Personal Statement - Informative

"Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever." --- Mahatma Gandhi

Indeed, this is how Alan Chua perceived life after 23 years living in this world renowned lion city called Singapore. He lives his happy-go-lucky life with his family of 5 in the northeastern part of the country called Sengkang in the weekends and joins his loyal brothers and caring sisters in the hostel called Kent Ridge Hall during the weekdays. Currently an undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor degree majoring in Applied Mathematics, he hopes to fulfill his lifelong dreams of becoming the principal of his alma mater by joining the teaching force once he graduates from the National University of Singapore (NUS) in 2010.

Since learning is a lifelong process, this friendly and joyful young man plans to enhance his knowledge by reading an advanced post-graduate diploma at the National Institute of Education (NIE). He also hopes to read his Masters in Education when he has gotten enough exposure in his teaching career.

As a very outgoing and spontaneous person, Alan has been extremely active throughout his life. He has been a role-model to his peers, honing his skills as a prefect, a monitor, a peer-support leader over the years. During his national service in the army, he has also exhibited strong leadership skills by becoming the best trainee in the signal specialist course. He was also conferred “Best soldier of the month” award in recognition to his active contributions to his peers, colleagues and organization during his time in the army.

He continues to embark on an enriching life during his university days, taking part in numerous activities ranging from performing in the production to raising funds for the charities during the annual NUS Flag and Rag (Receive and Give) Day. On top of that, he has also been performing and competing overseas together with his alumni choir, winning numerous gold awards and emerging as champions. Despite his busy and hectic schedule, he has also been volunteering at the Salvation Army, giving tuition to the children in the Home.


A Singlish song

As a typical Singaporean, Alan speaks broken English, formerly known as Singlish, and enjoys listening to music ranging from pop to rock. During his free time, he also enjoys playing street soccer with his lifelong friends as well as ‘relaxing’ at a corner with a book and a glass of wine. That is when he sits down and seeks solitude, using the time to reflect on his personal life and to realign his goals and vision in life and in learning. What an old man’s behavior!

"The value of a man resides in what he gives and not in what he is capable of receiving." --- Albert Einstein

Job Application Letter (MOE)

Chua Gim Sen
Blk 190B Rivervale Drive
#04-968
Singapore 542190
Telephone: (65)92969450

4th September 2009

Mr Winston James Hodge
Director,Teaching and Development
Ministry of Education, Singapore
1 North Buona Vista Drive
Singapore 138675

Dear Mr Hodge,

I am writing to express my interest in securing a teaching position with the Ministry of Education (MOE) in response to your advertisement from the MOE website. I am currently an undergraduate at the National University of Singapore (NUS), majoring in Applied Mathematics.

I come to you with a solid understanding of the different career tracks and programs that MOE offers. Through the in-service courses, such as the Advanced Post Graudate Diploma, I am sure one would be equipped with professional knowledge and skills required to prepare them for a teaching career.

To be an educator has been my life-long aspiration since my secondary school days. As a highlight of my experience, I have been a student leader throughout my whole academic life, ranging from Peer-Support Leader to Vice-President of Junior Common Room Committee (JCRC) of Kent Ridge Hall. Through these extra-curriculum activities, I get to interact with different people from various streams and faculties. This helps me to gain a better insight of the needs of students and the challenges that students face in our holistic education program. It also gives me great joy and satisfaction whenever I manage to help my peers to discover their strengths and to groom my juniors into future student leaders.

I have done relief teaching in various neighbourhood schools teaching mathematics and sciences before my undergraduate studies. This exposure allows me to better understand what are the roles, responsibilities and commitments that a teacher need and the challenges of teaching in different streams. I have also gone for a cross-cultural exchange program at the University of Waterloo, Canada. The exchange program has given me an opportunity to compare on and evaluate the different learning and teaching styles and approaches between Singapore’s education system and the more Westernised one. Hence, I ask for the opportunity to translate my passion and desire to teach into reality.

In that regard, I would appreciate the opportunity for a meeting session to discuss my qualifications and the possibility of joining MOE. Please find my enclosed resume for your review. I look forward to hearing from you and talking to the panel in person.

Yours sincerely,




Chua Gim Sen