Evaluating Intercultural Differences :)

Living in Singapore all my life, I personally did not encounter any intercultural conflicts with people of another race. I suppose the different cultures in Singapore are already set in my mind that they do not become an issue when I interact with them. I reckon Singapore has done exceeding well in moulding a community that embraces differences of the four races. We are able to communicate effortlessly with people of these four races, but when it comes to interaction with unfamiliar cultures, it will be more problematic.

Here, I consider a simple case study of a Singaporean supplier (S) dealing a business with a Westerner (W), assuming that each does not have an understanding of the other party’s business etiquettes and cultures. They greeted each other with a firm handshake and started the meeting. Throughout the whole negotiation process, W presented ideas and S reacted positively, nodding and smiling. At the end of the meeting, W thought that W has clinched the deal and awaited for the final confirmation from S. However, S sent an email to W to make further negotiations. W was confused and upset by W’s double-mindedness and indirectness.

To look into each character’s culture and values, we would understand why they reacted as such. As an Asian, S is more people-oriented and adapt an indirect approach to disagreement, so S rarely make a blunt ‘no’ and ‘yes’ can mean maybe and even no. S thinks that a direct ‘no’ or disagreement is rude and self-centered. Much is implied in non-verbal cues rather than verbal expressions. As a Singaporean also, the last thing S would want is to lose face in front of people, thus S controls emotions and behaviour to not to confront or criticize openly.

W is more straightforward, would not hold back to confront and would expect the other party to react the same. The Western individuals are more task-oriented, would rely on verbal expression to be more direct in order to get the task done and going. Personal relationship is second to getting the job done effectively. In this case, S would appear to be insincere and lack in integrity which in fact S was not.

All these arise from the ignorance of the difference in values and cultures. It is crucial to be aware that people from various backgrounds interpret behavioural patterns differently. Being conscious of this will aid us in relating ourselves to others better, and to minimize unnecessary misunderstandings. Proper research prior to interacting with them in any setting is definitely essential to establish effective communication arcoss different cultures. I am amazed at the diversity of intepretations of a single action. :)

My Personal Statement :) (Edited)

Doing exceedingly well in my sciences during secondary school days, I developed my educational background in science. I got into junior college and am now pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Life Sciences at the National University of Singapore. Despite this, I am not setting my career path on science as I realized I cannot realize my full potential in that field. It is beyond doubt that I want to build my career on my strengths and personality to achieve excellence in it.

I was once contented in being an ordinary person, leading a routine and mundane life. That was until I met someone who has impacted me tremendously with his extraordinary visions and life. He is a leader in my church, who inspires and teaches me how to pursue dreams beyond my imagination. I was stirred and from then I decided to step out of my comfort zone to strive for greater things in my life. I started to embrace challenges which set me on a rocky road, with a positive attitude.

On June 2009, two of my friends and I started an educational business. Truly, it is arduous to manage the business and my hectic work at the same time. There are many instances when I felt overwhelmed by the amount of work to handle. Nevertheless I persist not submitting to difficulty. At every obstacle, I seize the opportunity to increase my capacity and endurance level as I strongly believe that I will emerge stronger. Planning ahead and prioritizing my work faithfully enables me to meet all my deadlines. Time is precious and self-discipline is essential for me to achieve proper time-management. Focusing my visions far keeps me away from pursuing instant gratification and gets me going. A compromise has to be made between my loved ones and work. Leading a balanced life is the key for me to not be burnout and having proper rest and recreational ensures higher efficiency at work and in school. Through all these, I was greatly comforted when our business grew steadily in the midst of our struggles. This proved to me that perseverance is a major determinant to achieving excellence.

My values and beliefs have led me to place a high value in my relationships with people. I cherish my loved ones and they are my source of strength in life. I am truly grateful to those who helped me in my tough times and I yearn to help those in need in ways that I can. It is my utmost desire to go into counseling and I am intending to take up counseling courses which will better equip me professionally. Living life only to meet my own needs is the last thing I want to do. I want to bless people with what I am blessed with and that brings me greatest joy. To me, living life to the fullest is living life with no regrets. I want to look back one day and rejoice in everything that I have done. :)

My Application Letter

Actual advertisement
http://sg.jobstreet.com/jobs/2009/8/default/20/2135123.htm?fr=J
 
Company/Organisation
Ghim Li Global Pte Ltd

Job Title
Personal Assistant / Secretary / Junior Manager

Requirements:

Primary Objectives of Position
• Provide full executive assistant and support to Executive Chairman to facilitate internal and external communication as well as co-ordinates and execute company projects.
• Undertake all duties as delegated by the Executive Chairman.
• Be the main contact point when the Executive Chairman is not present in office.
• To perform full spectrum of secretarial and administrative duties (personal & official) for the Executive Chairman.

Corporate Affairs
• Day to day external and internal email correspondence
• Submit weekly reports to Chairman office
• Screening the telephone calls, emails, correspondences and requests to the Executive Chairman and handle them appropriately.
• Manage Executive Chairman Office in her absence, and ensures all matters requiring her attention are redirected with discretion and attended to meticulously.
• Organize and maintain the Executive Chairman appointments and schedule. Confirm appointments as necessary.
• Expected to accompany the Executive Chairman to travel overseas.
• Manage Chairperson's travel

Personal Affairs
• Manage Chairperson's tax, bank accounts, investments, payment of expenses
• Maintain personal records
• Manage domestic matters
• Administer cheque issuance


My Application Letter

Blk 319 Ang Mo Kio Ave 1
#07-1499 S(560319)
98455032

September 2, 2009

Human Resource Manager
Ghim Li Global Pte Ltd
41 Changi South Ave 2
Singapore 486153

Dear Sir/Madam,

Re: Application for Personal Assistant Position

I am very interested in the Personal Assistant position in Ghim Li Global Pte Ltd as advertised on Jobstreet dated August 27, 2009. My resume is enclosed for your review and I appreciate your consideration for this job opening.

I would like to participate in this established corporation of excellence, and would very much like to be considered as a strong candidate. I am aware of the responsibilities a Personal Assistant has and I am very keen to contribute my strengths and acquired skills that I have developed over the course of study and work experiences to further enhance the corporation’s progression.

In my course of study and work experiences, I am exposed to many areas of professionalism as stated in my resume which allow me to acquired good organization skills, management skills, and administrative skills. The leadership roles which I have undertaken and still undertaking, enable me to build excellent interpersonal skills. This heightened my ability to maintain good working relationships with business owners and clients of Ghim Li Global Pte Ltd, so that messages could be conveyed accurately and conflicts would be minimized.

In addition, I face challenges when I study and work at the same time and I am able to learn quickly and prioritize my duties. I am thorough in my administrative work and I strive for excellence. I desire to incorporate these skills into my profession and at the same time I look forward to learn more to serve the corporation better.

Being both a people-oriented and task-oriented person, I love to build quality relationships with people yet also to ensure a high standard in my work. I always maintain a gracious and respectful attitude when I communicate with people, even when difficulties arise. I strive to be an overcomer and not a quitter in all things which is attributed to my positive approach to embrace challenges.

I am confident that my key strengths and my previous experiences are well aligned with your requirements. I would be delighted to further discuss the contributions I can make to benefit Ghim Li Global Pte Ltd and I welcome an interview at your convenience. Thank you for your valuable time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours Sincerely,



Napalie Huang