From: Manila, the Philippines

Here since: “2010 – I had come for a two-week break. Eleven years on and I’m still here.”

The last time she travelled home: “January 2020, for a friend’s wedding.”

What she misses most about it: “Manila’s creative scene has a very different vibe. Funding is scarce so there’s this palpable thirst to create quite literally from nothing. Over there, we enjoy a different brand of freedom too. And I miss the people. A side story: I was at the Philippine Embassy to register as a voter for the 2022 National Elections. It didn’t have the most efficient system, but I really enjoyed the experience –especially the small talk with the people running the place.”

What everyone should know about it: “We don’t migrate to steal jobs. We don’t migrate because our country is poor.”

What about Singapore reminds her of home: “Singaporeans’ never-ending quest for food for sure!”

What often gives her away, nationality-wise: “I talk too much.”

Jersey sweatshirt, Balenciaga. All other clothes and accessories, Maravilla’s own

From: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Here since: “May 2021 – I flew over to join the modelling competition-slash-reality TV show Supermodelme and then signed with the agency Mannequin Studio. I’ve not returned to Vietnam because of the complicated Covid-19 situation there, but I’m enjoying the people and my life here so much, I’d like to stay on longer.”

How her home city has shaped her: “The diversity, open-mindedness and creativity of the fashion industry in Ho Chi Minh have really influenced me as a person, as well as my style. It’s really interesting how the fashion community in the city keeps up with all the international fashion and lifestyle trends. Working in that environment has really inspired me to grow my vision and create cool and meaningful projects.”

What she misses most about it: “Apart from the amazing food, I miss my family, my friends, my workmates and the community there a lot.”

What everyone should know about it: “Ho Chi Minh City is a lively city that welcomes everyone and everything. The people are always open to changes, great at adapting and never stop transforming. We also have good food, good coffee, good entertainment and good vibes only.”

What about Singapore reminds her of home: “The freedom that I have here. I can be myself and express myself freely, either through my fashion choices or lifestyle.”

Cotton tank top, denim pants, metal choker (top), and leather choker with glass pearls (second from top), Chanel. Sautoir necklace (worn looped) and belt, Nguyen’s own

From: Thiruvalla in Kerala, India

Here since: “Near the end of 2009. My family had been living in New Zealand before that and were set to head back to India, as my parents were yearning to move. Then a job opportunity in Singapore came up for my father and he decided to pursue it.”

The last time she travelled home: “Early 2019 with my mother to visit my aunt and grandmother, who live in Bangalore City.”

How her home country has shaped her: “My family started migrating when I was a year old so I’ve not actually lived in India, besides returning during holidays. If there’s one thing that I’ve taken with me regardless of which city I’m in though, it’s the Indian culture, fascination with folklore, and love for celebrating special occasions such as Onam (Kerala’s annual Hindu harvest festival). Indian music, dance and film also make up a remarkably huge part of my life.”

What she misses most about it: “The sweets and the street food – they’re actually a very crucial part of our holidays. Without fail, we would go out for chaat (a type of street food) or buy back desserts.”

What everyone should know about it: “India gets generalised a lot. It’s a pretty big country and we can look very different, have very diverse cultures and languages, yet still be of the same ethnicity. There is a lot more to the place than the stereotypes or what you predominantly hear on the news.”

Metal earrings with pearls, and matching choker, Tory Burch. All other clothes and accessories, Nair’s own

From: Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Here since: “2018 – I moved over to learn to be more independent and to try furthering my career.”

The last time she travelled home: “It must have been before Chinese New Year last year. I can’t keep track because before Covid-19 struck, I was returning weekly.”

How her home country has shaped her: “We have lots of bundle shops (stores that specialise in pre-loved clothes) in Malaysia. I had such a culture shock the first time I visited one and that sparked my interest in vintage fashion and thrifting.”

What she misses most about it: “My family, boyfriend and its bundle shops.”

What everyone should know about it: “We have a higher tolerance for spicy food compared to Singaporeans. This is something I’ve discovered through my interactions with my colleagues.”

What about Singapore reminds her of home: “Hakka lei cha, which is commonly sold here – just like back home.”

4 Moncler Hyke cashmere-blend tabard, Moncler. All other clothes and accessories, Yap’s own

From: Yangon, Myanmar

Here since: “2005 – originally for a vacation and to visit my dad, who works in Singapore.”

The last time she travelled home: “In 2018 to research about the city’s youth culture for my final year project as a fashion student in Lasalle College of the Arts. My project dealt with the development of a streetwear brand, which represents a new generation of Burmese youth who desire to break away from the conservative and apathetic social stance towards socio-political issues in the country.”

How her home country has shaped her: “That the authorities don’t always practise the conservatism and traditions that they preach has encouraged me to not suppress an ounce of my being and individuality.”

What about Singapore reminds her of home: “The Buddhist temples here.”

What often gives her away, nationality-wise: “Actually, people mostly don’t get my ethnicity right. They would ask if I am Thai, Vietnamese, or mixed – everything but Burmese.”

All clothes and accessories, Myat’s own

From: Japan – she was born in Toyama, but calls Kyoto her second home

Here since: “2017 – I wanted to be in a completely different environment.”

The last time she travelled home: “October 2019 for a holiday.”

How her home country has shaped her: “Japanese people tend to be ambiguous – we don’t often give clear-cut, yes-or-no kind of answers. It might come across as having a bad attitude in other countries, but I think it makes us more sensitive towards others.”

What she misses most about it: “My funny friends and my mum’s home-cooked meals – my favourite dish of hers is chikuzenni, a kind of vegetable stew.”

What everyone should know about it: “Each city in Japan has its own personality and quirks. It’s said that people in Kyoto speak sarcastically and hide their true feelings.”

All clothes and accessories, Hirata’s own

From: Mumbai, India, but spent most of her life in Hong Kong and considers it home

Here since: “2017 – I had graduated from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles and was in search of something fresh. Just like Hong Kong, Singapore is a hub for energy, dynamic entrepreneurs and a truly multicultural global community… It’s been heartening to see it go a step further and advocate for equality, sustainability, impact investing and, of course, women in leadership.”

The last time she travelled home: “May 2019 to connect with my friends from high school as well as explore the expansion of my company’s base.”

How her home city has shaped her: “The fast-paced environment of Hong Kong has undoubtedly built my hustle-harder personality.”

What she misses most about it: “Its energy, the hiking trails, summer junks, and its beautiful skylines.”

What everyone should know about it: “One: Hong Kong has a cinematic quality. Two: Everything that happens there is to the extreme – for better or worse – but it’ll leave you with memories for a lifetime.”

What about Singapore reminds her of home: “ Hong Kong strikes a great balance between having traditional and modern developments across different locations on the island. It’s been lovely to see Singapore doing the same within a smaller vicinity in areas like Tanjong Pagar where shophouses sit alongside skyscrapers on the same street.”

What often gives her away, nationality-wise: “My love for cheung fan (rice noodle rolls).”

Lurex wrap dress, Balenciaga. All other clothes and accessories, Panjwani’s own

Styling Damian Huang Hair & Makeup Fazz Ismail, using Fenty Beauty

A version of this article first appeared in the November 2021 Crazy Cool edition of FEMALE