An e-mail correnspondence with me representing Elvin. Prof Lok is the Dean of Students
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From: #LIANG CHONGWEN ELVIN#
Sent: Thu 7/10/2008 9:06 PM
To: Lok Tat Seng (Assoc Prof)
Subject: RE: Enquiry of assigned occupant of 13-1-201
Dear Prof,
I truly appreciate your swift response and attention, albeit a trivial matter.
As the hall officer has rightly pointed, I have been through the National Service. Contrary to the Hall Officer's remark on being "rather impolite", I would like to clarify that having been through the 2 years of mandatory training, I learnt to be empathetic instead of being apathetic, I learnt to serve instead of being served, and I learnt to take duties with delight and not with dread, such that the duty does not become a chore but a mission necessary to make a difference.
What I would like to point out is that the Hall Officer took zero effort in assisting, and even came up with an excuse (or a lie) that the single room is assigned to a freshman. It is known to all that a freshman cannot be assigned to a single room. After I have pointed out the controversy in the follow-up e-mail, instead of making an apology, the Hall Officer used the 'rules' to rebut. It certainly grieves me when someone has to turn to the 'rules' to rebut instead of working around the rules to assist. I presume that my request could be adding on to her workload, hence the dire reluctance. Is it that difficult for a NTU staff to feel part of the Nanyang family, so much so that their jobs are merely jobs, instead of making the Nanyang community a better place?
I am also greatly appalled by the way the Hall Officer claimed that I 'force' and I have 'no right", etcetera.
With more than 8,000 undergraduates living within the Yunan Garden, Hall Officers play a critical role in making life heaven on earth or vice versa. I certainly understand that not all requests can be acceded to, but to begin with, the process of negotiation is probably more important that the outcome, and in this case, indifference and reluctance.
I am currently doing internship with a bank, and would normally knock off close to the wee hours. Thank you for availing yourself for a discussion on such a trivial matter, and I am indeed grateful from the bottom of my heart. I am however, unable to come.
Last but not least, I would like to point out that cohesiveness, sense of belonging and loyalty should not only be instilled in students, but staff as well. As a member of NTU, I would always strive to make this place a better place, and to create beautiful memories for the short 4 years. But student contribution is certainly insufficient, as the interlocking network of NTU consists of more than just the students, but one and all who make a positive differrence to the enhancement of this Garden.
Yours,
Elvin
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From: Lok Tat Seng (Assoc Prof)
Sent: Wed 7/9/2008 6:52 PM
To: #LIANG CHONGWEN ELVIN#; Cher Soh Eng
Cc: Tan-Ong Siew Kuan; Low Ngee Yong
Subject: Re: Enquiry of assigned occupant of 13-1-201
Dear Elvin
I regret the miscommunication and unnecessary exchange. Could you bear with me for a few more days until I return from overseas on Friday? We could meet on Monday to discuss the matter.
If not, may I suggest that you make arrangements to come to NTU and speak to Mrs Tan at Level 5 at SSC. Many students who are working in S'pore make time to come in to sort a range of problems. You'll be surprise how these things can be resolved swiftly. Sorry, I am assuming you are abroad. Are you overseas?
Thank you.
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From: Cher Soh EngSent: Thu 7/10/2008 10:18 AM
To: #LIANG CHONGWEN ELVIN#
Cc: Lok Tat Seng (Assoc Prof); Tan-Ong Siew Kuan; Low Ngee Yong
Subject: Enquiry of assigned occupant of 13-1-201Dear Liang Chongwen Elvin,
As you are a Singaporean who had gone through National Service, you should have a very good discipline but you are using a rather impolite way when you were writing your email. As HMS(Hostel Management System) for room allocation for senior has consist of a lot of criteria, you have got 15 points for GCW and are fall under category A. I have to inform you that the room allocation via HMS system is not allowed to change/swap room as the auditor will check through the list. Furthermore, the most important is we have no right and are NOT allowed to reveal the particular of any hall residents include the senior that has been assigned to the room 13-1-201(S). Please put yourself in the shoes of a hall officer and the residents as well.
For your kind attention, pls.
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From: #LIANG CHONGWEN ELVIN#
Sent: Wednesday, July 09, 2008 6:30 PM
To: Cher Soh Eng
Cc: Tan-Ong Siew Kuan; Low Ngee Yong; Lok Tat Seng (Assoc Prof)
Subject: RE: Enquiry of assigned occupant of 13-1-201
Dear Hall Officer,
I would like to put across to you that I am not forcing my way through. All that I am asking is the possibility for a potential swap. Kindly refrain from personal assumption as that would render unfairness and wayward interpretation to a simple request made by a student. I seek to remind you that rules are dead while humans are alive. It probably does not require tons of effort for a simple link up, so that we can have out own negotiation. Moreover, your reluctance to assist is strongly felt as per your e-mail.
If that is the kind of attitude that you would like to display and embrace, I strongly applaud in awe.
Elvin
cc Prof Lok, for your attention
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From: Cher Soh Eng
Sent: Wed 7/9/2008 9:38 AM
To: #LIANG CHONGWEN ELVIN#Cc: Tan-Ong Siew Kuan; Low Ngee Yong
Subject: Enquiry of assigned occupant of 13-1-201
I would like to inform you that the room no: 13-1-201((S) has been allocated to a senior via computerization system.You have no right to know who has been assigned to stay in the room.The hostelite has been allocated to stay in 13-1-201(S) & he does not wish to change his room & you are also not allowed to force other to change room with you.You do not have a valid reason to swap the room & your request cannot be accede to. For your kind attention, pls
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From: #LIANG CHONGWEN ELVIN#
Sent: Wed 7/9/2008 12:13 AM
To: Cher Soh Eng
Cc: Tan-Ong Siew Kuan
Subject: Enquiry of Assigned Occupant of 13-1-201
As I am currently doing internship, I would not have the time to collect the keys in the day, neither would I have time to move. The tenant of 13-1-201 is my friend and it would be much easier to move in.
Furthermore, I would strongly urge that you take the e-mail seriously. I understand that you have been with Hall of Residence 1 for a couple of years, and it would be impossible for you not to know that a freshman cannot be assigned to a single room. I believe that you could have put in more effort in replying e-mail and study the feasibility and possibility of a potential swap instead of slapping us with a no. Moreover, kindly be more understanding and put yourself in the shoes of a student doing internship.
All that is required for the swap is a mutual agreement. If you are reluctant to assist in the swap, then kindly provide us with the name of the tenant moving in to 13-1-201 so that we can discuss the swap.
Elvin
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From: #LIANG CHONGWEN ELVIN#
Sent: Tue 7/8/2008 11:02 PM
To: Cher Soh EngSubject:
RE: Enquirey of assigned occupant of 13-1-201
Hi Cher,
As mentioned below, the room is a single room. It has come to my understanding that single rooms will not be allocated to freshmen as they have not yet earned points to be eligible for the criteria of a single room. Furthermore, during an earlier visit to enquire through the Hall 1 office, it was made known that mutual swaps between occupants can be made via the Hall office as long as anagreement is signed between both parties. Could details of the occupant be disclosed so that a swap can be initiated to the interest of both occupants?
Warmest Regards,
Elvin
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From: Cher Soh Eng
Sent: Tue 7/8/2008 10:02 AM
To: #LIANG CHONGWEN ELVIN#
Cc: Low Ngee Yong
Subject: RE: Enquirey of assigned occupant of 13-1-201
Your proposal cannot be accede to. As you mentioned this room has assigned to the freshmen to stay.For your attention, pls.
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From: #LIANG CHONGWEN ELVIN#
Sent: Tuesday, July 08, 2008 12:51 AM
To: Hall-1 General Office
Subject: Enquirey of assigned occupant of 13-1-201
Dear Hall Officer,
I'm writing to enquire about who has been assigned the room 13-1-201, as if possible, I would like to propose a room swap with him, as I would prefer staying in 13-1-201 as opposed to the single room I was given in block 17. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Yours Sincerely,
Elvin Liang
