28 Nov 2007

Letter of Appeal – Change of Management Pathway

To the University Board,

Do accept my sincere apology for the submission of this Letter of Appeal in such an overdue manner. However, it is my earnest conviction to seek the board’s permission to grant a little latitude for a switch of program pathway.

I am currently undertaking UCD’s Bachelor of Science (Management) undergraduate program through APMI Kaplan School. In context of this appeal, I harbour the keenest intention and with your permission to switch my current program pathway from Management to Finance.

The realism of the economy, investments and finances are topics which I read and discuss avidly with interest. The lack of academic background has however often limited me from switching to the vocation. As a student and a young working professional in the industry, my modest work experience and theoretical knowledge gained from the lessons in school are the cores of my learning. The modules being offered by the finance pathway would therefore be an important opportunity for me to enrich contribute, apply and progressively develop this interest.

During my enrolment in 2006, the BSc programs that were offered in APMI did not incorporate the option of finance pathway. Until recently I discovered that a finance specialisation is presently being offered to the students. I understand that the currently term for the finance pathway have since commenced and I have also been thoroughly advised of the implications. Nonetheless, I am very encouraged to submit this appeal to the board, to seek your liberal permission.

Sincerely,
Lee Sen Jensen

Whenever I past the former NCO Specialist Club along Beach Road, I would keenly recollect my swimming days and spending a big portion of my youth being in and out around the place.

Following the footsteps of my older brother, I joined the swimming club to pick up leisure swimming, but it didn’t take long before I begun training competitively for the club. Being a young lad, I didn’t know or care much about the historical tales of the place. To me, it was a place of really cheap video arcade games and spending my hours and weekends for swimming lessons. I knew the place was really old. Apart from its old styled architecture, my Dad and all the Uncles would often mentioned that it was a popular place of the British soldiers that were stationed in Singapore. At that time, that “old British” fact simply increases the spookiness of the whole place - or at least the toilet we used is pretty freaking old.

The main building facing the main road had 3 levels. The main floor and lobby had undergone 2 to 3 times of revamp. Entering from the main entrance, there used to be a cafeteria and arcade room on the right. On the left, there was the NCO Specialist Lounge and a Jackpot room. Over the other corner of the first level, there was a bar counter that served duty free beer to the military personnels.

On the 2nd level, the length of it was pretty much occupied by a multi purpose hall. In the earlier years while I was there, the space was pretty lively, often there were games of bingo, functions and all kinds of lessons. However, it died down and the second level is pretty much vacant most of the time. As for the third level, it couldn’t say much. I am quite certain I went up there as least once, but unfortunately I cannot seem to remember anything about it. If I am not wrong, it was either the sleeping quarters or a KTV room.

Like i mentioned early, I knew the place is pretty darn old, and then I found these picture and read more about it. The NCO Club during its glory days was actually call the Britannia Club. Like name suggests, it was the supposedly the “in” place for the British social congregation.

Circa 1960’s - Britannia Club

Recent

So I went on to ask my Dad about the Club again recently. He said the name does ring a bell, but it was the ladies on the upper deck (roof) of the toilet that he remembers most fervently. During the club glory days, it was quite a sight to ogle whenever one takes the public transport pass the club. Apparently, the upper deck was where the Caucasian ladies would do without much cloths to soak up some sun. Interesting, the experience for me was conversely differently. During my swimming lessons, my friends and I would run amok on the upper deck during rest time and we would look over to the opposite roads to check out the busy traffic and cars that run by.

Unfortunately, The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) has launched the commercial site at Beach Road for sale by public tender. It encompasses the NCO Club and Beach Road Camp. The detailed planning can be found in here.

The consolation for the sale is that it entails an agreement that the existing buildings in place are to be retained as part of the conservation efforts.

To be continued…