A memorable and pivotal experience that everyone should have: step out of our comfort zone to appreciate the world and understand people
I am a Singaporean who has spent most of my life living and working in Singapore. While based in Singapore, I traveled extensively across Southeast Asia, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Sub-Saharan Africa for work. In 2016, I had the opportunity to relocate to Abu Dhabi, UAE, and later, in 2019, to Shanghai, China. Initially, I resisted these overseas postings, as I was comfortable in Singapore—where everything was familiar, convenient, and close to family and friends.
However, stepping out of my comfort zone turned out to be a transformative experience. Living abroad broadened my perspectives, made me more empathetic, and deepened my appreciation for diversity. It was a journey of self-discovery and growth.
1. Friendship everywhere
四海之内皆兄弟 — 子夏 (Zixia), a prominent disciple of Confucius
When one’s attitude towards others is respectful and courteous, brothers are everywhere.
Before moving overseas, my social circle was mostly confined to family, school, work, and personal interests. I rarely ventured beyond these familiar groups.
Once I moved abroad, making new friends became a necessity. I needed to learn how to rent an apartment, buy or lease a car, and find comfort food. Social gatherings became essential for networking, and through them, I met people from diverse industries—oil & gas, aviation, civil defense, real estate, healthcare, and more. These friendships helped me settle in and offered me perspectives I had never encountered before.
Being part of an expatriate community, we supported one another and welcomed newcomers. The friendships forged through these shared experiences made my time overseas incredibly meaningful. Many of these connections remain strong even today.
2. Not born equal
Randomness, chance, and luck influence our lives and our work more than we realize. It’s more random than we think, not it is all random. Chance favours preparedness, but it is not caused by preparedness (same for hard work, skills).
Fooled by Randomness: The Hidden Role of Chance in Life and in the Markets by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
None of us choose where we are born, our parents, or the circumstances of our upbringing. Yet, we all have opportunities—some more than others—to strive for a better future.
During my time in the UAE, I met many individuals who had left politically unstable or economically struggling countries—places like Iraq, Syria, Bosnia, and Afghanistan. They uprooted their lives in pursuit of stability and a better future for their families.
I vividly recall a business meeting in 2016 when I met a Syrian man. When I asked about his nationality, I hesitated, knowing that Syria was in the midst of a civil war. He simply said, “I left a few years ago. My family is here, and Alhamdulillah, we are okay.”
Their resilience left a deep impression on me. I also met an Iraqi colleague who fled his home country after the fall of Saddam Hussein. Holding an Iraqi passport limited his options, yet he remained determined to make a life in the UAE.
Similarly, many foreign taxi drivers, construction workers, and domestic helpers sacrifice time with their families—sometimes seeing them only once every two years—not just to earn money but to provide a better future for their loved ones. It is a heavy burden, but one they carry out of duty and love.
In Shanghai, I met an inspiring young woman in her twenties from Yunnan, a province over 2,600km away. Her parents were farmers, and she started with what many would see as a disadvantage. But instead of accepting her fate and following the same path, she chose to fight for a better future.
She began as a waitress but worked her way up to become a sales executive. When I asked how she made this transition, she replied stoically, “Chance favors the prepared.” Her journey wasn’t about luck—it was about relentless effort and preparation. Despite her humble beginnings, she was determined to catch up.
3. Embrace diversity
As a Singaporean Chinese, I had never experienced being a minority until I moved abroad. A fellow Singaporean Indian once told me bluntly at a social event, “The majority race in Singapore has little understanding of what it’s like to be a minority.” Many Singaporean Indians born and raised in Singapore are sometimes mistaken for foreigners, making them feel like outsiders in their own country.
Living in the UAE, I finally understood what it meant to be in the minority—both in the workplace and in social settings. It made me more appreciative of diversity and the importance of inclusivity, regardless of race, religion, or nationality.
All great countries are judged by how we treat the smallest among them.
Extracts from George Yeo: Musings – Series One
A unity that is not based on diversity is a brittle one. Unity begins with respect for the individual as a unique creation.
It is important to see Singapore’s diversity as integral. It requires Singaporeans to have big hearts and minds so that we accept those who are different from us as also being part of us. We are one, not despite, but because of our differences.
The world is only going to become more diverse. The more we embrace and respect our differences, the stronger we become as a society.
4. Empathy
Singapore is known for its strict laws and structured education system. Every male citizen undergoes mandatory National Service, and our societal norms shape a specific way of thinking. However, as I lived and worked overseas, I realized how vastly different belief systems, values, and social structures can be across countries.
People have different definitions of common sense, logic, time, and responsibility—all shaped by their upbringing and experiences. This can lead to misunderstandings if we don’t take the time to listen and clarify.
As a foreigner, I also gained a new appreciation for the struggles of expatriates. While locals are grounded in their home country, expatriates often have financial pressures—paying rent, children’s education fees, and supporting families back home. They have a lot at stake and must constantly prove their worth in the workplace. Some hoard information, avoid risky projects or become “yes-men” to survive. In times of layoffs, expatriates are often the first to go.
Understanding these dynamics made me more empathetic. Stereotypes exist everywhere, but real understanding comes from immersing ourselves in different cultures and perspectives.
Working with people of various nationalities in different countries also allows a better understanding and sensitivity to race and religion in societies and how stereotypes can occur. The status quo in the home country can be very different in another. It is also difficult to fathom how human beings of different nationalities, races and religions are treated differently in various societies. Be empathetic and open-minded to make friends and understand each other regardless of race and religion.
5. Gratitude
一出国，就爱国 — Zhang Weiwei (张维为), Professor of international relations, Fudan University, China
Professor Zhang Weiwei commented that with the development of China now especially in Tier-1 cities such as Shanghai, people will appreciate China better when they live in another country.
No matter how well-run a country is, people will always find reasons to complain. Singapore is no exception. We sometimes take its safety, efficiency, and governance for granted, expecting perfection.
Living overseas gave me a new appreciation for Singapore. While no country is without flaws, being Singaporean is truly a privilege—one that I am deeply grateful for.
“The positive cannot exist without the negative.”
Alan Watts
6. Relationships
Being away from home deepened my appreciation for family and friendships. I missed simple moments—shared meals, family outings, and celebrations. During festive seasons and birthdays, a sense of helplessness would set in, especially when problems arose back home.
Often, we choose not to share our struggles with loved ones, not wanting to burden them. We find ways to resolve our challenges on our own. These experiences made me value relationships even more.
7. Be immersive
Tourists see a country through a curated lens—staying in hotels, visiting famous landmarks, and trying local delicacies. But living in a country is different. It means integrating with the locals, understanding their challenges, and experiencing life as they do.
By stepping beyond the tourist experience and immersing ourselves in a new environment, we gain deeper cultural awareness, personal growth, and lifelong connections.
8. Appreciate the value of money
Leaving my family behind in Singapore to work overseas alone was a huge sacrifice, and I was determined to make it worthwhile. Every dollar earned wasn’t for personal extravagance but for securing a better future for my family. This experience also gave my children a deeper appreciation of money—understanding that financial stability comes with hard work and sacrifice. While many relocate to Singapore for work, it’s rare for Singaporeans to take the reverse path, leaving loved ones behind to work abroad.
9. Opportunity to learn
Being alone meant having plenty of personal time, and I saw this as an opportunity not to be wasted. I was determined to focus on learning and improving in areas I had always wanted to explore but never had the time for. Investing has long been a passion of mine, and this period allowed me to deepen my knowledge, refine my strategies, and become a better investor. The solitude that came with working overseas became an unexpected but valuable chance for growth.
I am a Singaporean who has spent most of my life living and working in Singapore. While based in Singapore, I traveled extensively across Southeast Asia, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Sub-Saharan Africa for work. In 2016, I had the opportunity to relocate to Abu Dhabi, UAE, and later, in 2019, to Shanghai, China. Initially, I resisted these overseas postings, as I was comfortable in Singapore—where everything was familiar, convenient, and close to family and friends.
However, stepping out of my comfort zone turned out to be a transformative experience. Living abroad broadened my perspectives, made me more empathetic, and deepened my appreciation for diversity. It was a journey of self-discovery and growth.
1. Friendship everywhere
四海之内皆兄弟 — 子夏 (Zixia), a prominent disciple of Confucius
When one’s attitude towards others is respectful and courteous, brothers are everywhere.
Before moving overseas, my social circle was mostly confined to family, school, work, and personal interests. I rarely ventured beyond these familiar groups.
Once I moved abroad, making new friends became a necessity. I needed to learn how to rent an apartment, buy or lease a car, and find comfort food. Social gatherings became essential for networking, and through them, I met people from diverse industries—oil & gas, aviation, civil defense, real estate, healthcare, and more. These friendships helped me settle in and offered me perspectives I had never encountered before.
Being part of an expatriate community, we supported one another and welcomed newcomers. The friendships forged through these shared experiences made my time overseas incredibly meaningful. Many of these connections remain strong even today.
2. Not born equal
Randomness, chance, and luck influence our lives and our work more than we realize. It’s more random than we think, not it is all random. Chance favours preparedness, but it is not caused by preparedness (same for hard work, skills).
Fooled by Randomness: The Hidden Role of Chance in Life and in the Markets by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
None of us choose where we are born, our parents, or the circumstances of our upbringing. Yet, we all have opportunities—some more than others—to strive for a better future.
During my time in the UAE, I met many individuals who had left politically unstable or economically struggling countries—places like Iraq, Syria, Bosnia, and Afghanistan. They uprooted their lives in pursuit of stability and a better future for their families.
I vividly recall a business meeting in 2016 when I met a Syrian man. When I asked about his nationality, I hesitated, knowing that Syria was in the midst of a civil war. He simply said, “I left a few years ago. My family is here, and Alhamdulillah, we are okay.”
Their resilience left a deep impression on me. I also met an Iraqi colleague who fled his home country after the fall of Saddam Hussein. Holding an Iraqi passport limited his options, yet he remained determined to make a life in the UAE.
Similarly, many foreign taxi drivers, construction workers, and domestic helpers sacrifice time with their families—sometimes seeing them only once every two years—not just to earn money but to provide a better future for their loved ones. It is a heavy burden, but one they carry out of duty and love.
In Shanghai, I met an inspiring young woman in her twenties from Yunnan, a province over 2,600km away. Her parents were farmers, and she started with what many would see as a disadvantage. But instead of accepting her fate and following the same path, she chose to fight for a better future.
She began as a waitress but worked her way up to become a sales executive. When I asked how she made this transition, she replied stoically, “Chance favors the prepared.” Her journey wasn’t about luck—it was about relentless effort and preparation. Despite her humble beginnings, she was determined to catch up.
3. Embrace diversity
As a Singaporean Chinese, I had never experienced being a minority until I moved abroad. A fellow Singaporean Indian once told me bluntly at a social event, “The majority race in Singapore has little understanding of what it’s like to be a minority.” Many Singaporean Indians born and raised in Singapore are sometimes mistaken for foreigners, making them feel like outsiders in their own country.
Living in the UAE, I finally understood what it meant to be in the minority—both in the workplace and in social settings. It made me more appreciative of diversity and the importance of inclusivity, regardless of race, religion, or nationality.
All great countries are judged by how we treat the smallest among them.
Extracts from George Yeo: Musings – Series One
A unity that is not based on diversity is a brittle one. Unity begins with respect for the individual as a unique creation.
It is important to see Singapore’s diversity as integral. It requires Singaporeans to have big hearts and minds so that we accept those who are different from us as also being part of us. We are one, not despite, but because of our differences.
The world is only going to become more diverse. The more we embrace and respect our differences, the stronger we become as a society.
4. Empathy
Singapore is known for its strict laws and structured education system. Every male citizen undergoes mandatory National Service, and our societal norms shape a specific way of thinking. However, as I lived and worked overseas, I realized how vastly different belief systems, values, and social structures can be across countries.
People have different definitions of common sense, logic, time, and responsibility—all shaped by their upbringing and experiences. This can lead to misunderstandings if we don’t take the time to listen and clarify.
As a foreigner, I also gained a new appreciation for the struggles of expatriates. While locals are grounded in their home country, expatriates often have financial pressures—paying rent, children’s education fees, and supporting families back home. They have a lot at stake and must constantly prove their worth in the workplace. Some hoard information, avoid risky projects or become “yes-men” to survive. In times of layoffs, expatriates are often the first to go.
Understanding these dynamics made me more empathetic. Stereotypes exist everywhere, but real understanding comes from immersing ourselves in different cultures and perspectives.
Working with people of various nationalities in different countries also allows a better understanding and sensitivity to race and religion in societies and how stereotypes can occur. The status quo in the home country can be very different in another. It is also difficult to fathom how human beings of different nationalities, races and religions are treated differently in various societies. Be empathetic and open-minded to make friends and understand each other regardless of race and religion.
5. Gratitude
一出国，就爱国 — Zhang Weiwei (张维为), Professor of international relations, Fudan University, China
Professor Zhang Weiwei commented that with the development of China now especially in Tier-1 cities such as Shanghai, people will appreciate China better when they live in another country.
No matter how well-run a country is, people will always find reasons to complain. Singapore is no exception. We sometimes take its safety, efficiency, and governance for granted, expecting perfection.
Living overseas gave me a new appreciation for Singapore. While no country is without flaws, being Singaporean is truly a privilege—one that I am deeply grateful for.
“The positive cannot exist without the negative.”
Alan Watts
6. Relationships
Being away from home deepened my appreciation for family and friendships. I missed simple moments—shared meals, family outings, and celebrations. During festive seasons and birthdays, a sense of helplessness would set in, especially when problems arose back home.
Often, we choose not to share our struggles with loved ones, not wanting to burden them. We find ways to resolve our challenges on our own. These experiences made me value relationships even more.
7. Be immersive
Tourists see a country through a curated lens—staying in hotels, visiting famous landmarks, and trying local delicacies. But living in a country is different. It means integrating with the locals, understanding their challenges, and experiencing life as they do.
By stepping beyond the tourist experience and immersing ourselves in a new environment, we gain deeper cultural awareness, personal growth, and lifelong connections.
8. Appreciate the value of money
Leaving my family behind in Singapore to work overseas alone was a huge sacrifice, and I was determined to make it worthwhile. Every dollar earned wasn’t for personal extravagance but for securing a better future for my family. This experience also gave my children a deeper appreciation of money—understanding that financial stability comes with hard work and sacrifice. While many relocate to Singapore for work, it’s rare for Singaporeans to take the reverse path, leaving loved ones behind to work abroad.
9. Opportunity to learn
Being alone meant having plenty of personal time, and I saw this as an opportunity not to be wasted. I was determined to focus on learning and improving in areas I had always wanted to explore but never had the time for. Investing has long been a passion of mine, and this period allowed me to deepen my knowledge, refine my strategies, and become a better investor. The solitude that came with working overseas became an unexpected but valuable chance for growth.
见山是山，见水是水；
见山不是山，见水不是 水；
见山还是山，见水还是水。
Translation:
Seeing the mountain is the mountain, seeing the water is the water.
Seeing the mountain is not the mountain, seeing water is not the water;
Seeing the mountain is still the mountain, seeing water is still the water.
Living abroad has been a transformative journey, shaping my outlook on life and deepening my understanding of the world. In the beginning, everything seemed straightforward—“见山是山，见水是水”—things appeared as they were. I viewed the world through a familiar lens, where every experience, every challenge, felt predictable.
But as I ventured out of my comfort zone and immersed myself in different cultures, my perspective shifted. I began to realize that life is not as simple as it seems. “见山不是山，见水不是水”—what I once took for granted, such as race, culture, and the significance of relationships, suddenly felt more complex. I learned that true understanding comes from embracing the unknown, questioning assumptions, and being open to change.
Today, after years of personal growth and learning, I can confidently say that I have come full circle. “见山还是山，见水还是水”—I now appreciate the true meaning of these things. The mountains are still mountains, and the water is still water, but my understanding of them has evolved. I no longer see things through a limited view. Instead, I see the depth, the nuance, and the interconnectedness that makes the world more beautiful and meaningful.
If you ever get the chance to live or work abroad, take it. It’s a journey that can open your eyes to the richness of the world and the infinite possibilities for personal growth. And just like the mountain and the water, the more you explore, the more you realize how much there is to learn, discover, and appreciate.
