A Singaporean In Australia

One of my all time favorite novel series is Dragonlance. In its mystical, make-believe realm, there was an interesting race created by the gods of that world. The Kender, as they named them, became one of the most outstanding fictional races ever created. Their characteristics were so expertly defined, that the race seemed to be real and alive.

In the real world, every nationality has its own trait. I'm a Singaporean, so what is my trait? As the famous Singapore quip goes, "Sinkapolang bey sai por one" (It is not advisable to shower praises on a Singaporean). For the next moment, the Singaporean screws up.

Complacent Singaporeans can result in small or big damages, from fighting dengue to causing possible racial riots as well as letting an international terrorist escape his cell. In short, complacent Singaporeans are akin to suicide bombers. A praise from elsewhere or a self-praise would ignite fireworks.

Today I finally made it good. My fourth day of work was good. Despite getting more steel splinters in my hands, finally I am capable of producing grinding works very close to Jung Hoon, my South Korean co-worker's standard. At least a good pirated version. He worked here for 5 months, so said he.

Me, 4 days. I'm good.

I lost control of the grinder when I wasn't looking and my right shin got the punishment. It was not serious fortunately. A friend whom I regard as my own brother had a bad motorcycle accident recently. He suffered multiple injuries and fortunately escaped without critical damages. Apparently he was flung off his bike and rolled on the ground for some distance. It could cost his life, probably by a split second of difference. In less than a week, he went back to work.

My injury is microscopic as compared to him. But our respective incidents reminded us that we are... Singaporeans.