Without any prior knowledge and training in Human Resource, three teams from the Entreé Council boldly participated in the Singapore HR Challenge 2010. The annual competition is organised by the Singapore Human Resource Institute as a platform for students to exhibit analytical skills and creativity in managing human resource issues. The chosen theme was ‘Managing Diversity: Bridging Communication Gaps’. It was the first year that Junior Colleges were invited to participate in this national competition, and ACJC proudly nominated three teams to form part of the 63 participating teams.

The first round required the submission of a report that demanded high-order research and a very rigorous form of analysis. Faced with a limited time of less than 2 months, two of our teams managed to submit reports of substantial quality. Our relentless perseverance and hard work won us golden tickets to the semi-finals. The second round involved a presentation to a panel of judges of respectable positions. Despite formidable opponents, one of our teams (Team Epic) managed to impress the judges with confidence and clarity to emerge as the only JC team to reach the finals.

The third and conclusive round was a similar presentation format, but this time it was delivered to a panel of judges who included professors and people of various important positions, such as Chief Executive Officers. The Grand Finals was held in the Singapore Management University in a suitably intense and professional atmosphere.

Regardless of the detailed presentations given by teams of various universities, polytechnics and ITE business students, our dauntless spirit and impressive presentation skills pushed our team of four – comprising of Oktoviano Gandhi (2SA3), Lim Hwee Keong Christopher (2SA7), Lim Kang Rui (2SB1) and Peter Alexander Liman (2SA2) – forward to clinch the 1st Runner-up position in the JC/ITE category. Furthermore, Lim Kang Rui was recognised as the Best Presenter in the JC/ITE category.

As a reward for our dedicated effort, Team Epic was presented with a cash prize of $200. In addition, to show our appreciation to ACJC for granting us this golden opportunity, Team Epic has agreed to donate our prize of a Brands hamper worth over $200 to the Fun-O-Rama Organising Committee in support of our college’s fundraising efforts.

This experience was a very valuable one that exposed us to the various perspectives and methodology of the different teams in respective categories. Although we were unable to attain the top position, the learning journey of the past three months was truly rewarding. We believe that the arduous path with rocky hills and mountainous peaks would only serve to better the personal development of oneself to achieve even greater heights. The Best Is Yet To Be!

Report by: Peter Alexander Liman (Executive Project Director, Entrée Council)
Photographs by: Mr Mervyn Sek (Teacher-Advisor, Entrée Council; Mentor, Team Epic)