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Home » Supplement » Singapore

Reflections on a city in a state of flux

Source: Shanghai Daily | August 9, 2014, Saturday | Print Edition

SHANGHAI has the largest overseas Singapore community in China with about 7,000 Singaporeans and some 2,500 companies invested by Singaporeans. Many Singaporean companies have also set their China headquarters in Shanghai. Singaporeans have their own ways to explore this vibrant city. Shanghai Daily interviews four Singaporeans who have lived in Shanghai for at least three years. They share their opinions about the city.

Q1: How long have you been in Shanghai? Why did you come to Shanghai? Do you like the city?

Q2: What’s your favorite way to explore the city?

Q3. What are your favorite foods/snacks in Shanghai?

Q4: What’s your favorite place in the city?

Q5: What are your suggestions for foreign travelers coming to the city for the first time?

Q6: What can Shanghai do to improve?

Ho Ren Hua

Senior assistant vice president as well as country head, China for Banyan Tree Holdings Ltd

A1: Been here for almost four years and came over to help build the Banyan Tree Shanghai Corporate Office. In some ways Shanghai feels like a second home for me; I worked here as an intern 10 years ago, and my grandmother and uncle grew up in Shanghai.

A2: Walking, cycling, and being stuck in traffic jams. Shanghai on a beautiful summer and spring day is really nice, and there are a few small parks where the locals get out and run. Although it is usually very crowded, an end to end walk and tour of the Bund can be very educational.

A3: I could eat xiaolongbao (little steamed buns) several times a week. My grandmother was actually Shanghainese and even in Singapore we would eat xiaolongbao often, so here we get the authentic thing.

A4: The former French concession area and the tree-lined streets have a lot of character, which merges Shanghai’s post-colonial heritage with new Chinese modernity. Personally I like Fuxing Park on a nice summer and spring day as hundreds of people and kids are there and it’s a great community atmosphere. Near where we live, along Danshui Road, is an emerging area with an eclectic mix of restaurants, bars, repair shops and small art galleries. It’s quite interesting and displays the varied character of the city.

A5: Walk, get lost, then call a cab.

A6: I think on an overall basis the city has done very well to position itself as a financial and commercial services hub, attracting all the key financial and commercial players to set up their regional headquarters.

At the same time, they have focused on significantly developing the arts scene, with a number of arts space and performance areas opening in the last three years. Overall, I think the municipal government has a very good long-term view of developing the concentric circles around the core city area.

My only suggestion would be more green corridors and integrated parks for kids and families to run, cycle and play. Or even more bike friendly roads to allow people to commute a bit more safely. Besides being the commercial center of China, make Shanghai the lifestyle city of choice for work, study and play.

Julie Loo

Assistant principal of Shanghai Singapore International School

A1: I have been in Shanghai since 2002. I came because I got a job with SSIS. I have adapted to life here and find that I can have a quality life.

A2: I lose my way easily so I prefer traveling by taxi around the city.

A3: I love Hunan food, Dongbei food, Cantonese food. My favorite Shanghainese food is zhu ti (pig’s trotters) and kao fu (marinated bran dough). For snacks, I like pancakes.

A4: I am a nature lover, therefore the parks are my preferred place. My favorite is the Flower Port and Gucun Park.

A5: Be open-minded. There are lots of good things here. For those who are here for holiday, try different cuisines. For those who are here for longer period, let go of any biased mindset, you can enjoy living here better than your home country.

A6: Shanghai has made a lot of progress in the 12 years I have been here. There is still lots of room for improvement. One thing I would like to see is for people to develop more respect for one another’s personal space.

Kelvin Khoo

General manager, China Operations of Food Junction

A1: I have resided in Shanghai for over three years now. I moved over to Shanghai owing to a job posting but have worked in China for a couple of years. Yes, I love this vibrant city.

A2: I like to use public transport and do a lot of walking — that’s the only way you get to see the real city.

A3: I do enjoy the local cuisine even if it’s a little on the sweet side. The xiaolongbao and sheng jian (fried dumplings with pork filling) are a sure thing for me.

A4: The former French concession area where it’s more nostalgic and quiet.

A5: Travel on foot and enjoy the rustic heritage buildings by the Bund and also the former French concession area. These places give a taste of East meets West.

A6: Creating ease of travel and improving the visa application procedures for foreigners; that would create more openings for foreigners to travel to Shanghai and improve consumerism.

Carrie Tan

General manager of Sun Island Resorts, Shanghai

A1: Five years. For an overseas experience.

A2: On two wheels, by bike. (cycling) or walking.

A3: Deep-fried meat dumplings and kao fu (marinated bran dough).

A4: The former French concession — Ferguson Lane, Anfu Road …

A5: I really like the face-lift of Jing’an, but for first time travelers, try avoiding the malls and visit the small designer stores in the former French concession area instead.

Brunch and sip away at the distinctive alfresco cafes and try not to get fat. Catch a play/musical or visit an exhibition if you’re the artsy type.

If time permits, visit the suburbs like the ancient watertowns, Sheshan or Chongming Island.

A6: It’s vibrant and full of life. It’s still developing. It is getting better.

Singapore


 

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