There was an article on Tomorrow about the History of Nantah and NTU. And since we were at this topic in the recent post (about the school dropping the word "technological"), I decided to give my five cents worth as well. So bear with me...
Firstly, I question the use of the phrase "angmo NTU". What is the definition of an "angmo" school? If "angmo school" means education in English medium, I think there is nothing wrong "angmo" about NTU as that's where the "angmo" link ends (okay, unless you are talking bout the exchange students, well, I apologise to our foreign friends if you feel offended, the word "angmo" only describes your hair colour, no racial discrimination =P). English-ed is one of the reasons why we're able to attract talents from various parts of Asia, and even Europe to study here. Education evolves with time, and we have adopted what is advantagous for us. The mix of students from various countries is also beneficial to local students who do not get the chance to study overseas to have a feel of the international flavour. It does not mean that we abandon our cultures and language. For those who are not aware, in NTU are there are alot of Chinese cultural activities organised by the students community. Chinese cultural activities doesn't limit traditional dance or poetry, it also evolve with time. In fact, it is so vibrant that NTU is one of the cradle of self-composed Chinese music in Singapore. Of cuz I can go on and on in giving more examples... but thats not the point. =P
I guess it must have been mentioned many times (even the uncles at the old folks home used to remind us when we visit them), how the Chinese in Singapore came from all walks of life (eg. the trishaw cyclists and taxi drivers) , to raise funds for the school. Besides the late Tan Lark Sye who donated the land, it was these people who really sweat it out to build the first Chinese University in Singapore. Their spirit, which what NanTah Spirit is about, is definitely worth learning. Those eight words which signifies the NanTah Spirit still stand at the Yunnan Garden today. 力求上进， 志强不息。 Ain't we fortunate we are given the opportunity to inherit this rich history? The fact that my alma mater sits on the ground of the historical school in Singapore already makes me really proud.
Before we go on with any more debate about the links that NTU has with Nantah (and the so call "pack of lies" - quoting from jon.sherwin), let us focus on the value of this heritage and what it means to the staffs and students. In my four years in NTU, I have never stepped into the Chinese Heritage Centre (the only remaining building of the NanTah campus). But coming Monday, I'll definitely not miss out on taking pictures in my gown outside the centre, and at Yunnan Garden. But is the heritage just that us? How much do we value it?
One needs lil' thinking to know that transforming the NanTah Spirit into the NTU Spirit is beneficial for the school. That should be main objective of the school administration in this issue. The controversies of the renaming, and the unpleasant parts history, are not important. Yes, we should remember history, learning from it. But we should not hold grudges. It'll be great if the graduates of NanTah see themselves as the pioneers of NTU, to play a part and to lend their support to the school in transforming this spirit. However, if they choose not to, it does not make them any less of.
I think the NanTah Spirit applies to all students regardless of their races or nationality. Thomas Edision once said, "Genius is 1% inspiration, and 99% perspiration.” Determination and hardwork. From my lil' understanding, the NanTah Spirit is more than that. It is also about contributing to the society, helping our fellow man (and woman of cuz =p). And I would like to learn more.
How do you revive the neo-NanTah Spirit aka the NTU Spirit? Organising the heritage tours were good starts. Understanding the past helps appreciate it a lil' better. However, I think it should be more than that. The spirit should take form in the environment and constantly influencing the students. There can be more highlights on the students around the school, such as gigantic posters of individuals, who takes time to contribute to the society. More activities around the Yunnan Lake? Bazaars every fortnight around the lake. Fishing and kayaking in the lake? I can't think of many ideas, but these are a few things which I'll wish to see if I were still an undergrad.
The bottomline, let's not dwell on issues like the renaming and the "shameless fabrication and distortion of history" (quoting from jon.sherwin again). Focus on how to treasure the heritage and transform the NanTah Spirit to the NTU Spirit will be positive. Period.
Firstly, I question the use of the phrase "angmo NTU". What is the definition of an "angmo" school? If "angmo school" means education in English medium, I think there is nothing wrong "angmo" about NTU as that's where the "angmo" link ends (okay, unless you are talking bout the exchange students, well, I apologise to our foreign friends if you feel offended, the word "angmo" only describes your hair colour, no racial discrimination =P). English-ed is one of the reasons why we're able to attract talents from various parts of Asia, and even Europe to study here. Education evolves with time, and we have adopted what is advantagous for us. The mix of students from various countries is also beneficial to local students who do not get the chance to study overseas to have a feel of the international flavour. It does not mean that we abandon our cultures and language. For those who are not aware, in NTU are there are alot of Chinese cultural activities organised by the students community. Chinese cultural activities doesn't limit traditional dance or poetry, it also evolve with time. In fact, it is so vibrant that NTU is one of the cradle of self-composed Chinese music in Singapore. Of cuz I can go on and on in giving more examples... but thats not the point. =P
I guess it must have been mentioned many times (even the uncles at the old folks home used to remind us when we visit them), how the Chinese in Singapore came from all walks of life (eg. the trishaw cyclists and taxi drivers) , to raise funds for the school. Besides the late Tan Lark Sye who donated the land, it was these people who really sweat it out to build the first Chinese University in Singapore. Their spirit, which what NanTah Spirit is about, is definitely worth learning. Those eight words which signifies the NanTah Spirit still stand at the Yunnan Garden today. 力求上进， 志强不息。 Ain't we fortunate we are given the opportunity to inherit this rich history? The fact that my alma mater sits on the ground of the historical school in Singapore already makes me really proud.
Before we go on with any more debate about the links that NTU has with Nantah (and the so call "pack of lies" - quoting from jon.sherwin), let us focus on the value of this heritage and what it means to the staffs and students. In my four years in NTU, I have never stepped into the Chinese Heritage Centre (the only remaining building of the NanTah campus). But coming Monday, I'll definitely not miss out on taking pictures in my gown outside the centre, and at Yunnan Garden. But is the heritage just that us? How much do we value it?
One needs lil' thinking to know that transforming the NanTah Spirit into the NTU Spirit is beneficial for the school. That should be main objective of the school administration in this issue. The controversies of the renaming, and the unpleasant parts history, are not important. Yes, we should remember history, learning from it. But we should not hold grudges. It'll be great if the graduates of NanTah see themselves as the pioneers of NTU, to play a part and to lend their support to the school in transforming this spirit. However, if they choose not to, it does not make them any less of.
I think the NanTah Spirit applies to all students regardless of their races or nationality. Thomas Edision once said, "Genius is 1% inspiration, and 99% perspiration.” Determination and hardwork. From my lil' understanding, the NanTah Spirit is more than that. It is also about contributing to the society, helping our fellow man (and woman of cuz =p). And I would like to learn more.
How do you revive the neo-NanTah Spirit aka the NTU Spirit? Organising the heritage tours were good starts. Understanding the past helps appreciate it a lil' better. However, I think it should be more than that. The spirit should take form in the environment and constantly influencing the students. There can be more highlights on the students around the school, such as gigantic posters of individuals, who takes time to contribute to the society. More activities around the Yunnan Lake? Bazaars every fortnight around the lake. Fishing and kayaking in the lake? I can't think of many ideas, but these are a few things which I'll wish to see if I were still an undergrad.
The bottomline, let's not dwell on issues like the renaming and the "shameless fabrication and distortion of history" (quoting from jon.sherwin again). Focus on how to treasure the heritage and transform the NanTah Spirit to the NTU Spirit will be positive. Period.
Comments
Whats the point?
I thought people take graduation photos at places that are memorable to them?
That aside, you said "let's not dwell on issues like the renaming and the "shameless fabrication and distortion of history"
let me put to you this. If 20yrs down the road, the government pulls down the NTU that we know now,for the same odious reason as in the past.
And rebuilts a new university on the
same location, after a lull of 10 yerars. And claims it still retains
the same 'NTU sprit", after the lull.
What would you feel? As a ex-NTU student? Do you think the sprit is for real?
and your 2nd qns, my point is, transforming the NanTah Spirit into the NTU Spirit. If for some reason what you say do come true, its really up to the new school to judge whether they want to inherit that kinda spirit. Nevertheless, I will be upset to see my alma mater closing down. But I don't think I'll have any negative feelings for the new school. In fact it'll great to know that the future generation still treasures that kind of spirit, which started during the days of NanTah.
I think it really depends on from what angle you look at things - I've chosen to look at it positively.
But let me reply to some of your comments...
"You may think that it is all right to fabricate and distort the history of Nantah to suit certain political agenda", thats not true. To not focus on it, does not mean its okay to change history.
You mentioned about Japan's attempt to whitewash history. I am totally against that. But we can still move on while keeping truth to history. The atrocities of those in WWII do not represent the stand of most present Japanese. I think this might actually draw some comparison but I'm not very comfortable of this analogy considering the difference in gravity of the two issues.
There maybe some "fabrication of facts" (pardon me for finding out more bout them), I do not support it, and I just want to say "let's focus on other more important issues"...
"Mind you, such sentiment has always been strong among Nantah alumni after the closing of Nantah but somehow suppressed." I think it'll be difficult for me to fully understand your feelings about this issue. I'm not in your shoes. But I'll try!
What I don't quite understand is, isn't it good to bring attention to the good things of NanTah? I am sure some of the NanTah alumni share this feeling too. As you said, you are in your twilight years, and we, who are still young, learning to appreciate the good things, it should be commendable.
"Please don't let NTU or anyone else disturb her tomb." Perhaps letting this issue rest will do that. I think that is my sentiment too after reading Jon Shetrwin's article. "Why bring it up again?" I hope by commenting on it I am not making the situation worse. My heart is feeling abit heavy right now... =P
Inside and outside, I never feel angmo. NTU also does not gimme the Angmo feeling at all. Of cuz this is a whole seperate issue to discuss. hah.