Last weekend, our group got the chance to receive a cultural tour around Singapore, visiting three distinct ethnic enclaves: Little India, Chinatown, and the Malay Heritage Town. One of the most fascinating aspects of the tour was learning how Singapore prioritizes cultural preservation. Rather than allowing complete redevelopment, the government only permits restoration renovations in these heritage areas, ensuring that the cultural essence remains intact for future generations. It came as a surprise because in America, many places get destroyed to build business without any regard to their cultural significance. During the tour, we explored vibrant local markets filled with handcrafted goods, traditional clothing, and flavorful spices. The streets were adorned with breathtaking murals, each telling a unique story about the community’s history.
One of the most memorable parts of the experience was visiting renowned temples in each district. However, I quickly learned the importance of cultural dress codes when I was flagged for inappropriate attire. Thankfully, the temple employees loaned me cloth pieces to cover up, allowing me to enter and appreciate the sacred spaces. It was an unexpected learning moment that deepened my understanding of local customs, and the respect required when engaging with different traditions. Our guides also treated us to authentic snacks from each cultural hub, introducing us to flavors we might not have otherwise tried. The souvenir shops showcased unique cultural artifacts, providing a tangible connection to each community’s identity.
The following day, I visited the SEA Aquarium, which was a fascinating contrast to our recent coral reef visit. Although I had just experienced marine life firsthand last week in Cairns, this visit exposed me to new species I hadn’t seen before. Beyond the beauty of the aquatic creatures, I gained insight into Singapore’s conservation efforts to protect marine biodiversity. Learning about the country’s initiatives to sustain its aquatic environment and how the Aquarium was a part of one of their conservation efforts, made me more appreciative of the animals I saw because it made me wonder of whether I would have ever been able to enjoy that experience had the country wouldn’t have played their part in the ecosystem.
On the work front, this week was a bit overwhelming. I had anticipated a steady workflow after sending an email early in the week requesting assignments, but responses didn’t come in until Friday. Throughout the week, I found myself stretching out my work to be able to not have a day at work where I simply don’t work. Now, I’m faced with a sudden influx of tasks that feel a bit daunting. I want to perform well and ensure that my work is done to a quality standard but with the huge workload, I’m nervous about not being able to finish all my tasks on time. To tackle this, I plan to develop a structured schedule next week to manage my workload efficiently. I believe that this will help me stay on top of my responsibilities while preparing for another potential bulk assignments on Friday.
Overall, this week was a mix of cultural discovery, personal adaptation, and professional growth. Everyday was a new day full of valuable lessons about respecting local customs, experienced the beauty of Singapore’s heritage preservation, and realized the importance of adaptability both in cultural settings and in the workplace.