My learning experience in 'diverse' Singapore

By Jung Da-son

Diversity is an essential part of our lives. And I learned the true meaning of the word as I attended an international school in Singapore during my teenage years.

Today, the value of diversity is not optional. The world has already formed a multinational community, or a so-called “global village.” Many countries now share their culture through active trade and easier transportation. The world is the most global and connected it has been at any point throughout its history.

In the past, countries were mostly different from one another as each had its own distinct culture. Furthermore, there were several different cultures that coexisted within a single country. I experienced such diversity in Singapore. Living here certainly changed my views toward different ethnicities other than my own and enriched my learning experiences.

I came to Singapore in 2010 when I was an eighth-grade student. Before coming to Singapore, people told me many things about the city-state, such as its strict laws and its cleanliness, but nobody mentioned its cultural diversity.

Although it was not the first time I visited a new country since I lived in China for several years before coming to Singapore, I was intrigued to live in a different world from what I had previously seen. Every day I saw people of different ancestry, such as Chinese, Malays, Indians and Eurasians living together in harmony.

I thought it would be difficult for people of different ethnicities to live together. Their cultures were so different, I thought it would lead to conflict.

Moreover, I could not fully understand nor imagine how people from different races could reside together and form a community, since I thought it would be near impossible to relate to others, especially if their culture and race are radically different. But I was able to find that people from different races can, indeed, not only live together, but thrive in such a community after living in Singapore.

It was just marvelous to see people from different nations talk with one another. I made friends with different races, which enabled me to better understand living in a multi-racial country and being part of an ethnic melting pot.

Also, it gave me an opportunity for me to learn about the common values and interests we share as humans, regardless of our race or where we come from. Mingling with friends from different parts of the world and communicating with one another in English soon became natural to me.

Being exposed to diversity at a young age broadened my understanding about the world as I began accepting other cultures and respecting their customs. It also was the period when I finally understood the true meaning of the old saying, “It’s not wrong, it’s just different.”

The experiences I had in Singapore truly influenced me to divest my preconceived notion about different races. This also made it easier for me to get closer to those of different ethnicity or upbringing.

After living in the country, I believe what I have gained from people of other ethnicities, and learned from other cultures different from my own, are valuable experiences that will only help me in the future. Moreover, no matter which country a person lives in, I think it would be great if more nations promoted diversity so people can not only learn more about other cultures, but broaden their horizons of the world as well.

The writer is in 12th grade at Singapore Korean International School.