Singaporean Identity — A Conversation That Reminded Me What We Stand For
I recently spoke to a Singapore uncle here in the UK. His name is B. Lim, a proud Singaporean Chinese. As we chatted, he shared something that struck me deeply:
Many people still confuse ethnicity with nationality — especially when it comes to Singaporeans.
He told me his story.
He was born in British Malaya, just like many families of his generation. When Singapura became independent, he became Singaporean. From that moment on, his life was shaped by Singapore’s history, Singapore’s education, Singapore’s values, and Singapore’s culture — not China’s.
He grew up learning the story of British Malaya and Singapura, the journey of independence, and the building of a young nation. His national service, his schooling, his community — everything was part of the Singapore identity.
He also shared about his Indian Singaporean friend.
People often assume his friend is “from India” simply because of his ethnicity. But he is Singaporean, he was born in Singapore, he served NS, and he carries the same Singaporean spirit and pride as every other citizen. This is the reality of our nation — many races, one identity.
Singaporean Chinese or Singaporean Indian — we are Singaporean first.
Our ethnicity is our heritage.
Our nationality is our identity.
And our identity is Singapore.
Singaporeans may come from (race) Chinese, Malay, Indian, Eurasian, or mixed backgrounds — but we grow up with:
Singapore’s education
Singapore’s values
Singapore’s multicultural society
Singapore’s shared history
Singapore’s way of life
We speak English as our main language, we celebrate each other’s festivals, and we carry a uniquely Singaporean mindset that belongs to no other country.
We are not defined by how we look — we are defined by where we belong.
And we belong to Singapore.
After our conversation, Uncle B. Lim specifically encouraged me to share this message — because he knows KOYEED is both an online nail supplies store and a children’s eStorybook creator, and he felt this reminder would help more people understand the true meaning of Singaporean identity.
Singapore may be small, but our culture is strong, our unity is real, and our identity is proudly ours.
Singaporean Chinese, Singaporean Indians, Singaporean Malays — we are Singaporeans.
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Well, I don't deny that. I feel proud hearing from Uncle B. Lim.
Every Singaporean puts in an effort to make Singapore "Singapore".
It is the collective effort of all Singaporeans, especially the vision and dedication of our late Mentor Minister Lee Kuan Yew.
"Thank you, Sir!"
And see - why do we call strangers "uncle"?
This is part of the Singaporean culture.
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We are Singaporean.
One people, one nation, one Singapore.
Counting down to our National Day with pride.
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The Koyeed Team.