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Statement of Purpose
I first became interested in Japan after reading the Shigeno Shuichis Initial D.
Through Initial D, I became aware of the many cultural heartlands that are important to both
historic and modern Japan. I am enthusiastic about learning as much as I can about the
Japanese culture. While I could fulfil my interest by attending Japanese classes and reading
up on Japan in my home country, the firsthand language and cultural experience that the JET
Programme provides can give me a deeper understanding of the culture. This is an important
facet in learning the Japanese language and culture that the Japanese classes do not provide.
Cultural immersion is inherently vital in the holistic approach to learn more about a country, a
language and her people. In fact, I am interested in learning the Hokkaido dialect and hope to
do so during my stay in Japan as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT).
I firmly believe that language defines our cultural identity and origin. While lingual
differences impose barriers that drive us apart, it is of the very same concept that a strong
mastery in a language integrate us. As globalisation continues to unify our world into a global
theatre, maintaining a high degree of cultural sensitivity and effective communication, despite
language barriers, will be increasingly essential. Subsequently, people who are effective at
imparting the gift of competent communication to others will be indispensable.
I regard the JET Programme as a fabulous opportunity for me to teach English to the
students in Japan, where I can use English to broaden their cultural horizon. Being an
editorial executive at the Institute of Advanced Studies (IAS) provides me with abundant
opportunities to work with guest professors and students from all disciplines and regions
around the world. The IAS collaborates with professors from renowned institutes to coorganise seminars and invites international students to participate in the events. I had the
pleasure to work with the foreign students during their stay in Singapore. Many of the
students of whom they arrived from Japan, South Korea and Thailand spoke English as their
second language. After working with them, I realised that creativity and enthusiasm know no

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Statement of Purpose
language barriers, and that there are youths who hold a strong interest in connecting with
others culturally.
My service in the Singapore Armour Regiment has me confident to live in both urban
and rural environments. During my time in an arid area of central India, I partook in a monthlong bilateral armour exercise, training alongside the Indian Army Armoured Corps. I can
still recall vividly; I was resting beside an Indian soldier in between the armour training
exercises. He pointed to my kevlar helmet and spoke to me in his native language, which I
presumed to be Hindi. Even though I did not understand Hindi, I could see his eyes gleaming
with curiosity. We exchanged helmets and he gave a few knocks on my helmet before giving
it a slight toss in the air. From his unconcealed amusement, I could tell that he was trying to
tell me that he was surprised to come across such a light and strong helmet.
As a Singaporean, I am aware of the values and significance of learning a second or
even third language. I come from a young nation that consists of four major ethnic groups
that all speak a unique mother tongue, with English used as a common language. Hoping that
I can provide my Japanese students a holistic overview of the cultures in Singapore, I have
been attending conversational Malay and Tamil lessons to brush up on my Malay and Tamil. I
will be driven to teach English, share my experiences to express the ways in which Singapore
is multicultural, and how different ethnicities can join together as one people.
As an ALT, I plan to make English an exciting subject for my Japanese students and
educate them on the multicultural aspect of Singapore. I am inspired to improve the cultural
awareness of students in Japan and providing them with a reason to speak English. After my
participation in the JET Programme as an ALT, together with my working experience as an
editorial staff, I hope to move on my career as an English teacher and translator in the future.