The RSIS biennial Staff Get-Together was held on 15 March 2019 at GardenAsia. Staff members gathered at the premises for the half-day event where they were split into 12 groups competing to be the fastest team to gather clues and answers from around the compound in an “Amazing Race” challenge. Through the various activities at each checkpoint, staff members got to leave their comfort zones and get sweaty at the fun-filled event, working on missions together which required teamwork and cooperation to accomplish.

After the completion of the Amazing Race activities, staff members stopped for a short refreshment break before they sprang into action as Team RSIS. As one group, their objective was to build a suspension bridge for a remote controlled car to scale across. It was nice to see all faculty, research, and administrative support staff members working together using skimpy cardboards, wooden sticks, and plastic stands which required a strong coordinated effort from everyone to ‘ponder the improbable’. Eventually, Dean Ralf Emmers successfully operated the car across the bridge, with cheers from all who contributed to make it possible.

The day ended on a high for all involved and in particular, for a few staff members who won several top prizes including cash vouchers and electronic gadgets in a lucky draw given out by Amb Ong Keng Yong, Executive Deputy Chairman of RSIS, and Prof Ralf Emmers, Dean of RSIS, after a sumptuous buffet dinner. Amb Ong also presented Long Service Awards to 27 staff members in recognition of their distinguished services to the School during the dinner.