First Sunday in Bangkok

12 Dec 2010

今天是我第一次参加泰语崇拜。我们的教堂是Christ Church, 位于Sathorn, 靠近曼谷的市中心。从我们在Ramkanphen 的家出发需四十分钟德士车程，一小时四十分钟巴士车程。那是一座全米白色的独立建筑物，很有西欧式教堂的感觉，已有超过八十年的历史。在教堂旁边有个小墓园，有大约十位曾在这里服侍的牧师的墓碑，很特别吧。

我在泰语堂认识了几位从新加坡来的姐妹和牧师，也已能说流利的泰语。娘跟我说，这里有好几位单身妈妈，她们的丈夫都已离他们而去。难怪娘说这里的姑娘会想要嫁外国人，都怪男人不负责任。。。

崇拜结束后，娘教导几位同工和会友唱圣诞歌，由我来伴奏。虽然是用泰语，但毕竟和娘搭配那么多年，默契还存，也让我怀念起以前在永平一起练习圣诞歌的日子。而娘需要用半流利的泰语来教唱，也不是容易的事，希望她也能早日和这里的同工培养默契,语言就不会再是隔膜啦！

晚上我们一起到 The Mall Bangkapi 吃晚餐，我看不懂泰文，点菜都是看卖相的。感谢神，给我们丰富的一餐。之后我们还买了一车的干粮零食，给在Salom House 的孩子们、同工们准备圣诞礼物。期待圣诞节的来临！

Bangkok day 1

8 Dec 2010

I am going to start a 28- days-long trip in Bangkok.

My journey today was a grace!
My parents BOTH helped me to catch a bus this morning, and I was not so worried for being late because my mum and my best friend Sifang is willing to give me a ride if I need to. After that, my Dage was so nice to drive me to Changi and my dear Shimiru Vanessa was there to send me off... I am so blessed.

As I was queuing for checking in, I met a friend who is taking the same plane as me! God provided me a companion so that I was not along throughout the journey. Praise the Lord!

The flight was a smooth one. Yet, I felt so sorry that Rev Wong and niang had waited me for almost one hour because of the long queue at immigration counter. They took me home by train and taxi, cooked a warm dinner for me. I am so blessed.

Today I pray that God will delight in our work of loving and serving the Thai. Like what niang had just shared to me, although we may seem have not enough, but we can just give whatever we possess. May God multiply.

"Unless the LORD builds the house,
   the builders labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city,
   the guards stand watch in vain.  " Ps 127:1

8 Secrets in This Module

Yesterday, by chance, I came across a fantastic 3 minute TED talk entitled “8 Secrets of Success” by Richard St. John. In that short video, Richard St. John was able to present great insights on 8 secrets of success through his effective use of  visuals and humor. The 8 secrets are: 

1.                    Passion

2.                    Work

3.                    Focus

4.                    Persist

5.                    Good

6.                    Serve

7.                    Ideas

8.                    Push

Personally, I think they are all applicable in this learning journey-ES2007S: Professional Communication: Principle and Practises. The choice of spending our precious ‘bidding points’ on this module reflects our passion in effective communication skill. This passion has been further nurtured through the many assignments along the way(work) and there has been an underlying focus on practical skills that we may apply even after this module is over. While passion for professional communication is an initiator, my persistence to improve has been the fuel which sees me through this course.

During the presentation, Richard St. John shared that in order to be ‘damn good’ at something, “there is no magic but practise, practise and practise.” In this course, I have learnt the principles and skills of professional communication through lots of practice through online blogging, writing job application letter, proposal, oral presentation, mock interviews as well as enriching oral discussions in class. In addition, we have served each other by contributing insightful feedback and ideas before and after each practice for to reinforce the learning process. The 'liquid network' set in this class had indeed facilitated so many good ideas!*   

Last but not least, this is how the word ‘push’ applies. I remember Brad describing himself as more than just a teacher/tutor, but a facilitator as well (please correct me if I am wrong). It may seem challenging to motivate (‘push’) students to be interested in communicating effectively and to be passionate in learning process but I feel that Brad has done so effectively. He has been an inspiring, encouraging and dedicated facilitator with a wide variety of teaching styles and an appropriate balance of using the soft and hard approach. 

I thank you Brad and my fellow classmates for all the support you have given, ideas shared and the friendship we have made in this class. Because of this, I consider this module a successful learning experience (regardless of the grade that Brad is going to give me)

* “Where good ideas come from” by Steven Johnson.
This TEDtalk video was showed by Brad in our class few weeks ago.

Here are the links for the videos:

1. 8 Secrets of Success

2. Where good ideas come from

-Edited-

Reflection on Oral Presentation

Team BES is the best! Haha, I am not trying to be pompous, but team BES is always the best to ME just because who we are. Despite the extended period of time and countless brain cell sacrificed while working on our proposal, oral discussion and oral presentation, this project has indeed fostered the friendship among three of us which no other can replace…

Eh hmn, I should start focus on the topic of this blog - my self reflection on the oral presentation. I will do it according to the guide list posted on IVLE.

Verbal

First of all, the content covered by three of us was clearly related to each other. The transition and overall flow of the whole presentation was also smooth. Besides, three of us have done a satisfactory job in “answering questions completely,  knowledgably and politely.” It might be because three of us knew our goal and reasons behind our suggested solution well.

However, we did not used much creative approach to grab the attention of the audience. The audio quality of the video shown was not satisfactory due to the excessive background noise in the canteen. Yet, I personally think that Sheila is a good actress and she did delivered the message using appropriate non-verbal cues… agree?

On a personal level, I think I was not confident and calm enough during the presentation. In fact, I did missed some of the points prepared. I should have practiced more to make sure I have all the key points at my fingertips beforehand.

Nonverbal

In my opinion, we did paid attention in many nonverbal aspects such as enthusiasm in delivering the message, effective eye contact, appropriate gestures, facial expression, listening skills and respect to each other during the presentation and while answering the question.

How about you, my dear classmates? Do you agree with me? Please feel free to voice up your comments and all feedback is highly appreciated! Thanks!

-edited- 

Intercultural Communication - Accent and Slang

Glacier National Park, located in Montana, U.S, encompasses over 1,000,000 acres and nurtures more than 1,000 different species of plants and hundreds of species of animals. Beside its vast pristine ecosystem, the park also serves as a platform for people from different culture backgrounds to meet and interact every summer. Thanks to Work and Travel Program, I was one of the lucky one who enjoyed the park’s outstanding natural and cultural beauty.

Upon arrival, the Manager of Human Resource Department has welcomed me with a brief yet exciting introduction of the park. God knows that I was paying my very maximum attention trying to catch his American English accent which sounds nasal, with lot of ‘r’s and, like a song to me. Soon after that, I found that the manager’s English is actually relatively easier to catch because he was so kind and considerate to speak slower with clearer pronunciation for the Asian students to understand him better.

Throughout that summer, I was amazed and overwhelmed by a vast variety of accents in America spoken by people from New York (Brooklyn), Boston, North/ South Carolina, Wisconsin, Texas and so on. Oh, not mentioning there is numerous slang which I thought I could never understand! At first, I was reluctant to initiate a conversation, worrying that it might be lost in puzzled American faces.  However, my timidity was swept away by my American friends and colleagues who break the intercultural barrier with their patience and tolerance.  Because of that, I had very memorable and enjoyable working experience in Montana.

For me, the beauty of Glacier National park not only fosters the relationship between nature and human being, but also among the people with diverse cultural background.  

Application Letter

JOB DESCRIPTION

Company: Nestle Singapore Pte Ltd

As the world's leading food company, Nestlé is dedicated to providing the best nourishment to people each day, throughout their lives. Its recipe for success comes from an intimate understanding of consumer needs and the ability to meet those needs through its global resources. All around the world, Nestlé contributes to the well-being of individuals, families, communities, nations - to enhance their quality of life.


Job Title: Nutrition Executive

Key Responsibilities
This role requires the candidate to have good understanding of nutrition science and its relevance in selling. Your key role is to maintain regular contact with the medical and paramedical professionals concerning our range of Infant Nutrition products. This is a challenging position and the successful candidate will be trained in all aspects of nutrition and communication skills.

· Promote range of infant nutrition products to medical community such as hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies
· Develop new businesses, manage existing accounts, and maximize sales opportunities
· Prompt submission of required reports
· Assist in other projects when needed

Requirements:
· Degree in Nutrition/Dietetic/Food Science related field
· At least 2 years detailing experience with medical professionals
· Good Science and nutrition knowledge
· Possess valid driving license with own transport
· Fluent in English, with excellent interpersonal and presentation skills
· Adapt well within a rapidly changing work environment

APPLICATION LETTER

[Sender’s Address]

5th September 2010

Human Resources Department

Nestlé Singapore (Pte) Ltd

15A Changi Business Park Central 1

#05-02/03 Eightrium@Changi Business Park

Singapore 486035

Dear Sir/Madam

Application for the Position of Nutrition Executive

I am a fourth-year undergraduate majoring in Food Science and Technology and I wish to apply for the position of Nutrition Executive in Nestlé Singapore (Pte) Ltd. As a food science student, I am delighted to see your job posting on the JobsDB website on 2nd September 2010 as I believe I have both the passion and the ability to meet the nutritional needs of the global consumer.

Earlier this year, I had completed my 26-week industrial attachment at Sin Hwa Dee Foodstuff Industries Pte Ltd, one of the premier local delight manufacturers in Singapore. This stint has helped me to gain various hands-on experiences in assisting, setting and maintenance of QC specifications, product development trials and conducting lab tests. I have also acquired skills I believe are crucial for a nutrition executive like effective communication and the ability to adapt quickly to a fast-paced and environment.

In addition, I possess vast experiences outside the academic and technical arena. As a Resident Assistant of NUS and a cell group leader of my church, I have also developed other essential life skills, such as building rapport with people from diverse backgrounds, maintaining emotional control under stress, rallying and persuading fellow residents to go beyond their call of duty. I believe you will see these skills as important requirements of a competent Nutrition Executive.

Moreover, my 1-year experience from NUS’s student exchange programme to Canada and United States of America has widened my horizons and bestowed me with the ability of interacting with people from different nationalities and being independent. I believe my exposure to the knowledge on Nutrition, Food and Beverages in North America has equipped me with valuable insights into the global industry that I can leverage on in promoting the nutritional products to the medical community and understand my customer’s individual needs and perspectives.

All in all, I believe that my experience, skills and enthusiasm for food science and nutrition have illustrated my potential and suitability to be the right person for your position. I look forward to an interview at your convenient time, and I can be contacted at xxxx or through email at xxxx@nus.edu.sg.

I have also enclosed my resume for your perusal. Thank you very much for your time and kind consideration.

Yours faithfully,

-EDITED-

Interpersonal Conflict

Ann and I were close friend since 1996. We went to the same school, attended the same church and we live only about 2km apart. Although we spent much time together every day, it was still difficult for me to comprehen her emotional state because it fluctuated so frequently.


One lively Sunday in 2004, I approached Ann after church fellowship and something unusual happened.

“Hello, Ann! Let’s go for lunch together?” I asked.

“…”

She acted as though I was non-existing. So, I tapped Ann on her shoulder and continued, “Ann, did you hear me? I…”

“I don’t want to talk to you, leave me alone!”

I was deeply shocked and hurt as Ann pushed my hand off her shoulder and walked away leaving me standing motionless. I tried in vain to recall if I had offended her in any where, and I deduced that it must be the result of her poor EQ. I was certain I had not done anything wrong. Nonetheless, our friendship meant so much to me that I could not bear to lose it. I decided to write Ann a letter to enquire about the unpleasant incident. In the personal letter, I mentioned that I was more than willing to apologize if I had offended her unintentionally.

After a few days of waiting in anxiety and anticipation, our ‘cold war’ finally ended when Ann replied to my letter. My face was red with embarrassment and guilt when the reason dawned upon me. How could I forget Ann’s birthday on the previous Saturday? I had promised that I would make her her favorite chocolate brownie yet I had let her down. I was so grateful that Ann accepted my sincere apology.

This year marks her14th birthday celebration with me. I better start brain storming and plan a fabulous birthday!

Through this incident, I have personally experienced the unpleasant consequences of making my judgement too quickly. However, I am thankful that this conflict was merely ‘velvet-hammer’ lessen that taught me the importance of being more socially aware and to overcome interpersonal conflict.

My dear classmates, if you were me, how would you perceive Ann's bad attitude at that point of time?

-EDITED-