Counting the blessings after moving to Singapore <!-- headline one : end -->
THREE years ago in India, I was faced with a choice - take a job in Singapore, migrate to Australia or move to the United States where we have family.
At 31, whatever decision I took meant there would be no turning back as I was not getting any younger.
At that time, Australia was the most sought-after and fastest-growing destination for students and potential immigrants. A thorough check confirmed that I would comfortably clear the requirements to be considered for Australian immigration. So after a short stint in Thailand, when I got a chance to move to Singapore with a job, the question was staring in my face - Singapore, Australia or the US?
I ruled out the US because I did not want my four-year-old boy and future children (now I have an 18-month-old daughter as well) to grow up in a place where drugs and firearms are freely available.
Today, I am glad I did not listen to many well-wishers and know-it-alls and bore their smirks and head shakes when I chose Singapore over Australia.
Do not get me wrong. I am not censuring Australia or Australians. I am merely putting Singapore on a higher pedestal than any other country.
What is happening in Australia now with attacks on Indian students and the latest reports of Indian students fighting back is deeply disturbing and saddening and I hope it ends soon. I obviously did not foresee this. I am just happy that I listened to my heart and came to Singapore.
And boy, am I glad I did. No, it may not have been a walk in the park, but things are definitely getting better.
And that is why we - that is my wife, both children and I - chose to become permanent residents last year, one year after our arrival.
Thank you, Singapore.
Amit Nagpal
THREE years ago in India, I was faced with a choice - take a job in Singapore, migrate to Australia or move to the United States where we have family.
At 31, whatever decision I took meant there would be no turning back as I was not getting any younger.
At that time, Australia was the most sought-after and fastest-growing destination for students and potential immigrants. A thorough check confirmed that I would comfortably clear the requirements to be considered for Australian immigration. So after a short stint in Thailand, when I got a chance to move to Singapore with a job, the question was staring in my face - Singapore, Australia or the US?
I ruled out the US because I did not want my four-year-old boy and future children (now I have an 18-month-old daughter as well) to grow up in a place where drugs and firearms are freely available.
Today, I am glad I did not listen to many well-wishers and know-it-alls and bore their smirks and head shakes when I chose Singapore over Australia.
Do not get me wrong. I am not censuring Australia or Australians. I am merely putting Singapore on a higher pedestal than any other country.
What is happening in Australia now with attacks on Indian students and the latest reports of Indian students fighting back is deeply disturbing and saddening and I hope it ends soon. I obviously did not foresee this. I am just happy that I listened to my heart and came to Singapore.
And boy, am I glad I did. No, it may not have been a walk in the park, but things are definitely getting better.
And that is why we - that is my wife, both children and I - chose to become permanent residents last year, one year after our arrival.
Thank you, Singapore.
Amit Nagpal
