What service should be like.

If you are on my Facebook, you will know that I have been having some issues with my S3 and with the service that Samsung has provided. The entire saga occurred over a period of 2 weeks and you can read most of it here.

I tried to asked for a 1-for-1 exchange (my power button was dying too) but in the end, I thought I should just end everyone’s misery and agree to try for a motherboard exchange (which was what everyone suggested on Facebook and what I initially wanted). On Wednesday evening, I agreed to go down to Samsung Service Centre again. And I am very glad that I chose to head to the one at Marina Square instead of PS.

Greeted like a friend.

I had a few hours to spare on Thursday so I headed down to Marina Square. The service centre was a little hard to find but I remembered that it was near Pan Pacific so I just kept walking in that direction (:

I confessed that I was a little irritated that the CSO at the counter told me that the guy I was supposed to look for (Jonathan) was on leave. However, he was quite “seng mok” and quickly paged for his manager (?). Even though the manager also didn’t know anything about my case, he ushered me in and sat me down at a service counter.

Was seated at the counter, ready to shoot another irritated message to my friends when Ray (think he might be equivalent to a Cluster Manager in banking terms) came of  over and greeted me BY NAME *thumbs up* He told me to take a seat and he will attend to me shortly. Okay. You may ask what’s the big deal about being greeted by name? Well, it reassured me that someone knows what I am here for and I didn’t have to repeat the entire grandmother’s story again.

Knew the entire story

When Ray came over, the first thing he did was to apologise for my unpleasant experience and empathised with me. I confess (again) that I really wanted to be difficult but the way Ray approached my situation softened me up.

Next, he told me what he will be doing to help “rescue” my dying S3. Changed my motherboard, perform stress test, highest priority, provide me a loan phone. He provided me the options of doing an express service (2-3 hours) or a normal service (2-3 days), weigh the pros and cons of each option. FINALLY! Someone who knows what to do!

Eventually, I decided on doing a normal service as I really want to resolve my issues properly. Rather take the slow way and do a proper job, if you know what I mean.

Ray also printed my previous blogpost which impressed (and embarrassed) me. Impressed cos he did his homework! Embarrassed cos I was rather gibberish in that post. Haha.

Passing it on to his staff

After we have reached a “collective” decision, Ray turned around and told his staff (Wei Ting?) what to do. Take my phone in, repair to be given highest priority, loan phone to be given and approved by him. All the words that was said further reassured me that THIS COULD BE IT! MY S3 CAN BE RESCUED!!!

After giving the necessary instructions, Ray apologised that he had to leave but told Wei Ting to give me his handphone number later *thumbs up again* He is taking ownership!

Wei Ting was extremely detailed and conscientious! She checked my phone carefully and explained every step to me. My S3 has some cracks at the side (no idea why. didn’t even drop it but wear and tear is unavoidable). So Wei Ting took a paper, explained that there’s some cosmetic damage and that she will have to record it down. I thought that was good! Previously at PS, S3 was just taken in without any recording of these cracks. I could have tried to be extremely nasty and accused them of damaging my S3.

After that, Wei Ting went to fetch the loan phone. This is super frivolous but was quite happy that the loan phone is WHITE instead of black What impressed me was that this time, the loan phone came with the micro-SIM adapter! I didn’t have to use mine. And Wei Ting was nice enough to help me set up the phone *thumbs up*

Followed up call

On the same day, Ray called me after his interviews ended and apologised for not being able to “stay”. He explained about the warranty of my S3 again and he said if there’s any problem, I can approach him. He also asked if I needed my phone back urgently.

Quite a nice gesture really.

Collecting the S3

This morning around 11am, I received a call telling me that S3 was ready! Whheeee! But being the suspicious person that I am, I questioned the person who called and texted Ray to double/triple confirm. Heh.

I went home to collect my battery and went to the service centre eagerly this evening with Pig and Victor. Ray called when I was on my way there. He explained that he was on leave but he will get another colleague, Jonathan, to help me.

Felt bad that Ray had to ‘work’ even on his off day! But that further impressed me!

Nothing outstanding happened during the collection, normal normal.

Thank you, Ray and team!

Been using S3 for the past 8 hours and it seems to be okay *fingers crossed* Going to gradually increase the number of apps back to my original number (minus some games).

Ray also text me to ask me the phone was okay. So nice!

Anyway, like my friend said. This is what service is about! Knowing your customers’ need, listening, empathising and being upfront.  I don’t expect all frontliners to know everything. If they don’t know, they can just say they don’t but they will check and get back to me. Don’t create smokescreens, please. Consumers are much smarter these days.

Because of the awesome service received, my faith in Samsung recovered a little bit more! Once S3 starts returning to normal, the faith should be back.

Once again, thank you, Ray and team (: You guys managed to rescue one customer!

Edited on 11/4

Yesterday, I texted Ray about a tiny issue – my battery and clock was permanently stuck at 55% and 9.29am. His reply was rather fast! Managed to resolved my issue on my own (Twitter rocks!) without having to go down. But yup. Ray was true to his words. If I have a problem, he will gladly help me.

Also, would like to give a small mention to Jeremy Lim from the Contact Centre. Throughout the entire saga, he gave me pretty regular updates. So thanks!

Korean Classes in Singapore (:

I have been asked this quite a bit so I thought maybe I should write a post on the topic (:

My learning journey:

I started out with NUS Extension, completed all levels for Beginners and took a break for a year.

Am currently with Ganada Korean Language Centre (cousin introduced it to me).
Taking my Intermediate classes and TOPIK preparation classes there now.

NUS Extension
Textbook: Kyunghee University

I got a really strong foundation in reading and recognising words here. You get a textbook, a workbook + worksheets (depending on your teacher). There are 2 sets of books for the beginner levels and it takes about 3 levels to complete one set of books.

The pace in NUS Extension is really fast cos the teachers have to complete a lot of things within the 8-10 lessons. Classes are big (at least 7-10 to start a new one) so the amount of attention you get might not be enough. For a really structured learning experience, I would recommend this.

Textbook-wise…It can be a little dry and confusing. You will learn both formal and informal language at the same time. Sometimes a super formal language will pop in too. The vocabulary and grammar is somewhat unrelated too. Found it quite hard to relate or memorise. After the first few chapters, the textbook will be entirely in Korean which can be overwhelming for beginners. I had to translate the entire page before I knew what I was supposed to do for homework last time.

Teachers there are Koreans (I know this is important to some of you).

Introduction to the Korean structure is built into the curriculum. So I was introduced to Korean food and traditional games.

Score: 6/10
Seems like NUS Extension has recently made an announcement that they are closing their language courses. 

Ganada Korean Language Centre
Textbook: Seoul University

I took a placement test when I joined the class.  I think I did quite badly for the placement test But the principal was rather nice and insisted that I continued with Intermediate instead of starting with Beginner Level 4 (which I wanted).

Learning is fun at Ganada! Each level completes about 4-5 chapters of the Seoul University textbook. The pace is slower and more reasonable (:

Classes at Ganada is a lot smaller (at least 5 to start a class) and more personable. The teachers are Koreans who has a strong command of English. Some even know a bit of Chinese (which can help!).

Textbook-wise…I really like the textbook! It’s very well structured. You start learning the informal form first (much easier!) before gradually proceeding to the formal and even Banmal! The textbook is well-organised too. Chapters are grouped by activities (e.g. interview, out of order, shopping) and you learn the vocabulary/grammar related to these activities. There’s English translation for most of the content which is awesome! I will usually read the words in Korean and try to see if my understanding was correct.

I saw the principal cutting out some Korean money and bringing out the Seoul Subway map once. Think those are for the beginner classes. Interesting!

My teacher is awesome. She makes learning less stressful and I am slightly more okay with making mistakes when I am with her. So I try to speak more (:

Score: 8/10

Korean Lanaguage School
Textbook: Yonsei (I think, but there are reviews that say it uses Kyunghee too)

I did consider going to the “official” Korean language school but it was too far!

My colleague is currently having her classes there and I think she quite like it (: Classes are semester based. So if you missed one intake, you will have to patiently wait for the next semester to roll by.

I have some classmates who were from KLS previously. They speak really fluent Korean and their foundation seems rather strong. However, I overheard that the textbook was crap cos the structure is bad.

Also understand that classes are conducted 90% in Korean. So you either buck up and catch up or get lost in translation.

The school organises several Korean activities too. And is the place administering the TOPIK exam.

Score: N.A.

Would recommend it if you like to be plunged into the deep end to learn. I’m not

Talk to Me in Korean
Textbook: None.

This was where I started before even heading to NUS Extension. The lessons are really interactive and fun (:

So if you want to “stress test” your interest in the Korean Language, you can go to the site and listen to their lessons. They are FREE! But you can also choose to buy the lessons in bulk.

They have video lessons that touch on common drama phrases, the latest lingo and stuff. Really fun! (:

 

So that’s it from me! Hope this helps. Otherwise, do drop me a note!

My first bad encounter with Samsung.

Background information:

I have been a Samsung user for the past 12 years. It started with the A800, then the pink rectangle flip phone (which my dad is using now), a Samsung Omnia, a Galaxy S and now a Galaxy S3. From the chain of Samsung phones I have, I think you can tell that I am quite a huge fan of Samsung. But why wouldn’t I?

I changed my A800 out of vanity. My pink rectangle flip phone is still working awesome! Omnia is also working fine (though laggy). Galaxy S is with my brother.

Plus, the Samsung Service Centre was always awesome. There was once my Omnia speakers was faulty for an entire day but when I was at the service centre, it started working again! I related my experience to the CSO and she still insisted on taking the phone in. When I collected the phone, not only was the speakers changed. They found out that some other parts of Omnia was failing so they changed it for me too. Best part was…I didn’t have to pay for the other parts (but I paid for the speakers).

The Samsung Galaxy S3 incident

It started sometime after CNY. I realised that my S3 was started freezing more and more frequently. I had to force reset it all the time. Sometimes, I have to take out the battery cos it just wouldn’t respond. After much googling, I did a factory data reset. Painful but if it helps, why not.

3 weeks after the factory data reset, the phone started freezing again. And this time, it will restart itself too. I would know cos I have the Home Button application on. Once, I woke up at 6am to find that S3 restarted itself during the night. I started the Home Button app again and went back to sleep. At 7.30am, the Home Button was gone.

Worried, I called the Customer Service Hotline. You can read about the incident here.

At the Service Centre

I brought my hp down to the PS branch today for servicing as advised by the CSO who called me after my Facebook post above. I went with the impression that S3 will be given a new motherboard cos of all the comments and feedback by fellow S3 on my FB post.

Collected my temporary phone and stuff. Was served by an awesome lady called, Medly (I think).

At 4+ in the afternoon, I was told that my hp is ready for collection.

When I went down, I was told by a CSO (Jamie) that they only did a software upgrade for me. I asked her how that would help solve my problem since I update my phone whenever I was prompted. She went to the backroom to check and came back a minute later. She said that a software upgrade is different from a software update. When I asked how is it different, she went to the backroom again. One of her colleague, Kenneth, tried to be helpful and said that a software upgrade removes bugs while an update just updates. Okkkaaaaayyyy. So I asked the next natural question, “Why is it that the bug occurs 9 months after I bought the phone?” Both of them went to the backroom to ask.

Jamie came back and said that their technician believes it is a software problem. I repeated my story of how a data reset didn’t help and how fellow S3 users with the same problem resolved their issue with a change in motherboard. Jamie couldn’t answer and went to the backroom AGAIN.

When she came back she told me, “The technician couldn’t find anything wrong with your motherboard.” My next question was…What are the steps that the technician took to check my motherboard? Because, I really dont think they even check it.

She went to the backroom again. When she came back, her answer was, “Why not you just take your phone back, monitor it for awhile. If the problem persists, you can come back and insist on a motherboard change.”

At this point, I was beyond boiling point. If you are so sure that my motherboard has no problem, why would you even say that?

Jamie went to the backroom again.

When she came back, “It’s not your motherboard problem. If software upgrade doesn’t help, it’s probably your battery.”

OMG. I was ready to bite her head off.

If it’s a battery problem, my hp won’t hang. If it’s a battery problem, it will be sudden death. All my symptoms DO NOT point to a battery problem.

I was being smoked. DO I LOOK LIKE A BLIPPING BIMBO TO YOU?

I told Jamie to help find out what the technician did to check my motherboard. She went to the backroom again and didn’t come out for a long while. When she came out, her manager was with her. The manager went, “Hi Ms Wu, I don’t know what our technician did to check your motherboard but…”

Not wanting to hear any more excuses, I cut him off, grabbed my hp and left.

Seriously.

I am going down to the service centre again tomorrow (I think). The phone hanged so many times while I was setting up my Facebook and Whatsapp. The usual suspects tried to help me but it hung so much….Sigh.

I took some video of the hp hanging that I am going to show to the CSO tomorrow. Let’s just hope that my problem will be solved soon.

I am really not unreasonable. I just don’t like to be fobbed off. If you don’t know, say you don’t. Don’t give me some lame excuses that doesn’t even make sense (uninstall your whatsapp! it’s your battery!).

So Samsung, one last chance.

it’s a wrap, everyone.

Someone once told me that time flies once you cross age 21. I didn’t really believe it back then but 2012 seems to pass by so painfully slow and so lightning fast at the same time.

In short, 2012 was a year of concerts and travels. 5 concerts (SS4, Big Bang, MAMA, SMTown, a1) and 4 trips (Korea, BKK, Penang and HK)!

I have always loved travelling. Year after year, I will keep grumbling about how I am not travelling enough. But now, even though I have travelled so much, I am still not happy.

It seems like in 2012, I have fallen into the vicious cycle that I have always told myself not to fall into – working hard just for the next holiday/trip. It’s sad, isn’t it? I guess it’s all part of growing up.

Anyways! Look at me, complaining and complaining. Tsktsk.

Many things to be thankful for! I wouldn’t have gone back to Korea if YiQi hasn’t asked me along (: Wouldn’t have explored Gyeongju, Busan and DMZ if she hadn’t been so accommodating! And I also made her go to all the touristy place in Seoul which she has already been to 고마워,이키씨!

@ Sungkyungkwan University

And of course, there’s QQ, Mabel and Kim. The other 3 trips were kind of unplanned. It just sorta happened. Thank you for being so sporting! <3 <3

The concerts. Oh the concerts! I told myself at the start of 2012 (right after SS4) that, “THAT’S IT! NO MORE CONCERTS!” But then….a1 came along and I dragged Sivan along with me. Big Bang came along and Karen/Kim/Elaine and I hopped along. SMTown! WOOHOOO! And MAMA was just totally unexpected (:

At these concerts, I can’t help but feel that I am really getting old. Well, maybe except for the a1 concert where half the concert-goers were people my age or older But for the other 4 concerts, I feel rather old. I can’t out-yell the young people and I swear, everytime they stand up, I just want to shout, “YO! SIT DOWN!!”. It’s tiring, please! HAHAHA!

Work-wise, it has been a series of ups and downs. I shan’t elaborate much, this is after all a public domain. But the colleagues are still awesome! I think it’s just more of me. Yes, it’s the old, “It’s me, not you them.” thing. I mean, I am 25 and officially in the quarter-life crisis stage!

Family wise..Thank you, God for looking after all of this year (:

Anyways, 2012 has been…I won’t say tough but it has certainly not been smooth. I entered this year with so much expectations but somehow they have been kinda met and not met at the same time?

Whatever. In less than 24 hours, 2012 will be over. So, here’s to a better 2013! More travelling and more concerts please! (: And I must do something about personal development too! As usual, I need travel buddies! So give me a holler if you wanna travel!

AJA AJA!!

Letter from 24 year me!

Annyeong!

After 24 years, you finally got surprised by surprises (: What can I say. Getting old eh?

The 24th birthday was spent rather well, I think. With colleagues, family and SPP. And also, SNSD concert! Heee.

How has the past year been? I hope the wonderful celebration didn’t jinx the year for you.

What is Ah Yong’s vocation @ NS? Has he gotten used to life there? 10 more months till he ORD. Is he excited? Still grumbling about life in camp but at least he is coming home everyday (:

How about Da Jie? Has she finally settled down into her job or has she changed her job yet again? Hmm. She’s working hard!

Are the parents okay? Grams? I hope you are okay too. AND I HOPE YOU ARE SAVING! AT LEAST 20K! If not, you are spending way too much! Yes, everyone is okay (: And no, the savings has barely moved! 4 concerts, 4 trips…How to save?

Is the laptop still surviving? Still on Android or now a full-fledged iOS user? Lappy died But am on a Samsung now! Yes, a happy S3 user!

A year seem so far away. But seeing how last year went, it’s not THAT far away.

Do you have a boyfriend? Hopefully, it’s still independent woman FTW.

Are you still shooting? Lesser now. MUCH.
Still learning Korean? KLPT certified? Stopped
Have you gone back to Korea in winter? Went back in Spring (: Autumn next!
What other places have you travelled to? Penang, Thailand and HK!

Lasik soon? Aniyo~

I hope everyone is doing okay. I dont know why I have this uneasy feeling as I type this. I hope it’s just me being paranoid. You’re right

Hey you! Whatever it is, you will get through this!

And also, remember to thank God for watching over everyone in the family (and you).

TAKE CARE, YO!!!

Am much more jaded than I was last year. But ah well. Another year has passed…

petty or not?

I don’t place alot of emphasis on my birthday. Really. My most “happening” birthday was at age 9 and 21?

To me, my birthday is really just another day. In terms of celebration, it’s really the thought that counts. It doesn’t have to be extravagant or anything. A simple cake or a simple meal will make me happy! As long as the thought is there, it’s the BEST birthday ever. Like last year. A cake with the family, followed by a dinner with the girls.

I don’t know if I am petty but my mum really pushed me to my limits this year. This was what she told me yesterday -

Mum: For your birthday, you order Pizza ok? I pay lah. We eat birthday noodles on Sunday.

I was really too shocked to say anything so I just made some kind of noise and agreed. After some thinking last night, I thought of a perfect solution and told her.

Me: Why not we have noodles on my actual day since I will be home?

Mum: No. Sunday I have more time.

Me: Okay. Then can you get sis to order the pizza instead?

Mum: You order lah. I pay you.

And just like that, she walked away. OMG.

I don’t know. But really. I rather that she don’t do anything on my birthday and just buy me a cake than this!

I know my parents don’t know how to order from Pizza Hut so maybe that’s why she asked me to. But excuse me, the last I check, I have 2 siblings?
Or at least give me the food items that you want? Ask me to show you the website and tell me what you want?

Plus, what’s up with the “I pay you” part? Come on, man! There’s no thought in this ‘celebration’ at all! The thought is probably “It’s Huishan’s birthday. I spend money = she will be happy.”

And the siblings. The sister was sitting next to us when my mum first told me to order Pizza on my own. She didn’t even offer to help. Nuggets. FYI, I cracked my head to think of new places to bring them on each of their birthday ok?!

To think I wanted to bring the family out and treat them to dinner for my birthday. FORGET IT.

Anyway, I am going to give 2 options tomorrow – noodles or 雷茶 on my birthday. She cooks 雷茶 on weekdays all the time so I don’t see how she will have no time.

Why do I have the feeling that she says she has no time because of her karang guni ‘business’?  

Happy Employees’ Day!!

I really don’t know it started. Maybe it was during one of the many discussions that we had. Or maybe it was because we realised how an once-off event seem to be so popular. Or maybe, it was from one of “my” suggestion that was pushed external and now being pushed internally.

Whatever it is, it is happening.

Happy Employees’ Day, my fellow colleagues!
Have a break and get pretzy!! (:

The journey of planning and working towards this day was tough. Going through the long list of names and then segregating them by location and unit. Thinking of what to give. Going through that long list of names again because we realised there were mistakes. Having to reconsider what to give. Packing. Going through the list again. Packing. Delivery. Some tears were shed (mine ). Some awkwardness appeared.

BUT IT’S ALL WORTH IT!! 

I really don’t think there needs to be a reason as to why we are having this day. It’s just a simple action to brighten everyone’s day (: Those who knows me have experienced my random ‘gifting’ moments will understand this

Also, treat it like an internal friendship day! Take a break, gather around with your colleagues, take photos (yes, it’s kinda compulsory!), talk.

Colleagues are after all the people whom you spend most of your weekday with. And they are the ones who can make your day. And, they are one of the few who will be there for you when days are tough. So, press Windows Key + L and enjoy that box of Pretz with your colleagues (:

To my colleagues, thank you for helping to plan this event! Especially to Viv who came down and guided us through centre to distribute the goodies (: To the co-ordinators for each units, thank you for helping (yes, I am going to start hounding you soon!)

And to Chromatics and First Food, thank you for delivering the goodies so quickly to us!

Munch away!!!