Post-Trip Reflections

TOPS has been nothing short of an amazing learning journey for me.

The idea of research while travelling overseas made the trip an even more meaningful one as it forces me to be more aware to the happenings around me and it also greatly heightened my appreciation of a culture that is so uniquely different from mine.

Our research was not exactly smooth-sailing as we were given a shock when our findings were so vastly different from our predictions. Nevertheless, my group was able to adapt quickly and as a result, we developed better research practices and crafted more in-depth interview questions along the way. This brings me back to the point that it is always good to exercise some discernment when we are reading the news, especially in this era where we are too reliant on the media. It does not hurt to be more critical and to analyze articles beyond surface value, as this will surely bring more boon than bane.

In my pre-trip reflection, I posted this question: Is having more really better? While I do not have a clear-cut answer yet, the TOPS trip did infuse in me some treasured takeaways and allowed me to have a better idea of how to answer this question:

As compared to the Thais, we are a much more privileged bunch. Basic things such as the tap water in Thailand is not even safe for consumption – whereas we are able to obtain water if we can find a tap. Other than a clean water supply, we get to reside in a beautiful city with modern infrastructures, topped with an abundance of sports, relaxation and recreational amenities conveniently available. And yet, why is Singapore still the ‘nation of complaints’?

“You say, ‘If I had a little more, I should be very satisfied.’ You make a mistake. If you are not content with what you have, you would not be satisfied if it were doubled.” –Charles Haddon Spurgeon

We are well aware that greed is the main culprit, but how many of us are really able to set aside the desire for material success for a less comfortable but simple lifestyle? The pursuit of riches is never-ending, so is the hunger for wealth. The more comfortable a life led, the less appreciation for what one has already possessed.

Yet, the Thais seemed so much more content with life despite being less well-off (materially). Indeed, it’s the Land of Smiles. The laid back and easy going manner of the Thais is definitely something we can learn from them. I am really taken aback by the good-naturedness of the Thais who are generally more tolerant too. In many interviews with the locals, they expressed much positivity that the behaviours of the China tourists will gradually improve overtime. A bulk of them were also very understanding, suggesting that the crude behaviors of the China tourists is a result of cultural differences and that they were not intentionally being rude. Furthermore, out of the many times we requested for an interviews from the locals, we were only rejected twice and for both cases, it was because of certain job restrictions.

On the other hand, I would expect the rejection rate to be much higher if we were to conduct our interviews in Singapore. There was once where I wanted to ask for directions at a MRT station and I could see visible distaste on the face of a woman as I approached her. She only relaxed upon hearing that I was merely asking for directions. This goes to show how Singaporeans are so much less trusting of strangers and tend to shy away whenever people attempt to approach them on the streets. I myself fall into this category. A probable reason would be the prevalence of street scams from ‘fund-raising’ to making ‘investments’ to business ‘partnerships’. Of course, the hectic and fast-paced lifestyle does nothing to counteract such behaviors. In Singapore, we all too often get caught up with the constant need to maximize our time which inevitably cause us to emphasize greatly on speed and efficiency. As such, it is of no surprise if Singaporeans less readily accept or refused to be interviewed altogether.

In addition, the trip has greatly exceeded my expectation in terms of developing my social skills. I learnt to be more conscious of the energy I am channelling to the group as well as to be an active participant who contributes effectively. I am also pleasantly surprised that I am able to bond with my group mates and get to know fellow USPians better. This is especially so because I was not very close to my batch-mates to start off with but the gift of friendship is an invaluable one.

All in all, I am really thankful to be given such a special opportunity to enrich myself with an experience unlike any other and embark on an unforgettable journey of self-discovery. The journey certainly does not end here.

 “One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.”
-Henry Miller

Much is still left unexplored and yet experienced and I do look forward to my next trip overseas.