Some final remarks on Singapore

Few words... While flying to Singapore I wrote down what I expect from my stay there. I don't have this paper with me now, but as far as I remember, some of my expectations were the following:

- gain new impressions and experiences
- get to know and learn new people and insights
- understand better myself and what I am good at
- retain positive attitude
- be / become more open towards different and diverse opinions, cultures, mindsets, values
- travel a lot

Now, after my stay in Singapore is over, I can say that all this has become a part of my experience. I met a lot of new people, very different and very interesting, and learned a lot from them and their attitude towards life.

I was lucky to share my room with a very sweet, bright and open person, Paula, who also made my stay in Singapore so easy going, funny and memorable at the same time...

I went to school (SMU - Singapore Management University) and experienced 'their' way of teaching and learning. I also learned and contributed myself: my classes on Intercultural communication, Investor relations, Managing corporate reputation, and Negotiation skills for business - all of them were in a way interesting and enhancing for me, personally as well as professionally...

I had a chance to be part of Russia Singapore Business Forum - a yearly event that attempts to bring together businessmen from both countries and discover new chances and opportunities for them. Some of SMU students were invited to participate and work at this forum, and it was definitely a chance for me to get insights into the world of business I am interested in...

I went to many parties and events (even to Formula 1 Singtel Grandprix in Singapore!), I socialized and networked and had lots of fun! I met so many people of different age and background, some of them became good friends, some close acquaintants, and all will stay in memory in a very positive way. I realized how easy it is to meet new people and to gain new acquaintances in this part of the world - it seems that people become more open and sensitive once they leave boundaries of their own comfort zones in the home countries (maybe myself as well?!)...

I traveled a lot: Bintan in Indonesia, Kuala Lumpur and Tioman in Malaysia, Bali, Borneo, Malacca and now Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, China, Hong Kong... I believe that once one starts traveling, he / she gets a wonderful taste and adventurous spirit of it, and will always long for new destinations... At least this is what I discovered in myself...

Overall, it has been amazing time! I did feel a bit sad when leaving Singapore, but I am not anymore, since I know that I will catch up with all those wonderful people I became close with, and we definitely stay in touch!

And, who knows, maybe one day I come back to Singapore, to work and live. I am so open for opportunites to come along my way! And moreover I am creating them myself! :))

Ringing an IPO bell at Singapore Exchange :)