Exam Welfare Initiative 2

The Welfare Continues!

As another semester comes to a close, our scholars are in the thick of preparing for their final examinations and completing their assignments. However, this also meant that the collection of their long-awaited welfare packs was approaching!

Scholars were greeted with a plethora of delicious treats that were carefully curated to give them an extra boost. By the end of the event, our scholars left with their hands full of goodies, uplifted spirits and smiles, ready to face the weeks to come.

With special thanks to our sponsors,

Macamore for providing us with their sweet chocolate chip cookies!!

and Sagiko (Chia Khim Lee Food Industries) for their refreshing sparkling coconut water and vitamin water!!

and Overscoop for providing us with vouchers to claim a free waffle at their stores!!

Thanks everyone for a great first year and once again, we hope everyone enjoyed their welfare packs this semester!

– 16MC BM Portfolio

About our sponsors

Macamore

Founded in 2019, Macamore is a locally-grown bakery that bakes and delivers amazing cakes, macarons and brownies across Singapore! Driven by their passion for the craft, and simple love for delicious pastries, they specialise in customised cakes, fudgy brownies and delightful macarons. So if you’re looking for handcrafted cakes and pastries for any occasion, consider contacting Macamore for their delicious sweet treats!

Don’t forget to follow Macamore on Instagram @macamore.sg or check out their website for the full range of products.

Sagiko

Chia Khim Lee Food Industries is a food and beverage conglomerate with several flagship brands offering a wide variety of food and beverages. The company is ISO9001, HACCP, GMP and HALAL certified! Sagiko is one of their flagship brands, offering canned and bottled juices with a unique Asian twist. Offering various fruit floats as well as vitamin water and coconut water, you’re sure to be spoilt for choice!

Don’t forget to follow them @sagiko.official on Instagram and check out their website for their full range of products.

Overscoop

Overscoop is a dessert cafe renowned for its selection of waffles, croffles (croissant waffles), and delectable gelato. What sets them apart is their unique concept of the mini scoop over on top. Inspired by the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, with food sampling restrictions in place, they saw an opportunity to introduce a special experience for their customers.

Follow them @overscoopsg on Instagram or check out their website for their full range of products!

So what are you waiting for? Visit them at one of their 4 locations across Singapore!

1. Orchard Central
ADDRESS:
Orchard Central #02-12
181 Orchard Road, Singapore 238896

2. Hougang RiverCourt
ADDRESS:
Hougang Rivercourt #B1-19
377 Hougang Street 32, Singapore 530377

3. West Coast Plaza
ADDRESS:
West Coast Plaza #B1-57
154 West Cost Road, Singapore 127371

4. CQ @Clarke Quay
ADDRESS:
3A River Valley Road
CQ @ Clarke Quay #01-01, Singapore 179020

Masterchef Yang ’24

Learning from the Pros

On a rainy Thursday evening, 16 students gathered at the REFresh kitchen to participate in Masterchef Yang, organised by the 16th MC Holistic Development Portfolio to teach fellow scholars to learn to cook.

Helmed by Chef Tim, the participants were whisked away on a gastronomic journey. Chef Tim, the head chef and co-founder of In Bad Company, is an extraordinary cook who never ceases to amaze. He created a welcoming atmosphere and was able to build rapport with our scholars despite the short time. From the moment he greeted the attendees, it was evident that we were in for a class like no other. Chef Tim’s passion for cooking was infectious, printing out a recipe for every participant. With their recipes in hand, everyone watched in awe as he brought the words on the page to life. It’s this clear passion that he generously shared with every participant that made everyone feel like a chef in their own right.

First on the menu was the White Button and Porcini Mushroom Soup,.Chef Tim led everyone in the culinary arts, starting off with the basics of how to handle a knife safely. With that he shared his secrets on selecting the type of mushrooms best suited for different dishes, turning ordinary ingredients into a soup that could easily steal the spotlight of any fine dining restaurant.

The culinary journey did not stop there. Next was the Tiger Prawn Linguine Aglio Olio, a dish that was both delectable and easy to make. Chef Tim led the participants in frying the ingredients, bringing out the flavours of the aromatics, garlic and white onion, before deglazing the pan and adding prawns. With a whoosh of smoke, he brought out the delicate aromas, balanced with the robustness of the tiger prawns. All of that intertwined perfectly into a delicious linguine.

What distinguished this event from others was not solely the refined dishes, but the comprehensive experience curated by the 16MC Holistic Development Portfolio. Under Chef Tim’s tutelage, the session was an avenue for imparting pivotal culinary basics and competencies. He illuminated the versatility of the skills acquired, demonstrating how staple ingredients like garlic and onions could elevate the most unassuming of dishes. He encouraged exploratory cooking, elucidating the principles behind various techniques and advocating for experimentation. His vigilance was unwavering as he monitored each duo, ensuring culinary success while fostering an atmosphere of enjoyment and discovery. It was an embodiment of creativity, practicality, and delight.

As the event came to a close, we celebrated the success we had with our dishes, going around to try what others had prepared and see the differences we had as we experimented with the dishes. Chef Tim, with his unparalleled energy and passion, encouraged us to experiment more during our free time as we learned these basic skills.

To those who attended, Masterchef Yang was an unforgettable experience. To those who crashed the event, we hope that you had fun going around tasting the food of our Masterchefs and getting to see Chef Tim in action. As we bid adieu to this chapter, we carry with us not just the recipes, but the memories, the laughter, and the newfound confidence to explore the boundless possibilities that lie within a pinch of salt and a dash of imagination.

Lastly, a huge thanks to the 16MC Holistic Development Portfolio for organising this event and Chef Tim for coming down to share his knowledge with us. Bon appétit!

Bubble Soccer

An Exhilarating Respite

Bubble Soccer is 16MC Social and Welfare’s second event, inspired by the goal to destress and break free from academic stress and inject some excitement into the scholar’s lives. Bubble soccer offers a unique form of sport in a more enjoyable form.

“I loved it, it was so fun, I speak on behalf of everyone” ~ Adabel. “It was very fun to fling my friends around!” ~ Junyi, jokingly.

The event garnered enthusiastic feedback from participants like Adabel, who found joy in the sheer fun of the game, highlighting the exhilarating experience of tossing fellow friends within the safety of the bubble. It was a momentous occasion for the scholars, many felt that this was a great moment for them to bond which was rather difficult, especially during this busy period.

The scholars had to don the bubble suit and bump into each other while playing different games throughout the event.

The aim of Bubble Soccer is to score goals while wearing inflatable bubble suits. It closely resembles traditional soccer, with participants kicking the ball towards the goal to score points.

Invasion is a game where the scholars had to run into the opposite goal before their opponent reached theirs first where we had to use exhilarating runs and strategic manoeuvres to try to get to the other side first.

Last Stand pits the scholars against each other, it is a free-for-all game where the scholars bump into each other in an attempt to be the sole survivor!

The scholars’ enthusiasm was the driving force behind making this experience truly unforgettable. Without their lively participation, our activity wouldn’t have been as memorable as it turned out to be.

Our biggest thanks to the 16MC PnP portfolio for helping to take photographs and videos during the event, the documentation of this event would not be possible without their help.

We would also like to extend our thanks to our first aiders Junyi and Lixuan for helping out with first aid in this event, the safety of our participants was assured with them around!

– 16MC Socials and Welfare Portfolio

Homecoming 2024: Reverie

Reverie: A Dreamlike State

Homecoming is a beloved tradition of the CN Yang Scholars’ Club which takes place at the beginning of the year. The event is designed to strengthen the connections between current scholars and alumni. It provides an opportunity for current scholars to learn more about potential career paths and gain insights into life after graduation. For alumni, it is a chance to reconnect with old friends and reminisce about their time in the CN Yang Scholar’s Programme.

During homecoming, both alumni and current scholars are treated to a delicious dinner. This year’s theme is “Reverie,” meaning ‘a dreamlike state’. To match the theme, we have decorated the photobooth with Polaroid pictures of the alumni during their time in university.

There are also several activities available at the venue, including a pool table, a dart machine, Nintendo Switch games, and a Karaoke machine.

Insightful experiences were also shared at the event, including networking tips from the director of the NTU Career & Attachment Office, and internship opportunities and graduate school experiences from alumni.

All in all, homecoming is a highly anticipated annual event. It celebrates the CN Yang Scholar’s community and fosters strong connections between members, past and present.

Thank you to our 16MC Outreach Portfolio for organising Homecoming 2024!

Dinner and Dance 2024: Thálassa

A Welcomed Respite!

“Thálassa”, the theme of this year’s Dinner and Dance (DnD), promised an enchanting evening and delivered an experience like no other. The annual event celebrates the achievements and our hard work for the past year, showcasing that our journey in CNYSP is not merely about academic pursuits but also embracing the joy and camaraderie along the way. Held at Holiday Inn Orchard, DnD 2024 was a captivating journey from start to finish.

The evening began with the warmth of familiar faces, as scholars from various disciplines and years came together, united by a shared sense of community and anticipation. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement, a prelude to the night of fun ahead. Our scholars were treated to a delicious gourmet four-course banquet, each dish a masterpiece of culinary excellence designed to delight the palate and fuel conversations. Amidst the clinking of glasses and the hum of animated discussions, bonds were strengthened, and new friendships were forged.

However, the highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the dazzling performances by our very own talented scholars. The prodigious CNYSP duo of Li Yang and Timothy presented a medley of pop songs, such as Every Teardrop is a Waterfall, Shallow, True Colours and Enchanted by Taylor Swift. Our ears were also graced with the melodious sounds of CN Yang’s very own Acapella group, composed of our exceptionally talented members of Gavin, Liyang, Lloyd, Elijiah, Chung Hean, Zi Wei and Jennifer! These moments not only showcased the incredible talent within our community but also served as a powerful reminder of the diverse interests and passions that thrive within CNYSP. 

The evening was further enlivened by our humorous Emcees, Josiah and Yongjian, who captivated the audience with their wit and charm. Their dynamic presence set a lively tone for the night, guiding us through an array of interactive segments such as the engaging Kahoot and Mentimeter quizzes, sparking friendly competition and laughter throughout the room. 

As the night drew to a close, it was clear that DnD 2024 had left an indelible mark on all who attended. It was more than just a night of fun; it was a memorable journey that highlighted the vibrant and dynamic spirit of our scholar community.

Thank you to the DnD ’24 Committee for organising Thálassa!

Discovery Camp 2024

Kairos: Opportune Time

The CNYSP Discovery Camp (Disco) is a three-day event hosted by the CN Yang Scholars Programme for prospective students in tertiary education. This event emphasises the essence of the CN Yang Scholars Programme: research in STEM. Participants are introduced to various scientific exhibitions showcased by our Scholars and acquaint themselves with the vibrant NTU campus, where they will play a series of science-inspired games. They will also get hands-on experience in NTU’s state-of-the-art laboratories, offering a taste of the life of a student researcher. 

Day 1: Igniting the Spark of Curiosity

The adventure commenced with a Research Symposium that showcased the rich tapestry of discoveries and experiences unique to the CN Yang Scholars Programme. Alumni and current scholars shared their journeys, covering the Overseas Final Year Project (OFYP), Making and Tinkering (MnT), and the dynamic CN Yang Scholars Club, illuminating the path for aspiring researchers.

Culinary Chemistry and Stellar Explorations

The afternoon was marked by hands-on experiences in the Food Science and Technology (FST) lab, where participants dabbled in experiments like strawberry DNA extraction and explored the enzymatic actions of pineapple. The visit to the Satellite Research Centre (SARC) unveiled the intricacies of satellite technology, igniting imaginations about the endless possibilities within the realm of scientific inquiry.

Nurturing Future Innovators

The day concluded with a Peer Mentoring Programme session, offering a platform for participants to engage with seniors from their intended majors. This interactive session provided invaluable insights into the academic journey ahead, fostering a sense of community and support among the participants.

Day 2: An Odyssey of Time and Trials

The second day unfolded with a compelling narrative: the story of five scientists transported to Mount Olympus to partake in a series of challenges orchestrated by Chronos, the Greek god of time, to restore the universe’s timeline. This imaginative backdrop served as the foundation for a day filled with team-building icebreakers and station games designed to test the participants’ wit, creativity, and teamwork.

Trials of Knowledge and Ingenuity

From navigating a ‘landmine’ to building bridges emblematic of the Industrial Revolution, each challenge was a testament to the scientists’ perseverance and ingenuity. The day reached its zenith with a rousing game of Jeopardy, where science-themed questions kept everyone on their toes, culminating in a celebration of knowledge and laughter.

Day 3: Culminating in Creativity and Collaboration

The final day saw the young aspirants engaging in tasks set by Chronos to win his favour, including designing breathtaking creations and assisting Hermes in a quest. Participants were immersed in the world of material science at the Facility for Analysis, Characterisation, Testing, and Simulation (FACTS), ventured into bioinformatics, went hands-on in the Making and Tinkering lab, and navigated a laser maze, embodying the spirit of innovation.

A Journey Remembered

The closing ceremony was a poignant reminder of the camaraderie and growth experienced over the three days. A video montage of memories was shared, highlighting the moments of discovery, laughter, and teamwork. The celebration concluded with the announcement of the camp’s winning groups, Galileo and Cajal, exemplifying the spirit of scientific inquiry and exploration that defined Disco ’24.

Reflections on the Odyssey

Disco ’24 was more than just a camp; it was a journey of discovery, learning, and inspiration. Participants left with not just memories but a renewed passion for science and research, echoing the ethos of the CN Yang Scholars Programme. As we look back on these three days, it’s clear that the adventure has just begun for these young explorers, poised to embark on their own odysseys in the vast universe of STEM.