Pre University Seminar
There were ups. And there were downs. It was fun. Not to mention tough. But all in all, Pre U Sem 2007 was a most enriching and eye-opening experience that I shall never forget.
The seminar, which started in 1970, is a yearly invitation to youths to engage in the political, social and economic issues that form the framework of Singapore’s society. The host of Pre U Sem 2007 is Pioneer Junior College and this year’s theme is iSingapore: Challenge, Create, Connect. 2007 is a milestone year in the history of the Pre U Sem as for the first time, the polytechnics and Integrated Programme schools were invited to take part. Also, the tradition of visiting the President at the Istana was revived after 11 long years.
The seminar programme consisted of the following components: panel discussions, parallel presentations by each participating school, special programmes and the daily programmes. But to start off with, all 601 participants were divided into 30 groups, with each group member hailing from a different institution. Thus every participant had the chance to mingle with and get to know pupils from other schools.
I won't give a detailed recount of what we did during each of those 5 days at the Nanyang Technological University of Singapore (NTU), the venue for most for most of our activities. Doing so would take up far too much time and space as there were so many juicy events worth telling (in fact, a friend managed to recall enough material to fill 12 pages!) Instead, I'd reminisce about the most memorable, be it good or bad, times and experiences.
Every seminar group was assigned a domain to explore with regard to the ‘quintessential Singaporean’. There are 2 project categories; Project Task 1 is entitled Singapore Outwards! – The Peak of Excellence while Project Task 2 takes a look at Singapore through the Looking Glass. Half the seminar groups were assigned to Task 1 while the rest were given Task 2. Squeezing in time for our project into our already packed programme schedule was not easy. As a result, we had to work till the wee hours of the morning. We also had to figure out how to incorporate some of the new software the organizers deemed compulsory to include in our presentation. Everyone displayed zombie-like behavior as a result of this lack of sleep. Some even fell ill. But going through these rough patches together strengthened the unity among the seminar groups. Words of encouragement were exchanged and should anyone feel bogged down, people around him/her would be willing to lend a hand.
Panel discussions
Most enlightening, they were. In spite of the lack of sleep, I forced myself to stay awake and listen. And I'm glad I did. These discussions, with Members of Parliament and other Singaporeans who were active in the social scene, were really informative. The 3 panel discussions were entitled world.sg, home.sg and future.sg respectively. Just sitting down and listening to the exchanges between the students and speakers was education. The diverse range of speakers provided different angles to look at the challenges and issues faced by Singapore today. It also helped a great deal that each speaker was an expert in his/her field or profession. Q and A sessions were the best because it was interesting to hear students challenge what was being said. More of such dialogue sessions should be promoted.
Visit to the Istana
This was the highlight of Pre U Sem 2007 and the most highly anticipated programme. For many, it was our first encounter with the elite of the elites in Singapore. It was also our first visit to the grand Istana. Needless to say, hand phone cameras were whipped out and people posed for photos. This, after all, was a once-in-a-lifetime experience! The President, along with the other VIPs, mingled with the students and spoke to some. I got to do so too, if you count 'Good afternoon, Mr. President Sir'. After that, everyone tucked into the long-awaited dinner. We are lucky, very lucky, all 601 of us participants.
Closing Ceremony
To mark the end of pre u sem 2007, everyone was given 4 lightsticks each and were told to make one ring out of them. The rings were all linked together, held up high and we all sang 'If we hold on together' at the top of our voices. It was at this point that tears began to flow. Hugs were exchanged. Any past squabbles or disputes were forgotten. The students formed one long human train and snaked our way round the entire exhibition hall. It didn't matter whose shoulders we held on too, for we were all Pre U Sem participants who went through the same programme, the same trials and tribulations, together.
What I like best about Pre-U Sem
I think Pre U Sem is a wonderful opportunity for students from different students to get together and know more about each other. For the first time, the polytechnics and Integrated Programme schools participated in this prestigious annual event. Through interaction, we learnt more about the school culture of different types of instituitions. Stereotypes were debunked and misconceptions were clarified. This is especially crucial in the light of the recent debate regarding elitism among Singporean students. I am proud to say that the friends I have made during those 5 days were a diverse lot, from many different backgrounds
The seminar was also an eye-opener. Awareness was raised on the pertinent domestic and global issues Singapore faces in the 21st century through the panel discussions and parallel presentations. We also got to speak to and hear from the men/women at the helm of the government themselves. At the same time, each of us was representatives of our respective institutions so we had to be conscious of the way we behaved. All these made us feel very grown-up.
But while we accumulated a wealth of knowledge and learned a great deal about etiquette, I think what the participants cherish most is the friendships forged during those 5 days. Who knew that a bunch of random people form a range of institutions could eventually get along with each other so well?
By: Wan Ying Yi