As a Singaporean man in my 30s, Singapore is so much more than just the place where I was born. This city-state I call home means everything to me and stirs immense pride, love and belonging.
Let me share my profound personal relationship with my country.
My Heartland Home
Singapore to me is the lovely housing estate and neighborhood I grew up in – the playgrounds where I played catching, the hawker center where I feasted on hometown dishes, the parks where we flew kites on breezy evenings, the mall where I shopped for the latest fashion.
My home will always be in one of Singapore’s heartland towns, not the glitzy city center. The kampung spirit of community still runs strong here. I find joy and comfort in the familiarity of HDB estates, wet markets and coffeeshops that exported Singapore culture globally.
My Stomping Ground
As a child, Singapore was my giant playground to explore. I bicycled around every street, played football at the stadium and discovered hidden nooks in the many nature reserves.
Downtown Singapore was my stomping ground for hanging out with buddies over weekends. Endless shopping malls, cinema multiplexes, buzzing food haunts and novelty attractions made growing up here so vibrant.
I roamed the island’s beaches, parks and jungles with youthful insouciance, making carefree memories at this “playground of Asia”.
My Schools and Teachers
I treasure the schools in Singapore that nurtured me into adulthood, especially my teachers.
From humble neighbourhood primary school to pre-university college, my schools imbued knowledge, life skills and crucially, values.
My teachers made education a rich, inspiring journey that went beyond textbooks and exams. They will forever have my gratitude and admiration for shaping me.
My National Service
National Service is a coming-of-age for every Singaporean male. For me, army service was where I became a man and understood camaraderie and selflessness.
It was tough and grueling for sure. But I learned self-discipline, resilience and honor in those army fatigues.
We forged true friendships and grew up fast. Completing NS remains my proudest achievement, cementing my Singapore identity.
My Multicultural Ties
As a minority race, Singapore celebrates my community’s festivals, language and customs living in mutual respect with fellow citizens.
Racial and religious harmony make us one united people regardless of background. My best friends growing up were from diverse races.
I respect the sacrifices of early leaders who realized multiracialism was the only way forward for our nation to succeed. We must never take this social harmony for granted.
My Global Orientation
Despite being small, Singapore connected me to the world. Overseas family trips, cross-border media and immigration imbued global perspectives from young.
Local education equipped me with bilingual ability, openness and cultural IQ to engage the world as a global citizen.
And Singapore’s rapid growth constantly reminds me we must keep pace with global benchmarks. Our future depends on remaining open, innovative and internationally competitive.
My City in a Garden
Nature is never far in Singapore. Even in the heart of town, lush parks and immaculate greenery provide much needed breathing space.
I find joy exploring Singapore’s botanic gardens, treetop walkways and island nature reserves like Bukit Timah.
Greening our urban environment makes Singapore so uniquely livable compared to other cities. As a gardening enthusiast myself, I feel this deep connection to our City in a Garden.
My Hopes for the Future
As I contemplate having my own family in Singapore someday, I dream that this remains the best home for them like how it was for me growing up.
I hope Singapore evolves into a society with more graciousness, compassion and open-mindedness to embrace every individual.
And I will raise my children to inherit the same love for Singapore, contributing positively to take our nation forward into the future.
This nation I am blessed to call home has given me tremendous opportunities to fulfill my potential. My hope is to pay it forward for my fellow citizens and future generations in building an ever brighter Singapore.
Goh Jun Cheng is the chief staff writer for SingaporeAirport.com. Jun Cheng graduated with a degree in journalism from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore.
He has over 5 years of experience writing about aviation, tourism, and lifestyle topics relevant to locals and visitors in Singapore. His articles provide insights into the rich culture, cuisine, and attractions of Singapore. Jun Cheng is an avid traveler who has visited over 15 countries.
When he is not writing or traveling, he enjoys photography, trying new foods, and hiking. As a longtime Singapore resident, Jun Cheng is passionate about sharing hidden gems and perspectives about his home country.
