Each time we travel or visit a new country,
we gain new experiences and new perspectives. For me, Singapore is an
intriguing blend of Western modernity and Asian culture. For first-timers, it’s
an excellent way to be introduced to living in Asia. Within a total area of
roughly 700 square kilometers, you’ll find gleaming skyscrapers, Chinese
shophouses, Malay mosques, Hindu temples, and endless chains of air-conditioned
shopping malls.
Also, Singapore is extremely safe, clean, and green – proud of its reputation as a Garden City. In the aspect of safety, you literally don’t have to worry about walking late at night, but of course the usual precautions would still apply. One interesting thing I find here that is different from my home country, is the myriad of shopping malls found at almost every MRT station! The public transport system in Singapore is extremely fast and efficient, and will whizz you to your destinations without fuss. Trains, buses and taxis are very clean and have air-conditioning. I also find that Singaporeans tend to be quiet and prefer a silent environment, especially on public transport. I've observed that it's usually uncommon for them to smile to strangers or say ‘Hi’, and on public transport, most do not speak loudly and are usually glued to their phones. However, once I get to know them, they are quite warm and friendly.
Also, Singapore is extremely safe, clean, and green – proud of its reputation as a Garden City. In the aspect of safety, you literally don’t have to worry about walking late at night, but of course the usual precautions would still apply. One interesting thing I find here that is different from my home country, is the myriad of shopping malls found at almost every MRT station! The public transport system in Singapore is extremely fast and efficient, and will whizz you to your destinations without fuss. Trains, buses and taxis are very clean and have air-conditioning. I also find that Singaporeans tend to be quiet and prefer a silent environment, especially on public transport. I've observed that it's usually uncommon for them to smile to strangers or say ‘Hi’, and on public transport, most do not speak loudly and are usually glued to their phones. However, once I get to know them, they are quite warm and friendly.
Something I find quite notable is the culture of youths in
Singapore. Among the local friends I made from my classes in NTU, I observed
that they have a high level of self-discipline and self-esteem. Some of them
attribute it to their experiences in National Service and in volunteering projects, where
they learn about important aspects that build up their character. Some of my
Singaporean friends have also expressed that growing up in this culture and society also
meant coping with a lot of competition and high expectations. Nevertheless, I
find their spirit quite admirable once I understood their background and
context of thinking. The characters portrayed by my Singaporean friends really
motivate me, as they are brilliant, hardworking individuals who will strive and
devote 120% effort to achieve excellence in academics, careers, and life goals.
From my experience living in Singapore, I can conclude that this is a city that requires high effort to be rewarded with a high quality of life. My Singaporean friends correlate this with the good governance that provides adequate and inclusive attention to the needs and wants of all its citizens. Indeed, I can sense a very well-built ecosystem within this country, and that compels its citizens to become better together. This is something I think we can learn about as future youth leaders from foreign countries, gathered here by the TF LEaRN programme in NTU, on how we can adapt similar visions and mindsets from Singapore’s national identity.
Life is a journey, and journeys shape our life. This, is my experience of life in Singapore. What’s yours?
From my experience living in Singapore, I can conclude that this is a city that requires high effort to be rewarded with a high quality of life. My Singaporean friends correlate this with the good governance that provides adequate and inclusive attention to the needs and wants of all its citizens. Indeed, I can sense a very well-built ecosystem within this country, and that compels its citizens to become better together. This is something I think we can learn about as future youth leaders from foreign countries, gathered here by the TF LEaRN programme in NTU, on how we can adapt similar visions and mindsets from Singapore’s national identity.
Life is a journey, and journeys shape our life. This, is my experience of life in Singapore. What’s yours?