Expat Living Singapore – July 2019

LIFE & FAMILY

JULY 2019 73

Olivia McCafferty (13), Australian

School: UWCSEA East

Ambassador: Tao Thi Thanh Huong, Vietnam

Why did you want to be Ambassador for a Day?

I wanted this

opportunity because

it would be great to

really see and hear

straight from an

ambassador what you

have to do in the job

and why it’s such an

important job.

How did you and

the ambassador spend your time together?

The ambassador had some guests so I got to see how she

usually handles meetings like this. We talked a lot and I

was able to ask all the questions I had, plus I got to learn

so much about what you have to do as an ambassador –

represent your country, keep updated on news, attend

meetings, organise activities, and promote cultural and

economic ties.

What did you expect from the day? What was the

biggest surprise?

I expected almost exactly what actually happened, but

I also think it surpassed my expectations – it was great.

The biggest surprise was finding out how many places the

ambassador had worked at and how long she had been

an ambassador.

Do you think this experience might affect what

you choose to do for a career?

I really think that being an ambassador would

be a super cool job to have

and I definitely think that

I might want to be one

when I’m older after this

experience.

Annika Grapow (15), German
School: GESS (European Section)
Ambassador: Karin Fichtinger-Grohe, Austria

Why did you want

to be Ambassador

for a Day?

I’ve always been curious

about many different

areas of work, including

the diplomatic field. I’m

also very enthusiastic

about empowering girls

to stand up in fields

that are still dominated

by men.

How did you and the ambassador spend your time
together?
When I came to the Austrian Embassy in the morning, HE
Mrs Fichtinger-Grohe introduced me to everyone and showed
me the Embassy. We began the day with some consulate
work, such as a passport that needed to be issued. We also
looked at the news, as you always need to stay updated with
occurrences! Later, we went to a business lunch at Paulaner
and met the new Austrian General Manager. After some further
office work, the ambassador and I went to visit the Austrian
world market leader in fire brigade technologies, a company
called Rosenbauer. We got a presentation on the company
and a tour of the manufacturing grounds; there were many
different trucks and equipment. In the evening, I was granted
permission to join the Dutch King’s Day reception, which was
a very nice experience – I met many inspirational people.

What did you expect from the day? What was the
biggest surprise?
I went to the Embassy without any specific expectations, and
just let the day come as it did. Turns out it was great! I’m not
a fan of drawing out great expectations, because if I do so, I
tend to get disappointed.
The biggest surprise was when the ambassador and I sat
in the cockpit of a brand-new fire brigade tank about to be
deployed at Changi Airport, which I found really exciting!

Do you think this experience might affect what you
choose to do for a career?
Spending the day with the ambassador was an experience I
really cherish. It gave me a realistic idea of what a job in the
diplomatic field looks like, and I will keep it in the back of
my mind for the career choices I will have to make in future.
Thank you, HE Frau Fichtinger-Grohe!

To all the ambassadors and

embassies who rolled out the

red carpet for our winners!

expatliving.sg

Thanks

A GIANT