My Passion in education
Ever since I was a young man, I've always wanted a career that could impart important skills to youth and children. After many years in the corporate sector and the mainstream education system, I wanted to do something where I could bring joy of learning and impart life-skills to our young ones.
About 18 years ago, I read about and was very much inspired by the Clown Doctors in HK hospitals where they are deemed specialists whose role is, no less than their medical counterparts, to provide laughter to the children patients, many of whom are afflicted with serious diseases. Although there is no such a role in Singapore, I gathered as a tutor, I could bring both laughter and joy of learning to my students. Hence, my quest to become a tutor began in earnest when I was in my early forties despite the lack of a stable income and job status. For the initial years, I was giving tuition pro bono. Some lifestyle sacrifices had to be made. I followed my passion.
Over the years, I have decided to focus on English which is my first love and Science which is so fun to teach, where I could, as a private tutor, create a programme and style of teaching that best benefit my classes and students.
I love to interact with youths and children and in the process, impart soft and hard skills to them. Quality education is a precious gift that all should have access to, and I labour to bring that gift to them.
My warts and all
Roland, the Actor
When I was purposefully unemployed, I volunteered to spread cheer to the less fortunate children and learned much from the experience.
https://sites.google.com/site/rolandeportfolio2013dup3/my-profile
Roland, the Writer
PORTFOLIO OF PUBLISHED WORKS
1. BEACON PRIMARY SCHOOL FIRST YEAR BOOK (2013)
(a) Editor – Contribute to the Foreword page.
(b) Led the publication team in the conceptualizing of the theme and storyboard flow of the
entire Year Book.
2. LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE (NTUC MEDIA)
(a) Money - Singapore Stock Market (March 2007)
(b) Leisure – Sentosa travel (June 2007)
(c) People – Out of jail (April 2008)
3. CAREER CENTRAL (JOB FACTORY PTE LTD)
(a) “Advancing always with a career in ACRA” – (Volume Five 2007)
(b) “An ocean of opportunities” – (Volume Seven 2007)
(c) “The thinking technician, automotive engineering at Cycle & Carriage” – (Volume
Seven 2007)
(d) “Teaching practical life skills, ITE” – (Volume Seven 2007)
(e) “Real Fun in Real Estate, Lend Lease” (Jobs Central Career Fair 2007)
(f) “Trading Places, PhillipCapital” - (Jobs Central Career Fair 2007)
(g) “Manulife – Interview with Gean Saw Agency” – (2007)
(h) “SGX: Going For A Bull-Run” – (Brightsparks 2008)
(i) “Keppel Corp: No Typical Day” – (Brightsparks 2008)
4. TEENAGE
(a) “Growing Up Blues” – (May 2007)
5. WOMAN’S ERA (INDIAN PUBLICATION)
“Happier Joy”
6. WHAT CAN BE DONE TO BETTER PREPARE SINGAPOREANS AND SUPPORT THEM IN THE FUTURE ECONOMY? - (Feb 2016, MOF)
Roland, the Teacher
Roland, the Tutor
Roland, the near-Asperger
After spending the last 6 years in the corporate sector, I am out of a job (again). I'm not saying this with pride or deprecation but as a matter of fact and I've got to move on. My tribute in Dec 2016, entitled "The Moon Represents My Heart", erroneously cited as Dec 2017 by a slip of the tongue (at that time), did happen for a season and a reason.
Roland, the family man
Congratulations, Marcus for excelling in your NUS final examinations. This, despite the less than salubrious circumstances that you’ve to overcome which I truly apologise. Your high distinction in Economics and Acturial Studies is testament to your diligence and intellectual rigour. Indeed, you’ve come a long way towards achieving your academic goals.
A throwback to those days when we met at Toa Payoh foodcourt weekly to prepare you for your GCE O Levels and later to a lesser extent for your GCE A Levels as you had by then become more independent, I’m glad to have journeyed with you through those formative years.
I wish you all the best even as you enter the threshold of the brave new working world. May diligence and wisdom continue to guide you.
Papa
Jun 2020
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