Member Spotlight

Member Spotlight getting to know our members beyond the usual chitchat

Member Spotlight - Rachana Mathur

In 1998, Rachana, her husband and two young sons moved to Singapore on an expat assignment after having spent time in Canada, London, and San Francisco. After 4 years in Singapore, they moved to London, where Rachana taught kindergarten

Rachana soaking up the sun

and first grade and raised her boys. But life is full of surprises and, after 16 years, she has returned to Singapore with her husband. Their now grown sons have branched out on their own, one living in New York and one recently arrived in Singapore on his own expat assignment. Rachana’s unique experience as a returnee has given her interesting insights into Singapore.

What assumption or belief about Singapore did you have that was wrong?

When I was very young, my parents often talked about family in Delhi traveling to Singapore and returning with boxes of electronic goods. I knew it would be more advanced than India, but imagined it to be quite rustic. When we arrived in 1998, I was blown away by how developed, clean and modern

Written by Christin Gustafson

Singapore was! And, the fact that there was no language barrier allowed us to slip in and quickly get on with the settling in process.

What has been the most pleasant surprise returning to Singapore after 16 years?

I am again amazed by the country’s passion and drive for constant change and growth. It has no natural resources, but it has tremendous human resources. The innovative architecture that has come up in recent years, such as the MBS complex, is genius and mind blowing. Where there was once swampy land now stands one of the island’s largest draws for tourists.

Conversely, what have you struggled with that you didn’t expect to be challenging?

The price of wine!

What about Singapore culture has surprised you the most?

Having Deepavali be a national holiday, I feel inspired to celebrate more traditionally in my own home. I now use traditional oil lamps and make a fresh flower Rangoli on my balcony. Visits to Little India’s Deepavali markets with the lights, colors, decorations and foods transport me to the streets of old Delhi.

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

When I lived here the first time, I went to Raffles Hotel for a friend’s baby shower. At the end of a fun but rainy afternoon, I was racing to the taxi stand to meet my sons’ after school bus. (Before Grab and the current vast MRT system, getting a taxi in the rain was difficult). I rushed toward the taxi stand ahead of a group of businessmen, but the Raffles doorman put his arm out to prevent me from boarding my taxi. Confused and very annoyed, I voiced my objection to the doorman and to the

gentleman I thought was out of turn and taking my taxi. However, the gentleman was not taking my taxi, he was being ushered into his car by security guards. He very politely said “the taxi is yours.” With a nod and a frown, the doorman said, “Kofi Annan, the UN Secretary-General.” Oops! I had forgotten there was a conference that afternoon. Enjoying some sweet treats

What hobby have you been able to enjoy in Singapore that you didn’t previously?

During our first assignment to Singapore, I went back to school and completed my Bachelors of Education in Early Childhood. Having a helper gave me the opportunity to be a hands-on mommy during the day and attend classes in the evenings. This time we have come as empty nesters. A different experience, one that’s inspiring me to explore opportunities I couldn’t fit in as a busy mother and student. I am enjoying activities such as Mahjong, Cultural Cooking, movie club, DISH, walking groups, coffee mornings, KidsRead, RMHC and the list goes on. So much easier now to be in the know and sign-up compared to my time here before Facebook and an AWA website

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

Make the most of your time here. Expatriate placements are unpredictable. Rediscover yourself and revive your passions. It’s a magical “me time” opportunity to indulge, involve and challenge yourself. So, get out there!

Christin is a seasoned expat who enjoys learning how others adjust to their adopted hometown. She is a member of the AWA Writers Group, a busy mom of two sons and has lived in Singapore since 2018.