Practicing for table topics was very fun, we all gave each other random topics to practice on and gave each other, hopefully, constructive feedback.
My first table topic went well, my topic was rather easy. 'Companies that innovate stay ahead!' Use the Past, present, future. Talked about how apple and microsoft stood out, how a few bubble teas manages to survive the decline in the bubble tea industry and how i felt about innovating in the future.
Complied the long report and send it, mission accomplished.
My second table topic was, not as good, I had a long awkward pause, and the timing was WAYYY lesser than my previous speech. Anyways, BCOMM 2 is over and done with when I sent in the link for my e portfolio.
Thursday and Friday were free and easy days, we saw the city for the last time. Hopefully not in our lifetime.
Well, this is it, my adventure in Shanghai, I have learned many things, made many friends and bought a lot of... formal wear. I am still glad that I went for the trip in general. All these memories, experiences, will go a long way in my life.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
IS Presentaion Day
The last lecture by professor jiang was actually rather ugly, i think we really offended her. She commented that we are unable to see past the short comings of china people. And we kept commenting on it. Yes that is a fact, however, we were unable to understood her question and being singaporeans firstly, we dont like to ask, we like to act as if we know everything, to assume. And also we only remember the bad, not the good. And only after the presentation was stopped and her 'scolding' she showed us what she wanted, things like 4Ps etc. What is the use of sending an army of unbrief solders not knowing what to do, and they all did what they assume is the thing, died and some servery injured and come back to be given the proper briefing?
Anything I learned in culture class would be, communication is the key to learning new cultures, and often, we will be met with language barriers and the culture differences, but if there is tolerance and patience, one will be able to learn new culture and take good advantage.
IS Presentation was good, but I did not think that I did very well, as in, i could have done better, and i was unsure why the confidence had been sapped away from me all of a sudden :(.
Still, I shall do well for the last lap in bcomm2 impromptu speech, do it once, do it well, do it twice, do it better.
Anything I learned in culture class would be, communication is the key to learning new cultures, and often, we will be met with language barriers and the culture differences, but if there is tolerance and patience, one will be able to learn new culture and take good advantage.
IS Presentation was good, but I did not think that I did very well, as in, i could have done better, and i was unsure why the confidence had been sapped away from me all of a sudden :(.
Still, I shall do well for the last lap in bcomm2 impromptu speech, do it once, do it well, do it twice, do it better.
Week 4
Alright, as usual in EVERY OIP, the 2nd last week is the most insane. Deadlines were on the last week of the OIP and everyone was rushing their proposal, long report and e-portfolio.
We have not been out of our area except for the trip to Volkswagon Shanghai. VWS was the company who brought auto mobile to China. We saw how cars were made, however I was not a car fanatic, hence I was not able to appreciate the cars. Still!I am a calculative person, and the prices we very cheap compared to Singapore, a Car could be obtained at around SGD40000! Still Singapore is different from China.
I made my formal wear , 9 shirts and a pants and a vest, on top of my suit and 2 shirt. I consider it to be a good investment as it would come to great use during my internship!
The week then was filled with more project sessions and waiting for phone calls for our supposed phone etiquette assessment, and the following happened:
- Mr Dan NEVER called
-Projects we going great, well until there was conflict with my Bcomm long report grp
-I cant resolve the conflict
Still ,I am glad to say, at the time of this post, our long report is very near completion and im preparing for my impromtu speech, which for no reason, im confident of.
Dining etiquette was great, my group did better than most of the group for being able to stretch the timing and come up with a conclusion, the only comment that it was too heavily scripted and we should have been more natural.
Expo was great! I visited many booths and i was very excited to have been allowed to visit India's booth, honestly, I missed seeing indans around, they are actually an indication of home! Maybe because some people in China are tanned enough to pass off as malay. Singapore's booth made me feel special as i was allowed VIP access with my passport, STILL! USA's was the most inspirational, it talked about working together with everyone to accomplish great things! Live up to that american dream! im sure it will create a better world!
Weekends was then filled with more workload, as we had to prepare for our presentations and finish up our proposal. Many of us also tried to finish our long report, but i dont thnk anyone was successful :(
We have not been out of our area except for the trip to Volkswagon Shanghai. VWS was the company who brought auto mobile to China. We saw how cars were made, however I was not a car fanatic, hence I was not able to appreciate the cars. Still!I am a calculative person, and the prices we very cheap compared to Singapore, a Car could be obtained at around SGD40000! Still Singapore is different from China.
I made my formal wear , 9 shirts and a pants and a vest, on top of my suit and 2 shirt. I consider it to be a good investment as it would come to great use during my internship!
The week then was filled with more project sessions and waiting for phone calls for our supposed phone etiquette assessment, and the following happened:
- Mr Dan NEVER called
-Projects we going great, well until there was conflict with my Bcomm long report grp
-I cant resolve the conflict
Still ,I am glad to say, at the time of this post, our long report is very near completion and im preparing for my impromtu speech, which for no reason, im confident of.
Dining etiquette was great, my group did better than most of the group for being able to stretch the timing and come up with a conclusion, the only comment that it was too heavily scripted and we should have been more natural.
Expo was great! I visited many booths and i was very excited to have been allowed to visit India's booth, honestly, I missed seeing indans around, they are actually an indication of home! Maybe because some people in China are tanned enough to pass off as malay. Singapore's booth made me feel special as i was allowed VIP access with my passport, STILL! USA's was the most inspirational, it talked about working together with everyone to accomplish great things! Live up to that american dream! im sure it will create a better world!
Weekends was then filled with more workload, as we had to prepare for our presentations and finish up our proposal. Many of us also tried to finish our long report, but i dont thnk anyone was successful :(
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Weekends of Week 3
10th Oct Sunday
When to ZHU JIA JIAO ANCIENT TOWN TODAY! In short, it was awesome, but why does an ancient town accept visa? Just a thought!
Anyways, there are many things there food, little things to shop for and souvenirs! Also there are the 4 great production of Zhu Jia Jiao, Dumplings, Some huge pork, flower cake and smth which I forgot.
So we went around the town, enter little souvenirs shops that interest us, walked around with food in our hands and purchased things that we wish to buy for our friends.
When it was time to return, we were lost and couldnt find our way back, so had to take a boat back! It was a great experience tho.
Now off to work on long report!
9th Oct Saturday
If I wasnt in China, I would have been in SL Camp now :( anyways today's Cultural class, was wayyy better! at least the information was more current, and i discussion with regards to cultural brings the subject to life!
When to ZHU JIA JIAO ANCIENT TOWN TODAY! In short, it was awesome, but why does an ancient town accept visa? Just a thought!
Anyways, there are many things there food, little things to shop for and souvenirs! Also there are the 4 great production of Zhu Jia Jiao, Dumplings, Some huge pork, flower cake and smth which I forgot.
So we went around the town, enter little souvenirs shops that interest us, walked around with food in our hands and purchased things that we wish to buy for our friends.
When it was time to return, we were lost and couldnt find our way back, so had to take a boat back! It was a great experience tho.
Now off to work on long report!
9th Oct Saturday
If I wasnt in China, I would have been in SL Camp now :( anyways today's Cultural class, was wayyy better! at least the information was more current, and i discussion with regards to cultural brings the subject to life!
Friday, October 8, 2010
Week 3
8th October, Friday
I surived a heavy week of lessons! We went to shanghai museum for 4 hours, which didnt interest me much as old artifacts are mostly shards and not everyone has interest in history. Went for an acrobatic show after that, gotta say it was, mindblowing, all the super human stunts were just breathtaking!
Alright! Off to a hectic weekend!
7th October, Thursday
Had a bad nightmare of having bad results for my business message, turn out that results will not be released still. Had my group for networking assesment, but it will be on the next week. Had a full day of lessons, on impromptu speech, telephone etiquette and e portfolio. Next week is gonna be a busy week!
6th October, Wednesday
Alex did the translation and we finalized the chinese version of the survey and went out to survey the public, we collated the results and tweaked the purpose statement a little bit, did the purpose statement, and we are all set for a weekend of crazy report rushing!
5th October, Tuesday
Did the english version of the survey, got the thumbs up and went to print it and immediately went to survey foreigners in shanghai. First 5 minutes and we encountered our first obstacle, we are not allowed to survey people in Da Ning, the shopping center, hence we had to wait around a street away for foreigners. First day was bad, we only had 6 out of 20 done.
4th October, Monday
It was the offical start of the hectic week, but surprisingly there wasnt much to be done. After going through slides on long report, we were in our bcomm group, thinking of possible topics to do on. My group decided on the topic,' Cleanliness hygiene level of China and impact on tourism industry'
Went out to survey people on our trail topics, went back to do an analysis and presentation of the data. After that we did some issues and we were done. It was free and easy after.
At night we where told to change it to question that we would like to include in our survey. Changed it after a great korean BBQ buffet with Corrine, Dawn, Olivia and Mei Ni. We will bring the rest here next time!!!!
3rd October, Sunday
Went to Nan Jing Lu to locate the international book store, as we hoped to buy some cheap English books to read. But we were totally disappointed with the prices there. The girls decided to get some books on sale ( 20 yuan per book ). While browsing, I saw a nearby place to shop, and decided to bring the gang there.
Nanjing West Road 580, Fake Market
This place is a tourist trap, every merchant can speak English here! Still, all of us had a good time shopping and slashing prices everywhere! Cabbed back broke and satisfied, ready to face the hectic week!
2nd October, Saturday
I didnt do anything much, I stayed in the dormitory all day to study Associate Financial Planning.
I surived a heavy week of lessons! We went to shanghai museum for 4 hours, which didnt interest me much as old artifacts are mostly shards and not everyone has interest in history. Went for an acrobatic show after that, gotta say it was, mindblowing, all the super human stunts were just breathtaking!
Alright! Off to a hectic weekend!
7th October, Thursday
Had a bad nightmare of having bad results for my business message, turn out that results will not be released still. Had my group for networking assesment, but it will be on the next week. Had a full day of lessons, on impromptu speech, telephone etiquette and e portfolio. Next week is gonna be a busy week!
6th October, Wednesday
Alex did the translation and we finalized the chinese version of the survey and went out to survey the public, we collated the results and tweaked the purpose statement a little bit, did the purpose statement, and we are all set for a weekend of crazy report rushing!
5th October, Tuesday
Did the english version of the survey, got the thumbs up and went to print it and immediately went to survey foreigners in shanghai. First 5 minutes and we encountered our first obstacle, we are not allowed to survey people in Da Ning, the shopping center, hence we had to wait around a street away for foreigners. First day was bad, we only had 6 out of 20 done.
4th October, Monday
It was the offical start of the hectic week, but surprisingly there wasnt much to be done. After going through slides on long report, we were in our bcomm group, thinking of possible topics to do on. My group decided on the topic,' Cleanliness hygiene level of China and impact on tourism industry'
Went out to survey people on our trail topics, went back to do an analysis and presentation of the data. After that we did some issues and we were done. It was free and easy after.
At night we where told to change it to question that we would like to include in our survey. Changed it after a great korean BBQ buffet with Corrine, Dawn, Olivia and Mei Ni. We will bring the rest here next time!!!!
3rd October, Sunday
Went to Nan Jing Lu to locate the international book store, as we hoped to buy some cheap English books to read. But we were totally disappointed with the prices there. The girls decided to get some books on sale ( 20 yuan per book ). While browsing, I saw a nearby place to shop, and decided to bring the gang there.
Nanjing West Road 580, Fake Market
This place is a tourist trap, every merchant can speak English here! Still, all of us had a good time shopping and slashing prices everywhere! Cabbed back broke and satisfied, ready to face the hectic week!
2nd October, Saturday
I didnt do anything much, I stayed in the dormitory all day to study Associate Financial Planning.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Updates!
Couldnt get online for the past few days due to the fact that NPVPN wasnt working for me. Then realised that I had another proxy to use.
Day 12, 1st Oct
Today was results day, everyone got their results back, some were happy, some were not. I am rather neutral with my grades. Okay maybe the shouting profanities 0630 in the morning says otherwise. I really did well, but could have been better.
Short 2 hour lesson today, learning things on Long Report, not sure why but I had a good feeling about the long report! Can't wait to really work on it!
Day 11, 30th Sept
Today there isnt any lesson! It was just a short 30 mins visit to Bao Steel company, cool operations. But we were there on a mission, to find out about staff salary and perks there. There isnt much that can be put into the business proposal, but it definitely sparked an idea!
Day 10, 29 Sept
Today was the day of the letter writing assessment, I wouldnt say I was totally confident, and also I wouldnt say I would definitely flunk it. I was able to do all basics, understanding the content, identify the components and write a decent letter. but I was sure I could have done better in terms of sentence structure if I worked harder.
Day 9, 28 Sept
Cultural Class, was... informative. Actually, it was just plain information, there is no really any organisation of the things taught. But it did teach me what to look for when identifying cultural differences, architecture etc But actually it was rather common sense.
Visit to Suzhou industrial area was way more informative. Got to learn this cool concept of Free Trade Zone, which I think contributes a lot to china, as they wouldnt need to create jobs here themselves. Other concepts of Port without harbour and Airport without runway also made me said,'wow'. This is the exact remedy for big country like china. No need to bring goods here and there. Just bring it to one place, have it cleared at one place.
Day 8, 27 Sept
Bcomm lesson was on card exchanging, etiquette and conversation. Its actually rather important, why? Because formal business meeting are plain boring, and deals can be close over a cigarette break! So business dinners can be used to make a difference too!
Day 12, 1st Oct
Today was results day, everyone got their results back, some were happy, some were not. I am rather neutral with my grades. Okay maybe the shouting profanities 0630 in the morning says otherwise. I really did well, but could have been better.
Short 2 hour lesson today, learning things on Long Report, not sure why but I had a good feeling about the long report! Can't wait to really work on it!
Day 11, 30th Sept
Today there isnt any lesson! It was just a short 30 mins visit to Bao Steel company, cool operations. But we were there on a mission, to find out about staff salary and perks there. There isnt much that can be put into the business proposal, but it definitely sparked an idea!
Day 10, 29 Sept
Today was the day of the letter writing assessment, I wouldnt say I was totally confident, and also I wouldnt say I would definitely flunk it. I was able to do all basics, understanding the content, identify the components and write a decent letter. but I was sure I could have done better in terms of sentence structure if I worked harder.
Day 9, 28 Sept
Cultural Class, was... informative. Actually, it was just plain information, there is no really any organisation of the things taught. But it did teach me what to look for when identifying cultural differences, architecture etc But actually it was rather common sense.
Visit to Suzhou industrial area was way more informative. Got to learn this cool concept of Free Trade Zone, which I think contributes a lot to china, as they wouldnt need to create jobs here themselves. Other concepts of Port without harbour and Airport without runway also made me said,'wow'. This is the exact remedy for big country like china. No need to bring goods here and there. Just bring it to one place, have it cleared at one place.
Day 8, 27 Sept
Bcomm lesson was on card exchanging, etiquette and conversation. Its actually rather important, why? Because formal business meeting are plain boring, and deals can be close over a cigarette break! So business dinners can be used to make a difference too!
Monday, September 27, 2010
Dining with china Students
Lessons today was good! As in, its not dry and boring since it was more engaging as it was on skills!
Anyways the highlight today was the lunch with the China student, my table was with the lecturers, so honestly, it wasn't as fun. People were doing yam seng and stuff and we just did a toast. Nevertheless it was fun to know more about the china system, teachers here are respected, students are very hardworking and they are really envious of our system.
Jing Yi the student that I was talking to, commented that we students get to go to university earlier than china students, we have more opportunities for scholarships etc. You could almost feel her sadness about her being much older than us and still studying in university. Nevertheless I would like to wish her all the best in her dream of becoming a language teacher! I bet she would be famous with her students since she is so pretty and nice!
Although Mr Dan and Ms Tay felt that the dinner was a disaster as we were not being very polite by making so much noise, we all agreed that we had fun learning from the china students. Networking, in different context, would be different. They are students not businessmen and women, they would think we are insane if we were to talk to them so formally!
Anyways the highlight today was the lunch with the China student, my table was with the lecturers, so honestly, it wasn't as fun. People were doing yam seng and stuff and we just did a toast. Nevertheless it was fun to know more about the china system, teachers here are respected, students are very hardworking and they are really envious of our system.
Jing Yi the student that I was talking to, commented that we students get to go to university earlier than china students, we have more opportunities for scholarships etc. You could almost feel her sadness about her being much older than us and still studying in university. Nevertheless I would like to wish her all the best in her dream of becoming a language teacher! I bet she would be famous with her students since she is so pretty and nice!
Although Mr Dan and Ms Tay felt that the dinner was a disaster as we were not being very polite by making so much noise, we all agreed that we had fun learning from the china students. Networking, in different context, would be different. They are students not businessmen and women, they would think we are insane if we were to talk to them so formally!
Sunday, September 26, 2010
2 day trip to Suzhou and Hangzhou
Day 5
Did more practice on business messages today and that was the end of the lesson. I am very worried about business messages as I am very weak at writing. Still I would keep in mind the tips Mr Dan gave with regards to writing down my points and organizing my thoughts before jumping right into it. All the best for my test on wednesday.
We went to Qi Pu Lu and got ourselves many things. The consensus of the group : We are coming back again to shop.
2 Day trip
Woke up at 5 in the morning and took the bus ride to Suzhou. We visited Tiger Hill, which is a place of many stories, including sword pond, sword testing stone, Tomb of Zhenniang, Thousand people rock and many more!
The number of stories in that small place, showed me what can thousands of years of history can do.
Next we went to a garden, I cannot remember exactly what it was, but it was where a rich man would live. Learnt a little about feng shui and way of life of people in the past. Lets just say I'm quite envious of their lives too, listening to nature! Which is free, when I am deciding to buy an expensive earphones to listen to my DIGITAL MUSIC!
Took a bus ride to Hangzhou and checked into our hotel, went to the nightmarket after dinner, and as usual we were mistaken as Koreans! It was more fruitful this time as I settled souviners for 2 person!
The next morning, we walked to the ferry and got to an island, its called the 3 Pagoda observing island? The view inside was good, and there was the spirit world bamboo grove you see on TV but I rather we would be able to go to Lei Feng Ta. Plainly because it had a cool name.
Anyways, its Zi Feng's birthday and most of us gathered to celebrate it for him!
And next week is going to be... taxing on my confidence, 35% of my BCOMM2 will be graded and my results will be out, how will it go?
Did more practice on business messages today and that was the end of the lesson. I am very worried about business messages as I am very weak at writing. Still I would keep in mind the tips Mr Dan gave with regards to writing down my points and organizing my thoughts before jumping right into it. All the best for my test on wednesday.
We went to Qi Pu Lu and got ourselves many things. The consensus of the group : We are coming back again to shop.
2 Day trip
Woke up at 5 in the morning and took the bus ride to Suzhou. We visited Tiger Hill, which is a place of many stories, including sword pond, sword testing stone, Tomb of Zhenniang, Thousand people rock and many more!
The number of stories in that small place, showed me what can thousands of years of history can do.
Next we went to a garden, I cannot remember exactly what it was, but it was where a rich man would live. Learnt a little about feng shui and way of life of people in the past. Lets just say I'm quite envious of their lives too, listening to nature! Which is free, when I am deciding to buy an expensive earphones to listen to my DIGITAL MUSIC!
Took a bus ride to Hangzhou and checked into our hotel, went to the nightmarket after dinner, and as usual we were mistaken as Koreans! It was more fruitful this time as I settled souviners for 2 person!
The next morning, we walked to the ferry and got to an island, its called the 3 Pagoda observing island? The view inside was good, and there was the spirit world bamboo grove you see on TV but I rather we would be able to go to Lei Feng Ta. Plainly because it had a cool name.
Anyways, its Zi Feng's birthday and most of us gathered to celebrate it for him!
And next week is going to be... taxing on my confidence, 35% of my BCOMM2 will be graded and my results will be out, how will it go?
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Day 4 - First Lesson
It is officially autumn here in Shanghai! The weather is of course cold! Cooling for me only actually, a few of us have fallen ill, but the awesome dude who slept the earliest last night had the last laugh.
We all had problem looking for the classroom today as it was our first time. We were sure that we were at the correct classroom, but some how it was supposed to be the IV block. An hour later, after the introduction, we had to change classrooms as we were INDEED in the wrong classroom.
Anyways, I am not able to group with my usual group for my long report. We all took lots and my groupmates are Aurdey, Alex and Jarlyn! I kinda like the working with fresh people part. Hope I enjoy the process!
Had compulsory lunch with Mrs Tay, and we only talked about shopping in shanghai, Leon, do not make this a habit!
Gotta head off to do work now! bye!!!
We all had problem looking for the classroom today as it was our first time. We were sure that we were at the correct classroom, but some how it was supposed to be the IV block. An hour later, after the introduction, we had to change classrooms as we were INDEED in the wrong classroom.
Anyways, I am not able to group with my usual group for my long report. We all took lots and my groupmates are Aurdey, Alex and Jarlyn! I kinda like the working with fresh people part. Hope I enjoy the process!
Had compulsory lunch with Mrs Tay, and we only talked about shopping in shanghai, Leon, do not make this a habit!
Gotta head off to do work now! bye!!!
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Day 3- Life as a Shanghainse
Today I went on a city tour and got to go to Jin Mao Building, which is one of the three tallest buildings in shanghai, a.k.a. Shanghai San Gao. I got to go up to the 88th floor observation deck, its an amazing sight, considering I haven't been on a super tall building. I got to see every detail of places around 3km away!
Next up was the cruise long the Huang Pu river, honestly, I hardly paid any attention to things around me. The fun was on the ship itself! Taking jumpshots, talking to people, who knew a cruise could bring you closer to people!
We were later dropped off at Cheng Huang Miao, where it was then free and easy for us.
Walked around, got food and shopped for clothes which I would need as I ran out of T shirt. I needed to do my necessities and went to the public toilet, and to my horror, I saw a bin full of used toilet paper in the room, which solved the mystery of the bins in our bathrooms - YOU ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO FLUSH TOILET PAPER DOWN THE BOWL!
I did a little research and found out why - they do not have a grinder to grind the tissue paper. Now that is something of a concern, honestly, it was very disgusting.
China strength and weakness it size, its able to do many things, but its so big that, there are a few little areas in its body that it cant reach. Its size has made hygiene regulations a problem.
But why doesn't anyone has the initiative in China to do something about it, is it another flaw? In Singapore, we have kindness movement, which was incorporated into our system, and it went a long way, we give up seats for elderly in public and are generally nice people. We actively promote things like, keeping hygienic and staying healthy.
Well, this made one thing clear, for my business report, I identified that China needs a service, not product, china is self sufficient when it comes to products. And the practicality of the product will be proven in a matter of time. A service, can be creating out of thin air, and it can be long term as long as its an on going needed service.
Anyways I'm looking for the first day of lessons on day 4! Till then!
Next up was the cruise long the Huang Pu river, honestly, I hardly paid any attention to things around me. The fun was on the ship itself! Taking jumpshots, talking to people, who knew a cruise could bring you closer to people!
We were later dropped off at Cheng Huang Miao, where it was then free and easy for us.
Walked around, got food and shopped for clothes which I would need as I ran out of T shirt. I needed to do my necessities and went to the public toilet, and to my horror, I saw a bin full of used toilet paper in the room, which solved the mystery of the bins in our bathrooms - YOU ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO FLUSH TOILET PAPER DOWN THE BOWL!
I did a little research and found out why - they do not have a grinder to grind the tissue paper. Now that is something of a concern, honestly, it was very disgusting.
China strength and weakness it size, its able to do many things, but its so big that, there are a few little areas in its body that it cant reach. Its size has made hygiene regulations a problem.
But why doesn't anyone has the initiative in China to do something about it, is it another flaw? In Singapore, we have kindness movement, which was incorporated into our system, and it went a long way, we give up seats for elderly in public and are generally nice people. We actively promote things like, keeping hygienic and staying healthy.
Well, this made one thing clear, for my business report, I identified that China needs a service, not product, china is self sufficient when it comes to products. And the practicality of the product will be proven in a matter of time. A service, can be creating out of thin air, and it can be long term as long as its an on going needed service.
Anyways I'm looking for the first day of lessons on day 4! Till then!
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Day 2- Cultural Shock
While buying breakfast, something shocked me, a toddler took the streets as his toilet. The parents, which are the owners of the stall which I bought my breakfast from, simply just took a spade out, and covered the dump with sand. Just when I thought that Shanghai was very similar to Singapore, I was proven to be wrong. The boy was not taught to look for a toilet, but to find a spot to settle it, like in rural areas.
Further down the road, I see an opened garbage dump, with garbage left to rot in the heat. I was so shocked to see such a sight, Shanghai is considered to be one of the better states, yet such sights appear, and to think that things couldn't get any worse, later in the day, I saw a beggar with open wounds, a female peddler on the street breastfeeding her child, a man ran sacking garbage bins for anything he can salvage.
I have never seen such sight in flesh, it has affected me far worse than anything heartbreaking sights in Singapore. I never felt so fortunate in my life, with a healthy body, a good education and life ahead of me. And it still stood when I was chatting with Ms Tay and my life story came up.
Another cultural shock was, in Shanghai, the people here are rather, put bluntly mean. I saw a lady arguing with a couple at the ticketing machine while waiting to buy my subway ticket, a man hitting his girlfriend and asking her to stop shopping and get moving, a motorist shouted at a lady for getting into his way, and all the random stranger who just shoved me aside instead of saying, 'Jie Guo' or 'excuse me'.
This made me saw the impact of Singapore's kindness movement, it DOES make a difference! The power of such initiative can go a long way!
Further down the road, I see an opened garbage dump, with garbage left to rot in the heat. I was so shocked to see such a sight, Shanghai is considered to be one of the better states, yet such sights appear, and to think that things couldn't get any worse, later in the day, I saw a beggar with open wounds, a female peddler on the street breastfeeding her child, a man ran sacking garbage bins for anything he can salvage.
I have never seen such sight in flesh, it has affected me far worse than anything heartbreaking sights in Singapore. I never felt so fortunate in my life, with a healthy body, a good education and life ahead of me. And it still stood when I was chatting with Ms Tay and my life story came up.
Another cultural shock was, in Shanghai, the people here are rather, put bluntly mean. I saw a lady arguing with a couple at the ticketing machine while waiting to buy my subway ticket, a man hitting his girlfriend and asking her to stop shopping and get moving, a motorist shouted at a lady for getting into his way, and all the random stranger who just shoved me aside instead of saying, 'Jie Guo' or 'excuse me'.
This made me saw the impact of Singapore's kindness movement, it DOES make a difference! The power of such initiative can go a long way!
Monday, September 20, 2010
Day 1
Departure @ Changi
Well, for the first time in my life, I experienced such conflicting emotions. I was excited about the trip, my project, the friends I would be going with. At the same time, I felt something heavy, and indescribable. It was holding me back, and I know it was due to the people in Singapore.
Especially those newly formed friendship from BA Society 10/11. We have started to really bond through a recent event a few days before the trip, and now we have to be apart from each other. Saying goodbye wasn't easy as I thought it would be.
But I'm thankful for those who sent me off, in a way, they assured me that they would be fine while I'm gone. And I would do well in Shanghai and make them real proud.
Arrival @ Shanghai
The first feeling of Shanghai to me was, it is very similar to Singapore. The vibe, the surroundings and the people. They would just mind their own business and appear to be 'unfriendly'.
The traffic here is very dangerous and that is something I would want to keep in mind and be on the lookout when crossing the roads.
I am certainly looking forward to discover more of Shanghai, about the people in particular to further improve interpersonal communication skills. Communicating with someone who thinks in a totally different language may lead them to different decisions on same situations, with all else constant. That would give me an insight to their minds.
Day 1 in Shanghai
Tomorrow is the opening ceremony of the OIP and actually I didn't have a formal shirt with me as I was not unable to find it while packing. I had free time today to get it, but being I had to abide by the buddy system and stay with Jeremy. Thankfully, someone offered to lend it to me.
I'm lucky this time, but I think I should work on my discipline and stick to rules, and at the same time, learn to work with limitations. Honestly, I have way less freedom now then back in Singapore, and that is something I have to adapt to, before it jeopardize anything else.
Well, for the first time in my life, I experienced such conflicting emotions. I was excited about the trip, my project, the friends I would be going with. At the same time, I felt something heavy, and indescribable. It was holding me back, and I know it was due to the people in Singapore.
Especially those newly formed friendship from BA Society 10/11. We have started to really bond through a recent event a few days before the trip, and now we have to be apart from each other. Saying goodbye wasn't easy as I thought it would be.
But I'm thankful for those who sent me off, in a way, they assured me that they would be fine while I'm gone. And I would do well in Shanghai and make them real proud.
Arrival @ Shanghai
The first feeling of Shanghai to me was, it is very similar to Singapore. The vibe, the surroundings and the people. They would just mind their own business and appear to be 'unfriendly'.
The traffic here is very dangerous and that is something I would want to keep in mind and be on the lookout when crossing the roads.
I am certainly looking forward to discover more of Shanghai, about the people in particular to further improve interpersonal communication skills. Communicating with someone who thinks in a totally different language may lead them to different decisions on same situations, with all else constant. That would give me an insight to their minds.
Day 1 in Shanghai
Tomorrow is the opening ceremony of the OIP and actually I didn't have a formal shirt with me as I was not unable to find it while packing. I had free time today to get it, but being I had to abide by the buddy system and stay with Jeremy. Thankfully, someone offered to lend it to me.
I'm lucky this time, but I think I should work on my discipline and stick to rules, and at the same time, learn to work with limitations. Honestly, I have way less freedom now then back in Singapore, and that is something I have to adapt to, before it jeopardize anything else.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Quick Update
17th September 2010
Woah, sorry I havent been posting about my Pre trip stuff since I was busy with exams, and then BAmazing race 6.
Well, I'll admit there have been many hiccups here and there before the trip. I wasn't able to attend an important workshop due to BAmazing Race 6. And prior to that, wow, a lot of friction in my human interaction, with Mrs Tay( lecturer in charge) and people around me. I guess its just ineffective handling coupled with exams stress that drives this.
Well, the trip is drawing near ( I started this post on the 17th, but only posted on the 19th because I have so much to do! )
19th September 2010
1 Day before I fly, less than 24 hours here actually. I hope that I will only miss the people in Singapore for a few days before I have awesome fun in Shanghai! Anyways, I now rushing my research on Rise of China for my project there. Learned many things, like China is taking a 'Smiley' approach, which means that they will rise peacefully, unlike in the past where a rise of a major power often results in war.
If you actually recap on past events, it is very true. But where did all the unhappiness come from? Well, lets say you have been the top in class, no one expects the poor kid sitting in the corner to be first in class. All of a sudden, he starts to dress better, make more friends and his grades are improving, do you feel threatened? OF COURSE!
What people fail to see is that, the rise of China is inevitable, what I found out is that at this level of economic activity, experts says that they are not even halfway to their potential. Whats the meaning? China is STILL A DEVELOPING country. And what many see that it is a threat, but I am thankful for the sources I found which gave an objective view. It can also be a plus point, I am not sure exactly how, but what I do know is, it involves a lot of networking and working together.
Okay politically, these political changes are mostly an effect from the economic changes. The general situation in China is that the leaders are more of like.'Say whatever you like. Let us rule, we assure you 9% growth and stability.' Honestly, I find this VERY VERY similar to Singapore! The fact is that, unless someone else can do better than the current leaders, the people really should not complain about the communist label and again, constantly feedback to the leaders to allow them to make changes to allow the country to prosper!
Alright I better get back to my work! Next post would be from Shanghai!
To fellow Shanghai OIP people, SEE YOU TMR
To IBZ people, SEE you in 2 WEEKS
To the rest! See you in 5 WEEKS
Woah, sorry I havent been posting about my Pre trip stuff since I was busy with exams, and then BAmazing race 6.
Well, I'll admit there have been many hiccups here and there before the trip. I wasn't able to attend an important workshop due to BAmazing Race 6. And prior to that, wow, a lot of friction in my human interaction, with Mrs Tay( lecturer in charge) and people around me. I guess its just ineffective handling coupled with exams stress that drives this.
Well, the trip is drawing near ( I started this post on the 17th, but only posted on the 19th because I have so much to do! )
19th September 2010
1 Day before I fly, less than 24 hours here actually. I hope that I will only miss the people in Singapore for a few days before I have awesome fun in Shanghai! Anyways, I now rushing my research on Rise of China for my project there. Learned many things, like China is taking a 'Smiley' approach, which means that they will rise peacefully, unlike in the past where a rise of a major power often results in war.
If you actually recap on past events, it is very true. But where did all the unhappiness come from? Well, lets say you have been the top in class, no one expects the poor kid sitting in the corner to be first in class. All of a sudden, he starts to dress better, make more friends and his grades are improving, do you feel threatened? OF COURSE!
What people fail to see is that, the rise of China is inevitable, what I found out is that at this level of economic activity, experts says that they are not even halfway to their potential. Whats the meaning? China is STILL A DEVELOPING country. And what many see that it is a threat, but I am thankful for the sources I found which gave an objective view. It can also be a plus point, I am not sure exactly how, but what I do know is, it involves a lot of networking and working together.
Okay politically, these political changes are mostly an effect from the economic changes. The general situation in China is that the leaders are more of like.'Say whatever you like. Let us rule, we assure you 9% growth and stability.' Honestly, I find this VERY VERY similar to Singapore! The fact is that, unless someone else can do better than the current leaders, the people really should not complain about the communist label and again, constantly feedback to the leaders to allow them to make changes to allow the country to prosper!
Alright I better get back to my work! Next post would be from Shanghai!
To fellow Shanghai OIP people, SEE YOU TMR
To IBZ people, SEE you in 2 WEEKS
To the rest! See you in 5 WEEKS
Monday, August 9, 2010
Quick Updates
Alright, paid the deposit for the china trip, looks like its on now! we are gonna go!
A little update, well my project grp had our dispute quite sometime ago, and Joanna almost wanted to pull out, but meh, what is important now is that we are all gonna go!
I really hope i get an A for my Bcomm 2, which WILL help with the GPA now, I dont want a good, but not good enough GPA :(.
A little update, well my project grp had our dispute quite sometime ago, and Joanna almost wanted to pull out, but meh, what is important now is that we are all gonna go!
I really hope i get an A for my Bcomm 2, which WILL help with the GPA now, I dont want a good, but not good enough GPA :(.
Monday, June 14, 2010
First post
Alright guys this is the first post, i have yet to publicly put this link for all of yall yet, but now im still waiting for the lecturer in charge to fix NP GLOBAL so that i can login and sign up for the trip!
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