ASSIGNMENT 1

When I first heard about overseas immersion program, the first thing that caught my eye was the exemption of two modules for my next semester. I thought that this would be the best way to spend my holidays, making it worthwhile yet meaningful at the same time, I thought that this would the wisest choice. My parents were totally supportive, maybe because they would be letting one burden off for month. However, when I knew that I was going to be stranded in the Chinese land for the next one and half month, my whole perspective crashed. Well, it means that I have to learn how to be independent emotionally, spiritually and physically. I have never tried washing my own clothes nor have I made a satisfying meal for myself, then again I thought to myself, these would be life skills that I would have to possess one day, so why not now? One day I’m going to get married, well hopefully, and if I do so, I wouldn’t want to burden my beloved wife with all the household chores and as a man, if I cannot be independent, I think it should be illegal to have a family. So that would serve as the best reason for me to stick with my decision to be persistent and just go for it.
What do I know about China? Honestly, I have never loved Chinese culture. So I really don’t know what China would bring to me. I only hear rumors about how good they are at spitting and blowing their nose without using tissue papers and I have been warned about their “openness” when it comes to the toilet. However, the recent recession has shown that western culture isn’t that successful too, and unfortunately or fortunately, Chinese economy is still sustaining well. It wouldn’t hurt to stay there and observe what is so different about China. It’s worth the exchange. I also have learnt that Chinese is a very big manufacturing hub; it is a good place to setup industries. Therefore, I wouldn’t want to wait till I get sent over by my superior than get a cultural shock over there.
What I don’t know? Basically almost everything about it, I mean, I wouldn’t want to judge the Chinese civilization just by a few local Chinese immigrants in Singapore. Like I have said, Chinese is already a growing economy. Somehow, what I have heard was that Chinese are cultured with humility and certain character that helped them get to the top. I think every business would have to be reliant on China’s economy in one way or another. So I would like to be exposed to Chinese culture, I would say, I would like to get the best of both worlds, both eastern and western culture.
What motivates me to learn? My motivation comes with goals and dreams that I want to achieve, I would like to a businessman or someone who does public relations, get to travel around the world. With my ambitions, I realize that I can’t be just” Singapore-exposed”, I have to look beyond the shores of Singapore to be outstanding in my business or even in my resume.