ES2007S Blog Post #6

Reflection on the module

As a non-native English speaker, I have to say that English module is always such a pain to me. In the first place the reason why I took this module is because it can map one of my core module. At the beginning of this semester I take the unhappiness and struggles taking this module for granted.

However, surprisingly, it turns out to be totally the other way around. The whole journey of learning this module is an enriching, exciting, entertaining and fun-filled experience to me. This module to some degree has transformed me to be an effective communicator in various social settings. At the end of the course, I am able to know and apply the principles of communication to develop strategies for a successful exchange of ideas with others. I am also able to plan, construct and express spoken and written messages clearly, convincingly and professionally that are fitting to audience, context, and purpose.

Working with both the peer teaching team and the project team is such a wonderful experience. I made new friends along the way. Our team is formed with five people from different cultures. Yes the culture differences exist; however, it is not a stumbling block to us as we embrace a humble, understandable and tolerant atmosphere. Each of us is committed to this team so that we always had effective and pleasant discussions. We were able to apply the principles that we learned in the class during the discussions. Of course the sometimes the disagreements appeared, but we could always bring out all the ideas and weighed the benefits upon each other to choose the best one. I really appreciate that my teammates’ efforts that they put in this module and also they somehow influenced on me to be a better communicator with thoughtful ideas and express them well.

I am grateful for what the rest of my fellow classmates’ contributions to this class. Although I did not get a chance to talk with them much, they all are so nice and supportive. When we were giving our presentations, they are such good listeners and most of the time paid attention to our presentations. Also, after the mock interview, some of them give a very useful feedback to me so that I can improve on when I went for a real one. More importantly, I enjoyed the moment that people started to share their own opinions. I am a little bit regret that I did not take the initiatives to know about them more. But who knows, maybe one day we may become real friends since we already know each other and we are all in this campus.

Lastly, I would like to give my great thanks to Madam Fazilah. Your lessons were very relaxing and useful and you provided us with a open platform that welcomes any idea input. Thanks to your contributions to this class, I raised the awareness of soft skills and already started to improve my communication skills. I know there is a long way for me to go; however, bearing all the principles and strategies I gained from this module, it will always be a good reference for me to communicate with people. 

ES2007S Blog Post #5

Reflection on oral presentation

Growing up in a conservative Chinese culture, I become an individual who will easily get nervous when speaking in front of a group of people. Also, I have a trouble in bringing out the sentences or words in my mind out of my mouth.  That is why I rely a lot on the cue cards. Then after Madam Fazilah pointed out this point to me. I realized it also reflects my lack of confidence, results in not a relatively persuasive presentation. If I am not confident about myself, how the audience makes the efforts to believe in me. However, I am so thankful that my fellow teammates set a example to me that speak with confidence; practically, without cue cards, the whole presentation turns more natural, smoother and somehow better-delivered. After this oral presentation, I would like to take the initiatives to improve my presentation skills in terms of delivery, language and even confidence.

One more thing I gained from this oral presentation is that presentation skills do count. Well, I used to hold a view that presentation skill is just one kind of soft skills that I was taught not to put much emphasis on. After several rehearsals with my teammate, I felt that somehow their presentations make a difference to the audience. I can say that I will pay attention to the message they deliver should I were the audience. And if the audience shows interest, there bears a chance for them to take some measures as a response for the message received. Take the business investment as an example; if the representatives of target company show interest during the presentation, it is more likely for them to sign the contract.

As a non-native English speaker, I consider my oral presentations today as a reasonably good one. There is a large room for me to improve my presentation skills. I believe that as long as I put focus on this soft skill, I will become better. Hopefully, one day, I will be able to deliver a presentation confidently, fluently and persuasively to a large group of people.

ES2007S Blog post #4

Evaluating intercultural behavior

Having settled in Singapore for two years, I found that Singapore is a very diverse and intercultural country where there is no single set of culturally acceptable behaviors. Ever since I came to Singapore, I have encountered misunderstanding intercultural communications for several times. There was one time which still remains fresh in my memory.

Back then, it was one week after I came to Singapore. A couple of friends went to a local kopptiam food court. After enjoying the delicious food, I tried to order a cup of coffee. Then I went to the drink stop and asked,

“Auntie, could I have a cup of latte?”

Then her face seemed to be quite confused. I thought maybe it was because I did not pronounce the word “Latte” clearly due to my Chinese accent. So, I asked a second time,

“Auntie, could I have a cup of La—tte—?”

Then the auntie responded, “ What do you want? Ko—pi— or teh?”

I actually did not get what she said and insisted saying,

“ I want latte! Coffee with milk!!”

Then she said, “What do you want? kopi-c siew dai?”

It was my turn to be confused. At that moment I was thinking “what ko—pi #@$%^is?!” I said to myself maybe it was a special drink in Singapore. Then I just said, “Yes, please give me that.”

After that I learned from my Singaporean friend that kopi-c siew dai is actually a mixed language of Malay and Cantonese. Kopi-c means coffee with milk and siew dai means less sugar. Then I knew that ordering coffee or tea in Singapore is very special which needs several languages.

Having lived here for two years, I feel that it is getting smoother to integrate myself into this multicultural society. Although sometimes I still feel a little bit uncomfortable when encountering intercultural misunderstandings, I did learn to respect the culture instead of judging or hating it. “When in Rome, do as the Romans do”, it is always good to hold a positive attitude instead of scolding or complaining. There is still a long way to go and get involved in this society since I will stay in Singapore for quite a few years. One of my friends said to me that actually Singaporeans all have their needs here already; so, they will not bother trying to reach out for more friends, which shocked me and also help me realize that it is so true and we will never get to know them more unless we step out our comfort zone and embrace the brand-new culture here.

   

ES2007S Blog post #3

Application letter

It is for a Japanese company called NEC corporation for the summer internship programme. The internship is about research of the quantum dot device.
So, here is my application letter. Please feel free to comment on it.

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E-XXX, 25 lower kent ridge
Singapore 119081
H/P: +65 93200832
Email: a0091842@nus.edu.sg

17 February 2013

Mr Tsukasa Takahashi
NEC Corporation
7-1, Shiba 5-chome
Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8001

Dear Mr. Tsukasa Takahashi

Application For the Summer Internship: Research of Quantum dot sensor device

I am writing to apply for the summer internship research opportunity on the quantum dot sensor device. I learnt about this internship opportunity from an email sent by the Office of Undergraduate Programs Dean's Office, Faculty of Engineering, National University of Singapore.

My name is Wu Xudong and I am currently an undergraduate year 2 student majoring in Computer Engineering. The Computer Engineering coursework is a joint programme encompassing both fields of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, and I am equipped with the essential skills of using LabView for data analysis, which are requirements for this research project. The reason why I am applying is because I am interested in the field of quantum physics.  From my first encounter learning about quantum physics, I have been awed by its ability to use science to explain the abstract, and I would like to pursue a deeper knowledge in this intellectually challenging field.

Conducting research requires patience, problem-solving and analytical skills. These are traits that my training in computer engineering has provided me, through time spent in debugging for circuits and programming. My coursework modules such as Circuits and Systems Design Lab, also provides me with a strong background in analytical skills through data analysis to draw conclusions and determine causes of experimental errors. Outside of school curriculum, my experience in directing a large-scale drama production has been an experience that reinforced my leadership abilities to unite a crew and overcome obstacles to ensure a smooth-running of the production.

Imperatively, I have maintained a good academic record (GPA: 4.5 out of 5.0). That is a reflection of my commitment to and strong foundation in my coursework. My two-year study abroad programme in National University of Singapore has transformed me to become an individual who embraces transculturalism and adapts easily to new environments. In addition, my training in basic conversational Japanese is an asset for me should I work in Japan

Attached is a copy of my resume, which includes further details on my qualifications.  If you need any clarifications, please do not hesitate to contact me through email a0091842@nus.edu.sg or by phone at +65 93200821.
Thank you for your consideration.

Yours sincerely

Wu Xudong (Mr.)