Intercultural Observation

I began drawing manga characters ever since my fascination with anime and manga (a type of Japanese comic), which started during my secondary school days. Whenever my parents caught me drawing, they would reprimand me and tell me that I should be studying, instead of wasting time doing my drawings. Hence, when I bought my first manga during my secondary school days, I had to do it discreetly and hide it somewhere so that my parents would not find it. Eventually, however, they found out about my manga collection and were tremendously disappointed. Even at the present moment, with manga gaining popularity, my parents still disapproved of me attending cosplay events or buying more manga. Clearly, such hobbies are not encouraged in Singaporean environment.

In contrast, manga, anime and cosplaying are part of Japanese culture. With the constant exposure it became so rooted in their culture that reading and drawing manga is a norm. Even cosplayers are normally seen walking down the streets of Harajuku and Aikihabara (popular districts in Tokyo). Not surprisingly, almost anyone can be a mangaka (comic artist), since all they have to do is to draw and publish their doujinshi (usually a fan book) on their own.

As I looked back and thought about the reasons for my parents’ disapproval, I realized that in Singapore, reading a manga is probably considered as slacking. Likewise, a cosplayer walking down the streets of Orchard Road is labeled as weirdo since it is not commonly seen. I feel that, perhaps the lack of promoting comic production locally causes my parents to think negatively, that there is neither prospect nor future for comic artists. This becomes even more striking when considering that Singapore comic artists have to go through competitions to be awarded a contract with a publisher.

Still, with the upcoming events of anime and comic festival it can be seen that the Singapore society is slowly embracing comic as a form of art. It may take a long while to see the transition, but as an amateur comic artist, I am always optimistic to see the upcoming changes.

[Edited] Personal Statement: Otaku Huahua

Waltz Disney cartoons were the first series of cartoons that I was exposed to but it was the Sailor Moon manga that sparked my interest to develop skills in drawing. I enjoy drawing, especially during my free time. Doing so helps to relieve my stress and being creative also stimulates me to develop my own characters and story. I was inspired to draw when I was in secondary school, even though the market for games and media design was not very developed.

I invested time to improve my skills and build my confidence gradually. In order to keep up-to-date, I force myself to learn Adobe Photoshop and use it to colour my artwork. I had to learn certain drawing techniques from scratch, such as how to find the angle of light and where to shade shadows, entirely through my own effort. It was a slow learning process and only recently was I confident enough to present my artwork to the public.

I strive to improve my skills and will find every opportunity to challenge myself by creating personal web pages to derive satisfaction and recognition. Besides challenges, I collect professionals’ art books as reference and use them to try and perfect my style. Being actively involved in the arts also encourages me to attend art festivals, concerts and seminars, and this allows me to develop positive attitudes towards learning.

Even if the skills of a comic artist are still the infant stage in Singapore, I think it is something unique for me to gain and perfect. It has definitely shaped a distinct character in my style and myself.

Personal Statement: Otaku Huahua

Chemistry has always intrigued me ever since I studied it in secondary school. Consequently, I chose to study Chemical & Pharmaceutical Technology, a subset of chemistry, at a polytechnic to broaden my knowledge of the subject. During this time, I had the opportunity to train in production processes at the Chemical Process Technology Center, as well as undergo a short stint at a pharmaceutical company, Wyeth Nutritionals Singapore.

My training experience in these two very different working environments helped to develop my passion for working in the petrochemical industry. Working inside the plant allowed me to appreciate things differently. These crucial experiences taught me the differences between working and studying, and prepared me for my future working life, by dampening any cultural shock.

Other than being awed by the unique working field, I enjoy drawing during my free time. Doing so relieves my stress and, by being creative, I am also stimulated to develop my own characters and story. I was inspired to draw when I was in secondary school, even though the market for games and media design was still not prominent.

I invested time to improve my skills and build up my confidence gradually. In order to keep up-to-date, I forced myself to learn Adobe Photoshop and how to use it to colour my artwork. I had to learn from scratch on techniques such as how to find the angle of light and where to shade the shadows all by myself. It was a slow learning process and it was only recently that I gained enough confidence to present my artwork to the public.

Striving to improve my skills, I would find every opportunity to challenge myself by creating personal web pages to derive satisfaction and recognition. Being actively involved in the arts also encourages me to attend art festivals, concerts and seminars. This allowed me to develop positive attitudes towards learning.

Even if the skills of a comic artist are not appreciated enough in Singapore, I think it is something unique for me to gain and perfect. It has definitely shaped a distinct character in my style and myself.

Application Letter (Draft 2)

Wyeth Nutritionals, with its presence in Singapore since 1999, will embark on 1st expansion plan in 2009. The production capacity will be increased by 50% from annual 80 million pounds to 120 million pounds by 2010.

Senior / Chemists(Singapore - Tuas)

Responsibilities:

• Lead, train and supervise a team of Chemists / Assistant Chemists in providing prompt analytical services to support production activities
• Investigate and document any non-compliance or out-of-speciifcation situations and follow up for proper disposition
• Assist in the validation / verification and review of laboratory test methods and reports
• Qualify, operate, calibrate and maintain laboratory facilities and instruments to set standards

Requirements:

• Degree in Chemistry / Chemical Engineering / Food Science / Pharmacy or a related discipline
• Minimum 3 year’s experience in laboratory in a pharmaceutical / chemical or a related industry
• Familiarity with lab systems e.g stability/ contaminants program and qualification/ method transfer is an advantage
• Able to work on 12-hour day shift in a fast-paced environment
• Perform shift and weekend duties if necessary

~~~~~

Ms Chen Yuanhua
Block 333 Sembawang Close
#04 - 429
Singapore 750333

September 2, 2009

Ms Low Siow Ching
Wyeth Nutritionals (Singapore) Pte Ltd
No 1 Tuas South Avenue 4
Singapore 637609

Dear Ms Low,

Application For Wyeth Nutritionals Chemist Position

I read with interest your advertisement in the Executive Appointments on 27th August 2009 for the post of Chemist. I believe that you will find me an appropriate candidate, with my academic qualifications and work experience. I graduated with Bachelor in Science (Chemistry) in year 2010 and I am familiar with analytical equipment, which includes Fluorescence Spectroscopy and HPLC.

I was an intern for your company from June 2006 to December 2006. I was assigned to assist in the stability program, which I have tested and reviewed the stability product. With that, I documented an out-of-specification report and stability report. My most rewarding experience with the company was assisting the stability program as working with both the chemistry department and the production department allows me to develop strong interpersonal skill and team spirit.

I recognized that the expansion of the production capacity is highly prioritized; I am confident I can bring in my expertise and contribute in supporting the production activity.

I will be most delighted to discuss my background with you in person. I can be reached at this mobile number: 96444330 and email: yuanhua@hotmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you for your consideration.

Yours sincerely,


Chen Yuanhua

Enclosure: Resume