Intercultural conflict

Living in a multi-cultural society like Singapore, one always has to be conscious of his/her actions/words when he/she is around people with various cultural backgrounds to ensure harmony. However, one can be only conscious if he/she is aware of the norms and values of the cultures.

When I was in secondary school, a few of my classmates visited a malay friend, Zulkifi, for Hari Raya. Zulkifi was preparing drinks for us while we were sitting in his room and chatting. When Zulkifi returned to his room with the drinks, he suddenly burst at us, “ What are you doing? Get off the carpet!!”. We were dumbfounded. We quickly stood up and moved away from the carpet. Little did we realize that the carpet was actually his prayer carpet? I could remember him shouting, “ Do you know how sacred the carpet is?”. All of us felt really guilty and apologized profusely to him. We mistook the prayer carpet for a normal carpet as it was laid near his bed. After awhile, he calmed down and accepted that it was an unintentional mistake. He said that he would just buy a new prayer carpet, as this carpet cannot be used again. The prayer carpet must not to be handled by the foot.

Our action might be unintentional but the incident did hurt Zulkifi. I felt bad for upsetting our host on his festive day. Though we could not differentiate between a prayer carpet and a normal carpet as both looked similar, I felt that if we had more knowledge about such intercultural elements and religious teachings, we would definitely have prevented such incident from happening. We would have been more conscious in dealing with the carpets in the house. Zulkifi also could have prevented this incident if he had placed his prayer carpet in a corner or warned us about the sacredness of the carpet when we went to his room.

ME, MYSELF, I AND SHINY! (edited post on personal statement)

I am currently a 3rd year undergraduate majoring in Chemistry at National University of Singapore (NUS). Being exposed to Science at such a delicate young age has encouraged my curiosity and a desire to explore in this field. I could remember vividly how fascinated I was when the glowing splint extinguished with a ‘pop’ sound.

Apart from excelling in my studies, I am also actively involved in school activities. I volunteered my service as an orientation group leader in freshmen orientation camps like Science Camp (SCAMP) and Science Orientation Week (SOW). To me, having this opportunity to guide the freshmen was rare and fulfilling. It helped to widen my social circle, kept me updated with the “world of the younger generation”, and to enrich my university life. Apart from having the fun, I also had a sense of satisfaction at the end of each camp. This was especially so when the group I led was awarded the best orientation group (OG).

I enjoy dancing and playing sports. This explains my passion for cheerleading as a co-curriculum activity during my secondary school and junior college (JC) days. Cheerleading is a sport that requires high level of team-work. No matter how small or big a role one plays, he or she is an indispensible part of the team. Working together as a team, this sport requires a great deal of alertness, strength, skills and communication. Communication here refers to body language or even a look of trust and confidence. In most cases, this was achieved from the understanding we have with each other over time. Training was tough and we had to spur one another to move on. Throughout this process, it made us stronger, both physically and mentally.

However, I had to give up the sports I love and the food I crave for when I was diagnosed with uveitis (inflammation in the eye) and arthritis about 3 years ago. They were due to a specific gene, meaning there isn’t any cure at the moment. The only thing the doctor could do is to suppress the condition and reduce the pain. I had to make huge adjustments to my lifestyle but I am still very positive about the future. I am thankful to have a supportive family and loving friends and I cherish the time I have with them. :)

I believe I will soar to greater heights if I continue to display optimism and enthusiasm. Every day is a learning experience; face all challenges with courage and learn from our failures. We only live once, so live life to the fullest.

Personal Statement

I am a 3rd year undergraduate majoring in Chemistry in National University of Singapore (NUS). Being exposed to Science for more than a decade has encouraged my curiosity and exploration in this field. Its training has also equipped me with the analytical skills, which I am confident, will serve me well in the future.

Apart from excelling in my studies, I am also actively involved in school activities. I have volunteered my service as an orientation group leader in freshmen orientation camps like Science Camp (SCAMP) and Science Orientation Week (SOW). I have demonstrated my leadership skills when the group I led was awarded the best orientation group (OG).

I enjoy playing sports and dancing and this explains my passion for cheerleading as a co-curriculum activity during my secondary school and junior college (JC) days. Cheerleading is a sport that requires high level of team-work. Working with the team, I understand the importance of tolerance, effective communication and team-spirit so as to put up a good performance. I believe my years of experience with the school’s cheerleading team has taught me to be an industrious team player and groomed me to be a leader.

Having a highly independent and self-motivated personality, I held part-time jobs to pay for my living expenses and to gain more experiences in different fields. The part-time jobs include sales executive for NET and NAFNAF label, home tutor and project assistant in Research International Asia Pte Ltd, etc. I have gained many valuable insights and I believe I have improved my customer service, interpersonal skills and organizational skills through these job experiences.

I believe I will soar to greater heights if I continue to display optimism, enthusiasm and stay motivated. Every day is a learning experience; face all challenges with courage and learn from our failures. We only live once, so live life to the fullest.

Job Application letter

Job title and description:
Marketing executive of EPChem International Pte Ltd. EPChem International Pte Ltd is a Singapore based marketing, distribution and manufacturing company for special performance chemicals and materials. The products that EPChem actively markets include waxes, polymers and additives, oils and various complementary materials.

Responsibilities:
• Sales and Marketing for Specialty Performance Chemical in South East Asia
• Service existing accounts and provide solutions to customers

Requirements:
• Degree / Diploma in Chemistry /Chemical Process Technology
• Quick learner and dynamic team player
• Good interpersonal and presentation skills
• Self motivated and results oriented

Below is a copy of my application letter.

Block 778 Yishun Avenue 2
#07-1557
Singapore 760778
(+65)82822706

September 2, 2009

Mr. Seah Tze Yang
General Manager of Human Resource
EPChem International Pte Ltd
33 Ubi Avenue 3
#06-18 Vertex
Singapore 408868

Dear Mr Seah,

Application for Marketing Executive

I am very interested in the marketing executive position posted on www.jobstreet.com.sg. When I graduate in May with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, I would like to begin a fulfilling career in marketing with your organization.

You will note from the enclosed resume that many of my co-curricular activities and work experiences were in relation with organizing of events. For example, I was involved in organizing and setting up a cheerleading team in my junior college. My background includes direct sales experience soliciting customers for NAFNAF label at Takashimaya departmental store. My most challenging and rewarding experience to date was working with Research International Asia Pte Ltd, where I was tasked to complete projects with very demanding deadlines. Through this experience, I have proven to be responsible, hardworking, and persevering. In addition, my years of experience with the school’s cheerleading team has taught me to be an industrious team player and groomed me to be a leader. I believe that my sales and managerial skills and team-building mindset will be an asset to the organization.

In view of your company's objectives and possible openings, I believe that my capabilities are in perfect line with your current needs. If your organization is looking for a dependable, results-oriented professional with a desire to learn, I would be glad to discuss how my expertise and ability may be of help to your organization. I can be reached at (+65)82822706 and I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,



Chow Shin Ye

Enclosure: Resume


P.S. Hi all, I'm having difficulties with the font. The website should be italic. The title should be bold and underline. The sub-headings should also be bold. Please pardon these mistakes, I'm trying to rectify them.