Ideas and pledges
Forward SG participant shares idea for a better Singapore
22 February 2023
Forward SG participant Mark Sin has lived overseas for decades and observed a strong desire in Singaporeans living abroad to stay connected with local culture and fellow citizens
My Forward Singapore Idea
Mark Sin
Engineering Architect and President of SingaporeConnect, 46
Forward SG Participant, Singaporean based in California
Singapore is still our home
“Many of us Singaporeans living overseas don’t intend to stay overseas for life.
This is just part of our journey and we want to come home eventually.”
Cultural camp idea
“Many overseas Singaporeans have expressed a desire for a cultural camp for their children in Singapore. The kids can be immersed in Singapore culture, arts, visit historical monuments and meet other Singaporeans to stay connected to the country; these sessions could even be conducted in their mother tongue.”
Suggestions for the local education system
“There should be more emphasis on identifying problem statements in the real-world, doing internships or research attachments. The make-up of students in each classrooms could be more diverse. These are some reasons why the people in the US are great at coming up with ideas and solving problems.”
Staying connected to fellow Singaporeans
“In the meantime, we want to stay connected with Singapore. There should be more platforms for us to meet other Singaporeans, exchange perspectives and ideas. This happens on an ad hoc basis currently, and needs to be accelerated.”
Plan to meet overseas Singaporeans during your travels
“When you are travelling to another country, why not try to meet up with another Singaporean who is based there? This can help them stay connected to Singapore, while you get a richer understanding of that country’s culture.”