Many months ago, I applied for NTU school of Rajaratnam's Master of Science (Strategy Studies). It was my great hope for it, as i will have a chance to learn modules like 'Special forces', 'Terrorism' and 'Radical muslim motivations for war' etc. Eventually after getting for of my previous lecturers to write in for me, i did not get the place. I was quite pissed during then, emailed the relevent personnel(not to be too obvious) and told him off. There was no reply. I did not know if he had got that email.
A couple of months ago by chance, I applied for Master of Science Communications from NUS in collaboration with ANU(Australia National University). My bet that this is not a course for me, and chances are not high. However applied for fun anyway. There was a correspondent who keep following up with me on the fee of $20 to process the application. After i finally complete the process by mailing the documents and cheque of $20, I got a letter very soon, for being unsuccessful. They tried to eat my money, I feel. Earning this application fee is enough for them.
I applied and Kaplan's National University of Ireland(University College Dublin) Master of Science (Management) a couple of months ago, and a couple of weeks later, I was accepted. Will go for the orientation, collect materials, and attend lessons first.
I took the Cambridge International Diploma for Teachers and Trainers (CIDTT) was initally wanted to clear the pre-requisite for Murdoch's Master of Education by Kaplan, but feel that unless one is a subject matter expect at their specialised degree level, and able to teach, then an MEd will be good for them to further themselves. No point for me to take this now. It will be better, if i have extra money for a Master Degree.
I applied for NIE's Master of Arts (Instructional Design and Technology) many months ago, and recently, I was elated to be offered the course. To affirmed my decision, I emailed to the unit coordinator to check if the cert to be conferred will be under NIE itself, or NTU. The good news was, it will be conferred solely by NTU. It will worth my 2 years of study. However, the trade off will be, i will have to leave my current job soon.
With the 2 years, my focus will be on training for IPPT, reservist, lose up to 5 kg, take more short courses, like photography, creative writing, phonetics, concurrently, if there are enough opportunities during my free time, i will conduct to teach short courses or workshops to kids or teach creative writing, phonetics etc.
I will also go back to my old martial arts Karate, and also if can afford time, money and commitment to, take up Krav Maga.
I will also volunteer for the Assistant Testing Director of my Mensa Society Singapore etc. At times, i will go to the gym, meet my girlfriend, and chat up any old friends, if there are opportunities.
Going to NTU will also be far, so it would takes me around 2 hours on my own travel, or if i drive, will need ard 1.5 hours or lesser to go for my studies from 6pm to 9pm. Let's hope the plan is in mind.
My aim is also to travel to Israel for the Advance Counter-Terrorism and Homeland Security course, for own interest. Also to vist some other middle east country for travel, like Dubai, Abu Dhabu. Other countries will be Japan, Turkey, Italy etc.
My current colleague wanted to go to south Korea for some trekking tour. If i have enough finance, i will join him.
If i could lower down myself a little, may visit my old security friends by working some security assignments, and go for some carefes job with Mediacorp, like I did.
My Intercept Academy organisation I hope, will re-open again one day.
I would say that i am 文武双拳双. Haha, to have attained up to a high qualification, and had a black belt in karate previously is the best of both world. :)
