OELP Reflections (finally)

From this OELP trip to Yangzhou, China, I have learned to be more aware of the values and beliefs from China. These values and beliefs are, in my opinion, indeed different from the ones we have in Singapore. The economical and developmental growth and the education system in China also differ from those in Singapore in several aspects.

The education system of China is very different from the education system in Singapore. Apart from the fact that the lessons in China are almost always taught in Chinese, the school hours are also quite different. I used to think Singapore’s education system was tiring, as there were days, i.e. CCA days and days of special events, that I found were too long, and as such, I found Singapore’s education system to be flawed. However, compared to the system in China, I now find Singapore’s education system and hours to be laid-back. Compared to the school in Yangzhou, China, where the students have a full day of lessons until 6pm, with little rest, every weekday without fail, we in Singapore are only made to stay back that late for two days while we are released relatively early on other days.

In this trip, I visited Shanghai and Yangzhou, two cities in China with a long history and rich culture. I feel that these two cities in China have been very successful in preserving and promoting their culture. By modernizing some of these areas, while still keeping the “essence” of cultural history and tradition, Shanghai and Yangzhou have made places of historical value into tourist attractions as well. I also like how the Lushi Old Mansion in Yangzhou is a place with rich cultural heritage which tells us how Chinese mansions were like at that time, as well as a restaurant within the mansion that also serves traditional food like Yangzhou fried rice. The restaurant with reference to a theme is an interesting concept and I believe Singapore has the potential to adopt that concept.

I also learned more about the economical and developmental growth of China. During the trip to Volkswagen, I could see why China had a high rate of economical and developmental growth. The versatile ideas of car models, the quick and efficient production of cars, the intricate mechanism of the factory, and the amount of innovation that goes into each model of car has contributed to the success of Volkswagen over the years.

As for the differences in the values and beliefs of China and Singapore, one can see some obvious differences. One example can be seen in Shanghai’s 海底捞, a restaurant where customer service has played a huge role in its success. The staffs of the restaurant are extremely helpful and friendly towards their customers and treat them with respect, approaching the customers involuntarily, should the need ever arise, even if customers don’t specifically call the staffs for help at any given time. I also notice a huge difference between the values and beliefs of the two countries during the bullet train ride. The locals in China show consideration for others by lining up in preparation to board the train. They also allow passengers to alight before entering. However, in Singapore, people usually push in a rush to get in before others, no doubt thanks to the “kiasu” attitude that Singaporeans tend to adapt. Singapore has much to learn from China in terms of good values and beliefs.

Overall, I have learned a lot about China during this OELP trip. Not just about China’s history, but also about its present, its economical and developmental growth, its education system, and the people’s values and beliefs. I wonder if Singapore will ever adopt any of these good values and beliefs, or methods of promoting Singapore’s cultural history.

Ian Lim (26) 2G OELP Reflections