Reflection on punctuality

I was listening to the tour guide announcing the meeting time which is 1pm which by then all of the people will then go down to have lunch and I know that it is my responsibility to punctual. However, when there was a change in timing that I was not informed.

I feel very sorry and remorse as they have no obligation to wait for us. Because of us, everybody can only have their lunch at 4pm (3 hours away from original timing), and the bus driver have to carry extra responsible as he have to drive carefully in the dark on the road to ensure our safety. The only thing I can make up for them is to improve on our time management in the future excursion.

Because of this incident, the outsiders might think that we have no sense of urgency and when we are in the wrong we still do not have the sense of guilty as we still scroll towards the bus. Because of us being late, the reputations of Ngee Ann Polytechnic, being the ambassador of Ngee Ann and our country, Singapore, have been ruined. I really feel remorse for my action thus I feel that we should do something to amend our mistake.

Being late, it will affect the planned schedule, for example all of our lunch schedule, the timing for driver to reach the designated places, as well as everybody time. There is a Chinese idiom: “一寸观音一寸金，寸金难买寸观音”.

Because of us, the teacher might want us to stick to our own group instead of grouping up with our own friends. This will affect our freedom and other group might not be happy with this arrangement. Beside this, other people (ECE) will be feeling very hungry and if one faint due to hunger, there is no way we could be responsible for that. Furthermore the driver has to carry an extra burden as he will be driving all of us (33 people) back to hostel at night in the expressway. If there is any accident, there is no way I can be responsible for that and I myself will be guilty for the rest of my life just because the delay of 2 hours. The bus driver also felt very tired as he still need to wake up early in the following day .He still got to fetch people to other places. The WUST staff also got to work the next day unlike us having no lesson.

If we are late and all of the people left, we will have to find our own way back and might have to face the risk of being kidnap. And if anything happen to us, our teacher (Ms neo) have to pick up the responsible which she will not have to if we were earlier.

If I was given a second chance, I will keep track of the time and rush all my friends to hurry and stop them if they still wanted to shop. I will try my best to meet the scheduled meeting time. If any of my friends is not feeling I will try to help them however if I cannot carry them or take care of them, I will call for other friends to help me out. If we are not going to reach the meeting place in the scheduled timing, I will call the teacher-in-charge to tell them of our current circumstances and see what kind of arrangement they can make for us. I will also try to pay more attention to the tour guide and any one for any announcement.

From this incident, I learnt than punctuality is the key to every successful work we do as a team. We move together and wait for one another together. 人人为我，我为人人.However, we need to use this spirit in a good way and not to make for other people waited for us anymore. Because of our late, outside judge us all as a group and not only us, which they are innocent as they did not cause delay and puts Ngee Ann to shame. I am deeply remorse for all the action I have done and will truly reflect upon it. For other excursion I promise there will be no more of yesterday incident.

Punctuality is the politeness of kings. If you are punctual, people will respect you. Once again, sorry my friends for having to endure the long wait. I have learned to be punctual. It doesn’t matter whether I have an appointment with a CEO or just by friend; I have learn to respect the time as well as others who are waiting for me.

Lastly, I would like to offer my sincerest apology for being late for delaying the Wudang Mountain excursion and accept full responsibility for my actions. I understand the repercussions of my being late that are felt by WUST staffs, bus driver, tour guide ,friends, Ms Neo and in no way meant to make things more difficult for anyone.

Day19-Introduction to business in China

The teacher is explaining the concepts while the students are all listening attentively.

China is often viewed as an attractive place to invest or start a business, due to several factors.China’s labour market very much appeals to many foreign investors. This is because on one hand, labour cost is low, and on the other hand, through 20 years of reform, China’s workforce has become matured and their skills have been constantly upgraded, especially in the coastal cities. Educational development is undergoing at a tremendous pace in China, thus it is no longer difficult to hire high quality labour force in China today.
Beside this, China is blessed with abundant of natural resources.A total of 171 kinds of minerals have so far been discovered, of which 158 have proven reserves. With these resources , we could build and start the daily operations of the factory with ease as the inputs are readily available.
Due to cheap labour costs and vast land in China,China has comparative advantage at producing low-end products such as textile as compared to Singapore.China products are cheap and there are an array of products for consumers to choose from maximizing their level of satisfaction.Some of my friends commented that China products are made from poor quality and it is not durable.But, I beg to differ.How much do they pay for the good."The more you pay the better quality of products one will receive."This statement is true provided one does not get cheated by the sales personal.To prove that I'm right, below is a concrete example to support my stand that China is thriving and the demands for China products are indeed rising exponentially.
China's exports and imports grew substantially in January year on year.
This suggested that global demand for Chinese made goods is continuing and Chinese consumers are spending too.January's exports from China were up 21%. Imports rose by almost 86%.

There is no guarantee that doing business in China is a definite profitable one.This is because countries are actually dependent on one another.Let me give a simple illustration:For example,if there is a recession in US, The incomes fall,purchasing power goes down, the demand for China goods will naturally decline too.This may results in a fall in China export revenue.

Reflection:I feel that it is essential to give face or respect to the partner or the other party when doing a business, so that in this way strong cooperation can be fostered and the business will be able to grow and last.Beside this,I also feel that when doing a business , honesty and integrity is vital.This is because if one uses despicable way to accelerate the gaining of market power, it is considered as unlawful.What is the use of making so much money through unlawful or corrupted methods, one will be living with array of emotion of guilt and fear of being pulled behind the bars one day.The law is filled with justice,thus we must uphold meritocracy and incorruptibility when doing business.Good night.

Day 18-Gorge-ous Part 3

Today, we are suppose to assemble for breakfast at 6.30am, but me and Cynthia (roommate), both woke up at 6.30am!!The most hilarious part is that on the previous night,both of us agree to wake up at 5.30am to pack our bags and bathe.
Here is a picture of my roommate

Thus ,we got to rush off and meet the rest at 6.35am.Just in time, we caught the cruise leaving the dam and I took a picture of that.

This is the map of the three gorge dam project.

We need to assemble at the lobby at 7am for departure. After leaving the cruise, we went to another tourist attraction which is called 三峡工程.It tells the tourists how this project is carried out and what the purpose of this project . Basically ,the aim of this project is to control the frequent floods. Beside controlling the floods, it also helps to generate electricity (84.7 billion kilowatts hours, annually), to navigate the ships and tourism(to see the scenic spots).

Group picture

This place really have a lot of nice scenery to take picture of.

After that, we went back to hostel. After one hour of driving, we arrived at a restaurant. The food was not very nice but everybody eat till their stomach could burst as they didn't ate much during breakfast. Thereafter eating we went back to the hostel, which was 6 hours ride back. Upon reaching the school, the two local students, 雄丰and栋祥came out and pick us up. When I reached the hostel, I just lay flat in the bed as I was not feeling well. I was having serious flu and cough. 栋祥（student leader）upon knowing I was having cough went to buy lozenges for me and 2 hours later 雄丰came to my room to pass me flu medicine.Half an hour later, both of them came to visit me. I feel like I’m like a patient.
This is 栋祥
This is 雄丰
Reflection:
From this trip,I realised that China has plentiful of natural resources and minerals like limestone.For example, I have been to the 神农溪.It is a river with two vertical limestone cliffs beside it.This gives me a better understanding of Singapore's unique challenges, constraints and vulnerabilities, which make us different from other countries.Despite facing land and natural resources constraints in Singapore,Singapore is still considered as one of the most developed countries.We must have confidence in our future.United, determined and well-prepared, we have what it takes to build a bright future for ourselves, and to progress together as one nation.

Day 17-Gorge-ous part 2

We are supposed to assemble at 6.30am for our breakfast .Thereafter, we meet at 7am to board the cruise.

Tour guide is telling us about the plan for that day.
Our first stop for the day is 白帝城. We took our bus ticket and off we go to 白帝城. Zoom....

The Bus Interchange.Here is the bus interchange having all the bus that goes to白帝城only.
A group photo with 白帝城in the background.
The guang yin is located at the mouth of the 白帝城.
In order to reach白帝城, we need to climb up the flights of stairs. Eventually, when everybody reaches the top, we were all panting heavily.Some of the local who are lazy to climb the stairs, took the sedan which is being carried by two people each 40rmb up and 20 rmb down.This creates job opportunities for others as well.
This way to 白帝城.
Finally ,we reached 白帝城.Here is a group photo. We have until 9.20am of free and easy time before the boat leaves, thus we need to catch the last bus back to the bus interchange in order to get ready for boarding. Our next stop is the three gorges. The cruise ship will first pass by the third gorge than the second gorge than finally the first gorge. The three gorges is located along the Yangtze river with a length of approximate 120km, having the first gorge as the longest gorge.
Third Gorge
Second Gorge

This is the first gorge.Thereafter viewing the gorge, we assemble at 12pm to have our lunch before proceeding back to rest.Our lunch.I was awaken by the horning of the cruise to signal the arrival to another place which is called 神农溪。It is a river with two vertical limestone cliffs beside it.

Due to the construction of the 长江三峡大坝, the water level have risen thus the boat rower could not reach the ground to pull the boat up the steam. They can only row to a certain place and then turn around to row back. For every trip the go, they can earn each 25rmb.After this trip, we were send back to the cruise to rest while waiting for the dinner to served. After having our yummy dinner, our next activity starts at 10pm which is the sightseeing of the长江三峡大坝.

10.00pm:We all gathered at the deck of the cruise to watch the cruise entering the dam ship lift.The ship lift is designed to lift 3,000tons up with the water levels varied by 12 meters on the lower side, and 30 meters on the other side. It needs to take about 4 to 5 hours(heard from the captain)to get through the main locks.Afterthat the ship have entered the dam, it will lock the back gate before the water is being release to the same amount as the down stream water. Took this photo at 11.50pm. with the dam at the back.this picture marks the end of today.

Reflection:This was a fabulous trip that I really enjoyed .It was relaxing, interesting, and slow- paced. On the cruise , I get to see this part of China that have undergone dramatic changes during these years.

Poem of the day:

朝辭白帝彩雲間， 千里江陵一日還。

兩岸猿聲啼不住， 輕舟已過萬重山。

For my friends who couldn't understand Chinese,there is a translation below:

To Jiangling by night-fall is three hundred miles, Yet monkeys are still calling on both banks behind me To my boat these ten thousand mountains away.

In the poem, it stated Li Bai's joyful mood at that moment; he was really relieved and couldn't wait to get back. I could really feel what Li Bai was trying to express. It was so relaxing, with the breeze and the scenery, it gave me a "nothing really matters" feeling.

Day 16-Gorge-ous

Today at 8.30am, my roommate(soon ling) sms alert music(Techno) wake me up. It was the release of our current semester result. Everybody jump out of their bed to view their result. Thereafter, we prepare our bags for the three days two night trip to three gorges, Yangtze river, 白帝城and 长江三峡大坝。We gather at 1pm sharp and head off to the cruise. We took a 6 hours ride to a place in yichang to have our dinner.Thereafter , we took another 1 hour to another place to board the cruise.In the cruise we were given the night to rest from the long journey.Thus, we decided to go to the deck of the cruise to take a look at the night view.

Gorge-ous Everybody gather at the deck.

I stayed at the deck for sometime enjoying the cool wind and night scenery.

Today, is a very special day because I did not write any reflection.But, I have a poem to share with all.

床前明月光，疑是地上霜。

举头望明月，低头思故乡。
For those, who does not comprehend Chinese,I have done a translation below:
"Before the bed, bright moonlight,
frost on the ground.
I raise my head to gaze upon the moon,
then, missing my hometown, I lower my head."
It reflects the hopeless solitude and homesick yearnings that I feel exactly now.I wish I am home now.

Day 15-Our presetation Day

Today ,we have our presentation. We made some mistake and it was spotted by our friend, Fathullah. There are a total of five groups which needs to present today. Our group was the fourth presenter and the lot was picked by me. Finally we were presenting our slides.

Our Group Presentation
Finally,it's my turn to present.
I am presenting on AON and constraints.

I was feeling very nervous and petrified with worry as I am afraid that I might missed out a few key points .Fortunately,our kind teacher,Ms neo, make us laugh and by saying that the boss might not be happy if he know we have so many buffer time. I replied by saying that we have a very nice boss. After the presentation ,we were release early and we went to 世界城光谷步行街。We took an hour bus ride to the destination and when we board the bus it was very crowded and it was as packed as sardines. . As the journey was very long, Dongxiang(one student leader),keep helping us to find empty seats. Whenever he saw empty seat, he will quickly sit down and ask us to take over the seat which he is seating on. He keeps on doing this until all of us have seats than he find another seat for himself. He is really a very nice kid.

Finally we reach世界城光谷步行街

The interior of the世界城光谷步行街

蛋仔店

Sometimes you’re just craving something crunchy and delicious.

It was really very delicious to the extent that I bought two as my friends keep on eating my portion.
"Smoke is the easiest way to make dead"
It should be "Smoking Shortens Life, Quit Now".
Playing around

Thereafter, we went to the Wal-mart to buy some food stuffs for the cruise trip tomorrow.Reflection:Today, when I went to use the toilet at 世界城光谷步行街,something shocking happened.When I turned on the tap,I realized the water is lightly sheer yellowish in colour.The water supply in China is not as pure as what we have in Singapore.We should really appreciate the water in Singapore when we are back.Let me share with your what I know about water.Water can helps to hydrate our body,prevent constipation,aids in cleansing of intestine,waking up with a clear mind and beautifying skin.Beside all this ,it also help to detox the body in long term & prevent most heart problem! The only thing is that “Once must drink the luke warm water slowly,bit by bit.”Good night,I'm really very tired.

Day 14-Hectic And Hustling Day

As usual,lesson commences at 9.00am.The teacher go through with us chapter 4-Cost Crashing.After that,I have my test!!I have a feeling of anxiety before my exam.Basically,I know all the common insert of function except for equation.Thus, a little bit of marks will be deducted.Thereafter, we had a short break. After the break, we study a bit more on cost crashing and we do my practical 4 on leveling. At 3pm, our kind teacher ,Ms Neo, release us for our project. All of the groups were busy rushing out all the Gantt Chart, squeezing all the boxes for AON into the slide and throwing out all ideas as we have to produce the best presentation slides for the class.
Everybody is busying discussing the project management’s project,which is due by tomorrow.


As I am rushing to complete my project, I have no time to eat outside.Thus, I have to go to 三弓路 to 打包(take away).I ate china style yong dao fu with flavorful, appetizing and spicy麻辣 base. With lots of ingredient inside the noodles, it only costs 7RMB.Beside this, a drink,牛奶西米露which cost 3.5RMB.

Reflection:Food is a surprise for me everyday.Food is really cheap and aplenty here. I managed to taste a large variety of Chinese cuisine.Unmistakably and ubiquitously, spicy chilli sauce is an integral part of Wuhan cuisine.Today, I tried the fiery spicy noodles, the ingredients in the noodles are very tasty,that it just melts in my mouth.Here goes the Chinese saying “The masses regard food as their heaven."Thus, I always order my food in moderate amount and finish it.I have learned not to waste food even though food is cheap in China.

Day 13-Busy with lectures and projects

As usual, I have lesson from 9.00am to 11.30am.Well, today I learned about project costs and costs crashing. After that,I went to 三弓路 street to buy meat pie (肉饼),chinese dumpling (水餃) and guo tiao(which means fried noodles).肉 饼 costs only 1 rmb.水餃 costs 4 for 1rmb.The taste is scrumptious.It is crisp on the outside and tender inside.After enjoying our food, we contiue our lessons until 4pm.My group stayed behind to further discuss our projects until 6 pm as Ms Neo wanted to lock the door already.
Reflection:Although I feel that doing project is time-consuming,but I'm sure the benfits far outweigh this.Through project work, I learned to solve for problems and think of practical ideas.Beside this,I learned to work together on tasks that require a repertoire of skills and to apply what I have learned to complete a project in a group.Most significantly, I have learned how to apply what I have learned how to apply knowledge and communication collaboration.Good night.

Day 12-IS Module

I would say today is an enriching day for me.It is my the second IS module.Miss Gan taught us the history of Wuhan.It lies at the east of JiangHan Plain, and the intersection of the middle reaches of the Yangtze and Han River.The city of Wuhan alone has a population of approximately 9,100,000 people , with about 6,100,000 residents in its urban area.

Hubei is a central province of People Republic Of China.

History Of Wuhan:Wuhan enjoys a history of at least 3,500 years. As early as the Neolithic Period (10,000 years ago), Wuhan was a site of human activities. Panlongcheng Site lying in north Wuhan was proved to be the remains of the palace of the Fang Kingdom in the Shang Dynasty (16th - 11th century BC). And in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Hankou, one of the three districts of Wuhan, was a busy port reputed to be 'one of the four famous towns' at that time. Wuhan is also the birthplace of the Chinese democratic revolution. The Xinhai Revolution rose up in the Wuchang district in 1911 and overthrew the last feudalistic dynasty- the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

Climate and weather in Wuhan:The climate of Wuhan City features moisture and four distinct seasons unlike Singapore.As Singapore is near the equator, our country is characterized by uniform temperature and pressure, high humidity and abundant rainfall.this means we cant see and play snow!!Do you know that the the hottest month in Wuhan is July with an average daily temperature of about 28.8oC ,and the coldest month is January with a daily average of 3.7oC ?By the time the hottest month has come,I am already in Singapore.This does not mean that I do not need to suffer from the unbearable heat because it is equally hot in Singapore.

Tourist Attractions:
1)The Yangtze River, or Chang Jiang is the longest river in China.The river is one of the world's busiest waterways. Traffic includes commercial traffic transporting bulk goods such as coal as well as manufactured goods and passengers. Cargo transportation reached 795 million tons in 2005.However, I heard that the Yangtze River is very polluted especially in Hubei.How come China is so polluted?Can anyone enlightens me?

Three Gorges Dam-I really like the pastel colours of the sky and the mist around the cliffs in the distance .
2)The three Gorges Dam is a hydroelectric river dam that spans the Yangtze River in the town of Sandouping.The Three Gorges Dam is the world’s largest hydroelectric power station by total capacity, which will be 22,500 MW.

Reflection:

After studying the populations in Wuhan.I realised that the population in Singapore is indeed too low to drive the economy.That's the reason why the Singapore goverment is allowing more foreigners on short-term permits entering Singapore to work.

Beside this, I feel that the construction of the Three Gorges Dam are benenficial as the dam was expected to provide 10% of the electricity consumed in China.However,China’s demand for electricity has increased at a higher rate than was planned; if it were fully operational now, it would support only about 3% of China's total electricity consumption.Thus, we must learned not only to create new source of electricity but most significantly, we must learn to conserve and save.What is the point of creating new sources of electricity when the generation take things for granted and overuse it unneccessary?I am sure if this mentality dont change it is very difficult to ensure a sustainable environment.Our Mother earth will suffer by then.

Good night, everyone.I still need to wake us early for lessons tomorrow.I'm so looking forward to the weekends .