What's your "calling"?

Challenges, that is.

by Str|fe

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Next few stops

Next week Boston Consulting Group. The week after, Goldman Sachs. Till then ~

by Str|fe

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3rd stop - MAS

Of the 3 functions I attended this week, this one is the best. Most comfortable and interactive. They came clean and didn't tried to hardsell the organisation. That's what I like.
However, after hearing it all, I started to understand why people always say that interviewing is about discovering each other, i.e. it's a two-way process. Don't get me wrong. I am pretty impressed by MAS, but I begin to see a more holistic picture. There are hundreds of impressive companies out there, and our job is essentially to find one which fit us. Not just the most impressive one. And I have to admit that MAS won't be a good fit for me. I believe the private sector is still the way to kickstart a career. Maybe years down the road when I want to slow down, this organisation will be a comfortable one to be in.
One concluding speech by the presenter left an impression on me. "When Singapore faces the next crisis, will you be selling the Sing Dollar? Or will you be standing up to be counted?"
Chew on it ~

by Str|fe

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Citigroup wants to stem its talent outflow

This article caught my eyes because of the recent conversation I had with the JPMorgan representative in Fullerton Hotel. Just a short extract from the article first;

There are so many former Citibankers to be found in financial institutions in Asia that their onetime employer Citigroup says it faces a problem of "exporting talents". Robert Morse, Citigroup CEO, Asia Pacific corporate and investment banking (CIB), says: "In the past, Citigroup exported alot of talent to the industry. We want to make sure we stop doing that."

Now, back to the conversation I had with the JPMorgan (JP) representative 3 days ago.
Me: If the department is expanding, why is it that the program is only recruiting 7 fresh graduates a year globally (2 from Singapore)?
JP: We don't want to become a factory line like Citibank. Look at their high turnover rate of MA.
Me: But it can be due to the fact that Citibank MA are high in demand, thus being headhunted aggressively?
JP: (Smiling) I beg to differ.

So you see. It's almost becoming quite a obvious trend in the industry. Citibank is facing high staff turnover rate. And guess what? The HSBC MA whom I spoke to last night hinted that HSBC is more "human" than the other banks (I bet he was implying Citibank). Haha ~ I have heard of many complaints about how Citibank works you till the last cents paid for you. But again, this bank is my ideal destination simply due to one reason - Working with the best people. I rather be working my ass off, together with people whom I have confidence in, than to head for home at 6pm sharp without an ease of mind about my team.

by Str|fe

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Job Application

1. Fortis Bank - Banking Associate (forget it)
2. Citibank Bank - Global Consumer Banking Management Associate
3. Barclays Capital - Investment Banking and Debt Capital Market (pass online assessment)
4. Credit Suisse - Investment Banking Analyst
5. Deutsche Bank - Private Wealth Management
6. Macquarie - Investment Banking
7. Goldman Sachs - Investment Banking
8. UBS - Graduate Program: Investment Banking Department (finished online assessment; result not announced yet)
9. DBS - Management Associate: Investment Banking
10. HSBC - Management Associate

After going through the orientation last night, I think it's worth a try. Lets see where do we head from here.....
Anyway, I have decided to update on the status on these application as well. In ( )

by Str|fe

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Some calculations

$10,000 - $3,400 - $3,200 - $2,000 = $1,400

Need to survive on this $1,400 for the next 9 months.

by Str|fe

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I need a blue sky holiday

What's new? When I planned to go for suntan today, it's bound to be a rainy day ~ #$%^&*(*&^%$
For many days, I was wondering why is the whole world so freaking busy with assignments and mid-term papers, while I can slack away and concentrate on job search instead. Yeah ~ found out the answer yesterday. I have 2 mid-term papers on week 9, together with a thesis (individual assignment) to hand in. Wah sei ~ sian sian sian ..... there goes my term break. Sigh ~
Anyway, I wish to make a few points about myself here.
- I am awfully loyal to my teams (be it projects, clubs, or whatever). If you are inside with me, I will fight for you till my last breath. If you are out of the team and opposing me, I make sure you learn why I made my earlier claim.
- I hate free-riders. Normally, we will avoid each others since those slackers would have known how demanding I am, while I will know how to say NO to them. Now ~ I fucking heck care if you are my friends or soul mates. If you try to do minimum for the team, I make sure you get minimum for ur grade as well. You have been warned.

by Str|fe

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2nd stop - HSBC

First of all, I am disappointed that the event is not as "exclusive" as they claimed. After which, I have to complain that the whole event took 3 freaking hours.
Get to meet around 8 Management Associates (MA)? Not bad a deal till we got on to the structured programs where we moved from one station to another. 4 stations each. I pited these MA most though. Imagine ..... saying the same things to 4 different groups for 3 consecutive nights (NUS, NTU, SMU). That's 12 sessions and yet they appeared to be so energtic. Impressive sia.
Anyway, I won't need this event to understand what's MA program. In fact, I have always stated that my dream job will be the MA program in Citibank Corporate and Investment Banking. Hmmmm....... nevertheless, this HSBC program sounds pretty good too.

by Str|fe

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Great news!

The letter is here!

by Str|fe

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Anti-competitive mergers


This article appeared on the front page of The Business Times today. A short summary ~

Provisions under the Competition Act to prohibit anti-competitive mergers will come into force on July 1 next year - later than some had expected. In its current form, parties to the mergers can apply for the Competition Commission of Singapore (CCS) view on whether a merger is anti-competitive ONLY AFTER a merger has been completed. Then this spokeperson says that "feedback" from the industry suggests this should be extended to mergers that have not been completed, so firms considering a merger could check with the CCS whether it would fall foul of the rules.

This was one of the "feedbacks" that cause the delay in implementation of the new provision. I say they are crap in the first place. If they are practioners who use abit more brain, they will know that if they only express their views ONLY AFTER the merger, they are wasting everybody's time. It's like saying ~ "Here you go. Go and do it. I will tell you if you have crossed MY boundaries after you have done it".
Crap, how can a comission body be foolish enough to think of such policy in the first place? Can you imagine the uncertainty these firms will face? Not to mention the significant cost of unravelling a completed merger. I really felt disgusted when I learnt that policy makers have to waste time and money on deriving useless policies the first time round, before they have to waste time and money again to amend them. Crap ~

by Str|fe

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Change in attitude

I had a quiz today. I didn't give it a damm. I just can't focus anymore. Is it the final year students' symptom? I reckon many of us are more concerned about landing a job nowaday. Sigh ..... whatever ~
Anyway, I realised that I had just given my FIRST ever job interview a miss. MAS actually called me up last week, and had a short interview with me over the phone. After which, the person asked me to go down to the headquarter for an "assessment". I didn't know what it means, so I decided to postpone it till I had the dinner on Friday with them. I thought everyone of us will be invited for this "assessment", so I didn't really give it any thoughts. Little did I know that it's actually the first round of interview. Haha ~ shitty. And it seems like not everyone is invited for this "assessment" yet. Maybe it's time to wake up my idea. After all, MAS isn't a bad company, right? I just hate having scholars stepping over me simply because they are scholars. Lets see how thing goes on Friday dinner then.
Hmmm...... tomorrow will be the HSBC information session. Not that exclusive, but I am pretty keen on their Management Associate program. Time to polish the shoes again ~

by Str|fe

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Job Application

1. Fortis Bank - Banking Associate
2. Citibank Bank - Global Consumer Banking Management Associate
3. Barclays Capital - Investment Banking and Debt Capital Market
4. Credit Suisse - Investment Banking Analyst
5. Deutsche Bank - Private Wealth Management
6. Macquarie - Investment Banking
7. Goldman Sachs - Investment Banking
8. UBS - Graduate Program: Investment Banking Department
9. DBS - Management Associate: Investment Banking

I dunno ~

by Str|fe

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Good morning

................

by Str|fe

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Conserved!

Glad to learn that the Bukit Timah campus is classified as conserved structure under URA. Yeah ~ finally a place where I know I can visit when my hair turn grey. I used to live in kampong, but it was redeveloped by the government when I turned 6. Northland Primary School expanded so much that I nearly couldn't find the main building. Mayflower Secondary School was torn down 2 years ago to make way for new buildings. Even the iconic structure in Ngeeann Polytechnic was gone within 2 years of my graduation. Finally ~ Bukit Timah campus. A place where many of us shared fond memories for 2 years ~

by Str|fe

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Job Application

1. Fortis Bank - Banking Associate
2. Citibank Bank - Global Consumer Banking Management Associate
3. Barclays Capital - Investment Banking and Debt Capital Market
4. Credit Suisse - Investment Banking Analyst
5. Deutsche Bank - Private Wealth Management
6. Macquarie - Investment Banking
7. Goldman Sachs - Investment Banking
8. UBS - Graduate Program: Investment Banking Department

Reality check may set in soon. In fact, it may have already did. When I observe the above list, I can't really imagine myself getting these offers. Sigh ..... suddenly becoming humble huh? Lets just spread the net wide and see where do I go from there. Even if I end up with nothing, I will tell myself that there's no regret in the future for not trying at all. Yeah ~ who knows?

by Str|fe

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A NEW SKIN

But I dunno how to include post title. Seems like all my old posts have no title. Bah.

by Str|fe

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1. Fortis Bank - Banking Associate
2. Citibank Bank - Global Consumer Banking Management Associate
3. Barclays Capital - Investment Banking and Debt Capital Market
4. Credit Suisse - Investment Banking Analyst
5. Deutsche Bank - Private Wealth Management
6. Macquarie - Investment Banking
7. Goldman Sachs - Investment Banking

Hahaha ~ this latest one is really just trying my luck. I have just applied for its internship before, but I was rejected flat without even an interview. As mentioned previously, this company only recruit elites. I am not one, so ..... well.
Hmm....... I find it surprising that this list is growing so fast. Seems like I am really aiming for the investment banking sector. Am I really cut out for it? What if all my applications fail, especially since investment banking is way competitive? Will I be demoralised? Will I end up with some lousy offers? Will I end up with some desk job? Will I really have offer(s) before I graduate? Will I jump onto the first offer, if any? Or should I just apply for those jobs that is less competitive (with higher chance of recruitment)? What will you do?
With expectation comes pressure.

by Str|fe

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Attended the function this morning in Fullerton Hotel. 8.30am ~ mind you.
Very surprised by what they are offering - Finance Management Trainee Program. In simple english ~ it's somewhere between backend office and middle office. Other than Citibank which offers MA program in operation, I have yet to hear of such initiative from other banks. I reckon it's just a matter of time before JPMorgan move its operation hub to Singapore.
Anyway, the function was pretty simple. 8 students (SMU, NTU, NUS) on one round tables (with breakfast). 2 company representatives joined each table (8 in total) for 20 minutes, each pair discussing on different topics; culture, program, company, diversity, department.
Maybe it's due to the 4 hours of sleep I had last night, I couldn't concentrate towards the end. Freaking tired. Really hard not to yawn ~ haha.
Anyway, after hearing them out for 2 hours, it kinda reinforced my career choice; I don't want to be in backend office. Haha ~ I had a short chat with a friend after the function. Some enlightment. It gets me thinking about my career path once again. It's really not the money. In fact, I was just telling some friends last night that my target is minimum salary of $2,500, which they don't buy. To me, money will roll in sooner or later. What's more important is to be in the right job once you step out. I don't want to only "discover" myself after 2 years on the job. Afterall, my Summa only gets me out on this very first step. I have to make it right.
After this session, I have something to share with you guys. These are the words they kept on emphasizing on .......
- drive
- initiative
- motivated
- passion
Do you have what it takes?

by Str|fe

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..... to move on

by Str|fe

1 comments

1. Fortis Bank - Banking Associate
2. Citibank Bank - Global Consumer Banking Management Associate
3. Barclays Capital - Investment Banking and Debt Capital Market
4. Credit Suisse - Investment Banking Analyst
5. Deutsche Bank - Private Wealth Management
6. Macquarie - Investment Banking

Didn't really heard about this company till it visited SMU last week (which I gave it a miss again). I like the fact that it's operation is vastly in Asia. And basically, I wish that my first job will be located in Hong Kong, instead of Singapore. I want to get out of Singapore!

by Str|fe

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http://www.smu.edu.sg/news_room/smu_in_the_news/2005/sources/LHZB_20051227.pdf

Surprised to find it on the website. Hehehe ~ I look freaking fat!

by Str|fe

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The war begins tonight.
My new challenge commences tomorrow morning.

by Str|fe

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It's always like that. I complain about the freaking hot weather almost everyday. Just when I plan to go for a suntan, the sun is nowhere in sight. Tamade @#$%^&*()(*&^~

by Str|fe

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I am a chao mugger, at least over the weekend. Tamade ~ spent my whole weekend (both Sat and Sun) in campus. Rushing project and assignment. That's my life. My buddy commented last night that I will continue like this when I start working, because that's just me. - Workaholic -
Anyway, I am going for a tan in the pool tomorrow. I look too pale now, desperately in need for a tan. Especially since I have the upcoming functions. I definitely want to look healthier ~ haha.
Tomorrow's the "Meet-the-Nominees" session for Bondue Election. Time flies. I remember how my speech went .... exactly a year ago. Time to bow out.
Thank you.

by Str|fe

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Yeah ~ invited for this session! Have to bring resume, so hopefully I will get to be noticed somehow. Hahaa~
Goldman is a company which I never thought of applying for. It's like the "unattainable". From what I gathered, they only recruit Ivy-league students, so I am glad they are coming to SMU. At least I will get to see what's so special about them.
Having said that, I realise the schedule clashes like shit. Supposed to have MAS assesment in the morning, while this Goldman session the noon. And guess what? I am supposed to be in Malysia for my exco retreat on the same day. Bah. How how?

by Str|fe

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Seeya there

by Str|fe

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............

by Str|fe

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I played punk. I pushed their limit. But I am invited for the dinner. Whahahaha ~
Yeah ~ so it will be next Friday. Wah ..... next week I have 3 functions!

Tuesday morning
- JPMorgan Breakfast Reception in Fullerton Hotel

Thursday evening
- HSBC in Crown Hotel

Friday evening
- MAS in Pan Pacific Hotel

I can smell the food already ~ hahaha

by Str|fe

0 comments

1. Fortis Bank - Banking Associate
2. Citibank Bank - Global Consumer Banking Management Associate
3. Barclays Capital - Investment Banking and Debt Capital Market
4. Credit Suisse - Investment Banking Analyst
5. Deutsche Bank - Private Wealth Management

Weird choice, I know. Hmmm........ I filled up the form wrongly sia! Click on "Irish Leaving Cerificate H-level" for my university entry. Bah. How can I be so careless? Duhz, I doubt they will entertaint me liao. Tamade ~

by Str|fe

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Managed to catch an interesting program on CNA. This person (big shot) in EU was being interviewed about the slow growth and limited success of EU so far. The host was sharp, capturing on why and how. It's a fact that EU is not performing as well. And to me and many others who have been observing, it can be boiled down to one factor - LABOR FORCE.
These people are on generous unemployment handouts. Their unions are often too strong. Governments can't implement policies when strikes will inevitably follow up (think France). They work short hours (around 35) a week. They retire when the rest of the world are still working the asses off.
So far so good, till this big shot actually claimed that this is social value. He claimed that Europe has the highest social standard of living. Handouts shouldn't be changed and babababa ....
I hope he, together with Europe, will wake up soon. They should realise that the world is flat today. If they are not working, the rest of the world (think Asia) are dying for their jobs. Sooner or later, they will have to depend on Asian tourists' dollars to survive.
May the day comes in my lifetime.........

by Str|fe

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Yes, it's a weekday. I am determined to stay at home today. Don't ask me out unless you want to drink. Wahhaahaa ~

by Str|fe

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1. It won't be held in Phuket anymore
2. The date should be 11th Dec to 16th Dec.

At least it's not cancelled. Hmmm...... keeping my fingers crossed that the location won't be changed to Sentosa. Haha ~

by Str|fe

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During the break, I was too lazy to walk out of the room, so I just sit there. Then this female student (fs) ......

fs: Chris
chris: Huh? (can't recognise her)
fs: How did you find the presentation?
chris: What presentation? (still dunno why she talks to me)
fs: My group presented just now. Duh.
chris: You were one of the presenter? (still lost)
fs: Yes, you even asked a question
chris: oh, is it? I can't recall. (frankly, it was just 30 min ago)
fs: how do you find it?
chris: Hmmm...... it was ok in the beginning and middle portion, but the conclusion is weak.

Then her facial expression changed. Can tell that she was disappointed. Ops ~ maybe I should be kinder. Anyway, once she walks out of the room, I turned around and asked my friend, "Do you know her?"
Bah ..... must be one of student in my TA classes. TA for 5 different modules already. Guess maybe thats why.

by Str|fe

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For the first time this term, I am not coming to campus on a weekday. Gosh ~

by Str|fe

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Just received an email from the school office of career service. Hmmmm....... one short email titled: "Hi there ... Pls advise which particular month are you graduating next year ... thanx"
I didn't expect much till I see the mailing list. Out of the 12 names, I personally know 8 of them. All power mama, or I prefered to label them as "Highflyer". That's the thing, you see? Many friends have asked me, "Chris, how do you defined a student as highflyer?" Most of the time, I have to recall the traits of the people inside this very mailing list. Trust me, I sincerely look up to these students. Now, receiving this email together with this group of students may reflect nothing much to you, but hey ~ it delighted me. At least I know that I have "arrived". Haha ~ ego at work again.

Anyway, I replied that mail together with a question asking why. Here's the reply ~
"OCS has a couple of MNCs who specifically targetting students graduating iin Dec06 & May07 … hence I am making that verification."

:)

by Str|fe

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Yeah ~ I got it. If you have realised by now, I don't attend those seminars which are offered to the mass student population. There are simply too many buggers around, thus I am avoiding those. I am only attending those with personal or exclusive invitation.
Going for JPMorgan next Tuesday morning, and for HSBC on Thursday evening. HSBC session will be held in Crown Hotel.
So you see ~ while both global banks invite me for their sessions, this MAS is still keeping us waiting after the stupid application form. You decide for yourself which company deserves to play the "hard-to-get" game.

by Str|fe

0 comments

Had a short chat with a friend today. I look up to him because he is one smart chap. He was pretty sure that I can be in the investment banking line. Hmmm..... so I changed my msn nick to: "Investment Banking. Really?"
Then another friend msged me, "what about investment banking?"
I replied, "I am considering my career"
He then asked, "They accepted you huh? Sometimes, the best also can't get in"
At this point in time, my fingers just kept on typing........ "No, I am not accepted yet. I don't care if they accept me. I should have faith. I should trust myself that I am good enough. The decision lies in me, I have a choice."
We ended the conversation with him saying, "confident".
There's a time for humble, and a time for confident. It's my career. I shall be the one deciding. Not the company. Thank you.

by Str|fe

0 comments

Tried my luck although the deadline was way over. Fortuntately, the school managed to squeeze me in. While I won't get to go Phuket for now, I get to attend this event by JPMorgan. Oh well ~ look on the bright side. :)

by Str|fe

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Can't believe it. Received the call from London at 7.30am. Shocked me out from my bed. My trip to Phuket is postponed indefinitely due to the political unrest in Thailand.
Oh come on. Look at my luaggage! I am all so ready for the beach! And I was rushing like mad to finish the 20-pages case study for the competition. Arrrrggghhh...........
Now, if they gonna postpone to any other week, I am not sure if I can make it. Sian ~ I dunno how to hide my disappointment now. Hai ~~~~~

by Str|fe

0 comments

Came across an interesting article on an age old topic - one Asia currency. Pretty well written, go read it if you still have a copy.
Let me try to recall his reasoning ~
1. Economies at very different stages of development
2. Lose the monetary policy automny
3. No economic leader such as Germany in Europe
4. Political issues

Seriously, Asia's economies are not mature enough for all these. If they can resort to banning Coke and Pepsi so as to counter competition, I doubt they have any idea in their brain for collaboration.

by Str|fe

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24 more hours. I promise you. I will win it.

by Str|fe

0 comments

See? I dig her out. 19 years old. Freshman. China girl, I bet.

http://www.friendster.com/user.php?uid=21586066

I can be fucking mean. Bite me.

by Str|fe

2 comments

Hi,

I am one of the SMU students.I found that some of the Bondue members are opening the songs loudly on the first floor of LKCSB and this disturbs some of the students in the group study rooms on the second and third floors of LKCSB including most of my friends and me.So,we would like to suggest to turn down the volume or it would be unfair for other students who are studying for the quizzes and having meetings for the projects and presentations.I used my yahoo account instead of my SMU account as I want to keep myself anonymous.Thank you and hope you will run the Bondue Election without disturbing other students.

Regards,
a SMU student

You know what I replied? 3 words - "Noted with thanks".
I can't be bothered with such students (I prefered to address them as muggers). I bet $50 that these are freshmen. Fucking losers who don't dare to use their own school account to send emails. Fucking loser who complain about everything. These are the muggers who never understand student life. And didn't I mentioned just weeks ago that SMU is no longer the SMU whom I knew as a freshman? All thanks to these muggers who know nothing except for mugging. Fuck you, understand? All your As mean nothing on a resume ~ fuck off.

by Str|fe

0 comments

Have you ever asked yourself this question?

by Str|fe

0 comments

Ever since secondary school, I don't carry a wallet. I only use card holder. Weird, isn't it? Hmmmm........

by Str|fe

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I realised I love this song so much because it's bittersweet. Do you agree?

by Str|fe

0 comments

I shall not go back to campus tomorrow. It's Sunday after all. I want a day-off away from campus. Oh, did I mentioned that I am heading to airport directly from campus? All due to one mid-term paper in the afternoon. So I will be carrying a luaggage to class. Haha ~ that's crappy.

by Str|fe

0 comments

I wonder how many pairs of shoes will I bring in the end .......
- 1 pair of formal leather shoes
- 1 pair of sandal / slipper
- 1 pair of casual wear shoes
- 1 pair of sport shoes
Hello? How many do I have to bring? Bah.

by Str|fe

0 comments

1. Fortis Bank - Banking Associate
2. Citibank Bank - Global Consumer Banking Management Associate
3. Barclays Capital - Investment Banking and Debt Capital Market
4. Credit Suisse - Investment Banking Analyst

Hmmm....... once again, I feel like trying out for this position, although I am not really confident. Whatever ~ no harm applying.

by Str|fe

0 comments

The MAS dinner is getting on my nerve. See ~ they are inviting me to go. First of all, they want me to answer 10 questions (e.g. embarassing moment). Now, they emailed me and asked me to fill in a job application form. Hello? I am not applying for MAS. I just want to keep my options opened by attending this dinner. I am regarding this dinner as an opportunity to find out more about MAS first. And now, they want me to apply for their job position before I can go for this dinner. Hello?! Where's ur brain?

by Str|fe

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"You have lost alot of weight"
Everyone is telling me that. And I know that I look sickly now, especially with that tone of skin. Never mind. One week in Phuket should solve everything ~ ahhaha

by Str|fe

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Yeah! Weekend's approaching! Although I will be spending Saturday and Sunday in campus, I am so looking forward to it! I dunno why........

by Str|fe

0 comments

I wanted to comment on this article for days already, but I am only free now to do it. Bah.
Thailand is ordering big MNC retailer to stop their expansion.
Imagine you are country CEO of ..... say ....... Cold Storage. When you decide to invest in this country, you have made all the plans and calculation. Then suddenly this fucking government say NO, simply because they want to save those small mama-shops. Wah sei ..... I tell you. This is a screw-up move. I doubt you will want to invest long-term in a country with such a bloody policy and government.
Interestingly, India just banned Coke and Pepsi as well. Wahahaa ~
Is there where Asia is heading towards? Sigh ......... economic development? Attracting investor money? Hub of the new world? Eh ...... go drink ur mud water lah.

by Str|fe

0 comments

That's where I am going to be ..... just 1 week away.
I CAN'T WAIT!

by Str|fe

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I had said before.... "someday, we will be enjoying our drinks in a coffee house, laughing at all these"
Maybe the day has arrived.

by Str|fe

0 comments

Because I crave for more .........

by Str|fe

0 comments

I am in campus at this moment. 4 nights in a row already ~ I don't have much of a choice. I am flying off next Wed/Thur. I will essentially miss one week of class. Bah ~ so much to catch up. Arrrggghh.......

by Str|fe

0 comments

Yup, I applied. Wish to keep my options opened.
But again, I played punk. I just hate the fact that they regard this as an interview, while expecting us to answer 10 questions. I tried to push their limit. I gave them one-word answers. And the best thing? I shoot their question. There's one which goes "What's the most embarassing thing that happened to you?" This is what I answered, "I believe our brain will supress such memory. It would have been blocked out subconsciously."
Pretty punk, right? If they going to reject me this dinner simply due to the unconventional answers, so be it. Many of my friends are not even considering this invitation simply due to the fact that it's from a stat board which will have to follow the books. Who write the book then? How can they demand such trouble from us when it's afterall an "invitation"?
Lets see if they reject me. Haha ~

by Str|fe

0 comments

1. Fortis Bank - Banking Associate
2. Citibank Bank - Global Consumer Banking Management Associate
3. Barclays Capital - Investment Banking and Debt Capital Market

Yup ~ 3rd one just included. Barclays Capital. Not really confident of this application since this company is imfamous for recruiting only ivy-league graduates. Just trying out. Oh ya, the online application also have the numerial and verbal tests. Since I am lazy to wait till the next morning to take the tests, I decided to do it there and then. Haha ~ in the middle of the night. Hmmm.... the tests are pretty simple. Just pushing your accuracy in stressful moment. Passed both tests, hehe ~
Lets see how things turn out. I will be delighted if this company grants me an interview.

by Str|fe

0 comments

Received 2 invitation over the week. One from JPMorgan while another from MAS. JPMorgan will be held in The Fullerton Hotel as a breakfast receiption, while MAS will be held in Pan Pacific Hotel.
You know what turned me off? I am required to answer 8 questions in order to accept this invitation. Those questions range from "what's your most embarrassing moment?" to "What's most fulfilling task you have done?" Oh come, can they be more sincere in their invitation? While other big banks don't expect us to answer essay questions, I don't see why MAS should demand such thing? Another form of red tapes? Sigh ......
Anyway, it's a pity that I can't attend the one organised by JPMorgan. Will be away in Phuket for the Shell competition. It's a new phase in my life .......

by Str|fe

0 comments

I recall criticising government here for funding the dying Chartered SemiConductor. I have learnt pretty much about the company since I was doing a Strategy project on it. That was like 1 year ago. I claimed that Chartered will be dead by then if the government hasn't been wasting money on it. True to be ....... seems like everyone else think so too ~
Business Times: Chartered shares fall on divestment report (080906)
The share price fall 4 cents to $1.21 after Financial Times reported that Temasek Holdings may sell its stake in the companies. Spot on!
Anyway, this brings me to the title of my post. I have been reading alot of statements from Temasek "spokeman" (I wonder what's his job scope). Below are the extract from his statements when being questioned about Chartered;

- "We do not have a divestment list. In principle, we are open at all times to maintaining , increasing or reducing our holdings"
- Broadly speaking, we are comfortable with our overall portfolio mix, and will continue to review, monitor and re-assess our position regularly"
- "Overall, our focus is to deliver long-term shareholder value"

Bah. This is what I call ....."Say alot, but say nothing at all" In layman term, it's called "Smoke". Maybe they can be more innovative at times. Use some colored smoke or fragrance smoke. Why bothering responsing when you are effectively saying nothing?

by Str|fe

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I got it! I am going to Thailand for the competition! I am flying off! Wah sei! Shiok lah! I am leaving!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by Str|fe

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............

by Str|fe

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In one of my earliest post in this blog, I exclaimed that oil is running out soon. The future power belong to the nations producing nuclear power.
The Business Times today has an interesting articles. It's like finally people are waking up to the idea that we have to plan for the end of Oil Age. Never mind the cost and failure of all the alternative power sources, we have to continue investing in them. You and I all have to face the dry wells in our lifetime. What do you think will happen? The vehicles won't move. The planes can't fly. The machineries can't run. Electricty won't be generated. You may think that there will be alternative energy when the day actually arrived. Have you thought of the machineries then? Do you really believe all of these will be ready by then? I doubt so.
Shell is the 3rd largest company in the world. I have this gut feeling that it won't remain in top 20 ..... maybe 50 years down the road. Mark my words.

by Str|fe

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.............

by Str|fe

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Bondue Election is taking place next week! Wah sei! I have been in office for a year!

by Str|fe

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Dear Liujie,

Thank you for applying to Student Program — P&G Finance Challenge Week 2006 - Temporary - Singapore - FIN00001040. We appreciate your interest in Procter & Gamble.

We have reviewed your qualifications and, unfortunately, are not able to pursue your application further. This decision represents our sincere efforts to consider your background and strengths for this specific opportunity.

Thanks for the time you have invested in applying to Procter & Gamble. We wish you every success in finding an excellent career opportunity.



Not that I don't want to enter a MNC. They have something against me lah. I fucking don't believe that I don't qualify for at least one round of interview. Not that I am desperate for this competition. I am just puzzled on the way they review my "qualification".

Dean's List - checked
1st Class Honor - checked
Scholarship - checked
Strong CCA report - checked
Active in community service - checked
Oversea community service trip - checked

So what's supposed to be in this "qualification" that I may be lacking?
Oversea Exchange Program - bah
Powerful internship - bah
Business case competition - bah

I am destined to aim for banks, instead of MNC. Someday down the road, I want to make sure P&G headhunts for me instead. Duhz.

by Str|fe

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Before I retire to the bed, I have to finish this short post.
When I read the news last night, I was taken aback. Crocodile hunter is killed by a stingray. Sigh.... it's ironic. For someone who love animals and nature so much, his life ended where it thrive on. I remember an article on him years ago. No insurance company want to sell him any insurance. Bah, I hope it's all a joke. As rich as he might be, I hope his family well-being is taken care of after his death.
This brings me to the point of my post. As the world get smaller, you may someday cry for the death of a person whom may be thousands of miles away. You don't need to know the person in real life in order to feel upset about his death. This is how technology brings us together. We live in the age where idols are part of our life. And we don't have just one, but many. As we grow older, we will witness more death. Oh well, death is inevitable after all..........

by Str|fe

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It's week 3. The unofficial kickoff of SMU no-lifer. Here I am, insidethe room after 2 meetings. :)

by Str|fe

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Although I will prefer to head to Hongkong for a holiday this Dec, I have to settle for Thailand since my buddies prefer that. I am pretty easy, I think. It will be a 6-8 people group, so I reckon it will be fun. Yeah ~ keeping my fingers crossed that we will really go in the end. I am craving for an oversea trip!

by Str|fe

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If you are pro-war, you should watch this film (documentary) to wake up your idea. These film shows how 3 youth gotten trapped in the wrong place at the wrong time.
You may have saw those photos where the war captives were stripped and humiliated. You won't really feel the disgust of all these till you see them in moving pictures. Then you will realise that the US are bastard shit. They love to abuse their power. These 3 youth were locked in the X-ray Camp ~ the fucking jail which looks more like a zoo. And the way these soldiers torture innocent chaps into falseful confession ~ totally disgusted. Fuck those "stress position". Fuck those inhumane acts in a civilised society.
As much as we want to capture Bin Laden, we shouldn't be locking up over 500 innocents. You know how many were actually charged? 10 of them. And how long did they stay in that fucking jail? 3 miserable years like a dog.
We claimed that we are doing such things to fight against terrorism. Ya right. You know how these 3 youth survive these fucking ordeal? It's through their belief in their religion. And when I look into their eyes, I can't help but feel that we have just "cultivate" 3 to-be terrorists.
Fucking Bush. He should just spend a night in the X-ray camp to experience all the fuck shit.

Rating: B+ (Watch it as a documentary)

by Str|fe

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Date of admission: 03 Jan 1994

Secondary 1
Liujie has failed his English in the Mid-Year exam but passed in the Combined results. He must put in greater effort in English and other weak subjects
Liujie has not shown much improvement in his final results. Work harder

Secondary 2
Liujie is a pleasant and diligent student. He shows great interest in his work and should be able to do well
Liujie is a diligent and reliable student

Secondary 3
Good progress. Keep it up
A self-motivated and conscientious pupil who has done well in the exam. Keep it up

Secondary 4
Overall results is good. Keep up the good work and strive harder for better performance next semester
He has done well. Keep it up

Life is funny. Although I score 12 for L1R5 and 9 for L1R4, I know my English is my greatest weakness. While everyone expected me to go JC with my result, I chose to go Polytechnic. After which when everyone expected me to enter engineering (since my maths is strong), I chose to conquer my weakest. I chose a diploma in Business. I knew I would lose out against my peers, but what's the point of being the best among the worst? I know where I want to be ......

Now you understand why I promised myself to speak no Chinese in SMU? Not that I can't speak Chinese. Simply because I want to improve.......

by Str|fe

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Haha ~ let me share with you guys.......

Date of admission: 4th Jan 1988

Primary 1
Must work harder to do better in English
Should read more to improve in both language especially English

Primary 2
Capable of better results
Has done well. Keep up the good work

Primary 3
Liujie must read more books to improve his English
A quiet boy

Primary 4
Keep up the good work
Liujie has done well in Mathematics. Continue to work harder next year

Primary 5
A pleasant and consistent worker who has the desire to learn. He has to put in more effort in English. Continue with your hard work to achieve your best
Had done well in Maths. Work harder to obtain better results

Primary 6
A diligent worker, he shows an attempt to improve himself in all areas. He has to practise reading aloud in English
A self-motivated and diligent pupil. Have more confidence in yourself and continue to strive for excellence

See? I am a very average student. In fact, I was slow. It wasn't easy for me to improve my English when none in my family speak English. Oh well, lets see how I fare in Secondary School.....

by Str|fe

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The energy from the morning is gone. Maybe due to the heavy breakfast. Haha ~ I wonder how's life outside Singapore. Watching discovery channel everyday. Craving for some freedom.......

by Str|fe

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Good morning, it's Saturday. Woke up after 10 long hours of sleep. Watershock is taking place today. Wish the organiser (SMUX and SSU) all the best. I wish I have the strength to go. Too tired for the smiles during such events. Yawn ~
Week 3 is arriving. That's the cutoff for SMU life, isn't it? Haha ~
Shall blog more in a while. Breakfast ~

by Str|fe

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The interview took 75min. The interviwer was good, did try to make me feel at ease. The part about myself ~ no problem, just keep on talking. Only a few questions.
- Tell me more about yourself
- What are your strength and weakness?
- What's your greatest non-academic achievement?
- How will your friends describe you in a few words?
- Share with me an incident of conficit
- How did you resolve it?
- Tell me the time when you made a decision which affect many people
All these went on fine, although I have to admit that he is very sharp. This part took us 45 min.
Then came the bomb. Going into GP-interview. Knn. The question is on NATIONAL PARK. Tamade lah! I only know East Coast Park lah! What national park sia?! Then he ask how I will categories the National park in US. Eh, thank ar. I only know the elderly goes there, not me. Bah.
He is kind enough to change a topic. Privatization of Companies. Great topic! Love it.
- Define
- Pro
- Con
- Wider implication
- Even wider implication
Knn ~ I though I did well. I manage to give alot of points. At least 7 points for pro and con each. Then he said, "Chris, I have to push you further. Tell me more." Duhz ...... so I say whatever shit I have. Then he asked about wider implication. After which, he said, "Any wider?" Hello? I have already talk about world economies and social effect, how wide can I go? Talk about Mars and Moon huh? Duh.
Anyway, this part went on for 30 min. Pretty challenging. Have to answer a question right on the spot. And you know what? He was taking notes of each point I mentioned..... and the page was full in the end! Just pointers! And he still continue to ask, "Anymore?" Bah.
I asked for an evaluation. He said....... "You did pretty ok. Just that it's abit slow. You took 30 min." Sian sian sian. I asked, "You mean the rest of the candidates are able to go faster?" He said yes, but only a few. Sian sian sian.
The thing is ....... I felt that I have answered the questions from different angles, and that's essentially what he is looking for. However, I was abit too slow. So he wanted more details thoughts and speed. Duhz. Sian.
Ok, not carrying much hope for this one. Bye ~

by Str|fe

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Str|fe
@ www.masterzhuo.blogspot.com

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