Comments on: What it means to be Singaporean

By: Thomas Loh

Thomas Loh — Sun, 02 Oct 2005 08:59:03 +0000

I have read your blog. I have been fighting with the banks, the legal system and the government of Singapore where I sued the banks for banking negligence. Till todate, I am still fighting because of the several obstacles posed by the government with the blessings of the court.

Read my blog at sgpvictimise.blogspot.com and let me have your comments.

By: Sh

Sh — Tue, 17 May 2005 08:27:57 +0000

Hmm I may not like the Singapore system - the education is so rigid that does not allow one to pursue their interests fully, the lack of infrastructure for the handicapped, the lack of freedom of speech that resulted in a closed up society. But I do like Singapore not just for its food but for the sense of belonging i feel here… for the Singlish that is so uniquely ours and the acceptance of all ethic races. Most importantly I thank God for making me a Singaporean, why on earth do I deserve to own a pink IC, when i see so many people trying ways n means to come here either to study or to work… There’s always 2 sides to a coin.. The stability and peace we enjoyed may be at the expense of the lack of freedom.. Metritocracy has its value even if I don’t like the concept.. Juz some humble comments from an ordinary Singaporean waiting to find a job soon….

By: Doey

Doey — Sun, 15 May 2005 13:25:38 +0000

John doesn’t like singapore too.

By: Rajan Rishyakaran » Blog Archive » What does it mean to be a Singaporean?

Sun, 15 May 2005 12:20:56 +0000

[...] What does it mean to be a Singaporean?

Erase “Singapore” from this and you would have pretty much what I think about being M [...]

By: Cheron

Cheron — Sat, 14 May 2005 11:50:08 +0000

Hey, I’m a 14 year old student, female. I’ve gone through life here in top schools, am considered one of the elite and am still.. well, studying.

Every single time I go overseas (at my age with my family), I get homesick in less than 3 days. Even malaysia. Why’s that so? My family’s with me, I’m talking to my friends on msn, my grandfather on the phone every night. Because I consider Singapore my home. The spitting into drains… etc.

My parents are baby boomers, both from decent middle class families. My father works for the government so lets just say he’s more or less always politically correct. My mother on the other hand is less patriotic and definitely has almost no bond to “Singapore our homeland”. Both of them studied in England for 4-6 years. Lets just say my mother would not have left were it not for family obligations.

Perhaps in 15 years time you will find me living overseas. I do hope to go overseas to further my studies, thats for sure. To me, no matter where in the world I will choose to reside in, Singapore is still my home. If I do stay in Singapore, it is one of my wishes to join the PAP. You may be wondering which anal-retentive (as students of my type have been so called) person would want to join PAP? Have I been brainwashed by all the NE in school?

I can truthfully answer no. I always doubt whatever goody two shoes NE that MOE gives us. I want to join PAP because I believe I can ultimately make a difference.

By: Jack Chen

Jack Chen — Tue, 10 May 2005 19:15:14 +0000

I personally have been overseas and live and study there for some time, examined the subject of being a Singaporean and most importantly the question that everyone else asked you when you go overseas, ‘Are you going to apply for PR?’.

While serving NS, I came to know of protecting Singapore as protecting my love ones and my worldly possessions. For some reason, the notion of country is foreign to me. I do not know why, but I can’t say for certain that ‘Yes I will protect my country’. Seems to me that fellow NSFs I spoke to then can only confirm the sworn protection of ‘people, places and things’.

Before I go into possible reasons why we are all seemingly trying to flee, I asked myself ‘Can I fit in over there?’. Emigration is a huge decision to make, people are driven by persecution, economic resaons, war, et cetera to do so. It’s not just a simple tour of the place and then come running back.

I considered it and the answer is ‘no’. Plain and simple, I can’t describe myself as ‘Australian’, ‘American’, ‘Canadian’, ‘British’. Doesn’t seem right.

Some have adviced, ‘Just get a simple PR, doesn’t cost much and you can flee when things go south!’

I guess eventually, I came back to Singapore, sure, we don’t have lots of things that other countries have to offer. WE do have stuff here that other countries do not have as well.

A lot is being said about the culture and especially the political climate, I say that I will not turn and run, I will stay on and see what I can do, because I am a SINGAPOREAN doing it for Singapore.

By: nvrwhr

nvrwhr — Sat, 07 May 2005 09:59:33 +0000

What is the idea that is Singapore?

The ability of the human spirit to triumph against all odds. We believe that we can be the best, and we work at it, never letting up, never taking things for granted. We know how close to impossible it is for us to be of any standing in the world, but we try anyway. Sometimes, we approach things the wrong way, but we are but a young nation, still growing and learning. That, I believe, is the idea that is Singapore.

By: sympathique

sympathique — Thu, 05 May 2005 12:05:08 +0000

Well for me, I guess I’m living my lifelong dream- to get out of Singapore and live and study overseas..
But i’d have to say that the experince in general has made me think and appreciate Singapore more for what it is.. Sure I’m one of those who remember what it is for the things, people and places.. but well I guess thats one of the things that constitute the idea of country, home… Its easy out here to reminisce and idealize the idea of home and all..
Well I guess we were never really built on any particular set of ideals like america was, we were created essentially out of regional politics, forced by circumstances.. So i guess to expect that we should have some great overarching ideal that our country was built upon is kind of idealistic.. but anyways.. i say we should not try to define who we are because at least for me, i feel that thats just something that is very limiting, we can’t boil it down to things, people, places, ideas.. afterall nationalism and national identity is largely based on emotions, its not very tangible at all…
I say singapore is the feeling that you get when you meet other singaporeans overseas, that sense of commonality, through shared experiences, language etc.
well at least for me, my sense of national identity and patriotism (is that too strong a word?) is heightened when I’m out here… thousands of miles away from home.. but that could just be me i guess..

By: Singapore Watch

Singapore Watch — Thu, 05 May 2005 05:09:16 +0000

Is the Grass really Greener on the Other Side?

In a month’s time, I would finally be done with College. Well for now that is. In today’s world, they say a Bachelor’s ain’t enough, but that’s a decision for the far tomorrow. Being a soon-to-be fresh graduate, quite a number of people have asked…

By: 23 Degrees Off-Kilter :: To dissent or not to dissent? I dare not question. :: May :: 2005

Sun, 01 May 2005 11:44:39 +0000

[...] ght now at this moment in time. I guess because my priorities in life are in line with the Singaporean Ideal. I don’t crave freedom of speech, neit [...]