Building on the legacy of founder and renowned philanthropist Lee Kong Chian, OCBC Bank has been actively giving back to the community and fulfilling the aspirations of students through the OCBC Local Undergraduate Scholarship.

By Winifred Tan

At 298%, Singapore boasts one of the world’s highest trade-to-GDP ratio, a clear indicator of the importance of trade to our market-based economy. Behold IE Singapore, the invisible hand spearheading our country’s external economic growth and strengthening our local brands on the global stage.

By Winifred Tan

Integrity, commitment, leadership skills, and a genuine heart for service – these are all hallmarks of an enriching career in the public service. Eleena Tan shares her journey as a scholarship recipient.

By Winifred Tan

Arming yourself with a great gadget can almost be as helpful as hiring a personal assistant to take care of the details, so you can fuss over the real work.

Keep your eyes peeled for these über cool gadgets we’ve shortlisted. From intelligent pens to quirky keyboards, these nifty little gadgets will not only make working and studying easier and more enjoyable; they’ll also turn you into the envy of your peers.

By Winifred Tan

If there is anything that Alvin Wang’s case has taught us, it is that people are oftentimes willing to go to creative, unexpected, even extreme lengths to achieve their goals.

Last month, the IT Diploma graduate from Ngee Ann Polytechnic made headlines when he launched an online website to show off his credentials and appeal for entry into the National University of Singapore’s Computer Science Programme. Titled “Help Alvin Get into School,” the website garnered over 8,000 Facebook “likes” in less than 24 hours and sparked off a second public outcry when it was discovered that Alvin had left out certain pertinent details about his university application.

A clear, unimpaired vision is a gift that many of us take for granted. Meet a young Orthoptist who has made it her life’s mission to share this gift with the masses, young and old alike.

By Winifred Tan

Our eyes may be small compared to the other body organs, but their structure is incredibly complex and their function, priceless.

In the same way, orthoptists play a small but no less significant role in the healthcare industry. Working as part of a multidisciplinary allied health team comprising occupational therapists, physiotherapists and nursing staff, orthoptists are responsible for helping to restore the precious gift of sight to their patients.

We speak with Karen Zhang, a 28-year-old Orthoptist at the Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC), a member of SingHealth Group, to find out more about her work and what keeps the light in her eyes shining since taking up the SNEC Orthoptics Scholarship eight years ago.

By Winifred Tan

If there is one thing people commonly regret on their deathbed, it was their failure to live life true to themselves and not conform to the lifestyle others expect of them.

So says Bronnie Ware, an Australian palliative care nurse who spent several years counselling patients in their last 12 weeks and helping them go gently into the good night.

“When people realise that their life is almost over and look back on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled,” Bronnie notes.

Step 1: Break Out of the Mould

No one wants to die with regrets. We all want to realise our dreams and live life the way we want – but it is a scary and daunting path to take. This is because we’ve been conditioned since young to believe in practicality and follow a tried-and-tested template for living.

By Winifred Tan

(Article updated on 29 February, 3pm, with additional information)

It is barely a quarter through 2012 and you’re already dying to catch a breather from all the drama and stress at work. What better way to take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life than grabbing a travel bag and packing for a short jaunt somewhere?

We list down 5 exotic destinations that you can consider for that weekend getaway.

Nikoi Island, Indonesia

2.5 hours away by ferry is Nikoi Island, long regarded as one of the most stunning unspoilt coasts in the Indonesian archipelago. Featuring an indigenous Banyan tree rainforest and coastline studded with beautiful white granite boulders, the island is an untouched slice of paradise, the only signs of civilisation being the 15 driftwood beach houses and a spectacular pool offering uninterrupted views over the South China Sea.

The Nikoi community prides itself on environmental conservation and social responsibility. Eco-friendly visitors can rest assured that the resort practises responsible tourism and has even established an Island Foundation to support village development programmes on Bintan.

By Winifred Tan & Jacelyn Lim

When it comes to the game of love, there is no such thing as “playing by the rules”.

Or is there?

According to a recent survey by JobsCentral, it would appear that most office workers in Singapore do have one rule when it comes to dating: never find your honey where you get your money.