Hello, I would just like to end off this blog by sharing an inspiring and meaningful blog that I have chanced upon. It's about how a terminal cancer patient has the optimism and will power to face life!
http://shinscancerblog.blogspot.com/
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Friday, November 7, 2008
Finale
“All good things come to an end.” Twelve weeks have gone by in a flash and this semester is coming to an end. This semester has been a fulfilling one especially for me after taking this communication module which I find both practical and useful. Upon reflecting on the aims that I’ve set at the start of this communication course, I’m pleased to say that I have met my goals. Throughout this short span of three months, I have developed a greater insight into communication with all the discussions and made friends who helped me in the process.
Previously, I thought effective communication skills as something simple and self-explanatory. However, I came to realize that communication skills are in fact complex and there are so much more that I can learn since it isn’t something that can be mastered in a few months time. Brad has indeed exposed the class to a comprehensive overview of various useful communication techniques employed in the society. I am glad I would not be a lost sheep looking for a job after I graduate in two years’ time since I am equipped with the necessary knowledge to present myself well and communicate with people effectively.
Although the lesson structure was quite intensive and compact, I managed to absorb and apply the knowledge taught by Brad during the many practice sessions. They include: the writing of meeting agenda and minutes, professional survey report and memos being churned out, my personal resume and job application letter being perfected, the delivery of a persuasive presentation and most importantly, the design of an informative blog profile. In addition, the scenario based role-playing of the job interview also enhanced my understanding and confidence in future interviews. I am glad that this module has been extremely interactive with a more hands-on approach being taken. I must say that I have enjoyed this peer-learning exchange style very much. This course is actually the first in NUS that I’ve worked and interacted with everybody with such great comfort. I guess nothing can sum my experience better than expressing my gratitude to my mentor and fellow classmates who have enriched my learning this semester for ES2007S. Thank You.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Biodata
I hope to pursue a career path in the financial and analytical sector. The relevant and holistic courses that I have taken in NUS have enhanced my analytical skills. Most importantly, I have learnt the essential statistical computer software in the current business world. Furthermore, my short stint as an intern in Citibusiness has given me a boost in confidence to deal with data statistics. My other interests are in reading economics books and practising new statistical software to further enhance my knowledge in this forte.
Meanwhile, I’m also proficient in speaking and writing both English and mandarin. In addition, my officer background with the youth organization, National Police Cadet Corps (NPCC), has inculcated leadership and motivational qualities that would be useful in my prospective career. Currently, I am also serving as an adult volunteer with the Singapore Red Cross Society. I firmly believe in contributing to the society and helping others in whatever way I can. Finally, I hope to see myself successful in the financial analyst field in the next 10 to 15 years time.
Meanwhile, I’m also proficient in speaking and writing both English and mandarin. In addition, my officer background with the youth organization, National Police Cadet Corps (NPCC), has inculcated leadership and motivational qualities that would be useful in my prospective career. Currently, I am also serving as an adult volunteer with the Singapore Red Cross Society. I firmly believe in contributing to the society and helping others in whatever way I can. Finally, I hope to see myself successful in the financial analyst field in the next 10 to 15 years time.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Reflecting on the Research Project Experience
After four weeks of rigorous discussions and hard work put in this research survey project, I have taken away with me much more than I had expected. This has been a positive and enriching learning experience to a great extent. Though it has just been a short span of time, Danny, Sharon and I have cooperated amicably, with little flaws or communication barriers. We arranged for meetings without encountering miscommunication problems outside regular class. Together, we have managed to brainstorm for various research topics, discuss and finalize the research topic, prepare the agenda and minutes, divide the work for survey collection and analysis efficiently. In addition, I feel that we have built cordial interpersonal relationships and deeper understanding among us during the multiple discussions. All these factors contributed to the efficient work rate and accelerated progress for the research project. The rotation around the roles of either the leader or the team players among us greatly facilitated both processes of doing the research and the churning out of the report. The teamwork is superb as they never failed to provide help and solutions whenever I met with any problems or required feedbacks.
Most of our ideas and thoughts were transmitted through electronic-mails and we cultivated the habit of reading through each other’s drafts. We would also make appropriate amendments if the need arose. After the rapport built thus far, I believe that we can attempt to extend this cordial interpersonal communication skills and understanding to the preparation of the oral presentation segment. Perhaps one aspect of communication which I feel that our group can improve on is the verbal communication section. Occasionally, we tend to be rather reserved in our expressions. I feel that this is an area which needs to be improved, especially for the oral presentation section. Meanwhile, we ought to relax and be more open towards one another to gear up for the preparation for the next team project, whereby verbal communication plays an important role in the delivery of a good presentation. Overall, I’m extremely pleased with the great working relationship with both Danny and Sharon. I have utmost faith and belief that we will complete the team oral presentation project with the best team effort.
Most of our ideas and thoughts were transmitted through electronic-mails and we cultivated the habit of reading through each other’s drafts. We would also make appropriate amendments if the need arose. After the rapport built thus far, I believe that we can attempt to extend this cordial interpersonal communication skills and understanding to the preparation of the oral presentation segment. Perhaps one aspect of communication which I feel that our group can improve on is the verbal communication section. Occasionally, we tend to be rather reserved in our expressions. I feel that this is an area which needs to be improved, especially for the oral presentation section. Meanwhile, we ought to relax and be more open towards one another to gear up for the preparation for the next team project, whereby verbal communication plays an important role in the delivery of a good presentation. Overall, I’m extremely pleased with the great working relationship with both Danny and Sharon. I have utmost faith and belief that we will complete the team oral presentation project with the best team effort.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Evaluating Intercultural Behavior
Different cultures in various countries have their unique values and behaviors. In this generation of globalization and global migration trend, it is no longer difficult to observe different ethics of diverse cultures living together in a same society. Thus, it is a vital for us to understand and adapt to the various cultural behaviors in order to foster effective communication. In 2007, I embarked on an Overseas Cultural Exchange Programme to Myanmar with the NUSSU Volunteer Action Club (NVAC) team. During the stay in Myanmar, we visited various monasteries and conducted English enrichment classes in orphanages, interacting with the orphans and teachers. Myanmar, to me, is a mysterious and less-known country; hence I was not sure if I could embrace the various cultural behaviors of the Burmese in contrast with Singaporeans. However, with the aid of Burmese facilitators and seniors, I observed and learnt the different mannerisms and values of the rich-filled Burmese culture with not much difficulty.
After spending the first few days with the host family in a small but cozy village hut, I observed that it is considered rude to touch a person's head, because the head was deemed the most important part of the body. It is also taboo to touch another's feet, and made worse by pointing with the foot at someone who is older. This is because the feet are considered the lowest and nobody there thinks much of it. Additionally, patting a child on the head is not only improper but is thought to be dangerous to the child's well-being. This is very much unlike the tradition in Singapore where we are so used to patting a child on his head either to sleep or to praise him. I also learnt that pointing a finger at Buddha images or sculptures is considered an act of disrespect, even though this custom has slowly eroded. As typical Singaporeans, we had initially wanted to pose with the Buddha sculptures by pointing at it in awe. However, we were stopped by the austere monks. Inevitably, we learnt and adapted to their cultural practices to prevent any possible clashes.
In the orphanage school, we conducted an English postcard session, where we taught the Burmese students to write and draw postcards to Singapore students as part of an organized exchange programme. We were greeted by the students folding their arms as we made our entrance into the dilapidated outdoor classrooms. Initially, we thought that the students were shy towards us since we were considered foreigners to them. It was only after a brief chat with the facilitators did we realize that the act of folding of arms is actually a form of respect towards distinguished guests. In Singapore, this gesture would be deemed as being hostile. Clearly, there are huge differences between us and them. While having communal meals in the orphanage, I also came to realize that the Elders are served first at meals, and in their absence a spoonful of rice is put aside first in the pot as a token of respect before serving the meal. Young people would avoid sitting on a higher level than the elders or passing the food in front of them. If they really had to pass the food, they would tread softly with a slight bow. Things would be passed to the elders using both hands together.
After spending two weeks in Myanmar, I have learnt quite a bit from their cultural behavior. This trip made me feel the necessity to respect each other’s values so as to prevent any possible intercultural conflicts.
After spending the first few days with the host family in a small but cozy village hut, I observed that it is considered rude to touch a person's head, because the head was deemed the most important part of the body. It is also taboo to touch another's feet, and made worse by pointing with the foot at someone who is older. This is because the feet are considered the lowest and nobody there thinks much of it. Additionally, patting a child on the head is not only improper but is thought to be dangerous to the child's well-being. This is very much unlike the tradition in Singapore where we are so used to patting a child on his head either to sleep or to praise him. I also learnt that pointing a finger at Buddha images or sculptures is considered an act of disrespect, even though this custom has slowly eroded. As typical Singaporeans, we had initially wanted to pose with the Buddha sculptures by pointing at it in awe. However, we were stopped by the austere monks. Inevitably, we learnt and adapted to their cultural practices to prevent any possible clashes.
In the orphanage school, we conducted an English postcard session, where we taught the Burmese students to write and draw postcards to Singapore students as part of an organized exchange programme. We were greeted by the students folding their arms as we made our entrance into the dilapidated outdoor classrooms. Initially, we thought that the students were shy towards us since we were considered foreigners to them. It was only after a brief chat with the facilitators did we realize that the act of folding of arms is actually a form of respect towards distinguished guests. In Singapore, this gesture would be deemed as being hostile. Clearly, there are huge differences between us and them. While having communal meals in the orphanage, I also came to realize that the Elders are served first at meals, and in their absence a spoonful of rice is put aside first in the pot as a token of respect before serving the meal. Young people would avoid sitting on a higher level than the elders or passing the food in front of them. If they really had to pass the food, they would tread softly with a slight bow. Things would be passed to the elders using both hands together.
After spending two weeks in Myanmar, I have learnt quite a bit from their cultural behavior. This trip made me feel the necessity to respect each other’s values so as to prevent any possible intercultural conflicts.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Potential Research Project Topics (Edited)
Observation:
Singapore is experiencing the problem of low birth rate common in developed nations, with the Total Birth Rate (TBR) standing at 1.29. This means that each family is on average producing enough just to replace either the father or the mother. To aggravate the situation, it has been predicted that this statistic will decline rapidly in the next few generations. The potential reason behind this scenario may be due to the change of mindsets of young adults nowadays. In the age of Confucian societies, men used to be masters of the households. However, times have changed and women want to be treated as equals. No longer are women satisfied with their traditional roles of staying at home to look after the family. Despite this changing phenomenon, men have yet to change their mindsets. Consequently, both parties are unable to settle for a partner due to different expectations on both ends. To attempt to tackle this problem, policies and incentives were announced during the national day rally by the Prime Minister to encourage single citizens to get married and startup their family early. These policies include an extra month of maternity leave, tax incentives and bigger Baby Bonus, to achieve the right balance between career and marriage.
General Research Question:
Would the implementation of the new Marriage and Parenthood package by the government have a huge effect on the new generation of couples to settle down quickly and give birth to more children? If not, what are their suggestions and reasons that may alleviate their concerns?
Problem Statement:
The objective of this research study is to analyze the reasons behind the low (TBR) and its impact on the society. Moreover, with the new policies adopted by the government, will it effectively solve the problem of continual decline in birth rate?
Purpose Statement:
The objective of this report is to garner the responses of the target audience and inform the Social Development Unit about the reasons behind this low birth rate trend. Another objective is to find out if the new strategies to boost the birth rate are indeed successful in motivating the young adults.
Survey Methodology:
The survey sample will be focused on the young educated adults within the NUS community. Through this survey, we can investigate whether the concerns of the targetted sample is coherent to the government observations on the reasons behind this declining Birth Rate trend in Singapore. Furthermore, We would like to explore whether the solutions and incentives tabled by the government is sufficient to change the mindset of the youths on marriage and setting up a family with 2 children.
Singapore is experiencing the problem of low birth rate common in developed nations, with the Total Birth Rate (TBR) standing at 1.29. This means that each family is on average producing enough just to replace either the father or the mother. To aggravate the situation, it has been predicted that this statistic will decline rapidly in the next few generations. The potential reason behind this scenario may be due to the change of mindsets of young adults nowadays. In the age of Confucian societies, men used to be masters of the households. However, times have changed and women want to be treated as equals. No longer are women satisfied with their traditional roles of staying at home to look after the family. Despite this changing phenomenon, men have yet to change their mindsets. Consequently, both parties are unable to settle for a partner due to different expectations on both ends. To attempt to tackle this problem, policies and incentives were announced during the national day rally by the Prime Minister to encourage single citizens to get married and startup their family early. These policies include an extra month of maternity leave, tax incentives and bigger Baby Bonus, to achieve the right balance between career and marriage.
General Research Question:
Would the implementation of the new Marriage and Parenthood package by the government have a huge effect on the new generation of couples to settle down quickly and give birth to more children? If not, what are their suggestions and reasons that may alleviate their concerns?
Problem Statement:
The objective of this research study is to analyze the reasons behind the low (TBR) and its impact on the society. Moreover, with the new policies adopted by the government, will it effectively solve the problem of continual decline in birth rate?
Purpose Statement:
The objective of this report is to garner the responses of the target audience and inform the Social Development Unit about the reasons behind this low birth rate trend. Another objective is to find out if the new strategies to boost the birth rate are indeed successful in motivating the young adults.
Survey Methodology:
The survey sample will be focused on the young educated adults within the NUS community. Through this survey, we can investigate whether the concerns of the targetted sample is coherent to the government observations on the reasons behind this declining Birth Rate trend in Singapore. Furthermore, We would like to explore whether the solutions and incentives tabled by the government is sufficient to change the mindset of the youths on marriage and setting up a family with 2 children.
Friday, August 29, 2008
An Interpersonal conflict situation
Conflict is a part of almost every interpersonal relationship. When conflict occurs, the relationship may be weakened or strengthened. Thus, conflict is a critical event in the process of a relationship. Occasionally, we may not be aware of how our own behavior contributes to interpersonal problems.
Below is an interpersonal conflict situation I have experienced. Last December, I coordinated an Officer Basic Training Course at the Police Academy, for trainees from NUS and NTU, joining the National Police Cadet Corps as a CCA. As the overall coordinator for the course, I was assisted by two assistant coordinators from NTU, Andy and John (not their actual names), together with a committee of officers. Both Andy and John were my batch mates when we underwent the similar course a year ago. Going through tough times together had strengthened the friendships among the three of us. I thought this would give our partnership an edge but it turned out differently from what I had thought. At the initial stage, we drafted out proposals for the course. Andy and I presented nearly similar objectives and programme proposal. John turned out to a bad worker as he failed to prepare the draft. I decided to grant him more time since we were ahead of schedule. Furthermore, he promised that he had more updated and effective plans.
A month later, John did not submit his proposal as agreed. Andy contacted John to ask him if he required any additional help. Not only did he decline, he insisted that his ideas were brilliant and hence needed more time. Wanting to maximize the interests of the course by garnering the best proposals, I decided to give him an extension until the next meeting. At the next meeting, John failed to present his “ideal” proposal yet he had the cheek to refute our programmes. This time round, we were close to the submission date of the proposals for final vetting. Therefore, I called for an emergency meeting to finalize the previous proposal that I had previously endorsed upon, despite John’s strong protest. In order to pacify John and display fairness, I called upon a vote within the committee. The results were one-sided against John. He immediately flared up and accused us of being in cahoots. Andy attempted to rectify the misunderstanding but to no avail. As the coordinator of the course, I proceeded with the plans objectively and continued carrying out the course. After this incident, my relationship with John soured and our eyes no longer met.
(above picture from the graduation ceremony: Andy, John, myself)
Below is an interpersonal conflict situation I have experienced. Last December, I coordinated an Officer Basic Training Course at the Police Academy, for trainees from NUS and NTU, joining the National Police Cadet Corps as a CCA. As the overall coordinator for the course, I was assisted by two assistant coordinators from NTU, Andy and John (not their actual names), together with a committee of officers. Both Andy and John were my batch mates when we underwent the similar course a year ago. Going through tough times together had strengthened the friendships among the three of us. I thought this would give our partnership an edge but it turned out differently from what I had thought. At the initial stage, we drafted out proposals for the course. Andy and I presented nearly similar objectives and programme proposal. John turned out to a bad worker as he failed to prepare the draft. I decided to grant him more time since we were ahead of schedule. Furthermore, he promised that he had more updated and effective plans.
A month later, John did not submit his proposal as agreed. Andy contacted John to ask him if he required any additional help. Not only did he decline, he insisted that his ideas were brilliant and hence needed more time. Wanting to maximize the interests of the course by garnering the best proposals, I decided to give him an extension until the next meeting. At the next meeting, John failed to present his “ideal” proposal yet he had the cheek to refute our programmes. This time round, we were close to the submission date of the proposals for final vetting. Therefore, I called for an emergency meeting to finalize the previous proposal that I had previously endorsed upon, despite John’s strong protest. In order to pacify John and display fairness, I called upon a vote within the committee. The results were one-sided against John. He immediately flared up and accused us of being in cahoots. Andy attempted to rectify the misunderstanding but to no avail. As the coordinator of the course, I proceeded with the plans objectively and continued carrying out the course. After this incident, my relationship with John soured and our eyes no longer met.
(above picture from the graduation ceremony: Andy, John, myself)
Thursday, August 21, 2008
First Post - Effective Communication Skills
Communications has always been an essential part and parcel of our life, especially as we enter the revolutionary techno-age. However, not everyone has mastered the art of communicating effectively with the people interacting in their daily lives. It is not unusual to witness instances in this rapid modernizing society, where people misinterpret or misunderstand information circulating around.
Even in the simplest unit of community, communication between parents and children, teachers and students, retailers and consumers, superiors and subordinates, are important building blocks in maintaining cordial relationships in the society. For example, there is an increasing inter-generation gap between family members living together in recent years. The advancement in technology and fast-paced society, during which more people are glued to their laptops in offices or schools, is often blamed for this breakdown gap of communication, leading to further undesirable social problems.
In my opinion, fields of communication may be classified into five main categories; namely Intrapersonal, Interpersonal, Intercultural, Organizational/Media and Non-verbal. These categories does not necessary stand alone, with scenarios sometimes overlapping with each other in reality. Thus, it is vital to learn and understand all the above factors on how to communicate effectively with the surrounding people in various environments at appropriate timings. This would inevitably avoid certain conflicts and enhances stronger bonds between both parties.
To briefly sum up the points, effective communication skills are useful tools to better equip individuals in establishing new or existing better relationship with their peers or managers and most importantly, closer family ties. Below is a favorite quote of mine, which summarizes the importance and understanding of communication.
“To effectively communicate, we must realize that we are all different in the way we perceive the world and use this understanding as a guide to our communication with others.”
Anthony Robbins
Even in the simplest unit of community, communication between parents and children, teachers and students, retailers and consumers, superiors and subordinates, are important building blocks in maintaining cordial relationships in the society. For example, there is an increasing inter-generation gap between family members living together in recent years. The advancement in technology and fast-paced society, during which more people are glued to their laptops in offices or schools, is often blamed for this breakdown gap of communication, leading to further undesirable social problems.
In my opinion, fields of communication may be classified into five main categories; namely Intrapersonal, Interpersonal, Intercultural, Organizational/Media and Non-verbal. These categories does not necessary stand alone, with scenarios sometimes overlapping with each other in reality. Thus, it is vital to learn and understand all the above factors on how to communicate effectively with the surrounding people in various environments at appropriate timings. This would inevitably avoid certain conflicts and enhances stronger bonds between both parties.
To briefly sum up the points, effective communication skills are useful tools to better equip individuals in establishing new or existing better relationship with their peers or managers and most importantly, closer family ties. Below is a favorite quote of mine, which summarizes the importance and understanding of communication.
“To effectively communicate, we must realize that we are all different in the way we perceive the world and use this understanding as a guide to our communication with others.”
Anthony Robbins
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