[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":103},["ShallowReactive",2],{"collection-recess":3},[4],{"id":5,"title":6,"body":7,"description":90,"extension":91,"floatImageLeft":92,"floatImageRight":92,"heroImage":92,"images":93,"isAd":95,"meta":96,"multipleImages":92,"navigation":97,"objectFit":92,"objectPosition":92,"ogDescription":92,"ogTitle":92,"order":92,"path":98,"seo":99,"stem":100,"tagName":101,"__hash__":102},"recess\u002Frecess\u002Fsix-degrees-of-benjamin-alexander-chua.md","Six Degrees of Benjamin Alexander Chua",{"type":8,"value":9,"toc":87},"minimark",[10],[11,12,14],"article-layout",{":title":13},"title",[15,16,18,24,33,37,47,55,63,71,79],"template",{"v-slot:content":17},"",[19,20,21],"h1",{"id":17},[22,23],"binding",{"value":13},[25,26,27],"p",{},[28,29,30],"em",{},[22,31],{"value":32},"description",[34,35],"article-image",{":image":36},"articles\u002Frecess\u002Fhero.webp",[25,38,39,43,46],{},[40,41,42],"strong",{},"Q1: Tell us briefly about your day job, and what your time at the NIE was like. Was there a favourite hangout on campus?",[44,45],"br",{},"\nMy time at the NIE was rejuvenating. Even though I was with the Republic of Singapore Air Force at that time, the skills I gained were vital to influencing and training others. As a former Outward Bound Singapore instructor, I kept my “education muscle” active as I have always felt that I would eventually return to education. This came true when I subsequently joined MOE, where I am now a Senior Assistant Director overseeing digital governance and compliance at the HQ. As for my favourite hangout? The student lounge was my quiet spot, where I had a comfortable environment to write my papers.",[25,48,49,52,54],{},[40,50,51],{},"Q2: How did you end up helming the NTU NIE Alumni Association (NIEAA)? Was there a “lightbulb moment” that convinced you to take up the role?",[44,53],{},"\nMy NS journey taught me that meritocracy only works if people are willing to step forward and give their best. Hence, running for election to lead the NIEAA was part of this belief: the first step to improving something is to involve yourself in the work. The NIEAA has come a long way since its inauguration, and that progress depends on active participation. I am merely taking up the baton for one term, hoping to build incrementally on the efforts of those before me and pave the way for others to do the same.",[25,56,57,60,62],{},[40,58,59],{},"Q3: What can the NIE community look forward to under your watch? Please give NIEWS a sneak peek of what’s brewing ahead!",[44,61],{},"\nRecently,  one of our EXCO members Jeff created a Telegram channel to connect trainee teachers and experienced educators. When praised for the extensive groundwork that he did, Jeff simply noted that he wanted to give back to the ecosystem. This spirit of contribution defines the NIEAA. Moving forward, we aim to offer greater support for educators and serve as a connecting platform for all who have passed through the NIE, whether they are in outdoor, adult training, public or early childhood education. Through networking and mentorship initiatives, we want to inspire alumni to reconnect and work together to shape the future of education.",[25,64,65,68,70],{},[40,66,67],{},"Q4: None of us get here alone. Is there an NIE professor or mentor who left a lasting impression on you? Now’s the time for a public shout-out!",[44,69],{},"\nClasses taught by Associate Professor Heng Tang Tang were the most memorable. Every lesson felt too short because the discussions were so intensive and energised. When I was away for a military exercise in Thailand, she facilitated hybrid lessons so that I would not fall behind. Most meaningfully, she and my classmates provided immense moral support when I returned after donating a kidney to my daughter. I was deeply touched by that kindness. Even today, those friendships endure, with some of my former classmates still reaching out through personal messages whenever they sense that I need help or am feeling a little down. I am really grateful for the bonds formed at the NIE.",[25,72,73,76,78],{},[40,74,75],{},"Q5: Since this is a “Recess” article, can you tell us how you spend your downtime? Where does Benjamin go to recharge?",[44,77],{},"\nMy spirit animal is a capybara, so it is no surprise that my recharge ritual involves a warm jacuzzi. It is my ultimate space for decompressing, reflection and simply relaxing.",[25,80,81,84,86],{},[40,82,83],{},"Q6: If you could leave NIEWS readers with just one thought, or a challenge for the year ahead, what would it be?",[44,85],{},"\nThe NIE has a very strong alumni pool. Nearly every educator in Singapore has passed through our doors. Imagine the collective impact we could make if more alumni returned to contribute and engage with our alma mater. So I invite you to come back and join us. Together, we can continue to give back to the ecosystem: for education, for educators and for those being educated.",{"title":17,"searchDepth":88,"depth":88,"links":89},2,[],"Meet your new NTU NIE Alumni Association President, Mr Benjamin Alexander Chua. From being an NIE student to leading its alumni community, Benjamin’s journey has come full circle. We caught up with him during “Recess” to talk shop, school memories and his vision for the road ahead.","md",null,[94],{"resource":36},false,{},true,"\u002Frecess\u002Fsix-degrees-of-benjamin-alexander-chua",{"title":6,"description":90},"recess\u002Fsix-degrees-of-benjamin-alexander-chua","Recess","j6arN0kd_EZw3IfC16C9RGzuuqV0IyJLjEmJm6UhX8g",1779952970631]