He seems to be everywhere, but do you know who he is? I had the privilege of getting in touch with this year's coverboy- Timotheus Yong (affectionately called Timo by his friends), year one International Business student. The Bukit Batok Secondary alumni scored a commendable 9 points for his L1R4 (Poly admission criteria) raw score. After deducting his CCA points, he gained entry to his number one choice via JAE.
He greets you with a warm smile as you enter NP.
He graces the cover page of the 2010 NP course brochure for O level students.
You can see him 'hanging out' by the Convention Centre.
Timotheus in his younger days- when he was the Drum Major for his school's Concert Band.
The affable coverboy made International Business (IBZ) his first choice because it 'allows him to embark on educational and interesting overseas exposure and immersion programmes that will help widen his horizons and his perspective of the world'. The added bonus is that he gets to travel with his friends during overseas trips and "get to know them on a more personal level". Being someone super sociable also has its benefits, Timo quips. He would want to "make as many friends as possible because its important to widen your social network". Being able to socialise is imperative, especially in IBZ. With a course intake of only 40 students, networks have to be built outside of class and more so, overseas.
Timo with his course mates at Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
And socialise is precisely what he has done! Apart from his studies, Timo finds the time off to be part of some of the school's societies. He is actively involved in the School of Business and Accountancy (BA)'s Envoys and Communications team. He is also part of NP Ambassadors, which is an organisation responsible for planning and executing events such as RED Camp, school talks and the biggest one of all - Open House! So do look out for him should you be dropping by. :)
Timo and the entire Ambassadorial team! Can you spot him?
Although he revealed that there is no specific module in his current semester that he favours, (since most of the modules that students take in year one are uniform throughout the school of Business and Accountancy) Timotheus is looking forward to his six month internship in year three. Being an IBZ student increases his chances of getting the opportunity to live, work and learn abroad for up to half a year! Despite the fact that all IBZ students get the chance to travel in all three years of their course of study, this overseas internship is an opportunity to die for.
Timotheus (second from right) with his friends in an International school in Vietnam.
During his last study trip to Vietnam, Timo grew a lot closer to his course mates, and that made the process of working with them much easier. He also had first hand experience of Vietnamese culture which is another aspect of his course that he loves, as he shared with me that "My favourite aspect of my course would be the traveling with my coursemates and exploring new territories to learn new cultures".
Timo (second row, first from left) and his friends in a cave at Ha Long Bay, Vietnam.
Why NP then? I asked, "It has a well-established business school with recognised diplomas that might give me an added advantage in terms of employment in the future" he said. While he doesn't have a clear idea of what he would like to do in the future, his options range from being an entrepreneur to teaching, and even becoming a pilot! But before that, Timo would like to pursue a degree. He shared, "I'll definitely want to earn my place in a university. I believe that graduates with a Diploma and a Degree are more sought after by employees."
For those considering following his footsteps, have no fear, because IBZ graduates stand a high chance of securing a place in a university, be it local or overseas. Universities like those in the United Kingdom and Australia may grant IBZ Diploma holders up to a year off.
On board a swan boat in Vietnam...
When asked about his new found fame, Timo responded "I am certainly thankful to Ngee Ann for picking me out of the entire student populuation. After all, Ngee Ann has a good number of good-looking people!"
Posing gamely with a course brochure in hand, Timotheus Yong!
Apart from the occasional teasing which he laughs off, being the posterboy for NP has boosted Timo's confidence; but he is quick to add that he 'doesn't let it get to him too much'. He is one boy who sure knows how to keep his feet on the ground!
Timotheus during the interview. :)
If you want to see more of Timo, do drop by the Board Games Room in the school library! He works there during his free time to earn some extra cash. ;)
And if you want to learn more about NP's International Business course, or any course of your choice, come on down for our Open House from the 6th to 8th of January. To find out more about our Open House and to try your luck at winning some cool prizes, drop by our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter!
That's it from me for now. I hope to see you an Open House. In the meantime, I wish you an incredible New Year!
Clarissa