09-09-09@ 09:09:09am

for Mandarin version feel free to visit:

http://limchoonkiat.blogspot.com/2009/09/09-09-09-090909am.html

According to Chinese Almanac (老黄历) is a good date in doing many things, or so call auspicious day of the year. Therefore, I have decided to share recent progress about me.

• Master degree at Glasgow University

I have completed the degree, and I am pleased to obtain a degree in distinction (feel free to click the image below, and enlarge it). As far as the department is concerned, I am the first student in Plant Science who obtained degree with distinction.

A good degree is a kick-start for me, to embark on a new career in Science.

• PhD Research @ Exeter University

Ever wondered what am I doing now, one month after completed master degree at Glasgow University? Well, the picture below will give you some clues. After thinking thoroughly, I have decided to share it now, which is after 5 months. Hope it won’t be too late. More info will come out soon, stay tune to limchoonkiat-ck.blogspot.com . :-)


I was invited for a PhD studentship interview in Apr 09 at Exeter University, one of the top 10 unis (out of ~120) in the UK. About >150 paper applications received from international, UK/EU applicants. Roughly 10% was invited for first visit, then half selected for second interview + presentation (if I not mistaken). The University's strategic plan in investing systems biology is appealing and I am pleased with the opportunity offered to become part of their members. I promise will work hard and keen to face on the challenges and rewards of a PhD scholar at Exeter. Thank you. With great opportunity comes great responsibility. I will always remember my ultimate goal-->overcome famine and food insecurity issues.. Cheers

More info can visit the following public album@

picasa: http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/cklim123my/Exeter?feat=directlink

facebook: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=109046&id=757132962&l=dfa8975010

and http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=110728&id=757132962&l=8b9fe68bd4

I was “away” in last two weeks, and still now I am busy as a bee..haha, some tasks that have accomplished recently (in 2-weeks time) are such as:

1. Packing, my uni hall contract end before i move to new uni, and I have promised my prof to carry some extra research, therefore I have to find a temporary accommodation for ~2 weeks before I move to new uni.
2. Travel around Scotland, before I move to England, need time to plan journey, transport, lodging, etc
3. Attended 2 viva (oral exam of master degree), overall 3 viva in one year.
4. Just completed manuscript for previous undergrad thesis. Learn some new skills again, i.e. in publishing paper, learn how to identify journal, locate reviewer, edit in accordance to the house format..etc
5. Return books borrow books, read books @-@
6. Refresh, recapped and read some journals on PhD research
7. International student welcome programme, greet&meet service
8. Few dinners, gatherings
9. Look through visa extension guideline, have to renew my visa later,
10. Advance accommodation in new uni.
11. Write/call to bank, card issue companies etc, about change of correspondence address.
12. Mail redirection service at pos office, i.e. transfer all mails from Scotland to England for few months until i settle down, and update all info the senders
13. Sent greetings,i.e. birthday card, postcard from Glasgow to home.
14. Request some humble opinions from academic staff on feature articles I mentioned previously.
15. Poster submission @ Graduate Junction
16. PhD preliminary research—>data sampling
17. Orientation, registration, enrol PhD workshop@ new uni.
18. Hand over my duty as volunteer in international career service@ GU, and remove myself as co-author in the blog, so that new batch of volunteers can take over.
19. Confirm lodging, transport matters to new uni
20. Refined research proposal
21. I just subscribed a new mobile plan, and it takes time to look for a good deal before that
22. Review 2 manuscript before publish.

To sum up, I wish to express my deepest gratitude to all academic staff, friends and families, for their encouragement, guidance, etc. Your advice and motivation will serve as a constant reminder for me to achieve my goal and also overcome global famine issue. I hope basic human rights for food will reach to everyone eventually :-)