I was born in Taiwan, my family moved to Saudi Arabia when I was one month old. Studied in 4 different countries including Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Singapore, and Australia. Ask me anything.
[AMA] I'm a Taiwanese Australian who grew up in Saudi Arabia ask me anything
Ltherealsamlin on 13/02/2018 - 00:29
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Nope, we're doing fine but definitely not rich. I think my dad gets around 150k USD annually back then? It's the allowances that made diplomat look rich
That’s pretty rich for Saudi Arabia.. not wealthy but rich.
Around SAR 50k a month 15 years ago is a lot, let alone the allowances on top of it. Saudi Arabia is cheap, has no taxes and not much to spend money on anyway.150k usd + allowances, that’s real struggle street
I am in a similar boat, grew up in 4 diff countries and happily call Australia home.
If you had the choice, where the best country to raise your family and which country to retire to? Not necessarily the same country.
In regards to racism, your saying its worst here, how so?
I have found outwards tongue in cheek racism is indeed present here but most of the time its only on the surface and does not effect actual work, friendship, family, or cause physical harm. Most of the time as long I talk back in similar way we become mates. Most of the time, they are not even born here anyway. For example my place of work where on the surface it is 80-90% white Australian, we found less than 10% was actually born here or have a dual citizenship/half foreign parent.
Hi there, good to know someone who shares a similar background :)
Can't answer where I'll raise my family atm, probably leaning towards Australia. But to retire and if I'm a sick dog at the time I'll pick Taiwan as we have a pretty decent healthcare system, if I'm healthy then I'll pick Tasmania!
People calling out names and just the general vibe that I get. I've been to the states many times in my life and it's just a feeling. It's rare for an Aussies to approach me at a bar/gym or just any daily scenario, correct me if I'm wrong but I feel like they kinda assume I don't know how to speak English? Whereas in the states I get a way better vibe and people don't seem to treat me any differently.
One incident that I still remember vividly - I used to work in this coffee shop back in my uni days and one day a 40,50ish year-old lady came in and ordered a coffee, the shop has a $10 limit for eftpos and the coffee was 4 bucks. I told her she has to pay cash and she complained it was against the Australian law (I'm not in law not sure if true), I told her nicely that I have no authority to do anything about it and she called me a "(profanity) Asian" and left. I end up chasing her outside and demanded an apology. She refused to do so and just told me to f**k off. It might not sound serious to most but it's something that I will never forget.
To me, racism is pretty much the equivalent of bullying, and if one thinks looking down on someone just because of their race then that person might as well support bullies.
Yea it's the same at my workplace, I get what you mean :). I make fun of my Russian colleague just like he does with me, but you can always tell if the person is genuinely a racist or not.
So what's the difference when you call people 'bogans'. Why is it you that's the victim and not them?
Bogans are not a race and it isn't involuntary.
Being derogatory towards an ethnicity is attacking someone for something they cannot change (not that it needs to be changed at all).
Calling someone a bogan or being negative towards something that anyone is perfectly capable of changing is completely different. It isn't racism. It isn't derogatory. If someone wants to misbehave and uncultured, they can go ahead and be a bogan, and be called a bogan.
Sorry but foreigners can change. The native, in contrast, would have no ability to change as they are actually the 'involuntary' one. Foreigners choose to migrate to them not the other way around.
Are shoe sizes different in Australia?
Why are you living in Australia?
Because I love it here.
Why do you want to move to the states then?
Maybe he wants to find out what life's likely to be when Australia becomes an American State
I'm a programmer, I want to work in silicon valley and see what it's like there.
Dosh, hopefully.
Did you face weird experiences in Jeddah?
- ever pass a lift in Jeddah because a lady was in it?
- get off the street in a rush when prayer announcements were made?
Nah none of those!
What are some general perceptions about SA/Taiwan/Singapore that Australians may have that are inaccurate? Similarly what are some things that are portrayed in Australian media that are inaccurate?
You have to tell me what's your perception about these countries and I'll answer you :).
What part of Taiwan are you (or your parents) from?
What are the reasons your parents are living in Taiwan instead of Australia? Living cost / healthcare?Taipei.
My relatives, their parents, their friends are all in Taiwan. They have no reason to move to Australia and be bored to death, plus I go back every year so it ain't too bad.
how do you end up in here? did your worked here before? or you threw a dart at the world map and it landed on australia?
It's evident that I only fit in the western education system at the time. There ain't a lot of options to choose from - US/UK/AUS. My dad didn't like US because it's too dangerous, not UK because it's too far, then here I am, in Australia :)
Did you have much interaction with the locals in SA?
nope not really. My friends are from every part of the world though! South African/American/Swedish/British/Australian/Korean…etc
Do you own a six figure car?
nope
Considering that you grew up in Saudi Arabia, did you speak Arabic fluently?
The countries you've lived in are very different from each other in their traditions/culture, how did you find adapting to them?
What's your life story so far in 200 words or less?
I don't speak Arabic.
To me having friends and being open-minded are the keys to quick adaptation.
Sorry I'm ceebs with writing a life story, I think I've provided quite a bit in this post already.
Do you think Islam is a depraved, flawed worldview/ideology? If so, in what ways, if not, why not?
sorry this ain't my concern.
Who is the best Star Trek captain?
Nice to hear about your adventures.
I was living inside the Saudi Aramco complex in 2003, working there for six months representing an American company.
Australia is the seventh country that I have worked in, and have taken up citizenshipSorry to hear that you have had to endure racism.
I have not personally experienced racism- but have heard enough from family and friends. Which is really sorry, because most of the Aussies are fair dinkum- only a few low lives who are disgusting.The worst think I like about Australia is the casual attitude towards work, and the lack of skilled people in the workforce.
The best work ethic amongst the people I have worked with is the Germans. Then the Indians. ( Sorry, most of the countries that I worked in excluded the SE Asia region, so cannot comment there).But, I guess the beautiful beaches and wonderful food make up for that.
So what defines a beautiful woman (or man) for you? As in Chinese culture pale skin is preferred, here seems tanned skin is preferred. Not sure in Saudi what they prefer? Wondering as you would have been exposed to many views of beauty? As I know many ABCs and BBCs who still prefer the Chinese pale skin look but other westernized Chinese like muscular tanned women? What do they define as beautiful in Saudi and did you feel the same?
I was too young to appreciate women back then :). My dad however always compliment the Lebanese Ladies. I like curvy and sporty women like most other men, but really personality is the key for me.
A beautiful man in Saudi Arabia? Not a good idea to have those thoughts. Homosexual acts are punishable by death.
What do you think of our immigration laws and citizenship rights versus Saudi Arabia's?
Can one even migrate to Saudi Arabia? I think it's not comparable.
My understanding is non-Saudis can move for work purposes but they are not "permanent residents" and cannot vote in elections, or be the beneficiary of taxpayer-funded services.
Also foreigners cannot migrate permanently to Saudi Arabia but only for a specific number of years (I believe the max is 10). After that they have to move back to their home country.So although there are other ethnicities living and working in Saudi Arabia, they are not in danger of demographically replacing the Saudis.
Source: Dennis Fetcho
Australia's laws encourage demographic replacement to the maximum extent, pretty much. Calling white Australians "racist" for wanting laws that are in line with the countries we receive migrants from is just propaganda designed to keep us quiet.
lol. trying being white in Taiwan. all you hear is 老外 all day, every day. in china it's worse…people just stare at you, point and call you american.
have you been to the clubs in Taiwan, if you did I won't see you complaining :p
you mean as a guy looking for a girl? it only works if you're attractive and not unattractive
Yeah pretty much the same here that if you look Asian people will apply a Malasyian accent to you no matter what country you from. I guess it works both ways
it's generally ignorance, rather than a racist attitude. people like to play the victim
How many languages can you speak and what are they? (Dialects included; You don't have to be good at them but you also can't only know one phrase/word)
Mandarin
Taiwanese (almost identical to hokkein dialect but with Japanese vocabs in it, because Taiwan was once ruled by the Japanese)
English
is your Mandarin like Northern dialect? (e.g. as for a common family name Chen, you pronounce Czen or Chen?)
I have a 3 day stop-over in Taiwan later this year - the last night we'll spend at the airport hotel so that leaves 2 nights elsewhere. We're a family with 2 young kids. Where would you recommend us to stay? The main purpose of the stop-over is to get some rest/recover from jet lag before flying back to Sydney (so a nice pool would be nice).
Have you stayed there? It’s a fair bit more expensive than other 5 star hotels in the area.
Stayed for one night. Yes it's a bit dearer due to its location (close to the popular Xinyi district). Oh by the way, there's also a W-Hotel currently been built right now in Brisbane, too :p
Anyway, do you have a budget for the 2 nights stay? Just pick an area/district first then look up 4-5 stars hotels there then I'm sure you'll find the best option (e.g. check out the hotel facilities and nearby transportation) for you and your family and probably from there I can provide a bit more advise.
Should defo go to one of the nightmarkets! Gugong Museum is quite nice too if your kids don't mind
Taipei has an excellent metro system. Book anywhere that looks nice via your preferred booking site
is Taiwan #1?
ye na.
I am an Australian Hongkonger, so I can talk much about Taiwan, HK, china, etc … but I am not now.
So were you required to have the compulsory military service during your spell in Taiwan or Singapore? Or you get an "Out-of-jail-free" card by being a diplomat family or studying / living in Australia?
What was the military training like (from yourself or from your friends/extended family?)In Saudi Arabia do women have any rights? Example: if they declared they were Christian and didn’t wear a burqa would they be stoned to death?
They have a right to keep covered, be escorted by close male relatives, and to not ruffle the feathers of the patriarchy.
In regards to leaving Islam, both men and women can receive the death penalty for apostasy.
In your honest opinion, do you believe if Australians were aware of how Islamic countries were run overseas, they may not encourage Islam in Australia?
dats racist
Saudi Arabia is a pretty extreme example of how an Islamic theocracy can be run. There are other Muslim majority countries that don't follow strict Sharia law for all civil and criminal matters.
As to encouraging Islam, I'm not sure there's a social movement for encouraging any particular religion. Most Australians are athiests or religious on paper only.
Critiquing a religion
I've worked with guys who have worked in Saudi before, and they have talked about their experiences there. Something that scared me was when they were talking about the risks of going out alone (getting raped by taxi drivers), or walking along the street and then getting kidnapped and raped by other guys. Is it that bad? How do you protect yourself?
Wasn't that bad back then. It was actually considered quite safe, at least in my neighbourhood. Everything's changed after 911 though so your mate could be right
intermittent issue of living in the region, yes. depends on your luck (or not) :(
the muttawa have in one instance stopped a married couple travelling between cities, claimed they violated the law of the land (unmarried) even though they had all the paperwork and …
there's a saying amongst expats living in KSA, everyday, things depends on their mood. They - govt officials, immigration officials, police, muttawa etc.
is taiwan china?
WHY do you do this ?
need to post something on the forum so I can private message a seller…
Are you single and ready to mingle?
what you suggesting brother
Do you still feel a connection or belonging to the Chinese ethnic group??
I'm not referring to PRC or ROC or anything political, just as a ethnic background.
Like do you still celebrate Chinese festivals, or do you know Chinese history and feel connected to it?
When people recognize you as Chinese because of what you look, how do you feel?
Disclaimer, not trying to political, just sharing my perception - after all this is my AMA.
I celebrate Chinese festivals and I feel connected to the Chinese culture and race, just like the Singaporean/Malaysian Chinese out there. However, I do not call myself a "Chinese", but rather Taiwanese. If people think I'm Chinese that's fair, just like how not much people can distinguish a Norwegian to Dane, but when they ask if I'm Chinese I'll always correct them and tell them I'm Taiwanese.
Must be a Chinese who negged you. O_o;
There are a few people running around this forum neg voting posts that support the right of the Taiwanese people to democracy and self determination.
Taiwan is not a country period.
Who admits that Taiwan is a country?UN, US or Australia?
Just find some facts in Australia. Most people from Twaiwan could only get a job in Chinese small business and they dare not say they r not Chinese otherwise they r jobless. Also a lot of gals from Taiwan r working in massage shops and their service is nice.No country will admit to Taiwanese self determination because they fear being cut off economically from the powerhouse Chinese economy.
The USA does not consider Taiwan to be a sovereign nation, but is committed to Taiwan not declaring official independence, and China not invading Taiwan or imposing its will on it.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taiwan_Relations_Act
The key words here are 'strategic ambiguity'.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republic_of_China_Air_Force
Scroll down to the aircraft current inventory. How many aircraft of USA origin are there in the list? Almost all of them. How many military aircraft designed and made in the USA are in active service in China? None. Is China and Taiwan the same country?
Just find some facts in Australia. Most people from Taiwan could only get a job in Chinese small business and they dare not say they r not Chinese otherwise they r jobless.
Recent example. Note that it occurs in Australia rather than in China. It sounds like oppression and unfair dismissal to me.
@Cluster:
What you said is historical reasons and that can’t deny the truth, Taiwan is part of China or Tainwanese is Chinese. Finally China will take it back and it’s only time issue, when will it happen?
Also could u check when UN or US admitted that Taiwan is not a nation?At that time China economy is powerless. Please remember this sad truth, Small country has no diplomatic.
I hate to talk about political but Sovereignty will not suffer any infringement@scotty: u need go to China to have a look. Of course I am talking about young generations in top cities like Beijing or Shanghai. They earn more than that in Taiwan and more and more Taiwanese r coming.
That's ok by me, when referring to China, I didn't mean China as a nation, but just as people, in Chinese called Hua Ren, or Han Ren.
ROC has longer history than PRC, I would prefer Taiwan calling themselves Republic of China, rather than Taiwan.
Taiwan young people should have the ambition to go to the mainland and make some influence someday, rather than thinking We are Taiwanese and not part of China.
Is that a good country for tightarses ?
Singapore was once a part of Malaysia but it is an independent state now.
There were no Croatia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Montenegro in the early 90s but Yugoslavia. You know what nations are there and not there now?
USA was once a colony of the British Empire, it is now a federation of 51 states.
How about Ireland? Palestine? North and South Korea? East Timor? ….History is in the making.
It is the will of the people’s.
Taiwan may be considered part of china, but only to a certain point in time. The people of Taiwan should determine their own fate.
Likewise for Hong Kong.Why Catalans voted to be independent but Spain and Europe did not allow?
People’s will? Small countries have no diplomatic. How about Indians in US? How about aboriginal in Australia?yes, killed all the opposite and then vote. Just exactly same as what the Singapore dictatordid, who promised his son would not be the next PM.
Singapore is a snob size country, teased by Taiwanese who is not independent. Singapore was US’s puppy and now shared by China and US.
Taiwan is more likely to surrender in the near future. Both China and US won’t allow Taiwan to be independent. The latter only cares about its benefit and they don’t give a shit for the Taiwanese.
HongKong? Just have a look at Catalan. No chance at all. How HongKong could survive assuming it is independent? 99% of its economy is relying on China, not to even mention the water, food and magneficent support from China. Why HK survived in 1997? You think US or UK would provide more than 100 billion dollar support as China?100 million would be a wet dream.
You r too simple too naive and it is very dangerous.Are you an Australian or still a Chinese?
Don't bring your politics here.
“We learn from history that we do not learn from history.”
― Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegelhttps://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/6188.Georg_Wilhelm_F…
Enough said!
Son wants to leave a house coz he is all grown up but daddy wont let him go. Daddy rather wants son to mow the backyard for the rest of his life.
Screw you, dad!
Do you prefer writing and/or reading traditional or simplified Chinese? I believe traditional Chinese keeps all the history and origin and simplified was just a way for lazy people and the ever communist in China back in the days to uptake the language.
So you think Taiwanese mandarin is better sounding than mainland?
How do you cope with living and moving so much around Saudi and Taiwan, Singapore at young age? Which country would you prefer to stay otherwise?
Just a reminder, this is an AMA. M being me, the OP of the thread. Please leave any off-topic conversations (e.g. debates about Taiwan) to other threads.
Just wanted to thank OP for sharing his story and being so patient with all the questions!
All the best for the future mate.
Cheers
is ur family rich. no half ass answers