I’m Coming Home: Stories Of Returning Singaporeans | CNA Documentary
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- Опубліковано 25 бер 2021
- The pandemic caused many around the world to return home. But in this global village, what does ‘home’ mean? For Singaporeans who have been overseas for an extended period, what does it mean to be Singaporean?
When do they feel most Singaporean? This programme tries to answer those questions from the perspectives of 4 Singaporeans and their families who are now in Singapore. Through their stories and experiences, we are reminded of the little things that makes us Singaporean.
#CNAInsider #ComingHomeCNA #Singaporean #Singapore
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Being a Singaporean living in Sweden for past 25 years I wish I could return to Singapore one day. I think as we grow older, you start to appreciate our root even more, it's a feeling of connection, a feeling of "home".
There is no where in this earth for everyone will wish to return no matter where they come from.
As a fellow singaporean stuck overseas - i relate deeply to this video, and I kinda think there is no purpose/point in discrediting the people who were interviewed here; The point is we all miss home and the different types of people just reflects the diverse group of singaporeans.
This had struck a familiar chord with me, having left Singapore in 2007 and came back in 2017. Been very fortunate to live in both Japan and HongKong, the latter where I met my wife. I share the same emotions with Tim where the food was a big part (I still have a list (100 SG foodie items) I made during Japan) that I missed, along with parents. Other big misses was actually hearing Singlish being spoken and sitting in a coffeeshop/hawker center sipping teh si. Being aboard for an extended time definitely makes you feel lucky to be a Singaporean and I cherish the experience still.
Me too
What I miss the most when I was living abroad:
- CPF Contributions and low income tax.
Can't imagine living without them - love them!
I am a singaporean living in Indonesia and every single day I can't help miss my beautiful country. I feel so privileged and blessed to be a singaporean. I only realized the value of it after staying in indonesia for years. I will return soon and for good.
That's such a backhanded insult on Indonesia. Yeah I get it, we're poor. All our rich people go to Singapore.
I mean its pretty normal for people who living abroad to feel this kind of way. But specifically mention the country that you not really enjoyed is kinda rude to say. Embrace the country's beauty is the best way to enjoying the moment you had
@@flavintanovri767 ur reading too much in to this and being too sensitive.
@@lalakuma9 Don't be negative
@@priyavicky3401 well actually its up to you. I dont mind it. U just realized the value of your own country after living in indonesia. so yeah
What a lovely episode. Loved watching the lives of fellow Singaporeans returning home. We have been out since 2005 and looks like we could be returning home this year, so it was wonderful peeping into the experiences of such a diverse bunch. Well done CNA.
I have lived in a Scandinavian country for almost 10 years n I have come to appreciate the peace n stability of singapore which is not found anywhere in this world.
Scandinavia - hotbed of anarchy. Wah lau can you people try harder? Just a bit.
I thought Scandinavia is very peaceful based on their peaceful looking furnitures
@@SuccessforLifester most of it is peaceful. Where we live is very safe, but of course, with only around 1000 people, not the shopping and dining opportunity as we had in Singapore. Whatever Singaporean food we want, my wife have to cook. But she do it very well. No wet market, but we get our fresh fish for the sea 20 metres from out kitchen. We did move to Norway in 2003 as my parents in law had then passe away, and my wife felt we should spend more time with my mother. Used to come back twice a year, autumn and CNYt o spend time with the family and enjoy the sun(me) the wife sitting in the shade :)
@@ingvaldtangen8269 Sounds like a nice place to live in. I live near a centre with malls, but also seldom go there. Prefer a quiet existence.
@@SuccessforLifester we used to stay in Pasir Ris, but have a place in Sengkang now. My first half year in Singapore, back in 93, was spent with my parents in law in Sims Drive. Fantastic.
I left S'pore in '89 and I try to go home to visit my parents every 1-2 yrs. My luggage coming back home (California Bay Area) is full of 'Prima Taste Laksa Mix'.
Honestly, I miss only my family and the Hawker food.
I loved watching this video as an overseas Singaporean during the COVID-19 pandemic. Reviewing the other comments here, I can see that there are many of us who really miss our Singapura.. Sunny island sets in the sea.
Sam what type of shoes do you wear ? You wear boat shoes without socks ? If so tell me your feet smell ?
Luv this great documentary 💝 Well done CNA . Hope for a part 2.
Thoroughly enjoyed the video and the interviews.
Welcome back peeps! I felt blessed to be Singaporean after what we had been through the past year, not sure about you guys .
So much enthusiasm displayed by all the interviewees.
When I was living in MiddleEast, 9 Aug meant so much to me. The group of us (Singaporeans and Malaysian) living overseas celebrated many common festivals from home together.
I went China in 1989 and coming back Singapore after 20 years. Chinese there always asked me why I can speaks mandarin? :-)
@Tim I just really gravitate toward your personality. For me to be "american", I feel so more related to the culture of The East as far as Japan. I pray to make my way HOME too, Inshallah. God Bless You😊
The lady married to the pakistani speaks really well. I myself have lived in Australia for 4, Indonesia for 6 and currently in Germany for 8 years now. I am not so land connected but i do miss Singapore, it's a great City and country.
Can’t agree more she speaks so well 👍
Well done documentary
home sweet home, the beaches are superb here
To everyone in the world , home is where your heart is. Many people had to live in another country because of education, work opportunities, business, family obligations etc. Mention Sporean food is enough to make one feels homesick. I lived in London for over 40 years , had many Singaporean friends , always enjoyed frequent visits to Singapore over the years. My roots will always be Singapore but the past I had left behind is changing fast . Those Singaporean who left not too long ago will probably be able to return and integrate into society once again. Pity the French husband, he is probably like a fish out of water as he evidently he ensured daughter also speak French! Malay lady is only having an extended holiday , safe from Covid, Indian & wife obviously for work opportunities, if another country offers good money, our citizen of the world will be off! Myself & my many retired Singaporean in UK, will travel "home" to connect with families & friends....and food. Alternatively there is always cyberspace! Outside Singapore whenever we identified ourselves as Singaporean we certainly felt the pride!
Tim's house is huge. Usually children of such background has the ability to pursue what they really love, in this case, to be a fine dining chef.
Yep. He speaks and carried himself like a privileged son. I had to skip his section tbh.
true.all 4 interviewees appear to stay in landed and wealthy enough to do what they like to do.am wondering how does this really relate to coming home
@@sfoo4519 Yeah. I noted all led privileged life. Can do and live in whatever ways they want.
@@sfoo4519 Only the first guy is staying in landed la, the rest should be condo or HDB.
He spoke about his passion. And honestly there were aspects that any Singaporean would relate to in terms of relationship with food and hawker culture. As much as a dose of privilege was needed to get him to where he was in the states, hard work was needed as well. he’s glad to be back with his family. I think the main point of this whole ep was to talk about the wider perspective that these individuals have gained from overseas and how they applied it when they came home.
One of the tragedies in life is not knowing (or willing) to make of the outside world a home. There is profound meaning in feeling (and being) at home regardless of where you are in the world. The big question is, how do you make of the outside world a home? This question, wedged in our minds and lodged in our soul, is the quest for almost any protagonist in literary narrative. Man's story, his quest, his continuous journey to experience the world, is also his story, his quest, and his continuous journey to make of that world a home.
You are like a writer of literature
This is really heart warming 😊
6:45 so prissy never liked the wet market, until he left and came back, I personally love the chaos and options of the wet market. I don't build rapport with the vendors, but I get a lot a lot of unsolicited cooking and food storage advice
National Anthem on Spotify, that's so me when I worked overseas...^^
MY SINGAPORE ALWAYS!
Tim's valve type mask shown in the market is a kind that many experts said does not protect the person facing him as the out jet would go directly into the face of the person. This valve type mask, however, was not addressed as a concern by the authorities
Yes, it's more an industrial dust mask
I also want to go home to contribute back 😊. Left home under singapore inc since 33, now 51. Even with Singapore companies all along, couldn’t find a way through them to reach home cos everyone just think my value is overseas. Also couldn’t get a simple work back home, sigh so sad. Guess have to continue trying
I miss my family, friends and the food.
Covid19 has slowed everyone from the daily chores, the lucky ones have the chance in thinking twice on what we really want for lives
What conditions are required for a Singapore citizen returning to Singapore? I have a Covid19 vaccination card from USA.
As long as you’re a citizen/PR of SG you’re always welcome back, even if you’re unvaccinated. Just need to isolate yourself in a hotel room for a period of time
Singapore🇸🇬is a Good👍🏻& Nice❤Place for Living in the World🌎, It's Peaceful, Safety, Racial Harmony, No Natural Disaster, Good Education, Clean Government, Etc.... I'm felt Blessed, Contented, Happiness & Proud to be a "Local Singaporean", Thanks 🇸🇬❣🙏🏻✌🏻🥰👍🏻
Different Taste has the best food!
Always proud to be Singaporean.
I left sg and I'll never come back. Hate my memory of sg school system even though I went to "good schoolz". But i guess I'm still nostalgic so I'm on this channel huh.
Agreed. I think very stressful for kids to be in the system
Totally agree about the Singapore education system- terrible...
lmao i miss the food only
Same here, left and never look back. My kids are thriving where we are, they won't have such opportunities if we stayed in Singapore. My husband won't have time to spend with the kids, he missed out with our eldest. After migrating, he got to spend time and enjoy the other two childhoods.
Superb documentary
where stomach is full (of your favorite foods) ... is home :D
I'm earlyyyy
Which char kway tiao again?
0:39 Q: Is Singapore really like what you see in Crazy Rich Asians?
A: No, because Crazy Rich Asians was filmed in Malaysia.
It is just a movie which is fiction. Besides it is called Crazy Rich ASIANS and not even Singapore. They could have also filmed it in Thailand or Indonesia or your own house.
I noticed all 4 interviewees speak about food and being connected to Singapore food.And all appear to stay in landed.
nothing against them but how is this really connected to coming home to Singapore for other aspects?
my 2 cents and no offence
This video should be classified as under Remarkable Living
CALLING SINGAPORE HOME.
Interesting documentary which offers good insight into the lives and background of those involved. However, the main drive and factor which forces them is just as clear cut as what was obvious: Covid 19. If there isn't a pandemic, you think they will come back meh? Saying that you miss home and family is one thing. Relocating back is another and the 2 are not mutually inclusive
I wish I could retire in Singapore.
Retire in Singapore is too rich and expensive
@@meiqichia4829 Assuming a retiree can afford it, there is no retirement visa akin to Malaysia as a Second Home Program as far as I know.
I love the lah, loh and leh
Because of Covid19, a lot of these people who have been criticising Singapore while overseas is now returning...they realised now that Singapore is the only safe harbour when the seas turns to Sea State 9.
Meanwhile, we...the ones who have always believed in Singapore, who kept the lighthouse lights on...we are the ones who will receive them with open arms.
When I say I'm Singaporean, people ask is Singapore in China or is it in Korea. And since how old can I start speaking English.
This is so common that its unreal
@@bacflash I get it if someone ask where singapore is but what it’s unreal is that just because we’re Chinese doesn’t mean we’re from China. The faces of a Chinese born from China and Chinese born outside of China are so different looking.
About thirty years ago some Ang mo girls in states asked my brother where he was from. They giggled and laughed at the name Singapore. Probably never heard it before.
@@lanilexander651 Actually Chinese people from different regions of China looks different. There are a lot of overseas Chinese throughout South East Asia due to immigration back in the days
so many ads :-(
If u had Singapore🇸🇬Family, Birth Certificate, I.C., Passport, Didn't Gave Up Be A Singaporean. Wherever U Go or Stay In The World🌎, U R Always & 4ever A Local Singaporeans. 🙏🏻💪🏻🇸🇬🥰👍🏻
I have dreams about the hawker food 🤤
You're not alone if you're still out there.
@@bacflash .. But if u are here then its a Nightmare 😁
@@bobafett5757 make a list and hope you come back soon :)
Certainly, if you can arrange some way to leave the USA the smartest thing you can do is leave the USA. Most of us can't leave, we're stuck here.
Wait long long before USA resident Singaporean "returning turtles" are interviewed.
In the mid 2010s, 45% of Singapore residents say they want to migrate out. I say Get Out and Stay Out. Singapore is not a holiday resort for artificial Singaporeans to check-in and out at their own convenience
@@SivalinPuthery What if, like me, such Singaporeans did not holiday in the 'holiday resort' but instead, did 30 months of NS, worked and paid taxes?
Who are you to judge how 'artifical' Singaporeans like me are? How detached from Singapore do you think overseas Singaporeans are?
I have contributed plenty to Singapore and feel strongly attached to the land of my birth, despite having lived in the UK for 18 years now. No, I don't take seriously the likes of you telling me whether or not I belong.
Sorry to said, all 4 definitely going back when pandemic is over, the first came came because there is strong anti Asian in America currently, the second going back to the husband because Pakistan hospital is running full capacity in Pakistan,daughter miss papa , the third one already settled down in Australia and have house definitely leave any time, the last one because here is safe and secure during pandemic , and Missed Paris , in the end Singapore is just a safe zone for temporary refuge during this time,sad
Agree. I don't even want them here. They are treating Singapore as holiday resort. Check-in and Check-out anytime
@@SivalinPuthery true.this video should be renamed,"How I have the best of both worlds by putting wool on unsuspecting Singaporeans"
all they ever spoke abt was singapore food and how they miss singapore food.Seriously ?
@@SivalinPuthery Singapore just a "stopover" for these so call Singaporean,sad right
@@sfoo4519 this is what Singapore to them ,a pit stop for makan 🤣
28:01 when she said Singapore is like two different world..expat world and local world..LOL. If the expat bothers to mingle with the local and try the local food, it will be eye opening for them. ;)
No they don't, most of them are just here to enjoy the superiority and privileges of being expat, which the local allow them to do so with the mentality of anything angmoh is better. They could not care less about the local culture.
I find that majority of the expats here refuse to try local dishes and then proceed to complain how expensive 'Singapore' food is. Ironic. Stupid but Ironic
ur comment is so ignorant, as an expat living here for more than 10 years i love the local food more than my food, n i emplare sg people, but some of them are not that welcoming , some people are racist,
@@BeautygyaanBG racist people exist everywhere sadly. however i do hope you meet the nice ones and have a great time and friendship ! Stay safe
but why? I suppose most local singaporeans speak english, which means there shouldn't be any communication problems.
They don’t even want to return to Singapore... like seriously. It’s just because they are left with no choice.
wow yummy 😋
Can pls be more sincere? A chef who used to dislike wet market is something never heard of
Most of them return home mainly because they lost their jobs & not because mainly of covid-19.
I cannot make out what Timothy Ho is saying without subtitles, and I'm local. I'm surprised the Americans think he/we can speak English so well.
One moment wearing the veil the next moment removing it. What's the point?
Coming home for what? As they'd say.
Your nationality is based on your accent not your ethnicity.
The standard of written English here is appalling. Cringe worthy.
The Muslim lady lives in a mansion! She has led a good life.
i fast forwarded Tim's segment as i could barely understand him. goodness lol.
Singaporeans would understand. He spoke in quite a localised accent. Can turn on the subtitles
It's not that hard, it's easier to understand than a lot of accents
@@SuccessforLifester i'm local! smh lol
@@missysugardustunicorn7398 That is strange. I understand him perfectly well.
@@SuccessforLifester maybe it's his enunciation....i was struggling to understand him at every end part of what he was saying >
Diasporas chasing their dream, but missing out their root
The guy in the 3rd part of this story, looks like a Eurasian.
Bedok or broke 85 lol
Yeah I saw that in the subtitle. I don't know if it was automatically generated or some foreign editor did it
Why need to come home, I thought Singaporeans admire western countries.
Most probably got told to return to China. LOL
Are you sure ,all S'poreans? Not for me.
@@kaiserlow652 Good for you, with the spike of racism and Asian hate in the west (ahhemm where human rights and equality is advocated ahhemm), i'm pretty sure there are some who came back seeking for refuge.
@@Touyoujin yes u r right but there are pp who migrate or live in other countries for different reasons , eg. Married to a foreigner, working abroad, for studies etc. My brother in law married a Chinese canadian and has been living in Canada longer than his days in S'pore but he has not given up his S'porean nationality.
In the mid 2010s, 45% of Singapore residents say they want to migrate out. I say Get Out and Stay Out. Singapore is not a holiday resort for artificial Singaporeans to check-in and out at their own convenience
Like most bad kids, coming home only when they are in trouble. Going home only when covid is here.
That's why we don't need disloyal Singaporeans like them.
If Singapore is so good why leave for overseas in the first place? The irony of this video.
CNA always features the good side of their country singapore and the bad side of their neighbors esp PH.
Singapore has become chronically overcrowded over the years and it is no longer a place for living. It is practically the most overcrowded city we have lived and worked in. Not our cup of tea.
We miss the country, culture, food, family and friends. We don't miss the government. Sorry not sorry.
Huh what has the government done to you?? They haven't committed mass genocide
Grateful for the sg government’s policies that enable me to acquire skills that I am able to travel and live all over the world. I walk tall because of our education system and work ethics and our multi-cultural and lingua upbringing. Carry my Singapore passport with pride.
@@wabic7688 Singapore education system is rubbish....
i love singapore government. i believe it's one of the best governments in the world.
@@Ccb88888 rubbish to u but treasure to others.
其实你要问一个中国人怎么看新加坡人，其实就是英国人怎么看澳大利亚人。可以你要问新加坡人怎么看中国人，然后what are you talking about?
Living in Singapour is like living in a smartphone
In what way may I ask?
0:49 "maybe the most annoying one would be poor imitations of Singlish". ABSOLUTELY.
It really bewildered me how so many Singaporeans can respond so kindly toward foreigners making lampooning videos on Singlish. To me this is pure mockery, as disrespect and disgusting as racism. This premeditated insensitivity is neither cute nor funny but downright offensive. Many Singaporeans are just too scared to express their displeasure when they should but unaptly offer their magnanimity. At least the lady had the guts to feel annoyed.
Majority of Singaporeans are Pinkerton in nature. I have fellow Singaporeans who tell me they prefer a AngMoh manager to an Asian manager. The forefathers of countries who won independence from European countries would surely turn in their graves on hearing this uniquely Singapore trait
Not discrediting the people in the video but it is so staged and unreal … so not real life that again it’s akin to propaganda. Does Singapore really need to be sold again and again as I feel it is been via done?
Chef went to Seattle but 'gigi' is horrible. Should have got it fixed a "fei low" makan babi too much. Difficult when you are Chinese Male for Sex. Poor guy returned single. If you are female - write off the sex. So my question is what is the definition of a Singaporean? Can there be a cohesive definition to say a Pakistani Hijab can be defined a Singaporean. Or this a propaganda fueled by LKY previously and the Governments. Is knowing English plus your own mother tongue a factor of diversity creating a loose aggregate of what is Singaporean. Singapore is 75% Chinese and their language is Mandarin and Hokkien or Cantonese. Then we have Singapore meritocratic education system for social mobility and getting to Uni and beyond. Do Singaporeans bother to learn say Malay that is spoken by its neighbours. The answer is NO. Do Singapore Chinese learn say Tamil too, The Answer is NO. So, we have differences in Singapore and YET I cannot find the Glue of Singapore as a Nationhood rather that a concept on paper, drummed out by Singapore Government propaganda. We have hard working Chinese who value education and excel in STEM subjects. The other ethnicities, unfortunately a little weak in achievement and can do, lets say. Ask a Singapore Chinese who are her NON Chinese Friends. The answer is None or One. Why? There are no racial cohesion. The Chinese will not allow non Chinese to be close or for a matter of fact even Prime Minister of Singapore. Singapore Chinese women are single and have low sex drive. Why? Lack of Beauty? I would say yes. I walked many miles looking for a beautiful Chinese in all of Singapore. Sadly, None. Even makeup could not make the difference. Singapore success is a service economy and personnel do what they are told to do. Easy for 'orang puteh' to control you. You would be hard pushed to find anything made in Singapore. Financial Trading House buying all the commodities are great businesses. So, is the success of Singapore a defining boast of being Singaporean or are there racial divides and racism by the Chinese as the superior race in the island. So, my point is why we should NOT call ourselves Chinese Singaporeans and not Singaporeans per se. I am Chinese and very hard working in School and got top grades and now have a big job with poor English skills. HDB Housing is like Social Housing for the masses. Almost a prison and every house holder does not bother you and live a separate life. There are no basic cohesions. Weather in Singapore Hot Hotter and Rain Raining all day. Aircon is the way of habitation. So, we have Singapore island weather conditions as almost being in "hell". The noise pollution, the indifference of races, the language divide and concept of being foreign in every respect has lead me to leave and live elsewhere. Where? In Malaysia...I am a Nobody and I am not a fake calling myself something I am not but true to who I am and my DNA.
Nothing to be proud of , you feel superior and you look down on other people. Shame.
What do u mean)?
Nothing wrong feeling pride in your own country whether Singapore or any other country
Wow yummy 😋