Blending Cultures: My Singapore Story

My first visit to Singapore as a tourist in 2016 was a captivating experience . I remember walking through the city and being struck by how seamlessly Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Western influences blended together. From the architecture to the festivals and the variety of foods, everything reflected the city’s rich mix of cultures. This initial visit left me with a deep appreciation for Singapore’s diversity, though it was just a fleeting glimpse. In 2017, I returned to Singapore for a month, and this time, I had the chance to truly experience the city’s diverse culture. Living in a local neighborhood and interacting with residents daily, I began to understand the layers of culture that make Singapore unique. One of my standout memories from this time was celebrating Chinese New Year with a local family I had become friends with. I was warmly welcomed into their home, where I joined in the festivities, from the lively lion dances to the striking red lanterns. Participating in the tossing of yu sheng, a traditional salad for prosperity, was a delightful experience. The joy and togetherness of the celebration were palpable, and their hospitality made me feel like part of their family. Another highlight was dining at MTR, a South Indian vegetarian restaurant. I was surprised to see that nearly half of the diners were from non-Indian backgrounds, all savoring the rich flavors of the dishes. It was heartening to see so many people from different cultures coming together over food, showcasing Singapore’s ability to unite diverse traditions through shared experiences. Living in Singapore also exposed me to practices quite different from my own. I was struck by the discipline of the locals, especially their commitment to queuing in an orderly fashion. The national pride and integrity were evident everywhere—people took great pride in their country's cleanliness, safety, and progress. The efficient public transportation, the blend of modernity with tradition, and the mutual respect among different communities were truly impressive. These experiences left a lasting impression and became a cornerstone of my current journey at Nanyang Business School. The cultural insights I gained in Singapore have been invaluable, helping me to build meaningful connections and work effectively with classmates and professors from all corners of the globe.