Intercultural awareness is an important asset to have in today’s society. Due to globalization, people of different nationalities and background have more opportunities to work together. Hence, only by understanding each other’s culture, one can then be able to reduce the number of misunderstandings cases from occurring.
I’m going to share with you all one of my experiences in which not knowing each other’s culture can place one in an uncomfortable situation, resulting in misunderstandings and conflicts.
I still remembered a visit with my parents two years ago to JiuZhaiGou, a scenic nature reserve in China. As part of the nature reserve’s effort to protect the site, outside cars and tour buses are not allowed to drive within the reserve itself. Instead, shuttle buses provided by the nature reserve are used to ferry visitors to different attractions within the scenic area.
During one of the short duration at the scenic area, I recalled my mum helping my dad and I take a picture with the beautiful scenery as the background. After the shot, my dad and I lingered at the spot, chit-chatting about what to do next. In the meanwhile, another group of tourists from China, standing beside me, was trying to take a picture as well.
Noticing the weird look on the tourist’s face when he looked at me, I realized I may have accidentally included myself in his photos. As such, I moved one step away from him (as there were too many people, I couldn’t move too many steps away from him), so as to enable them to have a nice photo of themselves with the beautiful scenery as the backdrop. I resumed my conversation with my dad and before I realized it, the china tourist used his hand to shove me away. I almost wanted to confront him as I felt that it wasn’t necessary for him to do that. He could have politely asked me to move further away and I will. The more I thought to myself, the angrier I became as I wondered why people from China is so rude.
Luckily my dad saw this incident and explained to me that in China, people tend to push and talk loudly. It is part of their culture. My dad clarified that the pushing and shoving was not directed at me, rather, it could be the Chinese’s intention to inform me to move further away. He carried on explaining that the young population in China, however, is getting more and more polite and considerate by the year.
It was, then, that I realized the importance of cultural awareness. If I had known this earlier on, I will not have been offended and the misunderstanding will have been avoided.
People from different cultures and background may interpret messages differently, increasing the chances of misunderstanding. Therefore, I believe it is important to research on the culture of the person you are talking to, so as to eliminate or minimize the risk of making such elementary mistake.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Application Letter!!
Advertisement:
Position: Executive Project Engineers / Project Engineers (Signalling & PSD)
Circle & Downtown Line E&M
Organisation: Land Transport Authority
LTA is a statutory board under the Ministry of Transport that spearheads land transport developments in Singapore.
Our objective is to deliver a land transport network that is integrated, efficient, cost-effective and sustainable to meet the nation's needs. We manage the construction of new Rapid Transit System (RTS) projects, as well as upgrading of existing rail lines. Besides RTS projects, we also enhance the road network and provide motorist with a greater choice of travel routes by carrying out projects to widen, upgrade and build new roads. In addition, we manage and maintain road structures and facilities so that they are operational at all times. Besides land transport infrastructural development, LTA also covers regulatory and maintenance functions and you can look forward to a good range of exposure and opportunities within LTA.
Responsibilities
You will be part of the Circle Line Project team working on Signalling & Platform Screen Door (PSD) systems. You will have opportunity to work on state of the art driverless automatic train control system, automatic train protection and computer-based interlocking systems. You are required to review technical submissions and participate in the construction, testing and commissioning of both the Signalling and Platform Screen Doors systems. You are to assist the Senior Project Engineers in resolving system design / system interface / site related issues within a stipulated timeframe. You are required to manage, supervise, monitor and report Project construction, testing & commissioning progress. In addition, you are required to assist the Senior Project Engineers in preparing technical specifications, participate in tender evaluation, as well as conduct design review of new rail transit signalling system.
Requirements
1) Recognised Degree in Electrical/Electronics/Mechanical Engineering
2) Knowledge of Automatic Train Operation / Protection, Maintenance Management System, and Communications Systems will be an added advantage
3) Good communications and writing skills
4) Self-motivated, resourceful and possess a positive working attitude
5) Innovative and a good team player
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Application Letter:
Lin Weixi
35 Dragon Road #04-58
Singapore 123456
5th February 2010
Human Resource Manager,
Land Transport Authority
1 Hampshire Road
Singapore 219428
Dear Human Resource Manager
Re: Application for the position of Project Engineers (Signaling & PSD)
I have come to hear about the position in your company through career@gov website and I’m keen to apply for the position stated above. I am a fresh graduate from National University of Singapore (NUS), specializing in electrical engineering. Attached is my resume for your review.
I believe that the skills and knowledge gained from my academic studies as well as my past work experience will allow me to become a valuable asset to the Circle Line Project Team.
Most of the technical modules I have taken are related to communications, power and control. Hence, this has provided me with the necessary background knowledge to perform my role as a project engineer. My final year project is about building a portable ultrasonic hearing aid and this has equipped me with the necessary experience of preparing technical specifications, solving problems relating to design issues as well as enhancing my knowledge in signals communications.
During my university days, I am also active in the co-curriculum side. In 2007, I was part of the marketing team for a hip-hop event, Funkamania under the Cultural Activities Club and was responsible for sourcing of sponsorships for the event. We operated under tight budget and deadlines and I believe such exposure would allow me to be better prepared for the responsibilities that entail with the upcoming job. Such marketing role also presents me with the opportunity of working together in a team and allows me to be an effective team player. In addition, I also undertook the role of councilor for the freshman orientation camp in the same year. Good communication skills and leadership were required to coordinate the activities, thereby ensuring the freshman would have a great time at the camp.
Besides that, I also went to Korea for a summer exchange program which lasted for 7 weeks. Over there, I worked with people of different nationalities for various project works, hence allowing me to be exposed to cultural diversity. I believe this experience will make me a better team player and thus working and communicating with peers in the Project team would be less of a challenge. Working as a part-time promoter for Kiehls for 2 years further supports my good communication skills, as interaction with customers is a must. A positive working attitude is also definitely required, so as to effectively promote a positive brand image for Kiehls. Last but not least, I am willing to learn as well as put in my utmost best for the job.
I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss my qualifications and past job experience in greater detail with you in person. Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours Faithfully,
Lin Weixi
Position: Executive Project Engineers / Project Engineers (Signalling & PSD)
Circle & Downtown Line E&M
Organisation: Land Transport Authority
LTA is a statutory board under the Ministry of Transport that spearheads land transport developments in Singapore.
Our objective is to deliver a land transport network that is integrated, efficient, cost-effective and sustainable to meet the nation's needs. We manage the construction of new Rapid Transit System (RTS) projects, as well as upgrading of existing rail lines. Besides RTS projects, we also enhance the road network and provide motorist with a greater choice of travel routes by carrying out projects to widen, upgrade and build new roads. In addition, we manage and maintain road structures and facilities so that they are operational at all times. Besides land transport infrastructural development, LTA also covers regulatory and maintenance functions and you can look forward to a good range of exposure and opportunities within LTA.
Responsibilities
You will be part of the Circle Line Project team working on Signalling & Platform Screen Door (PSD) systems. You will have opportunity to work on state of the art driverless automatic train control system, automatic train protection and computer-based interlocking systems. You are required to review technical submissions and participate in the construction, testing and commissioning of both the Signalling and Platform Screen Doors systems. You are to assist the Senior Project Engineers in resolving system design / system interface / site related issues within a stipulated timeframe. You are required to manage, supervise, monitor and report Project construction, testing & commissioning progress. In addition, you are required to assist the Senior Project Engineers in preparing technical specifications, participate in tender evaluation, as well as conduct design review of new rail transit signalling system.
Requirements
1) Recognised Degree in Electrical/Electronics/Mechanical Engineering
2) Knowledge of Automatic Train Operation / Protection, Maintenance Management System, and Communications Systems will be an added advantage
3) Good communications and writing skills
4) Self-motivated, resourceful and possess a positive working attitude
5) Innovative and a good team player
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Application Letter:
Lin Weixi
35 Dragon Road #04-58
Singapore 123456
5th February 2010
Human Resource Manager,
Land Transport Authority
1 Hampshire Road
Singapore 219428
Dear Human Resource Manager
Re: Application for the position of Project Engineers (Signaling & PSD)
I have come to hear about the position in your company through career@gov website and I’m keen to apply for the position stated above. I am a fresh graduate from National University of Singapore (NUS), specializing in electrical engineering. Attached is my resume for your review.
I believe that the skills and knowledge gained from my academic studies as well as my past work experience will allow me to become a valuable asset to the Circle Line Project Team.
Most of the technical modules I have taken are related to communications, power and control. Hence, this has provided me with the necessary background knowledge to perform my role as a project engineer. My final year project is about building a portable ultrasonic hearing aid and this has equipped me with the necessary experience of preparing technical specifications, solving problems relating to design issues as well as enhancing my knowledge in signals communications.
During my university days, I am also active in the co-curriculum side. In 2007, I was part of the marketing team for a hip-hop event, Funkamania under the Cultural Activities Club and was responsible for sourcing of sponsorships for the event. We operated under tight budget and deadlines and I believe such exposure would allow me to be better prepared for the responsibilities that entail with the upcoming job. Such marketing role also presents me with the opportunity of working together in a team and allows me to be an effective team player. In addition, I also undertook the role of councilor for the freshman orientation camp in the same year. Good communication skills and leadership were required to coordinate the activities, thereby ensuring the freshman would have a great time at the camp.
Besides that, I also went to Korea for a summer exchange program which lasted for 7 weeks. Over there, I worked with people of different nationalities for various project works, hence allowing me to be exposed to cultural diversity. I believe this experience will make me a better team player and thus working and communicating with peers in the Project team would be less of a challenge. Working as a part-time promoter for Kiehls for 2 years further supports my good communication skills, as interaction with customers is a must. A positive working attitude is also definitely required, so as to effectively promote a positive brand image for Kiehls. Last but not least, I am willing to learn as well as put in my utmost best for the job.
I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss my qualifications and past job experience in greater detail with you in person. Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours Faithfully,
Lin Weixi
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