Oscar, Job Fair, And A Book Published

Round about the time when Natalie Portman gets her well deserved Oscar win, my sister has her one-liner of fame on The Straits Times, our national papers.  And Cynthia has published a book.  Let’s go through the events in sequence.

I had to give the local Oscar media invite a miss due to work commitment.  What a shame.  Because I was told that sumptuous breakfast buffet and champaign would be served at a cinema, courtesy of FOX.  Nevertheless, in the evening, I tuned into Star Movies while playing Warcraft on mute.  I am a huge fan of – besides “Black Swan” – “Fighter” and “King’s Speech” and hence, I was looking forward to hearing some of the acceptance speeches.  Natalie Portman looked radiance.  I am happy for her win, and her pregnancy.  Meanwhile, I am considering to unfriend TK because he did not think that Portman performed well on that show.  TK, if you are reading this, you have until the next time we meet to say something very nice about Natalie Portman.  Or my decision will be final!

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I am usually not the type of guy who talks about work.  Suffice to say, I have no clue about what my sister does for a living, what Cynthia does for a living.

Last weekend, my sister messaged me to see page B7 of our national paper.  The news is titled as “Bumper Year for NTU Job Fair”.  I can see that a lot of her hard works (and her colleagues too, no doubt) are reflected on the news snippet.  Such as a record turn-outs of  employers at the event and the featuring of iFair – an online system that facilitate job hunt.  So, what did my sister say on papers?

iFair allows students who are overseas and who cannot come back in time for interviews to interact with employers.  Having a virtual presence also offers more cost savings.

One student – through the virtual fair I presume – has secured a job with Temasek Holdings.  Starting salary?  Between S$6,000 and S$7,000.  Now, I sure did not know that fresh graduates are so well paid today.  I will think twice before buying fresh graduates lunch next time.

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A few years ago, Cynthia and her friend wrote a book called “Communicate Effectively With Your Indonesian Domestic Helper”, which can also be found in our national library.  This year, they have released a second edition with content updates.  Will this book be featured in my website alongside with the rest of the book reviews?  You bet.  On first look, this book can well be renamed to “Communicate Effectively With Your Indonesian Wife or Husband”.  Because I see sections on kitchen … and bedroom (I have to admit that I have not looked into the book in detail, as yet).

So, what did Cynthia write on the acknowledgement page?

To my husband Wilfrid, for his ideas, endless support, love and inspiration.  To my mother Rosaline, for her valuable comments throughout the development of this book and for reviewing the final manuscript.  To my brother Eric, for his unfailing confidence in me.

It is heartwarming, to say the least, to see my name featured somewhere in print.  To be totally honest, the only tangible support I have provided during her time in co-authoring the book was to make sure that the free-to-use OpenOffice is up and running in her computer.  Because Microsoft Office is way too expensive.  Having said that, I am thoroughly touched by her one-liner.

“Communicate Effectively With Your Indonesian Domestic Helper” is written by Cynthia Arianto and Siau Leong.  It is available from all good bookstores.  ISBN: 978-981-4328-48-7.