Thursday, January 24, 2013

#1Entrepreneurial Article: Ameba Schoolhouse

I've decided to combine my local start-ups /entrepreneurial blog with my current lifestyle blog. I have always been interested in the ideas that come from them and hearing from their experience, makes me realize its indeed what you decide to make out of life that creates your future. Its your choice and action.
DON'T LIVE WITH REGRETS.

And most importantly, I hope my sharing of the following will inspire many locals to do the same.
To give them courage to spearhead their idea. 

My articles will range from getting from sources online, my friends, my alma mater and also some upfront interviews that I do when I hold events.

#1 Interview: Ameba School house
Industry Child education
Founder: Tan Xinhui
Address:998 Bendemeer Road
Email: enquiry@amebaschoolhouse.com



Gotten from SMU Alumni Site on one of its Alumni Business Profile  

What sets Ameba School house apart from other preschool education provider? TXH: The approach that we are adopting is very similar to my SMU experience -  It is mainly project driven.
SMU has given us the opportunity to give back to the society. I contributed to this in my previous work places and I want to bring this spirit into Ameba Schoolhouse. Charity events will be incorporated into the school’s calendar.  We look forward to having parents work with us on these projects.
In Ameba Schoolhouse, we try our best to go green in our operations and encourage families to do the same. Over time, the intention is to encourage parents’ involvement by contributing recycled items that we need for the classroom.
On the food and beverage front, we are unlike many schools which serve mainly porridge and noodle soup. At Ameba, we aim to serve a variety of delicious and nutritious food.


What is the Ameba’s philosophy? TXH: We believe that children should have control over what they want to learn, how they want to learn and how they want to express themselves. There is no right or wrong answers at Ameba Schoolhouse. There can be multiple viewpoints and each is right in its own way. At the end of the day, we hope that whatever we are doing can earn us the respect of all who are part of Ameba.


Why choose to adapt the Reggio Emilia approach? TXH: I was first introduced to Reggio Emilia by our curriculum consultant. What I envisioned for Ameba is similar to what the educators in Reggio Emilia are doing. Essentially, it is because their curriculum is mainly on project work. During my undergraduate days, I enjoyed my projects and till today, I can still remember the things we did. I believe in the philosophy of teaching children how to fish and I think project work is the answer to that. I hope to see children grow to be independent in their learning and creative in their presentations.
There are three teachers in a Reggio Emilia classroom; the parents come first, followed by the classroom teachers, then the environment. Many parents today think that it is the job of teachers to educate their children. This is the biggest misconception they have. Parents are the first teachers and they have to realise the importance of their role in the upbringing of their children. Teachers are facilitators in a Reggio Emilia classroom, just like professors in a university.  Did they tell us that we need to call Company ABC to get XYZ information to complete our project? No. Instead, professors provided guidance to enable students to complete our tasks. Lastly, the environment element is missing in most preschools in Singapore. We are spending too much time indoors.  Although a conducive indoor environment can be created to enable students to learn effectively, learning in an outdoor is important too.





What are some of the challenges faced in the pre-school education industry? TXH: Lots! Firstly, starting up Ameba required that all the necessary approvals and permits be obtained.  It is a child-related business and the authorities want to ensure that it is as safe as possible. As such, an operator needs to obtain many types of approval and the interior of the school needs to adhere to guidelines. We had to speak with so many government departments over the last six months!

The challenge also involves hiring people with dedication and passion. There are many teachers who prefer to be given lesson plans whereby a step-by-step guide is laid out. As a new school, the team needed to be willing to lay the foundation and go the extra mile. Academic qualification does not equal to competence.
Finding a suitable place to set up a childcare centre is not easy. I spent close to six months scouting locations before deciding on this place.


How does the school deal with ‘kiasu’ parents?TXH: Communication. We cannot blame parents from being ‘kiasu’. Many of us are very busy with our daily work. We may not have time to be with our children nor do we have the professional knowledge in ensuring that they meet their learning milestones. If parents do not know what their children are capable of, they will rather provide more than less. I believe that with proper communication, we will be able to allow parents to understand us better and thus, have more trust in us. We maintain regular communication with parents through different channels. 


What plans does Ameba have for the next three years?TXH: There are people interested in investing in the business and in time,  I hope to be able to open more centres in Singapore and in the region. 





Tuesday, January 22, 2013

DIY banana cake - Happy Together with snsd, baek jiyong and kimwan seon

During the recipe segment kim wan seon showcase this simple interesting banana cake.
I decided to try it. So last night I pop by cold storage to get my materials.
Excited!

Here's the steps

1. Dip the biscuit into the milk (on the prog it says 10 seconds. But I placed it for a minute to make sure if its moist. I think if you use a cookie/ digestive biscuit - those that can absorb the milk easily. You can take it out faster)
2. Then slice the banana. I realize the thinner the slices the better. If its too thick, its difficult to 'close' the biscuit.
3. Take out the 'milk soaked biscuits' then align the sliced bananas on it.
4. Place another of the soaked biscuit on it.
5. Then align the 2nd level of bananas.

6. End it with the final soaked biscuit. 
7. Final Product! Pour milk on it then chill it in the refrigerator. On the programme they said you can chill for  
    1.5 hours and its ready. But since I did mine at night. I just kept it chilled overnight and ate it for breakfast 
    this morning. Sharing it with my parents.
    Banana biscuit really became Banana cake. Totally delicious! Especially when chilled. 
    Yummy! Yummy! Yummy!
Here's the instructions given on Happy Together show! Thank you for this simple and easy recipe!



Monday, January 21, 2013

New lunch place @ serangoon garden - Zi Char

Recommended by my brother the other day and am addicted to it now. Had it for lunch yesterday and today.

SIANG HEE SEAFOOD
Address: 49A Serangoon Garden Way,
               Serangoon Garden Market & Food Centre #01-20 Singapore 555945
               (Formerly at Blk 89 Zion Road)
Time: 11.30am - 10.30pm, Closed on Alternate Tuesday
In-Charge: Ah Yoke
Contact: 97364067

I like the lady boss! Very Very friendly. Also very open to feedback. Ask us how it taste etc etc

My favorite. 
Pumpkin Sauce with Meat aka pork ( They also have it with prawns)
The pumpkin sauce mix is lovely. Sweet and thick. Together with the crispiness of the meat, Yum Yum!
 
 Fried pork Knuckle.
Crispy on the outside. Juicy on the inside.
Even a non-meat lover like me, delicious!

Fried prawn paste chicken. Very crunchy. But personally find it a little salty and oily. But my brothers love it!
Their 招牌toufu beancurd.
Outside crispy. Inside soft. Together with the seaweed skin on top. Not bad.

Cheers! 

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Completion of a Triathlon for 2013

The common resolution that I have each year is to complete a Triathlon. I don't compete. I do it at my own pace. Enjoying the whole process.

2008 - I joined my university Triathlon club. Did my first Triathlon at OSIM and represented uni for other
            inter universities triathlon races
2009 - Did my second Triathlon. Again at OSIM.
2010 - Had not been exercising since I started work so I did SMU Wakiki Mini Triathlon.
2011 - Got rope in to take over someone for the OCBC Cycle. Realized how unfit I was. Then Tried my
           first Aquathlon
2012 - Did more trekking. No triathlon accomplished.
2013 - Embarking on triathlon- Trifam sprint race on 27th January 2013.
            Might also do the Metasprint series on 21st Apr 2013 if I manage to persuade my brothers to take
            part in it together.

Here's an idea to showcase what a Triathlon is
First you begin with a swim in the sea
 After your swim, you go to a spot where your bike is, quickly clean the sea water on your body to prevent from dehydration, wear your socks, take your bike and push it to the cycling zone then start cycling.
After you finish cycling, you put your bike back at the same spot, then start your run.
I always love the swimming ( because its the start of the adrenalin) and cycling (because this allows me to take in fresh air and breathe). I 'hate' the cycling because by then I'm terribly exhausted. But once I reach the finish line, its HEAVENLY.

27th January 2013 @ 8am @ NSRCC Sea Sports Center - Trifam Sprint Race 2013
Format:750m Swim + 18km Bike + 5km Run
Its still not too late to sign up!
You can register here though limited spots are left.
Categories:
Men's Open (18 and above)
Men's Veteran (40 and above)
Ladies' Open (18 and above)


Upcoming Metasprint series in late Feb/ March 2013
Register here



Aquathlon
24 Feb 2013
Duathlon
24 Mar 2013
Triathlon
21 Apr 2013
Enter All 3 Races
and SAVE up to 20%

Until 27 Jan
From 28 Jan
Until 27 Feb
From 28 Feb
Until 27 Jan
From 28 Mar
Until 27 Jan

From 28 Jan
Sprint
$78
$88
$78
$88
$98
$108
$208
$238
Sprint Relay
$118
$128
$118
$128
$208
$218
$368
$408
Discovery
$48
$58
$48
$58
$58
$68
$128
$148
Youth
$48
$58
$48
$58
$58
$68
$128
$148
Kids
$38
$48
$38
$48
$48
$58
$108
$128
Kids Relay
$58
$68
$58
$68
$88
$98
$168
$188
Registration closes 10 Feb

Registration closes 10 Mar

Registration closes 10 Apr

Registration closes 10 Feb

Triathlon is something I always enjoy because it trains endurance and it also provides great satisfaction upon completion. If you have not tried, do so! Beware though * Its addictive!

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