Time and
again, we hear about the so called privileges/advantages/upper hand that those
who fall in the majority race in Singapore have over the minority races. Heck, being
labelled part of the “minority” race itself must feel a tad degrading to some, given
the term – no matter how factual it actually is.
Being Malay
myself, I’ve overheard the not-so-silent whispers from my folks, relatives and
fellow Malay peers about not giving something a shot because we won’t be able
to attain it due to the “colour of our skin”. Sometimes, not being part of the
majority race is the reason cited for us not achieving or acquiring a certain result
or desired outcome.
“Don’t bother trying for the
scholarship la. Surely, a Chinese student will get it instead.”
“Why bother signing on for to the
army? Confirm won’t get. They see skin one, you don’t know ah?”
“Don’t apply for job in that company
– they only want their people.”
When I was
younger (and more naïve), I believed every word that was said and to a certain
extent, bore a grudge towards those from the majority race. However, as I grew
older, I learned and began to understand that my goals can be attained,
regardless of the colour of my skin. How? Through sheer effort and
determination and making use of the opportunities presented in front of me.
Opportunities placed fairly and openly in front of everyone and anyone who
wanted to work hard enough to seize them.
I was able
to study the Malay language, my mother tongue, throughout my academic years –
which I excelled greatly in because I took pride in learning, using and
speaking it.
I graduated
from university – something that was sadly, still deemed an unattainable task among
my own people back then.
I trudged
through over a year’s worth of job applications, interviews, rejections and
temporary jobs before getting fully-employed. Often, those around me blamed my
state of unemployment on the “Must be effectively bilingual in Mandarin”
requirement or cited that these companies would only hire “their own people”.
But I believed that the right job was out there for me and I needed to hustle a
tad more to get there. The end result will always taste sweeter after a tougher
fight.
I purchased
a flat with my partner – where, to my pleasant surprise, my race boosted our
chances of securing a unit due to the Ethnic Integration Policy put in place by the authorities many
years ago.
I encouraged
my younger sister to work hard and aim for the scholarship award, which she
successfully attained, to our family’s delight.
Long story
short – one’s place in society and in life in general, depends much on one’s desire
to get out there and get it. It is not dependent on the colour of your skin or
which segment of the community you come from. In a place such as Singapore,
where individuals of various races and backgrounds eat, work, play and live
together, there are many opportunities for all to seize. You just got to make a
run for it.
