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Straits Times
25-05-2025
- Health
- Straits Times
NYP nursing grad who lost father at a young age will now study medicine at NUS
Ms Charmaine Cheng, 21, recently graduated with a diploma in nursing from Nanyang Polytechnic. PHOTO: COURTESY OF NANYANG POLYTECHNIC NYP nursing grad who lost father at a young age will now study medicine at NUS The TL;DR: Having lost her father when she was just 10, Charmaine Cheng was determined to help others in a vulnerable position. This led her to obtain a Diploma in Nursing at Nanyang Polytechnic and enrol to study medicine at NUS. Ms C harmaine Cheng was ten years old when her father, who had been diagnosed with stage four colon cancer, died. During that trying time, the young Charmaine saw the impact doctors and nurses had on patients and their families, which instilled in her the ambition to enter the medical field herself. On May 7, she graduated with a diploma in nursing from Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) , having received the Tay Eng Soon Health & Social Sciences Award and the MOH Holdings Gold Medal for being the cohort's top scorer. And as the next step, Ms Cheng will be joining the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine in August. She made the leap after she was nominated by NYP for a Public Service Commission (PSC) Scholarship in 2024 due to her stellar academic performance. S ince nursing was not listed as one of the PSC Scholarship's professional service career tracks, she decided to pivot to medicine to continue pursuing her passion for healthcare. Said the now-21-year-old: 'With the help of my lecturers and friends, I started exploring my options, and realised that medicine allowed me to pursue the same goals of addressing chronic illnesses of patients, just with a different job scope.' She added that her attraction to medicine stems from the spirit of unconditional giving, exemplified by her mother's selfless nature. After the death of Ms Cheng's father, the family struggled to pay off around $100,000 in medical bills, as he had undergone an expensive – and unsubsidised – trial treatment after chemotherapy proved ineffective. Her mother, a public servant, took on part-time jobs over the weekends, serving up burgers and fries at McDonald's, to supplement the family's income. Ms Cheng witnessed her mother's emotional struggles, but said that she 'never looked like she hated (her job) or was ashamed of i t'. Inspired by their mother's resilience, Ms Cheng and her older sister decided to help as much as they could, working part-time as restaurant servers since they were 14 and 15 years old, respectively. Ms Cheng recalls doing what she could to alleviate the family's financial burden. 'I remember not buying Milo on some days,' she said, 'so I could save that extra dollar, and then giving whatever little I had accumulated to my mum. 'Looking back, it only helped so much. But I could truly see that my mom was very appreciative of whatever effort that we put in.' Ms Cheng's mother sold their house, and they moved in with her grandmother when she was 14. They all live there together still. D espite her family's struggles, Ms Cheng held on to the dream of helping patients in vulnerable situations similar to her own, which led her to pursue nursing at NYP in 2021. She also received monthly allowances, and her school fees were partially paid for after she successfully applied for a sponsorship bond with Changi General Hospital in 2023. The bond and the proceeds from selling the house allowed the family to become debt-free when Ms Cheng was 19. Ms Cheng is now working part-time at the Serangoon Gardens branch of 1doc Mediline Wei Min Clinic, where she has shadowed doctors and supported them as a clinic assistant since November 2024. During her three years as an NYP nursing student, she interned at different CGH wards as part of the curriculum . Ms Cheng interned at different wards in CGH for all three years of her polytechnic studies, as part of her curriculum. PHOTO: COURTESY OF CHARMAINE CHENG In her final year internship, she spent 14 weeks at CGH's geriatric ward, which provides medical treatment for elderly patients suffering from various conditions like dementia and delirium. 'It was quite overwhelming,' Ms Cheng admitted. 'Everyone was shouting for help or screaming and crying. I remember coming home at the end of some days, telling my family I didn't think the job was for me. ' Families – especially caregivers – would approach her and berate her for occasional delays in updating them on their loved ones' conditions, which added to her pressures. '(My teachers) taught me how to block off surrounding noise and focus on the patient. They also taught me how to tell if a patient needed medical help or was just venting his or her emotions. I'm very grateful to them,' she said. Ms Cheng (second from left) was also 'upgraded' to the student nurse position in her final internship, with more responsibilities such as serving medicines, taking patient cases and addressing any updates to the family. PHOTO: COURTESY OF CHARMAINE CHENG The staff nurses in her ward also intervened when situations with caregivers got tense, so she was 'seldom in the direct line of their anger', she said. She vividly remembers an elderly female patient who was suffering from foot gangrene and would throw things on the floor. After multiple failed attempts to calm the patient, Ms Cheng tried speaking to her in basic Hokkien, which she picked up from her mother. 'When I spoke to her in Hokkien, she finally felt comfortable responding to me, and over time I got to know her better,' said Ms Cheng. Ms Cheng also learnt to read the woman's body language, and could deliver her the necessary medication when she was in pain. As a prospective doctor, she hopes to specialise in preventive care, so she can help patients address chronic illnesses like diabetes and osteoporosis. She said: 'I know what it feels like to be in a vulnerable position, so I want to walk with my patients in everything they go through.' Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Nanyang Polytechnic introduces Singapore's First Common Programme in Business, IT and Engineering
First-of-its-kind in Singapore, it allows learners articulation into diplomas in three Schools. Programme is one of five new NYP options for the 2025 Early Admissions Exercise. SINGAPORE, May 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- For the first time, learners can opt for and enrol in the new Common Business & Technology Programme (CBTP) offered by Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP). Approved by the Ministry of Education, the new programme will be offered for the first time at the upcoming Early Admissions Exercise (EAE) next month. The CBTP has innovatively structured the first semester so that entrants can articulate to diplomas in three separate NYP Schools: Business Management, IT and Engineering (or BITE). Learners will take interdisciplinary modules like Applied Business Fundamentals & Communication, Programming, and UX Design in Web Development in the first semester. After a taster of all three disciplines, they can make informed choices and select their preferred diploma in the three Schools to pursue. "We believe in empowering learners with the choice to shape their own polytechnic journey," said Mr Russell Chan, Principal and CEO of NYP. "We call it our 'programme with bite!' Why? It's powerful: it gives learners room to explore their interests in three distinctively different disciplines, discover their strengths, and make confident choices about their future." "We're proud to be the first polytechnic in Singapore to offer this cross-school programme, and we're excited to see how it opens new doors for a new generation of learners." Navigating post-secondary education can be challenging for learners who are still unsure about their pathways. This is perhaps why Common Entry Programmes (CEPs) have gained popularity since their introduction in 2017. Today, 30 per cent of the cohort enrolling into Polytechnics choose CEPs to start their polytechnic life. These Programmes allow learners to spend one or two semesters learning fundamental modules before deciding on their specialised diplomas. However, all previous CEPs in local polytechnics have been School-based. This means that learners would go on to specialise in their chosen academic School's disciplines. For example, a learner who enrols in NYP's Common Engineering Programme would then choose among the School of Engineering's diplomas, such as Aerospace Engineering, AI & Data Engineering, or Sustainability in Engineering with Business. NYP's new Programme becomes the 26th Common Entry Programme to be offered across the five polytechnics in Singapore. It is one of five new options that NYP is offering for learners starting polytechnic next year in AY2026. Applications for all these courses will be open at the upcoming EAE. The other new courses are: 1. Diploma in Biomedical Science with Analytics With data being critical in the decision-making process, particularly for the healthcare sector where time is of essence, the demand for professionals who can bridge science and analytics is ever increasing. The new Diploma in Biomedical Science with Analytics combines biomedical fundamentals with applied data skills, enabling learners to analyse complex biological datasets to support research, diagnostics, and innovation in healthcare. Beyond equipping learners with skills in diagnostic and clinical research, graduates will also be equipped with practical skills in AI and data analytics, bioinformatics and biomedical research to put them at the forefront of the biomedical industry. Through partnerships with leading healthcare institutions and research facilities in Singapore, learners will gain hands-on experience working with real-world biological datasets and analytical tools. 2. Diploma in Cloud Engineering The cloud engineering industry is estimated to grow more than 14 per cent annually, and be worth US$1,066 billion globally by 2031[1]. With cloud platforms now underpinning everything from e-commerce to entertainment, the demand for cloud engineers continues to surge. NYP's new Diploma in Cloud Engineering is the only polytechnic course in Singapore that integrates both hardware and software knowledge and skills, preparing tomorrow's cloud engineers with the skills to design, build and manage the infrastructure that powers digital transformation across various industries. Learners will gain hands-on experience through projects and internships with industry leaders in cloud technology like GovTech and Singtel-Nxera, and be equipped with industry-recognised certifications from AI Singapore. 3. Diploma in Media & Communication Management In a media landscape driven by digital platforms and rapid content cycles, communicators must be strategic, agile, and tech-savvy. The Diploma in Media & Communication Management will train learners at thinking holistically about strategic communication, craft compelling messages, manage brand narratives, and execute integrated campaigns across multiple channels. Learners will gain practical experience not just in the aspect of media and communications like content creation, public relations, and communications strategy, but also business management fundamentals, preparing them for dynamic roles in branding, media, corporate communications and beyond. They will be able to put these skills into practice through internships and projects with the likes of Mediacorp, SGAG, and Mothership. 4. Diploma in Business Management: New Specialisations in AI, Psychology A McKinsey report in 2025[2] found that while nearly all companies invest in AI, only one per cent consider themselves mature in AI integration – not due to a lack of technology or talent, but a shortfall in strategic leadership and human-centred thinking. To equip our learners with future-ready skills needed to thrive in the everchanging landscape, NYP's Diploma in Business Management will offer two new specialisations from academic year 2026 (commencing Apr 2026) – AI & Business Digitalisation and Business Psychology. The only business diploma in Singapore that allows learners to start specialising from year two, the diploma also boasts the largest number of specialisations – seven – among local polytechnics. Beyond the two new specialisations, learners can choose from existing specialisations like International Business, Human Capital Management, E-Commerce & Retail, Supply Chain & Logistics Management, and Marketing. More information on all five new course offerings is found in the Annexes. Enrolment into these new programmes starts in June 2025, through the EAE. For more information, visit NYP's EAE Festival on campus on 30 and 31 May 2025, or FACT SHEETS ANNEX A All of NYP's new diploma offerings are taught under its unique Professional Competency Model – as its name suggests, it is about ensuring that graduates emerge with skills that address real world needs alongside theoretical knowledge. This integrated approach means that subjects are not taught in isolation but are combined in practical, real-world scenarios. For instance, when learners work on assignments and projects, they simultaneously apply technical knowledge, data analysis skills, and business communication as they develop solutions and present recommendations. Through partnerships with industry leaders, learners will undergo curriculum that is co-developed and co-taught by experts in their field. They will also receive industry-recognised co-certificates that put them a step ahead of their peers. Common Business & Technology Programme (CBTP) School of Business Management, School of Engineering, School of Information Technology This new cross-disciplinary common entry programme helps address a common challenge faced by post-secondary learners who are uncertain about their preferred diploma. Many O-Level graduates, while possessing strong academic foundations, often find it challenging to choose between business, engineering, or technology pathways. The CBTP provides these learners with the unique opportunity to experience all three disciplines firsthand, allowing them to make more informed decisions about their academic and career trajectories based on actual experience rather than preconceptions. Learners who enrol in the CBTP will learn the fundamentals for all three disciplines in their first semester, before selecting one discipline to pursue. Those who choose the business discipline will pursue a Diploma in Business Management, while learners with interest in engineering or technology will be posted to the Common Engineering Programme or the Common ICT Programme respectively. This group of learners will undergo another semester in the common entry programme and take on more domain-specific modules, before deciding on their preferred Engineering or IT diploma to pursue from Year 2. As part of the programme, learners will also go through a series of education and career guidance (ECG) activities, including school immersion activities, career profiling, and mentorship, to guide them in making confident and informed choices about their learning path. ANNEX B Diploma in Biomedical Science with Analytics (DBMSA) School of Applied Science With hands-on experience in analysing datasets and leveraging analytical tools, DBMSA learners are skilled in handling both laboratory and analytical work. The programme's industry-aligned curriculum ensures graduates are ready to contribute in clinical research organisations, pharmaceutical companies, or healthcare technology firms. They will be equipped to support data-driven decision-making in healthcare, contribute to biomedical lab research, and drive innovation in diagnostic technologies. Graduates of the Diploma programme can sit for the International Medical Laboratory Technician MLT(ASCPi) certification examinations offered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). This internationally recognised qualification is highly valued, being a benchmark of excellence for laboratory professionals across more than 30 nations. Having this certification enhances one's prospects for both job opportunities and career growth within the healthcare sector. ANNEX C Diploma in Cloud Engineering (DCE) School of Engineering Cloud engineers are the brains that power the tech behind the likes of Netflix and Spotify. Additionally, businesses and government agencies are also moving operations and data to the cloud for scalability, flexibility, and cost-efficiency, bringing about an increasing need for skilled and versatile individuals. DCE prepares learners for more than just data centre management. In addition to key domain skillsets in cloud engineering such as cloud architecture, automation and cybersecurity, it also equips them with significant transferrable skills in innovation, sustainability, digitalisation and AI, which aligns with broader digital sustainability efforts in Singapore. As Singapore continues its Smart Nation journey, DCE graduates will be well-positioned to support various sectors in their cloud adoption and digital transformation efforts, contributing effectively to Singapore's growing digital economy. ANNEX D Diploma in Media & Communication Management (DMCM) School of Business Management DMCM equips learners with competencies in the likes of business communication and innovation, business intelligence and data science, digital media communication, on top of hard skills in media design and production. Learners graduate as all-rounders in media, communications and business – opening doors for hybrid roles and multiple pathways for further studies. Through partnerships with prominent media organisations, the public sector, and businesses, learners can hone their ability to produce compelling content that educates, amuses, and motivates audiences. They also gain hands-on experience through industry-based projects, learn from seasoned professionals during guest sessions, and build valuable connections whilst staying current with emerging media trends. For example, year one learners can enhance their presentation abilities through workshops with SPH Radio, with the opportunity to work alongside evening radio presenters. ANNEX E Diploma in Business Management (DBM) School of Business Management The dual specialisation structure in a business management diploma addresses a growing industry need for hybrid talent – professionals who are agile, adaptable, and able to work across disciplines. As the business landscape evolves, graduates will need more than technical knowledge. They will need the ability to think creatively, analyse trends, and understand people. The new AI & Business Digitalisation specialisation offers learners hands-on learning opportunities with low-code digital tools, empowering them to create business apps and digital solutions with ease. By demystifying technologies like predictive analytics and automation, learners gain the confidence to apply digital strategies in real-world settings – with no technical background required. In the new Business Psychology specialisation, learners explore areas such as consumer behaviour, user experience (UX), and organisational psychology – skills that are increasingly vital for companies seeking to enhance customer experience and manage workplace change. [1] Source: Verified Market Research, "Cloud Engineering Market Size And Forecast," [2] Source: McKinsey, "Superagency in the workplace: Empowering people to unlock AI's full potential," View original content: SOURCE Nanyang Polytechnic Sign in to access your portfolio
Straits Times
20-05-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
New polytechnic pathway lets students explore business, IT and engineering before specialising
Nanyang Polytechnic's new common business and technology programme gives students more flexibility to explore different courses before deciding what they want to study. PHOTO: ST FILE SINGAPORE - Students joining Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) who are undecided on what diploma to pursue will be able to get a taster of three different fields – engineering, business and technology – in the latest of polytechnic common entry programmes. NYP has launched a new programme called the common business and technology programme, giving students more flexibility to explore different courses before deciding what they want to study. It is the latest addition to the growing number of common entry programmes, which are designed for students to explore various diploma courses within a specific disciplinary cluster before specialising in a chosen field. For example, at Singapore Polytechnic's common engineering programme, students get to explore all seven diplomas within the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering before choosing their diploma at the end of Year 1. NYP's new programme cuts across three schools – business, information technology and engineering – and will be open for application during the upcoming Early Admissions Exercise in June 2025, for those entering poly in 2026. It did not specify how many students will be part of the first intake. Students who join the programme will take a mix of modules from all three fields in their first semester – such as business communication, programming and user experience design. After getting a taste of each discipline, students can choose one of the three schools to specialise in from their second semester onwards. NYP principal and chief executive Russell Chan said this new programme will help students to make an informed choice when selecting their diploma, amid overwhelming options after secondary school or Institute of Technical Education. 'While existing common entry programmes allow students six months to one year to develop broad-based skillsets before choosing their preferred diploma, these common entry programmes remain domain-specific,' Mr Chan said, adding that NYP's new programme allows students 'to explore and have a taster of three different areas'. Common entry programmes were first introduced in 2017, and have become a popular option for students, with about 30 per cent of polytechnic students beginning their studies in such courses. These programmes typically give students one or two semesters to build foundational skills before choosing a diploma to pursue. With NYP's new programme, there are now 26 common entry programmes across the five polytechnics in Singapore. Gabrielle Chan is a journalist at The Straits Times, and covers everything related to education in Singapore. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Straits Times
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Self-taught and self-made: Nanyang Polytechnic's K-Wave club moves beyond K-pop
Members of the K-Wave Club performing the song Drip by BabyMonster at the Student Life Carnival held in April. PHOTO: SYLVIA TAN Self-taught and self-made: Nanyang Polytechnic's K-Wave club moves beyond K-pop The TL;DR: The K-Wave Club is a co-curricular activity at Nanyang Polytechnic inspired by the Hallyu wave. The cultural club engages in performances where it performs to Korean pop songs, among other activities. Seven students dressed in boldly coloured outfits belted out the lyrics to the song Drip by BabyMonster while executing slick dance moves, drawing curious and appreciative looks at Nanyang Polytechnic's (NYP) Student Life Carnival, a co-curricular activities (CCAs) showcase, in April. They are members of the K-Wave Club, a cultural club inspired by all things Korean. Preparation for performances like this often takes more than a month, with rehearsals running into the night as performers sing and synchronise their dance moves over and over in front of a large mirror. Members of the K-Wave Club performing at the Student Life Carnival in April. PHOTO: SYLVIA TAN All this is done without hired instructors, and with performers learning dance and vocal techniques from other members and alumni instead. The reason? The K-Wave Club is not a performing arts group but a cultural club, founded in 2015 by a group of K-pop fans who wanted to spread their passion for the Hallyu wave, which encompasses Korean music, movies, as well as games and cuisines. Said Ms Kyit Lim, 20, who used to head the K-Wave Club until she graduated in May: 'Members do not need to be experienced in dance or singing. They can be doing it for fun as there is no pressure to join performances. In fact, some members join purely to understand Korean culture better.' Ms Lim is currently working as a temporary social media marketing assistant at SPH Media while waiting to enter university. Students interested in joining the K-Wave Club simply submit their interest via a link on the CCA's Instagram page. There are no auditions. The student-led club focuses on improving members' singing and dancing skills while connecting them to Korean culture through K-pop, traditional Korean games and Korean history. Its 300 members can choose to join either the dance or vocal class, held weekly on Mondays. Members also gather every two months for a game and culture session. During those sessions, Korean lecturers from NYP's Centre for Innovation and Life Skills are invited to talk about the history of the games, for instance, and give out prizes like Korean tidbits to the winners. Year 3 student Khidash Mohammed M. Mohammed Ajeeb, 19, joined the CCA because he 'loves K-pop and wanted to experience what Korean culture offered beyond music'. Since joining the club, he has also learnt to play traditional Korean games such as ddakji, which involves folded origami tiles and gonggi, which involves the throwing and catching of five round stones. Members of the K-Wave Club at a CCA session. PHOTO: SYLVIA TAN Mr Khidash said: 'These culture sessions let me understand the lives of Korean people better. I now know the snacks that they grew up eating and the activities that they participated in from a young age.' In the vocal class, vocalists are divided into smaller groups and choose a K-pop song, based on the theme they are given. They learn vocal techniques such as pitch and breath control. Dance class members are split into two teams and dance to either boy or girl group K-pop songs, with feedback from dance committee members or alumni. At the end of each practice session, both vocalists and dancers will perform the pieces they have worked on. Though Mr Khidash initially faced challenges when he joined the K-wave Club, he found himself eventually able to dance at the same pace as his peers. He said: 'Despite how hard training for performances is, the experience is valuable as I am forced to dance as a group and adapt my pace and style to complement other members. I also learnt how to take advice from others, judge my dancing from different perspectives and socialise better.' Members put up K-pop performances at on-campus events such as NYP's Annual Arts festival Spectrum, a platform for cultural and performing arts CCA's to host workshops and performances. Those who are keen on performing at shows must audition for spots. Beyond the campus, the K-Wave Club also performed at the Homegrown Festival in 2024 at OCBC Square, which featured local artists such as Jean Seizure and Dominic Chin. K-Wave member Bernice Lim Yu Xin, 17, a Year 2 student, said: 'I have grown my skills as a dancer and built close friendships with my teammates whom I've trained and performed with. K-Wave is a place where I seek comfort and a source of happiness. I hope to continue improving, enjoy every moment, and make more fond memories to look back on in the future.' Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Straits Times
29-04-2025
- General
- Straits Times
Poly student edition: What's in my bag?
Polytechnic students reveal the items they must have in their bags. PHOTO: ISTOCKPHOTO The TL;DR: As polytechnic students head back to school, they reveal some of the common items in their bags they can't do without – laptops, headphones or earphones, towels, and lip products. We peek inside the bags of six students to find out what they cannot do without. Ms Riko Wong, 18, student at Temasek Polytechnic: Ms Riko Wong needs her setting powder to make sure her make-up stays in place and lasts all day. 'I need my AirPods to listen to music as my journey to school from the west where I live takes more than an hour. The next item is my phone, which I need in order to get on public transport as all my cards are (installed) on my phone. 'I also need my Charlotte Tilbury setting powder as it is my quick make-up fix. I apply setting powder to lock everything in place. Setting powder absorbs excess oil, gives a matte finish and helps my make-up stay in place longer even when sweating in the hot weather. 'I did not bring my mini fan today as I forgot to charge it, but it's usually in my bag. It's a must-have for the hot weather. Although our classrooms are generally air-conditioned, we still need to walk to classes and will sweat when walking.' Ms Lauryn Esha D'cruz, 19, student at Nanyang Polytechnic: Perfume keeps Ms Lauryn Esha D'cruz smelling good throughout the day. 'I always carry perfume to ensure that I smell good, and I keep my lips hydrated with my Summer Fridays lip balm. 'AirPods are a must for me as I live in Bedok and have to travel very far to get to school. I'm studying experiential product and interior design, and I work on my own designs after the lecturer has briefed the students. AirPods help me block out the noise in class. 'I also carry my laptop to school as I have work to do. I pack a mousepad as well, as the tabletops in school are glass which is difficult to move a mouse on.' Mr Tan Chin Tiong, 18, student at Nanyang Polytechnic: Mr Tan Chin Tiong keeps a pair of basketball shoes in his bag for shooting hoops after school. 'The most important item is my phone as I need it to communicate with my friends and family. Next is my face towel because the weather is very hot. I like to go to the gym after school, so I need it to dry myself with. 'Lastly, I bring an extra pair of shoes – my Rigorer AR1. These are basketball shoes as I like to play basketball after school too. 'I carry a backpack to school as I need to fit in my shoes, extra clothes, computer and more. A tote bag can't fit all these items, and I find a backpack more convenient.' Ms Gabrielle Tibuludji, 18, student at Temasek Polytechnic: Headphones are a must for Ms Gabrielle Tibuludji, who cannot do without music. 'Headphones are a must as I listen to the indie-pop artiste Mico on the way to school, even though I only live 30 minutes away from school. I am unable to go for even a five-minute walk without any music. 'I also have my Nivea lip balm with me because my lips get dry easily as I do not drink enough water.' Mr Ng Yi Tang, 20, student at Nanyang Polytechnic: Mr Ng Yi Tang needs a towel for after-school dance practice. 'One of my must-haves is my water bottle as Singapore is very hot and I need to stay hydrated. Next, I have my mini fan, which I bought for around $10 from a TikTok shop to help me stay cool. 'Lastly, I am a dancer from NYP's Foreign Bodies club so I need my towel, as dancing makes me sweat. 'I use a backpack rather than a tote bag or sling bag as it is more secure and the straps are less likely to tear easily.' Mr Ng Kai Xiang, 18, student at Nanyang Polytechnic: Mr Ng Kai Xiang needs tissues to cope with his sinus and occasional spills. 'I don't want to be bored in class, so I have something to fiddle with, such as my crocheting. I learnt crocheting over the school holidays and I'm currently trying to crochet a circle. 'I have an umbrella as I don't want to be caught out by the rain, and two portable chargers in case my devices run out of battery. 'Lastly, I always have tissues with me as I sneeze a lot due to my sinus and I need them for the occasional spill. 'Even though a backpack is reliable, I do not like the way it looks on me, so I just stick to my sling bag.' Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
