I was at a barbeque activity for all students in my laboratory. It was a monthly cohesion event to celebrate the birthday(s) for our lab-mate(s). Since one of our lab-mates, C, is a Malay, our mentor had assured her that all the food that we had ordered were Halal.

However, just when the barbeque started and everyone was eating happily, one of the Chinese birthday boys, B, suddenly said that he had brought pork too. Following that, the person beside him told him that C was also here and she cannot eat pork. His reply to this was, “Don’t worry, there is aluminium foil wrapping the pork, therefore it will be alright to barbeque it with the rest of the food”. C immediately stopped eating and the atmosphere became really awkward. The only food she ate after that was the birthday cake. Indifferent to the surroundings, B remained in high spirits throughout the rest of the dinner.

I feel slightly exasperated that people often make tactless assumptions that are untrue. In this case, B assumed that with the aluminium foil wrapping over the pork, it would not have cause any problems. Unknown to him, it is still deemed inappropriate by C to mix pork with the rest of the Halal food. This is a situation whereby cultural ignorance and insensitivity come into play. Just because a dish has no pork does not necessarily mean that it is Halal. Halal food also requires that food that should not be contaminated in the storage or preparation process with meat that has not been slaughtered in accordance with the Islamic Law. Given that we are living in a multi-racial country surrounded by Islamic neighbours, perhaps it will be beneficial if we make an effort to learn about these cultural norms.

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Huiyi is a final year Chemistry undergraduate at the National University of Singapore. Her passion lies in researching for new chemical complexes that with commercial viability. Currently, she is in the process of synthesizing a new catalyst for the production of alpha-olefins, a substance commonly used for manufacturing detergent, synthetic lubricants and co-polymers. She believes that the development in the synthesis of these complexes could bring long-lasting benefits to society. It was this belief that Chemistry would be able to bring benefits to the society that urged her to pursue a degree in Chemistry.

Taking pride in being a determined and focused individual, Huiyi has managed her responsibilities well, meeting her academic expectations whilst taking part in external activities simultaneously. In the process, she has gained broader exposure and equipped herself with valuable skills such as communication skills and empathy.

On the community service front, Huiyi volunteered her service regularly at the Movement for the Intellectually Disabled in Singapore (MINDS) - Ang Mo Kio. During her 6-month stint there, she interacted with the intellectual disabled community and participated in activities organised for them. She strongly believes in the spirit of giving and hence has taken active steps in providing assistance to the needy.

Quote from Albert Einstein, “The value of a man resides in what he gives and not in what he is capable of receiving.” This coincides with Huiyi’s philosophy in life, where she seeks to benefit others within her own capacity.

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Teo Hui Yi
Blk 327 Jurong East Street 31
#14-160
Singapore 600327
Contact No.: 91774055
E-mail: huiyi_19@hotmail.com

6 September 2009

Human Resource Manager
Recruitment‚ Human Resources
3M Technologies (S) Pte Ltd
100 Woodlands Avenue 7 Singapore 738205

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing in response to your online advertisement on the 3M Singapore Website for the position of an analytical chemist. I am very interested in taking up this position and I believe with my university education and professional training, I am capable of meeting the requirements and the challenges of the job.

As a final year undergraduate student at National University of Singapore (NUS), I am currently pursuing a major in Chemistry and on track to a Second Class Honours. I believe the opportunity for me to work in one of the world’s most diversified technology company with innovative products and services would definitely maximize my exposure. 3M is a company which serves a multitude of consumer and industrial markets and is a market leader in many of these sectors, including electronics, shipbuilding, and consumer markets. I would appreciate the opportunity to work with, learn from and contribute to the best there is.

Given my abilities and knowledge gained through my university studies, I am confident that I would be able to contribute towards the company. When I was doing my research for my final year project, I was trained to be proficient in using analytical tools such as HPLC, GC, GC-MS, MS-ESI, IC, DSC and TMA. I had to make use of these analytical equipment to support the failure analysis and development of test method in the lab for the past year in my research lab. I believe these skills would be essential for the position of an Analytical chemist.

During my study in NUS, I took a Professional Communication course to prepare myself for my future career. Throughout the course, I learnt skills necessary for effective communication and practiced persuasive oral communications at presentations and meetings. Furthermore, I am better equipped with skills related to constructing good reports. These qualities would definitely be an asset to 3M.

During my vacation, I worked as a sales coordinator for three months in order to gain some work experience. Having handled customers’ enquires and complaints, I learnt to be more tactful and attentive to details. It had also taught me about teamwork and the importance of getting along with other colleagues. I believe that these interpersonal and administrative skills gained would make me a good fit in 3M’s environment where teamwork is of top priority.

I would like to thank you for the consideration given to my application. I will call you next week as a follow up to my application and to explore if we can meet to further discuss on how I can contribute to your company. I can also be reached at 91774055 in the event that I am not able to reach you. I look forward to speaking with you.


Yours Sincerely,
Teo Huiyi



3M Asia Pacific Pte Ltd
Location: Woodlands
Analytical Chemist (Woodlands)

You will play a key role in the operations of the Singapore/APAC Analytical Research Laboratory on a routine basis. You are also required to design new test methods to accelerate product development and analysis to support various 3M Businesses. This includes coaching and providing technical leadership/consultation to the Technical community, in areas of chemical analysis, materials characterization, failure analysis, test method development and consultation. You will be an integral part of the product development teams in the Singapore/APAC laboratories.
Requirements:
•B.Sc. / B.Sc.(Hons) / M.Sc. in Chemistry, Material, Polymer Science or related fields
•At least 1 to 2 years’ hands-on experience with analytical equipment to support failure analysis and test method development in a commercial test lab or research lab;
•Experience in setting-up and managing analytical lab is an added advantage;
•Advanced knowledge of Failure Analysis and Innovative problem-solving skills;
•Advanced working experience with Analytical tools like SEM/EDX, FTIR, IC, GC-MS, DSC, TGA, TMA, etc.
•Analytical, logical and clear with thought processes.
•Hands-on approach to work.
•Good report-writing and presentation skills

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