Yeah! Officially completed PhD at Exeter Uni. Attended graduation ceremony last month. Unlike Malaysia, I like the fact that the flow of events here is simple as there is no so many speeches from VIPs and stalls that sell flowers and souvenirs. Come on, after all it’s our big day and not VIPs’. Too many stalls selling flowers and dolls make me feel like the graduation ceremony is sort of commercial event and seems to make the entire ceremony become a market place.
just set a blog with my darling, http://ckznlovestory.blogspot.com
stay tune, more blog posts will come in future 
my works:
It’s just like the endless pit. The more I find out out, the deeper hole i dig for myself :( What a deep s**t..
As a lone striker, and the sole person working in my field, it’s going to be hard and challenging. Often, many obstacles arise, most people can’t help, in the end I am the one to think and come out with the strategies. I am tired and helpless. Just suffered another setback: after two years hard work and troubleshooting, only learnt that the incompatible system employed led to the failure of my works. As a pioneer in this “enigma enzyme”, I have no choice but treat this as a lesson, and keep trying.
No doubt, proactive and stay positive keep me soldier on. I’m grateful to get advice from expert in Beijing Genome Institute and encouragement from my former post-doc in Sydney. I don’t expect to get any publication from the thesis at this moment or major findings to be presented in big conference. I will try my best, get things done, submit dissertation and leave no regret.
I have set up a e-profile with template provided by the university.
http://eprofile.exeter.ac.uk/choonlim/
So why bother with this? Apart from working hard in the lab, we have to promote ourselves, our research & networking. A good info about the benefits of having one is available in the university webpage:-
http://eprofile.exeter.ac.uk/index.php
Another good piece of info:-
HOW TO: Set Up an Online Resume - http://ow.ly/55GRg
You can reach me on Linkedin at:-
interesting question from my buddy (career & family) (https://twitter.com/#!/yeekai5) during regular WhatsApp conversion (don’t expect proper language in casual conversation,haha).:-
21:40
Impressed with the launch of “Teaching Tools in Plant Biology” in one of the high-impact Plant Biology’s journals- The Plant Cell.
I believe most of my friends know that I am a postgraduate student in Plant Science. The first article- Why Study Plants? clearly illustrate my intention & passion to carry out studies in this area.
This article is written for general public, easily understandable without the excessive used of scientific jargon. You can download the article &/ power point presentation at (YouTube video is available as well):
http://www.plantcell.org/teachingtools/TTPB1.dtl
Hope you enjoy reading this interesting article. Cheers
Featured on the latest issue of GARNet (http://www.garnetcommunity.org.uk/) Newsletter.
GARNet is a BBSRC (Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council) sponsored network set up to support UK scientists to develop and undertake excellent research using model plant, Arabidopsis thaliana. Funny comment from Prof after he read the newsletter: “You’re famous in UK Plant Science community, but your picture...face too small, windows too big..” LOL =.= haha :)
I have been told by my bank-Lloyds TSB that there were two attempts to use my Visa debit card by the fraudsters: £ 120 at florist & £ 30 at phone shop. Therefore they cancelled the existing card & replaced a new one. I have destroyed the old debit card by cutting through the chip&the 16 digit number that runs across the front of the card.
Before I got a call from the bank, I had received two text messages regarding the suspected fraudulent activities.
Impressed with their quick action, and the detection system (http://www.lloydstsb.com/debit_cards/fraud_protection.asp) to safe guard my money. Although some said this maybe done by the bank itself as the routine security practice, but it doesn’t matter to me.
As I have taken reasonable precautions with my Visa debit card but I still don’t know why I was the subject of fraudulent activity.
Well, I shall write a letter of appreciation to the bank.
Safely arrived at Exeter, UK.
see you guys shortly :p
Guess my blogs deserve a break when I am going back to home town, hence no blog updates for two month from 1st Aug 2010 to 1st Oct 2010.
Look forward to meeting friends in home town then.
Best
ck
Quick update on what I have been doing these days
1) First year PhD viva
A compulsory event before we are allow to proceed to 2nd year. I got good feedback from the assessor. He said:” there’s a price of being good, that’s everyone will have high expectation on you.” Well, I agreed to him, greater opportunity comes greater responsibilities. I will try my best.
2) Moved home
My university accommodation contract end in July therefore I have moved to new private accommodation. I am happy with the new accommodation here.
former accommodation
new accomodation
3) A farewell trip to Lyme Reggis
Went to Lyme Reggis, a sea town near south Devon with fellow housemates (former). Here we can see UNESCO natural heritage sites, cliff existed more than billions ago.
4)Farewell dinners
I enjoy eating, so had organised two farewell dinners, oriental and western cuisines :p
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5) Liverpool trip
I went to Liverpool and visited friends from hometown. They are here for summer programme by LJM Uni and TARC.
6) Associate of Higher Education Academy.
I am pleased to obtained recognition from the professional body, more info visit the following link:
http://limchoonkiat-ck.blogspot.com/2010/07/associate-status-of-higher-education.html
7) Makaichoon conference
Always happy to chat with bunch of cocky friends, makaichoon
Future events:
Travel to Salisbury, for the world famous heritage site: Stonehenge
image source: http://www.visitwiltshire.co.uk/salisbury/home
Travel to Cambridge
image source: http://www.visitcambridge.org/VisitCambridge/PhotoLibrary.aspx
image source: http://www.heacademy.ac.uk/1st of July, the first day after half year. What have you done far? How about your achievements?
Seldom update recently due to intense workloads and lot of events involved, in which I will share in the next blog post.
Often, I learnt that people like to share about their research progress, some bad some good, but mostly bad news…then, so what?
Taken me as an example:
Over the last 8 months,I've been working on a mutant isn't mutant, If you’re complaining on your research progress, think of me and this’ll make you feel better.
From failure we learn to improve, research is a good platform for you to learn how to be patient, tough.
This “tragic” moment hampered my progress and de-motivates me, but I will soldier on, no give up
Thanks mum for her guidance and encouragements all the time. The parental education I have had train me to be a well behaved person. Wishing happy mother’s day to all mother across the world. Children should grab this opportunity to celebrate mother’s day with family. For those stay abroad, take this chance to contact your family. :p
