The Shanghai Story

One important lesson learnt in SoC is really as per what Forrest Gump said, "My mama said, 'Life is like a box of Chocolates, you never know what you going to get...'"

One thing that i never really planned to do before matriculation was my overseas experience. I was thinking about doing my regular course over the span of 4 years and graduate and join the workforce. Plain vanilla style. No plans for minor studies, exchange, internship or what-so-ever.

During the beginning of my year 2, i was involved in the Freshmen Orientation Week as Logistic Guy for the 5 day thing in SoC for O-week. During then, got to know one of the Senior (matriculated 1 year before me) whom we call "KC" Anyway, KC and i get along just fine. During my Year 2 Sem 2, he left for NOC(shanghai) for his one year experience, and came back during my year 3, sem 2. He told me stories of the sights and sounds and wonderful adventures and misadventures in Shanghai. KC being himself, will always tell his stories with the 'you-got-to-try-this' kind of enthusiasm. Actually, for me, it sounded more like, 'i-bet-you-can't-handle-this-challenge'. Hehz... Just kidding...

The thing is he got me aware of some amazing opportunities that lies within NUS. I was kinda of bored with computers and writing lines and lines of code. NOC was the like the kind of different experience i was itching for. Especially Shanghai... With that, year 3 sem 2, i applied for NOC Shanghai, and found placement.

On my fourth year, i found myself living a land 3000+ km away from Singapore. That 4th year is what i call the Shanghai Chronicles. In it there are multiple volumes and stories to tell. For SoCians and other folks in NUS, you just need to know that i was engaged as market researcher(intern). I spent 4 whole months on works and projects relating to the financial market in China, and the other time with general consumer trends in the market there.

Well another idea to ponder: Being away from IT for a year helped me to realise that i love IT more. The saying about Absence making the Heart grown fonder is probably right. I haven't done any none-technical job since than...

Well, after coming back from NOC, life had been more than kind to me and it seems many doors had been opened. More importantly, i came back with a clearer understanding that there is so much more that i can and my other areas of improvement as well... It's been 18 months since i got back. It's the second time i'm working in a MNC now, (1st mnc job lasted a year), sort of founded and then put aside a start-up for my current work engagement, had a brief 'fling' with A*STAR with my FYP, tutored 2 semesters of Java in SoC.... and the list is still growing on...

Morale of the story: Anything is possible, we just got to try. Sometimes, we ourselves sabotages our own possibilities and would-be successes. SoC is a community with people who constantly motivates and challenges you to become the better person that you are. Have you take on any new challenges lately.

Me, Myself and SoC...

Hi all,

just a little bit of ego at work, i'll like to introduce myself. My name is Yap Neng Giin, matriculated in 2003, graduated in the class of 2008. Yeah... i hang around in SoC for 5 years (but not quite). In short, studied 3 years, got a little sicked and tired of computing, took a spin in Shanghai via NOC (that'll be another story) and then finally got my ass back to SG to complete my CEC course.

For the first 3 years, i was hanging around SoC more with the Computing Club. Once in a while, i get itchy-handed and nosy with the 26th/27th NUSSU Council . Of course, i remember the escapades with my friends from the C3 (C-Cube, an unofficial body within the NUSSU Council ). Anyone of you remember the time about a few years ago, Prof Shih and Uni admin was talking about fee hikes and some anonymous group of ppl sprouted the idea of black t-shirts and flash-mob at the University hall. The flash mob did not happen, but on that designated thurs or fri, which i can't remember, there were many black t-shirts worn. (Then again, on an average usual day in school, many black t-shirts are worn anyway... duh)

Shanghai story happened on my fourth year.

On my Year 5, pretty much was about my HYP, the part-time job(which took up too much time), and the free campus stay role of an Resident Assistant in Ridge View Residences, OKR.

Seriously, if i get to name the degree i grad with, i would proudly call it, "Bachelor of Student Activites (Major in Computing Club, Minor in Resident Assistant)"

Okie, will try to dig out some photos and share with you ppl...

Happy 'Niu' Year

Happy Lunar New Year!


For all those who had been watching this space, apologies for the quietness for the last days... :p Oops... My bad... I don't have much excuses.


But I guess, for all those ppl who will celebrate the Lunar New Year (aka. CNY), you will have your first CNY where find yourself no longer a kid nor a student. The good news is that if you are still single, your eligibility for ang-bao remains valid. The bad news, you are somewhat motivated to contribute a portion of your monthly salary to your family's "CNY Celebration Fund"


One of the things that did surprise me this year is the amount of time and effort placed into the celebration of CNY. I think the overall work involved in the celebration for CNY remains constant all the years. Therefore, the only 2 possible explanation i can think of are: 1) I was not so involved in the spring cleaning, goodies shopping, etc previously on the excuse of the heavy school work load and stressful deadlines. 2) I actually had more leisure time as a student as compared to the life of a working class folk.

Either ways, i can't decide and will leave it that way...


Just take note, that we do know that there is a gloom in the air, and everyone's taking about the crisis. I hope you guys saw the budget report and know how to read between the lines. (It's going to get tough in Singapore)


Initially, i thought that most probably, people will be so concerned, that they would forgo the CNY celebration to save some money. (I was expecting close-to-zero ang bao income this year). People would stay home this CNY as to avoid situations where Red packets have to change hands. Thankfully, i was so wrong. IMO, i thought this CNY saw more commuters betweens the HDBs more than before. I myself had found the few days of CNY to be a hectic adventure of 'Knowing the HDB Estates in Singapore Better'.


On a very serious note: This CNY got me thinking. (4 non-working days really give thinking space) Yeah, the buzz words right now more or less spells the bad climate in the marketplace. As people, we tend to get really really stressed and negative about all things: like how it's going to affect our plans to buy our dream more-than-luxurious cars, bigger-than-istana houses, or sleeker-than-iphones mobile...

While all these are valid concerns, as i believe it is right for ppl to have aspirations. At the same time, do give the due appreciation and thanksgiving for all the good things we already have... One thing i am truly glad this CNY is find my family and my extended family (aunties, uncles and cousins whom u see once a year and ask too much nosy questions) and friends to be able to celebrate the passing of the previous year and embracing the hope of this year to come. Paraphrasing words from my current big boss, "... it is joy to be able to tell your family and your loved ones that you are doing fine and hearing the same of them..."


I wish all the SoCians, now, graduated and future incoming the very best in this year to come. I'm doing fine, hope it's going well for you too! Drop a comment or 2 and let one another know that it's been good for you too!


Gong Xi Fa Cai!