Monday, February 22, 2010

Evaluating Intercultural Behavior -Cultures and Colours

Our lives and colors are deeply intertwined and inseparable. There is a common knowledge that people of different cultures have attached different meaning and significance to various colors. By observing and learning the use of colors in the various cultures, we can understand one another's beliefs, needs and feelings better, while conveying our own.

Below is a scenario that I have observed concerning the differences in the usage of colors in Chinese and Malay cultures:

In Chinese society, red is the traditional color that symbolizes prosperity and auspiciousness. Hence, for joyous occasions, such as weddings and Chinese New Year, we could see red as the main choice of color for decoration. Besides joyous occasion, red is also a color that Chinese prefer in their daily life.

Living in a small town in Malaysia, blackout is very common and candles are indispensable in such times. My family owns a provision shop and one of our goods for sale are candles. To cater to the needs of our customers who are Malays and Chinese, we have to sell both white and red candles. White candles are for the Malays, while red candles are for the Chinese. Traditional Chinese people would not want to use any white candles, as they believe that white candles are inauspicious, since they are usually lighted in Chinese funerals. On the other hand, the Malays would refuse to buy any red candles, even if there are no white candles available for sale. I was told by a Malay that red is a ferocious color to them and it symbolizes “Syaitan”(Satan) or evil, while white symbolize purity. Thus, they would not use any red candle and like to buy white candles. My parents must have known this.

From the small scenario above, it is clear that different cultures have different perception towards colors.

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Application Letter Critique-draft 2

XX XXXX XXX,
Blk XX-X-X
Prince George’s Park Singapore 118425
Telephone: (+65) XXXXXXXX
Email: u0XXXXXX@nus.edu.sg

2nd February 2010

NGEE ANN POLYTECHNIC
Human Resource Office,
6th Storey, Blok 1,535 Clementi Road,
Singapore 599489.

Dear Human Resource Officer,

APPLICATION FOR THE POSITION OF TECHNICAL SUPPORT OFFICER (REF:LSCT/TSO)


I am writing to apply for the position of Technical support officer (Ref: LSCT/TSO) that was advertised through Jobstreet.com on 30th January 2010. As you will note from my enclosed resume, I am currently a student of National University of Singapore (NUS) majoring in Life Sciences and will be graduating in June 2010.

Throughout my years in NUS, I have read through modules that are highly related to the areas that are being researched by your institution. Besides that, through the laboratory sessions in my undergraduate years, I am equipped with most of the necessary skills that are required in a research lab, such as handling cell cultures, experimental animals and so on. Thus I believe that I have the relevant skills and knowledge required for this post.

I believe it is crucial for a technical support officer to be organized and meticulous to obtain accurate results for the research, which are the qualities I possess. My past experiences as the treasurer of the Tennis Club during my days in secondary school helped me to develop such qualities. Besides that, I have the ability to work both independently and in a team. This is further demonstrated by my past experiences as the committee member of the class when I was in secondary school. This is essential for a technical support officer as one is required to work independently in a laboratory and able to cooperate well with others to solve problems encountered. Furthermore, I have developed the value of responsibility through my years of being a school prefect. I believe such qualities are valued highly in this job.

In addition, I have demonstrated excellent people skills as well as strong analytical skills. I believe my education, skills and experiences fit your requirements, and I am confident my skills would be an asset to your institution.

I would be pleased with the salary that fits the market price, which ranges from $2000 - $2500.

I am available for interview at your convenience anytime and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Yours faithfully,


XX XXXX XXX

Application Letter Critique-Draft 1

XX XXXX XXX,
Blk xx-x-x
Prince George’s Park Singapore 118425
Telephone: (+65) xxxxxxxx
Email: u08xxxxx@nus.edu.sg

2nd February 2010

NGEE ANN POLYTECHNIC
Human Resource Office,
6th Storey, Blok 1,535 Clementi Road,
Singapore 599489.

Dear Human Resource Officer,

APPLICATION FOR THE POSITION OF TECHNICAL SUPPORT OFFICER (REF:LSCT/TSO)


I am writing to apply for the position of Technical support officer (Ref: LSCT/TSO) that was advertised through Jobstreet.com on 30th January 2010. As you will note from my enclosed resume, I am currently a student of National University of Singapore (NUS) majoring in Life Sciences and will be graduating in June 2010.

Throughout my years in NUS, I have read through modules that are highly related to
the areas that are being researched by your institution. Besides that, through Laboratory sessions in my undergraduate years, I possess most of the necessary skills that are needed in a research lab. For instances, handling cell cultures, experimental animals and etc. Thus I believe that I possess the skills is required by this job.

As we know that Laboratory jobs require an organized and meticulous person, my position as the treasurer of the Tennis club when I was in my secondary school had helped me to gain these qualities. Besides that, I could work well either independently or in a team. Furthermore, I have developed the value of responsibility through my years of being the school prefects. All these are important values that I found that needed in this job.

I have demonstrated excellent people skills in addition to strong analytical skills. I believe my education, skills and experiences fit your requirements, and I am confident my skills would be an asset to your institution.

I am available to meet with you at a time that's convenient to you. Please contact me to set up a time. I look forward to hear from you soon.

Sincerely,


XX XXXX XXX

Application Letter Critique- Job Description

Position-Technical Support Officer(Ref:LSCT/TSO)
Organisation: Ngee Ann Polytechnic

Responsiblities:
You will involved in research in the areas relating to molecular biology, cell culture and virology.The work involve in working with baculoviruses and you must also be willing to undertake work with experimental animals. This will be a 2-year contract position.

Requirements:
*A degree or a diploma in the area of life sciences
*Research experience in molecular biology, cell culture techniques and/or the handling of experimentalanimals will be an advantage.

Please indicate the corresponding reference numbe, your current and expected salaries, as well as why you are well suited for the position in your application.