If we have to list a cultural group in Asia that is especially particular about food, I would say Japan is definitely top of the list. Every minute detail about authentic Japanese food would not be overlooked as such we can see the efforts reflect in the pricing as well. However, the way people view pricing of Japanese food is very different (this is not my main topic of this blog).

In Singapore, if we were to pay high amounts for a plate of sushi, we would be expecting the chef to give us something that we would like to put into our mouth, regardless of what is needed.

“Hey waiter can I have more wasabi/soya sauce/ginger slices/ pickles etc please”

I bet you would hear this phrase quite often, right? However on the contrary, you would seldom hear this request in Japan, especially in restaurants as I have found out during my visit to Japan mid last year.

If you were to pay 4000yen for a plate of sushi, it would be because the chef feels that this is the rightful amount that you should pay in order to have a taste of this wonderful delicacy that he has create. The worst thing that you can do is to use the phrase as mentioned earlier.

I was in this Sushi ten along Tsukiji fish market mid last year. Personally I love eating sushi; however I would say my love for sushi is in a Singaporean manner. I love to eat my sushi with a heavy dose of wasabi and some slices of pickled ginger. What surprise me was there was no familiar wasabi container sitting on the table. There was only shoyu and chopsticks available.

I then asked

“Sumimasen, wasabi wa arimasu ka?” (excuse me, do you have wasabi?)

Almost instantly, the chef’s face changed. His puzzled facial expression showed a hint of anguish and that made me felt very uncomfortable. He then looked towards his colleague and said something which I couldn’t quite make out. To my horror, his colleague, after hearing what the chef had said, had the same anguished puzzled expression on his face!

The chef did not look willing, but he still got me a small dish of wasabi. He was very polite when he passed the dish to me and prompted me to enjoy my food. Still I could not help but to wonder why he had that strange look on his face.

Subsequently I took up a Japanese module when school reopened –“Introduction to Japanese studies”. I got to know one Japanese friend during the module. It was only after conversing with him about the incident that I realize that, requesting the chef to make “changes” to this food or in my case, I requested to add more wasabi, is suggesting that his culinary skills are not up to my expectation. Apparently the chef was offended in some way but probably because I’m not local, he still went on and provided the dish of wasabi in a polite manner.

Well, I believe that how a person handles inter-cultural difference is a very important aspect especially in this culturally diversified world. What I would suggest is if ever you know you are going to meet someone from another country or cultural group, please do some background studies first to avoid situations like mine. It could be a potential loss of business!

My Application Letter

The Local On-the-Job Training (LOT) Programme is one of the programmes under Preparing for the Upturn (PREP-UP), an initiative by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) during the downturn to help build up science, engineering and technical capabilities in areas critical for Singapore’s manufacturing and international services sectors. The EDB, in conjunction with Dell Global B.V. (Singapore Branch), is offering 24 training places for aspiring engineers/professionals in the Technology industry. As a US-based company with a global infrastructure and team, Dell is a premier provider of products and services required for customers worldwide to build their Information Technology and Internet infrastructures. Under this programme, trainees will undergo 24 months of local attachment and training at Dell Global B.V. (Singapore Branch). The training is scheduled to commence in October 2009. Trainees will be paid a training grant for the duration of the training and will be required to serve employment in Dell Global B.V. (Singapore Branch), its subsidiaries or in other Singapore-based companies for 1 year upon completion of the training. We are looking for energetic and dynamic individuals who want a challenging career in the Technology industry to fill the following positions:

10.Global Operations Engineer (09000AKR)

· Degree in Engineering in any discipline, preferably Electrical & Electronics or Mechanical

Engineering

Pre-requisites for all positions:

Good communication, interpersonal and leadership skills

Independent, resourceful and keen to learn

Possess ‘hands-on’ approach towards work

Singaporeans or Permanent Residents of Singapore

Only fresh graduates should apply

Job description:

As a member of the Global Operations Fulfillment Team, the individual will be responsible for leading high profile project initiatives. Critical success factors include: Worldwide cross-functional team leadership skills, proven project management experience, business case development, strategic operations plans and strategies, effective presentation and communication skills. The individual must be a self starter with strong interpersonal skills, ability to deal with ambiguity, and exhibit initiative & ability to drive for results. As Program Manager for Worldwide supply chain initiatives the individual will: Assume ownership of all aspects of project. Define comprehensive scope of project (objectives, deliverables, timeline, business requirements, etc) Develop and manage detailed project milestones & schedule Manage program risks and issues and drive issues to closure Anticipate and adjust for roadblocks Capable of developing and assessing Business Case for program Possess and exhibit strong presentation skills Track and effectively communicates project status Strong understanding of Supply Chain, IT systems, factory processes and operations Understands entire Dell fulfillment process: from supplier to the fulfillment center to the customer, including the incoming transportation of materials on the front end; understands delivery and transportation models, and fulfillment of products or parts Understands the differences in fulfillment methods / models across regions, including key areas requiring additional or exceptional processes that add cost, cycle time, or impact. Ability to assimilate and translate product plans, roadmaps into Operational requirements, capabilities, and project plans

Blk Z, #01-01
20 happy palace,
Singapore 666666

6th February 2010

Human Resource Manager,
11 xx street,
xx company #B2-14,
Singapore 123456

Dear Mr Tan

Global Operations Engineer Trainee

I am interested in applying for the position Global Operations Engineer Trainee that was listed in the EDB website, under the LOT program posted on 17^th December 2009.

I believe I hold what it takes to become a valuable asset to your company. Having the chance to hold leadership roles as the captain of a faculty sports team and a NCO in a uniform group has allowed me to develop effective management and organizational skills over the last few years. Accompanied by strong interpersonal skills cultivated through my years of service in the F&B industry, I trust that my skills are what are required of to make an effective global operations engineer.

During my university days, I have demonstrated my capability as a strong presenter and speaker having earned praises from examiners and colleagues during project presentations. Scoring distinctions in most group oriented project modules has also proven my ability to excel in a team environment. Achieving consistent grades throughout my course of study further shows my ability to thrive under deadline driven environment resulting from commitments to other modules as well as school activities.

In review of your company's objectives, I believe that my experiences are in line with your current needs. If your company is looking for a dependable, results-oriented professional with a consistent performance track, I would be interested in speaking with you to discuss the value that my strengths can bring to your company. I can be reached in confidence at one of the above telephone numbers and look forward to hearing from you.

Yours Faithfully,

Chua Jia En Alex