Hi everyone!

It's been three weeks since AGM and here's formally presenting to you.. the 32nd ICSS Exco! It is indeed an honour to have been elected by you to be the next Exco, and we promise to continue the legacy that the past batches of ICSS Exco have left us and to serve the society to the best of our abilities.

In this week's inaugural issue of Kaya and Toast from the 32nd Exco, look out for an address by our dear President Clive Aw, as well as a short introduction of each Exco member! We would also love to hear from you about Major Event 2015. Your opinions matter to us, so please spend some time to fill up a short poll which would take less than two minutes!

In addition, UCLSS and University of Nottingham would like to promote their productions: Fear of Writing and Those Who Can't, Teach. Fear of Writing is a production with not 1, not 2, but 3 showtimes! Tickets cost only £3. Those Who Can't, Teach is a production at Nottingham and tickets cost only £7. Check out the details below for more information. Do also keep a look out for the panel discussion with the COO of OCBC Bank by City University London as well as an invitation to FDM open evening. Sign up if you are interested!

Enjoy!

Your (new) faithful secretary,
Weihao

Dearest Friends,
 
This is the 1st issue of Kaya and Toast, sent out by the newly minted 32nd Executive Committee. Reading Kaya and Toast has been my pleasure every single week. It is always filled with plans of exciting trips, musical discounts and many job opportunities that university students, like me, would love to see. But more than that, Kaya and Toast is one of the means for us to be informed of the many interesting and exciting events that have been planned out and to sign up for them! This weekly newsletter serves as an avenue for us to not only be aware of what Imperial College Singapore Society is up to, but also to keeps us up to date with the activities of the SingSocs of other universities in the UK.   
  
Imperial SingSoc is one of the largest and most active SingSocs around with at least 3 events lined up for members every month. It gives my team and I great honor to have your trust in running the Society. As the newly elected Committee, we pledge our time and hearts to ensure that ICSS continues to be the Home away from Home for all her members. It will be an exhilarating journey and we invite you to join us in this wonderful adventure to create an environment that reminds all of us that 'Hey! Home is not that far after all!'  A Home cannot be complete without the people in it. Without the people, no extravagant events can seek to be one that is memorable. 
  
My team and I are confident of bringing an exciting year ahead in 2014-2015, filled with fun, joy and laughter. I would like to sincerely thank each and every one of you who have placed your trust in the 9 of us to serve the Society in this capacity. Our efforts are limited if we work alone. However, with a spirit of togetherness and unity, the 32^nd Executive Committee looks forward to bring all of us aboard on this ICSS odyssey. We keep the vision of an inclusive society in mind and will continue to present a SingSoc that is always there for her members. 
  
Additionally, I represent everyone in saying a big THANK YOU to the 31st Executive Committee for what they have done, without which, I would most definitely not be here typing this.

Have a very merry Easter holidays!
 
In your service always,
 
Aw Jiong Le, Clive
President
32^nd Executive Committee
ICSS

President – Clive Aw

Clive is an extremely happy-go-lucky person. Nothing seems to be able to bring him down. If he is ever sad, a lame joke about anything under the Sun is able put a smile back on his face. As a Physics undergraduate, Clive always steer any conversation towards Quantum Mechanics and the likes. However, do not mistake that for his capabilities in that subject. But he does have an interest in reading books related to Physics in general. Talking about books, Clive is an avid book collecter. He fancies going on online websites and buying books as well as going to the Central Library to borrow books. Sadly, reading makes him tired and sleep is usually (ALWAYS!!) the easier option.

In his free time, Clive loves going to the big outdoors with his DSLR, snapping photos of nature and his friends. That being said, he loves travelling as well. Spending time in the meadows with the cows and deers grazing is his escape from the busy streets of London. Weekend brunches are always the motivation for Clive to get up on Saturday mornings at 9am. A good English breakfast and a pot of Earl Grey is an excellent start to even more sleep. Coming to London is one of Clive's biggest dream because of his passion for theatrical performances. Being surrounded with so award winning musicals and plays, he is extremely happy that SingSoc organises so many of these trips to catch these awesome plays at really affordable prices!!

Clive is a very simple person, not someone who has a lot of quotable quotes nor does he think that he is a great leader like Obama. He believes strongly in sincerity and being genuine. Smile at anyone and believe that it brightens their day. That is Clive's daily aim: To put a smile on the faces of people that he meets. As the President of Singsoc, Clive envisions the Society to be a place that provides a homely and inclusive environment to everyone that is willing to come. He sincerely hopes to create a good and strong community for the members and that these friendships that are forged will last beyond the course of study here in London. 

Vice-President – Leon Ooi

In his free time, Leon can be found playing the guitar. Inspired by players like Andy Mckee and Sungha Jung. He often experiments with the fingerstyle method of playing the guitar, hoping that he will be able to play as well as them one day.

Besides making music, Leon enjoys physical activities such as squash and snowboarding. He enjoys the feeling of freedom when rushing down the slopes and continously strives to improve himself over each opportunity to snowboard.

Warm and friendly, feel free to approach Leon whenever you need a listening ear and he would be happy to help you in any way he can. He hopes to serve the society with to the best of his abilty and create a great year ahead!

Secretary – Lim Wei Hao

Wei Hao is a nature-loving, environmentally conscious, friendly Geography enthusiast who is fascinated by sometimes peculiar objects such as globes, maps, National Geographic magazines and pretty much everything related to Mother Nature and Earth. As much as a tree hugger he can be, nothing can beat his thirst for knowledge and extreme curiosity in the complex world of Physics. At times, concepts in Quantum Physics are so deep and counter-intuitive, he wonders if it is really Science and facts, or just one whole cock and bull story.

When there’s nothing much to do, he likes to keep himself happy and spends his free time watching movies and TV series (Big Bang Theory, Modern Family, The Walking Dead, just to name a few), reading, playing squash, swimming and cycling, which he absolutely loves and would love to go on cycling trips with anyone! He particularly enjoys outdoor trips and exploring new and interesting places, so ask him along! *hints hints*


Treasurer – Maung Thet

Maung Thet can be a hard nut to crack – initially serious and seemingly anti-social, he can evolve into a funny and loyal friend once you get to know him.

In his free time, you may find him wandering around and taking selfies at famous landmarks or wandering around on the Internet to look for novel interesting gadgets to make his life easier. In his life, Maung Thet always welcomes a good challenge, be it academically, taking up responsibilities or pursuing his interests in running and photography.

Sometimes he has trouble trying to express himself and this is probably the reason why he loves photography so much, and his drive to constantly improve his photography skills to a higher level. So he feels happy when he manages to capture moments in the best way he knows.
Lastly, Maung Thet cares greatly about the people around him, and so look out for and support the new initiatives coming your way from the 32nd!


Events Officer (Major Event) – Choo Jia Hui

Beware if you are holding a camera, because Jia Hui will definitely find her way to photo-bomb your photo! With a bubbly character, it is almost impossible to spot Jia Hui without a smile. She loves preparing surprises and handmade gifts for her family and friends as she truly believes in spreading the fun and happiness. Despite having said that, she is also brave to speak her mind. But don’t be offended by her because she doesn’t mean any harm!

Jia Hui enjoys singing in the shower, running, and shopping for clothes. Yet what she truly enjoys most, is talking to people. Given her chatty personality, you can hardly find a quiet moment in her life. You can often find her having heart-to-heart conversations with anyone she knows, and of course herself sharing all her secrets (makes one wonders if they’re still secrets). So do look for your friendly major event officer if you need someone to talk to, she’s most suited for this, really (and that’s also why she’s called Mama Choo).

Events Officer 1 – Lincoln Ang

Lincoln is neither a diehard fan of Linkin Park nor an item to be bought in a computer game. A mild mannered individual driven primarily by passion and a (he hopes) strong sense of right and wrong, he is intensely proud of his ability to get high on life. However, don’t count on him to make funny jokes – he still hasn’t gotten better at them!

Travelling is a bittersweet thing for Lincoln. While he would like nothing better than to explore the wonders of the world, lab reports and tutorials often confine him within the walls of his room during the weekends. Music is Lincoln’s one great love and in his opinion the solution to all problems. Don’t be surprised when you hear him burst into song – this happens when a song wraps itself around his head, sometimes for days at a time.

During rare moments of freedom, Lincoln can be found with his friends, playing badminton, singing, jamming or just plain chilling. He derives the greatest pleasure in organizing events and seeing his friends enjoy themselves. Lincoln is eager to hear you out and is definitely open to all manner of suggestions and ideas you have – give it a go!

Events Officer 2 – Kanneganti Sameer

Kanneganti ‘Sam’ Sameer is one part of your friendly event officer duo. Akin to Batman, He pledges to do his part in defeating the forces of the evil Red Tape and providing exciting adventures to the people of ICSS. Jokes aside, Sam is actually a (relatively) serious person when it comes to work. He emphasises on efficiency and process streamlining and tries his best to think of novel solutions to organisational issues.

In his free time, he loves to just… hangout with friends and take a chill pill. While his hunger for adventure has definitely taken a bump for the time being, he hopes to be back out there, climbing peaks and finding himself in due time.  If you love trance, house or folk music, send him a message and you can introduce him to your favourite DJ or artiste. If ever in doubt or with a suggestion or two, feel free to ask Sam out for a cuppa or drop by his pad (He loves company!). If there is one thing he’s learnt, it’s to always keep an open mind.

Sports Officer – Poh Yu Quan

With chalk in his hands and his climbing shoes on, Yu Quan is always ready for some action. This avid rock climber loves exploring the outdoors and scaling new heights. He loves embracing new experiences and is always ready to try his hands at something fresh. He believes the world is a enormous playground and it is free to those who wish to pursue it.

When he isn't monkeying around, he can be seen dwelling in the disciplined art of taekwondo (technically it is a sport not a martial art). Some wonder why he loves getting kicked all the time, but he thinks it's real good fun.

Yu Quan is an active and determined individual and he will definitely make sure you're always keeping fit and active through the various sporting groups. Its a guarantee that this sports fanatic will keep you busy and in shape for your time here at Imperial.

Liaisons Officer – Chan Jing Yi

Jing Yi is increasingly known as “Carol”, although she still forgets to respond to that name sometimes. Don’t be fooled by her apparently ‘serious’ face because she is an absolutely crazy girl inside! She loves to sing, especially on empty streets while walking back to hall from school at night, because she gets to imagine herself as a skilled a cappella singer. (Her real singing skills are a far cry from that though.)

Jing Yi is a Biomedical Engineer-to-be and absolutely proud of it. In addition, she strongly believes biomedical engineers are full-fledged engineers who lead rigorous engineer lives as well. When given the luxury of free time, she likes to make single-serving desserts in her coveted Sainsbury’s 2-pound ramekins. (Coffee cake-in-a-cup with a dash of cinnamon, anyone?)

For some unknown reason, Jing Yi is always the last person to hear the latest gossip. This year, however, she is going to change that for her role of Liaison Officer to get hold of the best lobang in town! Feel free to let her know of any suggestions, comments and feedback you may have about anything related to Singsoc, and she’ll do her best to make your wishes come true.

Hello everyone!

We would like to hear your suggestions for Major Event 2015! While ME for the past few years have been musicals, it can be up for a change for 2015! As long as you have a great idea, do suggest it to us in the poll. Of course, if you're still up for a staged production, do indicate your interest in the roles available in the poll as well! 

If you are making a suggestion, do keep in mind that ME 2015 hopes to involve a large number of people over a long period of time. Here is the link for the poll: https://docs . google . com/forms/d/1sTEUKS3EmQYTCBmFVnUBQrUJWeU2qoldhKwYO0Kmzl8/viewform

We look forward to your suggestions and interest indications! Do support ME 2015 and have a great last week of school! :D 

Your friendly Major Event officer,
Jia Hui

1) UCLSS Production: Fear of Writing

Every year, University College London Singapore Society (UCLSS) presents an exciting new take on some of our favourite local works. Set in an intimate space, let our actors take you on a journey and explore the existentialism of self-censorship and freedom of speech in Singapore as we take on esteemed Singaporean playwright Tarn Tan How’s latest work: Fear of Writing.

3 SHOWTIMES 
27 March (Thursday) - 7.30pm 
28 March (Friday) - 7.30pm
29 March (Saturday) - 7.30pm 

TICKETING INFORMATION
Tickets are 3 pounds each and will only be available at the door. Please do come early as seats for each night are limited. Indication of interest can be made here:

https://docs . google . com/forms/d/1sCXO-Ke7YonOTX7O-9bogjcRuMRecmxfItwLJL3klbY/viewform  

VENUE 
The UCLU Garage Theatre Workshop is UCL Union's own intimate 70-seater studio performance space. The Theatre is a short 5 minute walk from Euston Station and the entrance is located near the back of UCL Wates House next to Campbell House (West). 
 

ABOUT FEAR OF WRITING 
A playwright struggles with writer’s block, a director and producer bemoan their failure to get a government licence to stage their play, a mother writes to her daughter overseas and everyday Singaporeans are featured in a series of seemingly innocent interviews. Tethering between the natural and the surreal, supposedly disparate elements are woven together in this dizzying, self-referential work as the line between art, performance and reality begin to blur dramatically as the play reaches its chilling conclusion.


2) University of Nottingham Production: Those Who Can't, Teach

This year, the University of Nottingham Singapore Society presents Those Who Can't, Teach, by Haresh Sharma. The details of this yearly production can be found below:

Time and Date: 7pm, 30 March 14
Venue: Studio 7, King's Meadow Campus, University of Nottingham 
 

Tickets are just 7 pounds a piece, so hesitate no more and get yours today! Tickets can be purchased by emailing: thosewhocantteach2014@gmail.com.

1) Panel discussion with COO of OCBC Bank

A talk by Mr Ching Wei Hong, COO of OCBC Bank will be held at City University London, Cass Business School on 4th April 2014. Here are the details:

On the 4th of April, CULSS invites one of Singapore’s leading bankers, Mr. Ching Wei Hong, COO of OCBC Bank to discuss the banking industry in Singapore. Some of the insights he will share with us, but not limiting to, are on leadership, operations, banking culture and graduate prospects. Mr. Ching has 27 years of experience in regional finance, corporate banking and cash management. In his tenure with OCBC Bank, he has held senior management responsibilities across various roles including Chief Financial Officer, Head of Group Operations and Technology and Head of Transaction Banking. If you are interested, please sign up here: http ://bit . ly/1cOkHc2. There are limited seats and it will be opened to other London universities. We hope to see you there!


2) Invitation to FDM Open Evening

FDM is holding an open evening this Thursday from 4.30pm to 7pm. During the event, there will be a presentation on the company as well as a networking session, giving attendees an opportunity to talk to FDM's graduate recruiters as well as current APAC trainees, Refreshments will be provided.

A short description about FDM:

'FDM an IT graduate provider in the UK with 1000 graduate vacancies for this year with offices in the UK, Germany, Luxembourg, Switzerland, USA, Hong Kong and Singapore. Our graduate programme covers Java and .NET Development, Application Support, Software Testing, Infrastructure Support and Project Analysis. More information about FDM can be found at www . fdmgroup . com and www . fdmgroup . com/asia.

Our Asia Graduate Programme combines 10-16 weeks of fast track training with 2 years of commercial IT experience. After the initial training, FDM trainees move on to become professional IT Consultants, representing FDM on client assignments for a minimum of 2 years. Graduates will be placed with our investment banking clients in either Hong Kong or Singapore for 2 years. During the training programme, you will gain the technical and commercial skills required to be successful in the IT and Finance industry.'