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Nanyang,
Singapore
Exchange with
SingaporeAs members of the FF of Nanyang, Singapore hosted us in their homes, they also introduced us to their way of life in the bustling metropolis where 4.4 million people live within 224 square miles. As we zoomed from the marvelous Changi airport along the lushly tree-shaded expressway we realized that Singapore was no traffic-clogged Bangkok. Greenery was everywhere. We strolled through the fashion emporiums of Orchard Road, poked around antique shops in Chinatown, and food shopped in open markets. Singapore’s mouthwatering food scene was a big drawing card. The bustling hawker centre introduced us to a fantastic range of Asian dishes while it was light on our wallets. In the more innovative, stylish restaurants we were introduced to Dim Sum on the Harbour Front, Indian food on banana leaves in Little India, Ya Kun Kaya Toast on Orchard Road, Chinese food in Fisherman’s Village, and the famous Singapore Sling in the Raffles Hotel. Opportunities for shopping abounded. Such things as Louis Vinton fashion purses started at $650 on Orchard Road, but knock-offs were readily available in the night markets for $35 to $50. The painted-on tattoos from the street market in Chinatown stayed on for a couple of weeks. Open markets introduced us to new and different fruits such as durians, rambutans, lychees, jackfruit, and pomelos. It’s undeniable that Singaporeans have had to sacrifice some things (most crucially a degree of Western-style democracy) in their island’s 200-year transformation from a swampy colonial outpost into a powerhouse, industrialized nation. But the corporate nature of Singapore has brought many obvious benefits too, not least prosperity, peace and a growing creativity. The striking architecture of the Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay complex is the latest, most high-profile example of Singapore’s desire to pitch itself as the best example of a modern Southeast Asian city. Thankfully, elements of Singapore’s colorful, lively past still survive, lending the island its unique place in Southeast Asia. ThailandThe Asian Institute of Technology’s (AIT’s) Study Tour theme on Leadership, Education and Community Development in Thailand introduced us to fiercely proud and independent Thais who are self-assured, confident, and generous in spirit toward foreigners. Being one of the most racially homogenous nations in Southeast Asia (80 percent are ethnic Thai), their ancient culture is juxtaposed again a vibrant and dynamic modern age. This created a mixture of exhilaration and confusion as we met easy-going and fun-loving Thais who cherish their independence and tenaciously cling to the wonders of their past. We greeted each other with the traditional wai (hands joined in a prayerlike position in front of the chest and head bowed slightly) as traditional culture stands its ground against the surge of the 21st century. Laughing children in lavishly adorned tuk tuks (three-wheeled vehicles) were striking illustrations of the county’s name, Thailand, or Prathet Thai. Translated it means “Land of the Free” of which its nickname, “Land of Smiles” is better known. Thai-style dining was a very sociable affair. Amazing stir-fried dishes, curries, and soups laid out on a mat placed on the floor challenged our agility as we ladled small portions onto our plates of rice as we dined on the floor rather than at a table! Thailand’s effort toward economic recovery was illustrated in field trips. A non-governmental organization (NGO) and one of their community leadership development projects illustrated how NGOs are supporting concerned bodies to enable local communities achieve sustainable development. And, the Ministry of Interior’s Poverty Alleviation Project - (PAP) was an example of the Thai Government’s major economic policy to reduce income discrepancy and the number of poor households (which currently is over 3.5 million), and improve the quality of life for rural people. By visiting a PAP in the Muang District, Lumphun Province, we saw (a) solidarity and unity development among community people, (b) households starting occupations such as weaving, woodcarving, and mushroom production, and (c) networking at the village level so they could decide and implement project activities by themselves. Of course, we financially supported the communities by purchasing some souvenirs to bring home. A field visit to Huai Hong Khrai’s Royal Development Study Center illustrated how the center concentrates on studies and experimentation in search of development models suitable for watershed areas in northern Thailand to enhance conservations and development of forest, soil and water as well as agricultural development. At the Doi Tung Highland Agricultural Extension Center it was hard to believe that the lush green rainforest had been barren hillsides just 30 years ago. But, the determination of the Princess Mother to reforest the barren land has brought rich fullness to the area and lifted the standard of living for the hill-tribe people. Touring the Hall of Opium in the Golden Triangle Area helped us understand how these redevelopment projects are replacing opium cultivation. It was a very powerful experience that illustrated the effects of the opium and heroin trade on the countries growing poppies as well as the effects of the illegal opiates on world-wide users. All in all, the Singapore/Thailand experience has increased our international awareness and understanding, provided resources to weave international components into our lives, helped us feel better about ourselves and our country, and has given us a renewed interest in our vocations here in Nebraska. These types of experiences are very important as Nebraska moves into the 21st century because we are more likely to find ourselves in multicultural situations. Throughout the state, the chance of interacting with individuals with backgrounds of different national cultures has substantially increased over the past decade. FF opportunities are truly making us more sensitive multiculturally and it will influence our relationships with Nebraskans from various cultural and ethnic backgrounds. To see a photo gallery from this exchange click here. |
©2008 Friendship Force of Lincoln. All Rights Reserved. |
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ight of us immersed ourselves in Southeast Asia’s culture and made new international friends in Singapore. These new friendships, along with a variety of other experiences throughout Singapore and Thailand, made us more sensitive to multicultural issues and will influence our relationships with Nebraskans from various ethnic backgrounds. The home stays with families in Singapore and our focus on leadership, education and community development in Thailand connected us with local people from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.