Member Spotlight

Member Spotlight

getting to know our members beyond the usual chitchat

Laurie with her dog Johnny Laurie Day came to Singapore in 2010, to accompany her husband Jim on a two-month assignment for his company based in San Jose, California. Two months turned into four, which have now become ten years. Laurie’s two adult children live in the United States, and she welcomed a grandson 18 months ago.

What about Singapore culture has surprised you the most?

I am still amazed at how many complaints or problems the Singapore government will take care of for their residents. You can report so many things and actually expect a response. Spot someone smoking where they shouldn’t be? Don’t like where your neighbors are parking? There is litter left in your void deck? See a wild animal wandering around? There’s an app to report all of these and more!

What has been your funniest or worst mishap while living in Singapore?

My husband, Jim, and I found a man unconscious in his car at a traffic light. I got out to check on him, and Jim pulled our car in front of his so he wouldn’t block traffic. When I finally shook him into consciousness, the man took his foot off the brake and drove right into the rear end of our car!

What hobby or activity have you been able to pursue in Singapore that you didn’t previously? How has it influenced your time as an expat in Singapore?

For the past two years, I have been a Wildlife Rescue Volunteer at ACRES two to three days per week. I drive all over the island, responding to calls about wild animals in trouble. The job ranges from exciting to frustrating, heartbreaking to heartwarming. It has completely changed my life. I also volunteer for an organization that provides counseling services. I work a couple of shifts per month on their chat hotline. It lets me see a part of

Written by Helena A. Cochrane

Singapore culture that is not often seen. At times it can be emotionally exhausting, but I have grown so much from the experience.

Have you adopted a habit in Singapore that you hope to take with you to your next home?

It feels so strange to wear shoes in the house now that I am sure that’s a habit we will adopt wherever we go.

If you could ask a Singaporean any question, what would it be?

Where is your favorite place for roti prata and which prata is your favorite? (FYI, I like plain or cheese prata.)

Laurie and Jim Day

What life lesson have you learned during your time as an expat in Singapore?

I’ve learned that in any relationship, be it with friends, family, or a partner, it’s not about choosing the right person. It’s really more important to BE the right person and create the conditions that will allow a relationship to flourish. I try to remind myself of just how fortunate I am to be experiencing another culture and that, because of my experiences, my children and grandchildren will learn about and be more tolerant of other cultures

How do you treat yourself in Singapore? What is your luxury? Was your luxury the same in the US?

I treat myself in Singapore with a long massage or tasting a couple of new whiskies at my favorite whisky bar. I never had a massage nor tasted Scotch whisky while living in the US, but they are another thing I will take with me when I leave.

Since moving from Philadelphia in 2018, Helena has been active with AWA's Walking with Women, Writers' Group and International Choir as well as with Urban Sketchers of Singapore.