in any case, i think it is very disheartening when people like to compare, group people together. often groups of people are made up of different types of people.. you get a mix everywhere you go. there is no exception. often, we realise that we are talking about individuals here.
it is the same, when expats in singapore cry murder about singaporeans and their behaviour.. they are to be abhorred. when we singaporeans cry foul about expats.. it becomes a buddy buddy thing. maybe a sense of identity is derived from this comradely session. who knows?
Yes I agree its disheartening, I didnt know what it would be like when I left my country.
All I knew was I wanted something different and to experience new things whatever that maybe.
I come to the job in Singapore with alot of apprehension, as didnt know what to expect, how people would see this *ang moh* as taking their jobs etc ... lots of unknowns.
So as I have learnt over the years *what to do* so worked at my job. I come to Singapore with the attitude, *when in rome do as the romans do*, no choice, new country, new laws, different society everything new.
I also learnt that there are many talented people here. The workers I had under me were at the start, distrusting, always trying to test me. The only way the workers would accept me and then work with me was to earn their trust, show them yes I can do the job just as well as they can. Luckily for me, I could do that. In my case, I was able to, the workers accepted me, took me into their homes at CNY, Hari Raya, introduced to all sorts of *food*, learnt here very quickly dont ask what I was eating.
We all worked together for 8 years at this company till I was laid off in 1998, which led me to doing freelance work for other companies till taking the big step of starting my own company in 2000, which has taken as lot of sacrifice, hard work, long hours and surviving 2 economic downturns.
You are right that some people will only see what they want to see.
Do I like Singapore yes, I have been here 20years, its safe, clean, a different life as to what I was used to, but its called adaption. Everyday is a new challenge and I never know what it will bring.
For me I thought the world was where I was, it wasnt till I moved away, and learnt that there is much much more on the other side of the fence.
Agree many societies have the bad element, when at home little angels, when away the devil comes out.
Do I love my country and have pride, yes, could I ever live back there No, because I dont think I can adapt back to that lifestyle.
Treat Others as You Would Have Them Treat You!
Cheers ....
