Monday, May 22, 2006
Let him Go Lah!!!!
Here is the forum discussions for the Deferemnt of Violin Prodigy See Ian Ike. Such Talent need to be allowed to "Fly" pls read and pass it on guys. the sack of Musicians and justice to them in you the power of the people. this conutry to nothing withour its ppl and so i like others here am joining in this fight or voicing out for all musicians.
ST Forum Page, May 17, 2006
National Service deferment: S'pore will gain by letting gifted young people develop their talents abroadI'm a friend of See Ian Ike's. I was with him in Raffles Institution when we were taking part in the school's Music Elective Programme (MEP).I have seen him perform in the National Arts Council's (NAC) piano and violin competition many times. I can testify that he has an incredible amount of talent and skill with the violin.My word is not the only support he has - the awards and the invitations from distinguished music schools such as Juilliard and the Peabody Conservatory of Music speak for themselves.I only want to write to say that perhaps the government should consider giving Ian Ike a chance to develop himself and making an exception when dealing with National Service deferment.I do not mean to belittle the national army of Singapore or National Service. I firmly believe in the competence of our army as well as the need for National Service.Besides, Ian Ike does not rule out doing his National Service completely. He only wishes to defer his enrolment in the army on the ground that he must take up this 'once-in-a-lifetime opportunity' to study in the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music in the United States.What I wish to say is this: If Ian Ike is enrolled in the army, he will become merely another soldier fighting for Singapore. Not that being a soldier is not an honourable profession, but he will become another statistic in the numbers of men who enlist for their term of service, another rifle-bearing military man, another trooper on land, sea or in the air.I understand that the main reaction may well be why I am making such a fuss. After all, he can apply for a music school after finishing his term of national service since he is so talented.However, as a fellow amateur musician, I can testify that regular, constant practice and regular coaching is required to maintain a high level of musical competency.Ian Ike understands this, and that is the reason why he quit his studies under the Raffles Programme. Two years given to the service of Singapore would be years well spent but they could also mean his musicianship is somewhat affected.And when he applies for a place in an international, prestigious music school such as Curtis Institute, places which are fought over by musically-gifted students from all over the world, he could be disadvantaged.Ian Ike's achievement in securing a place in Curtis Institute is wonderful simply because enrolment in such an institution is a highly valued achievement among aspiring musicians.Singapore would benefit in the long run if Ian Ike is allowed to go abroad and complete his musical education now. With our country developing the music scene as part of our goal to become an arts hub, Ian Ike could act as our ambassador when abroad, a testament to the vitality of the Western classical music scene in Singapore.By allowing Ian Ike to continue his musical development uninterrupted, the music scene is likely to reap huge returns when he comes back and starts work, of course after doing his National Service.Perhaps Singapore would benefit in the long run if we allow gifted young people who are passionate about what they want to do to develop their talents and complete their education so that they can act as ambassadors of the rich culture in our society.Ian Ike may be a future soldier but he is a civilian soldier and he will be able to contribute to society far more as a civilian in terms of the culture and image of Singapore than as a soldier.I ask the government to seriously consider allowing him to defer his National Service. I have faith that Ian Ike, with his talent, grit and hard work will do Singapore proud.
Arunn Jothidas
ST Forum Page, May 17, 2006
Musical talent should be nurtured from a very young age, especially for prodigiesAs a music teacher, my view is that a student who is serious about music and has decided to pursue music should do it at as young an age as possible, like in the early teens.This is especially if they have already exhibited strong talent and acumen all round. See Ian Ike could have gone to further his music studies at a very young age like Lee Huei Min, Gabriel Ng and Claire Yeo to name a few.Ian Ike was spotted by a retired American conductor at the age of 11. The conductor offered to send him to Dorothy Delay, who was then still alive and was the master teacher at Julliard Conservatory.However, as his parents were not in a position to uproot the whole family, it never happened. When he was 12, another American teacher who taught at the Julliard prodigy programme took an interest in Ian Ike, but again for the same reason, he did not leave Singapore.It is a known fact that any musical talent should be nurtured at a very young at age and a musical child who has proven to have much potential through his successful concerts, diplomas and winning music competitions should be given proper intensive training as early as possible.This is so that the young nimble fingers and hands of a budding musician may be fully and properly developed.If a prodigy does not come from a rich family, the child will have to earn his way to an overseas music education by getting a scholarship. After many years of hard work, it seems that Ian Ike is now faced with the prospect of having to give up his overseas scholarship as the National Service deferment policy at Mindef has changed.At this point, I would not and cannot with good conscience encourage any young Singaporean to be a performer even if he or she has great potential like Ian Ike to pursue music.
Sylvia Khoo (Ms)(First violin teacher of See Ian Ike)
ST Forum Page, May 17, 2006
Mindef should grant teen violinist NS defermentI READ with great pride of the prestigious scholarship offered by the Curtis Institute of Music to violinist Ike See. Only two other Singaporeans have attended the institute in Singapore's post-independence years.If Ike is not granted deferment from national service, he would likely lose his present level of skills.Having served NS, I feel it is all right that the rest of us NSmen 'hold the fort' until he has finished his overseas stint. However, Ike must be made to return to Singapore to serve NS without exception, and undertake not to renounce his Singapore citizenship prior to serving NS.Better still, make him perform for the listening pleasure of all NSmen and Singaporeans as part of his NS obligations.I am very sure Singaporeans and our system have matured enough to allow a little discretionary flexibility for the sake of nurturing a rare talent.
Yuen Kwong Chow
ST Forum Page, May 17, 2006
Give Ike a chance to pursue his dreamsI READ with dismay that 17-year-old violinist Ike See may have to turn down a scholarship to study at the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music in the United States because he has been denied deferment from national service.I have had the honour to witness Ike play (and conduct) on many occasions - charity events, chamber recitals, symphonic concerts, competitions (from which he emerged champion three times) and masterclasses. The standard and maturity of his musicality is unlike that of any other young musician I have seen.The combination of sheer musical talent and skill, diligence and unassuming personality is probably the reason why he is one of the few Singaporeans to be accepted into the Juilliard School, Peabody Conservatory, New England Conservatory and Curtis Institute of Music. To have been offered a US$114,000 (S$182,400) scholarship to study at the latter just goes to show how bright a future Ike has and how much faith professional musicians from the West have in wanting to nurture this bright talent from Singapore.Abigail Sin, Clare Yeo, Gabriel Ng and Loh Junhong have all been given a chance to pursue their dreams. They have even had their experiences glorified and sensationalised by the media. How is Ike any different? Because he is a more mature, less affluent, male Singaporean?Will letting one young man have his national service deferred for a few years be a detriment to the country? Why must Ike's loyalty to his country be placed in doubt, and why should he be treated like a potential Melvyn Tan? To quote the boy himself, 'I understand that serving my nation is important and I will do so eventually.'I would be very perturbed if Ike has to give up the opportunity of a lifetime in his prime because of some red tape in a conscription policy.It is not enough to build a conservatory, put on concerts and say we support youths and the arts. Show it.
Wong You Min
ST Online Forum May 17, 2006
Mindef should review NS deferment policy, make exceptions for the exceptionally giftedGifted individuals such as violinist See Ian Ike are not born everyday and when we do have one, we should treat him with special care and consideration.This is especially so in a country as small as Singapore. When rare individuals like these are found amongst our midst we should celebrate and rejoice.If the Singapore stage is not sufficiently big or not ready to hold them, we should have the broadness of mind to release them to the world where their special gifts can be developed to the fullest and where they can use their talents to contribute to the field of their expertise.I have two boys, one of whom is currently in National Service. While supporting National Service and recognising its importance, I also believe that for gifted individuals like See Ian Ike, we should also recognise that they possess a special gift that is to be shared with the rest of the world.Since the Singapore stage is not the place where their potential can be realised, not at this time anyway, we should not hinder them simply because of our policy on National Service.These are obviously exceptional individuals who deserve exceptional consideration. For such individuals, the world is their stage and I feel that if they do not eventually come back to Singapore because the stage is not big enough yet, we should still wish them well and be proud that we have a Singapore son out there making a difference to the world.We should just hope that perhaps the day will come when we are more ready for them and when we have a big enough stage, they will someday want to return home to make a contribution in the field that they are gifted in.Singapore will not be worse off by making exceptions to allow individuals like See Ian Ike to defer National Service, but the world of music will be worse off when we deprive it of a gifted individual like him.I therefore call on Mindef to review its policy and make the exception for See Ian Ike to pursue his music career and not hinder his development by insisting that he stays back to serve National Service now.
Larry Lai Chong Tuck
ST Online Forum, May 18, 2006
Completing his NS might cost Ike opportunities to be a top musicianI have known Ike See since he was eight. This little boy grabbed my soul when he performed Beethoven's Romance In F for the Associated Board of Royal School of Music High Scorers concert. He played with such soul and conviction that it brought tears to my eyes. Since then I have kept up with his progress and I have never been disappointed with any of his performances.There are many technicians out there who can play brilliantly and impressively but few can touch the soul like Ike. The gift to elevate the audience is what makes music so special. People go to concerts to listen to music not just to be entertained but to experience the wonderful feeling of being enriched and inspired.I am a violinist myself and the director and principal of Mandeville Music School. I attend concerts all the time and it is a rare treat to have an elevating experience. However, Ike's performances have always been meaningful to me.I was terribly disappointed to read the news about Ike in The Straits Times on Monday. I now understand why his parents and teacher did not want to break the good news to me when I asked them about Ike's auditions in the US. It is no use telling people that he has been accepted into all the top music colleges when he cannot go because he has to serve national service first.It is very prestigious to be selected for Curtis Institute. It would be every musician's dream come true and anyone who can get in there is already very accomplished and all set for the world platform. This is the only top music school in the US where all selected are on full scholarship.I encouraged Ike to audition three years ago as this school only accepts young students. He tried two years ago but was not accepted although he was one of the few finalists. I am so proud that he got in on the second try. He had worked very hard in the last two years. Twelve out of 12 judges voted him in this time.If Ike doesn't accept their offer this round, I do not think he will be able to get in after his national service as he would be too old by then. This poor boy would be so disappointed and his hopes of becoming a world-class violinist would be shattered.Ike might still choose to be a musician in the end, but he would likely have lost many opportunities to be at the top. In the competitive music world, age makes a big difference.Singapore has always been proud to show off its achievements. Why waste a truly homegrown talent now? Ike will serve Singapore even better when he proves to the world that we are able to produce such a remarkable musician. He will surely do us Singaporeans proud and would be the best ambassador of the arts for us.
Yap Shu Mei (Ms)Director/PrincipalMandeville Music School
ST Online Forum, May 18, 2006
Can the authorities chart a path for male prodigies like Ike See in Singapore so they can maximise their potential?I write in support of Ike See's appeal for NS deferment and hope the prior Melvyn Tan episode has not caused Mindef to paint with a broad brush henceforth.If the concern is over the possibility of Ike's non-return following his studies, there are other ways to address this adequately such as calling for additional guarantors or perhaps increasing the security bond. At least this gives his family and friends an opportunity to rally around him. It opens the door for a talented young man to become the best that he can be, to make his country proud and to prove his commitment to his nation.If the issue is one of equity and universality, perhaps there is room for an alternative view.First, it seems incongruent and inequitable that as many as 30 male government scholars, among the best and brightest of each cohort in Singapore, may be accorded special consideration while a younger, prodigious talent like Ike is denied the same opportunity to pursue his degree before enlistment.Second, by using educational level instead of age as a cut-off criteria for enlistment, Singapore risks the effects of a policy which levels downwards instead of upwards. Current guidelines permit a 20-year-old ITE student to be deferred and further enrol in a three-year diploma programme in the name of equity. However, exceptionally gifted students are restrained from racing ahead of their peers. They are forced to idle, to wait for their age to catch up, since they cannot enrol for a university degree and are too young to be soldiers.Is this really the desired principle of equity in practice? If the exceptional talent of one such as Ike is being compromised as a result of the new policy, is this not an inequity in itself and a loss to the nation?With respect to maximising the limited world-class musical talents that Singapore can hope to throw up, can the Ministry of Education and/or the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts chart a path for such male prodigies in Singapore? Ike is the first male Singaporean to be admitted to Curtis. May he not be the last lest we become known as a nation that churns out social musicians by the tens of thousands yet not one male Singaporean who is truly world-class.Andrew Kwan Kok Tiong
ST Online Forum, May 18, 2006Let Ike See leave for music studies after completing basic military trainingI join other letter writers asking Mindef to show some flexibility in allowing talented violinist Ike See to defer his national service.Since last December, Mindef has stopped permitting deferments for those who want to pursue a university degree, be it local or overseas. I am sure this policy is to deter absconding. However, I urge Mindef to review this particular case as it warrants special consideration.To be offered a prestigious scholarship by the Curtis Institute of Music speaks volumes about Ike's talents.In his National Day Rally Speech last year, PM Lee Hsien Loong spoke about 'remaking Singapore together' and 'to tap everybody's contributions (and) to maximise each person's talents, open(ing) up opportunities for all'. This is the best opportunity for the young violinist to learn from the best in the world and to maximise his talent.Pursuing music is unlike studying for a conventional degree. Just as Ms Sylvia Khoo (ST Online, May 17) has pointed out, age is an important factor in the development of a musical talent. It is crucial that Ike be nurtured into a world-class musician by the best in this field at the right time and in the right place.You can study for a business degree at 30 years of age and still do well, but it is highly unlikely that one can train to become a world-class musician at that age.Having said this, in no way should Ike be excused from his NS obligations. The young man knows it himself. After all, he has said: 'I understand that serving my nation is important and I will do so eventually.'May I suggest the following?Should Ike be certified as combat fit, allow him to leave for his studies after the completion of his basic military training.Assign him a mentor during his period overseas, just like the current practice for some scholars. The mentor will keep in touch with him, guide and advise him along the way. This will also serve to remind him the importance of serving his country.Allow him to discharge some of his NS obligations during his vacations. This will help him keep in touch with Singapore.
Malcolm Loke Chee Fan
You have been graced by MR.VoGue at -2:35 PM-
