Six local and expatriate Lion City dwellers reveal what they love most about the country they call home.
In a National Day celebration, we pay tribute to the Lion City by asking readers what they love most about this island paradise...
Singapore's an exciting place, always buzzing with opportunities. It's also an extremely efficient country. I've fulfilled a lifelong dream and started my own business here and the experience has been wonderful. The system is straight forward and government agencies are very transparent and willing to help. I like the way Singapore is constantly growing, from the F1 to Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa. Whenever friends or family visit, I always have something new to experience with them. And they leave with a great impression of the country I live in.
Amanda Edwards, Owner of Tall Trees Consulting, British, seven years in Singapore, Employment Pass holder
As an entertainer, I've tried looking for work abroad in countries such as London, Sydney and Los Angeles, but honestly, Singapore has the best job opportunities. I'm proud to call Singapore home because it will always be home to me. I hope the next generation works hard to ensure the nation remains a home we can be proud of.
Hossan Leong, Singaporean, Entertainer and cast member of The Hossan Leong Show
Singapore is a very liveable country since it's small and easy to get around. And because it's a hub, it's very easy to travel within Asia, making it straightforward for me to visit my patients around the region. I love the way Singapore is becoming more cosmopolitan and how it is home to a diverse group of nationalities from all over the world. It's heart-warming to see local children growing up with classmates from different backgrounds and nationalities.
Dr David Tio, Singaporean, Owner of Osteopathic Treatment Centre, Centre for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CCAM), Partner - Holistic Chiropractic
Singapore is extremely safe, very clean and offers young people a myriad of shopping and entertainment options. Public transportation is really efficient and I love how everyone respects their surroundings. I enjoy hanging out with my friends at Orchard Road because it has heaps of shops and restaurants, all within walking distance.
Emma McGlynn, Australian, Student at the Australian International School of Singapore,
19 months in Singapore.
I accompanied my husband, the Mexican Ambassador, as representatives aiming to build friendship and strengthen relationships between Mexico and Singapore. The people we meet are very friendly and I enjoy discovering this amazing city. The diversity of culture encourages us all to talk and better understand each other. I'm so proud of my Singaporean friends, especially those I met while participating in the Chingay Parade. I feel right at home when I meet my friends from different community centres. We can enjoy great Mexican workshops and learn more about each other's principles, cultures and values.
Claudia Gonzales, Diplomat, Mexican, 18 months in Singapore
Singapore is a very gracious and civil society. The people are polite, accommodating and very family oriented. Although my wife comes from a very traditional Chinese background, I was warmly welcomed into her family. Discipline is the most appealing part of living in Singapore for me - the society and its people have no tolerance for bad behaviour and it's a great environment to bring up my daughters. I'm proud to call Singapore home. In the span of
one generation, this city-state has built itself into a major trading hub and as a student of political science, Lee Kwan Yew offers a compelling, inspirational profile in leadership
and achievement.
John Driscoll, American & Singapore Citizen since April 2010, 27 years in Singapore, Senior Manager (Products), GS Caltex Singapore.
Posted Aug 2011
