Liao Qiang Ming
Guangdong, China
Business Development Manager, SGP International
Management Academy
Been in Singapore for three years
Currently on an employment pass
Since arriving in 2006 to do his Masters degree, 24-year-old Qiang Ming has found plenty of reasons to stay on after graduating. He enjoys his friends, his sports, and his work, which includes convincing students in China that coming to Singapore is the right move for them.
QM himself needed little persuasion after his father, a hospital head, returned with good reviews following a work-related visit here. Three years on, QM is still glad he came. “I like the clean and green environment, and the people are so friendly,” he says. Indeed, Nick treasures the friends he has made over the years, especially through his sports activities.
The fervent footballer plays a few times a week. “My soccer mates are Singaporean, Cambodian, Indian, Malaysian, Thai... some of us are working and some are students, but we’re all passionate about football and we play great as a team. There’s nothing like sport to bring people together.” QM also jogs, swims, and plays basketball, sometimes with the students he meets through work. He’s especially appreciative of the range and convenience of sports facilities around him. “The public gyms in Singapore are so cheap!” he exclaims.
All that exercise means QM needs to refuel often, not that he wants another reason for eating - the variety of foods here are exciting enough. “Bak kut teh, curry, seafood...” QM counts off his favourites. “Vietnamese food, hotpots... I’m somewhat of an anomaly for a Southern Chinese - I love spicy food! That makes being in Singapore a plus.”
QM is equally enthusiastic about his work. As a business development manager he needs to travel regionally and around the island to meet clients. “I like being able to meet and interact with different people,” he says. Good governance is not only a big help - “Doing business is simple in Singapore, there is very little red tape involved” - but is also a selling point he uses when telling potential students and clients about the benefits of coming to Singapore.
He also doubles as an assistant teacher twice a week, helping new students pick up the basics of the English language. He comments, “Their skills may be a bit shaky now, but Singapore is a very forgiving place for learning the language - they know they can still get by in this multi-cultural society.”
As for keeping in touch with his family, QM takes advantage of affordable telecommunications here and has made calling home daily a tradition. “Sometimes I call while my mother is cooking and she’ll be frustrated, but I know she’s always pleased to hear from me!” he says with a laugh.