This is my country
This is my flag, this is my future
This is my life, this is my family,
These are my friends,
We are Singapore, Singaporeans

This national day song summarized the excitement and joy that I had when I obtained my Singapore citizenship in June 2006. Singapore has provided me with opportunities that I cannot obtain elsewhere: a memorable secondary school and junior college life, a chance to pursue my tertiary education in my dream schools, and the opportunities to explore the boundary of science and to make an impact on other people’s life. All these are not possible without the support of Singapore and A*STAR.

When I looked at the raising flag in the National Stadium this National day, I felt a great sense of belonging to this island nation, a place that I call my home since coming here in 1997.

Thank you. Singapore.

Having first arrived to attend secondary school in Singapore almost twelve years ago, I have since spent close to half my life here. At first it was an alien place for one who has never been away from his home country (Indonesia). A string of schools, friends, and experiences later, slowly but surely, I begin to call Singapore my home. Watching the 2006 National Day Parade on television as a new citizen, I do feel truly Singaporean, one who has a past, a present, and a future here. It is with relish that I look forward to continuing the journey that began that fateful day twelve years ago.

At the young age of 13, I came to Singapore for studies. I have lived my life in Singapore longer than in Malaysia. Although I am a foreigner, I mingled very well with other Singaporean students, thus have built strong friendship with them. With the globalization, there is little difference in your citizenship. In fact, Singapore passport is very versatile in going overseas as visa is not required in most destinations. I am definitely not alone as I saw that there was a huge crowd of people renouncing the Malaysian citizenship as well when receiving the Singapore citizenship. It is also hassle-free to go in Malaysia to visit my family members and friends there. Moreover, now I can apply for my parents to become permanent residents. I do not feel much change, except when I am faced with this repeating question: “Are you Singaporean?”, now I can proudly answer: "Yes!"

Conversion of one's citizenship is by no means a trivial matter. Even though I was born in Singapore and grew up here, and I have pretty much felt like a Singaporean all along, finally taking the oath at ICA was indeed a milestone in my life. The "new" feeling was real.

I had to return all my identification documents: my citizenship certificate, Malaysian passport and IC. So, for a brief period of a week, I felt without identity, "stateless" and uneasy. Finally receiving and physically holding my brand new SINGAPOREAN passport felt terrific. The little red booklet bearing my 'new identity' read: Tan Wui Siew; "Singaporean". This time for real, I was no longer: Malaysian but a Singaporean PR; born in Singapore and lived there all my life. The lengthy and confusing introduction I had to awkwardly deliver each time someone from abroad asked me about my nationality. Gone are the days of getting blank stares, not knowing how to fill in official Malaysian forms written in Behasa Melayu. Gone are the days of being the only one, amongst Singaporean friends, needing to apply for a Canadian or Japanese visa. Although I’ll miss my old passport (I had it photocopied , 4 copies to be exact =P ) that carried in it the mark of my travels, my visas, entrance and exit immigration stamps etc., the blank pages in my new passport mark a brand new chapter in my life, waiting to be written; a new chapter, as a Singaporean. I am excited.

I was not even sixteen when I first came to Singapore. And perhaps it was precisely that I was so young at that time that I was brave enough to make the choice which would indeed be a much more difficult one to me now. I believe that the secondary education here provided me with a very solid foundation towards my college education.

I love the fact that Singapore is a cosmopolitan place with a big diversity in ethnicity and nationality. This has contributed to make it a vibrant melting pot where people from different backgrounds can learn from each other. In addition, I can find in Singapore many of the traditions of Chinese culture, which are dearest to me.

I cherished the EDB/NSS scholarship that has enabled me to receive one of the best educations in life sciences in the US. I would like to contribute my own small part to the booming of the life sciences industry in Singapore after I complete my advanced degree and the application for the citizenship reflects this objective.

Having lived in Singapore all through my formative years, the conversion to a Singapore citizen was no longer an 'obligation' towards A*STAR, instead it seemed like the most natural thing to do. Personally, the conversion was only a formality and a change of documentation, I have always felt like a Singaporean. I speak like a Singaporean, I probably have the ability to walk along Orchard Road blind-folded, I simply love the local food, my closest friends are here, and most important of all, I feel most at home right here. I know I will grow to become a proud citizen. Besides the cleanliness, the warmth and exuberance of this city, Singapore's success as a world-class economic center, and soon to be scientific research hub (of which I am an honored member) never fail to make my heart swell with pride. And, to quote the NUS business school advertisement: the boys here are just too cute (uhh, haha!). Lastly, I can’t wait for the next General Elections to come by because I will finally be eligible to vote then!

It's a great time to be in Singapore now! I've been exposed to a world of opportunities both in Singapore and overseas and am really happy to be here as part of the ASTAR family. I hope we continue our quest for excellence and even higher standards for Singapore. I look forward to a very bright future for Singapore and the ASTAR family.