By SGN | 19 May 2026
After building a solid career in Singapore, Mia decided it was time for a change in scene.
“I felt a strong pull to challenge myself in a new way,” she reflects. “I wanted to see if I could build a life entirely on my own, immerse myself in a new culture, and leverage London as a base to explore the world
Touting the move as a leap of faith into true independence, Mia left the comforts and familiarity of her Singaporean home behind, in search of a new one.
Over the past decade, Mia had carved out a name for herself, working at financial giants like Barclays, UBS and RBS. Her move to London would see her navigate new financial systems, and adapt to the textured nuances of the UK’s financial world.
Adapting to a change in scene
When Mia first arrived in London in 2012, she was prepared for change, but not for the loneliness that followed. With no network to rely on, she felt like she had to build everything from scratch: her career, friendships, and her entire life.
“Initially, every small task felt like a major hurdle,” she says, “but it also pushed me to become more resilient and self-reliant, as I navigated the steep learning curve.”
At the start, she had only her colleagues to rely on in ways of networks. “I was putting in long hours at work, and my colleagues became my first community,” she shares.
To her delight, the professional relationships she invested in grew to become some of her closest friends, especially as she did not have much time or energy to socialise outside of her work circle.
“I feel very fortunate to have connected with such great people,” she shares.
As she found her footing through friends and colleagues in London, she realised that while the UK and Singapore shared many similarities in terms of their legal systems, administrative structures, and use of English as a lingua franca, there remained considerable differences.
Mia struggled to adjust to the myriad nuances of UK life: the muted social etiquette styles, indirect communication, and the comparatively leisurely pace of life.
“Singapore is wonderfully direct and efficient. We say what we mean,” she reflects.
In the UK, where she had to learn between the lines and calibrate her candour, she had to consciously learn how to slow down, and adapt her intensity to match the environment.
Reconciling cultural differences between Singapore and UK
“One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that ‘one size does not fit all’, she shares.
She explains that London offices operated on a set of cultural assumptions different from teams in other countries, and that curiosity and adaptability, rather than judgement, were key.
“Instead of thinking, ‘Why are they so indirect?’, or ‘why are they so blunt?’ you learn to inquire about the most effective ways of communicating with a specific person,” she says. “It’s about understanding that your way isn’t the only way to get things done.”
Mia did not arrive at these conclusions overnight. She spent time listening and observing her teams, attuning herself to the subtleties of their communication styles, once she realised that not everyone would be amenable to adopting the way she carried herself. And in a culture as diverse as London’s, she learnt early on that rigid universal standards would backfire.
“Different cultures approach deadlines, hierarchy, and feedback in their own unique ways,” she mentions. “It’s about creating an environment where everyone feels respected and understood enough to contribute their best work.”
Despite the differences Mia has had to internalise, she touts her exposure to different cultures as the most rewarding part of her job. “It’s one thing to travel, but it’s another to live and work alongside people from all over the world,” she says. “It’s opened my mind in ways I couldn’t have predicted.”
Seeking out familiar community in a new place
As Mia settled into a routine, she often felt the undeniable pull of home. Distance and the lack of geographic proximity to her loved ones back in Singapore remained a constant, underlying ache that she just had to learn to live with.
“My relocation was a tough, ‘figure it out yourself’ journey,” she reveals. “I had no one to ask the small questions that feel huge when you’re new: like how to set up a mobile phone contract, which neighbourhoods are safe, or where to find good kopi.”
Moving countries also necessitates a mindset shift, which Mia wished she had known about earlier. “It’s not just about a new job, it’s about a new way of living,” she mentions.
“Had I possessed a practical guide on the common pitfalls: Navigating the rental market, understanding the nuances of the work culture, the neighbourhoods to steer clear of when I was first looking for a flat. It would have saved me a lot of stress.”
After having settled into a steady routine, Mia decided it was time to pay it forward, and to show up as the person she wished she had been able to lean on all those years ago.
That longing led her to seek out Singaporean events, and it was through this search that she discovered Singapore Global Network (SGN). When she attended a 2025 National Day event organised by SGN and SUKA (Singapore UK Association), an organisation connecting overseas Singaporeans, she was unexpectedly moved.
“It was surprisingly emotional to get the chance to interact Singlish and share familiar jokes,” she confesses. “A homesick part of me needed that connection more than I realised. It reminded me that I was a part of a community, even though I was thousands of miles away.”
When life got busy, and Mia did not have the opportunity to travel back to Singapore as often as she would have liked, Singapore Global Network was her way of staying connected to her roots.
Inspired by the vigour of her newfound community, she volunteered with the SGN Kakis Abroad programme, an SGN-run programme that pairs newcomers with experienced in-country “buddies” who can serve as a dependable guide.
Finding the mentorship process highly rewarding, she shares how sharing timely advice at opportune moments about practical matters like rental contracts or difficult work situations removed massive hurdles for newcomers.
Today, she supports Singaporeans new to London, offering the kind of guidance she once wished she had.
“My own relocation was far from smooth,” she reflects. “Navigating a new system completely alone was tough. The most meaningful part is being able to help someone else skip through the hard parts.”
Paying it forward
One of Mia’s most memorable mentorship experiences involved helping a young Singaporean recover her rental deposit. The two women had connected through the SGN Kakis Abroad programme, the younger seeking out housing advice applicable to London.
The trouble started once the woman arrived in the UK.
Mia had warned her not to pay a deposit until she had seen the place in person; however, pressed by time, the younger woman felt compelled to do so.
“The agent started dodging appointments, and rushed this woman to sign the rental agreement,” she recalls. “The woman decided to opt out, and rightfully so, but the agent went silent on refunding the deposit.”
Mia’s partner, well-versed in UK’s real estate law, offered to help out.
“As it turned out, the agent had breached several regulations. All it took was one strongly-worded email that quoted the relevant laws, and the agent immediately agreed to a full refund,” she shares.
“It was a classic example of agents trying to take advantage of foreigners who did not know their rights, and I was glad we could step in to help.”
This situation reminded Mia of why this work mattered. “Moving to a new country is challenging enough without worrying about being taken advantage of,” she says. “Being able to guide someone through those situations is exactly why I volunteer.”
Today, Mia focuses on providing practical and meaningful support, as an SGN Kakis Abroad guide. She prioritises helping newcomers navigate the challenges she once faced, while also looking forward to taking part in community events and strengthening her connections to other Singaporeans in London.
Reflections on a new life in London
Today, London has grown into a home Mia truly loves and cherishes. She has come to love the slow pace of life and the UK approach to work-life balance. “After almost fourteen years, London still has the capacity to surprise me,” she admits. “There is always a new neighbourhood to explore or new exhibition to see.”
She quotes English writer Samuel Johnson, saying, “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.’ I find that to be completely true.”
“My perception of home is layered. For over a decade, London has been my home, it’s where my daily life, career, and local community are,” she admits. “But Singapore is home-home. It’s my foundation, my family, my identity.”
“Home isn’t just this one place. There’s a dual sense of home for me now.”
To Singaporeans looking to relocate, she says, “Be brutally honest with yourself about your motivations for moving. If you aren’t prepared to step out of your bubble of comfort, you will struggle.”
About Mia
Mia is a seasoned banking executive in London since 2010, with experience at Barclays, UBS, and RBS. She now volunteers as an SGN Kakis Abroad guide, helping fellow Singaporeans navigate life in the UK, from housing and work culture to practical day-to-day advice, while building lasting connections and friendships.
