In Singapore For A Longer Time

I had just been granted permanent residency status in Singapore.

First paragraph of the approval letter from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority:

I had been thinking of applying for PR since the day I relocated here and it was just a matter of time before I decided to go for it. I actually had this in mind when I decided on my plans for 2008...

12. Decide what you want to happen in 2009 and 2010 and take drastic measures to ensure you have a clear view by October 2008

Click to view the rest of my plans for 2008

One of the "drastic measures" was to apply for residency and see how it goes. I have to say this recent development is a life-changing one. Imagine, being given the right to stay in a country that you really like. No amount of money can match that.

I saw a book a few months back during my shopping rounds ("1000 Reasons Why Singapore"). I didn't want to buy it then because that would only make me miserable if my PR application is not approved. I happily bought the weekend after I passed my PR formalities and got my new IC (identification card) claim stub from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority.


However, this doesn't mean I don't have my own reasons for wanting to stay. I've trimmed down a rather long list and wish to share with you the following:

1) I have a sense of control in this place

- Public transport is reliable, easy to navigate through, and reasonably priced. I can deliberately get lost walking around and taking random buses and still have a way to go back home. Traveling can be measured in minutes (and not with a disclaimer, "depending on the traffic")

- Majority of the people speaks English (Believe it or not, Singlish is already music to my ears).

- Mail services and online transactions are stable. When I have completed a transaction, I am sure that I have less reason to worry whether something wrong will happen in the process.

- There are street signs everywhere and almost every corner is on the map.

- I feel confident about reaching home in one piece.

2) I have a high level of admiration and respect for the locals here. I am satisfied with the company of local friends I keep. I am excited to meet many more.

- I love how simple the locals are, which can probably be traced back to the country's humble beginnings. I don't sense any pretentions in this country when I go around or hit the bars/clubs opposed to what I witness in the many cities I travel to in other parts of the world. I see a lot of people in plain clothes and flip flops (well, also an indication of how clean this country is). I don't have an idea of who are rich or poor (or maybe the affluent here focus on more meaningful things rather than flaunt what they have).

- It is easy to make friends here. I don't know whether this can be attributed to me being a foreigner and the fact that locals are used to meeting and interacting with people from different countries. Or it could be that the locals are generally trusting people which should be reciprocated with honesty and sincerity as well.

- It will be a shame to leave good friends behind. I would like to build on friendships I've made and even create new ones.

3) I can access the world through Singapore.

- Singapore is a regional business hub which opens a lot of opportunities for work ranging from local to regional jobs.

- There are lot of direct flights from Singapore to popular destinations (the title of my blog suggests I don't like connecting flights too much). Other nearby countries are a bus or ferry ride away.

- The past few years that I've stayed in Singapore has opened my eyes (and ears) to international festivals, films, and music. I never imagined I would like Mandarin music even if I don't understand the language. I'm sure picking up Mandarin will be a less painful desire now that I will be here for a longer time.

- There is a wide selection of cuisines and dining/entertainment areas that I have to look at monthly/weekly event guides seriously to ensure I don't miss out on anything.

4) Singapore will even be better in the years to come.

- The government is not corrput and is already efficient as it is.

- However, there is more to come: Integrated resorts, better government reforms, additional MRT stations, a more extensive urban development plan.

One of the many construction projects (new MRT) in Singapore.

I really feel that I've made the right decision to call Singapore my new home. It is also a wonderful birthday gift that has resulted in a renewed passion for ensuring that the next decade will be more exciting than the previous one.

American Idol

I initially said David Cook deserves to win but based on tonight's final competition, David Archuleta's performance was consistently strong. I was very impressed with the emotion he applied to each song and if that's an indication of how his future (original/remake) songs will be, then definitely, he deserves to win this year's American Idol.

Sentosa

I had an exciting Labour Day today, spent mostly with new friends who are part of the same church choir.

I initially met up with Evelyn at Bukit Purmei coffee shop and around 20 minutes later her husband Ben came over. It was then decided to head over Benson and Jeannie's place at Telok Blangah Rise after a brief stop to buy mee pok (noodles with minced meat).

We then made our way to Tanjong beach at Sentosa around noon and stayed there until late afternoon (I left around 4pm). That's the longest time I've ever been on a beach since 2004 (Thailand). I got a bit darker but still unnoticeable. It was also the first time I played frisbee c/o Andrew who also joined us that day.

Photos to follow.