From Singapore to New Zealand to China: What Living Abroad Taught Me

I never imagined I'd live abroad for over ten years. It wasn't a grand plan; it was a series of adventures, one decision leading to the next.

Looking back, my journey from Singapore to New Zealand and now China has reshaped me in many ways. It's influenced how I communicate, solve problems and understand myself better. Living and working overseas isn't just about discovering how others live, it's about unlearning and relearning parts of yourself.

🇸🇬 Singapore: The Foundation of Structure

I lived the typical Singaporean life: heartlands, schools, national service, work, marriage and HDB flat. It was comfortable, predictable, even comforting.

After a while, I wondered if there was something different. Curiosity urged me to explore life beyond the familiar. That's when together with my wife, we decided to move to New Zealand, as a young couple.

🇳🇿 New Zealand: Slowing Down and Seeing the Bigger Picture

New Zealand gave me the change I was looking for. We started a family there. We lived next to the beach, close to nature and the pace of life was slower. It was a stark contrast to the fast paced environment of Singapore.

In New Zealand, work life balance wasn't just a buzzword. It was a way of life. I felt at ease. It was my kind of lifestyle.

But perhaps the most significant impact was on a personal level. As an introvert, I had always been comfortable with a quieter, more reflective approach to life. But New Zealand's laid back yet social culture nudged me out of my comfort zone. To thrive professionally and personally, I learned to become more expressive.

It was also in New Zealand that I took on leadership roles at work. The environment encouraged me to network, engage more openly with people, and put myself out there. That shift was challenging, but ultimately rewarding. It helped me grow and evolve in ways I hadn't expected.

🇨🇳 China: Navigating Complexity and Embracing Our Roots

Then came China, an unexpected opportunity. We took another leap of faith to experience working and living in a new country, this time as a young family.

China is different. The pace is faster, the environment more dynamic, and the cultural nuances demand a deep sense of adaptability. But instead of viewing these differences as obstacles, I saw them as opportunities to grow.

Living in China has taught me to navigate complexities with patience. I had to adapt quickly and develop a more flexible mindset, something that continues to benefit me both personally and professionally.

It was also a return to our roots. Our ancestors were Chinese immigrants from the pre-1940s migration to Singapore, and living here has given us a chance to reconnect with our heritage in a meaningful way.

Lessons Across Borders

Each country has taught me something different:

• Singapore gave me structure
• New Zealand taught me balance
• China sharpened my adaptability

Together, these experiences have shaped the way I navigate both life and work. I'm still very much Singaporean at heart, but my worldview has expanded in ways I never imagined since the day I boarded that flight to Wellington, New Zealand.

What's Next?

This is the first of many reflections I hope to share; on life, work and everything in between. I don't have all the answers, but I believe there's value in sharing the journey.

If you've also lived abroad, what did it teach you about yourself?