I moved to Singapore
I was born in California, and lived many years each in San Francisco, Santa Monica, Chicago, Boston, New York, Portland, and Seattle. I’m very American. I get America.
So, in the name of learning and growing, it was time for me to move on and not live in America anymore.
When I met my future girlfriend, I told her my plan and asked, “How would you feel about living in the rest of the world for the rest of your life?”
She can do her work from anywhere, so she thought a bit and said, “Hmmmm... Yeah. I could do that.”
A year later, we took one carry-on bag each, and went around the world, looking for a new country to call home.
We went down to Brazil, up to Sweden, around Europe, over to India and China. There’s so much going on in Asia, so exciting, so much to learn. I really wanted a home base in the middle of it all. And so we found Singapore.
Singapore is 3 hours from India, China, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, Bangladesh, and Taiwan. 2 hours from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Philippines. Such a wonderful hub for this entire part of the world. Cheap flights to 13 countries for under $200.
On our first visit, we met so many amazing people from NUS, Hackerspace, e27, EDB, and INSEAD.
Though there are 5 million people here, the music and entrepreneur scenes are quite small, so it feels like a small town in a big city, with the advantages of both. It’s a great place to set up a business, which is important to me.
I could go on and on about how much I love Singapore, but if you want a quick overview, the Discovery Channel did a great documentary about it, and the Wikipedia page is good.
We made some really dear friends on our first visit, and decided it was home. After eight months of waiting for the paperwork to process, we became official residents of Singapore yesterday.
We rented an apartment. We got a kitten. I set up my new companies here. I’m an “entrepreneur in residence” at INSEAD, mentoring for EDB, SPRING, and ACE. And I’m back to work.
Nice hearing this news.. ;) One of you audience during TNMA2011 in KL.
Enjoy Asia ya.. ;)
"If it is not working, change" .. ;p
Wonderful!
And not far from Australia :)
Yes! Only 6 hours to Perth. I love Australia, too, so I love that it's much closer now. — Derek
Yes, I needed to read this at this very moment. Thank you, and all the best to you from a musician who's gearing up for change in the tiny town of Cottonwood, California.
Derek,
Awesome brother! I plan on traveling and going all over the place. Sounds like we'er on the same path as I plan on being able to operate my business anywhere I have an internet connection.
Would you mind if I made Singapore a hub from travels?
I don't know if they can take 2 Dereks?
Awesome!
-Dereck
Happy day! Good choice;-)
yeay! Congratulations! hahaha
I was born in Singapore! I don't remember it at all because we moved out when I was 6 months old. Apparently at one point the apt. building had an ant problem and my mum put four pans of water around the legs of my crib to prevent them from biting me.
My warmest welcome and congratulations! Glad that Saj and you have decided to make Singapore home... I'm sure you'll have lots of positive experiences, and especially touch lots of lives too!
looking good on your ID card! :)
Awesome!
Out of curiosity, did you consider Malaysia (Peninsula)? Good mix of Chinese and Indian cultures. Also, even cheaper flights than from Singapore (thank you Air Asia).
I personally like Melaka :)
From a fellow nomad.
I like Malaysia a lot, and my wife has family in Penang, but just felt Singapore was a better home-base for us. — Derek
Nice...
I'm indonesian, and want surround all indonesia island.
Welcome to Asia Derek :)
You are my neighbor now.. LoL
If you have spare time, visit to Jogjakarta :P
Great move Derek, been reading your blog for quite a long time. Welcome to Singapore!
Hi Derek, I'm coming! :-) Will reach out to you!
Was on the Changi Airport once, fabulous experience, but had no time to visit the city.
Good luck to you :)
Welcome home, Derek.
Good for you Derek. You will flourish in SG, and it's very fortunate to have you.
Just my take: It's efficient without being oppressive and stimulating without the sheer wackiness that you get in growing, developing Asia. (I love that too but on some days here in Bali it feels a bit 'non-value-added'!)
You're still so close to so many interesting places/cultures though. It's a base from which you can have it all. Oh, and the food! Fantastic view from your apartment Derek.
The race field is typical of the Singapore government, they are obsessed with eliminating racial divisions. Almost all of the housing is state owned and has quota's about how many X can live in any one building.
It's also a nation without freedom of speech. I found it very ironic to visit the speakers square, the only place you can freely hold a rally in the country only to find out there is a registration process designed to weed out anyone who has anything to say so it's almost never used.
Congratulations! Having been in Singapore last year, I completely agree with your feelings about the city/country. I only was there for a week, and I would certainly go back soon if I could!
Nice. I started doing the same more than 10 years ago. Living in Mexico and now in China, learning about local culture and language. I try to stay in each place more than five years to get to know it well. Soon will move to a new place in China, and in about two years move on to a different country.
If you move like that around the world, just keep in mind: After some years, people back home will stop understanding what you are talking about (not language, but content).
Nearby KL! ping me if u need tour around KL, will glad to personally guide you to non-tourist trap
I admire your life. It's been my dream to work around the world too. Maybe someday...
It's so awesome you connected with someone who will travel with you. I am profoundly jealous, ha ha!
Singapore is a great base, for the reasons you already mentioned. Jetstar Airways is awesome and absurdly affordable. After going to some of the crazier spots, I think you'll be relieved to return to the sanity of Singapore.
I spent 5 years working and traveling in Asia. Spent most of my time in China and Taiwan, and visited much of Southeast Asia. Wonderful area to explore, you're off to a great start.
I've linked to my travel blog in "your website." For most of the big cities in Asia, e.g. Bangkok, I wrote guidebook-style advice called "Inside Information" at the end of each story. Feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions. Love to help people get the most out of their special time in Asia.
Best of luck to you and Saj.
Hi.
Next month I'll be moving from Europe to Singapure and hope to find it as friendly as you do.
Though it scares me quite a bit.
Best,
Jernej
Good luck. I am moving over soon. I think I will settle in Malaysia but Singapore is still in the running. Great blog.
congrats derek and welcome!
Living the dream, man. Congrats!
Just discovered your blog. A great find :)
I've been working while travelling (around Asia) for 7 years now, and have no plans to stop :)
Inspiring as always and I love following your adventures.
When I get over to that side of the world (a goal) I'll be sure to say hi.
A friendly welcome! You can contact me if you need someone to show you around :)
Singapore is really easy to navigate, best of luck to you in this city.
Derek,
What an incredible idea AND to have found a love to share everything with only makes your idea incredibly spectacular! I'm very happy for the both of you, may the World be your playground! :)
So many words of love and congratulations here. Welcome home, Derek.
Congratulations Mr. Sivers! Very awesome indeed.
Admit it—you're creating "CD BABY ASIA."
;-)
Congratulations! Enjoy the new home!
Cool! Congrats!
Makes me want to go visit Singapore now.
Congratulations! Enjoy your wonderful adventure!
Congratulations to you both -- what a wonderful choice. May you live, learn and prosper with joy in your new home!
But in Singapore don´t have Carnival hahahahahah ! My best wishes for this new life !
I also choose a new country to make call "my home", but my process still start.
Congrats! I will begin long term travel in less than a month and am starting in China. I, too, will be looking for a place to call home for a while. Best wishes to you!
Whoa! Good to hear that... India isn't far away! ;)
Oh snap! Generosity is what comes to mind...and to find a partner-in-crime who is as generous too is what I call beautiful.
awesome.. always dreamed of living in Singapore myself.
I wish you lots of good luck in your new home and new (ad)ventures--and look forward to hearing what you'll be getting up to in this next phase.
Awesome - hope to see you at some point there over the next year!
Congratulations!
I've made this move in the late 90s. This eventually lead to my big move to the opposite shore. Now I'm settled in my new home in San Francisco.
Enjoy you new home. The traveling opportunity from Singapore is amazing. (I was too cheap and too workaholic to take advantage of this back then :(
as a fellow entrepreneur welcome to the lala land. lets share our sorrow tales of mis-founded optimism and over confidence some time.
i lived in singapore with my family as expats. if you have the chance to send your kids to SAS i would highly recommend it. that school gave me a great education and extremely profound view of the world and global citizenship. it's pricey though (it was covered by our company).
Sounds wonderful Derek!
Finding both peace and purpose is a rare gift and you've seemed to find it. Thanks for all the continuous updates.
All the best in the new jobs.
Jan.
So cute. As I was reading your story on Singapore and opposites, I thought about how opposite you and Saj LOOK! I looked at the photos from the we got married link and enjoyed the photo booth pictures. You guys reminded me of YinYang, your faces all curled around each others in the photos. Totally made my day. :)
Coming here via HN - glad to see that you are enjoying living here.
I wish I had the ***** to do that at my age.. but its in the way, definitely, and will get there as soon as I possibly can! (already have my own music marketing company AND my office is my mac... a few meetings later and some courage I'll live around the world!)
PS: I have 28 y/o
I was born and grew up in asia.. we went to singapore a lot ... was there last feb .. its a dynamic city .. the number of tankers in the harbour kind of freaks me out a bit now .... why is it a great place to set up a business????? cheers
See this link for an explanation. — Derek
Hey Derek,
Welcome to Singapore.. =) Your post has certainly ignited a maelstrom of debate..
I hope you enjoy your time in Singapore =)
Best,
Ryan
Admiring your freedom to move around the world... :D
Good luck to you and to Saj, if you ever wish to visit Serbia, let me know. I would be honored to be your host.
Sounds like a beautiful place that you are, both location-wise and spiritually in your life. Congratulations.
And thank you for sharing.
Congratulations Derek! It's hard for me to be too happy for you because my envy makes it hard to feel much else. :)
That said, I have the same aspirations. I want to live my whole life in the whole world. You inspire because you do. Now I just have to create or find my sustainable way to do it.
How wonderful! Congratulations to you & Saj. There will be a great many lucky recipients of the fruits of your quest for knowledge.
Best regards,
Amanda
Welcome to the little red dot.
Congratulations on the move! Singapore is a great city and a dream location for many Filipinos looking to work abroad. I haven't been there for years, but that Discovery Channel documentary has been playing here in the Philippines regularly and inspiring me to go back to visit! hehe
Surely one of the first insights of travelling around a bit is that a) people are people wherever you go, with all their warts and glory - so what exactly is 'opposite' supposed to mean? and b) unless you grow up in a 'place' you're never going to understand a 'place' (what's that BTW, country, region, culture, language etc) the same way a 'local' does. However, having had this insight we can approach the journey of trying to understand another 'place' with humility and a greater chance of success.
Welcome to Singapore!
Hey I lived in Singapore myself. If you're in for some real adventure, then try each of the different food stalls in Lau Pa Sat every week. That would widen your horizons some more.
Say Derek, where do you plan on going next? Do you really think you'll be able not to grow roots and stay in one place eventually? I'd be curious to read how it turns out.
Hmmm miss them Roti Pratas!
love your spirit, this soulfully brilliant idea & that you're doing it. Let me know when you go to India, I have many amaZing creative (musician) friends there & who knows, I may just be there too
Interesting! I've always explored great links from Pam Slim's websites to other fantastic blogs with great thinking.
How surreal that I've chanced upon yours and you settle in SG with the blue NRIC and all!
Loved your interview on mixergy. Frighteningly inspiring, if you know what I mean. Bit of a kick-in-the-head moment for some things I've been ruminating about. Thank you very much.
Hey Derek! Thanks for sharing the link with me...wonder how I missed this. Your plan sounds awesome, and from what I've learned of Singapore thus far, it sounds really cool.
I'm glad you're official...and that you're in a place that feels so right for you and Saj. Hope you will have a great day today brother!
Howdy
A common friend Christopher Arnold turned me your way. Just moved here with my fam 2 months ago.
Ping me if you want to grab a $14 beer ; >
Welcome to Southeast Asia, Derek!
I grew up in Batu Pahat (you can goggle map it up) a mere 2 hours drive away and we frequent Singapore often growing up.
Email me if you want to explore a mid size town in Johor. Be happy to show you around and get some real local food. Am based in Kuala Lumpur now but we still have a house there.
Very nice, Derek!
Thanks, again, for your help!
love the kitten pic
Why does it seem so easy to come up with business ideas??
It's just daydreaming. Takes no work. — Derek
hi i was just reading website to find out help how to apply visa for singapore from USA even though i don't have US passport i m from Pakistan and i know i have to get visa to apply for singapore but thing is we want to open up business there too like i want to open up beauty salon and my husband wants to start fried chicken or u can say food business i can't find no help in this matter who to contact but when i saw your website i thought i should ask u if u can guide us through in this plzzz and we do want to move out from USA end of this year .Thanks if u can help us out
Look at http://business.gov.sg/ - a website by the Singapore government that will tell you EVERYTHING you need to know. — Derek
don't know how I missed this one...
You remind me of this...
"For some reason, I'm more at home everywhere than at one place. So I decided I'll think of myself as some kind of world citizen."
~ Robert Kincaid, as portrayed by Clint Eastwood in The Bridges Of Madison County (1995).
Thank you for the inspiration, and good luck with your current and next journeys.
Nice quote! Thanks for posting that. — Derek
I'm Singaporean wanting to get out of Singapore.
Derek, can I exchange citizenship with u?
Singapore is a good place to stay if u weren't born here.
Keep up the good work Bro. Hope they are good to you over there, because your a good dude. Peace, Dave Thrift
Hi Derek,
Crazy news bro, I dig it.
I moved from Philly to California last year. Hooked up with a good friend from The Platters. We haven't seen each other for 10 years. I'm happy you're happy and MARRIED..Right on!!
I'm on Twitter now @Mark_Guitarist please follow me so we don't loose track on one another again.
Take care.
Congratulations to you and Saj.
Congratulations on your new residency! I am wanting to hear from one who has already applied and who knows: I am applying for a working visa and I am wondering: what do you do if you are a multiracial person? On the forms I see "RACE: (eg. Malay, Indian, Causcasian, Chinese, etc.)" but I am none of those. What about Arabic/African/Jewish/Levantine/Micronesian etc? Can I say "other" or multi or something? All the forums say "just put HUMAN. Hahahaha" but I am looking for a serious answer that won't ruin my application.... any advice?
I'm quite sure you can put other. Singapore only recently introduced the legal concept of dual-race, but even then, you have to choose one as the primary race. — Derek
Hey Derek,
I'm happy to see everything's going well with you.
Maybe we'll make over to Singapore some day.
Good luck,
Zip
Derek,
keep on trucking my friend
- hope to see you over seas soon
be well - peace
Awesome, Derek!
Derek, I visited Singapore last June.
You will definitely lose a lot of weight there from all the walking.
I got a lot of blisters on my first day there. At the end of 4 days, I almost couldn't walk =))
Welcome to Singapore, Derek.
It has been my home for the last 35 years.
Hope you are adjusting well.
The weather gets rather wonky at times though, but the amazing food makes up for it :)
Hiya. great site with lots of interesting comments and information. I am on the hunt for info about Singapore. I am living in UK at the moment with my husband. He is moving to Singapore on Saturday; with me travelling over at the end of the month. His company are sorting out his papers etc, but I have no idea what I need to take with me. We will be there for approx 2 years. any help gratefully received.
many thanks
Singapore has almost everything the UK has. The few quirky things it doesn't, you can try to do without. It's a very comfortable and easy place to live. — Derek
your vedio how to start a movement Really amazing
Thanks for this contribution
I hope to visit Singapore to meet you
Singapore is a great hub to base yourself. If I'm doing a long haul flight that connects through Singapore I always try and stay for a day or two, if only for the food. So many good eating options, especially Indian.
I never imagine to live in Singapore someday.. But reading your article, has change my thought. Well.. maybe some visit will do.. :)
It is amazing how you move from one place to another. It seems that world just a village for you. But what about friends? Many people who live in a foreign country say that they cant get friends, because their friendship concept differs from that one of local people. So they feel nostalgia and sometimes depression. What can you say for those people?
It's not so hard to make friends. Yes I get nostalgic for past places, but that's life! — Derek
If you happen to be in the Philippines, make sure to see my town, a paradise called Palawan (an island south of the Philippines). Would be an honor to show you and your wife around. :D
Interesting! I lived there for a year about 5 years ago and have thought about going back a number of times. I was there as a student and it's always different being a student vs working somewhere. Interesting to hear about it from the entrepreneur's side though.
Derek's journey is inspiring !
Question : is Singapore like Macau ? Which is "better" ? ( if there is such a thing ? )
Thanks !
-JT.
Uh... not sure what you're asking. I've never been to Macau. But email me anytime with more details, and I'm glad to help. — Derek
maybe ill move enough cd's and move to singapore too.. been with cdbaby since 2002..ten years now..but always looking for the next best thing to better my self...
Hi Derek ,
I am Malaysian, planing to work & live in Singapore, want to take along my daughter with me, she is in primary 5 in Malaysia now. Need some advise
Jannie
Great place to be. I set up a company in Singapore, in 1994, but then got enticed away to Hong Kong and China. Now, having been round the world, now setting up a business there again (dual-based in London) and will be working in Sing and Indonesia. I can't wait to get back...the friends you make there last a lifetime.
Hi Derek,
Came across this website while searching for moving to Singapore. I'm moving to Sing in 1 month from HK. I've been in HK my whole life and never thought I'd leave but I was made an offer I couldn't refuse. Haha! I'm a single guy late 20's, just wanna make the move as easiest as possible. Any advice? In terms of inexpensive housing, good eats, great places to meet ppl etc? What is HBD by the way?
Hi Adi. Email me. Glad to help. — Derek
Congrats on your move to Singapore, I am back and forth a lot from Canada. Wish I could make the permanent move!
I went to Singapore on business and fell in love with it. There is no crime, and the city is so modern-- it was unbelievable! Oh and don't forget how clean it is!
Singapore is an English speaking country with a diverse ethnic enclave here.
Great Move!!! You are also reminding me through your actions to 'Reach for the Stars'! Derek...Tks for 'Walking the Talk'!
Joy
Hey Derek,
That's a fascinating story. Your wife sounds awesome - "Hmmm...yeah, I could do that." Haha. I hope my future wife is the same way, though I'm pretty American myself and could live here indefinitely.
I'm off to watch this documentary! I love to learn about different countries and cultures. I might have to add Singapore to my list of places to visit.
Cheers,
Stephen
Man, I thought I was adventurous for picking up and moving to Florida. :-) Hats off, Derek.
Wow! Congratulations! I know you will truly enjoy your stay here in Singapore. It is fun living here and I love it! Good luck!
Many Congrats on your move Derek and sounds like such a victory my friend! I would love to visit Singapore sometime and will have to save up some dough! Best of luck with the new companies and if you ever need a hand, please keep me in mind! thx so much and congrats!
-Trey
What a shame... I spent three years in Singapore which overlapped with your arrival, but only came across your writings and site. While I can't see myself back there anytime soon (heading back to school in Canada...), I might have to see if you're still hanging around if I do.
P.S. The music scene has talent, but not enough support. Best of luck with helping give it a kickstart
and a follow up to this: "The few quirky things it doesn't, you can try to do without."
I'm sorry, but you simply haven't dug through Mustafa with enough vigilance :D
That's awesome Derek. I've been stationed in South Korea and Japan (lived there for 2 years). I love Asia, I think it's one of the best areas of the world. I would go there time and time again as opposed to any other place. I also flew to the Philippines to meet my soon to be wife. I'm thinking about living in Asia, possibly the Philippines although Japan would be nice too. Singapore looks pretty interesting, it always seems like a great place to live. I'm probably going to try and live in the Philippines for a bit to see if I like it. It's very cheap to live there, and the islands are breathtaking. I will be getting married there in December, who knows maybe the Philippines will be my new home in a year from now. Good luck in Singapore!
It is fun living in Singapore. You'll love it. You'll have no regrets. Good luck!
After returning to San Francisco from being an expat in India, my hubby and I are ready for another adventure... Singapore is high on the list, and I think you've just made it #1! Is it easy to get work for people in the tech/entertainment/video game industry over there?
Thanks! You're a great writer, keep it up :)
It's relatively easy to get any work here, as the economy is booming, and the unemployment rate is like 1%. They're actively seeking “foreign talent” to come work here. My best advice is to come visit for 1-2 weeks to meet as many people as possible, and inquire in-person. — Derek
Derek, hello;
I'm moving there in mid or late Jan. 2013, my soon to be new bride ,is Singaporean
As others here, I "stumbled" upon this site. Congrats on both the move and the marriage. Love Y'alls adventurous spirit.
Are there good opportunities for visual artists and poets?
Also a chef, in the industry over 40 years experience, from Texas BBQ (owner) and Tex Mex cuisine to white glove haute cuisine as well as down home Americana "country cookin".
Are there investors in SG, busting at the seams to partner with an American expat.?
best of wishes to you and your Lady.
Harris...coming from Texas. Would love to meet up. <
June "Pepper" Harris
Piano, Vocals, Composer, Playwright, Author
Email: junejazz67@hotmail.com
*Check out: June Harris, c/o; www.TheJazzNetworkWorldwide.com
Hey Derek, Congratulations on 3 things: You & your wife, creation of CDBaby and moving to one of my favorite countries, Singapore. I had the pleasure of performing there many times, on on SBC TV, with the fabulous Jeremy Monteiro and my old bud, drummer Louis Tan. Meanwhile, you probably know I assigned my latest CD, "Tyme Out 4 Jazz" to the company for worldwide distribution. Not only are you an entrepreneur and innovator, but an honest, friendly person. Best wishes, June Harris
Hi,
Just like to drop a note, Welcome to Singapore!
It's great to have you here :D adding and contributing you startup experiences to us (learning more about starting up & entrepreneurship)
Cheers
Hi,
My husband and I are thinking of moving with out 6 year old son from the US....Do you recommend Singapore for Kids? I hear it is very expensive and also housing scene is a little tight....where people live in very small apartments and always rent...never own because it is so expensive. Having lived in a single family home in US, that sounds a little unattractive but We are ready for change for sure! Hope to hear from you soon.
You heard right. Very expensive and very small housing. Renting and owning are both expensive. That said, your son will get a great introduction to Asia. Before you decide, consider visiting Taipei (if you want Chinese education) or Bali, Indonesia or Chiang Mai Thailand (if not). This is assuming you have a way to make a living anywhere. — Derek
i am living in india but i want to move in canada/singapore ,can anybody guide me how i start the procedure.
Dear Derek,
The article was really toching and inspires people like me to move to Singapore. I lived and worked in the USA (Dallas, Texas). I even lived in Dubai (UAE). Sorry I forgot to mention that I am from India (Kolkata). I even lived in UK (Blackpool) for a little bit.
Now I have just (today) got my Singapore Visa ( multiple entry for 2 years). I am really looking to be a successful person in Singapore. I was working as a Quality Engineer with a six figure salary in the USA. But I always wanted to do some kind of Import / Export business.
I went to USA with just a suitcase and $180 in 1999. I have worked and did lots of things and made some money and bought a house ($ 500,000) in Dallas, Texas, have 6 German Shepherds, my wife is American (white girl).
Now, after reading your article, I felt writing to you immediately and thanking you for the encouragment.
I want to take your advise as I want to start everything again like I did in the USA.
I have no contacts and am seriously looking for friends in Singapore.
I was an Airline Pilot in India 1996 - 1999 but when I went to USA, had to work in the gas stations in the begining (working as cashier and also had to clean the toilets) I do not hesitate for doing anything to survive ( not illegal stuff...lol)
Hope I hear from you soon
Regards,
Keith
Hi Derek:
What's up? You can call me your fan - loved that book. Which one? You know the one with a boy picture stuck in the sand. It was one of the books I read on my kindle on one go.
Question - I am close to leaving sunny Sydney to make Singapore my home. Just a background - used to live in New York, worked in Wall Street, quit and opened my own software firm. Now bit tired of Sydney - it's become one dimensional (will explain over coffee when I am in SG). Question is - do you think it's a good decision? Coming from large countries, do you think I will have hard time settling in tiny Singapore?
very interesting! What are you "promoting" over there?
Been thinking about Singapore for a while.... ended up in Switzerland, more fresh air and love the mountains... Asia is still on my horizon though...
Was reading your all your encouraging words, I always had the same philosophies, but nice to see it so eloquently expressed.
I've got a project...... you won't be able to say no....
drop me a line....
Cheers
Rupert
hi derek...i wanted to get information on singapore...i am also american...i need information on how to become citizen...renting apartment...how much rent...aerospace industry...as much as u can provide...thank you for your time.
See woodegg.com/sg for the Singapore Startup Guide 2013. — Derek
How was your experience in Brazil? Love to hear your thoughts as an outsider.
LOVE Brazil. My friend Benny Lewis says it better here: Why I love Brazilians. I agree with everything there. I plan to live in Brazil some day. — Derek
Hey Derek
Great site - love u'r ideas on focus/learning and the work u've done!
Coursera helps me also be a learning addict - though i've been quitting a few courses, i've aimed for some great courses... whats ur take on these?
Thanks - and maybe i meet u when i get to s'pore sometime (not planned),
Ravi
Hey Derek! I'm an American, and I found myself living in Singapore for 3 years (beginning in1996). I recorded an jazz album there and distributed it through CD baby in the early days :-) I really had a great experience during my stay there, but after 3 years island fever set in and I was ready to come home. Enjoy Singapore!
Hi,
I am studying to become a Nurse and when I do it is off to Asia for me. I should finish in a year.
I want to live in Singapore and have no idea how to start that process especially with employment. I also do know know if I should work with an employment Asia and whether my Associate Degree in Nursing will be sufficient to get a good job.
I want to apply for a work visa when the time is right, get a permanent resident care and then apply for citzenship. I want to stay , work and enjoy my life in Singapore.
If you can tell me where to start that would help.
If you know any U.S nurses that moved to Singapore recently to start their career would you pass this infor on to them for me.
Thanks, Roz
My thought is that you made the right decision. You can afford to live in Singapore and that solves the biggest problem you'd run into there.
Hi Derek,
My name is Sol and I current live in the UK with my wife. My wife and I have a 5 year plan to move to Singapore or Malaysia. We cannot do it now due to lack of funds, so we are scrimping and saving as much money as we can in order to acheive this goal. I am a barber by profession and educated to NVQ level and she has a masters in english language. We are both unhappy for many years especially me with living in United Kingdom mainly the miserable weather and the fact that I can't seem to find a steady work for the last 16 years no matter how hard I pour my heart and soul into pleasing people.
I don't like the drinking culture and obsession with football here in the United Kingdom. Do you have any tips on visa application the fact that we are people of average means on how to build a nest in singapore hopefully one day.
Many thanks in advance for your time in listening.
Kind Regards,
Sol Moos
07949255169
I recently heard that Singapore is now the most expensive city in the world, but there are also many opportunities there. — Derek
i like what you have written. presently i live in california(LA) although i was born in sri lanka
like to keep in touch with you. please email back
thanks
Hi Derek, Good to see you in Singapore; GREAT PLACE. I played there many times and did a recording with Jeremiah's group on SBC. TV. My latest CD, "
'Time Out 4 Jazz' is onsale at CDBaby and online. Also here in Winnipeg at "Into The Music" and McNally Booksellers (Grant Park). My book "I Used To Be Coloured, But Now I'm Black" is onsale through Xlibris.com, Amazon. Will check out your documentary. Congratulations!
Best, June Harris, piano, vocals, composer, Playwright, Author.
cool.
like to learn from u.
glad to see someone lives a wonderful life,thanks for your sharing~
Asia is so different, so cool and definitely personal growth opportunities aplenty. Being half Asian myself and having lived for awhile in Japan, I look back and can definitely see that those were some of the most interesting and exciting years of my life. But you went there with your girlfriend. That is totally different than going alone. Totally. Think about that.
Also I had a network of over 100 people I knew there already from past emails and clients and such. It's home to me. — Derek
A very fascinating story! We've swapped places with you - I am from that part of the world, my husband from Eutope and we call Texas home.
Love your articles and adventures and I wish more young people read them. I myself found your website by accident (there's no such an accident).
I read this article after helping our toddler daughter who screamed the night: "Mommy, I want to go potty."
Yes, it's 1:38AM
That is awesome. My good friend , Adam, and his wife might move out to Singapore. I'm a musician too and stumbled on your post from an Amazon review regarding a Ruby on Rails Book. Pretty cool story dude.
Hi Derek,
I read your book on Saturday and I loved it.
It's clear, impactful and engaging.
Big thanks for sharing your experience and expertise :)
I am delighted to know that you are based in Singapore!
I am a Singaporean, working on an airBnB concept for educators.
I want to help educators.
I would love to meet you, if it's convenient.
Are you still at INSEAD?
I pop by the bookshop to check out the books and get the NYT and WSJ.
Hope to hear from you soon :)
Best regards,
Edmund
If you're up for afternoon coffee on Friday in Singapore, I'd love to chat. :)
How hard is it to get citizenship? How is the cost of living and job market?
Hi Derek,
I have been a fan of your thinking since your podcast appearances on Tim Ferriss' show. I just finished reading your book and loved it also. I like your capacity to learn anything by yourself. This is a skill I work on everyday too.
Nowadays, I study climate finance (clean energy finance) and Chinese. Those are important subjects to me and I hope that by following what I love, opportunities will follow.
I also dream of living in Singapore somedays (27 years old at the moment, I want to do it soon) as it is such a dynamic environment.
Anyways, I just wanted to thank you for the inspiration and to wish you a nice.
Sincerely,
G
Hi
I just listed to your audio book. It was refreshing. I am Singapore based - are you still there ?
I would love to share a coffee with you and discuss your experience and just say hi
Kevin Bingwa
Are you still living in Singapore?
You've been a great inspiration to me, and I was happy to read that you've visited my home country of Sweden. I've never heard you talking about it before, but would love to hear your thoughts in Sweden and the Swedes in general! How much time did you spend there? Wish you all the best, and thanks you for taking the time to share what you've learned.
Found your book recently, I'm born in Singapore and have been living here my whole life. Currently a 24 year old NUS undergraduate, going to the working world soon.