Trip to IBM Banking Centre

On Thursday, 13 November, some of the lecturers led us, FBI students to this field trip. There were 8 students and 10 lecturers who went for it. The highlight of that day was the speech made regarding the three zones banks wish to achieve, followed by the systems and equipments they have created, in relation to the 3 different zones- Discovery Zone, Transaction Zone and Fulfillment Zone.

First of all, before going on, do you know what IBM stands for? It stands for International Business Machine. The slogan of this IBM Banking Centre is, “Smarter Banking. Powerful Results.”. Wow, the name says it all! Well, what I got to know from the trip was that IBM is trying to transform the banking sector into an innovative one that will have powerful results.

Now, back to the details, we were first addressed by the owner of the centre. Following that was a presentation on what they hope to achieve by providing banking service solutions. As I have stated earlier on regarding the 3 different zones, he touched on those too. The main aim of Discovery Zone is to give customers more personal touch by addressing them with the latest products, upon their visit to banks.

As for Transaction Zone, it is more of making the transaction process more efficient and effective. Lastly, the Fulfillment Zone aims to provide more security by the use of 2 Factor Authentication and Smart Surveillance Camera.

After the speech, only did I realized that there is an interactive screen and it is being used by one of the banks in Singapore. Basically, it is a thin transparent film that is pasted inside the bank’s transparent door. Customers can “interact” with the screen by placing their hands on the buttons displayed in the screen to know facts such as the interest rates for savings account. I’m sure that you will be curious on how it works. Well, the screen responds due to infrared radiation in our hands. So, we can use this screen 24/7.

We also got to know that some banks are planning to go paperless by adopting online application forms. In the future, there will also be a system whereby people will have this RFID card which has a chip that will enable customer service personnel to identify target customer’s arrival to their bank branch. This will give the prominent customers a better personal touch which will gain more profit.

We were also introduced to 3 different machines. One of it is the usual ATM machine. The other one allows customers to pay their bills while the other comprises of both ATM and cash deposit facilities. That machine can require customers to place their fingers according to the amount they wish to withdraw. This will save the time and manpower used to replenish notes.

Now, you may think what happens if there were to be a shortage of notes. They have a solution for that too! They have a system that allows them to know the quantity of notes for each amount for a particular machine and it will also send a warning message when someone opens the ATM machine. Indeed a great solution.

Lastly, they introduced to us the Smart Surveillance Camera and how it works. Basically, it detects anyone who moves and identifies the parts that are moving. If you are in different positions, there will be different colors to differentiate the location you are in. This camera can help to catch thieves.

Briefly, that was we learnt in that 2 hour session. We got to know that the Banking system will become more efficient and effective in the near future to produce powerful results. It was truly a useful session and I’m sure all of us who attended enjoyed it too! = )

Posted by Aaysha, C207

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On 13th November 2008, a group of about 20 students and lecturers went down to IBM to see the latest banking system available in IBM. In the whole session, I found it quite interesting especially when we got to scan our finger vessel. I also think that the trip have helped us to increase our knowledge, even though some things that the staff is trying to explain is pretty difficult for us to understand at this stage. This trip has helped us to be aware of the kind of systems the bank will be implementing in the future.

There are many innovative systems that I saw in IBM, such as the Interactive Window, 3-in- 1 ATM etc. I find it quite amusing that fingers can be use for cash withdraw without using any card in the future.

Perhaps next time, if there are any more trips that are similar to this, the school should open to more students. As I think after visiting a company such as IBM, it will help us to have better understanding and stimulate our interest in learning the banking subjects.

Posted by Cindy, C210

A Dream Comes True

I had long wanted to return to my alma matar to teach. On 1 July 2008, my dreams came true. Emotions of homecoming overwhelmed me as the big TP family welcomed me with open arms. Many of my lecturers, including Mr Daniel Yeow the current director of School of Business and Ms Kathryn Goh from LA, could still recognize me! But it wasn’t too long before reality set in. There were constant discussions about the traits of Gen Y; being self-centered, possess short attention span, egoistic … and even lazy and arrogant. I asked myself repeatedly “Opps, what have I gotten myself into now???!!!”

To be honest, I was pretty uptight about my first lesson. Can I engage my students if I’m not a natural joker or have a great sense of humor? Then the second lesson, the third… I’m now three weeks into teaching. I realized I just have to be myself and not anybody else.

How could I not be motivated when students sat at the first row in LT 10 and told me, “Cher, we’ll sit here. We’ll give you moral support!” Why on earth would I think this might be a wrong decision when students stopped me from going to other groups during a discussion and said, “Cher, this is interesting. Don’t go leh.” I have been enjoying myself and look forward to going to school everyday! (just like when I was a student. Btw, I was a very good one). hee hee hee... There is so much I want to share about life, about my over a decade of banking experience … about so many many things.

PS: As I watched Obama’s victory speech on Youtube last night, I make a mental note to put in a suggestion: Teach all lecturers to speak like Mr Obama. No one will ever complain about the noise level in LT anymore!!!

Posted by Ms Sherlyn

The FBI experience- Freshman year

The first impression that Temasek Poly gave me was spacious and GREEN! The moment I step into the campus, I fell in love with the environment immediately. It gives me a feeling of warmth and it has an even better view at night!!

On the first day of school, we had Orientation and it was FUN FUN FUN! (p.s I LOVE the water games!) At first, seeing a new bunch of unfamiliar faces during Orientation indeed gave me the jitters but soon, all of us grew from a group of strangers from different schools to one big family!YAY! FBI C210 ALL THE WAY!! Apart from new friends, the subjects learnt in FBI are different from what we have learnt in secondary school. Soon, I found myself actually falling in love with my projects! In the blink of eye, I had spent almost 1 year of my life studying in TP and if you ask me, I would proudly say that I love what I am studying now! (;yes..there are bound to be times when the pressure gets to you, but my teachers and friends never fail to make my day bright again!

Since the day I've entered FBI, I have and will never regret my choice. Apart from the good job prospects that awaits after completing the diploma, I guess I have unknowingly formed an undescribable bond with my class and FBI. Last but not least, FBI ROCKS!!!


Posted by Stacy Goh, C210

The FEDS charge in

Race day – 31st October 2008

The FEDS

The Sun was hot on Friday afternoon, no signs of the rains we had on previous days. Concerns of dehydration and heat exhaustion were on everyone’s minds. It was time to sign in our team for the 2008 Campus Relay that I had labeled the Feds (FBI). Race time was 5.00 pm sharp.

At the assembly area, no other members of the team were to be seen. Alright that’s a good start, maybe I was just too early and a little too anxious. I signed in the team and picked up the number tags. We were numbered 24 A to H for the eight runners and I was pleased with the team number, 24 was a good and lucky one. I made a mental note to pick up some 4 D tickets over the weekend.

One by one the team members rolled in and soon we were almost there. All were geared up and ready to go. I had my favourite running shoes with me and we had chalked up many a kilometer over the months, I considered hanging them up after today’s race.

Warm up Time!

All participants were next gathered together for a mass warm up session. Two lean and fit looking aerobics instructors took to the stage and launched us on the warm up. Stretch, bend, reach and jump! Soon it seemed as if the warm up was to be worse than the run itself. A small relief when dark grey clouds gathered and cool gusty winds were felt. Finally the long exhausting warm up was done. We took some pre race photos and I was curious to see the before and after race shots.

Race Time!

And we are off – the first runners from all teams were female. The ladies set a blistering pace and very quickly, the runners were stretched out in a line. Very soon the leading pack began to reach the handing over line for the next runner to take over. No sign yet of Huan Hi, the FEDS first runner, and I was next. A little anxiety as more runners came in and changed batons. Still no sign of our runner.

And there she was, bravely pulling in the last few metres to reach the end line with her jocky cap still firmly secured on her head despite strong gusty winds and the pace of the run. My hand reached out for the baton as it came rapidly closer – Change over.

And I was off. Should I go for it and pass as many runners as I could? The pace was very quick and although we were told earlier that it was a fun race, I could soon see that there were runners who took the race very seriously and were running all out to win. Two trim and fit young lads passed me effortlessly without a glance back. I kicked up my pace. By the time I crossed the bridge and was on the track of the reservoir, I was breathing hard and my legs ached. I should have put in a few more practice runs over the weekend. Thankfully, the second bridge leading to the end zone came within sight. I picked up my pace a little more. A group of young people gathered after the bridge and cheered the runners on. The end line came up fast and I stretched out the baton and sprinted for the hand over to Sherlyn.

And off she went!

The first straight stretch towards Mensa block was quickly covered and soon she was out of sight. It wasn’t long before we saw her reaching the hand over point. Charlton Wan grabbed the baton and took off like a bullet. It seemed only moments before he was back to the end line ready to hand over to Winstar Tey. Yet another super quick take off, and I felt the envy of youth and raw energy that was on display this afternoon.

And there was yet another rapid change over. This time it was Jui Peng’s turn to take off and he was really flying off the blocks. Our last runner Prasanna, representing management, came up to me and asked if he was up next to run. I gave a blank stare and admitted that in all the excitement, I had actually lost track. A quick frantic look around found Ernie Ang, our seventh and penultimate runner, ready at the changeover line. And in no time, he was off like the wind. My goodness, can these young lads run! Finally, the last lap was up next and the final pass of the baton was accomplished without incident. The FEDs number eight and final runner was off at last.

And Dir. IT drops over.

She anxiously enquired if all our runners have gone already and I gladly replied that our last one for the team was out. We were happy for the morale boost she provided. I realized that the final lap would be quickly over as it was a little shorter than the other laps. Quietly, I was relived to notice that some of the seventh runners from some of the other teams were only just coming in. Our team has done us proud.

And so it ends.

The FEDs No 8, Prasanna, very quickly pulled in for the final pit stop – that’s it, it’s done and over. We ran well and had finished the race. Smiles and photos went all round and only the official prize giving was left for the day. We would not be going up the stand this year, but it was still a great run completed by a team who put up a great effort, especially the young runners who made up the foundation of the team. Our appreciation also goes out to those who turned up to support.

Great job and you have made IIT/FBI proud of you. The FEDs shall be back next year.

It was not time to hang up those running shoes yet.

FEDS Team Captain

Posted by Mr Edmund