Invoice for Year 2012 Annual Subscription
This is the invoice for year 2012 annual subscription which is due in January of each year. Those who joined as members in the second half of last year (2011) are deemed to have paid their subscriptions for the financial year 2012.

An ordinary member may convert his/her membership to Life membership upon a one time payment of $250. There is no annual subscription for Life members.

The annual membership subscription rates are:
Ordinary Member: S$25
Associate member: S$25
Institution Member: S$200

Please kindly check your email for online payment if you have previously registered as member.
[Circular Subject: [Australian Alumni Singapore] – Membership and Year 2012 Annual Subscription
Date: 1st February 2012]

Non-member may click here to register.

Note: PayPal allows you to pay with your credit card if you do not have a PayPal account. Your account will be activated once the correct amount has been paid and processed.

Payments may also be made:

(1) by cheque payable to Australian Alumni Singapore and mail to:
The Secretariat
Australian Alumni Singapore
410 North Bridge Road
Singapore 188726

(2) by bank deposit/transfer to:
Bank: Maybank, Singapore
Account name: Australian Alumni Singapore
Account number: 0 – 420 – 10 – 0235 – 4
Swift code: MBBESGSG
(Please advise the Secretariat (secretariat@aas.org.sg), the date & amount of remittance).

Best regards,
Secretariat
Australian Alumni Singapore

Oroton, a leading international luxury accessories brand from Australia, was established in 1938 in Sydney as an importer of luxurious fabrics from Europe. Bearing a Latin name which translates to mean ‘tonnes of gold’, Oroton is a name synonymous with innovative designs and enduring quality – both of which have shone through every one of its 73 years. Products today are produced by the Oroton design team in Sydney and include bags and wallets, bespoke crystal pieces, jewellery, men’s accessories, sunglasses and more recently, shoes, knitwear and nail polish.

On the 16^th of November, Oroton hosted an exclusive fashion event for AAS members. With champagne and canapes, Oroton displayed this season’s stylish fashion, handbags and accessories. Oroton’s fashion guru showed AAS members how to put together a fashion forward statement for our local climate. Members also spent some time excitedly trying on Oroton’s fabulous clothes and accessories. The event closed with a lucky draw and the lucky winner, Mr Mohan Nainan, CEO of Assetton Pte Ltd walked away with a fabulous handbag and a wallet.

Clockwise from top left: Christina Priya Chandran, David Ow, Paul Chia, Christina Tan, Andy Tan, Tammie Quai, Loh Hoon Sun, Angela Serafin (Group Marketing Manager of OrontonGroup Limited), Nina Razali (Country manager for Singapore, OrotonGroup Limited), Peggy Tan, Ally Loo, Oroton’s Fashion consultant, Falinda Leong.

Mr Loh Hoon Sun (President of AAS), Ms Angela Serafin (Group Marketing Manager of OrontonGroup Limited), lucky draw prize winner, Mr Mohan Nainan, CEO, Assetton Pte Ltd.

 
Text: Tammie Quai
Photos: courtesy of Oroton

The 56^th Anniversary Dinner of the Australian Alumni Singapore (AAS) held on 26 October 2011 at the Raffles Town Club Dunearn Ballroom was another memorable event in the history of AAS. The Guest-of-Honour was none other than the President of the Republic of Singapore, HE Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam, an AAS Patron. He was accompanied by his lovely wife, Mrs Mary Tan.  

 

 

 

At this double celebratory event attended by 400 university alumni and guests, AAS and University Alumni Presidents took the opportunity to honour and share the joy with HE Dr Tan for being the newly-elected President of the Republic of Singapore and thank him for his continued support for AAS and his passionate engagement with younger Australian University graduates.         

As the e-Banner with the Congratulatory Message flanked by logos of the different university alumni associations was being flashed on the screen, HE President Tony Tan Keng Yam stepped forward to receive a Memento, jointly presented by AAS President Loh Hoon Sun and Adelaide University Alumni Association Singapore President Louis Lim. President Tan is a recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award 2003 given by the University of Adelaide of which he is an alumnus; and a recipient of the Distinguished Australian Alumnus Award 2010 given by Australian Alumni Singapore.

President Tan was presented with a copy of a colourful photography book of 55 orchids aptly titled “Orchids of Splendour – A Face of Singapore” by Mr Simon Ho, Immediate Past President of AAS. The book was sold that evening at a special price of S$10 a copy, proceeds of which will be donated to The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund.

Before returning to his seat, President Tan joined AAS’ other Patron, HE Mr Doug Chester, the Australian High Commissioner to Singapore; AAS President Loh Hoon Sun, and Management and Working Committee members in cutting of the Anniversary Cake.  

Formalities aside, guests were kept entertained by teachers from the Seimpi School of Music. Their vocal and musical renditions of popular classics and evergreen tunes blended in with the elegant ambience of the Raffles Town Club Dunearn Ballroom. It was befitting of the occasion.

Peggy Tan                                                                                                                                  Chairman

AAS 56^th Anniversary Celebration Committee

Photo Credits:                                                                                                                                       

Mr Chris Tan Tze Yong                                                                                                                 MrJames Oon                                                                                                                                        Mr Jay Gark Kung                                                                                                                        Mr Sunny Lai                                                                                                                                  Mr Tan Geng Hui (http://www.photojournalist-tgh.tv, http://www.tangenghui.com)

More photos …….

 Address by HE Mr Doug Chester

                                            Address by AAS President Loh Hoon Sun

 A toast to HE President  Tony Tan Keng Yam

   The VVIPs

  Adelaide University Alumni

  RMIT University Alumni

Swinburne University of Technology Alumni

University of Queensland Alumni

   Southern Cross University Alumni

                                      Ngee Ann-Adelaide Education Centre Guests

  Sponsors with Master-of-Ceremonies, Stella, extreme right

 Mr Tan Kah Hoe’s guests

Special Guests

 
More than 300 members from 33 different alumni associations, registered for the AAS Big Walk at the Marina Barrage. On the morning of Walk on 24 September, the turnout of participants was less, possibly affected by the Formula One Race road closures. However, for those who came with family members – spouse, grandparents, parents and children, they were rewarded with a glorious morning of aerobic activity besides family and alumni bonding.

AAS President Mr Loh Hoon Sun welcomed Guest-of-Honour HE Doug Chester, Australian High Commissioner and AAS Patron, and his wife, Lyn and all participants. He also thanked the Organising Committee headed by Macquarie University’s Mr Jude Yue and assisted by Ms Alicia Lim for their hard work, and the generous sponsors, CPA Australia for the caps,SMaIHL for the bottled water and Dr Kelvin Chan for the paramedics and ambulance standby.

At 9 am, HE Doug Chester flagged-off the Walk with an air-horn before joining in the scenic walk around the roof of the Marina Barrage, across the link bridge connecting the Gardens-by-the-Bay and back to the starting point by re-tracing the same route. As work at the Gardens-by-the-Bay was in progress, participants had to make a U-turn at the end of the bridge. Along the way, HE Doug Chester obliged participants with photo-shoots. It was indeed a relaxing and leisurely stroll for the majority. Gentle breezes blew as the sun partially hid behind the clouds, allowing shutter-bugs to capture the beautiful Singapore skyline on the return leg of the journey.

By 10 am, all participants were back at the starting point to enjoy the simple brunch spread and more fellowship with one another. “Will this be an annual event?” some members asked. Most likely, with members’ continued support and participation!

Peggy Tan

Vice-President, AAS

Moving ahead after the flag-off by AAS Patron & Guest-of-Honour, HE Mr Doug Chester

Mr & Mrs Doug Chester and AAS President Mr Loh Hoon Sun

Walking up the Marina Barrage roof garden

Walking round….

Following the trail…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Soaking in our Singapore’s beautiful skyline

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Walking down……

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And, across the bridge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stopping for pretty picture poses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

End-of-Walk reward

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On 21 September 2011, Australian High Commissioner HE Mr Doug Chester hosted a dinner for AAS Management Committee (MC) Members at his residence. HE Mr Doug Chester is one of two Patrons of AAS. Dinner guests also included the Second Secretary (Political & Economic) Mr Tony Walter and Austrade’s Senior Education Manager ASEAN, Ms Janice Aw.

It was an opportunity for younger MC members to interact with AAS Patron in a warm and an informal setting over a scrumptious meal. Besides catching up with alumni news, guests enjoyed light conversations and interesting discussions on a variety of topics ranging from personal experiences during their studies in Australia to future plans, as well as current affairs.

I felt that there was never a dull moment; there was always something interesting that madeus go ‘ah!’ and I particularly enjoyed the 4-course dinner so painstakingly prepared by the Resident Chef. The dinner ended at 9.30pm but we stayedon for coffee and more chit-chat. We thanked our Patron for his kind hospitality and a pleasant evening before finally departing at 10 pm.

By Foo Ser Seen

L to R - Back row: Tony, Paul, HE Doug Chester, Hoon Sun, Michael, Simon, Ser SeenSeated: Ally, Christina, Kristy, Peggy, Tammie, Janice

Light-hearted moments

Wish you were here

On 29 August 2011, Management Committee Members representing AAS and 15 different Australian Universities Alumni Associations attended an Austrade/AEI Information Sharing Session held at SMa IHL premises. A buffet dinner preceded the event.

A publication, “Reform of the Australian Trade Commission: Maximising our Value, May 2011” documented the review which commenced in July 2010. It was timely that Alumni Leaders were kept updated on the current roles of the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) and Australian Education International (AEI)which is the international arm of the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.

Austrade’s Senior Education ManagerASEAN, Janice Aw shared that since 1 July 2010,Austrade had assumed responsibility for international marketing and promotion of Australian education and training. Australian education has been repositioned and rebranded with a new logo ‘Future Unlimited’. She also touched on the 3 strategic objectives and 5 key priorities as documented in the “Framework for International Marketing and Promotion of Australian Education and Training 2011-2012” publication (www.austrade.gov.au/education).

In its effort to effectively engage with stakeholders (key government & non-government organisations, alumni chapters and both onshore & off shore institutions), possible areas cited for potential collaboration with alumni bodies include internship opportunities for returning or graduating Singaporean students; facilitation of R&D collaborations in trade, investment & education; and facilitation of foreign direct investments in student accommodation to meet market  demand in the Australian education sector.

In his presentation on the role of AEI, Mr Stephen Li, Director(Education)enlightened participants on the review of the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000 and International Students Strategy of Australia (ISSA) released in October 2010. The ESOS Framework protects Australia’s reputation for delivering quality education services and the interests of overseas students by setting out standards, roles and responsibilities for educational institutions that teach overseas students as well as providing tuition and financial insurance for overseas students. The ISSA outlines 12 initiatives to address 4 key areas of concern including international students’ wellbeing, quality of international education, consumer protection and the availability of better information for international students.

The Transnational Quality Strategy framework (TQS)which aims to protect and promote the quality of Australian education overseas, has led to the establishment of the AusLIST, an online directory of Australian education and training providers in other countries. In addition to the regulatory and resource provision roles, AEI administers the Endeavour Awards which is the Australian Government’s internationally competitive, merit-based scholarship programme providing opportunities for the citizens of the Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Europe and Americas to undertake study, research and professional development in Australia.

AAS President Loh Hoon Sun thanked Ms Aw and Mr Li for the updates and opened the floor for discussion and contributions on how the alumni bodies and Austrade can work together to achieve mutually beneficial results, yet meeting individual goals and objectives. Mr Michael Yap, Chair of AAS Business Committee, who initiated this session, welcomed the opportunity to strengthen collaboration with Austrade and shared some forth-coming programmes. Among the active participants were QUT’s Mr Jason Chong, Murdoch University’s Mr Henry Goh, and Adelaide University’s Mr Louis Lim who contributed constructive suggestions and ideas.

By Peggy Tan, Chairman, Activities Committee

Photos courtesy of Ms Christina Tan, Treasurer

Sharing by Mr Michael Yap, Chairman of AAS Business committee

Active discussion among participants

Clarification by  Ms Sherleen Seah, Business Manager of Austrade

Contribution by Mr Jason Chong, Queensland University of Technology

AAS is very proud that our Patron, Dr Tony Tan, has been elected the 7th President of Singapore.
Our heartiest Congratulations to President Dr Tony Tan!

Management Committee
Australian Alumni Singapore

The Ngee Ann Kongsi hosted a dialogue session with Dr Tony Tan and dinner reception for Students and Alumni of The University of Adelaide as well as AAS members on 16 August.

Dr Tony Tan is a Patron and strong supporter of  AAS. He has a distinguished career holding numerous public and private positions. Dr Tan has been noted for his efforts in helping society in his various high political positions, especially in the areas of higher education and research.  For his outstanding contribution to Society and AAS, Dr Tan was awarded the Distinguished Australian Alumnus Award by AAS in 2010. He was the key patron to host the Australian Universities International Alumni Convention (AUIAC) organised by AAS and held in Singapore in June 2008. Dr Tan was also the Guest-of-Honour at the AAS 50^th Golden Jubilee Anniversary Celebrations in 2005.

Dr Tan is an alumni of the University of Adelaide and has been very supportive of its alumni association in Singapore.  He was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award by his University in 2003.

By Tammie Quai

Secretary & Chair

Newsletter Committee

AAS is pleased that our Patron, Dr Tony Tan, is a candidate in the coming Presidential Election. We wish him all the very best.

Management Committee
Australian Alumni Singapore

Each month after the Alumni International Singapore (AIS) meeting, a member alumni of AIS will take turns in hosting the networking session in the form of Pub Nite or Karaoke Session from 8:30 pm to about 10 pm. The purpose is for Management Committee members of the host alumni to meet and interact with the AIS Executive Committee. The event is jointly sponsored by AIS and the host alumni.
At the Pub Nite hosted by AAS, more than twenty members from the different AIS member alumni, attended the function. It was another good networking opportunity for all who were present.
Peggy Tan
AAS Vice-President

Horace Tan (CAS), Joey Koh (CAS), Charlie Soh (CAS), Evelyn Yow (CAS)

Mohan Balagopal, Lee Bon Kwe (ANUG), Seeto Kin Meng, (BAS), Loh Hoon Sun, Sridev Mookerjea (BAS), Peggy Tan (AAS), Simon Ho (AAS)

Jimmy Ng (JUGAS), Simon Ling (JUGAS)

Mohan Balagopal (President, AIS), Loh Hoon Sun (President, AAS), Chong Hoong Sang (Chairperson F&B, NUSS)

Lee Bon Kwe, Jenny Ng (NUSS Membership Director), Sridev Mookerjea, Hii King Ching, Victor Chin (AAS)

Hii King Ching (NUSS), Sridev Mookerjea, Archie Ong (Chairman Community Care, NUSS), Prof James Boss (NUSS), Mohan Balagopal

Jeffrey Khoo (NUSS), Frederick Chia (JUGAS/NUSS), Simon Ling (JUGAS)