HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRAD!!!!!! (:Monday, September 28, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Intercultural Conflict
Back in secondary school, I had a Japanese penpal named Mai. During one of her summer holidays, her family decided to come over to Singapore and I had the chance to meet her and to bring them around Singapore's tourism hotspots.
However, after only a day here, her mother fell sick due to the humidity and unbearable weather in Singapore and had to stay in the hotel room while the rest of us continued with our tour. On the last day of their holiday, I wanted to get something memorable for Mai's mother as it is a Chinese custom for the host to present the guests with souvenirs. After much deliberation, I decided on a pot of orchids, as it is Singapore's national flower and also not as perishable as compared to a bouquet of orchids. In fact, I even thought that she could bring it home as an unique souvenir and was pretty proud of my decision!
But alas, I had a shock when when I presented Mai's mum with the potted plant! Instead of thanking me, she took a look at the planted and commanded Mai to take it out of her sight. Her husband started saying something in Japanese and he too, had fire burning in his eyes. I could feel the tension in the room rise and I knew I had done something wrong. But, what? I tried to ask Mai but her parents were so furious that they literally pulled her away from me and boarded the cab to the airport, leaving me at the hotel lobby with the potted plant.
I wrote Mai a letter of apology when she got back to Japan and asked her what did I do wrong to offend her parents. It was only after a week or so when she replied me. She explained that in Japan, it is considered bad luck to give a potted plant to a patient. The word 根付く (nezuku) meaning "to take root" is similar to the word 寝付く (netsuku) meaning "to be bedridden"! Her parents had taken it the wrong way and thought that I was cursing her mother when I presented them with the potted plant!
Although I have since apologised for the incident, I did not hear from Mai from then on. A friendship was jeopardised due to an intercultural conflict which could have been avoided if I had consulted Mai about the choice of souvenir beforehand. I learnt from this experience that Japanese are very particular when it comes to culture and superstitions, so be sure to do your research thoroughly when interacting with them in order to avoid misunderstandings. In fact, this applies to people all over the world. Each and every country or race has its own set of unique cultures and it will be greatly appreciated if everyone learns to respect and embrace each other's differences.
However, after only a day here, her mother fell sick due to the humidity and unbearable weather in Singapore and had to stay in the hotel room while the rest of us continued with our tour. On the last day of their holiday, I wanted to get something memorable for Mai's mother as it is a Chinese custom for the host to present the guests with souvenirs. After much deliberation, I decided on a pot of orchids, as it is Singapore's national flower and also not as perishable as compared to a bouquet of orchids. In fact, I even thought that she could bring it home as an unique souvenir and was pretty proud of my decision!
But alas, I had a shock when when I presented Mai's mum with the potted plant! Instead of thanking me, she took a look at the planted and commanded Mai to take it out of her sight. Her husband started saying something in Japanese and he too, had fire burning in his eyes. I could feel the tension in the room rise and I knew I had done something wrong. But, what? I tried to ask Mai but her parents were so furious that they literally pulled her away from me and boarded the cab to the airport, leaving me at the hotel lobby with the potted plant.
I wrote Mai a letter of apology when she got back to Japan and asked her what did I do wrong to offend her parents. It was only after a week or so when she replied me. She explained that in Japan, it is considered bad luck to give a potted plant to a patient. The word 根付く (nezuku) meaning "to take root" is similar to the word 寝付く (netsuku) meaning "to be bedridden"! Her parents had taken it the wrong way and thought that I was cursing her mother when I presented them with the potted plant!
Although I have since apologised for the incident, I did not hear from Mai from then on. A friendship was jeopardised due to an intercultural conflict which could have been avoided if I had consulted Mai about the choice of souvenir beforehand. I learnt from this experience that Japanese are very particular when it comes to culture and superstitions, so be sure to do your research thoroughly when interacting with them in order to avoid misunderstandings. In fact, this applies to people all over the world. Each and every country or race has its own set of unique cultures and it will be greatly appreciated if everyone learns to respect and embrace each other's differences.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Personal Statement
As a child, my friends would call me Teapot because I was short and stout and had always been the chubby one in my classes. The baby fats stayed with me until I entered Junior College and I decided it was time to lose the flab. I started on a rigorous exercise regime and cut down on my calories and the pounds came off soon after. However, I was unable to stop. I was addicted to exercising and my eating habits worsened. Before I knew it, my weight had nosedived to a mere 36kg and I looked scarily underweight. I was a victim of the eating disorder – Anorexia Nervosa.
I knew I had to do something to battle the devil within before it literally eats me up. Instead of seeking medical help and to undergo counseling like most anorexia patients do, I was determined to depend on myself. I taught myself how to bake and in the midst of the process, to discover the art behind cooking and food appreciation. I made sure I had a sufficient and healthy diet by keeping a nutrition diary and was careful not to fall back into the days where I would torture my body into starvation and feed my mind with distorted body images.
Eventually, my hard work paid off and I recovered within a year without the help of medication. It was a tough and long process but my determination and discipline saw me through. I strongly believe that these two particular strengths of mine are the key in the field of research. Discoveries of vaccines and formulation of pharmeceutical drugs did not happen overnight - they are the result of continuous hard work and perserverance, of several tries after multiple failed attempts, of years of research.
Failures are inevitable in scientific research, but when one does not throw in the sack easily, at the end of the day, victory will be his.
Because Science can never be limited by Time, only by Determination and Enthusiasm.
I knew I had to do something to battle the devil within before it literally eats me up. Instead of seeking medical help and to undergo counseling like most anorexia patients do, I was determined to depend on myself. I taught myself how to bake and in the midst of the process, to discover the art behind cooking and food appreciation. I made sure I had a sufficient and healthy diet by keeping a nutrition diary and was careful not to fall back into the days where I would torture my body into starvation and feed my mind with distorted body images.
Eventually, my hard work paid off and I recovered within a year without the help of medication. It was a tough and long process but my determination and discipline saw me through. I strongly believe that these two particular strengths of mine are the key in the field of research. Discoveries of vaccines and formulation of pharmeceutical drugs did not happen overnight - they are the result of continuous hard work and perserverance, of several tries after multiple failed attempts, of years of research.
Failures are inevitable in scientific research, but when one does not throw in the sack easily, at the end of the day, victory will be his.
Because Science can never be limited by Time, only by Determination and Enthusiasm.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Covering Letter and Resume Draft #02
Covering Letter (Solicited)
In response to job advertisement which can be found here.
Chong Yuan Ru
Block 232 Yishun Street 21 #06-552
Singapore 760232
September 3, 2009
Jean-Pierre ABASTADO
Principal Investigator
Agency for Science, Technology & Research (A*STAR)
Singapore Immunology Network
8A Biomedical Grove
IMMUNOS Building #3-4, BIOPOLIS
Singapore 138648
Dear Mr. Jean-Pierre Abastado,
Research Officer, Job Reference No. SIgN/MLF/270809
I am enclosing my CV in response to the online advertisement for the above post which appeared on the A*STAR website on 28th August 2009.
I have recently graduated from the National University of Singapore (NUS) with a Bachelor in Science, majoring in Life Sciences with a specialization in Biomedical Science. Throughout the past three years as an undergraduate, I was given the opportunity to experience extensive laboratory sessions which equipped me with the essential skills required for processes such as PCR, protein purification, tissue culture work and cellular assays. These are techniques useful for interdisciplinary Life Science research in your laboratory. Apart from academic achievements, I also served as a Publicity Officer in one of NUS’s adventure club (NUS Rovers) for a year where I was given the chance to hone my organizational and communication skills as well as grasped the essence of teamwork.
Amidst my academic and Rovers club’s commitments, I also strived to establish a well balanced time management and held several tutoring jobs throughout the past year. The ability to manage my time well is also evidently important for the success of scientific research which requires precision and accurate timing. I also held a job in the NUS Centre for Life Sciences for six months where I was responsible for ensuring the availability of laboratory equipments and chemicals; hence, I am confident that I will be familiar with the equipments, machines and the working environment in the laboratory.
I have a natural strong aptitude for taking initiatives and am not afraid to suggest new ways to approach new tasks. My quick thinking is also something I pride myself upon, having faced and also solved the many unexpected obstacles when I led treks with the Rovers club.
An interview will grant me the opportunity to demonstrate my abilities. You may contact me at 9297 1717 or yuan_ru@hotmail.com to schedule an interview. It will be my honor to be given a chance to work for you.
Thank you in advance for your time and kind consideration.
Sincerely,
Chong Yuan Ru
Resume
CHONG YUAN RU
BLK 232 Yishun St21 #06-552 Mobile: 92971717
SINGAPORE 760232 Email: yuan_ru@hotmail.com
PERSONAL PARTICULARS:
Age : 21 years Date of Birth : 16 May 1988
Nationality : Singaporean Gender : Female
Marital Status : Single I/C Number : S8816824J
Permanent Residence : Singapore
COURSE COMPLETED
- Organic Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Biodiversity
- Molecular Genetics
- Metabolism and Regulation
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Introductory Biostatistics
EDUCATION
University of Singapore
Third Year Student
Major : Life Sciences
Graduation Date : June, 2010
Innova Junior College
Major : Science
Certificate Attained : A’Levels
Graduation Date : December, 2007
Anderson Secondary School
Certificate Attained : O’Levels
Graduation Date : December, 2004
WORKING EXPERIENCE
Sept 09– Present NUS Centre for Life Sciences
Lab Technician
· Ensured the availability of plastic wares and chemical stocks
· Responsible for liaising with drug companies and to place orders
May – July 08 Lane Crawford Group, Singapore – On Pedder Boutique
March –July 07 Retail Assistant
· Assisted to develop marketing strategies for new product launched in July 2004
· Assisted to analyze market analysis information using computer software Microsoft Excel
LEADERSHIP SKILLS
2008 - Current Publicity Cell Member, NUS Rovers
2005 - 2007 Secretary and Team Player, Innova Hockey Team (Girls)
Vice-chairperson, Innova Junior College Class S41
2003 - 2004 Welfare cum Uniform-In-Charge Officer, Anderson Military Band
COMPUTER SKILLS
MS Office, Excel, Powerpoint, Multimedia & Internet
LANGUAGE SKILLS
Spoken Written
English Excellent Excellent
Mandarin Fair Fair
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