Perspective of the past – a reflection
Oh my gosh! It really wasn’t published. Thanks Prashant for the SMS!
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If reflections are what I would want them to be, it will be full of thanks, appreciation and gratitude. The preparation of the proposal and delivery of the presentation – such fond memories of working together, slaves to time and datelines, bickering and jokes. Who would have thought it is already time to think back, reminisce and write this blog?
The presentation by team “Shoot” was one that has much to desire. After numerous consultations, practices and also self-reviews, we were all gripped by nervousness on the fateful day. The main points were delivered, however the many subtle hints and secret emphasis were lost. Gone, patience hours of reaching for Nirvana – perfection in presentation.
In retrospect, I feel that my part of the presentation was poorly delivered. My tone was fluctuating too much and I sound as if I am wavering. Truth as it is, I forgot the finer points I want to make and I panicked. I was left hysterical, and my mind was whirling. I was desperately trying to focus and get my delivery together again. However, wits failed and my hands were not steady, my pace, my speech was crude and came across probably as being unprepared.
For improvement, I would rest more the night before to keep myself fresh and mind keen. I should have a set of prepared notes on hand even if I had memorised my script to prevent future slips. Also, practice and practice and practice and one day, it will be perfect.
That said, I was rather happy that our findings and proposal was a success. Working in the group was a memorable experience and I have certainly learnt a lot especially from Prashant who has a natural gifted tongue and brains to match it. Chai Yee who is a serious worker and never fails to remind us of our agenda should we wander wayward. Gail for her “madness” which inspires us all: Ecotourism prevails!!
Intercultural Situation – A hotpot of Smiles
The news is that our Professor’s mother, Mrs Rita has flown in from the Philippines and graciously invited his students for a “taste” of his hometown. We gratefully accepted and 3 of us volunteered to help out in the kitchen. There were Nguyen (Vietnamese), Mieko (Japanese) and me (Singaporean).
The day came and I made my way to Prof Remus’ place. I was 5mins ahead of schedule and discovered that I was the last one to arrive. In fact, both Mieko and Nguyen arrived much earlier than I did and were already helping in the kitchen. Mrs Rita greeted me warmly and offered a hug. I shook her hand and asked for instructions. Mrs Rita laughed and waved her hand saying: “We are having chicken stew and greens tonight. Just see what’s need to be done…”
I was stumped. Whatever did she meant? Mieko bowed and beckoned me to help her with the peelings of potatoes and carrots. I smiled when I passed by Nguyen who returned it with a nod of her head. Returning the bow to Mieko, I reached for my first carrot…
After 10mins, Mrs Rita came and checked on us and declared that we can start the cooking. The rice was already in the cooker and we started with the side-dishes. I was such a klutz at handling the cookery ware that I was banned from the stove. Mrs Rita explained what was to be done and set us to cook the dish. When we were cooking the chicken stew, she commented that the potatoes and carrots are cut too small. She said that dice is different from cube and that we did it wrongly.
Mieko apologised immediately and added that the next time she will be careful; Nguyen apologised too and added that she will take better note of instructions in the future. I was hesitant in apologising but nevertheless went ahead and added that I never received clear instructions. Mrs Rita smacked me on the shoulder and said that we should know since to stew would mean to cook for a long amount of time and the pieces cannot be too small. Nguyen burst out laughing while Mieko looked on with amusement. Dinner was finally done, and we all had a wonderful meal.
During the meal, Mrs Rita and Prof Remus shared many stories and we chatted amiably. However, Mieko and Nguyen kept more to themselves and Mrs Rita had to prompt them to help themselves to the food more. After the meal, Nguyen collected the cutleries and proceeds to wash them only to be stopped by Mrs Rita who insisted that we’ve done too much and should leave the rest to her.
Thinking back there were many instances where the difference in culture could be seen. While it is customary to arrive on time, many Singaporeans aimed to be just on time. However, for the Japanese and Vietnamese, to arrive early would mean respect and courtesy to the host.
Also, while Mrs Rita did not appear to give me instructions, she was nudging me with her expression and eyebrows. I got to know that many Pilipino uses their eyebrows and expressions to convey more than with words to which I did not noticed.
Then also, the different ways of greeting people are different and notable. Mrs Rita tried to hug me which I felt was uncomfortable. Mieko greeted me with a bow. Nguyen was concentrating on her task and just smiled. After asking them that I know Mrs Rita felt that we are like little “children” and show great warmth; Mieko said that for the Japanese, they would stop what they are doing and greet whoever that comes into the room; Nguyen said that it is not customary to stop whatever they are doing unless it is someone of greater “importance” which I am not.
Then again, I was enlightened to what goes on during a meal: Nguyen said that Vietnamese interact more during the cooking but meal times are for eating. Mieko said that in a typical Japanese family meal, the “youngsters” do not talk freely and should reply only when talked to directly especially when an elder/teacher (Prof Remus) is around.
What amaze me most is the thought that goes behind what should be done after the meal: Nguyen said that it is most pleasing to be invited for a meal because that would mean that the invitee is someone close. She added that Vietnamese always tries to be of service to the host and will often offer to clear the table and wash the cutleries. Mieko said that in Japan the host will do whatever he can to offer a good time for the guest and that after the meal, unless the guest was intruding (not formally invited), the clearing of the dishes and washing will go to the host. She added that it is thought of as a rude gesture to help unless asked as it will be signalling to the host that the hospitality is poor.
As a Singaporean, I would never have given much thought. Singaporean don’t think that much I guess.
BIO Data – Tan Wei Hong
Name:
Tan Wei Hong
Date of Birth: 11 October 1987
Place of Birth: Singapore
Address: Blk 3 #07-03-A Prince George’s Park Residence Singapore 118425
Contact Details: 96755563 (Mobile Phone) tanweihong@nus.edu.sg (Email)
Description:
Tan Wei Hong is a brilliant student currently pursuing a Bachelor Degree in The National University of Singapore. Being multi-talented and having a wide range of interest, choosing a suitable course of study was difficult. Ultimately, he chose his first-love: Chemistry.
His love for the sciences began as a child, curious and inquisitive; He questions about anything and everything that was to be puzzling to him. The joy of finding an explanation or being able to predict a phenomenon set him in sheer excitement and amazement about the many wonders of the natural world. Even today, he can never get enough of learning and acquiring new knowledge and discoveries.
His passion also includes the arts. He holds great admiration for the creators of great pieces of art, portrayed as drawings, paintings and also in musical forms. From young, he will hide in the many parks near his home, to observe the sceneries and to put it on paper with a pencil. He will close his eyes, take in the rhythm and pitches around him to compose a melody.
His acute sense of questioning and also the ability to appreciate the abstract, distinguish him as a remarkable learner and composer. After his O’levels, he was invited to study Music at a reputable College in the United States to which he declined, not being able to bear the long separation from his beloved family.
An avid reader, he consumes storybooks, novels and other publications which have helped shape his critical perception of the world around him. He challenges the convention, the tradition and why they should be.
He grieves for the sufferings of the less-privileged and also the plight of “Mother” Earth. This empathy led him to start many projects and initiatives. At 15, He led a group of fellow musicians to play and cheer for the patients at Tan Tock Seng Hospital and Adventist Home for the Elderly every month.
He became active in environmental protection and conservation in Junior College where he initiated a massive recycling and public education project in the Northwest Community Development Council District. He also pushed for greater awareness and volunteerism as the Director of Community Involvement in the Environmental Club as a CCA. Since then, he has dedicated hundreds of hours to serve the community hoping to change for the better, the lives of those around him.
His current goal is to enrol in The Duke-NUS postgraduate medicine programme and to spend his life dedicated to improve the lives of others living in Cambodia.
Application Letter
Tan Wei Hong Blk 03-07-A Prince George’s Park Residence Singapore 118425 Mobile number: 96755563 Email: tanweihong@nus.edu.sg05 September 2009
Simon Ho Chen kee Foot Print Hostel Pte Ltd Perak Court 25A Perak Road Singapore 208136 Footprintshostel@gmail.com
Dear Mr Simon Ho,
I will be graduating this August from National University of Singapore (NUS) with an Honours Degree in Science (Chemistry) and am interested in the opportunities at Foot Print Hostel as a Guest Relation Officer.
During my undergrad studies, I have work for a number of NUS Departments as a service crew. Notably, I was the team leader of the Student Ambassadors at the NUS Alumni Club House and was in-charge of deployment of manpower, overseeing maintenance work and also other Administrative duties. As Team Leader, I often have to resolve conflicts with a dissatisfied patron and also handle demanding and unreasonable guest. Thus, I am sensitive to customers’ request and also able to identify areas of improvements before they become a source of inconvenience to the guests.
I was also a Resident Assistant at Prince George’s Park Residence which house over 2800 residents. As a Resident Assistant, I was involved in many projects and events which was fully planned and executed by us. I was the Programme Director for the Welcome Festival in 2009 which lasted a month. It comprises of activities, workshops, various services and a carnival for the freshmen. As programme director, I have to work independently on times and also with the committee to make sure all activities run smoothly. This made me a versatile team player and also able to make good judgement.
The student community in the Residence is made up of students from many countries and of diverse backgrounds. Being friendly and approachable, many residents confided in me and I was able to build lasting friendship with them. Interacting closely with these residents I’ve learnt to be culturally sensitive and also become aware of many of their traditions and customs. Wanting to be able to understand and be of service better, I have taken many language modules or Cultural studies modules offered in NUS. I am able to converse in Vietnamese, Bahasah Indonesia and Japanese apart from my Native Tongue. Please refer to my resume for further details.
I love meeting new people, understanding and getting to know them and at the same time sharing with them the joy of living in Singapore. The position as a Guest Relation Officer will be a great opportunity to carry on doing what I love and holds passion for. Please consider my application.
Thank You.
Yours Sincerely,
Tan Wei Hong
http://sg.jobstreet.com/jobs/2009/8/default/20/2131689.htm?fr=J
Communication – A video
Hi Guys and gals,
Once again, this is not one of the blog post assignments, but nevertheless please take a look. A wonderful and hilarious video of why tools for one form of communication can be dangerous for another form or just as effective. Note: the Aboriginal People of Australia uses a bullroarer (an instrument that produce sound when you swing it) to communicate over long distances because of the low frequency of the sound produce which lose less energy and is also clear. Of course, If you try it for short distance communication, it wouldn’t work!
Note also: it is intended as an advertisement. Using a common understanding of how communication works in a society to communicate to them about communicative devices is… such a good marketing strategy don’t you think?
I cannot find the credits yet, will site them when i do.
Conflict – What went wrong and what should you do?
A, B, D and you have been working in a team to plan for an event for the members of your CCA since the summer vacation. The team has decided that having an “Ice Kachang”-themed party is the best. It was decided that B is to be the leader for this event while the rest are to be delegated work by him. The team appeared to be enthusiastic about the idea and you felt that it will work out fine.
However, after one month since the first meeting, B has not gave a single instruction or call for another meeting. You’ve tried calling A and D to seek their opinion. D replied that the semester is starting and she cannot be bothered about it anymore. She also said that whatever happened is not her concern as it is her final year in University and that she joined the CCA just to get the privileges. You’ve have heard of this mentality from other seniors who described D as a self-serving person.
A shared your anxiety and the both of you started to source for the Ice Shaver machines and suppliers of the ingredients by yourselves. You have informed B about it but B remains silent about the event. During this period of time, D called and asked about the progress. She laughed and remarked that it is stupid and a waste of energy to be working so hard.
You met A after two weeks and discussed about the findings. During the discussion, A pointed out that you have spelled “Ice Kachang” wrongly. She said that it is of a Malay origin and thus should be spelled as “Ice Kacang” without the “H” as in the Malay word for “beans”. You told her that the spelling doesn’t matter since everyone can understand. Furthermore, you told that should it be in the Malay form, it would be “Ais Kacang”. You went on to say, “Kachang” is a borrowed word and that in English pronunciation, it is appropriate to include the “H” simply because it reads correctly to the Malay pronunciation.
A became very irritated and said that she came from Malaysia and that it is spelled as “Kacang” there. You reminded her again that it doesn’t matter if everybody understands what it refers to. You carried on to say that in Singapore, either it is in the English form of “Ice Kachang”, or in the Malay form of “Ais Kacang” and that “Ice Kacang” is also seen because of the mixing of languages and culture.
A took great offend as she is majoring in Chinese Studies and she considers herself learned in language forms and how they changed. She remark that since you don’t want to learn (concede), she has no dealings with you and left after the heated exchange of words.
Personally, you have check with your friends who majors in English Language and also a Lecturer at CELC beforehand as you have noticed the differences in spelling. You did not mention this to A during the discussion because you do not want to show yourself as “right” and force A to accept it. However, A simply did not listen to reasons and left before you can pacify her.
You then called B who reprimanded you. He said that he already has everything planned and worked out but just need the rest of the members to execute whatever he tells them to. You pressed B for details but he cannot provide any. You feel that your entire time has been wasted.
What are the problems with the team, the problem with the team members and the problems with the actions you have taken? What should be the course of your actions from now?
Signs – A video
Hey People,
This is not one of the assignment posts, but i would like to show you all a superb video which i simply love. You’ll love me for it. Enjoy…
A simple short film about communication. Created by Publicis Mojo and @RadicalMedia
Director: Patrick Hughes
Why effective communication skills are important for me?
Effective communication skill(s): Effective – adequate to accomplish a purpose; producing the intended or expected result, communication – the interchange of thoughts, opinions, or information by speech, writing, or signs, skill – the ability to do something.
If you have the ability to convey and receive a piece of information, you effectively possess communication skills. However, to produce the intended result requires more explicit knowledge which can be innate or accumulated instinctively from experience. All of us possesses qualities that mark and make us effective communicators.
These qualities need not be taught to us because we would have learned them as we grow and experience the ever ongoing exchanges of information, thoughts and opinions regardless of medium in our life. Each member within a society interacts with each other by a certain way. The same individual would have interacted differently in a different social context.
How then do we know exactly what can be done and not? Through observation and evaluation of our own actions, one can simply be the best communicator without being ever taught. We wouldn’t shout to calm someone; we wouldn’t smile to make someone angry (unless in the right context)!
Why wouldn’t we communicate in a certain way? We achieve negative results in the past. What would we do? Evaluate and think of what we should have done and put into practice the next time.
Are these skills important for me then? No, I would have learned them one way or another; how can they be important?
ES2007S 