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!
Monday, September 27, 2010
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
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