The Buffalo Horn #5 (Spring 2018) by UBSC Publications

The Buffalo Horn

Spring 2018

ISSUE 05

contents 03

FOREWORD

MEET THE TEAM

ON NEW INTERACTIONS SIM-UB Freshmen Orientation Camp (Spring 2018)

SIM PHILOSOPHY CLUB Bringing Sexy Back to Philosophy

ECO-SIM

SIM-UB EXCHANGE PROGRAMME Winter Abroad In London

ART & MEDITATION WITH DR. RADHI RAJA

NEW HORIZONS WITH DR. LACEY STEIN

EASY-TO-DO PEANUT BUTTER CHOCOLATE BARS Indulge in some sinfully simple desserts this stressful period

SPOTLIGHT: SOPHIA KAO From hardship to heartbreak, Sophia Kao bares it all through her art

STORIES FROM A GIFT CRAFTER

STORIES RETOLD

MUSIC

DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T CRY FOR ME ARGENTINA A review of Evita The Musical

POST-OSCAR BLUES

BOBII FRUTII SINGAPORE

APPS Get it on Wi-fi. Stat.

FOREWORD

Kevin F. McKelvey Resident Director SIM-UB Programs

Katie L. Fassbinder Assistant Resident Director SIM-UB Programs

Dear SIM-UB Students, Faculty, Staff, and Friends, I am pleased to introduce this edition of The Buffalo Horn, themed “Stories from Us,” especially because my own story is so deeply connected with UB, both in Buffalo and here in Singapore. My UB story began nearly 25 years ago, when I enrolled in the Graduate School of Education in Buffalo. Since then, it has been the highlight of my professional life to launch and grow the SIM-UB undergraduate programme, and I hope that our alumni, current students, and many generations of students to come will enjoy the same wonderful experience that I have enjoyed as a member of UB’s global community. A big thanks to the Horn staff for giving us the opportunity to share our SIM-UB stories! Fellow Buffaloves, Happy Spring and positive vibes to the UB basketball teams moo-ving up in their tournaments! A special shout out to the SIMUB SC for their continued support. With another semester underway comes a new edition of my favourite magazine, The Buffalo Horn. This issue is about stories. Everyone has one, some have many. In keeping with the UB community spirit, I fully encourage you to reach out to someone new and ask them theirs. Give a stranger the gift of gab and tell them yours! Everyone in their stories has the potential to break down barriers, move people to cry or laugh, inspire and motivate. Hone, write, and share yours. I know my office could always use a good laugh!

Salutations, fellow bulls! Hope all has been well for all of you! This year, you can look forward to more events Kenneth Tan hosted by your peers from President Student SIM-UB Student Council 2018 the Council, from recreation to future planning. I would like to show my utmost appreciation and gratitude towards the Publications Department, for The Buffalo Horn will not be made possible without each and everyone of them. The Buffalo Horn has always been a platform for us to connect with our UB peers and we will continue to do so. With the growing strength of the UB pride and culture here in SIM, we only plan to make it stronger. Till the next issue, we hope you enjoy The Buffalo Horn and stay tuned for our upcoming events!

Surprised!? (I am too) Hey hey people, welcome to the 5th issue of The Buffalo Horn for 2018. You must be wondering “wow, it looks different” and well, you’re right. Trish & Eu Jinn Our team decided to change the aesthetics ½ + ½ Director of Publications to a minimalist’s fantasy SIM-UB Student Council 2018 for a new start. We are very excited to be your storytellers this year so please look forward to it! A big thanks to the team as always for making a stellar effort to creating an amazing magazine and of course, you, the continued support of students to keep us going. So long, and thanks for the fish. —Eu Jinn Hey there fellow UB-ians! It’s Spring 2018 which means, a new edition of The Buffalo Horn! This time, the Publications crew has taken a new direction for the magazine – as you can see. Shoutout to my Publications crew for such amazing work! Kick back, relax and let the Horn tell its story. Stay tuned and have an awesome 2018 ahead UB Peeps. Stay Happy (and Healthy)! —Trish

meet the team th e fa ces behind the m a g a zine

directors of publications CHIA EU JINN TRISH KAUR

lead writers TANVEEN VOHRA ZACHARY SOH

lead designer VIVIEN LOW

writers ALVIN HO ANDREA LOH CASIA CHEW CHERYL POH CHRISTIAN SNG GLEN WONG KULVIN KAUR NICKSON ONG PRANAMMEKA SATHYA SHANE ANG SNG LER JUN TRICIA LIM

designers ASHWINI THANABALAN BENJAMIN SEETOH DIYANAH BINTE MOHAMED KASSIM IFFAH DURRAH KAJAI SOFILIA BINTE ZAIDEE

MEET THE TEAM

ON NEW INTERACTIONS

FOC

WORDS BY ANDREA LOH & SNG LER JUN

he challenge for every freshly matriculated college student is finding a way to cope with the unerring sense of unfamiliarity in a new environment. Considering how everyone comes from different backgrounds, it’s really not that surprising. Here’s where orientation camps come in. With three intakes a year, UB’s Freshmen Orientation Camps (FOCs) are never the run-of-the-mill farce. There is a need to be — for the lack of a better word — fresh. At its core, it is straightforward, effective, and wholly entertaining. This semester’s concept was a simple one: two teams, six groups, one mission, and a two-days-one-night fiasco. This year the Spring 2018 Freshman Orientation Camp drew inspiration from two films: dystopian horror film The Purge, and spy-action comic book turned movie series Kingsman. Combining the two, the camp gathered agents (Knightsmen and Horsemen) to identify the Purge Master and expunge the purge. The FOC took place on the 16th and 17th January and was held at two venues: Sarimbun Scout Camp, and SIM. On the first day, freshies went through usual informational college talks and a campus tour conducted by the Orientation Group Leaders (OGLs). Simple ice-breaker games, cheers, and dances were introduced in an effort to build teamwork and foster new friendships. The monotony of the day was short-lived for the real fun began at Sarimbun, where freshies got the chance to dance, play more games, and trek through the legendary UB Night Walk. Everyone, including the Housemasters and OGLs, had a whale of a time coming together to teach and learn the choreography for the mass dance. One could say that it was a chaotic mess of flustered movements and awkward poses. If there was one thing we could possibly agree on, DNCE’s hit song Kissing Strangers, was the bomb.

FOC

What followed was the UB Night Walk. Freshies were put to the test of finding evidence at various stations in hope of exposing the Purge Masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s identity. All this, while braving darkness and random jump scares by the game masters. The night ended on a high where everyone gathered around the campfire for a skit put up by the Organising Committee, who eventually revealed the true identity of the Purge Master.

FOC Returning to school the following day, Orientation Groups (OGs) spent time polishing up the different cheers and participating in inter-OG games. It was a day filled with loads of physical activity, and everyone was pretty exhausted by the end of the afternoon. However, spirits were lifted as everyone gave one last burst of energy for the mass dance and team cheers. The Organising Committee joined in the fun and quite possibly stole the show with a dance they secretly prepared.

As with the end of every camp, prizes were presented. The awards for Best Freshie went to Gautham Manesh of Knightsmen and Jerome Selvan of Horsemen. For the Best OG, Galahad emerged victorious. The award for the Best Cheer was given to the Horsemen and the Best Overall Team was awarded to the Knightsmen. For every freshman, college is many things, but the lack of companionship will never be one of them. And this is where the magic of UBâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s FOC lies.

PHILOSOPHY CLUB

SIM Philosophy Club

is Bringing Sexy Back to Philosophy

WORDS BY TANVEEN VOHRA

n an island where analytical philosophy is the reigning trend, the new SIM Philosophy Club is breaking new ground, centred on continental philosophy. Explaining the allure of breaking this norm, Club President Sean Francis Han says, “Continental philosophy is a little more free form; a little more radical and holistic, where analytical philosophy is a lot more methodical and mathematical.” Indeed, continental philosophy holds much more appeal to the masses than analytic philosophy — with big names like Jean Paul Sartre, Nietzsche, and Heidegger attached to this particular school. The SIM Philosophy club definitely capitalises on the fame of these philosophers, as Han says, “They add a certain glamour. They make continental philosophy flashier, sexier.” These names aren’t just a marketing gimmick; club meetings usually centre on the background, concepts, themes, and ideas of a particular philosopher to whom the entire session is devoted. In fact, the club allows UB students to explore concepts within their majors in a more relaxed and exploratory fashion, as opposed to a classroom setting. Big names from the fields of communication, sociology, and psychology are regularly broached upon — such as Marshall McLuhan, Sigmund Freud, and fan favourite Karl Marx.

Occasionally the Club holds events centred on philosophy in pop culture settings. One such event was held last October, where an episode of Rick and Morty was screened and then dissected using philosophical themes pertaining to Skepticism. These events are sometimes attended by wellknown philosophers, such as Farhan Idris — a critical theorist from KU Leuven — who attended an event dissecting the philosophy behind Kendrick Lamar’s acclaimed album ‘To Pimp a Butterfly’. Using pop culture references also helps the Club break the stereotype of philosophy being a high brow and inaccessible discourse reserved for only very well-read scholars. The Club is made up of — and certainly welcomes — amateurs hoping to learn basic philosophical themes and terminology. As Vice President Yang Tong puts it, “The Club is very beginner-friendly. Nothing we discuss is too convoluted to understand. Even if there is, it is always packaged in a very accessible, approachable way.” All things considered, it is easy to see why the Philosophy Club is taking off so well — with membership already at 60 after only one and a half semesters. So come on down for artful discussions at 6 PM every Tuesday! To join, please contact email the team at philosophyclub@mymail.sim.edu.sg — or just keep an eye out for the next club event poster, the Club is very welcoming to walk-ins! Photo courtesy of Chia Eu Jinn

ECO-SIM

Eco-SIM: Stand Up For What You Stand On

“W

WORDS BY PRANAMMEKA SATHYA

alking into FoodClique for the first time, I was shocked at how much single-use plastic we use without really realising it. We order food, pack it up, eat it somewhere else on campus, and that’s the end of it. We use straws, containers, spoons, and forks without really thinking about what happens to them after we throw them away barely half an hour later,’’ said Founding President of Eco-SIM Zulkhairee Sulaiman, a second-year University of London (UOL) student majoring in international relations. Founded in 2017, Eco-SIM is an environmental club with a threefold purpose: education, advocacy, and change. A safe space for anyone interested in getting together to practice environmentalism, the Club focuses on both the serious and fun sides of being sustainable. ‘’Eco-SIM is more special than most green clubs because we don’t just focus on green issues, but also on fun and being friends’’ said Eco-SIM’s Marketing Director Hazeera Bi D/O Abdul Wahid, a second-year UOL student majoring in international relations. The Club organises members’ meet-ups called “Hullabaloos”, where members can get together to kick back and relax while talking about environmental issues and how we can counter them as students. ‘’We had a fashion show using just recycled items and had a ramp walk. We learn how to be more sustainable while having fun and

sharing laughs,’’ said Hazeera, recounting the first Hullabaloo organised by the executive committee. Eco-SIM also organises forest cleanups, conducts field trips to environmental spaces, and connects members to a range of environmental events. In November, the Club organised their first keystone event — a sustainability fair at the Student Hub. “It was amazing seeing how supportive the green community is!” said Zulkhairee. “Our sustainability fair had several organisations come onboard with us — such as PM Haze, Bring Your Own (BYO SG), WWF, and LifePlanters. They were more than happy to help out!” This year, the Club is focusing on making sustainable changes to SIM for a cleaner and greener campus by working on a sustainable blueprint. “We’re analysing the structure of the school to make it suit sustainable needs” said the Club’s Research Director Wayne Ang Wei Lun, a second-year UOL student majoring in international relations. “We need to be more conscious of how we treat some of our liberties, like easy access to plastic containers and straws,” said Zulkhairee. “How do we appeal to people? It’s always what we’re asking while planning events.’’ Check out the Club’s upcoming events on Instagram (@eco_sim_) and Facebook (@EcoSIMclub).

LONDON EXCHANGE

Winter Abroad In London WORDS AND PHOTOS BY LEE YOKE MUN

took Sociology of Food in London as part of the SIM-UB Winter Abroad Programme — and it was incredible! I had an amazing experience and got to know students from our home campus. If you’re thinking of applying next Winter, I’ve got you covered! Here are some tips to make the best out of your time there!

What to expect There will be classes on most days but fret not, the weekends are free for you to explore! There’s also a long weekend packed in, just enough for you to roam around the city or fly to neighbouring cities. Amsterdam, Paris, Edinburgh — the adventures that await you are endless.

While there are assignments to complete, most are centered around the array of museums that London has to offer. Use this opportunity to take a closer look at some of the interesting works they have. Food. Lots of it. You’re going to study the Sociology of Food after all. Make sure to try out their local delicacies and visit

LONDON EXCHANGE

ABOVE: View from Sky Garden LEFT: A ticket to Disney's The Lion King, which Loke Mun got to watch at Leicester Square

LEFT: The South Bank, by River Thames ABOVE: Yoke Mun (left) with a friend in London

their markets! You definitely have to try their afternoon tea, fish & chips, and pizza - they’ll bring you on a gastronomic journey. As for theatre fans out there, this programme is something you will not want to miss. Several theatre performances will be included in your calendar, and you might just get the chance to catch some Broadway hits (I caught Wicked)! What better place to stay when visiting London than in the heart of Camden! The Stay Club, a cozy hostel situated opposite Camden Market, will become your home for the few weeks you’re there. Catered to students, it has many amenities, such as study areas, a pool table, and cooking facilities, to ensure that you have a comfortable stay.

Where to go Sky Garden: With drinks and a view like no other, Sky Garden is the place to go. Book your tickets a few days in advance and be treated to London’s stunning skyline at sunset. The best part? Entry is free of charge. Leicester Square: The heart of musicals and theatres, this is where you’ll get to watch many of your favourite acts. Covent Garden is also a stone’s throw away, where street entertainment is plentiful. Camden Town: Where street food, bars, and shopping come together; it’s a place where many people go to hang out during the weekend. The long line of shops is bound to have something for everyone. Be sure to check out Camden Market too, especially

if you like alternative fashion styles and accessories, such as grunge and punk. Shoreditch: Known as the hub of street art and graffiti, it houses renowned works by artists such as Banksy and Ben Wilson. They can be hard to spot so keep your eyes peeled! South Bank: Walk along River Thames while admiring some of London’s bridges and famous landmarks, such as the London Eye and Big Ben. Not only does it host fairs and events, it also has a wide stretch of restaurants and pubs where you can chill and have a good meal.

UB TEACHING

Art & Meditation with Dr. Radhi Raja WORDS BY GLEN WONG & TRICIA LIM

eaching at SIM-UB for ten years now, Dr. Radhi Raja is known within the community as the statistics professor. Students who have taken PSY 207 (Psychological Statistics) or SOC 294 (Basic Statistics for Social Science) would probably be familiar with attempting to solve problem sums, all while having to remember formulas that seem irrelevant to their lives in the long run. But behind Dr. Raja’s technical facade lies an aura of creativity that is unleashed in solitude.

By day, she is a professor at SIMUB; but by night, she becomes an artist in her own right. Citing inspiration from Vincent Van Gogh (fun fact: she shares her birthday with him) and other local artists, such as Yip Yew Cheong and Idris Ali, Dr. Raja uses a wide array of artistic mediums to express herself. From the likes of conventional painting and charcoal sketching to sculpting with recyclable materials, each work of art transports the individual into the wonders of her mind.

For instance, one of her works involves a sculpture of a candlestick made purely out of pistachio shells. Dr. Raja intricately placed each shell, piece by piece, around a centric shape, so that it would resemble a flower. If that is not artistry, then I don’t know what is. “People should definitely express themselves through art,” said the creative doctor. “It declutters the mind, and nourishes the soul.” Aside from art, Dr. Raja is also a certified meditation instructor, specialising in Vipassana

Photos courtesy of Radhi Raja

UB TEACHING

ABOVE: Some of Dr. Radhi Raja's creations BELOW: Dr. Raja (right) leading a meditation class meditation. During the holidays, she would stow away all of her technological devices, and embark on a ten-day retreat to places like Malaysia, India, and even St. John’s Island to meditate in solitude. “Meditation helps you to be self aware,” said Dr. Raja. “And selfawareness allows you to think, and express yourself better.” So, it would be safe to say that mediation and art does, indeed, go together. But how does Dr. Raja manage to balance out her technical and creative sides? “It takes courage (to not be afraid of failure) and willpower to work with the whole brain,” exclaims Dr. Raja. “There is no such thing as being bad at art or math — you would need to try it out for yourself. If not, it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy, and the wirings of your left or right brain will be weakened.”

Truly, art is the gateway to one’s soul. It expresses abstract thoughts, invokes sentimental feelings, and most importantly, liberates the inner person. Whether it be through sketching, painting, sculpting, or even through writing, dancing, acting, or playing an instrument — there are so many thoughts that need

to be decluttered and freed. So pick yourselves up, and follow our good doctor’s example: Make art. P.S: You can follow Dr. Raja on Instagram (@radhiraja30) to view her pieces of artwork that will leave you mesmerised!

UB TEACHING

NEW HORIZONS WITH

DR. LACEY STEIN

WORDS AND PHOTOS BY SNG LER JUN Ler Jun sits with Professor Lacey Stein, and chats about her new life in Singapore. She steps into view, looking across the greenery, coffee in hand and frowning a little under the sun. For someone who has barely spent a year in Singapore, Professor Lacey Stein, who teaches Gender Communications and The Dark Side of Interpersonal Relationship, has coped seemingly well with the hustle and bustle of the tropical city. Taking up a stint with SIM-UB, she left America to seek new exposure.

ON SINGAPORE Fortunately for Dr. Lacey, in spite of the extensive change, she is accompanied by her husband and four-year-old child. The trio often find themselves in Singapore’s dense residential district in their free time — a feat they find rather enjoyable. “It’s the normal everyday life of people living in this culture that intrigues us. Being a Communications professor, I come very much from a social constructionist background. The idea that norms, behaviors, and beliefs are socially constructed in a new land is interesting,” says Dr. Lacey. Dr. Lacey further describes that while she does feel comfortable and acclimated to Singapore, she still feels occasional disorientation. She recollects how in America she found it easy to locate and purchase

everyday home items; something she still has yet figured out in Singapore. “The use of space is different here, and being unable to get your basic human needs taken care of can be an exhausting challenge,” she says. Having been here for slightly more than half a year, it did not take long for Dr. Lacey to realise that life on the Little Red Dot is fast-paced. Comparing how Americans spend a great deal of time at home, she finds people in Singapore spend a huge proportion of their time out hustling. “Go, go, go. That’s me in Singapore. I feel like the city is always packed and moving — you know, although not like — in an unpleasant way,” she shares. “I do tend to be more introverted, so eventually I like to go be in a quiet space, I want to live it up. I love where we are living and I want to be experiencing everything”.

UB TEACHING

ON SINGAPOREANS

For anyone who first sets foot onto Singapore soil, the whole mesh of cultures will undoubtedly mesmerise — if not, intimidate. In Dr. Lacey’s case it was the former, especially when she celebrated Chinese New Year and witnessed the striking extravagance of the lion dance in Chinatown. “It was phenomenal. There’s so much training involved and there’s so much talent in them. It’s beautiful — I couldn’t stop myself from tapping my toes and dancing,” she says, smiling. “None of the audience were dancing. It’s different from America.

who is scared to death about public speaking,” she says, breaking into laughter. “It’s funny because I have been teaching it for years. I guess teaching is different from presenting. Presenting scares the crap out of me and teaching just feels so much more comfortable.” I ventured again — Who are you after work? “Oh, I’m quiet,” she blurts. “Ok, no. Not always. Right now, I am writing my dissertation, but family will always come first. I try really hard to set time aside for them to go and do all the adventures we can find. We love going to Little India or Chinatown. Even

“I don’t feel the same in Singapore and in a lot of ways, it’s a good thing.” How could anyone not dance to that? That’s some powerful drumwork!” Curious, I ventured — How different are Singaporeans from Americans? Dr. Lacey replies almost immediately, “[Singaporeans] are much more reserved. They are focused and I don’t feel the same way with Americans. I don’t get that feeling on the train here as I did on the train in Denver. In America, people want to stand out, whether it’s good or bad. I don’t feel the same in Singapore and in a lot of ways, it’s a good thing.”

ON WORK, FAMILY, AND HUMOUR

Teaching in Singapore breaks many boundaries for Dr. Lacey, she still finds it exhilarating whenever she completes a lecture. In the States, her class size fits 20-ish students, and here, she has to face close to 50 students. But one would find it surprising to know that the Communication professor does not fair well with public speaking. “I am the Public Speaking teacher

doing the normal stuff like going to a grocery stand feels like an adventure.” One thing was consistent throughout my interview with Dr. Lacey; her passion for her family, especially her four-year-old son, Finley whom she calls “a cute little, blonde haired-blue-eyed, maniac-of-a-child”, is most evident. She recounts the time when she brought him to one of her classes, “I can’t quite remember why, but yeah, this is the life of a working mom. Finley had no qualms about being up in front of like 50 people. He was sitting down at the front of the room listening to me and he went like, ‘You guys should listen to my mom’. He is wonderful — he is what saves me from my brain a lot of the time”. I posed one final question — What is your idea of bliss? “I think sitting beside and gazing out into the ocean puts things into perspective. But for now, I will settle with my son being asleep,” she tells me, as we bowl over with laughter.

RECIPE

Easy-to-do Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars WORDS BY ALVIN HO

Preparation Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 1 hour Total Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes Serves: 16

With midterms and project assignments looming over your head, it seems inevitable that stress comes right at you without any warning. One great way to handle the stress is to chow down on some yummy desserts! Similar to the ever-popular Reeseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Peanut Butter Cups, these chocolate bars are the perfect stress relievers. Taking the best parts of the Cups such as the crunch from the fillings, mild chocolate, and rich peanut butter taste, this recipe recreates all of that in a short time! Best of all, the only electrical appliances youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll need is a microwave oven and a refrigerator!

Photo courtesy of Zachary Ong

RECIPE

Ingredients: 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter 1 cup + 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter, divided 1 cup cracker crumbs (simply crush your favourite unsalted crackers in a Ziploc bag) 1 cup powdered sugar 1 cup chocolate chips (milk/white/dark chocolate to your preference) Steps: Line a typical baking pan with aluminium foil and set this aside. Place the butter in a microwave-safe container, and melt the butter completely in the microwave oven (approximately 1 minute). Add 1 cup of the peanut butter, cracker crumbs and powdered sugar into a mixing bowl. Stir until smooth and fully combined. Spread the mixture evenly in the baking pan, then place it in the fridge to set. In another microwave-safe container, melt 2 tablespoons of peanut butter and 1 cup of chocolate chips in the microwave oven (around 40 minutes). Stir mixture until smooth. Spread the chocolate chip mixture (from Step 5) evenly over the peanut butter layer (from Step 4). Leave it to chill in the fridge until firm (around 1 hour). And voila! There you have it â&#x20AC;&#x201D; sweet, creamy, and oh-so-delicious Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars. Enjoy!

SPOTLIGHT

Photos by Benjamin Seetoh

SPOTLIGHT

Spotlight:

Sophia Kao Her single ‘Hell’ has been played over 80,000 times on Spotify — but she refuses to listen to her own music. Zachary Soh speaks to the budding artiste to find out what exactly makes her tick.

SPOTLIGHT

“I

’m really bad with photos”, she chuckles sheepishly. I assure her that she’s doing great, and we talk about the modules she’s taking this semester. Perched on a wooden platform, she fidgets in her seat as the camera goes off. It’s a cloudy Saturday afternoon at Artistry café, and I’m standing in front of Sophia Kao.

cheating on me.” But despite the many lies and his eventual admission of infidelity, she remained by his side. “He kept blaming me [for his unfaithfulness], and I thought to myself, ‘Maybe it’s just me. Maybe it’s because I’m not giving him what he wants’ […] I was so stupid,” she mumbles, staring wistfully at a distance.

Hailing from Cambodia, the 20-year-old artiste and SIM-UB student began uploading cover videos on Facebook around three years ago. “The first song I covered was Million Years Ago by Adele,” she recalls. “When I saw that the video gained over 20,000 views in an hour, I felt like I could do more.”

Explaining that she enjoys writing “raw lyrics”, the straight shooter points out a particular stanza from the song: “You said baby I’ll change I’ll come back to you / This is just a phase all these girls and booze / Please believe me when I say / My heart belongs to you.” She adds: “I don’t have any filter. I mean, if you sing about fake stuff, people won’t believe you.”

On Hell Sophia wrote her first single Hell in a week, during an intense period of emotional turmoil in 2016. “It’s about loving someone despite our differences,” she muses. “[My then-boyfriend and I] were in a longdistance relationship, and I had a feeling that he was

Whatever she’s doing, it’s working — Hell has been played over 80,000 times on Spotify and has garnered over 155,000 views on YouTube. From Instagram Direct Messages to YouTube comments, Sophia has received tons of messages from all over social media. “Heartbroken 16-year-old

SPOTLIGHT

girls have told me that I helped them get through their breakups, and guys have said that my song reminded them of their ex-girlfriends,” she says. “Someone even commented [on YouTube] that after he listened to my song, he ‘cried aggressively for 6 hours’!” But Sophia isn’t one to blow her own trumpet. In fact, when her song comes on the radio in Cambodia, she immediately changes stations. “I don’t listen to my songs at all — I just can’t. It’s weird and I hate it,” she chuckles, shaking her head. “After I’m finished with a song, I listen to it a few more times to make sure it’s good, and then I don’t touch it anymore.”

Onward The business administration major has been living in Singapore for six months, and has adapted quite comfortably. “The culture here is quite different from Cambodia — people back home are much more laid back!” she laughs. “But I’m adjusting to it, so it’s fine.”

In her trademark way, Sophia has managed to use this period of adaptation to further fuel her creativity. The emerging singer is already producing four new songs on a range of topics close to her heart — from her struggles with depression to the first time she met her current boyfriend, the latter being, as she puts it, “the only song [I’ve written] that isn’t sad.” “I find it hard to sing about something bubbly,” she explains. “There is depth in sad things.”

“Try to look at Zac,” our photographer Ben says from behind. She glances at me for a moment, her lips curling into a smile. Several people shuffle past us, and Sophia’s eyes follow them as we stand in silence. The camera stops clicking. In that moment, I see Sophia stifling a giggle, and I crack a joke. She bursts into a hearty laughter, lighting up the area, and the camera continues clicking. And just like that, all was well again.

Stories from a

G I F T

Crafter WORDS BY CHERYL POH

Photos by Sng Ler Jun

ASK ALUMNI

The Entrepreneur Have you ever wondered what kind of work you will do after you graduate? The thought of waking up early and working a boring job, only to receive a measly salary probably isn’t the most appealing idea — not to mention the fact that you’re just not a morning person. Meet Valerie Seah, homegrown entrepreneur and proud owner of her very own crafts business, The Paper Elf. The 27-year-old never needs to worry about having to work at a desk-bound job. From flower bouquets to handmade cards, coasters to bridesmaid kits, her online business boasts a beautiful array of crafts — all made by the creative woman herself.

No Walk in the Park Valerie was on vacation in Iceland and Finland when she decided to start her own business. Pinching her fingers to mimic a speck of dust, she explains how

small and insignificant she felt as compared to the grandeur of the Icelandic Alps. It was this feeling that spurred her on to take a leap of faith and chase her dreams. But entrepreneurship is no walk in the park. When Valerie first decided to start The Paper Elf, she recalls practising calligraphy every day and taking two hours to complete her first flower bouquet. She even faced a lot of doubt from the people around her. “My friends told me that [the business] won’t earn me enough money to do anything,” she says. “Even my mom told me to be realistic and get a ‘proper job’.” In this trying time, her boyfriend was her biggest pillar of strength. She recalls: “He was really supportive of me. When business started picking up during peak periods, he stayed up late with me to complete my orders and woke up early the next day to deliver them for me. Words cannot describe the appreciation I have for him.”

ASK ALUMNI

“When customers receive my crafts with a smile on their faces, it reminds me of why I started this business in the first place.”

Staying Motivated Her eye for detail is reflected in her stunningly intricate designs — just ask her clients. Valerie recounts a time when a bride-to-be was so happy with her designs that she filmed her bridesmaids’ reactions for her. “[The client] put a tremendous amount of faith in me,” she says. “I told her I’ve never done bridesmaid kits before, and yet she gave me the green light to proceed.” She adds that it’s clients like her that keep her motivated. “When customers receive my crafts with a smile on their faces, it reminds me of why I started this business in the first place,” she explains.

Enjoying the Journey Valerie advises any aspiring entrepreneur to “dare to accomplish something on your own, and never let the fear of failure restrict you from following your dreams.”

ASK ALUMNI

The SIM-UB alumna, who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Communication) with magna cum laude in 2014, was also very eager to share her academic tips. “Beautify your presentation with Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Illustrator, as you get a lot more flexibility when it comes to designing. Your classmates and lecturers faces will definitely light up when it’s your turn!” And the best way to scoring well? “Get to know what each lecturer is looking for — each of their standards of ‘A’s’ differ,” she says. “Once you’ve gotten the hang of it, scoring shouldn’t be too difficult!”

Flower Power Valerie is ultimately a flower lover at heart. When asked if she still likes receiving flowers despite working with them all day, she giggles, “Of course, of course!”, before recalling all the lovely flowers her boyfriend has sent her on special occasions. “Flowers are a gesture of love,” she beams. “It’s a small price you pay in exchange for making your loved ones feel special.”

A gift for all SIM – UB students From now till May 8, quote “MothersdayUB” for 10% off flower bouquets, a complimentary Mother’s Day gift card (you can choose from a variety of designs) and free delivery — courtesy of Valerie! P.S. This code is exclusive to SIM - UB students only! www.thepaperelf.com @thepaperelf

In a way, you can say that she’s in the business of happiness.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Stories Retold

Across the bridge into another day,

“hell week is here.” 28

PHOTOGRAPHY

The walls kept our memories within,

and us we must, through thick and thin.

SIM-UB student, Jared Silitonga, or referred to as @jarrds on Instragram, captures his days in school through the lens of a film camera and shares them with us.

WORDS BY ZACHARY SOH & CASIA CHEW CASHEW CHEMISTS CASHEW CHEMISTS (2013)

Photo courtesy of Cashew Chemists

The group has disbanded, so don’t get your hopes up for any new albums. But Cashew Chemists remains one of our favourite local bands — and for good reason. Embodying the best of indie rock, their self-titled album is filled with infectious hooks, breezy vocals, and catchy tunes, guaranteed to get you grooving to every track. Faves: Over You, Not in Love, Winter Sun

TIGERS JAW TIGERS JAW (2008) Photo courtesy of Run for Cover Records

How about a throwback to a decade ago as tribute to the emo punk rock we all grew up with? Tigers Jaw may be lesser known, but they produce the same great kind of headbanging tracks you’ll want to sing along and pretend to feel the pain to. Faves: Plane vs. Tank vs. Submarine, I Was Never Your Boyfriend, Never Saw It Coming

JAPANESE BREAKFAST SOFT SOUNDS FROM ANOTHER PLANET (2017)

Photo courtesy of Dead Oceans

S TO P S L E E P I N G O N T H E S E JA M S

We’re back and better than ever, bringing you a bunch of groovy albums we know you’re missing out on right now. You know the drill.

What started out as a sci-fi concept album became a work of art in experimental pop, taking you through anything from rock, pop, shoegaze, and electronic all enveloped into this lo-fi masterpiece. The delivery of such intimate lyrics with Michelle’s swoony vocals lends her music a heartfelt quality you can find comfort in. Faves: Machinist, Boyish, The Body Is a Blade

MUSIC

HAZEL ENGLISH JUST GIVE IN / NEVER GOING HOME (2017)

Photo courtesy of Polyvinyl Record Co.

Alluring and gentle, Just Give In / Never Going Home feels like a dream. Yet Hazel English is wistful and raw as she explores her personal demons, from feelings of anxiety to travelling to a faraway land. Her soothing voice, coupled with soft tunes and shimmering synths, make for an indie pop album that shines in its entirety. Faves: Other Lives, Never Going Home, Love is Dead

BOY PABLO ROY PABLO (2017)

Photo courtesy of 777 RECORDS

boy pablo is casual and unpretentious, and it shows in this six-track EP. From being in love to just having a bad day, the 19-year-old from Norway muses about everything relatable from our teenage years â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the good, the bad, and the awkward. Filled with bouncy drums and playful melodies, this alt-pop album is refreshingly light-hearted and carefree, with a hint of melancholy. Faves: Everytime, ur phone, Dance, Baby!

Photo courtesy of Men I Trust

MEN I TRUST HEADROOM (2015) Headroom sounds like velvet in a tranquil space. Smooth vocals with a laid-back groove, it is a perfect downtempo album to unwind to. They truly are indie in quite the literal sense too â&#x20AC;&#x201D; they have refused record labels and their music videos are all DIY! Faves: Break for Lovers, Quiet, Sad Organ

LIFESTYLE

DON’T CRY FOR ME ARGENTINA A Review of Evita The Musical WORDS BY SHANE ANG & NICKSON ONG

any musical enthusiasts (like ourselves) could not contain their excitement when news broke of Evita performing in Singapore. After all, this is the first time the award-winning musical by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber plays in Asia. With its greatest hit, Don’t Cry For Me Argentina, Evita is undeniably one of the most popular musicals of all time. We were lucky enough to be invited to the Gala Night Opening for Evita, and we are thrilled to share our experience with you! Set in Buenos Aires in 1952, the musical begins on a sombre note, depicting the public mourning of the death of Eva Peròn. Ché, a member of the public, jumps out from the crowd and begins to tell the life story of Eva. The musical then transits seamlessly through scenes of Eva’s dreams and ambitions of glory as an actress, meeting Colonel Juan Domingo Perón— an ambitious military colonel at a charity concert and eventually becoming Argentina’s First Lady. British actress Emma Kingston, who puts up a convincing performance in this musical, plays the role of Eva Perón. Eva is not exactly an easy character to play, but Kingston makes it seem effortless as she belts out the high notes during her

solo renditions of Buenos Aires and Don’t Cry For Me Argentina, showcasing her dynamic vocal range. While most of the attention falls on Don’t Cry For Me Argentina — the most renowned song of the musical, Kingston’s tear-jerking performance of You Must Love Me revealed the more delicate side of Eva — a contrast to the usual ambitious and strongwilled personality that she often presents. One thing that sets this musical apart is that it introduces a character, Ché Guevara (played by Jonathan Roxwell), who breaks the fourth wall right at the start of the show— a tactic not usually employed in many musicals. However, Roxwell delivers his role well, and holds the whole show together as the narrator of Eva’s story from his perspective. Another notable mention is Isabella Jane, the young ventriloquist who plays the mistress to Juan Perón. While her role was not as prominent as that of Eva, she stole the show with her alluring voice, perfectly executing Another Suitcase in Another Hall. Despite appearing only for just one scene, her incredible performance leaves the audience longing for more. Overall, it was a great production, clearly living up to the expectations of its fans and musical buffs. After all, when will a production by Rice and Webber ever disappoint?

Post-Oscar Blues

With the Oscars 2018 ending barely a month ago, it is perfectly normal to experience the “Post-Oscars Blues”. Don’t worry, we feel you. Departing from your action-packed and graphic-fueled films, here are some present (and past) Oscar nominated films that we have picked for you.

THE POST (2017)

Directed By: Steven Spielberg

CALL ME BY YOUR NAME (2017)

Starring: Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks

Directed By: Luca Guadagnino

Starring Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks, The Post is an American historical political film set in 1966. Breathing life into true historical events, Steven Spielberg’s expertly crafted production, coupled with its heart-racing moments, reminds us of the importance of investigative journalism in a democratic society. With the everchanging facet of politics, The Post has indeed served as an appropriate theme for viewers of the modern age.

Starring: Armie Hammer, Timothée Chalamet

LA LA LAND (2016)

Directed by: Damien Chazelle Starring: Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, J.K Simmons Yet another film by Chazelle that is worth a mention, starring acclaimed actors Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone as Sebastian and Mia as a pair of lovebirds in this musical. At the lowest points of their lives, with no progress in their faltering careers, they find each other. However, when opportunities start knocking on their doors, they have major decisions to make between their love and ambitions. From the plot and cinematography, to the soundtrack, everything is exquisite. Highly acclaimed film composer Justin Hurwitz managed to perfectly synchronise the score in smooth accordance to the plot. The epilogue at the very end in particular truly shines through, leaving the audiences basking in the melancholy of nostalgia. There, you find yourself weeping softly at your seat, leaving the cinema with a heavy heart.

Set in the summer of 1963 Lombardy, Italy, a 17-year-old teenager, Elio Perlman, lives with his parents in a countryside villa. Complemented by the mesmerising splendor of summer in the Italian countryside and nostalgic cinematography, this coming-ofage film represents the season of awakening and desire for young Elio. Departing from the usual sensuous themes, Luca Guadagnino depicted the narrative with timeless beauty – the beauty of love, with its universality and undiscriminating nature, leaving us elevated and enlightened.

WHIPLASH (2014)

Directed by: Damien Chazelle Starring: Miles Teller, J.K Simmons Whiplash tells the story of Andrew (Miles Teller), an aspiring jazz drummer who is enrolled at Shaffer, one of the most prestigious music conservatories in the U.S. His life is turned upside down when Fletcher (J.K Simmons) handpicks him to join his jazz ensemble in the school. While Fletcher may be talented, he is also known for his unorthodox teaching methods, which are mainly abusive. The beauty of Whiplash is that it brings you on a rollercoaster ride, keeping you on the edge of your seat throughout the film, even though it doesn’t have any kick-ass action scenes per se. This movie, filmed within just 19 days, will leave you breaking into a sweat and exhausted with its intensity.

LIFESTYLE

FOOD

Bobii Frutii Singapore

hanks to the whole Gong Cha x LiHo saga, bubble tea has resurfaced as one of the upand-coming food trends, with more and more players in the market. One of the newest contenders is Bobii Frutii, opened by homegrown celebrity Nat Ho. Hailing from Taiwan, the bubble tea chain prides itself in its use of high-quality, natural ingredients like butterfly pea extract, fresh milk, and fruit juice. Despite how vibrant the drinks appear, Bobii Frutii promises that all colours are naturally created during the preparation process.

One of our favourites is Mermaid’s Tears ($5.90), an Instagram-worthy, refreshing citrusy drink. Spotting blue ice-blended butterfly pea extract atop a layer of yellow mango juice with yoghurt, honey, and butterfly bobii (a Taiwanese slang for tapioca pearls), it is the answer to Singapore’s sweltering heat. Uji Snow ($6.50) is one for all the matcha lovers out there. Made with hand-whisked matcha, original

WORDS AND PHOTO BY TRICIA LIM

bobii, and brown cane sugar — which is a healthier option as compared to regular high-fructose corn syrup — it is a blend of sweetness and bitterness, though definitely not for those with a sweet tooth. Another downside we spotted was that not only were their pearls less chewy than what you’d get elsewhere, but they were also comparatively lesser in quantity. That aside, their blended drinks are still definitely worth a shot! Located at Clementi Mall (just a bus ride away from campus), Bobii Frutii is the perfect alternative to the now-closed Each A Cup outlet in school that we will always miss.

The Clementi Mall, 3155 Commonwealth Ave West, #04-K4, Singapore 129588 Website: https://bobiifrutii.com.sg/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bobii.sg/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bobii.sg/

APPS

Get on Wi-Fi. Stat. In our hands we wield such an amazing device, yet we use it to take selfies and type ‘LOL’ in chats with a straight face. Well, here’s a motivation to really smile — 4 fantastic free apps to improve the way you do day-to-day things!

WORDS BY CASIA CHEW

EATIGO From birthdays to the end of finals, us broke university students always have a reason to celebrate. Dining out is hardly cheap, but who would say no to 50% discounts? Simply make a reservation through Eatigo and show up to enjoy these time-based deals. You can arrive 15 minutes earlier or later than your booking, so pick the adjacent timings as long as the promotions are better! You can shave even more off your bill with vouchers you can redeem with in-app points. If you need a referral code, use: casiachew

DOODLE Planning to hang out with a big group can be a headache. Group chat spams full of people announcing when they’re free aren’t just annoying, they’re inefficient too. Schedule an event on Doodle complete with dates and times for members to poll for the best slot to suit everyone, or use it purely for tracking attendance. It works via a link, so you don’t need an account or the app to respond!

PLATES

(Only on iOS)

It can be a mess calculating how much everyone needs to pay for their food when the bill comes, especially when they are not equally split. Plates helps to divide the total (including taxes) between up to 10 people by dish, and even shared items like sides or desserts. It is only a matter of dragging each receipt entry to the respective plate (or the centre of the table for shared items) on the user-friendly interface!

SPLITWISE If you are too shy to collect a debt or too careless to even remember lending money, Splitwise is a nifty way to keep track of IOUs. Input an expense whenever you pay for something and settle up when repaid. It is especially helpful when travelling together to simplify group debts within your circle when you share expenses. Monthend balances are also emailed to remind everyone to O$P$ sans the awkwardness (so you know what it feels like to be a credit card instead of an Ah Long).

F o r I N T E R N A L C I R C U L AT I O N O N LY

A P u b l i c at i o n By S I M - U B S t u d e n t C o u n c i l

@UBSC_OFFICIAL

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