WorldSkills competition that will be held next year at Sao Paulo, Brazil. This competition is a great deal to the competitors because the need for skills in the current work industry is on the rise and if they do win, the likelihood of them getting a job in future will be sky high!

New People
On Wednesday, 9th of July, I checked into ITE College West's Hotel for the very first time and I was in awe of what it had to offer! The room looks exactly like a five-star hotel and they even provided housekeeping every day. I went down for dinner with the New Media Team teammates that were also staying at the hotel and had a proper conversation with them also, for the first time. We talked about our past blogging experiences and I was really glad to have finally met people with the same interest as I did!
On the second day, we met the entire team for the very first time. I was glad I managed to learn a lot from Theophilus, someone who is from the same church as I, and from Nanyang Polytechnic's Mass Media Management. In fact, within that short span of 3 days, I learnt something from almost everyone!

Judges of the skill - Cooking 

New Perspective
I managed to get interviews with a few competitors and judges during my time at ITE Central, where the main bulk of the competition was held. These interviews, although short, gave me an eyeopener to how much the competitors have to work in order to do well for the competition. It was no where near as easy as it seemed. There were so many aspects to the judging criteria and the competitors had no time to rest, not even during breaks! I'm pretty sure the competition was all they thought about up until they hit the sack.

New Experience
Those 3 days are, in a nutshell, days I would not give up for anything. The things that I've learnt and the opportunities I have received were countless! It allowed me to see things from a totally different perspective and understand how it felt like to be a competitor at the WorldSkills competition. It also gave me exposure to how it's like being part of a New Media Team, to have to constantly be conscious of whatever is happening around me, so I can take it down and use it as a means to engage audiences via the social media.

Thanks for reading! ;)

WorldSkills Singapore // Closing Ceremony

Today was the closing ceremony of World Skills Singapore and the results are finally out!!! Singapore Polytechnic won 2 out of 4 of the skills that we participated in and I was so happy. A secondary school friend that I bumped into won gold as well. Without further ado, here are the results.....! ;)


Bronze: Yan Yu Ji - ST Aerospace Technical Training Centre
Silver: Tan Jian Yee - ITE
Gold: Phang Ying Xian, Bryan - Temasek Polytechnic

Bronze: Eyrica Lee Min Wei, Nanyang Polytechnic
Silver: Mustafa Ali Bin Mohammed Basir, Nanyang Polytechnic
Gold: Muhammad Miqdad Bin Mazian, Nanyang Polytecnic

Bronze: Loh Zaryl, Nanyang Polytechnic
Silver: Muhammad Hairul Bin Ramli, ITE
Gold: Lim Ling, ITE

Bronze: Brian Lim Zheng Feng, Republic Polytechnic
Gold: Loh Fook Lee, ITE
Gold: Nik Muhammad Amirul Hakim Bin Suraini, ITE
**no silver**

Bronze: Koh Chin Woon, Temasek Polytechnic
Silver: Ng Yin Zhi, Temasek Polytechnic
Gold: Ng Wei Xin, Nanyang Polytechnic

Bronze: Andrew Chen Zhiquan, Nanyang Polytechnic
Silver: Hong Yi Jing, Jovin, ITE
Gold: Tan Xinyi, Temasek Polytechnic

Bronze: Chan Jing Xiang, ITE
Gold: Muhammad Bin Mahmoud Abdullah Ng, Republic Polytechnic
Gold: Tan Kai Hao, Andrew, ITE
**no silver**

Bronze: Goh Zhi Yi, Glendon, Ngee Ann Polytechnic
Silver: Lim Yew Kiat, Marcus, ITE
Gold: Joell Thng Chong Shu, Singapore Polytechnic

Silver: Lee Zhen Hao, Nanyang Polytechnic
Silver: Sim Cher Boon, Nanyang Polytechnic
Gold: Lee Wei Meng, Daniel, Nanyang Polytechnic
**no bronze**

Bronze: Lee Yu Choy, Nanyang Polytechnic
Gold: Chew Rong Kang, Nanyang Polytechnic
**no silver**

Bronze: Lee Zhong Yu, Reon & Melvin Soh Yong Sheng, Temasek Polytechnic
Silver: Lee Junyang, Lemond & Peh Xian Bin, Eugene, Nanyang Polytechnic
Gold: Ivan Sim Wan Leong & Poh Yong Han, Nanyang Polytechnic

Bronze: Leong Wei Jie, Andy - Nanyang Polytechnic
Silver: Terence Teo Yi Teng - Nanyang Polytechnic
Gold: Ong Zheng Jie - Singapore Polytechnic

Bronze: Ang Wei Jie Jasper, Republic Polytechnic
Silver: Tan Kwang Sheng, ITE
Gold: Farisha Dhamiera Bte Bohari, ITE

Gold: Dinesh Mangalanathadurai & Lim Yong Qiang, Nanyang Polytechnic
Gold: Lim Jing Qiang & Muhammad Zulqarnian Bin Ramian, Temasek Polytechnic
**no bronze & silver**

Bronze: Jonathan Ng Kai Chong, Nanyang Polytechnic
Gold: Ng Ming Yang, Nanyang Polytechnic
Gold: Goh Keng Hong, Nanyang Polytechnic
**no silver** 

Bronze: Hanis Raudhah Bte Ismail J, ITE
Silver: Ng Li Ren, Andrew, Nanyang Polytechnic
Gold: Quek Wen Hui, Josephine, Temasek Polytechnic

Bronze: Tien Yoke Qing, Nanyang Polytechnic
Silver: Shafiqah Binte Rostam, Nanyang Polytechnic
Gold: Amanda Chan, Temasek Polytechnic





The closing ceremony started off with elegance as the girls of Ngee Ann Polytechnic's Chinese Dance presented to us an excellent choreography. It was then followed up by a short speech from GOH, Mr Heng Swee Keat before the prize presentation ceremony. I loved how enthusiastic the crowd was and how they would cheer and clap for the winners be it their friends, their school mates, or their competitors!
The closing ceremony didn't last for long and soon ended with WorldSkills theme song, Shining Dreams, once again sung by Shaffiq Hairi and Eriynee.

After the offical end of the ceremony, we headed to the reception area to meet up with competitors and have our free buffet (yes, agaain! P:)
I met my Secondary school friend, Nik, who won Gold for cooking! We had a short catch up and in the midst, decided to have a casual interview with him.

Q: Why did you decide to join WSS?
Nik: My teacher asked me to join WorldSkills and since I had nothing else to do, I decided, why not? So technically, I joined for the fun and thrill of it all!

Q: So did you expect to win?
Nik: Nope. Throughout the competition, I just did what I would normally do with no intentions of winning at all.

Q: What did you think made you win gold?
Nik: Honestly, I have no idea. I suppose it was the way I worked in the kitchen? Hahaha.

Q: Well are you happy that you won?
Nik: Of course!! Who wouldn't be?!?

Q: Anything else to say about the competition?
Nik: It was an enjoyable experience and I really learnt a lot.

Thank you for your time, Nik! And once again, congratulations on your unexpected win ;)

Here and some photos of the Closing Ceremony

Ngee Ann Polytechnic's Chinese Dance

Guest of Honour making his speech

Final glimpse of the mascot!

The two Gold medalists from SP! So proud of you two  

All of SP's competitors!

The cute lion everyone in the Media team was itching to get a hold of! Hahaha. Thank you Victor for going down to the storeroom to check if there were any extras for us! 

Will be uploading my reflection on this entire 3-day journey soon. Stay tuned and once again, congratulations to all the winners!! Can't wait to see how you guys will fair next year at the International WorldSkills competition next year in Sao Paulo, Brazil ;)

Thanks for reading! 

WorldSkills Singapore // Day 3

Today marks the official end of WorldSkills Singapore 2014!
In the past 2 days, the competition sites were opened up to schools. But today, it was open to the public along with a wide variety of workshops free for all. Most workshops were packed and people were queuing for them half an hour even before it started! It was a lovely sight seeing the elderly learn how to photoshop and teenagers learn how to create their own games.

We headed down to the multipurpose hall at about 3pm to check out the Visual Merchandising competitor's presentation of their work. Even before the competitors explained the concept, the works were already really impressive. After they explained the reason behind the colours they used and the concept behind their entire work, we were blown-away. It was that good!!
After all the competitors ended their presentation, the judges got the public to pop party poppers and throw paper confetti when the competitors came out.
"Although only 1 of you can represent Singapore in Brazil, all of you are winners!", was what one of the judges said. They then celebrated some more with, of course, non-alcoholic drinks in champagne glasses.

We headed to the industrial control competition site to get an interview with fellow SP competitors. They were done with the competition and were waiting for the judges to finish judging before bringing their finished product back to school. The interview is available here!
The Electronics competitors were still really busy when we were there so we decided to catch them another day in school for an interview. Do stay tuned for that :)

With most competitions coming to an end, we rushed to Block H to catch the final minutes of the CNC Milling competitors. Most of them were clearing up their work stations and touching up on their final products. I was in awe of the variety of milling tools available to the students. It's insane!
When we were about to leave, they too, ended their competition.

I'm really excited for the results next Wednesday during the closing ceremony! I wish the contestants all the best and see y'all on Wednesday.

Thanks for reading ;)

WorldSkills Singapore // Interview with Joell Thng & Martin Lim

Photo of Joell with his half finished work!

Interviewee:	Joell Thng, Year 3 Diploma in Clean Energy Engineering, Singapore Polytechnic.
	Martin Lim, Year 3 Diploma in Clean Energy Engineering, Singapore Polytechnic.

Q: What are your views on the competition?
J: Personally I feel like that standard wasn't what I expected it to be. The sample paper is exactly the same as the actual competition question so it's something everyone can just train for. They were actually allowed to change 30% of the sample paper, which is actually a lot, but they didn't. Even so, there were, of course, a couple of changes and unexpected things which affected the time taken to get everything done.

Q: So how did you think you faired?
J: I was a little too overconfident on the first day, which led to my downfall on the second day. I was initially in the lead but because I thought I had a lot of time, I slowed down and allowed the ITE students to catch up with me.
M: I was also pretty close to Joell, speed wise, on the first day but I slowed down with my wiring and ended up on par with the rest. That was kinda disappointing.

Q: Apart from time, were there any other challenges faced?
J: Actually, the main difficulty would be dimensioning.
M: Cutting to the exact length specified isn't easy. In addition to that, sometimes, after putting it all up on the wall, it doesn't turn out as expected. This will result in wasted time thinking of how to change it.
J: We also have to be really quick on our feet.

Q: How do you think this can be related to daily life?
J: The training itself is already really good for daily life because it teaches us how to analyse problems and solve it. There is a component called troubleshooting which requires us to solve the problem given to us by them. So next time whenever an electrical appliance malfunctions at home, I will be able to analyse the problem and solve it by myself.
M: It's good because I can do everything by myself now! I don't have to call someone else to help me.

Q: Anything else you wanna share about the competition?
J: It was a really good experience.
M: There are many good people here and we made a couple of new friends. We learnt a lot from this too.

Thank you Joell and Martin for your time! :) 

WorldSkills Singapore // Day 2

Day 2 started a little late for me because I had dental this morning and only joined the team at about 1pm. We headed down to where Restaurant Servicing and Cooking were held to snap some photos and chat with the judges.

Everyone seemed really busy at Restaurant Servicing so we decided not to disturb the judges. Instead, we headed down to Cooking to look at the contestants cook! Yumyum.

We were really glad to be able to catch the judges for an interview. They were all really friendly and even offered us their name cards after the interview! Without further ado, here's how it all went down.

Interviewees:

-David Toh	-Otto Weibel	-Kenny Kong
-Terence Chew	-Lim Kim Wah	-Daniel Koh

Q: You guys have tasted some of the food already, yes? How was it so far?
J: Yeah! It was of really good standard. In fact, excellent standard!

Q: Can you tell us more about the judging criteria?
J: They have really different things to do. On the first day, they had to cook a three-course meal with chicken. In the afternoon, they had a mystery basket in which they have no clue what was inside and they'd only have half an hour to prepare their dish. This morning, they had to make two finger food items, one chicken and another of whatever they wanted. What we're looking for is how they work, how they manage in the kitchen, how clean their stations are. For their preparation, we look at if every ingredient that should be used is used, visual presentation, the texture and, of course, taste.

Q: So how are your views on the competitors this year? Are they good?
J: Yeah, they're good. Really good. I believe that on an average, they're better than two years ago. In terms of skills, there's a lot of improvement!

**Disclaimer: the audio recording of the interview was a little muffled so please excuse me if I get any facts wrong!**

Thank you so much for your time, fellow judges! :)

After the interview, we stayed around for awhile to check on the competitors. The photo below is of one of the most photogenic dishes we saw. It was a waste we couldn't stick around till after 4 to catch a glimpse of the desserts. Despite that, i'm pretty sure they all looked great. 

We made our way to ITE Central soon after because Vetri & I wanted to attempt to catch our fellow SP student competitors for a quick interview. To our dismay, the students from Industrial Control had to rush off to school after the competition and the students from Electronics were still in the midst of the competition. 

On the bright side, I managed to book a time slot with one of the students from Industrial Control for an interview tomorrow! We also managed to get a photo of the 3 competitors competing in Mechanical Engineering Design - CAD.

Wish me luck on catching more competitors tomorrow ;) 

Thanks for reading!

WorldSkills Singapore // Day 1

Good evening guys! 

Day 1 of WorldSkills Singapore 2014 has come to an end and I will be blogging on the Opening Ceremony and the booths I came across earlier today while roaming around ITE AMK.

The Opening Ceremony was rather interesting, consisting of a performance from SP's Daiko Drummers and a song called Shining Dreams, WSS's theme song, sung by Shaffiq Hairi and Eriynee!

Personally, I feel that the best part of the Opening ceremony was when the Guest of Honour, Mr Teo Chee Hean, made a speech and made an analogy between the World Cup and WorldSkills. He mentioned how World Cup is like a zero sum game. There's only 1 winner and the end of the competition is a dead end. For WorldSkills, however, it's a cumulative win. You win in the competition, and continue to win in life at the skill you major in. 

"To win the WorldSkills competition is not just winning a competition, but also a win in life."

After the ceremony, we headed out of the auditorium and was caught in awe of the widespread of food available for us to devour! We were all soooo excited to eat ♥o♥ 

Here are some photos of the Opening Ceremony!

We then headed to the first floor to explore the area and check out the booths available to public. There were many interesting booths ranging from playing games with watermelons to showcasing weapons personally designed and assembled by students. 

One of my favourite booths was the Creative Floral Arrangement where they taught me how to fold a rose with a pandan leaf! 

 A booth that uses watermelons as the buttons for their games! 

This gun is a weapon built and designed by a fellow Singapore Polytechnic student. It is a blind gun that will kill the eyesight of the target for a couple of seconds. In addition to that, the target will also start feeling giddy and thus be unable to walk properly. 

A brilliant innovation, I must say!

After exploring the booths, we went to check on how the competitors were doing. I was taken aback by how they were all so focused and quick on their feet! More on the competitors will be up on tomorrow's post if we manage to catch the competitors and get a short interview with them.

Last but not least, the well-loved milo truck stopped by for a couple of hours to reward the competitors and treat the visitors to some free milo. Hopefully, they'll drop by again tomorrow.

Thanks for reading! Do check out WorldSkills Singapore's social media platforms where the entire media team will be posting non-stop up until the 22nd of July :)

Instagram: http://instagram.com/worldskillssg

Twitter: https://twitter.com/worldskillssg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/WorldSkills-Singapore/179836802044408