Evaluating Intercultural Differences

We can never escape cultural differences. It easily exists in every corner of the world. You do not need to travel to know that the Japanese compliments the taste of the soup with a loud slurp, while the same action may be intepreted as being rude by the others.

Cultural differences appear anywhere, in the language we speak (words used etc), the clothes we wear and even the food we eat. Not only among countries, but also within the country itself. Singapore provides a great example here. But I'm not going into details about the cultural differences in Singapore but rather what I experienced in other countries.

Remembering the trip to Taiwan, the food culture has definitely left a deep impression, well, not in a good way though. We always see how delicious Taiwanese food could be from the various TV shows. But in reality, the food was only 10% as nice as what I have always imagined. It's not just me I could assure you, I went with a tour group of 12, and a quick poll indicated that 100% of them thought the food wasn't nice too! While the food tasted only so-so to us Singaporeans, they are actually Taiwanese delicacies! So it goes to show how cultural differences can start from the most basic thing - food.
(correction: by food, I meant 90% of those found in their famous night market)

Because of the cultural differences, we tend to perceive things in a different light. In the more extreme cases, the practices of one culture might even be viewed as taboo and we start to question the ethicality of such practices (when they are actually the norm in that paricular culture).

Well, the presence of cultural differences prove to be inevitable. We can never bridge the differences.So the bottom line is, if we cannot avoid, we face it. In my opinion, as long as we respect the cultures that are presented to us, we'll come to understand the differences. Understanding leads to appreciation.

Dream Job - Application Letter

	Company	Acumen Research Laboratories
	Job Title	Internship - Junior Research Associate with Acumen Research Laboratories
	Location	Singapore
	Responsibilities
	Job Scope: Training will be provided, under guidance & supervision of a senior scientist, the roles of the above position as follows: 1. Perform experiments in cell & molecular biology; followed by data analysis & recording 2. Prepare weekly and monthly project reports 3. Support the Business Development & Project teams in preparing client reports 4. Work collaboratively with marketing, business development and project teams; Specific projects / learning outcomes: 1. Apply knowledge learnt in classes in industry lab 2. Experience in translational research & industry R&D processes (vs academic) 3. Appreciate startups as a mechanism of commercialization of science & technology Duration of internship (in weeks): 12 Start date: May End date: August Working hours (start & end time): 8am-6pm Termination notice period: 1 month Company url: www.acumen-research.com Please submit your application and cover letter online. Kindly attention your cover letter to Ong Siew Hwa Director and Chief Scientist 237 Alexandra Road, #07-03 The Alexcier
	Requirements
	1. Cell culture, handling DNA & bacteria 2. Good organization skills for time management, prioritize effectively and handle deadlines; 3. Ability to work in a team environment with a customer service focus and mind; as well as independently when needed to 4. Year 3 or 4 Life Science student (with understanding of topics such as cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, genomics, proteomics, preferably statistical analysis) 5. Excellent communication skills, both written and oral in English; capability with Excel 6. Attention to detail, Ability to work accurately and precisely, motivated, demonstrated good judgment and time management 7. The ideal candidate will be comfortable in a fast-paced environment, have a can-do attitude, entrepreneurial, can handle multiple tasks and work effectively with timelines

 ______________________________________________________

Chin Gek Choo

Block ***C Woodlands Dr**

#0*-*0

Singapore **3***

(65) 81** - ****

Alicia_2501@hotmail.com

September 5^th 2010

Ong Siew Hwa
Director and Chief Scientist

237 Alexandra Road

#07-03

The Alexcier

Dear Madam,

I read about the internship offered by your company, Acumen Research Laboratories, from the website http://www.science.nus.edu.sg on August 29^th. I have the requirements to fulfil the job duties as a Junior Research Associate and find that the job scope is very much related to my interest and field of knowledge.

I am an undergraduate from National University of Singapore (NUS), currently pursuing the third year in Biological Sciences, specializing in Biomedical Science. NUS is an elite local university well known for its Science courses, specifically the Life Science course. I am certain that what I have learned thus far will greatly aid me in succeeding the requirements needed for the internship.

Firstly, I have in-depth understanding of the cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, genomics, proteomics and statistical analysis topics. The enclosed resume will provide the list of modules taken in NUS in relation to the knowledge needed for this internship.

Secondly, I have a lot of experience in handling cell cultures throughout the life science modules taken. Having learned the module LSM2202A, which is Experimental Molecular and Cell Biology, I am specially trained in different laboratory techniques especially dealing with experiments in cell and molecular biology. I believe that the training provided by Acumen Research Laboratories will further strengthen my knowledge and heighten my laboratory skills.

Your company has always been an aspiration with its mission of providing a comprehensive range of customized, high-quality contract R&D services. The internship offered is also very familiar to me in terms of the requirements and knowledge needed, I believe it will train me to be a better life science analyst and in the process gain exposure to working in a translational research environment.

Do allow me to have an interview with you to discuss more about my knowledge background. I am available to meet you any day from 12pm onwards, at your convenience.

Thank you

Yours sincerely,

(Signature)

Chin Gek Choo