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Statement of Purpose
I first became interested in Japan after reading Shigeno Shuichis Initial D. Through Initial D,
I became aware of the many cultural heartlands that are important to historic and modern
Japan. Had the routes not existed, people divided along the ridges and mountains would not
be able to meet and interact with each other. Similarly, the JET Programme provides a form
of channel for Japanese students to interact with foreign delegates across cultural borders.
I regard the JET Programme as a fabulous opportunity for me to teach English to the students
in Japan to broaden their cultural horizon. Being an editorial executive at the Institute of
Advanced Studies (IAS) allows me to work with guest professors and students from all
disciplines and regions around the world. The IAS collaborates with professors from
renowned institutes to co-organise seminars and invites international students to participate in
the events. I am tasked with the honour to interview the foreign students and professors for
writing articles on the seminars and workshop for the IAS newsletter. Many of whom they
arrived from Japan, South Korea and Thailand spoke English as their second language.
During and outside of interviews, I sustained my genuine interest towards them and asked
follow-up questions. Every so often, I would share a few light-hearted chuckles with them
during the conversations.
My service in the Singapore Armour Regiment has me confident to live in both urban and
rural environments. During my time in an arid and rustic area of central India, I partook in a
month-long bilateral armour exercise, training alongside the Indian Army Armoured Corps. I
can still recall vividly; I was resting beside an Indian soldier in between the armour combat
exercises. He pointed to my kevlar helmet that I had rested on my lap and spoke to me in his
native language, which I presumed to be Hindi. Even though I did not understand Hindi, I
could see his eyes gleaming with curiosity. We exchanged helmets and he gave a few knocks
on my helmet before tossing it slightly in the air. From his unconcealed amusement, I could

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Statement of Purpose
tell that he was trying to tell me that he was surprised to come across such a light and sturdy
helmet.
I am enthusiastic about learning as much as I can about the Japanese culture. In fact, I am
interested to learn the Hokkaido dialect by integrating with the Japanese community. Cultural
immersion is inherently vital in the holistic approach to learn about a country, a language and
her people. The firsthand cultural experience can give me a deeper understanding of the
Japanese culture. This is an important facet in learning the Japanese language and culture.
I firmly believe that language defines our cultural identity and origin. While lingual
differences impose barriers that drive us apart, it is of the very same concept that a strong
mastery in a language integrates us. As an ALT, I hope to close up the gap between the
Singaporean and Japanese culture through teaching English and by mutual sharing of our
cultures. Besides teaching English, I hope to maintain a high degree of cultural sensitivity and
effective communication in my Japanese students by sharing the many cultural and religious
taboos observed commonly around the world.
As a Singaporean, I am aware of the significance and values of learning a second or even
third language. I come from a young nation that consists of four major ethnic groups that all
speak a unique mother tongue, with English used as a common language. I have been
attending conversational Malay lessons to brush up on my Malay, in hopes of providing my
Japanese students a holistic overview of the cultures in Singapore. I will be driven to teach
English, share my experiences to express the ways in which Singapore is multicultural, and
how different ethnicities can join together as one people.
As an ALT, I plan to make English an exciting subject for my Japanese students and educate
them on multiculturalism by using firsthand examples from my home country. I am inspired
to improve the cultural awareness of students in Japan and providing them with a reason to

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Statement of Purpose
speak English. After the JET Programme, I hope to further my studies in Japanese
academically to move on my career as a translator for Japanese, English and Mandarin
Chinese.