Japan.

photo source: flickr.com/photos/liews_ryan

I used to have "no feeling" (no sympathy as well) for Japan or any Japanese when i was younger simply due to WWII. It was when i started to learn robotic automation during my diploma study that the precision and the design of SCARA robotic arm and Linear Module, manufactured by "Ponosonic" that amazed me have started to slowly change my mind. "There are USA, Germany and so many great countries which are good in robotic, why must we use Japanese?" That time onwards, i started to keep an eye on all Japanese product.

In my hometown, I have a "DKD" fan, a "Rational" TV and refrigerator and a "Bonda" C70 (due to copyright, i don't think i can mention the name of the brand correctly) and they all are more than 25-year-old, except the C70 which i believe is around 15-year-old but it was entitled "The Greatest Motorbike of All Time", according to "Piscovery Channel". These products are really amazingly robust and i started to have faith as well as the mentality of "made-in-Japan-only".

When i was an inkjet technical specialist at "Hawlett-Pockard" (a very famous USA company), i had once dropped my jaw because, i can safely say, 1/3 of the production lines are Japanese! These are "SCM", "Kayence", "Yoskawa", "Apson SCARA robot", "Harata" and much much more. At first, i thought the reason they choose to use Japanese is because these are the cheaper alternative. But after i have done some buying with the supply chain, i realized that these products aren't cheap either. The machine builder decided to use Japanese is simply because these are the best in the world and, on top of that, they knew that any production downtime due to quality issue from the machine itself is not acceptable.

After knowing all these brands and facts, i started to concern about Japan (economically, politically, geographically and etc) and eventually became a hard-core "Yokoso! Japan" fan. I have already visited Japan twice before (total 31 days) and in fact now, I have already started the plan of visit Japan for another 31 days again right after my super-hard-earned B. Sc graduation. I think the feeling is just like meeting your beloved girlfriend after 10 years of apart!

I can't really imagine how exciting i will be the moment I'm heading to the airport again!

Naruto.

If you have read "Finally..AY09/10 is over..", you'll know that I'll watch Naruto when I wanted a break after study. Well, for me, Naruto is really very nice and it never fail to boost my morale when i was depressed by my poor results or rejected by someone that i would like to have "date" with (Opps..!).

If you know me well enough, it is not that hard to see that, in fact, I'm very weak in physics and most of my time, my grades are disappointing. As you can see from the picture (one of my quiz's result of Quantum Mechanics) on top, i got 7/10 and i got a very big "Good!!!". Dose those normally got 7/10 will get a very big "Good!!!" once they got 10/10? I don't think so and i guess you can see how bad i did for my quizzes normally (sighed). I remember the first time i saw the big "Good!!!", i laughed out very laud because i think I'll be the only one who, considering my age as well, will receive it throughout the semester. 10 mins later, disappointment started to fill in my heart and i cannot laugh any longer. Well, i really appreciate the "true meaning" behind the big "Good!!!" that my tutor trying to bring across and i shall remember that forever.

Sometime, i just wonder am i another "Naruto"? A Naruto "accidentally" born in the world of physics (instead of the world of ninja)? The real Naruto is no longer a drop out now, but look at me... Baka na..

Well, AY09/10 Sem 2 is already on its way now. With Naruto's nindo in mind, i think eventually everything will be just fine.

"Never give up."

Finally.. AY09/10 Sem 1 is over..

"It's 3 o'clock now. Stop writing. Please remain seated while we are collecting your paper and...". I took a very deep breath and sighed right after knowing that it was already 3 o'clock. Well, it was my last exam paper for AY09/10 Sem 1 and my heart was, ironically, filled with guilty, sorrow and joy.

I sighed because days gone by very fast; I felt guilty because I don't think I've put 100% of my effort into my study; I felt sorrow because i don't think I've done well for my exams; I felt joy simply because finally I got one month break after 15 weeks of study.

Some of you may think that it is almost impossible or even crazy to put 100% of our effort into something. If we were to put 100% of our effort into study, it means that we will have no entertainment and our life is simply sleep, eat and study for 15 weeks.

Before the semester start, i was really planning to do so. Unfortunately, I can only hold it for 3 days and my faith started to shake. "Forget it! 80% of effort is already more than enough! Normal human being can only put in 70% of their effort! I'm far more hard working than they do! Let's watch Naruto now!" I told myself so and i smiled. By using the same excuse now and then, eventually, I think I've only put in 50% of my effort into study.

By looking back now, I felt really guilty by telling myself so. If my results turned out to be satisfying, should I thank Buddha (I'm a Buddhist.) or simply 50% of my effort is good enough? What if my results turned out to be disappointing? Do I really have to push myself to 100% for next semester?

One of my friend suggested me to just try my best to study(I really don't know how to define the meaning of "try my best" here. How much is "my best"?); take a reasonably break when you are tired or bored and don't "look back" (by writing this entry, I'm "looking back" and it is against the suggestion) and be content with whatever grades you got.

Well, maybe I can only put in 50% of my effort and it is already "my best" (it seems a little bit too low...right?).

ES2007 Final Reflection.

photo source: limerickflower.com

November 12^th, 2009 will be my last tutorial session for ES2007S. Looking back, it was August 17^th, 2009 I have my first tutorial session for ES2007S and it seems that August 17^th, 2009 was just yesterday. I stepped in the classroom with poor communication skills and I have no idea how to construct a proposal. My friend (non-physic major) told me that this module is going to take me a lot of time for the workload and I will have a lot of presentations (which most of the students don’t like). With the interest in improving my communication skill, I neglected all the negative “feedback” and I told myself: “I’m going to do this.” Ironically, I found that it is the easiest module for this semester (compare with my core modules and neglecting the grade)! Thankfully, I enjoyed every single moment I have with this module. I’m so glad that I have a very knowledgeable and supportive tutor, Happy sensei as well as a group of classmates who are passionate about effective communication. My classmates are not only passionate about the module, they are also very friendly and more than willing to help (for blog, peer teaching review as well as proposal’s comments). Thus, with the help from my classmates, I believe that my communication skills have improved and I’m more comfortable with presentations. THANK YOU!

Honestly, this module does provides me an excellent platform to improve my communication skills but due to time constraint (we have only 12 weeks for a semester), I think I’m still green in communication skills and there is room for improvement. How I wish there is ES3007S in CORS! Well, if there is no ES3007S in CORS, I guess I shouldn’t just stop learning communication skills. In fact, I should be independent and start learning communication skills by myself by connecting myself to the world! The world is the best platform for me to improve my communication skills!

Last but not least, all the best to Happy sensei as well as all my dear classmates of ES2007S Group 5 AY09/10 Semester 1 at NUS.

A bouquet of rose for Happy sensei as well as my dear classmate fellows.

My proposal presentation.

photo source: blog.lib.umn.edu

November 2^nd, 2009 was my proposal presentation for ES2007S. My heart beat fast and it was quite obvious that I’m very anxious that day. When it was my turn to present, honestly, I have forgot almost 70% of the “important points” that I have told myself (based on the rubric) after the rehearsal with my team. I don’t know why I just can’t help with my anxiety (what you think?).

Overall, I think I’ve spoken too fast and I was not very good in pronunciation. Ironically, I found that if I speak slowly, I’ll stutter. I have tried my best to overcome this problem during "my own rehearsal” (speak to myself) while I’m riding my bike back home or heading to school. I thought that I have overcome it but when I started to get nervous again, my brain went blank and my muscular system started to break down. Am I born with stammering or I have just pushing myself too hard or simply I have not enough practices?

On the other hand, I found that our team rapport was not good enough due to the “last-minute” change of my presentation—I want to “blackout” the screen for my last sentence and it was not part of the inertial plan. To my team members, I’m so sorry about that. Once again, if you were in my position, would you stick to the original plan for the sake of the team or just behave like what I have done in order to “score points”?

Well, I have really tried my best to present (my only strength was enthusiasm) but at the end of the day, I’ve got backfire. So, I hope that you can think it over again (by answering the questions i raised), learn my mistakes and prevent these from happening when you have your next presentation.

Vulgarity

photo source:offthemark.com

Since this week’s topic is open topic, I would like to write something about vulgarity as vulgarity is also part of our verbal communication.

There is a video from “tubeyou” which was filming a “professor” who is interested in vulgarity in Cantonese for more than ten years, was giving a “seminar” in a university hall. The talk is about how to “rebuke” in vulgarity to a person who has just scolded you in a more “polite” and humorous way. Well, you may think that it is just for amusement, but, in deep, I think it is more than there.

Our world is getting “smaller” but human mind is getting “wider” (more “open minded”, I mean). And the consequences are unbelievable. I have never thought that we can have a “seminar” in vulgarity in public (base on the sound of clapping hands, I think it was almost full house!)! “Since vulgarity is part of our language and since we cannot avoid it as well, why not we talk about it openly?” It might be one of the attitudes of the “professor” towards vulgarity.

This reminded me about the conservative sex education of eastern society. If we Asian were to open up our mind and having “seminar” on pregnancy and AIDS prevention in public for the youth, will it reduce the abortion rate as well as the spread of HIV? It is quite controversial and subjective. I think we cannot simply say “no” nor “yes” as it takes a lot of considerations which related to our moral and ethic. Same goes to vulgarity, I suppose.

Would you allow your child/children to take these “seminar” one day?

Yamamoto san in Singapore.

Photo source: Flickr, photopressjapan

Yamamoto san is a new promoted sales manager of a Japanese lubricant engine oil and he is having his first business trip in Singapore with Chery (China) Singapore Ptd. Ltd.

Yamamoto san arrived Changi Airport at around 1am and there was no passenger waiting for taxi at the taxi stand at the moment.
Yamamoto san was so glad that he can have a taxi immediately after the arrival and he is waiting for the taxi's door to open. In Japan, the passengers do not have to open/close the door themselves and the door is "automatically" open/close for the passengers. In Singapore, it is different as in the passengers have to open/close the door themselves in order to get into/out of the taxi. Yamamoto san waited in front of the door for a while and the taxi driver was wondering what is wrong with this passenger.

The next day, when Yamamoto san has finished his meeting with his Chinese clients, his clients suggested to have Sichuan cuisine for dinner. Yamamoto san accepted the invitation immediately as he has heard about Sichuan cuisine very often but yet to have any chance to try it.

During the dinner, Yamamoto san didn’t really enjoy the food. Yamamoto san was not use to the Chinese style of having dinner “together”—as in every single dish is share by all. In Japan, everybody has his/her own “set” of foods and Yamamoto san was not aware of the Chinese way of having dinner. To Chinese, it is cozier and it is a friendlier way of approach. Also, it is a Chinese courtesy to pick up the food (by using chopstick) and offer it to other to show their respect or care to the person. But to a Japanese, Yamamoto san felt that it is not hygiene at all.

From this little tale, we can see the importance of intercultural competence. What if Yamamoto san is a typical traditional “sammurai-mind-set” Japanese: "Nan de su ka?!" A few hundreds dollar of dinner fare may tear down a multi-million worth of business.

Biodata

My name is Liew Sing, Ryan. I have 3 years working experiences and I am from Nanyang Polytechnic.

During my diploma studies, I have involved myself in a French club and, fortunately, I was assigned as a vice-president of the club. Together with the community members, we have successfully organized a visit at Lycée Français de Singapour (Singapore French School) and Alliance Française de Singapour (schools of French language and culture). Through the position i held, I have learnt how to become more responsible and also improved my personal skills greatly. In addition, the position also allowed me to learn how to take care of others and being a good leader.

I was able to find a job right after my diploma studies at Hewlett-Packard Singapore as a technical specialist. Through the job, I have learnt how to work well with others and deliver my task on time. Very often, especially when it takes me and my colleagues more than 2 hours to troubleshoot a complicated machine, we will have conflict because we are frustrated and we have different point of view for the problem. Anyway, I am able to resolve the conflict as I understand that different personality has different idea and it is human's nature to have frustration. By being through these processes with different colleagues, i have improved my EQ significantly. At the end of the day, all these conflicts have turned out to be the most valuable experiences for me and i was amused by the frustrations we had.

After 3 years of working experiences, as i have see how important physics means to our daily life and my work, I decided to pursue a B. Sc at NUS. I really appreciated the time I had during my polytechnic studies as well as my working periods.

Job description

Job Title:

Nuclear Equipment Operator

Job ID:7417

Location: NJ - Forked River

Full/Part Time: Full-Time Regular/Temporary: Regular



Company Highlights

At Exelon, we've got a place for you. Exelon is developing sustainable energy to provide for the communities of today and planning for a
brighter tomorrow. Exelon knows the future of energy is you.

As a Chicago based Fortune 150 Company, with more than $15 billion annual revenues, Exelon distributes electricity to approximately 5.4
million customers in Illinois and Pennsylvania, and gas to 480,000 customers in the Philadelphia area. In addition to energy delivery,
Exelon's operations include energy generation and power marketing and has one of the industry's largest portfolios of electricity
generation capacity, with a nationwide reach and strong positions in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic.

We know that before we can supply 41,000 megawatts of energy to our customers, we need to recognize that each of our employees plays
an integral part in the process. The result? Changing the way the American power industry powers America. For you, this means
advancement, challenge, and a company like no other.

Join Exelon and you can share your ideas at a forward-thinking company and the next big idea could be yours. You've just found Exelon,
a place where you can truly shine.

Business Unit Overview
Exelon Nuclear operates the largest nuclear fleet in the nation and the third largest fleet in the world, which represents approximately 20
percent of the U.S. nuclear industry's power capacity.
Illinois locations: Braceville, Byron, Clinton, Marseilles, Moline, Morris, and Warrenville
Pennsylvania locations: Delta, Kennett Square, Middletown, and Pottstown
New Jersey location: Forked River

Job Description
Exelon is looking for Nuclear Equipment Operators/Entry-level operations candidates at our Oyster Creek Nuclear Station in Forked
River, NJ. The start date for this position is January 4, 2010.

The Equipment Operator is an entry-level hands-on position within the Operations job family and leads to becoming a licensed Reactor
Operator and Senior Reactor Operator. An SRO license can lead to the highest levels of the Nuclear industry.

Individuals who are selected to fill these vacancies will enter one year of initial non-licensed operator training, paid at $25.07/hr. Once
successfully completed, the candidate will assume shift duties on an operations team and move to the fully qualified rate of $34.82/hr.

This is a shift work position, which requires mandatory rotating day and night shifts.

The qualified candidate will be responsible for the following:

Regularly and customarily is responsible for the monitoring, control and operation of nuclear station equipment for the control room. This
includes the following, together with other related and incidental work.

1. Starts, stops, controls and monitors nuclear reactor and auxiliary reactor systems, as required for plant operations, including taking
manual control of equipment as conditions warrant. Starts, stops, controls and monitors steam turbine, main generator and auxiliary
turbine generating equipment as required to maintain maximum station capability, including taking manual control of equipment as
conditions warrant.
2. As directed, starts, stops, adjusts, tests and operates pumps, valves, switchgear, controls and other components of systems.
3. Monitors recorders and indicators within the control room for the nuclear and turbine generator systems for operation within prescribed
limits. Obtains overview data and performs various calculations as required by procedure.
4. Responds to plant indicators and alarms in accordance with plant procedures including identifying those parameters that are indicative
of an emergency condition and initiating designated actions.
5. Performs operations in accordance with administrative procedures and NRC license including shift turnovers, log maintenance, etc.
6. Responds to and takes action as required in mitigating consequences of plant transient. Required to be thoroughly familiar with entry
conditions and cautions for the emergency operating procedure and the basis of each step in the procedures. Required to be familiar with
the abnormal operating event procedures and system diagnostic and restoration procedures.
7. Participates as a member of station fire brigade and will be required to function as fire brigade leader.
8. Assists shift supervision in the performance of any and all of the duties involved in directing and coordinating the actions of the other
personnel assigned to assist in operation of the station.
9. Responsible to identify and correct deficient conditions through the use of the station Corrective Action program, initiating action
requests for material condition issues and submitting Procedure change requests.
10. Initiates Emergency Plan in accordance with implementing procedure.
11. Implements tagging and system out-of-service requests, including directing others to realign valves, rack out breakers and hang tags.
12. During refueling of the reactor, manipulates controls, drives, etc. and observes nuclear and radiation monitoring instruments in
accordance with procedural controls. May be required to assist in refueling.
13. Operates station communications equipment as required.

Individuals who are selected to fill these vacancies will enter one year of initial non-licensed operator training. Once successfully
completed, the candidate will assume shift duties on an operations team. This is a shift work position.

Preference for applicants who view this entry-level position as an opportunity to progress into license training for a Reactor Operator or a Senior Reactor Operator role.

Required:
High School diploma or equivalent

NOTE: Candidates must meet one of the below preferred criteria

Preferred:

Candidates must possess a Bachelors of Science degree in engineering, engineering technology, or related science program

OR

An Associates of Science degree in engineering, engineering technology or related science program or equivalency*

*Equivalency for the Associate of Science degree is established by meeting the criteria below:

43 credit hours of post secondary education of which 75% (at least 8 courses or 32 hours) is advanced math, physics, chemistry and/or
engineering/engineering technology. Transcripts will be required to verify coursework.

OR

Documented training and experience applicable to power generation operating experience while a member of the Nuclear Navy program.

TESTING REQUIREMENTS:

- Candidates must pass the Plant Operator Selection System (POSS)
Examination
- Score satisfactorily on the Basic Math and Science Test
(BMST)
-Candidate must be able to obtain unescorted access to a nuclear facility as a member of a critical group.

Relocation
Relocation is based on business need and may not be granted for this opening.

Nuclear Equipment Operator

Photo source:Trojan nuclear plant


Sing LIEW
Blk 88 Bedok North Ave 7
#11-1964
Singapore 460088
65-98777777
liews_ryan@ymail.com

September 4, 2009

Exelon Corporation
10 South Dearborn Street, 48th Floor
P.O.Box 805398
Chicago, Illinois 60680-5398

Dear Hiring Professionals,

I am writing to apply for the position of Nuclear Equipment Operator (job ID: 7417). My proven track record of successfully performing uranium atom analysis as my Final Year Project (Honors) makes me an ideal candidate for the Nuclear Equipment Operator that you listed through Exelon’s Career.

You specify that you are looking for someone with Bachelors of Science degree in engineering, engineering technology, or related science program. I have just finished my study of Bachelors of Science (Physics major) with 2nd lower honors. My final year project allowed me to have detail study of uranium, which is the main source for nuclear power, as well as its operation’s principles.

This final year project also allowed me to have a chance to work closely with my supervisor as well as a lot of engineering students. I believe that as a nuclear equipment operator, he/she will never work alone. Therefore, interpersonal skills play an important role in the job and I am well equipped with these skills through my final year project.

I am excited about the opportunity to join the field as it will allow me to have further understanding of nuclear power and apply what I have learnt from my degree study for real-life applications. Thank you so much for your time and consideration.

Yours sincerely,



Sing LIEW

Alicia, Alicia...*sigh

Photo source: Toni&Guy

My friend, Wayne, is an assistant hair-stylist. He is working at ψ (a famous salon in Singapore) and he recently needs a model for his internal stylist competition.

Just after knowing the event, Alicia comes to my mind immediately. Alicia was one of my classmate for ES1301 and we got along quite well before the conflict surfaced.

I made a phone call to Alicia right away. After knowing that the haircut was free and offered by ψ, Alicia was very happy to accept the offer.

Wayne has talked to Alicia, too and Alicia has promised that she will help him.

Unfortunately, it was raining heavily on the competition day.

“I can’t go to ψ now!”
“Where are you now? I can lend you my umbrella.”
“I don’t want to wet my clothes and ruin my make-up. In addition, I just got well from a fever.”
“How about getting a cab?”
“I don’t want to pay for it.”
“But you has promised Wayne that you’ll help him.”
“How about tomorrow?”
“No way! He will be in hot water.”
“It's pouring rain. Can you tell him that I'm sorry? Bye."
“Wait! I’ll pay for the cab fare, is it alright?”

Nevertheless, Alicia kept her words but was late for 40mins.

According to Wayne, Alicia didn't look presentable that day. Her hair and clothes were wet.

After that, Alicia just ignores me when we meet in the campus. I’ve try to pay her back the cab fare but she rejected it in an anger way.

I hope that we can talk again but she just wanted to shutdown all the communication channels between her and me.

Did I say something wrong? What should I do now?

My embarrassment.

"Have you checked your email this morning?"
"Not yet. I was busy troubleshooting the ultrasonic lid welder this morning."
"OK, never-mind. We will have 6 new employees on this coming Monday. I'd like you to give them PLC (programmable logic control for automation) and MicroCure (variable frequency microwave oven) training on Tuesday and Wednesday. Is it alright?"
"It's alright but, boss, i have never been a trainer before. I'm afraid that..."
"Don't worry. Just teach them what you know and tell them the most common problems as well as the solutions about the machines."
"OK, I'll give it a try.."

I was a technical specialist at InkJet Manufacturing Supply Hewlett-Packard Singapore (Private) Limited before i pursue B. Sc at NUS. I was shocked when i heard the news and my mind went blank. "Well, like Desmond (my boss that time) said, don't worry and just tell them what i know. As easy as pie." I told myself.

When Tuesday came, i was so nervous (i don't know why!) and my heart beat 100 times a minute. In fact there is nothing that i should be afraid of as I'm so familiar with the machine as well as the software. But somehow, i just cannot conquer the fear. Instead, my mind was overtaken by the fear!

"Relax!" i kept telling myself that.

There were an Indian (from India, not local), 2 Chinese (from China, not local as well) and 3 locals. As you might have expected, I was in a mess; the Indian and the Chinese did not understand most of my "English"! Worst, my face was stiffed as a board and i stammered off and on. They were lost when i explained the troubleshooting guideline. I was so embarrassed.

Also, I've made a lot of mistakes and conveyed a lot of wrong ideas as i was so nervous to express myself right. At the end of the day, i think the Indian and the Chinese could barely understand 20% of the trainings. It was such a waste of time.

From that day onwards, I've finally realized the importance of professional communication. If I was well equipped with the skills of effective communication for the training, i would express myself concisely. We will have no waste of time and, most importantly, i can avoid such a big embarrassment. When i have graduated and have started my working life again, regardless work as a scientist, engineer, science teacher or even technical specialist again, i believe that everyday of my life is about "presentation"--normal conversation, idea sharing or even making a complain in front of my boss. All these require the art of effective communication in order to obtain the best result. So, being an effective communicator, it would have a big advantage in my life and i won't be on edge to express myself anymore.

How i wish i could present myself like Steve Jobs one day!