Singapore Citizenship Journey

I went to ICA to apply citizenship on 30th June 2012. I managed to submit my application (finally!) and they told me that the processing would take up to 9 months. With that I went back and thought that I wouldn’t hear anything until after Chinese New Year.

Exactly two months later, on 2nd Sep 2012, I received an In-Principal Approval on my application. I wasn’t expecting it at all! Apparently ICA is really good in giving themselves buffers. I have a lot of learning to do on expectation management.

In Principal Approval for Citizenship!

The mail was basically informing that I have passed through the first level (the letter didn't start with a Congratulations, why?) and there are 3 mandatory things I need to complete within two months to move on to the next level (challenge accepted!)

a. SC e-Journey – done on 11th Sep’12

SC e-Journey is an online-based lecture comprised of all the key items that all Singaporean should be aware of. It has interesting facts about Singapore that I never really noticed before. Quite fun to complete (especially when there is no grading in the end)

The MRT-Looking eLearning

b. Community Sharing Session – done on 24th Sep’12 

We have to book this online, and they seemed to offer only 1 session per month. When I went online, the registration for Sep session was already closed. I emailed to ask and they were really swift in getting back to me (emailed them at 9pm and they get back by 11pm! And no, it’s not automated answer). I managed to join the rest for the Sep slot.

This is where we get to meet the grassroots leaders from our GRC. Queenstown is considered part of Tanjong Pagar GRC, so we gather along with soon-to-be Singaporean from Buona Vista, Tanglin-Cairnhill, Tanjong Pagar-Tiong Bahru, Kreta Ayer-Kim Seng + Radin Mas SMC.

Tiong Bahru CC! Cost me $15 to reach there by taxi during peak hour!

The settings for the session

My tag and feedback form!

One of the key highlight of the session - buffet dinner!

The session started at 7pm at Tiong Bahru CC with a buffet dinner, then continued with a presentation and breakdown to smaller group (there was 80 of us that day) for Q&A. There was literally zero question ask (no one would have applied for citizenship if they still have question, I guess?) so we went off after few minutes.

c. Singapore Experiential Tour – done on 25th Sep’12 

Similar to the community sharing, we have to book our slot online before going for this tour. Getting too anxious, I registered the first slot that I saw, without realizing that there were different tours available! We can choose between LTA, Marina Barrage, and URA. Unknowingly, I choose LTA… Given choices I would have gone for URA!! (Ok I can always visit it again by myself)

I got to take half-day leave for this, and I’m glad that the segment was not disappointing. They got professional tour guide to lead us through the National Museum of Singapore (near Dhoby Ghaut) and Land Transport Gallery (near Little India). It was one of my best visits to museums! :) Thanks Bernard and Jenny! We finished at 3.45pm while the official mentioned time was 4.30pm (talking about managing expectation).

Panorama Shot with iPhone 5! I love it!

Clear Direction to the Meeting Point

Agenda for the day!

Two Free Passes to visit Museum to complete the rest of the gallery ^^;

Second Stop - Land Transport Authority @ Little India!

I find the whole gallery is so cute and amazing at the same time

Old time Cars

Challenge Room - We are all seated in a comfy race chair and have to answer questions on the screen

Lastly, a request to like their facebook page before they gave us a freebie ^^;

I was trying to decide about going back to office or home or gym, and decided to go back and type this blog instead :p

To the next level!
ED