From The Straits Times    |

Credit: Jasmin Wee

As diplomats, we embrace change as a constant, and find beauty in the rhythm of change. When posted overseas, we might experience a range of emotions – everything from excitement to the feeling of being overwhelmed. But it is the year-end season when homesickness often hits the hardest. What I miss most is the warmth and company of loved ones during Christmas dinner, and savouring my mother’s exquisite fruit cake.

Missing home is part of the terrain we navigate. However, nothing prepared us for the intensity of homesickness when border control measures were enforced during the pandemic in 2020. I was based in New York then, and I vividly recall the anxiety I felt as flights were suspended, and we faced diminishing connectivity with Singapore.

At work, we were going through a profound period of calibrating our consular assistance to Singaporeans amid the backdrop of the evolving health crisis. At home in New York, my children were adjusting to major disruptions in their lives. Yet, the beauty in all of the chaos was certainly uplifting, from the amazing teamwork my colleagues demonstrated, to the heart-warming support within our diplomatic and Singaporean communities.

A career in the Foreign Service offers unique opportunities for personal and professional growth through exposure to different skills and experiences, cultures and countries. But it is not without its challenges. We work unpredictable hours, because the world does not stand still for us. Uprooting our family can be disorienting, and many of our spouses often compromise on their career ambitions to join us at post. It is an unconventional lifestyle for sure, but through this, I’ve learnt to be flexible and roll with life’s punches.

Diplomacy has traditionally been a male-dominated domain, but there have been great strides towards bridging the gender gap, and helping women balance their family and work commitments.

We have many remarkable women in diplomacy serving with courage and conviction, and representing Singapore on the global stage. I personally believe that female diplomats bring two values to the table. The first is empathy, with research suggesting that women’s brains are more likely to signal empathy than men’s – qualities needed when we render consular assistance, or help persuade individuals during negotiations.

The second is tact; for me, I constantly practise this – not just at work, but also to preserve the peace at home.

If you are adaptable and tough, have an interest in the world and meeting people, have some measure of empathy and a strong desire to serve, and if you celebrate farewells and homecomings as part of the canvas of life, a career in the Foreign Service might be worth considering. As for me, I remain ever grateful for the comfort and support of my family and friends as I continue to dance to the rhythm of change in this incredible journey.

Coach ID Lanyard
Now $75
Original price: $168
Shop Now
Jabra Elite 4 Wireless Earbuds
Now $88
Original price: $162
Shop Now
BaByliss Air Pro 2300
Now $63
Original price: $144
Shop Now
Abib Collagen Eye Patch
Now $19
Original price: $35
Shop Now