Middle management

This week has been stressful on the workfront. Being in middle management sucks. I apologize for pushing you guys hard, but I hope you will understand my position too.

How to get to know Singaporeans (if any) in the Company

1. Get lost amongst the maze-like workspaces. (Trust me, losing your way here is common.)
2. Look at the name tags identifying the occupant on the front of the cubicles.
3. Chance upon a name that sounds Singaporean/Malaysian.
4. Act on a hunch and email that person, if he/she is not at his/her desk.
5. It doesn't matter whether you are right or wrong. Either way, you will make a new friend.
6. Confirm via IM (which goes like this):

Me: "Excuse me, are you Singaporean? Or Malaysian?

He:"Yup to the first one."

M: "Cool! Your name sounds like you were originally from either country."

H: "How did you get my contact?"

M: "oh, I got lost earlier, then i saw your tag. Your name sounds Sporean or Malaysian. Either one."

H: "ok.. it's interesting that you found me."

M: "Yeah, serendipity."

H: "There are only 2 other compatriots here. I hang out with this other guy most of the time. Both of us graduated from MIT."

(I wanted to shout out: "Quitters!", but decided not to as I will be expecting a response in kind. All in good jest of course.)

Again, another small (JC) circle. Again, all guys too. Jialat man!!!

Monastery then, monastery now. Can go bang balls liao

Deemed Exports in Universities, Government Laboratories and Industry

My supervisor has rejected my recommendation for an opening in the group. My friend has an impeccable academic record and excellent research credentials which are very much related to this technology sector.

He was frank with me.

"starting this year, the new policy is not to hire candidates from 'controlled countries...'

I assume that he's from China and on student visa? The key is China, there are many good candidates from china...But there are the US government regulations."

Imagine getting your resume trashed because of your nationality. Situations like this make you thankful (ironically, it applies only outside of the little red dot) for your pink IC, given the USSFTA and our close strategic relationship with Uncle Sam.

On my first day of work, I had to sign an "Export Compliance Agreement for Foreign Hires" to certify that an export license is not required based on my country of citizenship. That also explains why there aren't that many mainlanders here (and they are mostly green card holders).