International Night & Alumni Reunion 2009

This year, International Night was expanded to an alumni reunion, and was held at the gorgeous ADM Auditorium (at the School of Art, Media & Design). The event, MCed by PhD student Kokil Jaidka, was attended about 250 students and alumni, and their family and friends.

More pictures at: http://islab2.sci.ntu.edu.sg/WSCI%20International%20Night/2009/

The programme:

1.   Candle Light Dance (Myanmar Traditional Dance)

Performers: Hnin Wityee (Info Sys), Thuzar (Info Sys), Myint Malar San  (Info Sys), Nwe Ni Myint Oo (Info Sys), San San Win (Info Studies), Thinzar Myo Myint (Knowledge Management), Cho Mar Win (Digital Media Technology), Htay Htay Khaing (Info Sys), Su Myat Min (Info Sys), Lai Lai Khaing (Info Sys), Phyu Phyu Thae (Info Sys), Nang Theingi Win (Info Sys)

Watch it on YouTube!

Candle Light Dance

Candle Light Dance

2.   Water Festival (Thingyan) Dance (with Song and Piano accompaniment)

Watch it on YouTube.

Water Festival (Thingyan) Dance

Water Festival (Thingyan) Dance

3.   “U Shwe Yoe & Daw Moe” Dance (Myanmar Couple Dance)

Performers: Ye Lin Kyaw (Info Sys), Mya Mya Thin (Signal Processing)

Watch it on YouTube.

Myanmar Couple Dance

Myanmar Couple Dance

4.   Songs of Our Town (Harmonica Demonstration with Piano) – Lim Ruey Shyong (Harmonica) & Soe Min Htut (Piano)

Harmonica Demonstration

Harmonica Demonstration

5.   Jai Ho (Bollywood Dance) – Bijayinee Meher, Pattarin Kusolpalin, Rajesh Sharma,  Chai Tze Wai and Marnat Myint Han

Jai Ho

Jai Ho

6.   Popular Piano Music – Mira Tantri

Piano Music

Piano Music

7.   Changquan Demonstration — Lim Ruey Shyong

Changquan Demonstration

Changquan Demonstration

8.   Popular Violin Duets – Chris Khoo & Marina Tan (Development Office)

Violin Duet

Violin Duet

9.   “Loi Krathong” Thai dance demonstration – Pattarin Kusolpalin & Faculty

Faculty Learning the Loi Krathong

Faculty Learning the Loi Krathong

All Dance Loi Krathong!

All Dance Loi Krathong!

Audience Learning Loi Krathong

Audience Learning Loi Krathong

Faculty@Conference – The Second Knowledge Cities Summit (5 & 6 November 2009)

Dr Ravi Sharma was in Shenzhen, China, recently for The Second Knowledge Cities Summit.  He presented his paper on “Learning Communities in a Flat World: An analysis of the People’s Republic of China“, co-written with Wang Sheng-Chieh, Chen Yufang and Sammie Chen Qing from the MSc Information Studies programme.

Conference Backdrop

At the Conference

In this paper, they presented a framework for developing a learning and benchmarking modality of analysis.  The 4-pillar framework (Sharma et al 2008) they used suggests that infrastructure, governance, culture and talent operationalise a learning community with some 10 key dimensions which help discern success or failure.  Using public and external sources of validated data to obtain proxy indicators for the 10 dimensions, they studied the development of 7 communities across China which span the development spectrum.  The possible emergence of China as an advanced knowledge economy poses some very interesting development opportunities for other nations.  The paper examined the central research question of whether (and how) it is possible to “flatten” the divides between advanced and less developed regions of a vast and populous country using knowledge policy as a tool.

In particular, they considered whether developing learning communities is an effective means of bridging knowledge gaps and the differences in growth and development.  This is founded on the notion of a flat world – one which can be transformed into a level playing field.

Shenzhen Skyline

Shenzhen Skyline

With Karl Wiig at the banquet

With Karl Wiig at the banquet

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Co-authors. From left: Chen Yufang, Wang Sheng-Chieh, Sammie Chen Qing

Faculty@Conference: University of Hawaii at Manoa (October 2009)

Dr Brendan Luyt was at the University of Hawaii at Manoa in October 2009 and gave a talk on “Developing a Public Library System for Singapore in the 1950s and 1960s“.  Here is a short abstract of his paper.

 

Developing a Public Library System for Singapore in the 1950s and 1960s

The 1950s and 1960s were turbulent years for much of Africa and Asia as nationalist calls for freedom succeeded in dismantling the old colonial empires of Britain and France. That the “wind of change,” as former United Kingdom PM Harold Macmillan characterized these calls in 1960, also affected the world of libraries should not be surprising. My aim is to look at three social, political and economic factors operating at the time and the effects they had on Singapore’s public library system: the colonial inheritance, ethnic issues, and the geopolitical situation. Together, these three factors proved instrumental in shaping many of the key policies of the emerging public library system in independent Singapore. Their story is important, not only to correct an overly Western centric focus in the field, but also as a reminder of the role social and political context plays in the creation and development of any library system.

DSC03082

Faculty@Conference – 2009 International Conference on Active Media Technology

Dr Dion Goh attended the “2009 International Conference on Active Media Technology” in Beijing, China, from 22 October 2009 till 24 October 2009.

He presented two papers.

  1. Why We Share: A study of motivations for mobile media sharing
  2. Understanding perceived gratifications for mobile content sharing and retrieval in a game-based environment

Jobs Available: Library Professional Staff

Positions:

  • Instructional Services / Subject Librarian (Head, Instructional Services)
  • Scholarly Communications / Subject Librarian
  • Part-time Librarian

Employer: NTU Library

Job Description:

The NTU Library currently operates 7 subject libraries and is building a strong team of professional librarians to provide access to valuable print and electronic resources and create new services and tools to guide our users. The professional librarians will perform dual roles. In addition to a functional role, each librarian is appointed as a Subject Librarian for a particular subject discipline.

If you are passionate about supporting learning, teaching and research work, we would like to invite your application for the above-mentioned positions.

To know more, visit here.


Jobs Available: Senior Engineer / Engineer

Position: Senior Engineer /  Engineer, Planning and Knowledge Management

Employer: Institute for Infocomm Research

Description:
You will assist the team in developing and maintaining the Workflow and Business Intelligence applications deployed in the institute. The deployed tools are either third-party developed or in-house.

You will also facilitate in the archival of institute’s various intellectual property (such as prototypes and completed projects).

Requirements:
• A Master’s/Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science/Computer Engineering/Electrical and Electronics Engineering or related disciplines
• At least 3 years of hands-on technical experience in designing, programming and testing of web based applications using asp, Java script, C# and MSSQL data base
• Hands-on experience in good software engineering practices to develop, test and maintain web based applications
• Proficiency in software development experience (such as Java, C, NET, VB script) and familiarity with development tools and software integration and scripting experience
• Knowledge and skills in the area of project management process and related tools
• Expertise with database and data security solutions
• Prior experience in business process automation using workflow tools is preferred
• Experience in project archival and archival verification, is preferred
• Ability to respond creativity to work under stress and customer-oriented.

Interested applicants should email their resume here.
Alternatively, you may also visit Institute for Infocomm Research for more career opportunities.

Jobs Available: Library Resources Specialist / Senior Library Resources Specialist

Position: Library Resources Specialist / Senior Library Resources Specialist (Technical Position)

Employer: The Li Ka Shing Library, SMU

Job Description:

    The Li Ka Shing Library is seeking a flexible, innovative, service oriented staff to join our existing Technical Services team in a six month contract position, with possible renewal. The person will assist in library operations on serials control and processing, e-resources management, and record maintenance, using the library’s Millennium Integrated Library Management system. While full time employment is preferred, the library will consider part time employment for a candidate experienced in Millennium or another international ILMS. The duties involved are as follows:
    •  Support subscription and renewal of serials and databases
    • Utilize library management system to check-in, claim and update holdings
    • Manage access to electronic resources
    • Collect and prepare materials for binding and monitor the physical processing of bound volumes
    • Monitor and ensure accuracy and consistency in record keeping
    • Assemble and prepare a variety of statistical data for reports

      The successful candidate may also be required to work a regular shift, including weekends at the customer service desk.

      Requirements:
      • Diploma, preferably in library and information science, or equivalent years of relevant experience in library, academic or research settings
      • Suitable applicants with less work experience may be considered for a position at a junior level
      • Experience working with an integrated library system and vendor applications will be an advantage
      • Proficient in Microsoft Office applications
      • Good interpersonal and communication skills (written and spoken English)
      • Ability to work independently on multiple tasks as a member of a team
      • Ability to work positively, productively with diverse agencies in an environment of rapid change
      • Ability to develop and maintain relations with faculty, staff and students
      • A high tolerance for ambiguity yet the capability of working with considerable detail

      To apply, please e-mail here. We will be reviewing resumes as they arrive. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

      Jobs Available: Collection Development Executive

      Position: Collection Development Executive

      Employer: Civica Library and Learning

      Job Description:
      Civica Library & Learning is the largest provider of full-spectrum library management solutions in the Asia Pacific Region with a presence in Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Brunei, Australia, New Zealand Fiji. Our significant customer base covers public libraries, universities, polytechnics, schools and specialist libraries. Civica is also a partner in ‘Building Schools for the Future’ in the UK and is expanding its Learning Solutions business within the Asia region.

      We are seeking a Collection Development Executive to fulfill the following responsibilities:
      • Review and analyse customers’ collection needs and publishing trends to      identify strategic areas for development
      • Project manage new initiatives
      • Work with vendors to source for quality and relevant publications
      • Identify new sources of supply
      • Design and implement promotion strategies
      • Handle customers’ inquiries
      • Review and update collection policies
      • Staff supervision and training
      • Other duties as and when assigned

      Requirements:
      Successful candidates must preferably have a library qualification and/or working experience in book publishing or in retail industry. They should also be proficient in simplified and traditional Chinese.

      To apply, send your CV stating expected salary here

      Jobs Available: Information Services Assistant Manager/Manager

      Position: Information Services Assistant Manager/Manager

      Employer: Economic Policy Department, Monetary Authority of Singapore

      Description:
      You will be part of the Information Resource Centre team supporting the information and research needs of the authority. Your primary responsibility is manage the procurement of books, serials and electronic databases. Duties include overseeing order/receipt/payment processing and renewals for serials and databases, as well as interacting with vendors and user departments to evaluate existing and new resources. You are expected to contribute to other professional work, such as providing current awareness alert services, and conducting induction programs. The candidate will contribute in a team setting.

      Requirements:
      • A good University degree and a Post-graduate qualification in Library and/or Information science, with 1-2 years’ of experience is preferred but not mandatory.
      • Good understanding of economics and finance issues with keen interest in current affairs.
      • Proficient in the use of technology and computer applications such as MS Access and Excel.
      • Budget/fiscal planning experience will be an advantage.
      • Demonstrated analytical and organizational skills.
      • Attention to detail and accuracy.
      • Team player with good communication, presentation, interpersonal skills.
      • Self-motivated, resourceful and service-oriented.

      For more information and to apply, please click here.

      Cheryl Marie Cordeiro talks about her life in Sweden

      Cheryl Marie Cordeiro, alumna of DIS (1997 admission), former Miss Singapore/Universe, and current academic and blogger talks about her PhD research and living in Sweden:

      Dr. Cheryl Marie Cordeiro (Photo by Jan-Erik Nilsson)

      Dr. Cheryl Marie Cordeiro (Photo by Jan-Erik Nilsson)

      It was not long after graduating with an MSc in Information Studies at DIS that I found myself in Sweden, in early 2003, pursuing a PhD at the University of Gothenburg in a multi-disciplinary and cross-national study of Swedish Management in Singapore. This was supported by an Anna Ahrenberg Foundation grant that paid for most of my research tenure in Sweden.  I obtained my PhD in May 2009, after a public thesis defense.

      I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my PhD research in Sweden, though the data collection via interviews was done in Singapore in 2004, which put me in touch with 33 top level managers of Swedish owned/managed organizations in Singapore.

      I got to know the CEOs and Regional Directors of ‘household’ Swedish brands, such as Ikea, Volvo, SonyEricsson, SKF, etc., who provided insights into how expatriate managers in Singapore brought tacit knowledge of their culture and work expertise, and applied them in re-organizing the organizational structure and sometimes forging new organizational cultures in the Swedish managed Singapore offices.

      So I was in a situation to observe how knowledge transfer worked across nations, from parent organizations to subsidiaries, through management and leadership. I had to transcribe 54 hours of interviews, generating  a database of more than 260,000 words. I was glad my MSc in Information Studies gave me the appropriate background to manage this huge amount of information! 

      I applied the coding procedures of Grounded Theory, a qualitative research method often used in organization and management sciences, to sort data into manageable categories. I then used a linguistic analysis method called discourse analysis to uncover core issues of the interviews.

      Doing a PhD in Sweden, one naturally gets inducted into the Swedish culture of research and learning. Swedish universities are research oriented, where graduate students are encouraged to apply for private funding of their research projects. The competitiveness contributes to the overall entrepreneurial spirit of Swedish researchers and the creativity of the proposed projects.

      I got to know Sweden well – its people, traditions, beliefs, language and lifestyle. As a Singaporean in Sweden, one of my favourite activities is to explore Swedish food culture. As with Singapore, where we have the durian season, and mooncake and bak chang season, food in Sweden is often festival and season related. I’ve written quite a bit about Swedish food on my personal blog (http://www.cmariec.com/blog).

      caption

      The Semla (Photo by Jan-Erik Nilsson). King Adolf Frederick of Sweden is said to have died of indigestion in 1771 after a royal meal rounded off with 14 servings of semla.

      My favourite Swedish culinary delight is the cardamom bun filled with luscious almond marzipan, topped with the softest whipped cream and covered with a sugar dusted cardamom bun lid – the Semla. This bun is usually eaten in a bath of hot milk and makes its appearance in early Spring each year.

      I hope to continue to research and write about how Swedish and Singaporean managers work across cultures, create an effective cross-national network and platforms for information sharing, and apply tacit knowledge of their home-country and culture in a different country — in the context of increasing ‘globalization’, ‘glocalization’ and ‘global outsourcing’.

      I think it is important to study what happens when we start exporting and transferring not only raw materials and knowledge, but also values, beliefs and traditions, and apply them to organizations on foreign ground.

      by Cheryl Marie Cordeiro