Figurines of members from People's Action Party draw crowds on Orchard Road

"People have never seen Lee Kuan Yew in a different style, so I want to allow people to have a different perception of him, not just as a political hero." That's what Chris Treewizard, a local artist, has to say about displaying exhibitive figurines of Lee Kuan Yew and Lee Hsien-Loong.

Figurines of former Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew drew gazes from curious passers-by on Orchard Road this past Saturday.

Along Mandarin Gallery, just right after the traffic light situated outside Takashimaya, one would be surprised to see a crowd gathering around an exhibition platform. From afar, one would never know what the crowd is looking at. As a passer-by, bet you would have thought,"Why are all these people carrying cameras and gathering around the exhibition platform, when there is no visible exhibition on display?" 

Take a closer look, and your opinion would definitely make a turn. There, in the centre of attraction of passers-by, are familiar faces of our national heroes, Lee Kuan Yew and Lee Hsien-Loong, but in the form of cute little figurines. 

Chris Treewizard, 54, a local freelance artist who previously studied in National University of Singapore, is the one responsible for putting up these political figurines on display outside Mandarin Gallery. The most impressive point to note about him was probably the fact that he made these great sculptures all by himself.

When asked about his purpose for exhibiting these figurines, he said, "What I intend to do is political street art of People's Action Party in Orchard Road. People have never seen Lee Kuan Yew in a different style, but I want to make it user-symmetric so people are learning it." 

"I come here to Orchard Road to put up these exhibits as and when I like. Because today is the first day of Christmas, I'm launching my first day of christmas exhibition. So what I do is,
I take photos here and then I put them up on Facebook and other social media platforms," said Mr Chris.

Amidst the packed walkway of Orchard Road, many curious passers-by even stopped to take photos with the figurines of Mr. Lee Kuan Yew and Mr. Lee Hsien Loong.

"I feel that these exhibits add colors to the already vibrant Orchard Road. It further brings up the Christmas atmosphere. It's impressive how Mr Chris made all these sculptures himelf" said Madam Lee, a 40-year-old home maker.




One would definitely think these exhibits of Mr. Lee Kuan Yew and Mr. Lee Hsien-Loong would spark a public outcry about sensitivity to politics. 

However, in the eyes of Mr Chris Treewizard, it is not the case. 

"This is only street art, so don't get me wrong, there is no politics involved with putting these figurines up for display, it is all about art," said the 54-year-old.

Besides putting up these figurines on display as a form of support for People's Action Party, Chris had collected signatures and well-wishes for Mr Lee Kuan Yew's birthday as well. 

Problem-Based Learning Reflection

After having gone through Problem-Based learning in class, I feel that it is a rather impressive way to promote learning. My first perspective of it before class was that it would be a rather futile idea to go about solving a problem this way because there would be lots of time wasted on the whole process.

I would have preferred focusing on the main idea behind a project. However, after going through Problem-Based Learning with the tutor, I realized that this kind of Problem-solving actually helps me to go more in depth into learning, and take pride in what I learn, because I will have to share something which I have researched on with my fellow group mates.

Peer-sharing sessions have built up my self-confidence, and help me take pride in what I have learnt. I see Problem-Based Learning as coming up with a systematic way of handling a project, from start to finish. It also helps me come up with the fundamental ideas for a project before starting it.

From Problem-Based Learning, I have learn about how important foundations can be. If there are not enough knowledge on the subject at hand, it will be very hard to come up with a solution to tackle the problem.

Problem-based Learning also helped me know more about how dynamic and versatile my group can be, because every one of us has our strong and weak points. By compensating for the flaws of one another, I believe we will be able to work very well as a team.

Popular nightspot Helipad making its closing next week

This news may come as a shock to fellow clubbers, but popular nightspot Helipad is bound to make its grand closing next week. Saturday, 17th November, will be the last night fellow party people can get to party with all staffs and DJs of Helipad alike.

"I have been coming here very frequently because I like the way the resident DJ of Helipad, DJ Ohan drives the crowd wild every night," said Mr Macus Khoo, 21, a student from Singapore Management University.

Situated in Clarke Quay Central, this rooftop bar, which has been operating for four years now, has been a favorite nightspot for youngsters. Every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday night, it is not uncommon to see groups of clubbers gathering on the roof of The Central, waiting to party their night away.

According to the official website of Helipad, the nightclub will not be renewing its lease at The Central as attempts to obtain a new license by the management has been unsuccessful.

"For a while now, we have been trying to obtain a license to continue operating the rooftop bar but it has been unsuccessful," reads the company's notice.
"We are looking to move to a new location with a fresh concept where we can better serve you."

"I'm definitely going to miss this place when it's gone. Even though I've only started visiting Helipad this year, I really like the atmosphere it provides. There have been fond memories partying with my friends at this little clubbing heartland right smacked in Clarke Quay," said Mr Ng Bing Jun, a student waiting for enlistment.

The popular nightspot basically consists of two different levels, the lower level is more or less a club setting while the upper level is more for chilling in the ambience and admiring the panoramic night view of Clarke Quay and the Singapore River while having a few drinks with friends. It is ranked among the top ten rooftop bars in Singapore, according to online statistics.

Miss Fanny Lee, an accountant who frequently patronize the rooftop bar, said, "Every Friday after work, Helipad would be my favorite hang-out spot for a couple of drinks with my colleagues. I wonder why the management is unable to renew their lease."

When asked what about Helipad that attracts her the most, Miss Fanny Lee replied, "Definitely indulging in the breathtaking views of the bustling Clarke Quay nightlife while doubling up with my favorite cocktails."

Next Saturday, clubbers get to party their night away with the resident DJ of Helipad, DJ Ohan, for the last time in four years. Clubbers will be looking forward to what the management offers then.

                                        

Photos taken from the official website of Helipad