Greatness - It's in You!

On 25 May 2014, University of Melbourne alumnus, David James Watson, blew our minds at our annual AGM with a sharing on a simple but highly effective approach to success with tips on running ultra marathons and handling life in general! Seven months on, his delivery on the same subject was just as memorable and inspirational - this time at the Australian International School before the year 11 students on 3 Dec 2014. It was a joy for me to join David and Teri on the day!

Here's some excerpts from the sharing - in his words (as best I can recall).

David: Success is arbitrary. You define it the way you want. There are three basic tenets of success that are working for me that I wish to share with u. It's important to not only think strategically but also tactically so we don't get caught out in the paths that we choose in life.

We're often stuck in a paradigm in a way of life that doesn't allow us to achieve what we're capable of achieving. But if you can harness what's right, you'll be able to do so much better.

There are three strategies in life that are symbiotic - that are dependant on each other.

1. Exercise
My diving experience began at Melb Uni which led me to training with Global Underwater Explorers who were very focused on science, safety and fun. What I picked up from the instructors set the stage for my approach to life...

To do it right.

I read up alot on running in the course of preparing for runs .. and I started to think scientifically. This made me think about mental training.

2. Meditation
I do quite a bit of meditation. Ultra marathon running is 99% mental and 1% mental!

Kids are so 'in the zone', so good at focusing on the one thing they're doing.
We get distracted when we get older. And that's where meditation helps.
It's all about the mindset...

It's about observing what you do in life as a third party rather than be so emotional in everything you do...

But when you start to observe, you start to pick out things and manifest the things you want to see happen...

Take a step back. Observe what you're doing. Think strategically. Don't get emotional about it, which is hard... because our ego is involved. Always take a step back when you're emotionally involved.

But shift gears. Be in the moment.

3. Nutrition

Switching your diet to whole foods and reducing processed food, and reducing dairy and meat, reduces the likelihood of heart disease.

When I'm healthy, and I'm fit, my mind can help me achieve sharper mental function, my immune system is so much better... I've got improved physical performance, I look better (which helps me) , and I'm happier.

When I eat well and when I eat right, I feel so much better.

We have to do everything we can to be happy because that will make others happy..

----

Questions from the AIS audience:



from left: Teri, David, Danny and Murray

Student: How do you deal with the boredom in the Gobi?

David: Dealing with the pain; enjoying the music on my iPod; taking in the scenery - which is often breath taking; and thinking strategically about where I want to be...

Student: What kind of training do you do for the run?
David: I run 100km a week, do weight training, strength training for my legs, core training, stretching, hit the gym 5-6 times a week, run the stairs in my apt...

Murray Higgs (AIS Staff): Do u have positive, motivational self-talk that you apply in runs?
David: F.A.S.T. Focus, alignment, stability and timing. When I hit a low, I think about my wife, the opportunity to travel, to be there...

----

The University of Melbourne Alumni Association (Singapore) warmly thank the Australian International School for the opportunity to feature our alumnus as a motivational speaker to the Year 11 students - they were a great audience! Many thanks to the AIS staff - especially Stephen Bhogal (who mooted the idea and made the arrangements with the help of the resourceful and lovely Rhonda Vink and her IT support staff). We also thank Teri for her support on the day and even Murray Higgs and his other Health & Sports Science colleagues including Ian Forbes, who were present to hear David speak. And finally we thank David for taking time off on a work-day week to be with the students and spur them on to greatness!

Celebrating the spirit of wilderness | NZ Travelogue!

We have all climbed the odd hill, had the odd camp weekend, and enjoyed the company of strangers, well met. That kind of thing can and does come to mind in my journey. And while I have embarked on great hikes too, 5 days in length, and made the Alps of Victoria and High Plains my playground, I was absolutely humbled and a little bit envious when I went on my vicarious walk across the New Zealand wilderness, last night, courtesy of Jingyi and his magical camera.

The lights of night and the hues of sunsets can transfer and deposit you in some "Tolkeinesque" Middle Earth and I was somewhere for most of the Travelogue, on a path that joined fantasy and nature with the hard, rugged beauty of the great southern outdoors. I smelt, felt, groaned and breathed with the steps of Jingyi's journey and if a good photo makes 5 senses work overtime, then Jingi's eye and cool hand made my senses come alive and thrive with the taste of his sight and the feel of his mountain view.

I was left exhausted; and wondering if I could make a Museli bar and GP existence happen for 4 months or more and have a crazy gap "year" to follow his footsteps. Couldn’t. Have trouble climbing into the pool and wading into the deep end. So, for me - Jingyi is the explorer and adventurer and I am the Travelogue watcher, who stared at the screen, thankful too, that the Campers Corner, served me my Toasties, chicken nuggets and my drinks and provided me with a perfect wooden chair to climb onto to sit and watch others climb.

But while I was surrounded by the secure and warm, the insight of this home adventurer is only framed and focused because of the courage of the cameraman. I am reminded that without Jingyi's Travelogue, I would just be that less complete - as while I can sit safe in the knowledge that wilderness still exists, I would be none the wiser about what wilderness really means.

So thank you, Jingyi, Campers’ Corner (Calvin, Sam, Glen), friends at Melbourne Uni Alumni (Kah Shen, Kelvin, Danny), friends and family of Jingyi and others, who helped celebrate the spirit of the wildnerness on 25 September, the spirit of the journey and spirit of the cameraman. A special thank you to the Private Museum too (Mr Daniel, Andy), as I was one of the lucky few who had their own private viewing of the private Art Collection (Wu) of none other than 2008 Woman of the Year, Goh Soo Khim. Another terrific sensory experience to end this delightful evening out.

By Stephen Bhogal
UMAA (Singapore)

 

 

 

17 on 17 | Chieng Reaction!

17 on 17 | Chieng Reaction!

 

It's not easy to steal away from office on a weekday especially when showtime's at 7! But we made it - all 17 of us on 17 September! lotsa 7s there as you'd have noticed!

What a show! Ronnie was predictably good and I thoroughly enjoyed myself with fellow alumni and guests at the sell-out Drama Centre Theatre venue at the National Library!

Well done! - Ronnie and thanks for sporting a photo with Kah Shen (left) and me (right) at the sales booth! I'm very happy about my purchase of two DVDs!

We'll see you the next time you're in Singapore! Till then, take care! Oh and thanks for the awesome promotion of Melbourne Uni in all your shows!

For those who missed out, I have the DVDs! Ur welcome 2 check em out :)

Cheers,
Thomas Danny J
UMAA (Singapore)

  

Calling all Runners!

Dear Alumni,

Register through the Alumni Association by 20 August 2014 for the year-end Standard Chartered Marathon and enjoy savings of at least 30%! 30 race slots are available at just S$50 each regardless of the race category!

Click here for more details!

10km - 20 Slots
Half Marathon (21.1km) - 7 Slots
Full Marathon (42.195km) - 3 Slots

Register with the Alumni Association Singapore and enjoy the following benefits:

• Escape the queue and collect your race pack from fellow alumni at a centralised location in Raffles Place (details will be advised later)
• 1 x complimentary Melbourne Uni sports singlet!
• 1 x complimentary private training clinic hosted by Journey Fitness. (We can even consider conducting group running sessions given strong interest).

Race slots are allocated at a first-come-first serve basis. So register early and indicate your preferred category! Don’t miss this unique opportunity to run with fellow alumni sporting the University Sports singlet.

We look forward to hearing from you real soon!

Best,
UMAA (Singapore)

Tremendous as always.



Photography by Tan Jingyi

2 August 2014 Fireworks event @ Orgo, Esplanade 
Every person has a marker to measure their time and my time in Singapore is definitely measured by the annual preview of Singapore’s National Day Parade Show. In fact, the University of Melbourne Alumni Association Singapore (UMAA Singapore) and I first officially met at the Orgo Bar and Restaurant 3 years ago. Back then I was a fresher faced ex-pat, but I had such a tremendous experience, that this year when I received the email to The Orgo, such a unique vantage point, to enjoy the visual and auditory experience of the Parade Show unraveling on land, water and sky, I simply had to answer the call – again.

I am so glad I did first go, 'way back' then and then again the next and then this year. This event is “moreish”. It is easy to ask for more. It is so much more than just a private party. It is a great public celebration in a great venue.

This years invite was for everyone at least two celebrations in the one location. It was the National Day Parade Show and for Orgo bar and restaurant their 5th Anniversary. But for my wife Anne and I celebrating our third consecutive National Day anniversary, on the Orgo rooftop, we were making it a third "preview anniversary”. Our private Singapore milestone celebrated in a very public way.

And yes, our fun had lots to do with the show over a free flow of drinks and tapas and fun games. And yes we were not let down by a dramatic and vibrant display of fireworks to end the evening. But probably it was the old friends and new found camaraderie which was the capstone of pleasure; it was the meet and greet that sparkled for us. And the magic of the event was matched by a magician at the event. How does he pull that card out each and very time? Well done! I guess you had to be there – as seeing his hand (or not) was believing.

Tickets went fast for this event, the night even faster and I was just too slow to get the phone out to film the fighter planes, but I got the sky jumpers, the canons, the “gun salut”, the Merlion, the friends and the view. And when I woke up the next day and played it to my 5 year old and 7 year old, they got it completely. So did we – we think this event feels like our annual party as we become big kids again (if only for a night).

So thank you Event organisers from Mebourne Uni Alumni and all the Alumni friends who came, to make the magic possible; thank you Orgo for your staff were tremendous as always. And thank you Singapore. We got the fun and importance of the 49th National Day Parade, and next week when our family watches it on TV, we will be very happy we got the UMAA Singapore opportunity to preview the show a week early.

We will be even more proud to enjoy the celebration with everyone on the day, because we have.

By Stephen Bhogal
UMAA (Singapore)

Come on Baby, Light my Fire! | 2014 Fireworks Event

Dear Alumni,
We are proud to announce our upcoming event: 2014 Fireworks Event on 2 August!

Tickets go fast so RSVP early!
Requests are subject to availability and registration is confirmed only on advice of the payment reference.

Please contact Kah Shen or Danny to clarify any queries. Thank you.

Wishing you well,
Kah Shen & Danny
On behalf of UMAA (Singapore)

Click here for more details!


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Payment Details Below.

Price: $35 nett for alumni & guests (price is inclusive of free flow of tapas and drinks from 6pm - 8.30pm within a dedicated space for Melbourne Alumni & guests).
RSVP to unimelb.alumni@gmail.com by Thursday, 31 July 2014.

Reservations will only be confirmed upon payment to UMAAS via bank transfer, cheque or PayPal.

Internet Bank Transfer (Preferred payment mode)
Payee name: University of Melbourne Alumni Association (Singapore)
Bank name: UOB
Bank code: 7375
Branch code: 001
Account Number: 352.332.120.8
(Please advise your Account No and Transaction Reference No. for payment reference)

Cheque
Payee name: University of Melbourne Alumni Association (Singapore)
Address: 101 Cecil Street,
#26-08 Tong Eng Building, Singapore 069533
Attn: Rachel Teo
(Please advise your Cheque No. for payment reference)

PayPalhttp://bit.ly/UMAASblog (Click 'Buy Now' in the 'Payments' box)
(Please advise your Receipt No for payment reference)

Email umaas.finance@gmail.com if you have payment enquiries.

Questions?
Contact Kah Shen or Danny at unimelb.alumni@gmail.com

University of Melbourne Alumni Association (Singapore)
Email : unimelb.alumni@gmail.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/yourUMAAS
Web Blog : http://umelbalumnisg.blogspot.com

The Funny Five | On a Colossal Comedic Odyssey

Five comedians held captive some 30-odd Melbourne Uni alumni and guests among others in a near-full house DBS Arts Centre on 12 July. The brakes were off and it was just non-stop hilarity from the first joke.

MC Harley Breen’s smashing delivery set up the bar really high from the onset, rousing the crowd with his side splitting tales of fatherhood. His unpredictable yet highly relatable comedy created an instant likeability with the audience.

Luke McGregor followed suit, with an impressively humble rendition of his worrisome and awkward OCD self. His half skip/jump antic before bedtime was hilarious!

Joel Creasey was next. And he brought down the house with his mesmerizing storytelling and acerbic critique of the people he had run-ins with including Celine Dion! Lmao!

Anne Edmonds is a heckle magnet. It’s almost as if she thrives on that! Her vocals blew us away – I thought her singing was amazing. I quite liked her idea of leaving a boring conversation by hopping backwards and yelling out as you did so, but I doubt it’d work spectacularly in Singapore without invoking considerable 5 min-epiphanies.

Last but certainly not least, up stepped Ronny Chieng – the very confident, rapid-fire comedy gunner. His Malaysian descent and part Singapore upbringing made him stand out instantly from the rest. What a performance! Ronnie’s tales of an IT-challenged mom and his distaste (to put mildly) of people that questioned if his parents were cool with him doing various things, were incredibly funny and all too familiar!

Ronnie took time out after the show to briefly catch up with some of us from UMAA (Singapore), which was fantastic of him! We gave him a tie from the University and he was very supportive of our Association – saying that it’s great that it’s so active and so alive.

Well, we definitely hope to keep that going! And look forward with bated breath for Ronnie’s solo show (Chieng Reaction) in September. We’re definitely GOOD WITH THAT Ronnie!

YouTube them if you missed out on last night’s outing. Or better still, catch em in their next visit – starting with Ronnie’s show in September.

To the famous funny five, thanks for the five star comedy!

Ronnie graciously meets up with some of us from UMAA (Singapore) right after the 6pm show concludes at the DBS Arts Centre. From Left: Rachel, Shirley, Danny, Ronnie, David (back), Jingyi (Tan), Jing Yi (Ong), Lily, Jaisie, Jia Ying, Kathe.

By Thomas Danny J
UMAA (Singapore)

Game On - State of Origin (QLD Vs NSW)

The Australian Alumni Singapore (AAS) is organizing a social gathering on 9 July around Game 3 of the State of Origin (Australian rugby) between the Queensland Maroons and New South Wales Blues.

Click here for more details! Register directly with AAS by Friday, 4 July!

Click here for the Online Registration Link. 

This event is organised by the AAS.

Ending up higher than the 63rd floor!

The Tuesday 24th June, Annual Dean's Dinner hosted by Professor Paul Kofman, Dean of the Faculty of Business and Economics, was my first FBE event; given the fine food, warmth of collegiality from among newly met and past friends of the Alumni alike, plus the dizzying view from what seemed like the “Top of The World", at the Tower Club Singapore – it will definitely not be my last either.

Every Alumni counts in an Alumni event and so does everyone else. it is unlikely that I can possibly recount the impossible by retelling the multitude of conversations at my table, let alone the other 5 tables. But there was constant and friendly exchanges among all. Some of us knew each other from before the night, but equally many of us met many for the first time at this event. Whatever the maturation of our networks, I am never disappointed and always entertained by the depth of the Melbourne Alumni; their education always shines!

Melbourne University graduates have a conversation that is worth sharing and when you mix into this fine company the fine words of our guest speakers, including Professor Paul Kofman, who gave an invaluable update on the latest pioneering developments at the Faculty and the University, Mr Esmond Choo (BCom Hons 1981), Senior Executive Director of UOB Kay Hian Pte Ltd, who shared with guests his University experience and stories from his subsequent career in the finance and insurance sectors, plus the final thank you speech from Thomas Danny Jeyaseelan, President of the Singapore Chapter of the Melbourne University Alumni, you are going to end up slightly higher than the advertised 63rd Floor!

The night was a huge success and thank you to the event organisers, especially, Christine Cheng, Alumni Relations officer.

 By Stephen Bhogal
 UMAA (Singapore)

http://www.facebook.com/yourUMAAS

The 3010's out!

The University of Melbourne's newly rebranded Melbourne University Magazine (titled '3010') was posted to alumni the world over very recently. Some of us in Singapore received them just this week in our mailboxes! You can also read the web or pdf version of 3010.

It was such a pleasant surprise to see that UMAA (Singapore) was featured in the international alumni news, where there were references to our wine education and tasting Welcome Home event.

The image below shows page 31 of the magazine where the 'New alumni welcomed home' article can be found!

And for those of you who are just as curious as us about the 3010 masthead of the magazine, here's what the editorial team have to say about it:

"The 3010 postcode is unique to the University of Melbourne and while today the University extends far beyond 3010, we wanted to recognise the place where it all started 161 years ago."

An apt selection, and one that will surely grow on us! Cheers to the Editorial Board on a nice piece of work! We look forward to the second issue with anticipation. 

Danny

On behalf of UMAA (Singapore)

http://www.facebook.com/yourUMAAS

 

12 July's Comedy Time!

Not to be missed!

 

UMAA(S) invites you on Saturday, 12 July to a night-out with the superstars of Australia's biggest comedy festival! Off the leash and on the road, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow is a comedy odyssey, bringing a raft of ...the world's best comedy to one big show.

 

 

This year's stellar line-up features hillarious performances by Luke McGregor (Best Newcomer MICF 2013), Joel Creasely (Best Show Nominee, Sydney), Ronny Chieng (Director's Choice Awards MICF 2013), Annie Edmonds, and Harley Breen (Comic's Choice Award MICF 2013) as MC.
Be prepared for the cast of comic travellers to have you belly-laughing, as they take the Roadshow to you!

Date: 12 July
Time: 6pm (2.5hr show)
Venue: DBS Arts Centre
Price: $45 only, Cat 2 Tickets (U.P. $65. Alumni save 30% when they book through UMAAS)

You're encouraged to mingle after the show over personal dinner & drinks arrangements.

Kindly RSVP by 30 June 2014 to unimelb.alumni@gmail.com
Reservations will only be confirmed upon payment to UMAA(S) via bank transfer, cheque or PayPal.

 

Email umaas.finance@gmail.com if you have payment enquiries.

Tickets go fast and are subject to availability, so RSVP early!

 

Thank you,

Danny

 

On behalf of UMAA(S)

24 June Business and Economics Annual Dean’s Dinner!

Dear Alumni,

Come 24 June, enjoy a social evening in the Tower Club, one of Singapore's premier venues. Make new connections with alumni professionals and catch up on developments in the Business & Economics Faculty and University from Professor Paul Kofman! Light dinner and drinks will be provided.

RSVP directly to fbe-alumni@unimelb.edu.au

 

Date:	Tuesday 24 June 2014
Time:	7pm for 7:30pm to 10:30pm
Venue:	Ba Xian Dining Room Tower Club Singapore 9 Raffles Place, Penthouse (62nd – 64th floors) Republic Plaza 1, Singapore 048619 Location map
Cost:	AUD$40 per head for University of Melbourne Alumni
Registration:	Essential. Please register here
Tower Club Dress Code:	Business Attire. White ties are not mandated – sleeves are.  Jeans, T-shirts, shorts, baseball caps, sneakers, slippers, sandals, denim dresses and trousers, and disheveled dresses are not allowed whilst in the Club.
Enquiries:	cche@unimelb.edu.au or call +61-3-8344-3507

RSVP directly to fbe-alumni@unimelb.edu.au
We look forward to seeing you there!

Thank you,
Danny
On behalf of UMAA(S)

Annual General Meeting and International Buffet Dinner

The University of Melbourne Alumni Association Singapore (UMAAS) was pleased to invite alumni to join them for a delicious buffet dinner on Sunday 25 May. The event was very well received with more than 60 rsvps. Also attending the event was special guest of honour Ms Tracy Harris, Australian Trade Commissioner. The alumni had the opportunity to hear from two fascinating guest speakers during the evening: Mr Kevin Gin, CFA, who spoke about China and how the country would restructure its economy allowing for sustainable economic growth; Mr David James Watson who spoke about how values have shaped him as a person and enabled him to achieve hugely significant things such as his Earth Hour and Palm Oil campaigns as well as raising funds for sustainable clean water by running 250km across the Gobi Desert.

Thanking everyone who has made the event a huge success. A special thanks to the Tracy, Kevin, David, and all alumni presidents / representatives from the various alumni associations (Monash, RMIT, UTS, South Australia, Murdoch, Adelaide) for gracing our event.

Congratulations to the new leadership team: Danny J (President); Andrew Swee (Vice President); Kelvin Koh (Treasurer); and Bryan Tan (Secretary).

I wish the new leadership team all success in the coming year !

Cheers

Melvin Gwee

Outgoing UMAAS President

Pulau Ubin Sensory Trail Guided Tour

The easy-going sensory guided walk was an excellent introduction to the rustic and natural character of Pulau Ubin. The participants were able to touch, see or smell fruit trees, spices and herbs for cooking, plants used in traditional medicine and the economic crops that were used to sustain Pulau Ubin villagers.

The walk took about 1 – 1.5 hours to complete.

This is our second collaborative event with two other alumni associations from South Australia and Monash. There were 60 participants from the three alumni associations (including 23 from UMAAS). Each alumni was only entitled to 20 participants given the limited number of tour guides (only 3) from the National Parks, and we were oversubscribed after the 5th day of marketing this event.

Thanking South Australia for leading the event, and graciously offering to reduce their number of participants to accommodate ours. Special thanks to Charles Ong from South Australia/Monash for his detailed planning of the event.

And finally, our appreciation to Kelvin Koh, Danny J and Andrew Swee for coordinating the actual day logistics and ensuring an interesting and enjoyable event for everyone. The pictures below say it all !