Culture shock

Singapore as we all know is a multi-cultural society. Thus, to be able to live in harmony with each other, we have little choice but to make the effort to understand each other's cultures. This can help prevent unnecessary conflicts or arguments.

There was this incident that I recall from my secondary school. The characters involved were Nizam and my Geography teacher Mrs Fong. I have withheld their real names in this story. Nizam is a Malay and Mrs Fong a Chinese. The setting of the incident will be the classroom during a lesson.

Mrs Fong was conducting a lesson and she called for Nizam to stand up to answer a question. Nizam gave a nonsensical answer and antagonized Mrs Fong. Mrs Fong subsequently got very angry and called Nizam a “babi”, meaning pig in Malay. She was glaring at Nizam and looked as if she would kill him there and then. What fuelled the situation was probably the fact that Nizam had been a very poor student and had not been making any effort. She often asked Nizam to answer questions in a bid to make him participate in the lesson more. Nizam had to remain standing throughout the rest of the one hour lesson and he displayed a look of immense displeasure.

The next day, both Mrs Fong and Nizam were called to the principal's office. I found out later that Nizam’s parents had complained about Mrs Fong’s word usage and insensitivity. In the Malay culture, they are not allowed to eat pork, by calling them a pig it is rather insulting to the Malays and considered taboo. Mrs Fong acknowledged her oversight and apologized to Nizam and his parents. Nizam also admitted to his disobedience in class, apologized in return and fortunately this led to a closure of the matter.

My feeling at the time of the incident was that Mrs Fong certainly did not mean to insult Nizam. She was blowing her top and probably could not think logically. I felt that calling someone a pig is rather mild and she probably used the word babi seeing that Nizam was a Malay. I am pretty sure Mrs Fong did not consider any cultural issues when she scolded Nizam.

Nizam, on the other hand, probably interpreted that Mrs Fong was insulting his culture and took it personally. That led to him complaining to his parents about the incident. He was already unhappy to be called up and he was scolded next, this could have led to him to think he was being singled out intentionally by Mrs Fong.

My personal statement

I am so new to this personal statement thingy so please forgive me it if is lousy! Certainly requires cracking of the head to come up with.


As a young child I used to religiously complete all the model kits that my dad brought home. I often skipped meals and sacrificed sleep just to get the kits done up. It was then that I realized that I am an extremely determined person and it this value which I have that has certainly served me well. This is also what makes me a unique human being.

I recall an incident during my stint as a police officer, where I had to go after an illegal immigrant who was escaping from my colleague and me. I did not give up the chase even after my colleague has done so. This eventually led to the successful arrest of said subject which gave me immense pride. Determination has also allowed me to stay awake during night shifts and stay vigilant to any crime happenings.

It is also part of my character that I do not like to leave things undone. Whatever work that I have started I will make sure I complete it. It is this drive that led to me being appointed class chairman in my junior college. It is also natural that I am usually the driving force behind projects, dedicating work, contacting team members and making sure deadlines are met and work gets done.

Thus, I feel that the determination that I possess will serve me well in the working world and help me to complete the various tasks that are set out for me to do.

My job description

Position applied for: Field Service Engineer
Requirements:
1. Degree in Electrical Engineering
2. Preferably 3 years of related experience
3. Field Service Experience
4. Good command of English language
5. Experience in rotating equipment
6. Good communication skills
7. Flexible, accurate, motivated, able to work independently
8. Capable of handling stressful situations
9. Willing to travel to all countries in Asia Pacific and Middle East
10. Willing to travel on short notice

My application letter

Mah Ken Jie
36 Chestnut Terrace
Singapore 679143
U0606736@nus.edu.sg

30 August 2009

Human Resource Department
Flowserve Pte Ltd
10 Tuas Loop
Singapore 637345

Dear Sir,

APPLICATION FOR FIELD SERVICE ENGINEER

I am writing to apply for a field service engineer position in your company in response to your job advertisement in the Straits Times classifieds on 29 August 2009 as I feel I have the necessary qualities to succeed in your company.

I am currently pursuing an honours degree in Electrical Engineering, expecting to graduate by May 2010 and I am seeking to start work after that. I have taken courses like electrical energy systems and electric drives and done well in them. These modules have provided me with the necessary knowledge in pump systems which helps me to fit in to one of your requirements. Apart from my academic training in the field of Electrical Engineering, my previous internships with two renowned engineering companies, SWTS Pte Ltd and Guthrie Engineering Pte Ltd, have given me hands-on experience and practical training in the field service engineering field. Thus, I will be ready for the job position if I am successful in my applications. I have also gained rotating equipment service experience in my internship as your company requires. Through my work experience, I have also confirmed that Engineering is the right field for me and I feel FLOWSERVE is an exceptional place for me to start my career.

Furthermore, during the days of my National Service with Singapore Police Force, I have had many opportunities to deal with the public daily, thereby building up strong communication skills and learning to deal with stressful situations. I rose to the rank of sergeant and had to handle the vast responsibilities and authority vested upon me. As a sergeant, I had to be motivated and act independently, which are some qualities your company seek.

My academic training and past working experience have taught me to approach various situations and challenges with both logic and flexibility. As such, I am confident that I would be able to contribute positively to Flowserve, with my technical skills and fresh perspectives.

I sincerely hope that you will grant me an interview and I will be looking forward to your favourable reply. You may contact me at 97661283 or 67669316.




Thank you for your kind attention and time taken.

Yours faithfully,


MAH KEN JIE
Enclosure : Resume