The chapter begins with Kombani’s first close encounters with Singapore’s public transport system, which immediately signals a culture built on order, cleanliness, and enforcement. He observes that trains and buses are so clean one could “eat off the floors,” but this thought is instantly undercut by the reality that eating or drinking on public transport is strictly prohibited. The prominently displayed fines — for eating, smoking, carrying flammable goods — serve as both instruction and deterrence. These notices are not hidden or implied; they are boldly stated, reflecting a society that values clarity and compliance.
Among these rules, one stands out: the prohibition of durians. Unlike the other infractions, it carries no stated fine, which sparks Kombani’s curiosity. This detail introduces a moment of inquiry rather than judgment. When a colleague later takes him to a fruit market, Kombani experiences the overpowering smell of durians firsthand. The episode transforms a puzzling rule into a logical one, reinforcing his emerging understanding that Singapore’s regulations are grounded in practicality rather than mere control. This small, sensory experience deepens his appreciation of how public comfort is prioritised.
The narrative then shifts to a more formal interaction with the state: his visit to the Ministry of Manpower for biometric registration as part of the Employment Pass process. The experience is remarkably swift, taking less than ten minutes. Kombani does not present this as an isolated incident but as evidence of deliberate institutional design. He studies the signage on the walls and learns that the efficiency he has just experienced is intentional — part of a carefully planned effort to improve service delivery. This reinforces his growing belief that Singapore’s systems are engineered to respect time and reduce friction between the state and individuals.
After returning to his hotel residence, Kombani continues reflecting on what he has observed. He reads extensively about Singapore and prepares to discuss the day’s experiences with JSO during their regular evening call, a routine that highlights both his habit of reflection and his need to process new environments through conversation. At this point, the chapter moves beyond immediate experience into structured reflection.
Kombani provides a concise but informative overview of Singapore as a nation: its small physical size, diverse population, and multilingual identity. He notes that the island is only slightly larger than Nairobi yet supports nearly six million people and a globally competitive economy. This factual grounding sets the stage for historical reflection. He recalls Singapore’s uncertain position at independence — lacking natural resources, surrounded by larger neighbours, and facing limited options — and contrasts this with its eventual success.
Central to this transformation, in his view, is the leadership of Lee Kuan Yew. Kombani credits the country’s progress to deliberate long-term planning: positioning Singapore as a commercial and logistical hub, investing in infrastructure, and attracting multinational companies. He highlights tangible outcomes such as the efficiency of the port, the reliability of public transport, and even the ability to drink water straight from the tap. His reading of From Third World to First deepens this understanding, particularly the revelation that major landmarks like Marina Bay and Changi Airport were built on reclaimed land, underscoring the extent of intentional national engineering.
This reflection naturally leads to comparison. Kombani contrasts Singapore’s trajectory with Kenya’s, noting that Kenya appeared to have stronger prospects at independence but failed to sustain the momentum. This comparison is not framed as bitterness but as quiet disappointment, shaped by observation rather than ideology. By the end of this section, the plot has moved from surface-level adjustment to deeper political and historical contemplation, setting the groundwork for the chapter’s later shift into global uncertainty.
Characterisation
1. Kombani (Narrator / Protagonist)
Kombani is presented as an observant, reflective, and analytical narrator whose understanding deepens through lived experience rather than abstract theory.
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Observant and curious:
His attention to public transport signage — especially the unexpected rule banning durians — shows careful observation. Rather than dismissing it as odd, he asks why there is no stated fine and seeks an explanation. His visit to a fruit market, prompted by a colleague, confirms the practical logic behind the rule. This curiosity is rooted in evidence and sensory experience, not assumption. -
Analytical and systems-oriented:
At the Ministry of Manpower, Kombani notes that the biometric process takes less than ten minutes. He does not treat this as coincidence. By reading the wall signage, he learns that speed and efficiency are part of a deliberate design to improve user experience. This shows a habit of interpreting institutions through structure and intention. -
Historically informed and reflective:
His reading of Lee Kuan Yew’s From Third World to First shapes his understanding of Singapore’s development. He connects present-day efficiency — transport punctuality, clean water, reclaimed land — to historical leadership choices. This positions him as someone who reads history to explain the present, not to romanticise it. -
Comparative thinker:
Kombani consistently compares Singapore with Kenya. He notes that Singapore, though smaller than Nairobi, supports a far stronger economy. He contrasts Singapore’s early lack of resources with Kenya’s comparatively stronger position at independence. The comparison is factual and restrained, framed as observation rather than accusation. -
Responsible and quietly anxious:
The emerging COVID-19 threat introduces a shift in his character from curiosity to concern. His worry centres on practical consequences: his family’s planned relocation, government approvals, and the uncertainty of global travel. The anxiety is grounded in real timelines and documented events, such as the Diamond Princess quarantine and Africa’s first reported case in Egypt.
2. Mama (Implied Character)
Mama remains a silent but constant presence, shaping the narrative through address and memory.
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Emotional anchor:
Kombani frames his reflections as things he is sharing with her, reinforcing trust and continuity. The letter format suggests that her perspective still matters in how he interprets new environments. -
Source of values:
His respect for order, planning, and intentional leadership echoes earlier lessons associated with discipline and resilience. Though she does not speak, her influence is evident in his moral lens.
3. Lee Kuan Yew (Historical Figure as Symbolic Presence)
Lee Kuan Yew appears not as a character in action but as an intellectual reference point.
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Embodiment of intentional leadership:
Through Kombani’s reading, Lee represents foresight, long-term planning, and disciplined governance. The reference is supported by concrete outcomes: land reclamation, global ports, and infrastructure. -
Implicit contrast:
His leadership serves as a quiet counterpoint to Kenya’s post-independence experience, reinforcing the theme of divergent national paths without naming specific Kenyan leaders.
Stylistic Devices (Clear and Text-Based)
1. Epistolary Form
The letter structure (“Dear Mama… Your loving son”) creates intimacy.
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It allows national history, policy, and global health concerns to remain personal.
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Observations feel reflective rather than didactic.
2. Enumeration and Listing
The transport rules are presented as a list:
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“No Eating or Drinking… No Smoking… No Flammable Goods… No Durians”
This mirrors official signage and reinforces Singapore’s culture of clarity, regulation, and public order.
3. Humour and Mild Irony
Statements such as:
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“You can eat off the floors. But then, you cannot eat off the floors…”
introduce light humour while underscoring strict enforcement. The irony is subtle and text-based, not exaggerated.
4. Contrast and Juxtaposition
The chapter relies heavily on factual contrasts:
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Singapore’s size versus its economic influence.
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Efficiency versus missed opportunity.
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Initial adjustment versus growing global fear.
These contrasts sharpen meaning without embellishment.
5. Expository Digression
The factual description of Singapore’s population, languages, size, and history serves an explanatory role.
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It grounds admiration in verifiable information.
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It reflects Kombani’s habit of contextual thinking.
6. Intertextual Reference
The mention of From Third World to First situates the narrative within a documented historical framework.
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It lends credibility.
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It reinforces the theme of intentional development through leadership.
7. Foreshadowing
Early references to COVID-19 — naming dates, places, and official terminology — signal impending disruption.
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The global crisis is introduced gradually.
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Personal stakes, especially family travel plans, heighten tension.
8. Tonal Shift
The chapter moves from curiosity and admiration to concern and uncertainty.
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This shift mirrors the global mood in late February 2020.
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It marks a turning point from exploration to apprehension in the memoir.
Major Themes
1. Order, Discipline, and Rule of Law
Singapore is portrayed as a society built on clear rules and strict enforcement.
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The public transport signage listing fines for eating, smoking, flammable goods, and even durians shows how order is maintained through explicit regulations.
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Kombani notes that one cannot eat or drink on buses or trains, reinforcing the seriousness with which public rules are observed.
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The durian ban, though humorous at first, reveals a practical concern for public comfort and hygiene once Kombani experiences the fruit’s persistent smell.
Illustration from the text:
The absence of chaos is not accidental; it is maintained through visible rules and penalties that guide public behaviour.
2. Intentional Leadership and Nation-Building
The chapter strongly emphasises that Singapore’s success is the result of deliberate planning rather than chance.
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Kombani identifies “intentionality” as the defining feature of Singapore’s progress.
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He explains how Lee Kuan Yew’s leadership focused on turning a resource-poor, newly independent state into a commercial and investment hub.
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Infrastructure such as the port, Changi Airport, and reclaimed land (Marina Bay) are presented as outcomes of long-term vision.
Illustration from the text:
Singapore’s transformation is linked directly to leadership decisions made at independence, not to natural resources or size.
3. Efficiency and Service Delivery
Efficiency appears as a lived experience rather than an abstract idea.
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The biometric process at the Ministry of Manpower takes less than ten minutes.
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Kombani reads signage explaining that fast service is a deliberate effort to improve the user experience.
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Public transport reliability allows people to plan time accurately.
Illustration from the text:
Efficiency is institutionalised — designed into systems — rather than dependent on individual effort.
4. Comparison Between Singapore and Kenya
The chapter invites reflection through contrast.
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Singapore is smaller than Nairobi yet supports a far stronger economy.
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Kombani observes that Kenya had better prospects at independence but failed to capitalise on them.
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Access to clean tap water and reliable public transport is contrasted with Kenyan realities.
Illustration from the text:
The comparison highlights how leadership choices, not starting conditions, determine national outcomes.
5. Global Awareness and Historical Consciousness
Kombani places his personal experience within global and historical contexts.
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He discusses Singapore’s population, ethnic composition, and official languages.
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He situates the city-state’s development within its geopolitical vulnerability after separation from Malaysia.
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His reading deepens his understanding of present realities.
Illustration from the text:
The narrator does not experience Singapore in isolation but as part of a wider historical and global narrative.
6. The Rise of Uncertainty and Fear
The COVID-19 pandemic introduces anxiety and unpredictability.
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Kombani tracks the naming of the virus, from “Wuhan Coronavirus” to COVID-19.
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He references real events such as the Diamond Princess quarantine and Africa’s first case in Egypt.
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His concern shifts from global news to personal consequences: his family’s travel and government approvals.
Illustration from the text:
What begins as distant news gradually becomes a personal threat, changing the tone of the chapter.
7. Family Responsibility and Emotional Attachment
Despite geographical distance, family remains central.
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Kombani travels lightly because he expects his family to join him.
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His worries are not about himself but about whether his family will be able to travel safely.
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The letter format reinforces emotional closeness.
Illustration from the text:
Major life decisions are framed around family, not individual ambition.
8. Learning Through Observation
The chapter shows learning as an active, reflective process.
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Kombani learns from signage, colleagues, books, and direct experience.
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The durian episode, the biometric process, and his reading all contribute to understanding.
Illustration from the text:
Knowledge is gained through attention to detail and willingness to ask questions.
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