New Zealander Clifford Wong has been in Singapore for almost seven years. He is a lawyer by trade and always seeks to enjoy life to the fullest.

Q: Why did you make the decision to work in Singapore - what drew you in and made you choose Singapore above all other countries?

Clifford: Ties of kinship and a beautifully played hand by fate made it almost a fait accompli to choose Singapore.

I was planning to move from Wellington to Auckland for work, - however, in between the move, I decided to take some time off to visit my younger brother, who had been working in Singapore for more than a year. On a whim, I had emailed my CV to a few potential employers in Singapore via an online job portal. I still remember rushing to send the CV, before rushing out the front door to catch my flight.

On my arrival to Changi Airport, 11 hours later, I found my brother there waiting with his handphone extended to me. A company had received my CV, had just called and wanted to interview me that very day. Needless to say, I was in no state to meet and fortunately, the employers were happy to meet me the following morning.

I was offered a job that very afternoon.

So, destiny had decided for me - having landed with half a suitcase full of clothing and a sudden opportunity at a new job in tropical Singapore, - gateway to South East Asia.… and here I am, seven years later and the future still seems as bright as those heady first few days.

Q: What were some of your best initial encounters when you arrived in Singapore?

Clifford: No one ever suspects the Chinese New Zealander!

There were quite a few memorable moments when I first arrived in Singapore, some of them being associated with the ever-so inquisitive nature of many of the taxi drivers, in their efforts to decipher the origins of their passengers. In that scenario, I always have the winning luck of being Korean/Japanese looking, sounding either Australian, British or American and being (c) – None of the Above.

Also, whenever I am ordering and mention the number 2 or 3, because of my New Zealand accent, my 2’s are mistaken for 3’s and my 3’s discounted as 2’s! It’s a loveable and quirky miscommunication that always reminds me of who I am and where I’m at.

Q: What do you love best about Singapore?

Clifford: Many people don’t understand that being able to walk the streets without fear are is a rare thing on this world and in this era. I am thankful that Singapore is one of the safest places in the world, where children need only worry about their exam results instead of what’s lurking around the corner.

I also love that I’m adrift amongst a culture that is a fine blend of the West and East, allowing me to find our more about what it means to be Asian, or as I cheekily refer to it as a “born again Asian”!

Q: Tell us a little bit about Singapore Discovered! - and your decision to be part of the show.

Clifford: When I was offered the opportunity, I was a bit concerned, as it required a bit of time away from my day job, but I am lucky to have very understanding employers. I was quick to take it up, as I saw it as a chance to rediscover my new home all over again.

Singapore Discovered! is like a stay at home vacation (a staycation!) where I get to experience things that I wouldn’t normally have the opportunity and meet people that would only ever be on my periphery. Too often, people think that they need to travel abroad to see and experience new things, when it is quite often the case that there are real gems to find in your own neighbourhood! I just hope the people who see the show feel the same sense of wonder and appreciation that I did, in the filming. Singapore may be geographically small, but is truly world worthy and full of things to do and see.

Q: In filming the show, what did you discover about Singapore that you never knew existed?

Clifford: Pulau Ubin was a destination I had only heard about, but never knew how it was both a place that could be a way to see the great outdoors and that it was also a great “next – door” . Its literally only a 10 minute, $2.50 ferry ride to a secluded walking and biking destination. I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves outdoor activities.

Q: What are some of your hobbies - and where do you pursue these in your free time? What are some of your favourite hangouts in Singapore?

Clifford: I love Muay Thai and love Thai food, so the best place for both of these are Golden Mile Complex on Beach Road. It’s a bit of a dilapidated place, however, if you can look past the worn appearance of the place, you will find the best and most affordable Thai food in Singapore. Also, on the 3rd floor of the complex is Supanahong Muay Thai Gym, run by the friendliest couple. You’re not just learning about Muay Thai boxing, you’re also part of a family atmosphere, which is very important in the learning process.

I also play for the Monsoon Touch Rugby Club, the best and most winningest touch club in Singapore and South East Asia – where I’m proud to say that over 7 years, in tournaments in Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong and even Korea, Monsoon Touch has come out as best of the best over international competition!