Singapore is a nice city.

On returning to Singapore, after a 2 months absent, I realized my perspectives of the country is changing. Singapore is famous for its strict paternal government who 'will cane anyone who is naughty.' (We canned an American kid for vandalising car. So if you found your kids naughty, consider sending them to Singapore.)

For many years living in this tiny island has developed a routine and outlook of life that is very, eh.... Singaporish. Study hard, score good 'A's, go university, find a big company or government job, get a high pay, sit comfortably signing papers, buy house and get married, have 2 kids, bring them up, and retire and enjoy life. You don't have to be very creative to make an impression on others. People ask you questions as you age, and those questions fall within one of these life 'tasks.' If you decided one day to venture out of this 'workflow' and do something different, e.g. start a business or do an overseas PhD, most aquaintances will be amazed, and some of your close ones will scrutinize your actions. You will have a lot of explanations to do!

This is one major factor why Singapore is not a place for the creative. But its an exceedingly stable and comfortable spot on earth. No surprises, everywhere is clean, and the government will think through all the mishaps that can happen. E.g. recently our government announced they have 'taken all necessary actions in case the smog (from Indonesia forest fire) worsen. E.g. face masks and hospital arrangements.' They are very thoughtful. At first I thought they are going to help put out the fires. But nonetheless, thankyou very much. I hope I don't need your precautionary measures...

Frankly, Singapore is not very ideal for the creative, for the creative is mostly naughty. Bodyshop started out in the garage, but we have no garage, although we may mix these stuffs in the apartment houses. But what if we are caught for cheminal testing? Bill Gates flunk his University. I think if he is Singaporean, his mother will pull him by the ear and ask him to stop dreaming. I wanted to do Political Science and Economics, only to be slotted into Engineering (which is not one of my choice), for my English is REALLY 'BAD.' I tried again for a Master in Political Studies after my Bachelor study. A Singaporish Professor call me into his office and told me, "This area requires a lot of writing, what is your GP score?" and "I am worried after looking at your score." Duh... aren't you be looking for people who can think deeply and rationalize issues? Is it harder to train language or the mind? I wonder what would I be doing now if I was accepted in either one of these instances.

So creative people! Its probably better for you to "Leave the Village Back Facing the Well" (Chinese saying), and go somewhere that can use your creativity. Sorry dear governement, it seems that your creative policy wasn't quite supported by your people. I don't think its a good thing to leave your country. Surely, the adjustment is painful but if you are 'that type of person,' what choices are there? Nonetheless, I want to keep my beautiful house.