Recently, we invited a group of students from a Japanese high school to NUS as part of a cultural and language exchange project. The students were mostly around 17 years old, and were in Singapore due to their parents' work commitments. For this project, we showed them around NUS and chatted about various aspects of life in Singapore.
Based on our conversation, I realized that even though most of them had stayed in Singapore for at least a year, most of them do not really have many Singaporean friends. Instead, they spend most of their free time with their classmates and families. Some of this could possibly be attributed to the language barrier. While most of them have a good command of English, they seem hesitant to use it. This may probably be due to their lack of confidence. There have also been numerous cultural exchanges held between their school and local students. For example, the Ministry of Education Language Center regularly organizes various activities with them. While it may be easier for them to mix with students of their own age, the interactions do not seem to have extended beyond these organized settings. It is understandable that people from similar cultures tend to stick together when they are in a foreign environment. However, the extent to which these students remain within their culture 'bubble' was rather surprising to me. After all, one of the advantages of living in another country is to gain exposure to different cultures and experiences. However, our tendency to stick to what we are familiar with often prevents effective intercultural exchange.
I have often heard about how the Japanese may be welcoming to foreigners in their country. However, many foreigners have felt that it is nearly impossible for them to become accepted as part of their society, no matter how long they stay there. Maybe I would get the chance to find out how true this is one day.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Application Letter - First Draft
February 7, 2010
Ms. Esther Tan
Director, Human Resource
Singapore General Hospital Human Resource Division
Dear Ms. Tan,
I am a National University of Singapore (NUS) student majoring in Bioengineering, and I am applying to join the Hospital Executive Programme. I believe that my critical thinking skills, communication and leadership capabilities will allow me to benefit greatly from this programme and contribute towards the hospital’s vision of becoming an internationally acclaimed hospital.
I believe that my critical thinking and reasoning skills will put me in good stead to overcome challenges in the hospital. My coursework in the engineering faculty in NUS has emphasized problem solving and creative thinking. Furthermore, the diverse curriculum has exposed me to various fields such as the life sciences, engineering, human resource and language studies. I have consistently performed well in these wide-ranging courses. The faculty has also awarded me the Dean’s list award on two occasions, and I am on track to graduate with a first class honours. I believe that my training in university has taught me to adopt an interdisciplinary mindset in handling problems. It has also equipped me with the skills to learn quickly and actively, which I believe will be essential in picking up the various aspects of hospital management in the programme.
On top of my academic achievements, I have also had exposure to various leadership positions. I was elected into the student committee that represented the undergraduate bioengineering students. I planned student events, promoted interaction between students and faculty as well as introduced prospective undergraduates to Bioengineering in NUS. I also led a team in designing a new ankle prosthesis for a design project. This involved facilitating brainstorming sessions, overseeing the various roles played by each member, as well as planning timeline and goals. I also had to learn to work, lead and motivate effectively while under the pressure of tight deadlines. My efforts in leading my team were recognized when I was awarded the top grade for our project. I also had the chance to interact with students from many different countries when I spent a semester in the University of Connecticut in the first half of 2009. The graduate classes that I took while overseas encouraged discussion of ideas, and this experience helped me to improve my communication skills and increased my cultural awareness. The skills that I have acquired will help me to better manage projects in the role of an executive in the future.
A career in SGH will help me to fulfill my career aspirations to improve the well-being of individuals. The many issues that arise in hospital management will also be part of an exciting and rewarding career that I look forward to. Thank you very much for considering my application, and I look forward to speaking to you in the future.
Yours Sincerely,
Wong Fatt Weng Ronnie
Tel: XXXXXXX
Email: fattweng@yahoo.com.sg
Ms. Esther Tan
Director, Human Resource
Singapore General Hospital Human Resource Division
Dear Ms. Tan,
I am a National University of Singapore (NUS) student majoring in Bioengineering, and I am applying to join the Hospital Executive Programme. I believe that my critical thinking skills, communication and leadership capabilities will allow me to benefit greatly from this programme and contribute towards the hospital’s vision of becoming an internationally acclaimed hospital.
I believe that my critical thinking and reasoning skills will put me in good stead to overcome challenges in the hospital. My coursework in the engineering faculty in NUS has emphasized problem solving and creative thinking. Furthermore, the diverse curriculum has exposed me to various fields such as the life sciences, engineering, human resource and language studies. I have consistently performed well in these wide-ranging courses. The faculty has also awarded me the Dean’s list award on two occasions, and I am on track to graduate with a first class honours. I believe that my training in university has taught me to adopt an interdisciplinary mindset in handling problems. It has also equipped me with the skills to learn quickly and actively, which I believe will be essential in picking up the various aspects of hospital management in the programme.
On top of my academic achievements, I have also had exposure to various leadership positions. I was elected into the student committee that represented the undergraduate bioengineering students. I planned student events, promoted interaction between students and faculty as well as introduced prospective undergraduates to Bioengineering in NUS. I also led a team in designing a new ankle prosthesis for a design project. This involved facilitating brainstorming sessions, overseeing the various roles played by each member, as well as planning timeline and goals. I also had to learn to work, lead and motivate effectively while under the pressure of tight deadlines. My efforts in leading my team were recognized when I was awarded the top grade for our project. I also had the chance to interact with students from many different countries when I spent a semester in the University of Connecticut in the first half of 2009. The graduate classes that I took while overseas encouraged discussion of ideas, and this experience helped me to improve my communication skills and increased my cultural awareness. The skills that I have acquired will help me to better manage projects in the role of an executive in the future.
A career in SGH will help me to fulfill my career aspirations to improve the well-being of individuals. The many issues that arise in hospital management will also be part of an exciting and rewarding career that I look forward to. Thank you very much for considering my application, and I look forward to speaking to you in the future.
Yours Sincerely,
Wong Fatt Weng Ronnie
Tel: XXXXXXX
Email: fattweng@yahoo.com.sg
Possible Solution to Interpersonal Conflict
Actually, I do not have a good solution to the problem myself. The situation is from my friend's experience. To my knowledge, the two of them are hardly in contact these days. I would thus like to propose a solution based on Jon and Kenny's comments.
Lisa could have probably came up with a list of reasons for her decision. This could include both her personal reasons as well as a number of issues that she has about Candice. For the latter, as Jon suggested, it should be phrased in a neutral manner, such that it is not perceived as a personal insult. Instead of saying that she could not tolerate her slow habits, Lisa could have said that she is aware of her short temper. If they stay together, she is worried that she will be continually snapping at Candice and create a lot of tension between them. For her personal reasons, she could have said that part of her objectives in going for this trip is to experience living abroad alone. While coming up with her reasons, Lisa could have been mindful about what kind of effect they will have on Lisa, and try to understand her possible reactions to them. Finally, Lisa could have stressed that an important reason in wanting to go alone is to maintain their friendship. This will be especially true if she believes that their friendship will be badly affected if they stay together.
Most of us probably face similar dilemmas and problems when interacting with our friends. Being aware of how our words and actions may affect our friends will likely be an important factor towards maintaining friendship.
Lisa could have probably came up with a list of reasons for her decision. This could include both her personal reasons as well as a number of issues that she has about Candice. For the latter, as Jon suggested, it should be phrased in a neutral manner, such that it is not perceived as a personal insult. Instead of saying that she could not tolerate her slow habits, Lisa could have said that she is aware of her short temper. If they stay together, she is worried that she will be continually snapping at Candice and create a lot of tension between them. For her personal reasons, she could have said that part of her objectives in going for this trip is to experience living abroad alone. While coming up with her reasons, Lisa could have been mindful about what kind of effect they will have on Lisa, and try to understand her possible reactions to them. Finally, Lisa could have stressed that an important reason in wanting to go alone is to maintain their friendship. This will be especially true if she believes that their friendship will be badly affected if they stay together.
Most of us probably face similar dilemmas and problems when interacting with our friends. Being aware of how our words and actions may affect our friends will likely be an important factor towards maintaining friendship.
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