Danielle Sim joins the course

Danielle Sim, who has lived in Singapore all her life, chose to join this course after realising how little she knew about the geopolitical contexts of countries in general – so why not start with regions closer to home? After spending a semester abroad in North America and having multiple interactions in which she had to explain the lifestyle, demographics, and culture of Singapore (and Southeast Asia at large), she found out how much Southeast Asia is seen as a region associated with holidaying, backpacking, and the Infinity Pool at Marina Bay Sands. After trying to deflect questions on why she herself has not travelled much around the region despite it being “affordable” and “convenient”, Danielle is now reflecting on how one’s identity is shaped (or not) by living in Southeast Asia.