Expat Living Singapore – July 2019

LIFE & FAMILY

JULY 2019 71

Lies van Asten (11), Dutch

School: Gems World Academy

Ambassador: Paula Parviainen, Finland

Why did you want to be Ambassador for a

Day?

I thought it would be cool to walk through a day

with an ambassador. I also thought that it would

be a life-changing opportunity as you usually don’t

get the chance to see what an ambassador does on

a normal day. I also wanted to know what women

in a high position can do to influence the world.

How did you and the ambassador spend

your time together?

The Finnish Ambassador and I mostly attended

meetings during the day, and for lunch the Deputy

Prime Minister came, along with Pasi Sahlberg,

a Finnish

professor, and

Jaya Mohideen,

the Ambassador

from Singapore

to Finland. We

also bought

flowers to put

on the table for

the lunch.

What did you expect from the day? What

was the biggest surprise?

I didn’t have too many expectations as I had no clear

view what an ambassador might do during the day.

I didn’t expect it to be so tiring as it was with all the

meetings! I also didn’t expect that the day was going

to be about education; I did enjoy this a lot because

I’m a student myself. I was surprised at how much

I enjoyed Finnish food – and I didn’t think I would

ever try reindeer in my life! I also thought that the

Deputy Prime Minister might not talk to me, but

on the contrary, he was very friendly and we had

a great chat.

Do you think this experience might affect

what you choose to do for a career?

I think it will affect my choice of career because

now I’ve found out that girls can achieve anything

in life. It has strengthened my idea of becoming

a scientist after a good education, with a view to

creating a better world.

Thulsa Miqdhaadh Moosa (16), Maldivian

School: Overseas Family School

Ambassador: Dorte Bech Vizard, Denmark

Why did you want to be

Ambassador for a Day?

I’ve always had a passion

for learning about the world

of diplomacy, international

relations and UN sustainable

development. I wanted to

learn about how being an

ambassador can lead to

making a difference in our

world and allow everyone to benefit from the right to live as equal

beings with equal opportunities.

How did you and the ambassador spend your time

together?

We took part in a variety of different activities and events throughout

the day, including attending a beautiful Anzac Day service, where I was

honoured to lay the wreath with the ambassador. We also attended

business meetings, signed a condolence book, toured Tulipmania,

hosted an event and simply learned more about each other.

What did you expect from the day? What was the

biggest surprise?

I truly didn’t know what to expect, but I’ve now realised how it is an

immensely important role to represent and promote your country.

One after the other, the day was full of surprises. My favourite was

how warm-hearted and welcoming everyone was at the embassy,

regardless of how busy they all were. HE Ms Dorte is such an

amazing role model, and someone who I aspire to be like one day.

Do you think this experience might affect what you

choose to do for a career?

I now know more about the different roles in an embassy and the

responsibilities of an ambassador. It’s most definitely a career path

I will now consider. In one day, I’ve learnt so much about public

diplomacy, trade, consular, the maritime industry, sustainability,

health, technology and more.

In just one day,

I’ve learnt so much about public

diplomacy, trade, sustainability,

technology and more!

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