1NSPIRING 0UTSIDERS Stories of international students in Singapore with a local twist Antonius Cong
1NSPIRING 0UTSIDERS Editor’s Note Welcome to Inspiring Outsiders. An intimate exploration towards the life of international students in Singapore. All the statements are retold by the author as part of integrating his story with each contributor, hence the third-person storytelling, This publication also includes remarks from some Singaporean friends who have stayed overseas for some time before coming back. You will be entertained with their story of living alongside diferent people and culture, while questioning their identity amidst the global context. All in all, thank you for purchasing this book. Enjoy reading the statements, and hopefully the contents help to spark questions of your purpose in society. Warmest regards,
Antonius
PATRICIA HARTANTO
Patricia is currently a freshmen in NAFA pursuing Diploma in Arts Management. She came to Singapore to study partly due to her parents’ wish. Nevertheless it was an option for her too because to her, Singapore has the capacity and environment to support her study in arts management. Coming from Surabaya, she developed mixed feeling of loving the food and family, while she shares that staying in her hometown simply will not help her develop personal skills. She remarks that punctuality is not as embraced in Surabaya compared to Singapore – a quality of which she is trying to develop on herself. She learned that people here are strict in a good way – very punctual and serious. As she admits of having time management problem herself, she hopes to eliminate her bad habit throughout her studies in Singapore. Her study experience over the past 10 months has been very resourceful. She learned through experience aside from academic studies by volunteering in various events and backstage crew.
One memorable volunteering experience for her is joining GAYA, a musical production by SMU Komunitas Indonesia. Joining as the SPL (Set, Props and Logistics) member, she elaborated on the touching process of making the props and her contribution to the visuals on the stage. Having part of her work seen by hundreds of audiences feels so surreal. In terms of interacting with Singaporean friends, she shared about one classmate who has helped her through thick and thin. She hates presentation, and having
a friend by her side helps to ease the tension and make her feel more in place. It was though her friend that she gains a platform to receive sincere feedback and gain her self-confidence. Writing is her side hobby. She loves to write and she considered majoring in creative writing. Not surprisingly, she cancelled the idea over the fact that she wants to keep writing as a passion and not to pursue it academically. As she dreams of becoming an event organizer (EO) planning for events and concerts, she foresees
her hobby in writing comes handy in content creation. Be it for her website, social media or self-promotion, she finds fresh stories engaging and appealing to the fellow youths. Her advice: Suck it up and have more self-confidence Coming to Singapore is not about luxurious and lavish lifestyle. The essence of studying overseas is to nurture yourself through living in the culture. As such, you need to consider the major of study, the intended university, the career prospect in one package. Lastly, remember to trust your heart.
GRACE ANGEL
Coming from Medan, Grace is one of my many underclassmen who came to Singapore to study. Currently, she is a sophomore in NAFA pursuing Diploma in Fine Arts, specializing in drawing and printmaking.
ou senior high school, but not very close at that time. We started getting closer last semester for a school project and cross-disciplinary elective alongside another friend of ours.
I have known Grace since
Her initial interests were drawing and painting
- even prior to attending NAFA, she has garnered a lot of school awards for artrelated contests. Currently, her interest has shifted into printmaking. I can see that she has explored diverse potential of her artistic journey.
He followed his brother to study in Singapore, partly due to its advanced study in art and technology. She wishes to prove to her parents that she will succeed in art than science. Despite doing relatively well, she felt it was not her calling.She
credited her firends to facilitate her steadfast adaption in Singapore; they are not entirely like the negatie stereotype of Singaporeans in general. Another thing I find her remarkable is the fact she is teaching in School of Young Talents. It is not an easy feat to cope her
work with her studies. With regards to her next step after studying, she plans to continue her studies in Singapore. She believes with a good education and certification, she can prove her own capability and push herself.
ERNEST SEAH
A: Hello. Good afternoon. E: Good afternoon.
A: How do you find coming back to Singapore after such a long time in NY? A: So first of all, could you E: Honestly, I am very introduce yourself and your adaptable. So, I’m lucky field of study? in that sense. I think also, E: My name is Ernest, and because I always think that you can call me Butter. I’m very adaptable because Because everyone knows I am not choosy of food. me as Butter. I’m majoring Because I am not fussy in Chinese Ink, which is the with food, that means you last batch here in NAFA. throw me anywhere, you throw me in Ethiopia, I will A: Ok. How long have you eat. I can eat anything. So been in Singapore? that helps a lot. Coming E: I have been in back of course, one thing Singapore, actually I was that bothers me is the born in Ipoh. I have been weather. Because I love a Singaporean, I am a cold weather and in check, Singaporean. I have been I love the blizzards and away to the States for a snow, very cold weather. while and come back for about 5 years. A: I see. Moving on, let’s get to the serious part. In A: Ok that’s very cool. your Chinese ink studies, What makes you come do you have any foreign back to Singapore? students studying in the E: Honestly, I was quite same major as you?
Most of them, they say Butter is an easier name to remember, which is very good.....so when I meet people from another country, I make sure I help them as much as I can, because I know how lost they can be disappointed that my dad passed away when I was not in Singapore. So now, I’m here to actually, you know, looking after my mother while she is still alive and around.
E: Oh yes. We have foreign students, two from China – Oscar and Annie. In fact, we even have a foreign race which is, you know, people think we Chinese take Chinese studies, but
we have one Malay. A: I see. So how do you find yourself interacting with international people, not just from your department, but also friends around NAFA, who are not Singaporean? E: Alright, good question, so it relates to, you might be wondering why my name is Butter. Besides, I like the name Butter. I realized that having the name Butter, the China nationals could pronounce my name properly. Because they can’t pronounce Ernest. Most of them, they say Butter is an easier name to remember for them, which is very good. Another thing is that, I always remember when I was a foreigner in New York, and the hospitality I got was so, as in how people treated me. So when I meet people from another country, I make sure I help them as much as I can, because I know how lost they are. A: That’s very interesting. Tell me what Singapore means to you. E: Well, I am a Singaporean now, so it’s my homeland, but the world is so small. So, is your home only in one place all the time? Things change, they always say the only thing constant is change. I don’t know what will happen in three
It’s learning from living by yourself in another country. “You’re going from one of the safest countries to one of the most dangerous countries ever”.
years’ time, especially in what we do called art, where it’s very international and according to the markets, the different markets that may be better for what we do. So, at the moment now, Singapore is home because I’m here, but it’s up to change.
been working in retail since a compromise. I was 14 years old. So, I’m very used to conversing A: Any future plan after and meeting people. studying? E: Yes, I want to really A: Let’s get back to the pursue my love of moment where you were education and therefore, at States. Or perhaps in hopefully I can set up a Singapore. What difficulty school and still practice. did you face when you first That’s my ideal job, interact with international because I never believe in A: Understood. So, Ernest, friends, especially those retirement, and something I understand that you’ve coming from a culture inspirational here is that I been working for quite you might not be familiar got a lecturer who is 85, 86 some time before coming about? years old. So, creating art back to NAFA to study. E: Alright. First of all, it has no age limit, you know. So as someone who has is language. Definitely I think I’m in a beautiful worked before, how do you language, and thank journey where there is no see yourself working with goodness because of age limit. international talents? the China nationals in my E: Okay. As you know class, my Mandarin has A: Cool. Last but not especially in Singapore, improved. I can finish a least, is there any you always say that whole sentence, which message towards fellow Singapore has so many is good. Cultural wise, Singaporeans towards foreign talents. So yeah, about eating. I realize just foreign talents? it’s good that foreign because I am not fussy E: Ummm…don’t be a jerk. talents, different races; I doesn’t mean everyone (chuckles) I see the way think I like, I always say else is not fussy at food. some people treat different my favorite dish, which When we go out together, people and it’s really awful is a Singaporean dish, is I realize people still have because knowing that rojak – which is everything their likes and dislikes, we live in a world with all together. In Indonesia just basically, everyone types of people, and we it’s called gado gado. I is different, so being do not live in a cave where love that, and I think that from a different culture, everything is you. Accept should be a Singaporean sometimes I listen how differences – I think that’s dish, because we always come they can love this good. Accept criticism, promote multiracialism. weather so much and you just be accepting that you So, we are used to seeing know, so…it’s just, for a are not the only one in this different people. Not person when you are in world, and therefore you like in States; there are a situation where, there have to know how to get certain states where they are people which, from along. I always believe in have never seen Chinese different places and so this saying, “It’s not how people before, somewhat many culture, learn to get you good you are at your really outback. So, the along. Learn and realize own, it’s how good you are thing is that, I’m very used (that) the world does not towards others”. That’s to dealing with different revolve around you. And very important. Thank you. people and like you said, I what do you call it… used to work before, I have compromise. Everything is
Well, I am a Singaporean now, so it’s my homeland, but the world is so small. So, is your home only in one place all the time?
Left - Ernest painting his artwork using various mediums. Bottom - Presenting his painting in different angle.
Top - Using human anatomy as his inspiration. Bottom - Taking a break.
I never believe in retirement, and something inspirational here is that I got a lecturer who is 85, 86 years old. So, creating art has no age limit, you know. I think I’m in a beautiful journey where there is no age limit.
BRANDON S.H. TEO
Brandon is a third-year student majoring in Graphic Communication. Hailing from Brunei Darussalam, his passion of art brought him to Singapore to deepen his understanding in the industry. He describes his hometown, Kuala Belait, as “a small, quiet and peaceful region”. Next, he shared his experience his journey in Singapore as intense; people’s walking pace and amount of work.
Magazine. He aspires to work on their content, design and graphic elements, which is why his study currently fits with his dream. As he is reaching 26 years old, he realized this is about time he started to work after graduation.
Note to self: not to worry, go with the flow Focus on your work and goal Passion will be the only thing moving you forward, and it is your biggest asset in life. To him, MRT is one of the bizarre His experience in SG helps him to be experiences he encountered in Singapore. more matured and resolved. In his adulting He remarked that he was not used to process, living here helps to nurture him walking and using public transportation and be more responsible, and have more since he drives back in Brunei. Culture self-confidence. wise, he felt living in Brunei is more straightforward as 90% the citizen If you don’t know how to break, you don’t speaks Malay. However, in Singapore, he know how much you can take. observes there are much more than just Be prepared, this is a different world. ethnic difference – language and people Everything is so privileged back in our behavior differ everywhere. hometown, the intensity and hard work in Even until now, studying in Singapore is quite hard. Everything requires deadline and precision. Having no prior knowledge related to graphic design increases his learning curve considerably. He remarks that, he was fortunate to have local friends who guided him towards the Singapore life. Places, signages, direction and slang – those four are his key takeaways. His dream is to work in internationallyrenowned publication like TIME
Singapore is real.
ALTHEA ISIS
Currently a freshmen majoring in Arts management, Isis is a Singapore PR with a Philippine passport. Isis came to Singapore when she was 4 year sold – this is her 14th year here. She jokingly shared that based on her duration of residence in Singapore, she could have become a citizen instead of PR, as it grants her more benefits and discounts. In recent years, she has gone back to Philippines for wedding, events and funerals from her extended family. She shared her opinion regarding Singapore’s lifestyle in comparison to that of Philippines: “Unlike in Singapore where time flies very fast, in Philippines you can feel time passing by. The fact that Singapore is so small, and everywhere is so accessible makes it more imminent.” The people’s mindset in Singapore is more open-minded and self-driven. In Philippines, people’s minds are revolving around the media at local TV shows. In Singapore, you don’t have time to do so. FLASHBACK It was 2005, the era where Singapore started accepting foreign talents across the world. During that time, it is not very common to have foreigners around. Intakes were not very high, and people were not accustomed to the situation. Especially among the younger age, the idea of having international friends may not be as celebrated as now. Filipino community was barely existent back then. Since she only fluent in speaking Tagalog, Isis had a hard time fitting in even inside the school.
As part of the school requirement to choose one mother tongue language, she chose Mandarin out of curiosity. That again proves to be another hurdle for her to overcome. As a result, she felt very lost and needed external classes to catch up with the school lessons. It took her quick to start enjoying Mandarin until a certain incident happen‌‌ She was assigned to another teacher in Primary 3, whom she finds very racist and inappropriate. To her, it was a huge turnback as at that time, she felt very passionate in learning new language. It was a bad experience, and for someone who was actually enjoying the process of learning new things, it was very discouraging. She attributed to her adaptation process in Singapore to her mother, whom is fluent in speaking English. She would taught her English during her 1-year gap before kindergarten. Currently, she is pursuing arts management for her love of art in general, and to provide opportunity to different disciplines. Arts bring her joy and comfort. Having friends from overseas reminds her of her early background as an international student. Her friends did experience similar hardship she faced before. With that, she hoped to be the bridge to guide them to Singapore and make them feel at home. In return, she experienced a lot of cultural exchange and local catchphrase. Regarding the impact of globalization, she remarks on how other countries are slowly becoming like Singapore – diverse in culture and very mixed up.
ZHANG YAN
Zhang Yan came from Tianjin to pursue her education. Her family finds that Singapore is a safe place to study and has adequate resource to support her studies. She remarks living in a developing city like Tianjin allows her to understand the growing pace of different countries. This enabled her to adapt relatively fast into Singapore. In terms of transportation, she shares that having public transportation in an advanced country really shortens the transition time, unlike in her hometown where going to places would take hours. After studying for some time, she feels Singapore is indeed a place for her to develop and mature. The education system, particularly on group work, has enabled her to share insights, identify project loopholes and occasionally, exchange of culture. During her interaction time in Singapore, she finds Singaporeans very helpful throughout her assignments and projects. Unlike the negative stereotypes posed towards the locals, she instead benefitted a lot from their rich insights, extensive learning and work experience.
Understanding others begins from grasping their culture, and that’s what she feels upon interacting with other international friends from various countries. She wishes that upon graduation, she could do whatever her heart says and not based on others’ expectations. Singapore is a very small and good place. Cherish the time you make with friends and experience the local vibe, not as a tourist, but as a ‘temporary resident’ Despite her initial wish to pursue piano performance in NAFA, she never regretted coming to the graphic communication department. The learning curve is high because of her inadequate knowledge about graphic design, despite that she is grateful of where she is now. Goodluck and polish your English before coming here. Cherish your time, as three years can come and go in a blink of an eye. If you’re ready, a new challenge awaits here.
SURYA G. ALI
Year 3, School of Information Systems He has been in Singapore since 12 years old. This is his 9th year here. He is born in Indonesia, but he grew up in Singapore – that causes an identity conflict within him. Upon his early arrival in Singapore, language is one of his main issues. In a multicultural country, it is not uncommon to hear three languages mixing into one sentence. Surprisingly, schooling is not part of his problem because him coming from IB School in Indonesia. Looking for friends is also a challenge because of the differences, but over time it became easier. In terms of identity and belonging, he prefers to incline himself towards Singapore than Indonesia. As quoted from Surya, “Although it is true I was born in Indonesia, I spent my whole teenage years in Sinagpore. As my
teenage years shape most of my mindset right now, I would say my life in Singapore is more memorable and life-changing compared with my experience back in Indonesia.” During his early years in Singapore, his friends told him that he talks really fast – something that he finds common even amongst his Indonesian friends. Despite that, he was very grateful to have friends who accepted him for who he is and helping him to fit in the community. He described it as “All the small action that goes a long way.” Currently, he has just stepped down as ICON Chairman after a one-year tenure. ICON is an extracurricular activity to promote inclusivity amongst the international and local friends in SMU. His duty is to oversee the welfare, integration, event management and marketing department of the group.
When asked about difference of interaction between fellow Indonesian, Singaporean and friends from different countries, he said, “To me, the factor is not nationality, but the chemistry with the people. Perhaps cultural difference is not the only factor in play. It goes back to the basic idea that you just cannot be friends with everyone – it drives you nuts.” One of his memorable experiences during his tenure is during a cycling event hosted by the integration department. Initiated as part of deepen the relationship with international student, participants were engaged in a city-wide cycling activity across some of Singapore’s landmark. Throughout the session, the students exchange insights of the country and likewise, some of the exchange students shared their thoughts about living in Singapore. When asked about adapting
quickly in Singapore, he shared that mutual acceptance and learning from each other are two integral parts to keep the ball rolling. Being the middleman, communicate with different category of people and decision-making skills – these are few things to mention that he has learned during his time in Singapore. “Coming at young age is beneficial. Don’t worry too much, people here are more accepting than you think; just be yourself, but always remember to be adaptive and learn from experience”
JESSICA CHRISTY
Year 3, Fashion Design She plans to challenge herself in living a self-guided study experience, which she would not have experienced had her stayed back in Indonesia. During her early arrival in Singapore, she felt a lot of differences compared to her hometown. Time feels much slower, and so are the conversation and walking pace. She felt there is a wider degree to discuss things deemed sensitive in Indonesia, such as LGBTQ. Night life is more vibrant. Initially, she felt studying in Singapore was a big hurdle due to the unfamiliarity towards the environment and lack of friends. Regarding the importance of friends, she feels relieved to have company from the same hometown; to whom she could share her thoughts during her early stage and ask for design ideas. The fact that they come from different majors also helps her to identify gaps she could not have found with a single perspective.
Singapore, to her, is a place where she tried a lot of stuff, where she could not have done back in her hometown, thus honing her spirit as an adulting teen. When asked about how she interacted with local friends, she shared that people tend to be more friendly and gather around during certain gatherings/events – typical Singaporeans. That is why she hardly has close Singaporean friends. On the other hand, most Indonesian friends whom she encountered during her study years have become her besties. In terms of behavioral pattern across friends from different nationality, she remarked that their diverse behavior does not necessarily relate back to their city of origin. She shared one example of her Balinese friend, who still maintain a good moral value despite the stereotype of Bali being a city of entertainment, clubs and party for the youngsters. Her dream in the long run is to establish a fashion boutique alongside her sister. For that to happen, she plans to work in Singapore as a fashion illustrator and concept designer while fulfilling her 3-year tuition grant contract. Her advice: Be confident, be aware of people’s attention. Seize chances, and be open to people. It’s not easy being in Singapore, competition gets tougher and tougher. If you seek the better you, come and explore the ‘golden mine’.
ROXANNE LEE
Fashion Design, BA To her, having international students in her class feels normal, because Singapore is so diverse, so to her it does not mean much difference. Singapore is her homeland, where she grows up. Part of the reason she adapts quick with people is that she travels a lot. She went to Australia and lived for 3 years. To her, the world is her home. Nevertheless, at the end, Singapore is her origin and it carries a sentimental value wherever she is. During her interaction with international friends, she often receives feedback being overly friendly and intimidating at first glance. At the same time, she hears them out and learn their different gesture and customs. Cultural exchange is something she upholds dearly alongside her friends. “In the creative industry, people may look at things differently, especially when it comes to culture. Be it in the context of symbolism and education, it always provides new perspective and interpretation. Those exchange of ideas simply makes up to the rich heritage and modern relation to where we are now.�
In using culture to celebrate her work, it goes back to her origin as a Peranakan. She remarks that as designers, she is the forefront to promote her culture through her works. It goes the same with the rest of her classmates. As a result, their work embody diverse and modern outlook of culture. When asked about her favourite place in Singapore, she answered Haji Lane and Arab Street. To her, those two places have the most Singapura vibe – multicultural and united. If this is about relationship, people should not be tolerant, but understanding. There is a difference to it. Tolerant means tolerating without understanding their perspective. There must be understanding and adaptation. Adjust to each other upon understanding the reasoning, then accept the uniqueness. At the end, those are the two important factors in play.
AUGUSTINE SOLOMON
Y3, Illustration & Animation “In Philippines, there are indeed good schools, but it is not the best place to learn arts.� He lives in the suburb area of Metro Manila where he could meet and mingle with friends. Upon arrival to Singapore, he experienced an immense culture shock. The fast-paced
environment was unlike Manila, partly due to its well-coordinated transportation system and the availability fo public transportations. Interestingly, he remarked that “in Singapore, there’s nowhere you can hide from attention”. The fact that surveillance camera are everywhere means our privacy are considerably limited. It is difficult to remain incognito at times. You need to put your best foot forward in everything. That is one sacrifice we need to pay for the price of living in a country reputed as one of the safest in the world. In terms of living space, he stated that he is alright with the limited space. As an illustrator, he simply needs a computer and pen tablet to do his activity. With that he does not mind sharing a flat with eight fellow international students. While coming to Singapore brings about cultural diversity and people, he sees this as an opportunity to observe different art style and design process from his peers. He admitted his reliance on people, picking up on what their process and approach. His favorite philosophy is of Pablo Picasso’s quote, “good artists borrow, great artists steal”. He constantly learn from each other and in return, he would impart some inspiration to his peers. His study experience has been good so far, he found himself fit in more in Singapore than in Philippines. Everyone in the school is like-minded unlike in his previous college in Philippines. With regards to his craft, he stated that NAFA provided him opportunity to explore different craft/ style and potential careers.
He admitted that he had a fragmented dimension in his art, which is the reason he would focus on one craft. Initially, he entered NAFA to pursue interest as a comic book artist. Over time, his interest has shifted into concept artist, dealing with conceptualizing and painting new designs. For someone who has drawn since 7 years old and pursued it since 14 years old, I feel he has experienced a lot of turbulence and hardship while discovering his forte. Having international friends enriches him to establish a community and exchange of culture. As the norm is diversity, it is not hard for him to eventually gain a lot of friends around. Occasionally, they would share insights and racist jokes in moderation as a way to bond each other. When asked further about how his studies in NAFA shaped his way of viewing things, he shared an interesting story of space and time. Back in Philippines, he viewed things as a spatial, loose grey. However, in Sinagpore, he observed a constraint in time and everything looks white. Leaning in NAFA makes him realize of his potential in illustration, and that intense craftsmanship is required for him to work his way out. Another educational stop he would like to venture is through a design school called FZD. In his change of aspiration, he credited his lecturer, Dominic Foong, to shape his mindset in illustration design and career direction. Having said that, he also credited NAFA to have shaped his scope of design of more than just illustration, to the point where he feels like an art scholar.
WHAT’S NEXT? After listening to everyone’s voice and synthesized their stories with my remarks, I get to these four conclusions: 1. For most overseas students, it is a hands-down statement that Singapore undergoes a fast-paced life; having said that, don’t forget to look back. 2. Everyone’s living their very best in their own way, forging through their own path and create their story. As much as it is challenging, successes and failures are what create our story - embrace them all. 3. The virtue of learning from others’ stories. As we are social beings, we cannot simply survive by ourselves. In most cases, observing people behavior proves to be an effective method to get the kick back. 4. Whatever you have learnt during your studies in Singapore, make sure it fits your purpose in the first place - what you are trying to achieve. Now I have told you part of my story. A story that is created through others’ stories A mind that is synthesized from collective sources. What is yours?
Photography + Design Antonius Cong @antoncong
Contributors Augustine Solomon Brandon Teo Soon Huat Ernest Seah Chien Soon Giron Althea Isis Canonizado Grace Angel Jessica Christy Patricia Hartanto Roxanne Lee Qian Hui Surya Gunawan Ali Zhang Yan
Special Thanks Andrew Phang Cynthie Renata Koh Eng Chiu
Copyright 2019 by Antonius Cong No unauthorized reproduction of any part of this publication without written consent.
1NSPIRING 0UTSIDERS is an intimate exploration of international students’ journey in Singapore and the moulding of their respective identity over time.
This book is written in a third-person view to establish an integrated opinion of the author alongside the factual accounts of each interviewee.
