Singapore Expats

I might be one of a kind, but I don't think so.
I am currently a Finnish citizen, but I would like to move to Singapore to live and work - permanently. I would like to renounce my citizenship and become a Singaporean. I truly believe that my home is in Singapore, and I can't wait to find a job and move there.

My question is simple: is my race ( Caucasian) going to do be a problem in being recognized as a Singaporean?
I know that there has been discussions about expats not pulling their weight by having no interest in Singapore, not having to do NS and so on. I also know that some Western tourists are making big fools out of themselves by bullying elderly trishaw drivers and so on.
Has Singapore become a difficult society to live in for Caucasians and is there any risk that I will be taken for another foolish Ang Moh?

GordonGekko wrote:I might be one of a kind, but I don't think so.
I am currently a Finnish citizen, but I would like to move to Singapore to live and work - permanently. I would like to renounce my citizenship and become a Singaporean. I truly believe that my home is in Singapore, and I can't wait to find a job and move there.

My question is simple: is my race ( Caucasian) going to do be a problem in being recognized as a Singaporean?
I know that there has been discussions about expats not pulling their weight by having no interest in Singapore, not having to do NS and so on. I also know that some Western tourists are making big fools out of themselves by bullying elderly trishaw drivers and so on.
Has Singapore become a difficult society to live in for Caucasians and is there any risk that I will be taken for another foolish Ang Moh?

GG you questions sound a bit naive.

If you are talking about being recognized by sight walking down the street as a Singapore citizen, I can assure you that won't matter -- all that matters is your documentation. If you interact intelligently and with respect with Singaporeans, 95% of the time this is what you will receive in return.

Expats not pulling their weight? Do you think the Singapore government wants expats in the National Service?

Why not move here, spend sometime submersing yourself in the local culture and getting to know the place to decide for yourself if 'Singapore has become a difficult society to live in' ?

If you're worried about being taken for another foolish Ang Mo then I'm afraid this may not be the place for you. Unless you speak 10 different Chinese dialects, Bahasa Malay and Indonesian and Tamil -- you'll never really know what the average Singaporean thinks of you, no matter what color your passport cover is.

Hhmm...good point.
I did not mean to offend, I'm simply just curious if racial harmony works or if there still are unsolved issues.
And yes, I am certain Singapore is the country for me, in case you were wondering.

I'm not the least bit offended, no worries at all.

And to answer your question -- I'm simply just curious if racial harmony works or if there still are unsolved issues -- the answer is yes.

Hey GG,

Welcome back. It's been quite a while....

GordonGekko wrote:My question is simple: is my race ( Caucasian) going to do be a problem in being recognized as a Singaporean?
I know that there has been discussions about expats not pulling their weight by having no interest in Singapore, not having to do NS and so on. I also know that some Western tourists are making big fools out of themselves by bullying elderly trishaw drivers and so on.
Has Singapore become a difficult society to live in for Caucasians and is there any risk that I will be taken for another foolish Ang Moh?

Since all angmohs are foolish, you will be taken for one for sure. Hence it's not a risk, but a certainty. Hope that removes any doubt.

Seriously, if you truly consider Singapore your home, these issues are irrelevant, no? I mean, I have my moments with my family but never doubt that we belong together. You just take the good with the bad. If you're asking just to be prepared, which is wise, then here's a perspective from a Singaporean:

- being Angmoh is not an issue unless you use that as a reason to expect better treatment. we don't like 'atas' (haughty) people.

- we like foreigners who attempt to speak the local lingo (and this goes beyond randomly affixing lah to your sentences), even though it means that we can't gossip about them to their face

- we adore angmohs who eat at hawker centres despite the heat and discomfort, since suffering for the sake of good food is a hallmark of Singaporeans and this makes you one of us

- we get irritated with foreigners who harp on about how things are done differently back home as we can't understand why you didn't stay home in the first place if you like it so much there

- we can smell a a mile away an angmoh who thinks in terms of "us and them" ie "I am not one of them" versus one who considers himself one of us. If you are the latter, you will be very happy here.

And in advance, welcome to Singapore!

WIMH: absolutely brilliant post

Thanks, SMS. Glad to be back.
WIMH: Thanks for a brilliant and informative answer. It encouraged me greatly!

have you been to singapore before? would be a bit worrying if you want to be a singapore citizen without visiting the country.

Durain: not to worry. I have been there enough times to know that I'd like to be a Singaporean.

what's an ang mo?

A generic dialect expression normally designating a Caucasian. It has it roots in a derogatory term but is now mostly just an alternative term for white person. Ang Mo or Ang Moh

familyof5 wrote:what's an ang mo?

Someone like me

ksl wrote:

familyof5 wrote:what's an ang mo?

Someone like me

unfortunately, most of the ang mo (aka gwai low) dont look like ksl with the "six pack"

durain wrote:

ksl wrote:

familyof5 wrote:what's an ang mo?

Someone like me

unfortunately, most of the ang mo (aka gwai low) dont look like ksl with the "six pack"

Hey come on that's my role model and he's over 70, not me!

Although I'm getting there with only about 15% fat left now, down from 40%!