Rashmi Anand: “Sometimes, the best chapters are the ones you don’t plan”

I came to Singapore in 2008 to pursue my MBA. I was very excited because I wanted to experience living abroad, explore new opportunities and build a better life.

When I first arrived, I stayed with a family we knew for a few days before moving into a student hostel in Katong. My college was in Queenstown, and a free shuttle bus took us to and from campus with the other students every morning.

There were many little things that surprised me. One of the funniest was food. I went to a food court and ordered chicken rice because I had heard it was one of Singapore’s most popular dishes. When it arrived, I was surprised to see slices of chicken on top of rice with a bowl of soup.

I looked at the shopkeeper, wondering how I was supposed to eat chicken without curry. He probably looked at me wondering what was wrong with me! I had already paid, so I had to figure it out. Looking back, encounters like that are some of my fondest memories of those early days.

Today, after spending so many years here, I feel I have developed a bit of a Singaporean spirit. This place has become an important part of who I am.

Singapore has given us a lot. I found my husband here, and together we have two daughters. We bought a home, and a significant part of our youth and our lives has been spent in Singapore.

Over the years, our neighbours have become like family and our friendships have grown into meaningful relationships. There is a strong sense of community around us, and many of the people we have met have become an important part of our lives.

Some of the biggest decisions were also life’s biggest milestones: getting married, deciding to have children, buying our home and ultimately choosing Singapore as our home for so many years. What started as a decision to come here for my MBA became a life I never really planned for.

One challenge has been managing the cost of living. Singapore is an expensive city, and stable employment becomes particularly important when you are supporting a family and maintaining your lifestyle.

As you progress in your career, the job market can also become more competitive. With greater experience, the number of senior roles becomes more limited. We have managed this by continuing to learn, upskill and keep our knowledge relevant. Lifelong learning is very important when you are building a long-term life overseas.

Work has been more than a source of income for me. It has given me opportunities to meet people, build friendships, learn from colleagues and stay connected to the wider community.

We love how clean, safe and well-organised Singapore is. As parents, having a safe environment where our children can grow up with a degree of independence gives us tremendous peace of mind.

We also value the quality of family time. Weekends give us opportunities to explore different parts of Singapore and participate in activities together. The infrastructure and range of activities make it easy to stay active and engaged. There is also a wonderful sense of community, with people from different cultures and backgrounds living and working here. Life really does go by in a jiffy!

Of course, we still miss our family in India. The warmth, familiarity and memories of where we grew up never disappear. We have been fortunate to have our families visit regularly, which has helped us maintain that connection.

Over the years, Singapore has also given us a sense of belonging. Today, we do not feel we have to choose between the two. India will always be where we come from, while Singapore has become an important part of where we are.

When I arrived, I was just 23. Life was uncertain, and I did not really have a plan. I wanted to see the world, learn about different cultures, gain exposure, develop my soft skills and experience working and living abroad. At the time, I thought I would work here for a few years and eventually return to India.

After completing my MBA, I found a job. Then I met my husband, and a few years later we had our children. Somewhere along the way, Singapore stopped being a temporary chapter and became home.

We were on Employment Passes for around 13 or 14 years before becoming Singapore permanent residents. It was a long journey, and we are grateful we could make that transition. Today, our children are growing up here and can benefit from the opportunities and experiences Singapore offers.

I never imagined I would spend such a significant part of my life here. But sometimes, the best chapters of your life are the ones you do not plan.

First, travel and explore. Make the most of weekends and public holidays. Discover different Singapore neighbourhoods, try local food and visit local shops. Once you have explored Singapore, explore the region too. One of the great advantages of living here is how easy it is to travel to neighbouring countries and create memories along the way.

Second, make friends. Singapore is a melting pot of cultures. Join clubs, attend events, participate in activities and do not be afraid to start conversations. Over time, you may find yourself with friends from all over the world. Meaningful relationships make a new country feel much more like home.

Third, volunteer and get involved. If you want to understand Singapore and connect with the community, volunteering is a wonderful way to do it. It lets you meet people, contribute and experience the city beyond your workplace and everyday routine. I wish I had discovered volunteering much earlier in my journey.