But it is the journey that brought him and his family ‘home’ that is the most unforgettable – the journey to Singapore, the final destination that he and his wife have chosen to live and bring up their family in. “My wife and I felt very strongly about raising our children in an Asian country where they can learn about Asian culture and its history,” explains Tuyen. His top priority was a safe environment for his family’s well-being. And it became increasingly apparent that Singapore was the place for them.

Hence, when a job opportunity aligned to his interests arose in Singapore, Tuyen took the plunge. “There were not many concerns when we moved to Singapore,” says the bubbly Tuyen. A friendly and experienced housing agent recommended him affordable accommodation, while his company’s HR personnel helped with the paperwork. “We were pretty much settled in within two weeks!” he declares with a grin.

The only thing different for the family is making their way around via public transport. Back in America, cars are plenty and more than affordable. “But public transport here is so easy and so convenient,” he says. “Nothing can beat the luxury of being dropped off at the front door”. He reveals, too, that he is spending less on the whole because the living costs are lower in Singapore.

Working at Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing as a principal equipment engineer, Tuyen feels that professional life here abounds with opportunities for those game to take on the challenges. Working with world-class equipment used to process the wafers, Tuyen’s responsibilities include day-to-day operations and planning, sustaining and maintaining equipment. His job also provides him with opportunities to work with external suppliers and contractors. He is pleasantly surprised by the diversity of the workforce. “It is a wonderful experience to see the best engineers from different cultures and backgrounds!”

He is also amazed by the size of the Vietnamese community residing in Singapore. Just recently, he discovered that the neighbour living a few floors above him now, used to stay a few streets away back in Orange County, California. The two families are now close friends.

Work aside, Tuyen devotes his time and attention to his wife and two charming daughters. He looks forward to dinners prepared by his wife when he returns home in the evenings and even more so to the weekends when it’s family time. Weekends are spent going for walks, shopping in the malls, enjoying shows and as the doting father confesses, “doing whatever activities his children want to do”.

While many are looking to the West, this journey back to the East has certainly paid off for Tuyen. He strongly encourages all, especially his fellow nationals in Vietnam, to follow his footsteps. “Singapore offers a safe environment, ideal to work and raise a family”, says Tuyen. “Don’t need to think twice!”