Married to S'porean, American grateful for strict laws here: 'I haven't been mugged in Yishun... yet'
Ivan Lim
TNP
Sept 9, 2025
An American living in Yishun who grew up in Africa and married a Singaporean, has impressed netizens with his knowledge of the country.
"Singapore is really amazing. I love the nature, the people, the architecture, and (sausage) buns from my local HDB bakery," said Remote_Fisherman_469, whose real name is Caleb, in a Reddit post that has had more than 1,600 upvotes and close to 200 comments at press time.
Born in Kansas to missionary parents, Caleb lived in the US for only a few years, having spent most of his childhood in South Sudan and Uganda. He has now lived in Yishun for just over a year and runs a business servicing computers with his Peranakan wife.
Caleb's work has brought him to just about every MRT station, and he has visited more than 200 homes. He loves going to parks and has been to every major one except Bukit Timah.
He also listed his favourite places as: Tongue Tip Lanzhou Beef Noodles, Forest Dome ("where I proposed"), TreeTop Walk, National Museum, Bidadari Park, Punggol Waterway, Joo Chiat, and a little HDB bakery in Yishun.
"Everyone has been very nice and kind, more hospitable than I'm used to! I've had some great conversations with people and made friends. I've even been picking up a little Singlish after a year of exposure, to my in-laws' shock," he said.
"Some people say Singapore is boring, but even after being here a year, I still love just to walk around the small local parks (there are some real hidden gems I've found) and try out as many bakeries as I can."
While he is often asked if he finds the laws in Singapore too strict, Caleb said that he is grateful for them. "First time in my life I can walk down the street at night without any worry! All in all, I am grateful to be here, and I haven't been mugged in Yishun...yet."
He ended the post by asking Redditors to share any hidden gems and was rewarded with plenty of recommendations. "Love how much you've embraced Singapore, sounds like you've explored more corners than most locals," said one user.
To which he replied: "My in-laws say I've seen more of Singapore than they have. It's fun tho."
"You know your stuff, as a local I am impressed. Glad you are enjoying your time here!" said another Redditor
"The way this ang mor becomes Singaporean within a year warms my cockles," said KrispyGauntlet.
How is Singapore different?
Some netizens were curious about how Singapore compared to his previous homes. One asked: "How do you feel about the pace of life in SG in comparison to other countries you have lived in?"
To which he replied: "Pace of life here seems fast, maybe that's why I hear locals complain SG is boring... No time to stop, take a breath. Just my perspective, could be wrong. But some parts of the US are like this too. The other places in Africa I've lived are very laid back, but to a point where nothing gets done."
On the weather and "overpopulation", he said: "Hot and sweaty and miserable in the house unless it's raining. Overpopulation - MRT crowded at times during peak hours, especially Khatib where I usually go, but as I like the more quiet places I don't see the overpopulation so much."
"What's your fav singlish. What do you miss most from your childhood that you can't seem to find it here in SG?" asked a user.
"My favorite Singlish term is 'can'," replied the American. "Honestly, I'd say quiet and privacy. I know this doesn't apply to everyone, but I can hear my neighbors fighting/crying and who knows what else. I spent a lot of my childhood in a village of 1,000 in the middle of nowhere in Africa, it was quiet and calm there. Maybe that's why I like going to parks, as it's quieter there."
There were also the usual jokes about Yishun, where the American and his wife chose to live because rental is less expensive there.
"Yay! Positive representation of Yishun," said a Redditor in response to his remark that he hadn't yet been mugged.
"Yishun is for unusual crimes," said another.
"More chance of a boar running at you than getting mugged," commented a Redditor.
