Muhammad Rauf Bin Razali

Full time undergraduate from the National University of Singapore

Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering

Rauf is currently in his second year of study. He aspires to be a systems engineer with an eye for continuous improvement. This principle is clearly reflected in his academic achievements up to this point in time. Despite obtaining unsatisfactory results in his first year of study, he continued to strive for better results. His ever improving grades following each semester is a testament to his undying work ethic and perseverance.

Rauf is also highly adaptable as demonstrated by his myriad job experiences and involvement in various co-curricular activities during secondary education. He had worked in teaching and administrative sectors, manual as well as despatch jobs, and also in coordinating events. In particular, his teaching experience provides valuable insights on cultivating self confidence and handling social relations with people of various family backgrounds. He was awarded with the Certificate in Teaching Methodology by the University of Oklahoma, which taught him of the most efficient method of imparting knowledge to others. Also, he was active in Malay Cultural club, soccer and National Cadet Corps (Air), which instills in him the importance of time management.

Rauf exhibits passionate interest in team work as he believes that the functionality of the team ultimately depends on the commitment of each member. His involvement in the success of Meridian Junior College’s pioneer batch of soccer team in the national inter-school competition epitomises his belief in cohesive team work. His soccer team managed to clinch the fourth spot despite being the underdogs in the competition.

In summary, he believes that nothing can ever be achieved without labour, upholding the motto

"Nil sine labore"

The 'Class 3' experience

My bittersweet experience to obtain a class 3 driving licence began 6 months ago. After successfully getting a provisional licence, I immediately engaged a private instructor for my car practical lessons.

The instructor was in his late 50s. After a couple of lessons, he began to get impatient with me. He would frequently yell and rant at me for even the slightest mistake I made. However, I always reminded myself that his undesirable conduct were for my own good. In addition, I hold the elders in high regards and always respect them. Is it important that I remain calm even though he gets unreasonable at times?

My practical test was a week ago. After the test, the examiner debriefed me on my driving skills. Even before he revealed my test results, I knew I would fail. Here are some cues that supported my assumption:

• Negative views on my driving skills like “You don’t seem confident. How can I pass you?”
• Shaking of his head every now and then
• Sighing occasionally
• Frowning expression on his face

My hunch turned out to be true . I failed. Although I intended to argue with him on certain issues, I felt that it would be futile. As such, I took his critiques as a tool for me to improve on my driving skills. Would it make any difference to the outcome of my test result if I were to put on a fake smile and flatter him unconditionally?

National Service: The playground for cultural interactions

National service has taught me a valuable lesson in life, and that is to foster intercultural communication. In the Army, I was a commander and led a section of seven men. Conventionally, a group of four commanders would share a bunk. My bunk consisted of an interesting mix of Chinese, Malay and Indian.

As a Muslim, I had to perform my prayers daily in the room. It was nice of them to set aside a small area for my convenience. We also refrained from consuming foods that are restricted in each other's religious beliefs. Abstinence from pork and beef was a must as there were Muslim and Hindu followers in the bunk. At times, my Chinese counterparts would blatantly nudge my head as a form of friendly gesture during a conversation. Even though their actions incurred my wrath, I did not simply blow my top. Instead, I explained to them that it was a taboo to do so in my culture and they respectfully apprehended my belief.

Prior to NS, I confessed that I would mix with cliques of my own ethnic group since we shared the same culture and, more importantly, language. However, Singapore is a host of myriad cultures and it is essential that we get accustomed to the various cultures. National Service had broadened my horizons by exposing me to the various cultures. As a food for thought, we will interact with colleagues of different ethnic backgrounds in our workplace. Thus, it is essential that we raise our awareness on others’ cultures so as not to offend them unknowingly.