NJConnect 2014 Issue 2

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njc alumni magazine 14.2

In Memory of Mr Lim Kim WoonCelebrating 45 years of Service with Honour

NJC Celebrates Singapore’s 49th Birthday#Throwback Thursday

Interviews NUK Gathering

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editorsCHUA SIOK KHENGKAREN OHJAN LIM

photographer NJC PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY

design NEO CHEE PENG

printer MOA TRADING PTE. LTD

contact NATIONAL JUNIOR COLLEGE,37 HILLCREST ROADSINGAPORE 288913

+65 6466 [email protected]

websites WWW.NATIONALJC.MOE.EDU.SGWWW.NJC-ALUMNI.ORG

onlineISSUU.COM/NJCONNECT/DOCS/NJCONNECT2014-2

All rights reserved © National Junior College, MOE. Reproduction in whole or part is strictly prohibited without the written permission. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication, no responsibility can be held for errors or omission. The information is correct at the time of printing.

editorial

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On 5 July 2014, Mr Lim Kim Woon, the founding Principal of National Junior College passed away, at the age of 81. It was the passing of a great visionary, who believed right from the beginning that “NJC is forever with the people, for the people and to serve the people of Singapore”1.

As one of Singapore’s pioneer educators, Mr Lim was a highly respected figure who led by example and influenced the people he met.

IN MEMORY OFMR LIM KIM WOONwriterKAREN OHclass of 2004

Mr Lim served as Principal of NJC from 1969 to 1976, and held various other important appointments elsewhere throughout his career. Still, it was in NJC where his lasting impact was most keenly felt. In fact, the name ‘National Junior College’ was suggested by Mr Lim, reflecting his ideals in education, seeing it as a social and national responsibility.

Mr Lim Kim Woon was only 36 when he was appointed as the principal of Singapore’s first junior college. Nobody knew what a junior college was to be like at that time, but Mr Lim took his role seriously and served with dedication and enthusiasm. He envisioned a college that was to be different from the educational system of that time, and more importantly, to educate students who were ready to serve the country and community, and

1. Mr Lim’s words, as printed in And they called us car park attendants: Singapore’s First JC. Wong Moh Keed. 2009, P10.

01 - Mr Lim accompanying then president Benjamin

Sheares on his visit to NJC in 1973.

02 - Mr Lim seen standing beside Mr Lee Kuan Yew at the momentuous opening

of NJC.

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03 - Mr Lim with the teachers of NJC.

04, 05 - Photos of Mr Lim taken at NJC’s 40th

anniversary dinner, 2009.

instill strong core values in them. He was very open to new educational ideas, but was also a firm believer in character building.

Mr Lim’s students would fondly remember that he would give a long talk every year to every male student who entered NJC on how, why and what they should do when using the toilet. He believed that toilets reflect social habits, and a school could not be a proper school with dirty toilets. He saw it as a duty to educate the boys to be civic-minded and cultured. This was way ahead of Singapore’s Clean Toilet Campaign, showing how forward-thinking Mr Lim was.

Students of Mr Lim remember him as a strict but very personable and charismatic principal. He would play football and other games with them. He also insisted that teachers

and students had the same status in the canteen, a tradition that remained even today. His students queued for food in the canteen with Mr Lim, who loved to eat with the students. He would also debate with them, challenging the students with his thoughts to hear their views. He was a great motivator and source of influence for all.

Mr Lim’s vision and efforts in shaping NJC in its founding years would continue to influence and shape its growth. His legacy in NJC will be continued by generations of NJCians, who will all embrace our college motto “Service with Honour” that he had so well-exemplified.

Rest in peace, Mr Lim Kim Woon.

03

0401

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The NJC 45th Anniversary Dinner, held on 6 June 2014, was a highly anticipated event for many and it did not disappoint. It was an enjoyable evening of reunion and fellowship at the Mandarin Orchard’s Grand Ballroom, where old school memories were recalled and recent stories shared. Beyond that, it was an evening where teachers and students, both past and present, all came together to celebrate NJC’s 45 years of Service with Honour.

Our Guest-of-Honour for the event was no other than our

CELEBRATING 45 YEARS OF SERVICE WITH HONOURwriterSHANNON LEE XINJING13SH08

The organising committee of the NJC 45th Anniversary Dinner would like to thank all alumni for joining us in this momentous event and those who generously donated to the SAC Scholarship and Bursary Project. The funds raised for this project will be used to award scholarships and bursaries to NJCians who are talented in the sports or aesthetics.

distinguished alumni – Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. In the opening speech, he recounted his personal stories and hailed NJC as a College that ‘actively seeks out talented students from humble backgrounds’ and ‘promotes a culture of moderation and restraint’. Indeed, NJC is celebrated and remembered by many for the opportunities and nurturing environment it has provided. And for that, NJCians have and will always be proud to be part of this heritage and family.

HEARTFELT THANKS

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If you wish to get a copy of this commemorative book, please drop by the College’s General Office during office hours (0900h – 1600h) on weekdays to collect a copy. Hurry before it runs out!

45 YEARS OF SERVICE WITH HONOUR

The commemorative book for the event titled “45 Years of Service with Honour” is borne out of the gotong-royong spirit shared among a group of alumni and Ms Kwa. This book sets out to bring readers on a journey of A Day in NJC and let them experience the NJC Heartbeat through the many photographs that were extracted from College Annuals, archives and personal collection.

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National Day Celebrations in NJC are always filled with vibrant performances and lively sing-along sessions, where students and teachers alike belt out our favourite National Day songs in harmony. This year, preparations for this annual event were more extensive as NJC collaborated with Watten Neighbourhood Committee of Moulmein-Kallang to support and execute the “We Love SG FLOWERS” Community Engagement Programme (CEP), which is an ongoing programme leading up to Singapore’s 50th birthday, as one of our National Day Celebrations activities.

This collaboration gave NJCians the opportunity to work with passionate and earnest grassroots leaders and volunteers from the People’s Association, who patiently taught them how to make the plastic flowers and to impart them with knowledge and tips on how to coach their fellow schoolmates as well. NJC Student Councillors and House Affiliates then went on to teach the rest of the student population how to fold these flowers during one

NJC CELEBRATES SINGAPORE’S 49TH BIRTHDAY - WITH WATTEN NEIGHBOURHOOD COMMITTEE

writerNJC 2014 NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATIONS ORGANISING COMMITTEE

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of the College’s House Sessions to prepare for the celebrations and they did well as many NJCians learnt to successfully fold those flowers within a short span of time.

Our collaborative efforts did not end there. In fact, on 8 August 2014, NJC invited elderly residents and members of the Warren Neighbourhood Committee to join us in our celebrations. The elderly residents were accompanied by student befrienders from the College’s National Education Club and were treated to local Malay delicacies (NJC was celebrating Hari Raya on that day too) as they learnt to fold the flowers. Indeed, their convivial interactions reflect how

hospitable NJCians can be and how welcoming we are to others.

The entire event culminated in the construction of a heart-shaped “flower bed” made up of all the plastic flowers as a tribute to our nation, with the College and the visitors coming together to take a photograph on the school field. This photograph truly captures the theme of the celebrations – Many Stories, One Heart – as it depicts how people from different walks of life with varied experiences come together to celebrate Singapore’s achievements and to showcase our Singaporean spirit! Happy 49th Birthday, Singapore!

Learn how to make We Love SG Flowers by visiting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwNCnYI6lRI

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When asked to brainstorm for a theme for Teachers’ Day Celebrations (TDC), members of the entire organising committee put their thinking caps on to come up with an appropriate and catchy theme so that it would resonate with teachers and appeal to students at the same time. We decided on #Throwback Thursday, which makes reference to the idea of reminiscing the past (hence ‘throwback’), and it is a relevant theme as students tend to think back about what their teachers have done for them over the course of their months and years in NJC. “#Throwback” is also a popular hashtag on social media sites and technologically-savvy students will immediately get the reference.

The programme line-up for the day was also thematically-relevant, as we made huge efforts to find old

#THROWBACK THURSDAY- CELEBRATING TEACHERS’ DAY @NJC 2014

writersCHARLENE NG JIA LING - 14SH02RAELYNN LOW WEI NING - 14SH05FOO JIA JUE - 14SH05

photographersVANESSA GOH KER HUI - 14SH01NAIMI NASSER - 14SH06

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photos taken when our teachers were in school or when they were much younger to feature in our “Guess Who” game, and we also listened to a lot of music from the 1980s and 1990s to find out what tunes were hits when our teachers were in school for our own version of “Don’t Forget the Lyrics”. Teachers and students actively took part in the games and a pleasant atmosphere pervaded the performance venues.

Perhaps the most unexpected yet memorable performance that was showcased that day was the guest performance by our very sporting principal, Mr Ang Pow Chew! He teamed up with the NJC Indian Dance Troupe to do a simple yet rigorous Indian Dance which wowed the crowd and sent all cameras flying into action! He had literally taken steps to show how teachers

and students can and should work together and have fun together!

Finally, what is Teachers’ Day Celebration without students expressing their gratitude to their teachers in the form of writing cards or giving presents? The Teachers’ Day Organising Committee thought hard about what to give the teachers and we decided to make bouquets of beautiful flowers out of crepe paper and ribbons because we think that these everlasting flowers will be appreciated by our teachers! We hope that our teachers liked the flowers that we painstakingly made for them!

TDC 2014 was a long journey, but it was one with many takeaways. We put in our best effort for our teachers who truly deserve it all, and we were glad to be part of this together. It was a definitely a

good way to show our appreciation towards our teachers by putting together a splendid event just for them. Through this experience, we learnt to work together not only as a team but to collaborate with other NJCians who, too, wanted to express their gratitude to their teachers.

Please join us in celebrating the good work that our teachers have done by signing up to perform or be a part of TDC 2015! We look forward to working with you – alumni of NJC!

Signing off, TDC Committee 2014

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MESSAGES FOR OUR TEACHERS

As part of our Teachers’ Day Celebration, we invited you to leave a message on NJC’s Facebook group for any teacher who used to teach you, or to share your memories of a lesson you will never forget. Here are the messages:

Dear Mrs Geraldine Teo, Towards the end of a routine Physics lecture, you flashed a transparency (back in the days of the OHP) of material which you said was really important for an upcoming test, so most of us being the dutiful and conscientious students (read: kiasu) back then just furiously scribbled away on our lecture pads. Then you wished us a Happy April Fool’s Day. Thank you Mrs Teo for bringing us back down to planet earth, that life isn’t all just about books!

MOHAMAD RASULL92S15/92S6C

Happy Teachers’ Day. I am trying to trace Mr Lim Kok Hwa who taught us chemistry, 90/91. Let me know if anyone knows where he is teaching now.

KUAN TEK SEANGClass of 1991

Note from the editorsIf you happen to be in contact with Mr. Lim, you can let Tek Seang know through the Facebook post he made. The post in the NJC Facebook group is dated 2 September, 2014.

Dear Ms Sutherland,

RIP.

BEN LIM

Did you miss the opportunity to leave a message? You need not wait till the next Teachers’ Day. Whether you are looking for a teacher who used to teach you, or remembering your days in NJC, share with us on NJC’s Facebook group or send an email to [email protected].

If you are on Facebook but not in the NJC Facebook group, and are confused by the many different groups available, the description of our public group is “A network for current and past students of National Junior College (NJC), Singapore”. Do join us to stay connected!

Teachers play a pivotal role in a child’s intellectual, psychological as well as emotional development. Following are some quotes that celebrates this noble vocation.

quotes

The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.- William Arthur Ward

Those who educate children well are more to be honoured than they who produce them; for these only gave them life, those the art of living well.- Aristotle

There are two kinds of teachers: the kind that fill you with so much quail shot that you can’t move, and the kind that just gives you a little prod behind and you jump to the skies. - Robert Frost

What the teacher is, is more important than what he teaches.- Karl A. Menninger

When you study great teachers... you will learn much more from their caring and hard work than from their style.- William Glasser

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A and E: What motivated you to study hard for your ‘O’ levels?

L: I was in the Normal Academic stream during my secondary school days because I didn’t do well for my PSLE. Quite a few people looked down on me and when I told them that I wanted to come to NJC they didn’t believe that I could make it here! However, my parents supported me even though I didn’t do well for PSLE, especially my mum who supported me throughout my secondary school years, and I didn’t want to disappoint them.

A and E: Why did you want to come to NJC so badly? What do you like about NJC?

L: I think NJC is a good school – people here study hard and play hard. I like that people here have clear goals, realistic expectations and ideals and work hard towards achieving them.

A and E: Tell us some of the hiccups you have encountered while preparing for the O-levels. How

did you overcome them?

L: In Secondary 5, I lost my motivation to study hard because my prelim results were not good. I was really stressed because of the expectations of my teachers and parents. My form teacher helped me to regain my motivation. She stayed back with me to help me with my English. I failed English and she put a lot of effort into helping me. I was able to talk to her and open up to her and she also gave me useful advice.

A and E: What was your CCA then? Was it very taxing? How did you juggle CCA, other commitments and schoolwork?

L: Chinese Orchestra. Last year, we had SYF and practices lasted till 6 or 7pm. When I got home I was really tired and found it difficult to do my homework, let alone revision. I also went back to school on Saturdays to help mentor juniors taking their N-levels from 9-12pm. That was tough. However, my friends and teachers encouraged me a lot and I made it through with their help.

LOH LEE KHENGwritersASHLEY CHEW - JH401ETHEL LIM - JH401

This year, NJC is honoured to have one of our students, Loh Lee Kheng (14SH20), receive the Lee Kuan Yew Award for Outstanding Normal Course students. The Lee Kuan Yew Award for Outstanding Normal Course Students was presented for the first time in 2004. This year, five awards were presented to top Normal (Academic) course students, based on their GCE ‘O’ level examination results. Two of our Resident Writers, Ashley and Ethel, caught up with Lee Kheng to get a glimpse into the secrets of her success.

A and E: Do you have any advice for fellow schoolmates?

L: It is important to have clear goals and know what you want to do in life, regardless of them being long term or short term goals. Goals give you drive and motivation. I also think that it helps to manage time effectively and realistically – I have a timetable I draw out and follow every single day. I also break tasks into manageable pieces so I won’t be too overwhelmed.

A and E: What do you think are the key attributes that contributed to your success?

L: I think I am a very determined person. I really like watching Hong Kong drama serials, but I won’t watch them when exams are approaching. I also got rid of distractions such as the phone and the computer. I locked them away in the locker and only used them when I was done with school work.

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C: What are your feelings after you found out about you winning the award?

S: I was really really happy and honoured to have gotten it, because personally I think the only reason why I got it is because my teacher nominated me in the first place, because if he hadn’t nominated me, I wouldn’t have even known about this award, so I was really honoured to have gotten such a prestigious award.

K: So you’re most thankful for your teacher?

S: Yeah. Because it’s a bilingualism award right, so in terms of mother tongue, I really enjoyed his lessons, because we have a really small class and he likes to link what we learn in class to everyday life, and he’ll show us video clips and movies. Yeah. So it’s really fun.

NUR SABRINA BTE MOHAMAD YUSOFFwritersKARIS CHAN LI EN - JH301CYNTHIA LEE WENG YAN - JH303

This year, NJC is honoured to have one of our students, Nur Sabrina Bte Mohamad Yusoff (14SH04), be one of the 34 students nationwide to receive the Prime Minister’s Book Prize. Established in 1974, the Prime Minister’s Book Prize is a prestigious award that goes to approximately 30 students each year who have exemplified extraordinary bilingual skills. Two of our Resident Writers, Cynthia and Karis, caught up with Sabrina to interview her and share her joy.

C: So, besides your teacher, is there anyone that you would like to thank especially in your journey?

S: I don’t think you would know her, but there’s this senior that actually helped me with preparing for the interview. She already graduated, like two years ago. My other teacher, Ms Jan, who is my sapphire mentor, helped me contact this senior who had already graduated and the senior gave me tips on how to prepare for the interview.

C: Besides this, is there anything else that motivates you to do well in both languages?

S: Um, I would say that I actively try to do well in these languages, but I think the fact that I already love reading is already something that helped me improve my English, especially, because I started reading at a very young age and I really like

reading. Like anything basically. So I think that helps me when I’m doing like, essays or preparing for comprehension, and I don’t really mind reading such long and dreary texts.

K: Do you have any tips for other people who struggle with being proficient in both languages?

S: I think it really helps to use your mother tongue. I know a lot of people don’t use it at home, which is quite unfortunate. I’m not sure how they would be able to use it at home if their parents don’t even speak it, but I would say try practicing it with your friends and family, because once it becomes second nature to you, then it becomes easier to pick up more difficult phrases.

K and C: Thank you so much!

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CELEBRATION OF THE ARTS

writerJAN LIMClass of 2004

NJC celebrated the Festival of the Arts with a series of performances put up by the various performing arts Co-Curricular Activities (CCA) groups, some of which include Aristal, Cantabile, Drama Fest, Etude, Zeitmusik. Flip through the next few pages to find out more about these showcases and to see the talents that NJ students possess. If you would like to celebrate the arts with NJC next year, remember to look out for these events that tend to take place in the second half of the year!

ARISTAL

Aristal is the annual highlight that puts together the best performances and talents that our NJC dancers from all four dance CCAs – Chinese Dance, Indian Dance, Malay Dance and Western Dance – have to offer. In 2014, Aristal was held at Republic Polytechnic’s Cultural Centre and throngs of NJCians and members of the public descended upon this large venue to show their support and to appreciate the performances. From graceful poises to energetic and rhythmic dance moves, our dancers showcased their versatility and energy through their varied performances which undeniably impressed our audience. Join us for this unforgettable aesthetic performance in 2015!

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DRAMA FEST

A night of intense emotions, good repartee and dramatic performances, the NJC Drama Fest attracts everyone who love and anyone who enjoys a good story or play being performed on stage. Actors and actresses from lower Junior High to Senior High received the opportunity to be a part of this annual production, and many benefitted from the experiences that they had on and off stage. Get a glimpse of the emotions and feelings that our actors and actresses invested into playing their parts by looking at the following photos attached. If you would like to watch our students step into the shoes of other characters and make them come alive, join us at Drama Fest 2015, where you will get to witness their enthralling performances!

ZEITMUSIK

Held annually at the Esplanade Recital Studio, Zeitmusik is a concert put together by the teachers and students of the NJC Music Programme. The line-up consists of compositions that our Senior High 2 students will be playing for their A Levels as well as other favourites that the production team has chosen. Our Music Programme students are much loved by their family members and peers within and outside of NJC as attendance for this event is often overwhelming. Treat yourself to a night of pleasing and tuneful music by attending Zeitmusik 2015!

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CANTABILE

Cantabile is the NJC Choir’s annual concert and this year, the theme of their concert is Divisi Unisono. ‘Divisi’ means ‘a musical direction indicating that a section should be divided into groups, each singing a different part, and ‘unisono’ means ‘a musical direction indicating that choristers sing in unison’. This aptly chosen theme anchors the line-up of their enchanting performances and we witnessed various groups of students coming together, tapping on each other’s strengths and talents, to put together a melodious symphony of songs. Join us at Cantabile 2015 and you will be treated to a night of harmonious singing by the trained songbirds of NJC!

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ÉTUDE

Constantly evolving and outdoing its previous runs, Étude 2014 was certainly a night to remember because the NJC Symphonic Band members wove in a musical performance that drove the audience wild. The band members and teachers worked tirelessly to put together this astounding performance that resonated with musicality and euphony. Catch their captivating performance again this year at Étude 2015!

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NUK GATHERING ILLUMINATES UPCOMING WINTERwriterLEE YOU’EN Class of 2010Chairperson of NUK 2014/2015

On the 15 Nov 2014, NJCians in the UK (NUK) made their way to Burger and Lobster, Soho, London to enjoy a wonderful meal of lobsters. It was a heart-warming and nostalgic affair as NJCians from various batches mingled and interacted with each other over top class food. It was a great opportunity for ex-NJCians to catch up with old friends and make

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new ones from the same alma mater. The turnout was surprisingly high and some even came from as far as Manchester and Glasgow to London to join us for this get-together. All in all, everyone had an enjoyable afternoon despite the approaching cold winter.

‘PROUD TO BE’ NJC CAR DECAL- TAKE THE NJC SPIRIT EVERYWHERE YOU GO

You may collect a complimentary decal from the Reception Counter in NJC’s General Office on weekdays from 0900h - 1600h.

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Congratulations to our alumni who received the 2014 SMU Scholarship Awards!

congratulations

CHUA YAN JIE (10SH12)Lee Kong Chian Scholars' Programme

THANG WEI SHEN (10SH16)SMU Scholars' Programme

CHUA LI QIN ALICIA (12SH10)SMU Scholars' Programme

MIN WUN (12SH11)ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship

LI LI (12SH12)SMU Scholars' Programme

NJC WEBSITE www.nationaljc.moe.edu.sg

NJC ALUMNI WEBSITE www.njc-alumni.org

NJC ALUMNI FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/

groups/67687864749/

LEE HERN HWEI, VERA (12SH13) Lee Kong Chian Scholars' Programme

DOROTHY TAN SHEU MIIN (12SH17)SMU Scholars' Programme

TAN YI, RACHEL (12SH19)SMU Scholars' Programme

GOH WAN YUN KELLY (12SH22) SMU Scholars' Programme

LIU EN-QI, CHERYL (12SH23)SMU Scholars' Programme

STAY CONNECTED WITH NJC

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WE’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!- SHARE YOUR STORIES WITH OTHER NJCIANS

As an e-magazine sent to all alumni, NJConnect aims to bring you news of what is happening in NJC. We would like this to be an avenue for alumni to reconnect with the school, friends and school mates through stories of joy, victories, life journeys, passions and interests. We want it to be fun, enjoyable, inspirational and for it to bring smiles, laughter or even surprises to the readers as they flip through these few pages. We are therefore calling for your contributions on any of the following:

PASSION Share with us your passion for

anything, it can be work, business, community projects or hobbies. Let the alumni know what you are up to

shout-out

and you might be able to find people who share your passion or require your expertise.

LIFESTYLEShare anything here! It can be

your travel journal, not-so-secret recipe (since you can’t exactly share a secret recipe), experiences working or living abroad, or just your favourite haunts in Singapore.

NJC SHOUT-OUTSUpdate your friends and alumni

on any thoughts or events happening around you, like finding the love-of-your-life or to thank someone who has helped or inspired you. Or you can tell your friends that you miss them!

Please send your stories, write-ups, journals, shout-outs, etc. together with pictures (at least 300 ppi) to [email protected]. Queries may also be directed there.

HEY!

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NJC is forever with the people, for the people and to serve the people of Singapore.

- MR LIM KIM WOON

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