On my way home in a taxi, the driver popped a question at me.

“Are you from Singapore?”

And I answered with a resounding yes. That is the countless time that someone has asked questions of the similar nature about my origin. I will take the opportunity to clarify these doubts.

As to my knowledge, my parents and grandparents are Singaporeans, therefore I am pretty clear about my background. Even higher up my family tree, I am afraid I am just as clueless as you.

Now I ask you readers and friends who personally know me; In what way do I not look Chinese and Singaporean?

With small eyes and a fairly dark skin, I find myself looking very Chinese and Singaporean.

The way I speak is very common amongst Singaporeans too. I don’t have a slang in my pronunciation of words and Singlish is quite frequently incorporated into my daily casual conversations. Of course I have to limit the use of it at times which requires others to fully understand me such as during working hours and conversations with foreigners.

Oh did I mention that I tend to occasionally mix English and Chinese in my sentences. There are just some things which I can phrase better in English and vice versa.

With regards to my origin, Indonesia, Philippines and Thailand are just some of the countries associated. I take pride in the fact that I am a Singaporean and was born in Singapore. That is my identity even if my appearance to others may say otherwise.