Final Reflection

Looking back at my first blog, my understanding on the importance of communication has increased appreciably. Firstly, my view on effective communication then focuses on verbal communication, but I have come to realize the importance of the other two forms of communication, non-verbal and written communication. This is especially true on non verbal communication. I have realized that I am communicating non-verbally 24 hours a day. From the way I carry myself in the day to my sleeping position at night, I have been sending signals to tell others how I am feeling at each point in time. I also understand that people can still make use of non verbal communication to send out signals to mislead others. This is mentioned in my blog on non verbal communication. Therefore I think non verbal communication is a powerful tool depending on the person who wields the tool.

The 3 months in this module has taught me a lot. My first intention to take this module was to set myself some time to write my resume and cover letter on the job that I want to apply. To my benefit, this module encompass a lot more, such as 7Cs in report writing, intercultural behavior, blogging, letter and formal report writing and doing a group project. The part that I enjoyed the most was the process in doing the group project with Ji Fang and Johnny. In the group, everyone had a part to play, and everybody’s suggestions were taken into consideration in order to come up with our final report and presentation. Although each of us has our own grumbles to meet every Saturday morning, all of us dutifully come down on each meeting for our discussion. Through this group project experience, I had a developed a deeper friendship and understanding with them. Also I would like to thank Kenny for my grammar error free blogs. It would be nice to have the established script writer in our team.

The presentation experience was really an eye opener; some of our classmates presented really well and it was a good learning experience which I can used to reflect back on my own presentation skills. Finally, we have come to the last stage of this module which is the cover letter and resume writing plus a mock interview. This is the stage that I have to continue on my own and I hope I can complete them relatively well.

Biodata

Ever since he studied Marine Engineering in his polytechnic years, Swee Guan has a keen interest in the Marine Industry. This has led him to complete two internships, one as an assistant Safety Officer in Keppel Shipyard and another as a cadet engineer on a ship. His interest to put theory into practice leads him to continue his apprenticeship as an engineer cadet on a container vessel after graduation. Being adaptable and friendly in nature, he was able to communicate and work well with the officers and crew hailing from different countries. The hardships faced on sea have helped shaped him to be a more appreciative person and taught him not to take things for granted.

To improve his knowledge, Swee Guan studied Mechanical Engineering in the National University of Singapore. Through the course of study, Swee Guan discovered his interest in failure analysis in materials, which is a process of collecting and analysing data to determine the cause of failure in a component as well as its preventions. This has encouraged him to study materials related technical electives to broaden his knowledge.

Besides studying, Swee Guan also found time to pursue his interests in endurance sports. His interests in swimming and running enabled him to complete a marathon and several biathlons. His passion in swimming leads him to take up lifesaving and CPR courses in NUS so that he can render his help to anyone in need.
Lastly, Swee Guan is a firm believer in perseverance over adversity. No mountains are too high and no roads are too long if one sets his mind to complete it. It is with this mantra that strengthens Swee Guan to overcome the obstacles he faced in his pursuit of his goals.