Meet The American Who Speaks Perfect Mandarin | Singapore Hour

Key Concepts

• Cultural Adaptation & Integration: The experience of an American expatriate (Elijah) and a Chinese expatriate (Wang Jung) navigating life and family in Singapore, a highly multicultural environment.
• The Power of Shared Interests: How activities like skateboarding and music facilitate connection and community building across cultural boundaries.
• Expatriate Communities: The formation of support networks among foreigners in Singapore, particularly those outside the dominant financial sector.
• Raising Third Culture Kids: The unique experiences and identity formation of children growing up in a culture different from their parents'.
• Singaporean Identity & Diversity: The multifaceted nature of Singaporean culture and its blend of various influences.
• Creative Expression & Family Bonding: The importance of engaging in creative activities as a family to foster connection and learning.

A Life Interwoven: Culture, Connection, and Family in Singapore

This video chronicles the life of Elijah Kislovitz, an American marketing professional, and his family’s journey of settling and integrating into Singaporean society. It’s a story interwoven with themes of cultural adaptation, the power of shared passions, and the joys and challenges of raising a family in a multicultural environment.

Early Life & Global Experiences

Elijah, originally from Ridgewood, New Jersey, recounts a life shaped by international experiences. He studied Chinese in high school and college, leading to a pivotal opportunity in 1998 to establish a language program at Yunnan University in Kunming, China. This marked the beginning of his extended time in Asia, with subsequent moves to Beijing, Shanghai, and eventually Hong Kong. In 2015, he relocated to Singapore to join his wife, marking almost a decade of life in the city-state. He describes Singapore as the most culturally diverse place he’s experienced, a “hot pot” of languages, spices, and traditions.

Building Community & Finding Common Ground

A recurring theme throughout the video is the importance of finding common ground and building community. Elijah emphasizes how skateboarding served as a catalyst for connection, allowing him to forge relationships more readily than he might have otherwise. He highlights the significance of his friendships with Esmani, H & Sarah (a British couple with children in local schools), and the Wis (a local Singaporean family). This diverse network provides a “juxtaposition” and allows for the creation of a “hybrid” experience, blending different perspectives and lifestyles. He notes, “Through skateboarding, I found common ground with a lot of people [music] a lot faster than I would have if I didn't have that. And that's a beautiful [music] thing that skateboarding brings.”

Family Life & Raising Third Culture Kids

Elijah’s wife, Wang Jung, a news presenter for Channel 8 (Chinese news), moved to Singapore in 2005. Their relationship began in Beijing, evolving into a long-distance connection for ten years before Elijah’s move. They now have two daughters, aged seven and almost ten, who Elijah describes as “literally as Singaporean as they can get.” The couple prioritizes providing their daughters with opportunities for creative expression – art, dance, climbing, and skateboarding – believing that exposure to diverse activities may spark a passion. They strive for balance between study and play, recognizing the importance of a well-rounded upbringing.

The Role of Music & Shared Passions

Music plays a significant role in Elijah’s life and serves as another avenue for connection. He began playing music in the US and continued throughout his travels in China, where he toured with bands for months at a time. He met Walter, a partner in the Singaporean music scene, through a shoe launch, and they began jamming together. While consistency is a challenge due to busy schedules, the shared passion for music provides a valuable outlet and a sense of camaraderie. Elijah reflects, “Through music, you connect in a different way. Because of that, it's always been a staple in my life.”

Navigating Expatriate Life & Finding Kinship

Elijah observes that many foreigners in Singapore work in banking, making it somewhat unusual to find others involved in culture or alternative fields. This shared experience fosters a sense of kinship with individuals like Walter. He notes, “I think when you are a foreigner in a place like Singapore, 80% of the other foreigners are in banking. So it's a bit weird to find other like foreigners that are working culture or an alternative. So I think from then you know we kind of felt some sort of kinship.”

Experiencing Singaporean Culture & Creating Memories

The video showcases everyday aspects of life in Singapore, from visiting the Upper Boon Keng Market & Food Centre to enjoying local delicacies like sour salt ice blender with passion fruit and watermelon. A segment features the family participating in a glass-blowing workshop, a unique experience that encourages creativity and family bonding. Elijah and Wang Jung emphasize the importance of travel and exposure to different cultures to broaden their daughters’ perspectives and instill an appreciation for their privileged upbringing. Wang Jung states, “Home is where the heart is. Where her family is, that that's where home is.”

A Synthesis of Belonging

The video ultimately portrays a story of successful cultural integration and the creation of a fulfilling life in Singapore. Elijah and Wang Jung have built a strong community, raised Singaporean children, and maintained their individual passions. Their experiences highlight the importance of embracing diversity, finding common ground, and prioritizing family connection in a globalized world. The shared activities, like glass blowing, are not just about the product, but about “creating great memories because we did everything together.”