Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Summing Up !!! BYE BYE VIETNAM!
Overall, I had an enjoyable stay at Vietnam, even though the schedule was pretty tight and packed, the time was spent meaningfully and wisely. Every moment we spent in Vietnam etched in my mind till now. From the very early morning calls to the very rush shopping at night etc. I did not regret signing up for this IBSM trip, and I have to say I really benefited a lot from this study trip.
I understand more about Vietnam’s culture, its people, its potential, and most importantly, what one has to do before venturing their businesses overseas, which as a business student, this is what I really need to learn. For example, reading up the history, embrace the culture etc.
After this IBSM trip to Vietnam, I feel that there is so much for me to learn. It is true that learning is an endless journey, one can never stop learning, and learning from textbooks are never enough. There is so much to learn from outside, beyond Singapore, which means we have to step out of our comfort to enrich our learning journey. I believed this is the only way which we can really learn and benefit. The trip to Vietnam allows me to experience the lifestyle of Vietnamese, adapt to their culture, and understanding more about them through observations and interactions etc.
My perceptions of Vietnam have also changed after visiting the country, and I have to conclude that it is changing towards the good side. I was ignorant to belittle Vietnam before this trip. However, I think it is never too late to realise it now. Am I right? =) As observed, Vietnamese are actually gearing up, and there are many business opportunities coming up. In near future, Vietnam may become better than any of the countries, including Singapore. Therefore, as Singaporeans, there are so many things to learn from Vietnamese, such as their willingness to learn, diligence, persistency, and resilience (through long tough war) etc. Last but not least, not to forget the three successful factors -
determination, discipline (to go far) and courage (to do business) and the importance of learning to network.
Vietnamese…you are great! =)
beautiful moments @ 11:45 PM
Monday, November 12, 2007
Education system ON THE MOVE in Vietnam!
In today’s Vietnam, there is a strong emphasis placed on education. Parents are very supportive of their children to go to school and are willing to spend on education for their children. It is because they understand the importance of education to their children in future (desire to get a better job in future) and due to their Confucian beliefs that a person’s level of education reflects his status and identity.
Teachers hold a highly respected position in Vietnam. According to Carh, our Ho Chi Minh City’s tour guide, during mid-autumn festival, Vietnamese students will give moon cakes to their teachers as a form of respect and thankfulness to their teachers. Vietnam schools have a long three-month break over summer, running approximately from the beginning of June until early September.
There are more and more international schools set up in Vietnam, such as kinderworld kindergarten & Private School, Saigon Tech and RMIT. We are fortunate to be given the chance to visit both kinderworld (Hanoi) and Saigon Tech (HCMC) and a local university, Hanoi Open University, to understand more about the education system in Vietnam.
Kinderworld
I had an enjoyable time at the kindergarten, looking and observing how kids from different countries with different culture come together and study under the same environment, learning the same thing
(culture amalgamation). I think international school is the stepping stone to prepare children for today's multi-cultural world. A borderless, multicultural educational programme is specifically designed to cater to children who come from diverse backgrounds in Kinderworld. There is no cultural or racial problem in Kinderworld.
As a form of encouragement fo
r Vietnamese children to go to international school for studies, locals are privileged to pay lesser to enter kinderworld than international students. I have a clearer understanding of why kinderworld set up its branch in Vietnam-there is a demand.
I believed that kindergarten is the optimal learning level for children, where they build the roots (foundation) to their studies. Frankly speaking, I regretted for not building a good foundation when I was young, and I resulted to have a tougher time now. =(
Saigon Institute of Technology
We visited Saigon Tech on the 24/9, Monday, a Vietnamese owned subsidiary. It currently has 3,000 students and mainly foreign trained instructors. In the past it had only 400 students. This shows the strong demand and “boom” in IT field. 
Graduates have practically good pay, earning a salary of about US$300-400 per month, than the average earning of US$50 per month. As Vietnam is a country with no second language, it is pretty hard to build an English speaking environment. As a result, to conquer this, it is made a requirement to speak English in the campus. Students who failed to do so will get GPA0.2 deducted and notices are also placed on the wall to remind students to speak English (a form of encouragement).
All these show that Vietnam really places strong emphasis on its education for the younger generation, they are serious, and make sure students pick up English language.
It has a small class size of maximum 15 students and a pretty flexible system with instructors determined the weightage for tests and projects themselves.
Basically, instructors have the freedom of teaching and have their own marking system, even though there is actually a guideline which is up to the instructor to follow.
In comparison with Hanoi Open University, there are differences in facilities in Saigon Tech, like the air-con and laptops. Likewise, normal schools adopt a common style of teaching which kills creativity and critical thinking. However, in Saigon Tech, there is an independent learning which helps students to grow to be more independent.
Competitive advantage:
It offers degree which is more valuable than certificate.
Good reputation in IT (many students from all over the world studying here)
beautiful moments @ 2:44 AM
First day upon my arrival in Hanoi, I remember when we were on the coach, our Hanoi tour guide, Canh (happy buddha!) was sharing with us the lifestyle of the locals and telling us the importance of marriage to Vietnamese, especially at the age of 18-25, which is the period after most Vietnamese completed their studies in Vietnam.
Quoted by Canh:
The three important stages ("life cycle") for Vietnamese:
buffalo --> build house --> marriage
*only richer ones can afford to have buffaloes at home
I was told that in the past, both men and women were expected to be married at quite young ages (around 16years old). Marriages were generally arranged by the parents and extended family. Children having little to no say in the matter. How sad!However, now in today’s Vietnam, this has changed entirely. People choose their own marriage-partners based on love, and in consideration primarily to their own wants and needs. Vietnamese still get married at young ages, but not as young as 16, instead around 22-24years old. Now we know why Vietnam’s population is going on the rise! Unlike Singapore which is facing "greying population".
Since marriage is so important to Vietnamese, the traditional Vietnamese wedding is regarded as one of the most significant of traditional Vietnamese occasions. As far as I know, regardless of westernization, many of the age-old customs practiced in a traditional Vietnamese wedding continue to be celebrated by both Vietnamese in Vietnam and overseas, often combining both western and eastern elements.
The following day, Canh continued sharing with us more interesting things about Vietnam on the coach while on our journey to companies’ visits.
For instance, the 3miliion over MOTORBIKES! About ¾ of the populations rides motorbike in Vietnam. I was like “WOOOOAHHH!” a cultural shock to me. Motorbike is the most preferred vehicle in Vietnam. I am sure whoever been to Vietnam would never fail to notice the countless motorbikes there. The locals love motorbike than any other vehicles because it is cheaper and more freely/easier to be on the road. I can understand the unfavourable fact of big vehicle just like our coach. To travel to our hotel in Hanoi, our coach needs to pass by a many small narrow streets, with many street vendors at both sides. I remember the coach nearly hit onto the lamp post at the side while making a turn in to the street while we were on our way back to the hotel one day. *What a col
d sweat!
See!!! Motorbikes flooded on the road!
Besides this, I observed that motorbike is also easier to trespass another vehicle, as a result, it is more beneficial to riders on massive traffic in Vietnam.
Another observation is that Vietnamese do not have the habit of wearing helmet, instead wearing a hat/cap while riding. This is the culture there. However, for safety reason, the government is setting the law to wear helmet while riding starting from December (*not really sure if it is the exact date). Those who failed to comply will be fined.
Vietnamese use their main mode of transport-motorbikes to go work or travel from one place to another. They are hardworking people, who work from sunrise to sunset, highly adaptable and driven. Vietnamese have the habit of sleeping early. The nightlife of Vietnam is not very happening as compared to Singapore. This is why clubs and pubs there are open until 11pm.
As an agricultural country and being the second largest exporter of rice, it is understandable that Vietnamese love eating rice. Rice is the symbol of life. It is called the pearl of the gods and is an integral part of any meal. However, I do not understand why Vietnamese love rice to be served last or at the back. As Singaporeans, we are all not used to it…thus we keep demanding for rice to come first. Other than that, there will always be fruits served at the end of the meal. I think Vietnamese are very health conscious people…who eat a lot of vegetables and fruits.
At our visit to VSIP, the manager of Cassarredo, a Singapore furniture manufacturing company, was telling us that a meal is very important to Vietnamese employees. There must be meal time and meals provided for them. I think this is a bit unlike in Singapore, whereby people can skip their meals just to complete their work, or do OTs until forgotten to have meals sometimes.
Touring around Hanoi, I think we have all realised the houses are all tall and narrow, (French Colonial Houses). I discovered that this is what Vietnamese guy will look for-tall and slim wife also. Another thing about Vietnamese is that they value kinship, family is their priority. One can give up his work just for his family.
Tall & slim houses.
After knowing so much about Vietnamese…are you keen to know how Vietnamese view foreigners like us?! =)
Generally, Vietnamese view foreigners as someone wealthy. Therefore, sellers very welcome flock of tourists patronizing their stores, as they have higher spending power. Haha…I can see Vietnamese like us a lot…except the times when we keep bargaining. Foreign business people are seen as a potential source of not just money, but also technology, education, the latest ideas and travel. This is gained directly as foreign companies employ locals or work in partnership with them or even indirectly. So basically, Vietnamese have pretty good impression of foreigners. =)
beautiful moments @ 12:36 AM
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Vietnam
Xin chào !!!
Interested to know more about Vietnam? A country which is opening up… improving each day…with increasing economic growth for years…famous for its beef pho…popiah etc…last but not least…that holds beautiful memories during these 9days short of stay … …
Do stay with me; you will have a fruitful discovery here! =)
Update soon!
Cam en =)
beautiful moments @ 10:24 PM
I had an enjoyable time at the kindergarten, looking and observing how kids from different countries with different culture come together and study under the same environment, learning the same thing (culture amalgamation). I think international school is the stepping stone to prepare children for today's multi-cultural world. A borderless, multicultural educational programme is specifically designed to cater to children who come from diverse backgrounds in Kinderworld. There is no cultural or racial problem in Kinderworld.
r Vietnamese children to go to international school for studies, locals are privileged to pay lesser to enter kinderworld than international students. I have a clearer understanding of why kinderworld set up its branch in Vietnam-there is a demand.
d sweat!
