I moved to Singapore
2011-06-04
I was born in California, and lived many years each in San Francisco, Santa Monica, Chicago, Boston, New York, Portland, and Seattle. I’m very American. I get America.
So, in the name of learning and growing, it was time for me to move on and not live in America anymore.
When I met my future wife, I told her my plan and asked, “How would you feel about living in the rest of the world for the rest of your life?”
She can do her work from anywhere, so she thought a bit and said, “Hmmmm... Yeah. I could do that.”
A year later, we got married. Two days after the wedding, we took one carry-on bag each, and went around the world, looking for a new country to call home.
We went down to Brazil, up to Sweden, around Europe, over to India and China. There’s so much going on in Asia, so exciting, so much to learn. I really wanted a home base in the middle of it all. And so we found Singapore.
Singapore is 3 hours from India, China, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, Bangladesh, and Taiwan. 2 hours from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Philippines. Such a wonderful hub for this entire part of the world. Cheap flights to 13 countries for under $200.
On our first visit, we met so many amazing people from NUS, Unbox, Hackerspace, e27, EDB, and INSEAD.
Though there are 5 million people here, the music and entrepreneur scenes are quite small, so it feels like a small town in a big city, with the advantages of both. It’s a great place to set up a business, which is important to me.
I could go on and on about how much I love Singapore, but if you want a quick overview, the Discovery Channel did a great documentary about it, and the Wikipedia page is good.
We made some really dear friends on our first visit, and decided it was home. After 8 months of waiting for the paperwork to process, we became official residents of Singapore yesterday.
We rented an apartment. We got a kitten. I set up my new companies here. I’m an “entrepreneur in residence” at INSEAD, and mentoring at Beta. And I’m back to work.
So now you know where to find me. If you’re coming to Singapore, email me.
Nice hearing this news.. ;) One of you audience during TNMA2011 in KL.
Enjoy Asia ya.. ;)
"If it is not working, change" .. ;p
Wonderful!
And not far from Australia
Yes! Only 6 hours to Perth. I love Australia, too, so I love that it's much closer now. -- Derek
Yes, I needed to read this at this very moment. Thank you, and all the best to you from a musician who's gearing up for change in the tiny town of Cottonwood, California.
Derek,
Awesome brother! I plan on traveling and going all over the place. Sounds like we'er on the same path as I plan on being able to operate my business anywhere I have an internet connection.
Would you mind if I made Singapore a hub from travels?
I don't know if they can take 2 Dereks?
Awesome!
-Dereck
Happy day! Good choice;-)
yeay! Congratulations! hahaha
I was born in Singapore! I don't remember it at all because we moved out when I was 6 months old. Apparently at one point the apt. building had an ant problem and my mum put four pans of water around the legs of my crib to prevent them from biting me.
My warmest welcome and congratulations! Glad that Saj and you have decided to make Singapore home... I'm sure you'll have lots of positive experiences, and especially touch lots of lives too!
looking good on your ID card!
Awesome!
Out of curiosity, did you consider Malaysia (Peninsula)? Good mix of Chinese and Indian cultures. Also, even cheaper flights than from Singapore (thank you Air Asia).
I personally like Melaka
From a fellow nomad.
I like Malaysia a lot, and my wife has family in Penang, but just felt Singapore was a better home-base for us. -- Derek
Bit strange that ID card has a "Race" field...
Anyway, you might find interesting to visit Caucasus region
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caucasus
And particularly Georgia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgia_(country)
Best wishes!
Nice...
I'm indonesian, and want surround all indonesia island.
Welcome to Asia Derek
You are my neighbor now.. LoL
If you have spare time, visit to Jogjakarta :P
Welcome to Singapore! :D
Hmmm, that is kind of odd that they have a race field on the ID card.
Great move Derek, been reading your blog for quite a long time. Welcome to Singapore!
Hi Derek, I'm coming!
Will reach out to you!
Was on the Changi Airport once, fabulous experience, but had no time to visit the city.
Good luck to you
Welcome home, Derek.
Good for you Derek. You will flourish in SG, and it's very fortunate to have you.
Just my take: It's efficient without being oppressive and stimulating without the sheer wackiness that you get in growing, developing Asia. (I love that too but on some days here in Bali it feels a bit 'non-value-added'!)
You're still so close to so many interesting places/cultures though. It's a base from which you can have it all. Oh, and the food! Fantastic view from your apartment Derek.
The race field is typical of the Singapore government, they are obsessed with eliminating racial divisions. Almost all of the housing is state owned and has quota's about how many X can live in any one building.
It's also a nation without freedom of speech. I found it very ironic to visit the speakers square, the only place you can freely hold a rally in the country only to find out there is a registration process designed to weed out anyone who has anything to say so it's almost never used.
Congratulations! Having been in Singapore last year, I completely agree with your feelings about the city/country. I only was there for a week, and I would certainly go back soon if I could!
Nice. I started doing the same more than 10 years ago. Living in Mexico and now in China, learning about local culture and language. I try to stay in each place more than five years to get to know it well. Soon will move to a new place in China, and in about two years move on to a different country.
If you move like that around the world, just keep in mind: After some years, people back home will stop understanding what you are talking about (not language, but content).
Nearby KL! ping me if u need tour around KL, will glad to personally guide you to non-tourist trap
I admire your life. It's been my dream to work around the world too. Maybe someday...
It's so awesome you connected with someone who will travel with you. I am profoundly jealous, ha ha!
Singapore is a great base, for the reasons you already mentioned. Jetstar Airways is awesome and absurdly affordable. After going to some of the crazier spots, I think you'll be relieved to return to the sanity of Singapore.
I spent 5 years working and traveling in Asia. Spent most of my time in China and Taiwan, and visited much of Southeast Asia. Wonderful area to explore, you're off to a great start.
I've linked to my travel blog in "your website." For most of the big cities in Asia, e.g. Bangkok, I wrote guidebook-style advice called "Inside Information" at the end of each story. Feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions. Love to help people get the most out of their special time in Asia.
Best of luck to you and Saj.
Hi.
Next month I'll be moving from Europe to Singapure and hope to find it as friendly as you do.
Though it scares me quite a bit.
Best,
Jernej
Good luck. I am moving over soon. I think I will settle in Malaysia but Singapore is still in the running. Great blog.
congrats derek and welcome!
Living the dream, man. Congrats!
Just discovered your blog. A great find
I've been working while travelling (around Asia) for 7 years now, and have no plans to stop
What a great way to live! Big congrats on both finding your soulmate and moving to Singapore. I LOVE Asia. Had wonderful experiences there performing and just got a distribution deal this year from EQ Music there in Singapore.
Wishing you all the best!
Awesome man, take a weekend and come over to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I won't mind showing you around the best spot!
Inspiring as always and I love following your adventures.
When I get over to that side of the world (a goal) I'll be sure to say hi.
A friendly welcome! You can contact me if you need someone to show you around
Singapore is really easy to navigate, best of luck to you in this city.
Derek,
What an incredible idea AND to have found a love to share everything with only makes your idea incredibly spectacular! I'm very happy for the both of you, may the World be your playground!
So many words of love and congratulations here. Welcome home, Derek.
Congratulations Mr. Sivers! Very awesome indeed.
Admit it—you're creating "CD BABY ASIA."
;-)
Congratulations! Enjoy the new home!
Congratulations on your move, Derek!
I can see how Singapore would be a great choice for you both. One thing I love about it is how the 4 official languages (and the mixing of >4 cultures) help break down the 'them and us' barriers you mention.
It sounds like you're immersing yourself well – remember to pick up some Singlish too
Cool! Congrats!
Makes me want to go visit Singapore now.
Hey congrats for the ID!
Those things usually take a lot of time
Congratulations! Enjoy your wonderful adventure!
Congratulations to you both -- what a wonderful choice. May you live, learn and prosper with joy in your new home!
Congratulations Singapore is a great place to be. Hope to make it back again soon.
But in Singapore don´t have Carnival hahahahahah ! My best wishes for this new life !
I also choose a new country to make call "my home", but my process still start.
Congrats! I will begin long term travel in less than a month and am starting in China. I, too, will be looking for a place to call home for a while. Best wishes to you!
Whoa! Good to hear that... India isn't far away! ;)
Oh snap! Generosity is what comes to mind...and to find a partner-in-crime who is as generous too is what I call beautiful.
awesome.. always dreamed of living in Singapore myself.
I wish you lots of good luck in your new home and new (ad)ventures--and look forward to hearing what you'll be getting up to in this next phase.
Awesome - hope to see you at some point there over the next year!
Congratulations!
I've made this move in the late 90s. This eventually lead to my big move to the opposite shore. Now I'm settled in my new home in San Francisco.
Enjoy you new home. The traveling opportunity from Singapore is amazing. (I was too cheap and too workaholic to take advantage of this back then :(
as a fellow entrepreneur welcome to the lala land. lets share our sorrow tales of mis-founded optimism and over confidence some time.
i lived in singapore with my family as expats. if you have the chance to send your kids to SAS i would highly recommend it. that school gave me a great education and extremely profound view of the world and global citizenship. it's pricey though (it was covered by our company).
Sounds wonderful Derek!
Finding both peace and purpose is a rare gift and you've seemed to find it. Thanks for all the continuous updates.
All the best in the new jobs.
Jan.
So cute. As I was reading your story on Singapore and opposites, I thought about how opposite you and Saj LOOK! I looked at the photos from the we got married link and enjoyed the photo booth pictures. You guys reminded me of YinYang, your faces all curled around each others in the photos. Totally made my day.
Coming here via HN - glad to see that you are enjoying living here.
Damn, man. Your sense of adventure is inspiring.
I wish I had the ***** to do that at my age.. but its in the way, definitely, and will get there as soon as I possibly can! (already have my own music marketing company AND my office is my mac... a few meetings later and some courage I'll live around the world!)
PS: I have 28 y/o
Wishes the best, You're great
I was born and grew up in asia.. we went to singapore a lot ... was there last feb .. its a dynamic city .. the number of tankers in the harbour kind of freaks me out a bit now .... why is it a great place to set up a business????? cheers
See this link for an explanation. -- Derek
Wow I admire your bravery! I've thought about doing this as well but probably not for a while. The world just seems so beautiful and there's a lot to explore. Life is too short to stay in just one place. You are incredibly lucky to find a significant other who shares the enthusiasm with you.
Hey Derek,
Welcome to Singapore.. =) Your post has certainly ignited a maelstrom of debate..
I hope you enjoy your time in Singapore =)
Best,
Ryan
Admiring your freedom to move around the world... :D
Good luck to you and to Saj, if you ever wish to visit Serbia, let me know. I would be honored to be your host.
Sounds like a beautiful place that you are, both location-wise and spiritually in your life. Congratulations.
And thank you for sharing.
Congratulations Derek! It's hard for me to be too happy for you because my envy makes it hard to feel much else.
That said, I have the same aspirations. I want to live my whole life in the whole world. You inspire because you do. Now I just have to create or find my sustainable way to do it.
How wonderful! Congratulations to you & Saj. There will be a great many lucky recipients of the fruits of your quest for knowledge.
Best regards,
Amanda
Welcome to the little red dot.
Congratulations on the move! Singapore is a great city and a dream location for many Filipinos looking to work abroad. I haven't been there for years, but that Discovery Channel documentary has been playing here in the Philippines regularly and inspiring me to go back to visit! hehe
Surely one of the first insights of travelling around a bit is that a) people are people wherever you go, with all their warts and glory - so what exactly is 'opposite' supposed to mean? and b) unless you grow up in a 'place' you're never going to understand a 'place' (what's that BTW, country, region, culture, language etc) the same way a 'local' does. However, having had this insight we can approach the journey of trying to understand another 'place' with humility and a greater chance of success.
Welcome to Singapore!
Hey I lived in Singapore myself. If you're in for some real adventure, then try each of the different food stalls in Lau Pa Sat every week. That would widen your horizons some more.
Say Derek, where do you plan on going next? Do you really think you'll be able not to grow roots and stay in one place eventually? I'd be curious to read how it turns out.
Hmmm miss them Roti Pratas!
love your spirit, this soulfully brilliant idea & that you're doing it. Let me know when you go to India, I have many amaZing creative (musician) friends there & who knows, I may just be there too
Interesting! I've always explored great links from Pam Slim's websites to other fantastic blogs with great thinking.
How surreal that I've chanced upon yours and you settle in SG with the blue NRIC and all!
Loved your interview on mixergy. Frighteningly inspiring, if you know what I mean. Bit of a kick-in-the-head moment for some things I've been ruminating about. Thank you very much.
Hey Derek! Thanks for sharing the link with me...wonder how I missed this. Your plan sounds awesome, and from what I've learned of Singapore thus far, it sounds really cool.
I'm glad you're official...and that you're in a place that feels so right for you and Saj. Hope you will have a great day today brother!
Do you have any thoughts on the weird (to us in the US) standards there? I know you can't chew gum which sounds crazy out here (chewing gum as I speak
). Also homosexuals are banned (as far as I know) - which compared to no marriage here seems like an act of war.
Like anyone learning about a different outlook on the world, it's important to understand its context. It makes a lot more sense in context. -- Derek
Howdy
A common friend Christopher Arnold turned me your way. Just moved here with my fam 2 months ago.
Ping me if you want to grab a $14 beer ; >
Welcome to Southeast Asia, Derek!
I grew up in Batu Pahat (you can goggle map it up) a mere 2 hours drive away and we frequent Singapore often growing up.
Email me if you want to explore a mid size town in Johor. Be happy to show you around and get some real local food. Am based in Kuala Lumpur now but we still have a house there.
Very nice, Derek!
Thanks, again, for your help!
Great choice Derek! Singapore rocks!
Go visit New Creation Church while you're in town - I've been wanting to go for some time since I started listening to Joseph Prince here in the states!
love the kitten pic
Why does it seem so easy to come up with business ideas??
It's just daydreaming. Takes no work. -- Derek
Singapore great. Fast growing tech scene but beware of the Durian fruit!
hi i was just reading website to find out help how to apply visa for singapore from USA even though i don't have US passport i m from Pakistan and i know i have to get visa to apply for singapore but thing is we want to open up business there too like i want to open up beauty salon and my husband wants to start fried chicken or u can say food business i can't find no help in this matter who to contact but when i saw your website i thought i should ask u if u can guide us through in this plzzz and we do want to move out from USA end of this year .Thanks if u can help us out
Look at http://business.gov.sg/ - a website by the Singapore government that will tell you EVERYTHING you need to know. -- Derek
don't know how I missed this one...
You remind me of this...
"For some reason, I'm more at home everywhere than at one place. So I decided I'll think of myself as some kind of world citizen."
~ Robert Kincaid, as portrayed by Clint Eastwood in The Bridges Of Madison County (1995).
Thank you for the inspiration, and good luck with your current and next journeys.
Nice quote! Thanks for posting that. -- Derek
Hi Derek,
Just listened to your audio book "Anything You Want". Found it very interesting and inspirational. Also found you webpage and surprised to see that you now live in Singapore. I have lived here for 20 years and still find it the best place to be in asia.
all the best
Colin
Hi Derek! I'm so thrilled that you're in Singapore - just today, I was writing about how there isn't a blogger in Singapore who strives to inspire the locals to be different and chase their dreams - then I was recommended to your blog. I'd love to meet up with you someday to exchange ideas and build a community. But for now, I'll thank you for choosing Singapore!
I'm Singaporean wanting to get out of Singapore.
Derek, can I exchange citizenship with u?
Singapore is a good place to stay if u weren't born here.
Keep up the good work Bro. Hope they are good to you over there, because your a good dude. Peace, Dave Thrift
Hi Derek,
Crazy news bro, I dig it.
I moved from Philly to California last year. Hooked up with a good friend from The Platters. We haven't seen each other for 10 years. I'm happy you're happy and MARRIED..Right on!!
I'm on Twitter now @Mark_Guitarist please follow me so we don't loose track on one another again.
Take care.
Congratulations to you and Saj.
Congratulations on your new residency! I am wanting to hear from one who has already applied and who knows: I am applying for a working visa and I am wondering: what do you do if you are a multiracial person? On the forms I see "RACE: (eg. Malay, Indian, Causcasian, Chinese, etc.)" but I am none of those. What about Arabic/African/Jewish/Levantine/Micronesian etc? Can I say "other" or multi or something? All the forums say "just put HUMAN. Hahahaha" but I am looking for a serious answer that won't ruin my application.... any advice?
I'm quite sure you can put other. Singapore only recently introduced the legal concept of dual-race, but even then, you have to choose one as the primary race. -- Derek
Hey Derek,
I'm happy to see everything's going well with you.
Maybe we'll make over to Singapore some day.
Good luck,
Zip
Heh! I did what you did but I moved in the opposite direction. I spent the first 22 years of my life there and the next 28 years in the United States, New York City specifically, with a smidgin of the MidWest in between. Now I'm thinking of perhaps moving back due to a sense of filial duty. Except, after experiencing the freedoms of the West, the feeling of being controlled by arrogant, overbearing, paternalistic, out-of-touch technocrats sitting in their ivory towers that make any US administration pale by comparison might drive me nuts!
Derek,
keep on trucking my friend
- hope to see you over seas soon
be well - peace
Awesome, Derek!
You wrote: "If you’re coming to Singapore, email me."
After reading this today:
http://sivers.org/sharing
I'm thinking of coming to Singapore just to meet you!
Thanks for being you, Derek - and inspiring many more like me
All success
Dr.Mani
Derek, I visited Singapore last June.
You will definitely lose a lot of weight there from all the walking.
I got a lot of blisters on my first day there. At the end of 4 days, I almost couldn't walk =))
Welcome to Singapore, Derek.
It has been my home for the last 35 years.
Hope you are adjusting well.
The weather gets rather wonky at times though, but the amazing food makes up for it
Hiya. great site with lots of interesting comments and information. I am on the hunt for info about Singapore. I am living in UK at the moment with my husband. He is moving to Singapore on Saturday; with me travelling over at the end of the month. His company are sorting out his papers etc, but I have no idea what I need to take with me. We will be there for approx 2 years. any help gratefully received.
many thanks
Singapore has almost everything the UK has. The few quirky things it doesn't, you can try to do without. It's a very comfortable and easy place to live. -- Derek
I don't travel much, but I think visiting a foreign country is one of the best ways to step outside your comfort zone. But wow, moving and becoming a resident. That's great! good luck to you Derek
your vedio how to start a movement Really amazing
Thanks for this contribution
I hope to visit Singapore to meet you
It sure is a great place. My friends have lived here for years - I'm just annoyed I didn't follow them out here sooner!
Singapore is a great hub to base yourself. If I'm doing a long haul flight that connects through Singapore I always try and stay for a day or two, if only for the food. So many good eating options, especially Indian.
I never imagine to live in Singapore someday.. But reading your article, has change my thought. Well.. maybe some visit will do..
It is amazing how you move from one place to another. It seems that world just a village for you. But what about friends? Many people who live in a foreign country say that they cant get friends, because their friendship concept differs from that one of local people. So they feel nostalgia and sometimes depression. What can you say for those people?
It's not so hard to make friends. Yes I get nostalgic for past places, but that's life! -- Derek
If you happen to be in the Philippines, make sure to see my town, a paradise called Palawan (an island south of the Philippines). Would be an honor to show you and your wife around. :D
Interesting! I lived there for a year about 5 years ago and have thought about going back a number of times. I was there as a student and it's always different being a student vs working somewhere. Interesting to hear about it from the entrepreneur's side though.
Derek's journey is inspiring !
Question : is Singapore like Macau ? Which is "better" ? ( if there is such a thing ? )
Thanks !
-JT.
Uh... not sure what you're asking. I've never been to Macau. But email me anytime with more details, and I'm glad to help. -- Derek
Very cool. I know some people who've moved to Singapore. How long do you plan to be there for?
Maybe forever. -- Derek
I wanna register a company in Singapore and apply for EP then apply for PR.
Do you know how I should do and how much I have to pay and how long it take time?
I'm from Iran and living in Malaysia for 3 years and I have a company and work permit here. My degree is technical engineering. I'm married and my wife has a degree in IT engineering.
Best Regards,
Kourosh
Email me and I'll tell you more by email. -- Derek
maybe ill move enough cd's and move to singapore too.. been with cdbaby since 2002..ten years now..but always looking for the next best thing to better my self...
Hi Derek ,
I am Malaysian, planing to work & live in Singapore, want to take along my daughter with me, she is in primary 5 in Malaysia now. Need some advise
Jannie
Great place to be. I set up a company in Singapore, in 1994, but then got enticed away to Hong Kong and China. Now, having been round the world, now setting up a business there again (dual-based in London) and will be working in Sing and Indonesia. I can't wait to get back...the friends you make there last a lifetime.
Hi Derek,
Came across this website while searching for moving to Singapore. I'm moving to Sing in 1 month from HK. I've been in HK my whole life and never thought I'd leave but I was made an offer I couldn't refuse. Haha! I'm a single guy late 20's, just wanna make the move as easiest as possible. Any advice? In terms of inexpensive housing, good eats, great places to meet ppl etc? What is HBD by the way?
Hi Adi. Email me. Glad to help. -- Derek
Congrats on your move to Singapore, I am back and forth a lot from Canada. Wish I could make the permanent move!