The highly-anticipated go4th National Missions Conference featured speakers who inspired and mobilized churches for missions in today’s changing world.

Contributed By Reuel Eugene Tay

The City Harvest Children’s Church worship team leading praise and worship at the go4th National Missions Conference. CN PHOTO: Michael Chan

The Great Commission is for disciples of Christ to “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you …”

The theme of this year’s go4th National Missions Conference, which took place at the Singapore Expo from May 26 to 28, was “Beyond Going Places.” The national missions conference was first founded in 2002 by several Christian bodies and organizations, with the goal to challenge Christians and churches in Singapore to do missions, regardless of denomination. Held every three years, this was the fourth go4th conference to date.

This year, the organizing committee put together some of the best speakers to challenge, inspire and galvanize the Church to take the gospel to every people of every culture within and beyond Singapore. “This is the time for churches and believers to rethink missions, to go deeper and look further; beyond going places, for the sake of God’s name among the nations,” said Lim Yeen Fun, chairman of the organizing committee.

Keynote speakers included Robert Solomon (president of National Council of Churches of Singapore), Rick Seaward (the apostolic overseer of Victory Family Centre in Singapore), K. Rajendran (chairman of the World Evangelical Alliance Missions Commission), Peter Tsukahira (co-founder of Kehilat Hacarmel in Israel) and over 50 plenary and workshops conducted by more than 70 missions luminaries, pastors, leaders and missionaries. City Harvest Church members, Eileen Toh, Johann Sim and Lim Koon Jin were among those invited to speak at the workshops.

MISSIONS IN THE MODERN WORLD

Sim, a zone supervisor in CHC, shared on the importance of embracing modern technology and media to engage today’s children. His workshop was titled “Understanding The Mindset Of The 4/14 Generation.” Sim encouraged the attendees to put away the traditional “I teach, you listen” hierarchical approach, and instead, adopt social media tools such as Facebook and Twitter to connect with children and youth who are tech-savvy. Sim was quick to caution that one should not forget personal touch and connection that only comes from face-to-face interaction. He said, “Children are leaders of today. They are in training, not in waiting. God wants to use children as they are today. Give them opportunities to participate and to lead. Train them, release them and watch them bloom!”

Pastor of City Harvest Children’s Church, Eileen Toh, spoke at the “Raising And Reaching The IPOD Generation” workshop together with Penny Armstrong from Create International and Stephanie Tan from Youth For Christ.

According to Toh, children today are also known as the IPOD generation (for “Internet-savvy,” “Play,” “Overloaded” with information, “Digital” world). They tend to be restless and uneasy when they are not stimulated by technology and media. Toh said, “Therefore, wholesome and fun activities must be prepared for them, otherwise, they will end up playing their iPhones and PSPs while in church.” Toh revealed how her CCH team uses contemporary music, on-screen interactive games, and animation to capture the attention of the kids and educate them. Reconciling contemporary ways of reaching out to children with the traditional, Toh expressed, “At the end of the day, more than just utilizing the advancement in technology: we cannot lose the personal touch with the children and their families. And that is why my team visits about 2,000 children every week, both Christian and non-Christian.”

This year’s conference focused heavily on the changing “worlds” that Christians are called to evangelize. Apart from the challenges of conducting “urban missions” (vs the Third World missions that is the tradition), the rapidly-evolving information age and reaching the youth, who make up 40 percent of the global population, the world is also seeing more natural disasters, and Christian mission groups must be equipped now to minister to people in these areas.

At the “Meeting The Basic Needs” workshop, managing director of Crisis Relief Singapore, Lim Koon Jin spoke on the overview of phases in a disaster, meeting the basic needs in a post-disaster area, food, shelter, medical needs and more. Lim asserted to the crowd that disaster relief work is for everyone and not just a select few. “All of us can be used by God to be the ‘salt and light’ with whatever abilities and resources we have. Let’s all avail ourselves to bring relief to the widows, the fatherless and the victims in disaster situations,” he exhorted.

The CCH worship team led praise, worship and ministry at the last session of the conference. Worship leader Veroy Chua brought the congregation into the presence of God as they sang “My God Reigns” while Peter Tsukahira prayed and imparted the anointing of God on those who answered the altar call for missions.

Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the furniture chain literally went through the fire to emerge as one of the new Superbrands of Singapore.

Contributed By Reuel Eugene Tay

V.Hive owners, Felix (left) and Michael Song. CN PHOTO: Michael Chan

When you think of furniture, the name V.Hive quickly pops up as one of the main places to get a new sofa set or outfit your office. A household name in Singapore today, V.Hive, which has a total of 10 retail shops across Singapore, was recently named one of 38 new Superbrands in the fifth annual Superbrands program by Superbrands, the internationally-renowned independent arbiter of branding.

Participation in Superbrands is by invitation only. Brands are selected through independent consumer research conducted by the Nielsen Company to identify the strongest brands across more than 90 different product and service categories. Next, the shortlisted brands are then judged by a panel of six industry experts based on their locality, longevity, awareness, reputation, innovation, market share and recognition.

Between August and September last year, the Nielsen Company conducted a survey on 1,500 Singaporean consumers age 18 to 55. The results yielded V.Hive as one of this year’s Superbrands, all of which are featured in the fifth edition of the Superbrands book, which showcases the most valuable consumer brands in Singapore.

The Superbrands Award ceremony will be held on June 7.

Ironically, the odds were against V.Hive since the company had never won any awards before. “We never expect to achieve this because Superbrands is not something that we can apply for,” says Felix Song, the company’s chief executive officer. “As a matter of fact, we tried to get the Promising Brand Award in 2010, but we did not succeed. God works in mysterious ways—I think He was trying to tell me He had a better award for me because Superbrands is more widely recognized (than Promising Brand) and also represents the people’s choice.”

FIERY CHALLENGES

To start off, business was far from smooth-sailing for the founders, Felix and his brother Michael. Their path was filled with many “valley experiences.” Felix lost S$100,000 in his first business 28 years ago. In 1986, the two opened their first furniture shop, selling simple cash-and-carry items in the now-defunct Yaohan Department Store in Parkway Parade. As business began to pick up, their older brother, Dexter Song joined them to become the company’s financial controller in 1990. The decline in business at Yaohan in the late ‘80s forced the company to shut its department stores one after another. The Song brothers, left with stock to sell, had no choice but to set up their own shop.

Felix initially wanted to name the shop “bee hive” because “bee hives are always busy”. He decided to swop the “bee” for a “V”—for “victory.”

V.Hive officially opened its doors for business at The Furniture Mall along Beach Road in 1990. Business started to take off soon after—V.Hive became a wholesaler and moved from selling simple cash-and-carry items to larger items of furniture such as wardrobes and beds, even office furniture. Shortly after, they began receiving contracts to supply offices with furniture.

(Above) A fire in August 1999 burned down V.HIVE’s office and warehouse, losing 80 percent of its goods, commodities and vital documents.

wBut just when things began to look up for them, the company’s warehouse caught fire one morning in August 1999. The ravaging fire, which took 10 fire engines two full days to put out, practically burned down the entire 20,000 sq ft warehouse and with it, V.Hive’s office, which was then situated above the warehouse. This accident resulted in the company losing 80 percent of its goods and other vital commodities and documentation.

The fire advanced so fast that Felix didn’t even have time to drive his Mercedes Benz out of the compound—the car was reduced to scrap metal. Even the office safe was destroyed by the flames and the contents along with it. Yet, miraculously, no one was hurt, and the petrol kiosk right next door to their warehouse did not catch fire.

“It was the most distressing period of my life, in all our years of business dealings, because we still had our retail business to take care of,” recalls Felix. “Business had to go on every day, the monthly rent still had to be paid, but I had no goods to supply to my shops or to deliver to the customers who were waiting for their furniture. On top of that, I had to pay contractors to remove the heaps of burnt furniture and ash, and pay for public liability and compensation for the damage caused.

“Even though we were 100 percent insured, my insurance adjuster came to me and told me he couldn’t pay me anything as I had no financial statements to back up my story or show how much goods I had on hand.”

By God’s grace, the brothers found critical documents among the ashes which enabled them to claim full compensation from the insurance company. PHOTOS COURTESY OF V.Hive

Divine Intervention

When the word went out about the fire, Michael’s prayer leader came to the scene and began to pray and ask God to deliver the brothers from this tragedy. The brothers then mobilized all their staff to search through the piles of ashes and melted metal for the accounts book which could guarantee their insurance lifeline.

“By God’s grace,” as Felix puts it, they found two account books among the ashes five days later.

“It looked like a hand had been placed on the book, as if God’s palm had protected it!” describes Felix. “There were only slight burnt marks around the edges of the books; critical information regarding the monthly statement of accounts for the past one year had not been burned! And with that critical information, we were able to claim the full compensation from the insurance company and start over again.

“The three of us literally felt like we had gone through a fire experience just like Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego, and the Lord was with us! After the incident, the insurance company didn’t want to work with us anymore.”

That incident sparked a change in Felix in his pursuit for God. Prior to the incident he was, by his own admission, an inactive fourth-generation Christian. Felix and his wife Tiang Pek Yin came to City Harvest Church on Michael’s invitation in 2004, and joined the Business Breakthrough Group, an outreach to business people.

“After so many years of looking for a church, coming to CHC and meeting these great people is one of the best things that has happened to my life. I wouldn’t go to any other church than CHC.”

Felix and his wife subsequently enrolled into CHC’s School Of Theology in 2005, and Michael in 2006. The two brothers believed in applying what they learned in CHC and SOT: “to find a need and meet it,” and to “walk the talk,” as challenged by CHC’s senior pastor, Kong Hee.

BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING

V.Hive began to collaborate with non-profit organization CityCare Ltd to give away furniture to underprivileged families. They were soon approached by MediaCorp to be a sponsor for Renovaid, a TV series featuring home makeovers for needy families. They gave away dining tables, study desks, beds and wardrobes. V.Hive took things a step further in their charitable efforts, providing free furniture to countless local churches, a church in Ipoh, Malaysia and an orphanage in Thailand.

Despite donating a considerable number of goods each year, the business had continued to grow at an ever-increasing rate, year-on-year, so much so that V.Hive achieved their best performance in sales this year.

“But we believe that the best is yet to come!” Felix grins, quoting from a recent sermon by preacher Phil Pringle at CHC.

The company’s top management consists of the three brothers and a retail manager, all of whom are Christians. Felix credits the success of the company to the unity and shared direction, vision and values of the management. “We all have diverse views but we can always come to an agreement because of our unity. Being Christian helps a lot because our values are the same and there is no division or conflict,” he explains.

Today, V.hive takes pride in being a one-of-a-kind furniture wholesaler-retailer, providing furniture from all over the world that are of great quality, design and value for money. “We personally source for and import our furniture from countries across the globe, wherever we can find furniture of good design. We’ve even gone into the ulu ulu (remote) places like villages, where other furniture retailers wouldn’t want to go. We have been doing this for the past 25 years, and it took a lot of hard work and learning from past mistakes.

“But our customers can see the sincerity and hard work we have put into bringing the best furniture to them, and that is one of our key success factors,” Felix reveals. V.Hive also prides itself for having one of the widest varieties of furniture in the market, and for customizing imported furniture to meet local needs.

The Song brothers plan to move towards selling more high-end furniture of strong design, but at a much lower cost than currently available. One such example is Acme’s Komforte recliner chair.

Felix attributes V.Hive’s success to hard work and the God factor. “I am just a polytechnic graduate and Michael, an O’ level graduate. I believe that you don’t have to have a degree to be successful—what you do need is hard work and determination. And as a Christian, we depend on God’s grace. God works for the good of all those who love Him. Behind every successful man, there is God, not just the wife!”

For more information on V.Hive, log on to www.vhive.com.sg

Five of City Harvest’s very own, Bobby Chaw, Edmund Tay, Lee Yi Lun, Freddy Chng and Lawrence Kong graduate from Trinity Theological College.

Contributed By Reuel Eugene Tay

The graduates from CHC (from left to right): Freddy Chng Keng Wah, Lee Yi Lun, Bobby Chaw Ngin, Edmund Tay Se Teck and Lawrence Kong Hock Chye. CN PHOTO: Michael Chan

May 15 marked the beginning of a new chapter for five City Harvest Church members as they graduated from Trinity Theological College. Bobby Chaw Ngin and Edmund Tay Se Teck, both pastors in CHC, and Lee Yi Lun, a zone supervisor, each graduated with a Master of Divinity. Members Lawrence Kong Hock Chye and Freddy Chng Keng Wah graduated with a Bachelor of Divinity. All five had previously studied at and graduated from CHC’s School Of Theology.

Studying in one of the most renowned Bible Colleges in Asia was no easy feat as they had to complete countless theological assignments (ranging from approximately 2,500 to 3,500 words per assignment), clock sufficient ministry practicum hours and fulfill internship assignment requirements, on top of the average 15 hours of lessons a week at TTC located at Upper Bukit Timah Road.

Topics in the Bachelor and Master of Divinity courses spanned Old and New Testament theology, Church History, Missions and Evangelism, Homiletics (the art of public preaching), Christian Ethics, World Religion and even language topics such as Greek and Hebrew to decipher the accurate exegesis of the Bible. Other degree programs in TTC include Master of Theological Studies, Master of Ministry, and Master of Theology.

Established at Mount Sophia in 1948, TTC was birthed when church leaders across different denominations, incarcerated at Changi Prison during the Second World War, decided that a union institution was necessary to train pastors and church workers to serve the needs of the church. Today, TTC remains committed to the mission of training pastors, missionaries, church workers, and theological educators for the manifold ministries across Asia.
One notable TTC graduate is Rev. Dr. Canon James Wong, founding vicar of the Chapel of the Resurrection and founder of Festival of Praise. At the moment, two other CHC members, Leong Yan Chee, a pastor, and Daniel Lim Jun Xian, a zone supervisor, are also pursuing their Masters at TTC.

The graduates singing a hymn before going onstage for the certificate presentation.

Held at the Sanctuary of Faith Methodist Church, the graduation service began with the singing of processional hymns such as “Praise To The Lord, The Almighty” and “Ye Servants Of God” led by Rev. Dr. Jeffrey A. Truscott and Rev. Dr. Wilfred Ho Wai Tat. The TTC choir put up a spectacular performance of hymns such as “Proclaim The Glory Of The Lord,” “Taste And See” and the “Hallelujah Chorus.” Valedictorians Raymond Fong and Lau Chong Yaw gave a candid yet moving speech, bringing to remembrance the fun, challenging and tiring moments they had spent rushing their assignments, seeking God and fellowshipping together during the past three years.

Rev. Dr. Steven Gan gave an inspiring message entitled “One Critical Transaction.” Gan reminded the graduating students that to live an effective and fruitful [Christian] life, it is important for them to determine the one activity that helps every other activity to happen. He gave the example of the Olympic torchbearer who must ensure that the flame in the torch does not get extinguished from the beginning to the end. “The one main goal in our Christian life and ministry, the one critical transaction in our faith journey, is to run in a manner that protects the flame, to run in a way that ensures the fire of faith in us does not die,” Gan preached.

Presiding Principal of TTC, Rev. Dr. Ngoei Foong Nghian gave “the charge” to the graduates before conferring the degrees. Cheers from family, friends and fellow graduates were heard throughout the ceremony, as the graduates took to the stage one after another to receive their certificates and graduation hood. The service came to a close as Rt. Rev. Terry Kee prayed a prayer of benediction over the congregation, followed by the singing of the recessional hymn.

A LEARNING EXPERIENCE

Chaw said, “The course has taught me research skills and learning to argue subjects from different perspectives such as from a biblical, theological or a historical perspective.” Tay elaborates, “The lecturers were really interesting and also brought forth thought provoking and challenging questions such as: ‘Should we read the Bible?’ ‘Should the book of Jonah be taken literally or is it just an allegory?’”

Lee who became a mother twice, to two beautiful children Li’ora and Li’ron Goh during the course of study shared, “It was really difficult and tiring [for me] during this period. There were times I had to go through sleepless nights to complete my assignments.”

Both Kong and Chng revealed that the course led them to go deeper in their knowledge and understanding of the Bible through the acquisition of the Greek and Hebrew language. Kong recounts, “What I found most memorable were the Greek and Hebrew lessons where we used these languages to interpret the Bible. The English language Bible has not entirely captured the essence [of the original text] of the Bible which can differ in the words and even the tense used.”

Graduating from TTC has become a significant milestone for the five CHC graduates. However, the best is yet to be as they put aside studying and head back to serving in church to apply what they have learned and fulfill God’s mandate in their lives.

“My experience at TTC has increased my understanding of Christ and what the fathers of faith have done for Christianity. Understanding these foundations is essential to our faith,” said Tay.

To find out more about TTC and the degree programs they offer, log on to http://www.ttc.edu.sg/. For those who are interested in pursuing a full-time theological course, it is recommended that one enroll in the six-month SOT course to be equipped with the basic Christian foundation and understanding prior to enrolling in a degree program.

A Theological Pursuit

The newly opened Medley Music School offers an impressive range of music lessons and teachers trained in the Suzuki method.

Contributed By Reuel Eugene Tay

Leng Sher Lyn (seated) with her teachers (from left): Alison Hui, Low Hui Xin, Simon Yong and Joanna Lim. CN PHOTO: Michael Chan

Fancy a music school that lets you perform every two months? One that will take you in whether you’re 5 or 35?
Welcome to Medley Music School, a school specializing in providing holistic music education in the disciplines of piano, violin, as well as electric and acoustic guitar. Medley Music School also conducts MusicPlay! and MusicExplore! classes—special programs that discover and nurture the musical talents of toddlers—and Suzuki piano classes. The Suzuki method is a unique way of learning and teaching developed by skilled violinist Shinichi Suzuki that helps children to master music in the way they learn their mother tongue.

Three things set Medley Music School apart from their competitors: firstly, only teachers with a diploma or degree in music, and no less than five years’ of teaching experience are employed by the school. Secondly, students of the school are given opportunities every two months to perform outside the school, allowing them to use their music to give back to society. The students recently played at My Village mall on Easter Sunday, bringing Easter cheer to the residents of Serangoon Gardens, where the school is located.

Finally, the teachers of the school are Suzuki-trained. At the moment, there are fewer than 10 Suzuki-trained music teachers in Singapore. Parents are also encouraged to join their children for the Suzuki piano classes and participate in the lesson together.
On April 3, Medley Music School celebrated its official opening at its school premises at Burghley Drive, within the former Serangoon Gardens Technical School building. The school held an open house from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a program that included music recitals by its students. The opening was graced by district pastors of City Harvest Church, Wu Yuzhuang and Audrey Ng. Their daughter Kymberly was one of the piano performers at the recital. Over 150 people turned up and 40 signed up.

AN INSPIRED BUSINESS

Medley began in the heart of CHC member Leng Sher Lyn in December 2010. Spurred on by the message of the Cultural Mandate by Kong Hee, senior pastor of CHC, Leng shared her vision of providing excellence in music education for children. That was when her husband Jonathan Lee, along with their long-time friends and fellow cell group members Roland Lek, Woo Ern Ern, Jeffrey Kwok and Jasmin Seah encouraged and supported Leng in setting up Medley Music School. Lek, Leng and Seah quit their jobs to venture in the music school full-time while the rest provided their expertise from the sideline.

That’s why the school is called “Medley.” A medley is a piece of music from existing pieces played one after another or overlapping each other. This school is run by partners working together in harmony, each bringing their own strengths and talent to the team.

“This team of partners is a dream team as we are all part of the same cell group, share a common vision, and we can ‘flow together,’” says Leng. “It was definitely a risk to leave my previous job and start all over. I thank God for this opportunity and I trust that as He has given this dream to us, He will indeed bless us.”

It was a step of faith for the group to pool together a quarter of a million dollars from their savings to venture into the business, especially seeing that only Leng is from the music industry while the rest come from other non-related industries. Yet, what brought this unusual cast of six together was the common aspiration: to be an influence in the marketplace of children’s enrichment.

One month into its operations, Medley already has an enrolment of 60 students, from three-year-old Natalie Gabriel to adults like Yvonne Kwan, 35.

The vision statement of Medley is “to be the leader in the music enrichment industry, providing recognized first-class music enrichment programs in Singapore. Medley is committed to undertake a leadership role in music education services by building good characters, and promoting core values such as integrity, social responsibility and a spirit of excellence amongst its students.”

Alison Hui, 26, a piano instructor at Medley, shares, “Working in Medley Music School allows me to have more space for creativity and to think of new programs and classes. I teach my students in a way that inspires them to have a love for music first—I believe that once they have acquired the love for music, they will naturally want to practice and perfect it. Students are given space to make mistakes and to try again. Most importantly, I want to create a positive environment during each lesson by showering them with praise and encouragement. It is a very positive environment here at Medley Music School. I know that as I am well taken care of, the students would be too.”

Medley Music School
45 Burghley Drive Block B
#01-09 Singapore 559022
Tel: +65 6282 8636

The Medley Music School Instructors

Leng Sher Lyn, 30, principal and piano instructor
Leng started learning the piano when she was 3. After completing her ABRSM graded examinations in classical piano, she pursued her music education at the University in Melbourne, earning her Bachelor of Music. Leng learned the Suzuki Teaching Approach with the late Nehama Patkin, OAM, Director of Suzuki Teacher Training, Australia. Having worked with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra in planning children concerts and school outreaches, Leng believes that every child can learn and appreciate music, even at a very young age.

Alison Hui, 26, piano instructor
Born in Hong Kong, Hui moved to Singapore when she was 11. She completed her ABRSM graded examinations in classical piano and furthered her music education at LASALLE College of the Arts. The Bachelor of Arts in Music (Hons) degree holder has more than 10 years of teaching experience. Her passion is evident through her dedication and patience in teaching challenging children.

Joanna Lim, 25, piano instructor
Lim started learning the piano at age 6. After completing her ABRSM graded examinations in classical piano, she went on to graduate from LASALLE College of the Arts with a Bachelor of Arts in Music (Hons). A veteran performer, Lim started out as a keyboardist with two independent bands, Zero Sequence and The Oslo Castaways. Since 2009, Lim has been performing regularly at Wala Wala Cafe & Bar with club bands, Hard To Explain, and now, The Common People.

Low Hui Xin, 29, violin instructor
Low has been teaching violin for more than 10 years and has amassed a wealth of experience as a violin instructor at many music schools. As a former member of the Asia Suzuki Association (Singapore), Low has attended Suzuki conferences in Singapore, Korea and Taiwan. She has also attended the Teacher’s Training conducted by Yasuki Nakamura, Huang Kyung Ik and Cheol Woong Jeong. Low is dedicated in helping her students achieve their potential in the violin.

Simon Yong, 32, acoustic and electric guitar instructor
In 1999, at the tender age of 17, Yong founded progressive rock band Zero Sequence, an indie legend that has played at Baybeats 2009 and SINGfest 2008. Critics also raved about their 2008 album Flight Of Transcendence. Yong graduated with a Bachelor of Creative Industries and a Grade 8 in Guitar from Trinity Rock School. He has provided music and video courses to many schools. An influential figure in the music industry, Yong has appeared on numerous radio shows—Power98FM, Live93.5FM, and 98.7FM.

The Singapore Arts Festival 2011 pays tribute to talents and things of the past.

Contributed By Reuel Eugene Tay

Scene from When A Gray Taiwanese Cow Stretched.

Singapore’s annual premier arts event, organized by the National Arts Council, is the month-long Singapore Arts Festival. It kicks off this weekend with the theme of remembrance. I Want To Remember brings viewers down the road of memories, histories and places long forgotten, in an effort to understand how the past defines the way we look at the present.

As a form of remembering the past, a young generation of dancemakers pay tribute to three of the dance world’s greatest talents who passed away between 2009 and 2010—Pina Bausch, Merce Cunningham and Kazuo Ohno. Their works form some of the biggest highlights of the festival.

In preparation for the Festival, the custom-made Festival Village at Esplanade Park was set up, forming the stage for the anticipated production When A Gray Taiwanese Cow Stretched. Events (both free and ticketed) include staged performances, engaging exhibitions, hands-on workshops and master classes. The Festival Village will also play host to the first ever Kids Art Village—curated, performed and managed by children.

This year’s lineup also promises arts lovers, creators and volunteers more interactive opportunities to participate instead of being mere consumers. City News picks four performances to make time for.

When A Gray Taiwanese Cow Stretched (May 13 to 17)
This event opener by Japanese writer/director Yukichi Matsumoto and award-winning company Ishinha is being performed outside their home country for the first time. The outdoor theatre show tells stories of travelers in “20th century  visualization with a perspective of one standing on the earth.” Timed with accurate precision to capture the transition between day and night, sunset and dusk, this is a theater performance that guarantees to leave the spectator in awe.

Out Of Context—For Pina (May 14 to 15)
Celebrated Belgian director Alain Platel and his dance company les ballets C de la B bring Singapore audiences Out Of Context, a work that celebrates the highest form of dance by using the rawest, most essential tool—the human body. “Out Of Context becomes a kind of ritual, a gathering of people in search of an essence they can’t find, but in the meantime experiencing something unexpected but worthwhile,” describes Belgian dance critic Hildegard De Vuyst, the dramaturge for Out Of Context.

Kuu (Emptiness) (May 21 to 22)
Kuu is a Butoh dance created and performed by Yoshito Ohno, son of the late Kazuo Ohno who brought international prominence to Butoh. The art form refers to a wide range of techniques and activities involving “playful and grotesque imagery, taboo topics and extreme or absurd environments,” often with slow, hyper-controlled motions. Kuu, which means emptiness, seeks to pay tribute to Yoshito’s father through themes of freedom and non-attachment.

Tempest: Without A Body (May 27 to 28)
Distantly reflecting elements from Shakespeare’s The Tempest, this performance of Tempest: Without A Body sells itself as a bold production by Samoa-born choreographer Lemi Ponifasio and his company MAU. This part-dance, part-theatre, part-ceremony theatrical experience promises a powerful, visually ravishing and apocalyptic response to the sinister escalation of post-9/11 state powers and the erosion of individual freedoms.

The Singapore Arts Festival runs from May 13 to June 5 at various venues.
Log on to www.singaporeartsfest.com for more information. Tickets and program book available at SISTIC counters.

North View Primary School’s principal Ng Yeow Ling lives an abundant life as an educator, inspiring both students and fellow educators.

Contributed By Reuel Eugene Tay

Ng demonstrates that educators need to be strategic thinkers. CN PHOTO: Michael Chan

As the saying goes “Teaching is a profession that teaches all other professions.”

The teaching profession is one of the most, if not the most important and noble job in society today. Within such a community there are those who go even further beyond just teaching to inspire other fellow educators to keep on keeping on. One such individual is Ng Yeow Ling, 42, the principal of North View Primary School and chairman of Educators Network, or EduNet, a community for professionals working in the marketplace of education.

Since he became a teacher in 1995, Ng has come a long way in the education industry. The former vice-principal of Millenia Institute and the current acting principal of North View Primary School of nearly 1,000 students is responsible for leading the school and working with the 83 teachers and staff to facilitate the teaching of the students. Beyond his duties and responsibilities as the head of the school, Ng views his position in education as a powerful platform to impact this generation and bring about a positive change in his students.

Formed by a group of like-minded educators including Ng in 2007, EduNet seeks to share ideas, inspire and encourage fellow educators. EduNet is built on the belief that teachers—like other professionals and business people—need the support and guidance of others. Ng points out that “teachers are the key to the next generation and they have massive influence, but only when they believe in their calling and truly know they can make a difference [to their students] and do what they do well. Our mission is to let the teachers network so that they can look out for each other, and most importantly, to let them know they are not alone.”

Under EduNet, Ng published a book titled Class Dismissed: Lessons Beyond The Classroom, a compilation of personal accounts and experiences from veteran educators. The book was created as a gift for students and trainee teachers in 2008. In 2009, he produced his second book, Teacher Moment, a collection of personal accounts from teachers appreciating their fellow educators, mentors and ex-teachers. An interactive campaign was launched with the book—Zo cards were distributed and a website (www.teachermoment.sg) was set up as an online platform for the public to recognize and appreciate past and present teachers. Together with local songwriter KC Gan, Ng composed a song “In This Moment,” which was recorded by singer Annabel Soh. The song—dedicated to all educators—was presented to Ho Peng, Director-General of Education and other MOE directors in 2010.

EduNet also supports the Educators’ Summit, a conference that features speakers from the corporate and business worlds, who share on broad topics such as leadership and crisis management. Ng says he hopes more educators will rise up and form “mini EduNets” throughout Singapore, connecting across the education industry instead of just focusing on their own school and their own needs.

TEACHER, FATHER, HUSBAND

At home, Ng enjoys an idyllic family life. He is married to former accountant Tan Su Hsia with whom he has two sons aged 10 and 15 years old. When asked how he brings up his own children, Ng replied, “I am conscious that children are God’s special gift to parents and we parents must value them. Being an educator, I understand that my children have the potential to be good at what they do, and what we need to do is to provide the structure and conditions for them to be nurtured.”

Ng, whose younger son Ron plays the electric guitar in the City Harvest Children’s Church band, believes that parents need to give their children the freedom to explore and discover their own gifts and talents instead of just focusing solely on the child’s academics.

Home support also plays a huge part in a child’s development, he says. “Parents should create a conducive environment for their kids to come back home to, so that their kids are willing to share and discuss issues and experiences they encounter in school. This allows parents to share with and guide their kids to make better decisions.”

Ng says he spends quality time with each of his kids individually as often as he can. “I remembered taking part in a three-day father-child bonding camp with my first son shortly after his primary six graduation. It was a crucial period of his life as he was transitioning from primary to secondary education, and I wanted to be there for him and build rapport with him. I am going for a sandcastle bonding event with my second son soon.”

The educator’s own school career began in Guangyang Primary School, followed by Chinese High School (now Hwa Chong Institution). Ng went on to Hwa Chong Junior College and took up a government scholarship to read psychology in Australia. That was where he met his wife-to-be. From the time he was in school, Ng had always been keen to impart knowledge—he used to tutor younger students.

Ng and his wife joined City Harvest Church in 1998, before leaving for London for a two-year Masters of Science in Educational Psychology program. They became active members of the church upon their return in 2000. Now serving under their cell group leader and zone supervisor Marie Skogvard, the husband-and-wife team actively help out in their cell group and are also leaders in their respective ministries.

Ng hopes that educators realize the full potential of their uniqueness and what they are called to do. “There are many good principals and teachers out there but there is only one ‘me’. We don’t have to be the best educator—we just need to be best at who we are and believe the class or school that is placed under our care is the right one. By doing so, we are able to reach our charges in ways others can’t.”

He feels that this is even more relevant for Christian educators as they represent Christ in the institutions they belong to, and suggests that it is important for Christian educators to pray for their students.

Ng Yeow Ling’s school North View Primary School recently launched a Kindness In Action @ NVPS as part of the Singapore Kindness Movement.

NG YEOW LING’S 4 TIPS FOR BEING A BETTER TEACHER

THINK OF OTHERS
“The focus of education is always others-driven, hence an educator seeks out the best interest of his charges. It is never a job for self-promotion and self-glorification.”

NEVER QUIT
“Unlike any other job, an educator’s committment is to see your pupils through the entire academic year.”

LOOK AT POSSIBILITIES
“An educator learns by seeing with renewed vision.”

HARNESS YOUR STRENGTHS AND DISTINCTIVENESS
“Each of us is unique and brings to teaching something no one else can replace.”

The new CHC Mobile app lets you watch services, listen to the church’s radio program and lots more.

Contributed By Reuel Eugene Tay

Members can connect to CHC any time via the new mobile app. CN PHOTO: Antoinette Wong

On April 22, City Harvest Church launched an application, CHC Mobile, on the Apple platform and iTunes, for free download. The long awaited app received a positive reception from the church congregation with members downloading the app on their iPods, iPads and iPod Touch.

The app first came about after CHC member and app developer Andrew Crothers created the Asia Conference app at the request of CHC’s deputy senior pastor, Tan Ye Peng, in 2010. Crothers previously created an app known as S49, named after his cell group in church so that the members could stay connected and listen to audio sermons when they could not attend the cell group meetings or church services. The app became a hit, and CHC Mobile was born.

Through this one-stop app targeted at members in Singapore and overseas, users can find the latest news, Tweets on Twitter, photos, directions to get to the church, availability of parking space in the vicinity and even watch CHC services live. Members can also learn more about the various ministries in the church, listen to past sermons or even read the latest City News articles off their gadgets. The app is also friendly to non-CHC users as it allows them to see service timings, the various Bible study programs offered and how they can get in touch with the church.

“This app simplifies things for everyone. [Now] you can be on the move in a bus or train and still be connected.” CHC Mobile App in-charge Bernard Loh explained.

CHC also launched, City Radio Online with the slogan “Here To Connect.” The radio feature embedded within the CHC Mobile app boasts seven radio programs in English, Mandarin, Bahasa Indonesia and Cantonese. The radio programs are updated on a weekly basis. The English programs feature a Weekly Online Refreshing Devotion by CHC’s executive pastor, Derek Dunn; Strums, a segment hosted by Loh featuring an interview and song performance by CHC’s worship leaders every week, and Fabulous Magazine hosted by Andrea Lim, which covers topics such as food, fun and fashion. Loh reveals that more programs are underway and listeners should stay tuned for more updates on City Radio Online.

Jonathan Teo, 24, a national serviceman shared his thoughts on the app, “It has a wide range of functions, from basic information [about CHC] to the number of carpark slots available. My favorite feature for now is Strums. I enjoyed the worship song sung by Annabel Soh and the guitar acoustics by Raymond Sigarlaki.”

Student, Shirley Lim, 22, said, “The calendar app allows me to find out who will be speaking in the upcoming services. It would be great if the app could include happening places or recommend areas around Suntec Singapore for fellowship.”

Get connected with CHC, download the CHC Mobile App on iTunes for free today. Users can also interact with the City Radio Online DJs or give their feedback via [email protected] or the various social media platform.

Join CHC on Facebook: City Radio Online; and Twitter: @cityradioonline

Churches and schools continue to give to disaster-struck Japan in its time of need.

Contributed By Reuel Eugene Tay

The Strikeforce strikes a chord with shoppers.

The latest in the Japan crisis sparked off by the March 11 earthquake is that the nuclear situation at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant is likely to clear in nine months. To date, 14,000 people have died from the disaster, with another 14,000 missing, reports BBC News.

Meantime, Singapore, along with the world, has not forsaken Japan as organizations and individuals continue to render their support.

In commemoration of International Friendship Day, the Parents Support Group of Catholic High School put up an exhibition and international food fair within the school premises on April 15. All proceeds from the food fair were donated to the Singapore Red Cross Society’s Japan Relief Fund. Students enjoyed delicious international and local delights, their patronage of the 10 food stalls raising funds for the victims. Parents sponsored the food items, manned the booths and gave their children extra pocket money to spend at the extended hour-long recess break. Many students voluntarily donated their pocket money too.

The Japanese community in City Harvest Church also came together to stand for their home country during this crucial period, and raised an initial sum of S$2,898 in donations. Partnering with Yoji Nakamura, pastor of Kumamoto Harvest Church and more than 20 churches all over Japan, the money raised was sent to these churches and used to purchase much-needed bicycles, washing machines, air pumps, detergent, food, water, and gasoline for the victims in the affected Miyagi Prefecture. On April 10, 13 members from the various churches in Japan including Nakamura traveled to the deprived prefecture and distributed the necessities to the people.

Robyn Wong (left) raises funds during her birthday celebrations. CN PHOTOS: Daniel Poh & Jere Chong

CHC member and former Singapore Idol contestant Robyn Wong Jie Yun celebrated her 24th birthday in a special way: she held a mini solo concert at the Colours Café at Singapore Management University on April 16 to raise funds in lieu of birthday gifts. Wong sang a set of popular tunes, including Bruno Mars’ “Just The Way You Are” and Carrie Underwood’s “Temporary Home” to a crowd of 60 people consisting of family and friends. A total of S$1,845 was raised, 75 percent of which was donated to Singapore Red Cross Society Japan Disaster relief fund while the rest went to the Singapore Baptist Convention Golden Age Home.

The Strikeforce, CHC’s percussion ministry, performed twice at the You Are Not Alone (Anatawa Hitorijanai) Concert at Far East Plaza Atrium, along with other local celebrities. The high-energy 13-man percussion troupe gave a rhythmic and energetic performance which drew attention of shoppers on all levels of the mall. The audience was encouraged to donate to the Singapore Red Cross Society’s Japan Disaster relief fund by cash or cheque and write their well wishes onto origami cranes to encourage the victims. The concert, supported by the Ministry of Community, Youth and Sports, proved a great success as members of the audience streamed forward to make their donations.

Where to go when it’s 3 a.m. and you’re hankering for piping hot hawker nosh? Food Republic Beer Garden.

Contributed By Reuel Eugene Tay

The quaintly set up bar from the back of a truck. CN PHOTO: Yong Yung Shin

It seems that a retro vibe is part of the equation for a great food haunt nowadays. Barely a month after the ‘60s-themed Singapore Food Trail opened up at the Singapore Flyer, another has appeared on the scene—Food Republic Beer Garden.

A joint collaboration between Food Republic and St. James Power Station, this 400-seater open-air food paradise is located right outside St. James Power Station, across from VivoCity.

Old-fashioned pushcarts with wooden frames, glass showcases, large wheels and tarpaulin tops deck the 929-sq-ft open-air ground. Each offers hawker favorites from Hokkien prawn noodles to bak chor mee, a la minute fluffy prata and charcoal grilled chicken wings.

The Beer Garden boasts 18 carefully handpicked “heritage hawker” stalls such as the celebrated Hon Kee Porridge from Malaysia. The must-try dish is, of course, the establishment’s claim to fame, the sliced fish porridge (S$6). The freshness of the ikan parang (wolf herring) served with strips of fresh ginger complements the perfectly textured porridge wonderfully. This is perfect post-clubbing chow.

Customers at Thye Quan stall

Over at the famous Satay Power, we tried the beef tripe satay (S$0.60 per stick). Not such a common offering, this satay had us floored at first bite with its unbelievable succulence, flavor and chewiness. One stick is not enough. The stall also serves charcoal-grilled prawns (S$2 per piece) all peeled and skewered to cater to finicky patrons. Try Boon Tat Street BBQ Seafood’s BBQ stingray (S$10) too—the sambal has a fiery kick, and the serving, good for four, is generous for the price.

Other gastronomic highlights include the Old House Melaka Lok Lok, What You Do Prata, Old Days Minced Pork Noodles, Thye Quan Fried Hokkien Mee and Aunty Jessie Rojak; try its white rojak (S$4)—it’s addictive.

Another feature of the Beer Garden is, of course, the beer. There is a fully functional bar retrofitted into the back of a truck selling everything from local and imported beers (bottle or on tap) to fine wines, champagnes, cocktails and mocktails.

BBQ stingray from Boon Tat Street BBQ Seafood. PHOTO COURTESY OF FOOD REPUBLIC BEER GARDEN

The live band performance kicks off at 8 p.m. nightly all the way till 1 a.m. There’s a particularly popular father-and-daughter duo covering hits from the 60s and 70s as well as current chart-toppers, alongside a whole stable of in-house performers from St. James.

On weekends, catch a glimpse of long-lost tradesmen and street entertainers showcasing their wares and talents. There are buskers, kacang puteh men, calligraphers, Chinese barbers (complete with barber chairs)—the works. Obviously, Beer Garden is positioned to give Newton Hawker Centre a run for its tourist dollars, but rest assured that the prices are more than tourist-friendly.

Food Republic Beer Garden
3 Sentosa Gateway
Singapore 098544
+65 6376 9768

Food Republic Beer Garden is open 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. (Sunday to Thursday) and 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. (Friday and Saturday). Happy Hours from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.    50 percent off jugs, mugs, buckets and Shuttles.

Talent, passion and bravery were found in good measure at the Mrs Singapore and Classic Mrs Singapore Pageant Grand Finals 2011.

Contributed By Reuel Eugene Tay

The winners of this year’s Mrs Singapore Pageant.

It was a night of courage and charity, as 30 beautiful wives, mothers and grandmothers competed in the Mrs Singapore and Classic Mrs Singapore Pageant Grand Finals 2011 at the prestigious Orchid Country Club Grand Ballroom on March 27. The competition was presented by ERM World Marketing, with proceeds from the sale of the tickets donated to HOPE Community Services Centre.

The big winner of the night, Vanessa Tan, was crowned Mrs Singapore World 2011 as well as Mrs Community Ambassador, Mrs Zell-V Ambassador and Mrs Photogenic, while Foo Yan Ming emerged as Classic Mrs Singapore 2011 and 2nd runner-up in the Talent Round.

First-time Mrs Singapore pageant judge and Channel 5’s Point Of Entry TV star, Jourdan Lee, noted that the contestants were very talented. Indicating that the major portion of the judging criteria was based on the way they answered their questions, Lee disclosed that he felt Tan had “a lot of heart” in desiring to make an impact in the community.

Tan explains, “Winning the pageant is like a dream come true for me and definitely a milestone for me this year. The other contestants look very good, are well-educated and spoke really well; I wasn’t really confident that I would stand out but I just went ahead and did my best.”

A philanthropist in the making, Tan shared, “In my five-year plan, I hope to be able to start a social enterprise. Right now I am in talks with the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports to set up something concrete to help abused children, and also to educate Singaporeans that this is a very real yet under-reported issue in Singapore.”

Queen of Hope 2011 Nimfa Tingala Su (left) with Queen of Hope 2010 Yuan Wenling. CN PHOTO: MiCHAEL CHAN

The question-and-answer segment challenged the contestants on topics such as choosing between success, fame and wealth, agreeing to the practice of surrogacy, the challenges of motherhood and more.

Cheered on by family members, friends and colleagues armed with billboards, horns and whistles, the contestants began the evening with an elegant dance item led by Mrs Singapore World 2010 Kenny Santika. Next came the talent segment whereby the Classic Mrs Singapore contestants showcased their skills—bold was the word to describe the performances, as the women, aged between 42 and 65, sang, danced, played music and even performed yoga and sewed handicraft onstage.

Second runner up, Sheela Andrew shared a moving account of how she struggled with depression two years ago caused by the sudden death of her 26-year-old daughter. Surmounting tremendous odds, the diabetic patient hopes to use her testimony to encourage others who have gone through similar sufferings to be courageous in facing the hardships of life.

The pageant came to a close as the title holders from the previous year came forward to crown the pageant winners of 2011. Queen of Hope 2010 Yuan Wenling crowned the first and second runners-up of Mrs Singapore World, Cara Wee and Nur Afni, as well as Queen of Hope 2011 Nimfa Tingala Su. Tan Wei Young, the husband of Mrs Singapore World 2011 Vanessa Tan had the honor of placing the crown on his wife’s head. All were winners that night, demonstrating great courage in stepping on stage to perform and more importantly, to champion their charitable causes.