Hokkien in origin (a dialect of Chinese - one of two dialects Yolande is able to speak in addition to Mandarin, the other being Teochew), kiasu (kee-ah-soo) literally means "afraid of losing" and enjoys popular usage in Singlish (an English-based creole native to Singapore whose syntax resembles southern varieties of Chinese, and whose vocabulary consists of words originating from English, Malay and various languages and dialects of India and China), perhaps because it is considered Singapore's defining national characteristic. Here is an example of this word's usage, taken from "The Coxford Singlish Dictionary":"You went to get a handicapped sticker just to chope (reserve) a parking space? How kiasu can you get?"
It is also the word that Yolande, and others, have chosen to describe me, as I draw close to completing the Strategic Management module core textbook, a week before the start of term (not to mention a week before receiving my own copy - Yolande made kind use of her National University of Singapore (NUS) alumni status to borrow it for me from their business library). But when I consider the decisions that have led me here and what is at stake (my future, my dreams), I know I cannot afford to be casual about this course.
After 3 frustrating (and at times, soul-destroying) months of job hunting in Singapore, at a time when high unemployment caused by layoffs due to economic recession has led to anti-foreigner protectionism over jobs (NON-SINGAPOREANS NEED NOT APPLY - a sight I became all too familiar with), I finally applied to and was accepted onto University College Dublin's (UCD) Master of Science (MSc) Management degree program, a 1-year program to be conducted through distance-learning at the Asia Pacific Management Institute (APMI), Kaplan, located near Somerset MRT station, central Singapore.
On a day-to-day basis, this course will give me the structure I've been craving so badly after almost 4 months of unemployment, as it requires me to take 3 hours of lectures per day, Mon-Fri, and to be on campus for a total of 7 hours per day (don't ask me how they are planning to enforce that). It has also provided me with that oh-so-elusive visit pass, giving me the right to stay in the country until 27th April, 2010 (Gemma's birthday!). I breathed a huge sigh of relief last Tuesday afternoon (7th April), when I finally managed to settle formalities with ICA (1 appointment kept out of 6 isn't bad!) and was at long last able to collect my Student's Pass, which also allows for multiple-entry into Singapore.
Yolande helped me pick out some new clothes for the course.
However, the decision to apply for the course was the outcome of an excruciating dilemma, and was made right at the last minute, just days before the application deadline. On the very night that I injured my arm, and just when I had given up all hope of securing work, now focused on and excited at the prospect of taking a Masters degree, I received an email from the job agency, hooking me up with my 1st interview in Singapore. The position in question was that of English teacher, for the exact same language school where Yolande and I have been taking further-advanced Japanese classes these past couple of months! Initially skeptical as to whether teaching was for me or whether I even stood a chance with my lack of related professional experience, I decided to give it a go since I had nothing to lose. The interview was held just a few days after my accident, which gave my arm time to heal just enough that I could offer a feeble handshake if required. Dressed up smartly for the interview (I love wearing suits!), I was determined to make the best impression I could. I got more than I bargained for, however, when the job was offered to me right on the spot (my initial understanding was that I would return for a second, if not third round of interviews before receiving an offer)! I wrestled with the offer for almost a week, swinging between two extremes as I struggled to work out what was best (naturally, the job agency had a few persuasive tricks up their sleeve!)...
The evening of the interview - I was almost certain I would take the job.
In the short-term, teaching would have offered me an invigorating challenge, a fresh experience, a steady pay-cheque and the chance to stay in Singapore for a minimum of 2 years. However, when I left Nintendo in December (an extremely well-paid job in an exciting industry - many people thought I was crazy), I did so on the basis of fulfilling 2 of my life goals - a career in business, and a happy eternity spent together with Yolande. Unlikely to re-encounter such an ideal opportunity to study for a Masters degree (the combined luxuries of time, age, motivation, savings, and lack of financial commitments or family to support), I decided to follow my dreams.
The Welcome Day Orientation for my course is this Friday (17th April). The term begins in earnest the following week beginning 20th April. I have set my targets high. I plan to achieve the best GPA (grade point average) out of all students in my year taking the course. I plan to complete 2 first-rate research projects that will serve as the basis for a future career in management / management consultancy (e.g. McKinsey & Co.). I plan to make my family, including Yolande, who have supported and believed in me, proud. And to achieve all this, I plan to work harder than I ever have before.
I admit it, I'm kiasu.
