Zhang Zhong Qing
Chongqing, China
Teacher, Pei Chun Public School
Been in Singapore since March 2006
Currently a Singapore Permanent Resident
She used to watch Singapore television serials as a teen - now Zhong Qing is living with her family in the garden city she admired.
Having taught in China for eleven years, Zhong Qing arrived in 2006 through a collaboration between Singapore’s Ministry of Education and China’s Hanban or the Office of Chinese Language Council International (国家汉办). Recommended by the Chinese district education department, she had applied for the posting on her own initiative.
As a teacher, Zhong Qing had her first opportunity to visit her family back in China after a few months of teaching during the local school vacation period. When she received her Permanent Residency in 2007, her husband and 11-year-old daughter joined her here. They too have become Permanent Residents and reside in a cosy apartment in Toa Payoh, which is a five-minute walk away from the school where she teaches.
A typical day
She likes Pei Chun Public School, where she teaches Primary 3 and 6.
Work starts at 7 a.m. at the school, and Zhong Qing usually stays till about 4p.m. to teach the Higher Chinese class or to mark assignment. She is also the teacher-in-charge of the Chinese Dance co-curricular activity. Zhong Qing’s daughter, who studies in the same school, waits in the library for her before they go home together. Her husband, who also works at Pei Chun – he plans and organizes Chinese cultural activities – is there from 7.30 to 4.30 p.m.
Zhong Qing spends the rest of the day supervising her daughter’s homework, taking care of household chores, or researching on the internet. The family often jogs together at the nearby MacRitchie Reservoir, or swims at the public swimming complex. “Here in Singapore, we have time to relax together as a family. Public facilities are also accessible and well-designed,” Zhong Qing comments. She appreciates the school system which allows her daughter to develop in other areas apart from focusing on homework. Whilst she is often busy, her husband and daughter have managed to explore “the whole island” and its attractions. Other diversions comprise the occasional karaoke sessions, and attending Chinese Orchestral concerts at the Esplanade.
Her favourite Singapore dish interestingly is porridge - “I really like the pork porridge, and fish porridge, too!” Zhong Qing enthuses, “Also satay, and the famous chicken rice, of course.” She has also picked up a taste for Malay and Indian food. There is no need to miss food from home as Singapore has several restaurants serving the “Chongqing hotpot” that her home town is famous for. At home, her husband does most of the cooking “since he claims to be the better cook”, she laughs.
Three years on, Zhong Qing still has a high regard for Singapore’s governance, cleanliness, and efficiency. She also loves the weather here. “The best thing about Singapore is how warm and friendly the people are,” Zhong Qing says. She recalls how when she first came, she would get lost, and locals would not only give directions but also accompany her to her destination.
Of dreams & aspirations
Career-wise, Zhong Qing finds the local system very fair, with ample opportunities for teachers to up-skill.
Among her hopes are to contribute more to the learning of Chinese in Singapore, both as a teacher and as a mentor to the local beginning teachers. She believes she has much to share with her abilities and experience with the Chinese language.
So far her only challenge here has been with language, but she tries to pick up English phrases whenever she can. It helps that she works in a predominantly Chinese-speaking environment and her Singaporean colleagues have actively introduced her to many local terms apart from English ones.
While her parents are unfortunately unable to visit due to poor health, they are happy that she has settled in Singapore, and keep in touch over the telephone and internet. Zhong Qing would like to become a citizen one day, and sees her family integrating well in Singapore. “I hope my daughter will gain admission to a local university, and continue working and living in Singapore,” she says with a smile.