Apurva Choudhary,
Vice President Investment Banking,
JP Morgan

For Apurva Choudhary, adapting to Singapore is a breeze. For one thing, there is no language barrier because everyone understands English very well although most speak, as Apurva says, the endearing variant, Singlish. What makes it even more welcoming are the friendly tax rates,
focus on productivity, transparent
government system and safe family environment. As he puts it, "Singapore boasts a modern, well planned, well run and well governed society that any government would be proud of."

Spending close to five years of his long investment banking career with JP Morgan in Singapore, he feels that he has learnt tremendously from both the business and cultural perspectives.

"As the gateway to Asia, Singapore has a bustling economy, rich culture and just the right amount of government intervention. I don’t believe there is any other place I would choose to practise my trade,” says Apurva.


Although Apurva has no first-hand experience of ‘migraines’ in relation to children’s educational and other needs, experiences of friends make it quite clear that this will not be a problem as there are plenty of good education choices.

With a sizable Indian community here and plenty of events around Indian cultural themes, Apurva feels right at home here.  "Food, entertainment, community events and other socialisation activities are on par with those in India." he explains.  "I celebrate Indian festivals with friends, and watch the occasional Hindi movie that is playing in town… Moreover, with this city’s friendly and welcoming attitude, it is so easy to get initiated into other traditionally Singaporean, festive events and celebrations."

What attracts him to continue living in Singapore is the convenient, safe, clean and friendly environment.  For him, Singapore qualifies as a long-term home and not as a temporary station.

Apurva has some simple words of advice to share: "Be true to who you are. Take charge of the matters you can control, but don’t fret over those you cannot.  Believe in your own judgment and analysis, but be also open to the views of others."