Brent L. Fogle moved from San Francisco to Singapore in early 2020 and plans to stay.
He finds Singapore much cleaner and safer, and can’t imagine returning home.
This is his story, based on a conversation with Brent, a 32-year-old tech worker in Singapore.
Brent L. Fogle’s Background and Initial Attraction to Singapore
Early Life and Career
Brent L. Fogle grew up in Connecticut and studied nuclear-energy engineering technology before joining the Navy in 2011.
His naval career had him stationed in South Carolina, New York, and Hawaii.
His work on a submarine also allowed him to visit several countries, including Singapore.
During his service, Brent’s first visit to Singapore sparked a deep fascination.
“I was immediately captivated by Singapore during my first visit. The food, the culture—it all made a lasting impression on me,” he recalls.
After his Navy contract ended in 2017, Brent moved to San Francisco to work at Tesla.
He later took a job at KLA, where he constantly expressed his desire to relocate to Singapore if an opportunity arose.
Career Transition and the Move to Singapore
Working in San Francisco
Brent’s time in San Francisco was marked by significant professional growth.
He joined Tesla, contributing to the tech giant’s innovations before transitioning to KLA.
His work was challenging, but his longing for Singapore never waned.
He frequently reminded his boss of his interest in moving to Singapore.
“I took the job knowing it was based in San Francisco, but I always told my boss I would jump at the chance to move to Singapore,” Brent explains.
In early 2020, KLA opened a branch in Singapore, and Brent accepted a horizontal transfer.
The timing coincided with the strict COVID-19 guidelines in Singapore, limiting his social activities initially.
Life in Singapore: Safety and Cleanliness
A Stark Contrast to San Francisco
Brent’s move to Singapore highlighted stark contrasts with his life in San Francisco, particularly regarding safety.
In the Tenderloin area of San Francisco, he frequently witnessed drug use and experienced car break-ins.
“Almost every time I got off the Bay Area Rapid Transit trains at night, I saw people openly using and selling drugs. My car was also broken into multiple times,” Brent recounts.
In Singapore, the difference is palpable.
Public safety and cleanliness are prioritized, creating a secure environment that Brent deeply appreciates.
The Unmatched Safety of Singapore
Singapore’s stringent laws contribute significantly to its safety.
“If you’re at a Starbucks and need to go to the bathroom, you can leave your laptop, wallet, and phone on the table, and you’ll find them right where you left them when you return,” says Brent.
The severe penalties for drug trafficking, including the death penalty, ensure minimal drug-related crimes.
“If someone is caught trafficking drugs in Singapore, they could face the death penalty, so drug use is almost non-existent,” Brent explains.
Additionally, homelessness and gun crime are rare in Singapore.
This level of safety allows residents, including women, to walk around the city at any time without fear.
Cultural and Culinary Delights
Food and Cuisine
One of the highlights of living in Singapore for Brent is the food.
The city-state’s cuisine is influenced by its neighbors, including Malaysia, India, and China.
This cultural melting pot results in a diverse and vibrant food scene.
“I’m a huge fan of spicy food, so mala and hotpot are my go-to choices. Occasionally, I’ll order 大辣 (big spicy), but that’s a treat I limit to once a month since it packs quite a punch,” Brent shares.
Hawker centers offer an array of affordable and delicious options.
For example, Brent enjoys noodles and dumpling soup for $3.71 at his office hawker stall and economic rice with pork and chicken for $2.08 at his local hawker center.
Cultural Practices and Differences
Living in Singapore has also introduced Brent to new cultural practices, especially around food.
In Asia, sharing food at the table is common and expected.
Initially, Brent found this custom unfamiliar.
“When I see a dish I like at a restaurant, my first thought is to order it for myself. But my wife prefers ordering a variety of dishes for the table to share,” Brent notes.
Despite some adjustments, Brent appreciates the cultural diversity in Singapore.
He occasionally encounters stares in certain areas but finds people generally friendly and accepting.
Social Life and Integration
Building a New Life
Brent’s initial years in Singapore were subdued due to COVID-19 restrictions.
However, as the city opened up, he started socializing more, attending parties, dinners, and barbecues.
This helped him integrate and build a new social circle.
In December, Brent’s integration took a significant step forward when he married a Singaporean woman.
“I can’t see us leaving anytime soon,” he says, reflecting on their life together in Singapore.
Brent’s personal and social life in Singapore has flourished, further solidifying his decision to stay long-term.
Cultural Diversity and Acceptance
Singapore’s cultural diversity is one of its strengths.
The city is home to many Europeans and Americans, which helps Brent feel less out of place.
“There are plenty of Europeans and Americans working here, so I don’t feel too different,” he explains.
Despite occasional cultural differences, Brent finds the community in Singapore welcoming.
The city’s multicultural environment fosters a sense of belonging for expatriates and locals alike.
However, one cultural difference Brent struggles with is the local driving style.
“Many drivers here have a habit of constantly pumping the accelerator, making for a very jerky and nauseating ride as a passenger,” he mentions.
Economic and Practical Considerations
Cost of Living and Taxes
Financially, living in Singapore has its benefits and challenges.
The city is one of the most expensive in the world, but Brent finds the cost of living manageable.
“When I lived in San Francisco, the rent was even higher,” he recalls.
Singapore’s income tax tops out at 22%, which is lower than in the US.
Brent has to file taxes in both countries but still pays less overall.
“Even though I file taxes in both Singapore and the US, I end up paying less,” he explains.
This lower tax burden, combined with a slightly lower salary compared to the Bay Area, balances out financially for Brent.
Healthcare System
Healthcare in Singapore is another area where Brent sees significant advantages.
While not free, it is much more affordable than in the US.
“I recently jammed my toe so hard, I was convinced it was broken. I went to the emergency room, got X-rays, and saw a doctor, and it cost under $200,” he shares.
In the US, a similar visit would have likely cost thousands of dollars.
This affordability makes healthcare in Singapore accessible and less stressful for residents.
Overall, Brent appreciates the lower cost and high quality of medical care available in Singapore.
Transportation and Mobility
Public Transportation vs. Car Ownership
Brent has adapted to life without a car in Singapore, finding the public transportation system highly efficient and clean.
The city’s network of buses and trains makes commuting straightforward and convenient.
“Public transportation here is extremely clean, ubiquitous, and reliable, so we mainly use that,” Brent says.
This level of efficiency reduces the need for personal vehicles.
Brent also finds owning a car financially impractical in Singapore.
The high costs associated with car ownership make it less appealing compared to using public transit or hiring private cars when needed.
Missing the American Car Culture
Despite the practical benefits, Brent misses the sense of freedom that comes with owning a car.
“As an American, living without a car feels like not having freedom,” he reflects.
In Singapore, the convenience of taxis and private hire cars compensates for this to some extent.
“Here, you could order a taxi or private hire car to drive you around daily for about the same price as owning a car,” Brent notes.
Nevertheless, he occasionally longs for the independence and spontaneity that car ownership provided in the US.
Long-term Plans and Reflections
Future Visits to the US
Brent plans to visit the US regularly, primarily to see family and friends.
His brother’s upcoming wedding is a significant event he looks forward to attending.
“My brother’s getting married this year, and I plan to get into a rhythm of taking an annual trip home,” Brent explains.
These visits help maintain his connection to his roots while enjoying his new life abroad.
However, these trips will be temporary, as Brent is determined to stay in Singapore for the long term.
Permanent Stay in Singapore
Brent is resolute in his decision to remain in Singapore during his earning years.
He has found a balance between his professional and personal life that suits him well.
His long-term goal is to eventually renounce his US citizenship in favor of Singaporean citizenship.
“My dream is to one day renounce my US citizenship in favor of a Singaporean one,” he says.
Looking ahead, Brent envisions retiring in a more affordable place like Thailand or Bali, but for now, Singapore is home.
Conclusion
Brent’s journey from San Francisco to Singapore highlights the significant contrasts and benefits of living in a cleaner, safer, and culturally rich environment.
His experiences underscore the unique advantages of Singapore, from its impeccable public safety to its vibrant food scene and efficient public transport.
While Brent misses certain aspects of American life, such as Mexican food and car ownership, his overall satisfaction with Singapore remains high.
As he continues to build his life in this dynamic city, Brent’s story serves as an inspiring example of the possibilities that come with embracing change and seeking new opportunities abroad.