On 27th April 2023, DPM Heng Swee Keat came on a short working visit to Tokyo. While he was here, he decided to make some time to say hi to all us Singaporeans working and studying in Japan! The reception was held at The Okura Tokyo.

We were extremely gratified to share our experiences, ambitions, as well as observations about the differences between Japan and Singapore and how both countries have things to learn from each other. DPM Heng lent a patient and listening ear and even shared some of his valuable knowledge with every one of us in a thoughtful and concise manner. It was great to see that despite most of us having spent quite some time away living in Japan, the love for Singapore in our hearts was still betrayed by our fond recollections of home.

It would be remiss not to mention students’ favourite part of the reception: the food! A wide spread of culinary delights, Singaporean and Japanese, had been graciously prepared for all of us. In true Singaporean fashion, queues gathered faster than you could say “OWADIO”, as the foodie in all of us rushed to try dishes such as Chicken Rice and Prata. Some things don’t change even in a faraway land. It all tasted really fantastic.

We would like to thank DPM Heng Swee Keat for taking the time to meet and engage with us and hope to see him back in Japan soon! In the meantime, we’ll keep flying the Singapore flag high here in Japan.