NUS Modules consolidated (2010 - 2012)

So far, Lim Jeck has taken 6 NUS modules and completed 30 Module Credits (MCs) in total from the Faculty of Science. He should be taking another 2-4 NUS modules next year, before entering National Service the following year.

2012/2013 Semester 1 (Aug-Dec 2012)
MA2202S Algebra I (S) 5 MCs, A

2011/2012 Semester 2 (Jan-May 2012)
MA1104 Multivariable Calculus, 4 MCs, A+
MA2108S Mathematical Analysis I (S), 5 MCs, A+

2011/2012 Semester 1 (Aug-Dec 2011)
MA2101 Linear Algebra II, 4 MCs, A+

2010/2011 Semester 2 (Jan-May 2011)
MA1101R Linear Algebra I, 4 MCs, A+

2010/2011 Semester 1 (Aug-Dec 2010)
MA1102R Calculus, 4 MCs, A+

MA1100 Fundamental Concepts of Mathematics, 4 MCs, Exempted

Results of Singapore Physics Olympiad 2012

Top Institution: RI
Best Overall Individual Performance: LIN YONGJIE, RI

Gold Medals
*LIM JECK, NUSH
*TAN WEI LIANG BYORN, NUSH
FENG WENHUI, RI
LI ZHILONG, RI
LIN YONGJIE, RI
LUO JIAJIA, RI
*PAY SHIEU MING DARYL, RI
WANG SHIYU, RI
WANG XING, RI
WANG FAN FRANCIS(SJPO), NUSH

Silver Medals
*MARC DANY, ACSI
ZENG YI, HCI
*JONATHAN ANG YUN HAO, NUSH
*SEAN SEET XIANG EN, NUSH
*ASHWIN VENKIDACHALAM, RI
*DANIEL MARK KEAT KAY, RI
FANG HAI TIAN, RI
LU YU, RI
TANG WEI, RI
YANG BOWEN, RI
YANG CE, RI
ZHANG YIFEI, VJC
DOUSABEL TAY MAY YI(SJPO), NUSH
QU XINYI(SJPO), NUSH
RICHARD AKIRA HERU(SJPO), RI

Bronze Medals
LE NGUYEN VUONG LINH, ACSI
*YOW KA SHING, ACSI
*BAY WEI HENG, HCI
MA YANMIN, HCI
*TAN JING LONG, HCI
TIAN JUNFU, NUSH
CAO YUXIN, RI
HENG WEE MENG SAMUEL, RI
*JOEL JOSEPH DOMINIC, RI
OUYANG XIAOXIAO, RI
SUN YU CHEN, RI
*VISHNU R MENON, RI
XU HUI, RI
CHEN WEN, VJC
DANIEL HADA HARIANJA, VJC
HA QUANG TRUNG (SJPO), NUSH

Honourable Mentions
JUNG MU NAM, ACSI
DONG CHAO, HCI
XU LINFENG, HCI
YANG SHUANG, HCI
*BRYAN WONG WEI HENG, NUSH
*CHEONG TIEN YANG, CLARENCE, NUSH
KENDRICK WONG WEI XIANG, NUSH
TAN JUN QI, NUSH
TAN ZHI-EN, NUSH
*YOS YOHANNES HAUSJAH, NUSH
SUN XIAONING, RI
ZHUANG PEIXUAN, RI
MA YUNTAO, VJC
LIU CHANGSHUO(SJPO), ACSI
NGO DANG HAI(SJPO), ACSI
MUHAMMAD HAIKAL BIN ABDULLAH ZAIN(SJPO), NUSH

* students who are selected into national team training '2013.
Only Year 5/JC1 (2012) Singapore Citizen/PR students are eligible to attend national team training. SJPO students are Year 4 and below (2012), hence they do not qualify for further training by NUS/NTU trainers.

Looking for Home Tuition?

*Important Note: From 1 Aug 2013 onwards, Lim Min is no longer providing tuition as she has started her undergraduate studies*

My name is Lim Min. I am providing tuition for Math, Chemistry and Physics. Anyone interested, please contact me.

Rates:
JC1/JC2: $35 per hour
Sec 1-4: $30 per hour
Primary School Olympiad Math: $30 per hour
(only near Queenstown area or come to my place)

Former Raffles Girls’ School and Raffles Institution student.
Just completed 'A' levels.
Graduated with Raffles Diploma Distinction (Cognitive).

Contact Details: 
Email: happybalamjl@gmail.com or leave your contact in the cbox/comments

Teacher's Testimonial

Grades:
2012 GCE 'A' Level Results

JC2 Prelims:
H2 Math: A (98 percentile)
H2 Chemistry: A (92 percentile)
H2 Physics: A (87 percentile)

JC1 Promos:
H2 Math: A (Dean's list – top 5%)
H2 Chemistry: A (Dean's list – top 5%)
H2 Physics: A

Sec 4 End Of Year Overall:
Mathematics 1: A+ (98 marks)
Mathematics 2: A+ (100 marks)
Chemistry: A+ (89 marks)
Physics: A+ (88 marks)
Mathematics (Raffles Academy): High Distinction

2D1N Batam Trip

Batam Trip @ 10 - 11 December. Stayed at Crown Vista Hotel.

Getting ready for Go Kart

After 10 minutes of Go Kart

Lim Min

Flying Fox video

Lim Li on flying fox

Back in Singapore, seeing this MRT advert on the way home

Lim Li: How can the umbrella fit into the bag? Oh .. I think it is a lipstick.

Dining at Yunnan View Restaurant

Pasir Ris Park Outing

We went Pasir Ris Park yesterday morning with Dorothea & hubby, Jansen & Jaren, Meng Ai & hubby, Choong Yin & Ying Yi, Sudha & hubby, Surya and Ilakya. We had fun cycling (rental at $5 per hr, free 1 hr), playing cards & iPads, swinging in playground and chatting. It rained at about 12.30 pm and we proceeded to lunch at Whitesands' Kopitiam foodcourt. After more chatting (adults) and iPad game playing (kids), we left at about 2.30 pm.

Lim Li, Lim Jeck, Choong Yin, Ying Yi

Choong Yin, Ying Yi, Lim Li, Lim Min, Lim Jeck

Dorothea, Meng Ai, Jaren, Jansen

Year 5 Semester 2 Progress Report

Lim Jeck's Year 5 Semester 2 results are as follows:

CL5102 Chinese 5B B-
CM5106 Inorganic and Electrochemistry B+
CS5102 Data Structures and Algorithms A+
EL5101 Language in Society II B
PC5201 Physics Olympiad V A+
PC5401 Calculus-based Mechanics I A+
PC5403 Calculus-based EMM I A+

Semestral Grade Point Average (GPA): 4.1
Cumulative Average Point (CAP): 4.4

Chinese: Lim Jeck is determined to do well in Chinese and works hard for it. Time is needed for him to raise his foundation to a higher level. To improve further, he needs to practise more on developing his reading and writing abilities.

Inorganic and Electrochemistry: Lim Jeck is an intelligent yet quiet individual in class. He is consistent and takes pride in giving his best in all he does. He has been more interactive in class this semester. Keep up the good attitude!

Data Structures and Algorithms: Lim Jeck is a motivated self-directed learner and has displayed high aptitude in computing.

Language in Society II: Lim Jeck has made a marked improvement in his presentation skills. He is an industrious student who can better his English by reading extensively. Lim Jeck should also continue with his efforts to contribute in class.

Physics Olympiad V, Calculus-based Mechanics I, Calculus-based EMM I: Lim Jeck is one of the most intelligent students in class. He does not take long to understand a concept, and is excellently able to apply it immediately. His strong background in Mathematics helps him to secure the best result almost in every test.

Boarding Cluster Mentor's Remarks: This year at Boarding has given Lim Jeck many opportunities to connect with others. He has a very sharp and analytical mind which is seen most often in our social encounters within the cluster. He is able to connect and integrate well with the cluster mates, especially in the context of playing indoor games. he has developed many community living skills which were clearly displayed in how he served the cluster by being part of the team that kept the cluster pantry in good condition. He participated and represented the cluster in the inter-cluster Chess Tournament. He also actively participated in the many cluster outings and celebrations conducted throughout the year. Lim Jeck's potential for the future will be greatly enhanced as he puts into practice the community living skills he has learnt in his time at Boarding.

Mentor's Remarks: Jeck is a well-behaved student with a quiet disposition. An exceptionally bright student with highly commendable talent and ability in Mathematics and Computing, Jeck has exhibited strong competencies in his academic studies. He is also willing to lend a helping hand to his classmates and hence, well-received by his peers.
Conduct: Very Good

Year 1 Semester 2 Progress Report

Lim Li's Year 1 Semester 2 results are as follows:

BL1106 Basic Cell Biology B
CL1102 Chinese 1B A-
CM1106 Foundation Chemistry I A
DV2103 Science Presentations -Merit-
EL1106 Developing Language and Literary Skills II B+
IH1103 Identities, Histories and Societies B
MA1111 Foundation Mathematics II A+
MA3206V Advanced Mathematical Olympiad Training III A+
PC1110 Foundation Physics I A+

Semestral Grade Point Average (GPA): 4.4 (out of 5)
Cumulative Average Point (CAP): 4.5 (out of 5)

Basic Cell Biology: Lim Li is a cheerful and outgoing student who puts in good effort for this module. She possesses the potential for greater performance that is achievable only if she gives herself the chance to nurture her potential interest for the subject. Keep it up!

Chinese: Lim Li is a quiet but determined student who is always doing her best. She needs to improve on her tests scores to maintain her standard. She may need to reflect and work on her weak areas.

Foundation Chemistry I: Lim Li is a friendly student who is able to articulate her views clearly. She is independent in learning and shows consistency in her results.

Science Presentations: Lim Li puts in good effort to prepare for her presentations and is a good team player. It would be good if she can practice more and put in more passion when she presents.

Developing Language and Literary Skills II: Lim Li demonstrates a willingness to improve for this subject. She is intelligent and has the potential to do well in the language if she reads more widely.

Identities, Histories and Societies: Lim Li is a promising student who diligently does her work. She is also an integral group member who participates actively in group activities.

Foundation Mathematics II: Lim Li is a talented student who is able to grasp new concepts readily. She puts in efforts to improve on her carelessness and has attained good results through the semester. Lim Li is encouraged to be more meticulous in presenting her workings.

Advanced Mathematical Olympiad Training III: For a year 1 student doing a year 3 course, Lim Li has done an excellent job.

Foundational Physics I: Lim Li shows respect towards teachers and peers and has a cheerful disposition. She will ask relevant questions to build on existing knowledge and does not hesitate to seek clarification where necessary. She is a consistent and highly-motivated student who is serious about doing well in her studies.

Mentor's Remarks: Lim Li is a bubbly and outspoken girl. She is naturally inquisitive, bright and able to learn new concepts easily. With focus and opportunity, she has the ability to excel in her Mathematics and Sciences. It would be good if she can be more meticulous in her work.
Conduct: Very Good

Buckyballs

The buckyballs  (prize from Brilliant Math Challenge) consist of 216 powerful magnets

Lim Li holding the bear-shape buckyballs that she has created

Tessellated buckyballs created by Lim Li

Lim Jeck holding the diamond-shape buckyballs that he has created

Brilliant Math Challenge Prizes

We have received the prizes. Thanks to The Brilliant Team, for organising the Brilliant Fall Math Challenge. My kids have had great fun taking part in this online competition, and they are looking forward to participating in the next competition :)

Lim Jeck's prizes, for being 2nd in Live Challenge and Regional top 10 in the 5th Week Challenge. There is a scholarship of US$1500 which will be sent to the school.

Lim Min's prizes, for being Regional top 10 in the 5th Week Challenge.

Life, Wealth, Success & Happiness

An inspiring talk in January this year by the late Dr Richard Teo, a successful Singaporean opthamologist-turned-cosmetic surgeon, who succumbed to Stage Four terminal lung cancer earlier this month at the age of 40. The 22-minute heart-wrenching video features his candid admission on the ceaseless pursuit of materialism and success, which in the final months of his life, meant nothing to him and gave him precious little comfort.  In his final message, he urged the classroom of dentistry students never to lose their moral compass and never to lose sight of the patients they treated. He quoted from Tuesdays with Morris - "Everyone knows they are going to die, but nobody believes it. If we did, we would do things differently.".  Another powerful phrase, "...when we learn how to die, then we'll learn how to live." 

Watch the video here.

More than 2 years ago, when my mother was battling with breast cancer, I remember myself being very disappointed with the medical profession. I could sense that, to the oncologist, the medical consultancy was just a job, and my mother was just one of her many patients that she wanted to quickly done with, so she could see the next patient. I really feel that medical profession is not like any job, it is a calling (just like teachers).  A doctor should be compassionate, feel empathy for each patient and treat each of them like how she wants her loved ones to be treated.

AMC Annual Awards Presentation 2012

The Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC) Annual Awards Presentation was held at the Novotel Clarke Quay Hotel on 24 Oct, 5.30 pm.

Medal Winners (photo from the Australian Math Trust website). From left: Professor Taylor, (Junior) Wang Weiduo RI, Yang Gan RI, (Intermediate) Gao Yuan ACSI, Bernard Teo Zhi Yi HCI, Eugene Lee RI, (Senior) Jonathan Ang Yun Hao NUSH, Lim Jeck NUSH and Mr Crawford.

Prize Winners (top 0.3%) for AMC.

In the past, two guests could be invited for each winner. This year, only one is invited :( Also, the refreshment seems to be getting worse year after year. This year, the following buffet spread was served: mini drumlets, mini egg tarts, mini chocolate cakes, orange juice, coffee/tea. That's all. :(

The Real Purpose of Life

Since young, I have always been wondering what's the purpose of life, and am intrigued with why we are born. Recently, I have read this book "You Were Born For A Reason - The Real Purpose of Life" by Kentetsu Takamori, Daiji Akehashi, Kentaro Ito. I think some of the writings in this book strike a chord with me.

Below are extracted from the book:

Why do we live? What is the purpose of life? Shinran's answer is unambiguous. "The purpose of is neither to amass money and treasure, nor to win honours and status. It is to have the source of suffering eradicated and be filled with joy, rejoicing that you were born human, and live in never-ending bliss."

The purpose of life is also expressed as "enjoying the benefit of sesshu fusha (being held fast and never forsaken)," or as muge no ichido (the path of no hindrance). Delight in being alive radiates from the pages of Shinran's masterwork Teaching, Practice, Faith, Enlightenment, which beings and ends with the words, "How joyful I am!" It is a manifestation of the blazing joy of one who has attained the purpose of life.

"Why is it wrong to take another person's life?" When a child asks this question, too often adults are at a loss, unable to give a satisfying reply. For adults as for children, the greatest sadness is not to know the joy of living.

Humanity is befuddled, unsure whether life has any meaning, or why those in pain should bother to carry on. Amid this general confusion, Shinran's words ring out loud and clear: "How wonderful it is to be born a human being!" Once the essential dignity of human life is understood, people should see why organ transplantation to extend life are worthwhile, why suicide is never a good option, why every human life is infinitely precious. Then, with doubts over the meaning of human existence resolved, each one can go resolutely forward to work on whatever besetting problems there may be.

Once life's true purpose is known, all trouble and suffering acquire meaning. Live for life's true purpose, and all your efforts are sure to be rewarded.

Preliminary Examinations Results

Lim Min did well for her prelims, especially in Maths, Chemistry and Physics, where she scored in the 98th, 92nd and 87th percentiles, respectively.

Lim Min is awarded Raffles Diploma with Distinction

Brilliant Live Challenge Results: Fall 2012

http://www.brilliantscholars.com/live-challenge-results-fall-2012/

btw, Clarence is 13th, Lim Min is 17th, Choong Yin is 18th and Lim Li is 30th in the Live Challenge

The top winner is Farrell Wu from the Philippines. He has topped many regional Math competitions and is very likely to be a future Math Olympian (at IMO level).

Congratulations to everyone, especially those from Singapore - Jeck (NUSH), Way (NUSH), Wei Liang (HCI), Dylan (NYPS), Jansen (RI), Jau Tung (RI), Jaren (NUSH), Jordan (RI) and Jeremy (ex-RI).

CWMI 2012 Results

Results of the Singapore Team in the China Mathematical Olympiad Invitational 2012 held at Inner Mongolia China recently:

Gold Award:
Liu Yijia, RI Year 2
Way Tan, NUSH Year 4
Clarence Chew, NUSH Year 1

Silver Award:
Sheldon Kieren Tan, RI Year 2
David Lin, RI Year 3
Yap Jit Wu, NUSH Year 5
Teh Jiun Harn, RI Year 4
Bay Wei Heng, HCI Year 5

Congratulations to one and all!

Tea Reception for Singapore International Olympiad Teams 2012

 

Lim Jeck receiving souvenir (Fields Medalists' Lectures book) from Dean of NUS Faculty of Science, Prof Andrew Wee. He has received the same book for the last few years. We have given away the extra copies to NUS High.



Group photo of attendees

Relax ...

Lim Jeck and Mr Thomas Teo were first in the queue!

Invitation to Enrol in FoS NUS, with a good scholarship offered

Free Online Courses from Top Universities

Last time, I mentioned there were free lectures on the Internet, that post is here.

Below is another useful website which offers online courses from top universities for anyone to take. Coursera is a startup founded by Stanford computer science professors Daphne Koller and Andrew Ng, Its vision is to give everyone worldwide, with an Internet connection, access to the world-class education that has so far been available only to a select few.  Coursera hopes to empower people with education that will improve their lives, the lives of their families, and the communities they live in.

When taking the courses, students will watch lectures taught by world-class professors, learn at their own pace, test their knowledge, and reinforce concepts through interactive exercises. Students will also join a global community of thousands of students learning alongside them. Courses are offered in a wide range of topics, spanning the Humanities, Medicine, Biology, Social Sciences, Mathematics, Business, Computer Science, and many others.

Coursera offers free online University level classes

Current partner universities of Coursera

Leading to the Live Challenge

Lim Min, Lim Jeck and Lim Li have signed up for the Live Challenge scheduled for 22 Septermber (Saturaday). Their timings are:
Lim Min: 4 pm
Lim Jeck: 4 pm
Lim Li: 11 pm (who has to sign up for a later slot, as we have only 2 notebook computers with webcam at home).

Only for Week 5, the top 10 winners within the region will receive a prize pack of books and puzzles. After week 5, Lim Jeck's global rank is 1st of 3122 (tied with William Gan Wei Liang and Jaren Sta Maria). 

My kids are more interested in winning the top 7 and top 12 prizes (those underlined in Red), rather than the top 3 scholarship prizes.

Brilliant Challenge (Math Competition)

Take part in Brilliant Challenge!

Students solve problems online at their own pace and earn points over 5 weeks (maximum of 2300 points can be earned per week). New problems are released each week. At the end of the 5 weeks, students who have earned enough points will be invited to a Live Challenge conducted over Google Hangouts to compete for awards and scholarships. The official contest dates for the first Brilliant Challenge are Aug 13 - Sep 16. New problems sets will become available at the beginning of each week on Sunday (Singapore time is Monday morning), and the previous week’s problem sets will expire. However, students who join in the 4th (current week) and 5th week will still have ample opportunity to earn a sufficient number of points (i.e. 2200 points) to participate in the Live Challenge or take advantage of Master Classes and other prizes.

The Live Challenge will be held on Saturday, September 22, (Singapore time may be 1 day later) 2012. Students may choose from several time slots throughout the day, but may only participate once. The Live Challenge will be 1 hour in length. Brilliant coordinators will monitor students over webcam to maintain the integrity of the challenge.

As of now, Lim Jeck is ranked 1st (tie with 1 others) out of 2280 participants, after completing Week 4 contest. Lim Li is ranked 19th after completing Week 4 contest. The ranking is just for fun, it has no bearing on the Live Challenge. Lim Min only took part in Week 1 and 2 contests and she is not keen to continue with the contest.

To win the top prizes, only the Live Challenge points will be counted. Hence, you do not have any handicap even if you join only Week 4 and/or Week 5 contests. Join NOW!

Click for a bigger image. Prizes for Brilliant Math Challenge Fall 2012. Unless otherwise stated, prizes are for students grade 12 and below, and are based on performance on the Live Challenge.