UF in Singapore
My first impression of Singapore is that it feels like the “United States of Asia.” It has a very high standard of living, and I can really feel the influence of many different cultures—from China, India, Malaysia, and beyond. It’s clean, efficient, and modern, but also has a strong sense of tradition and identity. One of the highlights is definitely its food scene. In Singapore, every meal is like a chance to experience a different culture. From hawker centers to food courts in malls, there’s such a wide variety of dishes because of the vibrant cultures here. I found out I really like Indian cuisine, laksa, and some local specialties. One small but memorable detail was seeing the sugarcane juicing machine, which brought back memories from my childhood. As a photography enthusiast, I’ve also enjoyed visiting iconic locations like Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands, and the Jewel. The light shows, where music, light, and art come together, are especially impressive.
One challenge I encountered in my international workspace was the fear of losing face which is a deeply rooted cultural concern in Chinese society, where making mistakes or showing uncertainties in something make you feel a loss of dignity. Early on, this made me hesitant to ask for help or admit confusion. I often stayed silent in meetings and gave positive feedback even when I didn’t fully understand something, hoping not to appear incompetent. However, I quickly realized that this mindset was limiting my ability to learn. In the international work culture I was immersed in, asking questions and acknowledging gaps was viewed not as a weakness, but as a sign of initiative and professionalism. Gradually, I overcame my hesitation and began speaking up—whether it was to clarify project goals, propose new ideas, or request feedback. This change empowered me to learn faster, collaborate more effectively, and gain deeper confidence in my professional communication.
We should “Try and Learn” instead of “learn and try”. Many people fall into the misconception that they must master and plan everything thoroughly before they begin. But in reality, this mindset often slows down progress and delays growth. At variantz, I quickly realized that the best learning happens through action. By stepping out of comfort zone, Whether it was hands on redesigning the company website or giving public presentations. When you expose yourself to feedback or even failure, that’s where the most valuable learning happens.
School and life back home will be completely different from my experience at Variantz and in Singapore. One thing I know I’ll miss is the variety of food here. But beyond that, the lifestyle and responsibilities will shift. At school, I’ll return to juggling coursework, club commitments, and organizational responsibilities. I’ll also gain more freedom in how I manage my time and have greater flexibility to prioritize what matters most to me academically and professionally. This has truly been a transformative experience. I believe that the professional skills and behaviors I learned will set a solid foundation for whatever comes next in my career.