When we are not who we are anymore

As some of my friends already know that I am getting my papers for Canadian PR. I have came this decision not because I want to leave here, but because there are priorities in life that I have to make. There are many things to consider especially leaving the land that you grew up in for a couple of years or perhaps more. It is not just a simple decision to make. There are considerations from the personal, child, education, spouse perspectives and the broader context of the extended family. I want to put in writing that I am not leaving Singapore because I have grown apart from it. I just needed a larger perspective and in terms of education, I just cannot foresee myself furthering my studies here anymore, and some other reasons. There are things in Singapore that one as a Singaporean will and cannot forget. I don't think I can call myself a Canadian and just wipe off my nationality as a Singaporean. So it really disturbs me when people imply to me that we cannot behave or think a certain way that is so "Singaporean" especially in front of other Singaporeans in a foreign land. I want to put on record that I am leaving Singapore,for Canada, sacrificing many positive things that I have grown so accustomed to, rather than the other way around. I am sure Canada is a beautiful place to live in and Singapore will always have a place in my heart. I feel that rather than conformity, we bring with us different perspectives, cultures and way of life that contributes to diversity in the place we live in. And I feel people will respect us for that and not how well we should assimilate into the new place to their habits and cultures. I hope this is something that I hope my child will never forget..his roots, culture, language and the whole meaning of embracing diversity.