Blog post #4

Evaluating Inter-Cultural Behaviour

The setting was at the "House of Traditional Javanese Massage".





She introduced herself as Idah, who originated from Sabah, East Malaysia. The second child from a family of 6 children, she came to Singapore seeking for a decent job. Though not awed by her decision to step into my homeland, I was dazzled by her enthusiasm and fluid articulation. Idah inquisitively spoke of issues one would never expect from a girl who comes from a kampong. The high standard of living in Singapore turns the younger generation into a pampered bunch, which “will not survive 3 days of kampong life”. I rebutted, stating that her statement is a generalization that might not necessarily apply. Stating myself as well as my social circle of friends as an example, I mentioned that we are educated to be aware of the less fortunate. From this statement, I realised that even us, Singaporeans, fall into categories of stereotypes by our neighbours from the nearby countries. Nonetheless, I was intrigued by her chain of thought in forming such a perception of the young Singaporean generation. It then triggered me, what about those in the Philippines or Cambodia? What would they make of us?

I realised from this experience (I had the conversation during the massage) I was very much ignorant to the fact other people had their perceptions and stereotypes towards us too. I walked away a more receptive and open-minded person, as the experience was rather humbling. Despite her comments, Idah was still friendly throughout. I thanked her thoroughly for the massage, and even more for the insight into the perspective of other young adults within the Southeast Asian region.

Blog post #3

My fellow readers, below is my application letter for the Joint Environmental Minor Programme with the University of Toronto.

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Block 451 Clementi Avenue 4
#09-168 Singapore 327451

2nd September 2010

Ms Issabel Fun Shu Cheng, Secretary Head
Department of Chemistry
21 Science Lane 8
Faculty of Science
National University of Singapore
Singapore 165773

Dear Ms Fun

Application for Environmental Chemistry Minor Programme

I am writing to express my interest in joining the Environmental Chemistry Minor Programme. I am currently a 2nd Year Chemistry major and I will have fulfilled the academic requirements for the Minor Programme by the end of this academic year. As of this moment of application, my CAP score is 3.30.

This programme covers a scope of the impact and consequences of human activities on the atmosphere, as well as the biosphere. Prior to fulfilling the NUS module requirements, I have also read the Module XD3103: Planet Earth. I believe the portion on the chemical composition, chemical reactions and chemical cycles of the earth’s atmosphere within this module would be complementary in aiding me to excel the Minor Programme.

I have secured a position within the Singapore Civil Defence Force and they have a Hazardous Materials (HazMat) Department, dealing with chemical threats and Hazmat Transport systems. Chemical threats will definitely result in detrimental consequences, to both man and his environment, should they ever be released into the atmosphere. Gaining an insight and having the opportunities to analyse how the soil, water and air are affected by such threats through the Minor Programme, I will be able to put into practice the methods to minimise damage when we respond to such incidents.

I find this Programme very relevant to both my future job as well as to create an environmental awareness for the public. As a member of the publicity committee, I have been involved in countless events held by National University of Singapore Students’ Union Students Against Violation of the Earth (NUSSU-SAVE) to fight climate change.

This specific Minor Programme is not offered by any other local universities and this is the most suitable platform for me to experience an Overseas Exchange programme. I strongly feel that by spending a semester at the University of Toronto, I will be able to gain an insight into the cultures of other educational institutions. By interacting with students from various walks of life, I will be able to share and develop new ideas and opinions with regards to our global environment.

Going overseas will also require me to be independent, allowing me to test my adaptability when I am placed in a foreign situation. This experience would definitely be something I can tap on should I be sent on an Overseas Mission by the SCDF, be it to assist in disaster-stricken areas or to mitigate large scale chemical incidents.

I believe if we have the passion to care for our environment, we have the passion for life. We depend on our environment as much as it depends on us. I would be honoured to be given the chance to take a stand, pursue this programme and make a contribution back to the environment through application and further research. Should my application be successful, I can be contacted at +65 9833 4154 or mkz2810@gmail.com. I am grateful for your time in looking through this application letter.


Yours sincerely

[insert signature]

Muhammad Khalis Bin Zulkifli (Mr)

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I might consider using this for an actual application in my third year. Do give me your feedbacks, and I will take every one of them seriously. Thank you for reading! (=

**Certain names, addresses and contact numbers have been changed to protect the identities of the relevant parties.