Singapore celebrates the 60th anniversary of its independence August 9th, this Saturday, 1965-2025.
A lot has been written about Singapore: about its economic success, its role in global trade, and its education system, for example. Rather than contribute to that discussion, I’d like to attempt something more intimate: to provide an inside look at the experience of growing up in a country during a time when it transitioned from third world poverty to first world affluence, to explore my motivations for leaving the security and stability of that world behind in search of new experiences, and to share how that journey, spanning both my country of origin and my country of adoption, has influenced how I think about how I engage with the wider world around me.
Beginnings
Some of my earliest childhood memories are captured in this piece, which describes the impoverished roots which most Singaporeans of my parents’ generation came from. These are among my most vivid memories; they played a foundational role in influencing my early attitudes to work and desire to make the most of every opportunity.
Helping Hands (DB Exclusive, 6.25.24)
I attended middle and high school in Singapore, where every morning we would gather in a school hall, sing the national anthem and say the pledge. As we went through the morning ritual, my eyes would drift to a wooden board mounted on the wall, where my dad’s name was inscribed at the top of a list titled “President’s Scholars”. He was one of the first …
Learnings
On a more lighthearted note, growing up in Southeast Asia exposed me to a wonderful world of ethnic cuisine and other epicurean delights, as noted in this essay. That exposure to different cultures made me curious about other parts of the world, the people who live there, and the history of their lands.
Drinking Game (2.19.25)
Because my dad’s job took him all over the world, I lived in several different countries as a child, before spending my teen years in Southeast Asia. I think that’s how I developed a taste for – indeed, a fascination with – local beverages.
Influences
In one sense, this piece has very little to do with Singapore, but it does illustrate how even decades ago, Singapore was very open to Western ideas and influence. This may help explain the large Singapore expatriate community and why so many of us have integrated well into foreign cultures.
Scotch Tapes (5.28.25)
I was born in India. When I turned two, I moved to Singapore, before schooling in Boston, then Washington D.C. I returned to Singapore for high school, then studied law in Cambridge, England, more law in Singapore, and still more law in Cambridge, Massachusetts. After working in Singapore, and then at Harvard, I finally landed in New York, where I’ve no…
Connections
My Singapore upbringing somehow seems to connect me to others in the most unexpected ways - as in this recounting of interesting personalities I encountered in Rome.
Layers (8.21.24)
The citizens of all great cities speak of home with pride, but what they emphasize can vary. I enjoy learning through conversations with locals what about their city keeps them enthralled.
Venturing
Singapore is a people magnet. Millions would love to live there. It’s safe, efficient and prosperous. So why does someone with the privilege of living there choose to reboot life in America? That’s not an easy question to answer. But this essay is a start.
Adopt/Adapt/Adept (7.2.25)
Friday is Independence Day. It has been 25 years since Florence and I chose to leave Singapore to make the United States our home away from home. After graduating from college, we found work here, made friends here, started our family here, bought a house here, raised our children here, and built our lives here.
To everyone in Singapore: may you have a memorable and proud National Day this weekend.
Rahmat dan kedamaian (grace and peace),
J
Happy birthday to Singapore!!! And, thank you for your wonderful stories.
I love your essays. Thank you for all of them. Happy, happy birthday to Singapore!