Ex-American about his 32 years in Singapore
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- Опубликовано: 11 июл 2024
- Meet Ron Kaufman, an NYT Bestselling Author and an ex-American who is now a Singaporean citizen. Invited by the Singapore government in 1990, Ron has since significantly improved service levels at numerous companies like Singapore Airlines, Changi Airport, and Marina Bay Sands.
In our talk, we explored Ron's experience of renouncing American citizenship, the differences between American and Singaporean dreams, and his personal encounter with Lee Kuan Yew. Enjoy!
Ron Kaufman:
► www.ronkaufman.com
► / ronkaufman
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 INTRO
00:33 Meeting with Lee Kuan Yew
02:47 First Impressions of Singapore 32 years ago
03:51 What did Lee Kuan Yew do
06:36 New citizenship
08:51 Is it difficult to renounce citizenship
09:52 Asians and westerners
10:58 What can America learn from Singapore
10:56 "Singaporean" dream
13:37 How can locals and foreigners get closer
14:34 Efficient singlish
16:13 How can the police be improved
17:22 How did Singapore change Ron
WATCH NEXT:
► What is it like to live in Singapore since 1989: • What is it like to liv...
► Why this American chose to spend his entire life in Singapore: • Why this American chos...
► Pros & Cons of Living in Singapore as a Foreigner: • Pros & Cons of Living ...
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Watch next Part-2 with Ron -> ruclips.net/video/Im8owz2Y5pI/видео.html
Singapura the independen China town .
Max, all your interviewwees are white and westerners. We're not getting a balanced view at all. Shouldn't you also interview non whites and non westerners too?
Many years ago, my old age mother who had poor eyesight, standing at the roadside somewhere in China Town, wanted to wave a taxi to get home, accidentally waved at a police car. They fetched her home. My mother didn’t know she was on board the police car at all. She was wondering why the “taxi driver” didn’t collect any money from her until she got out from the car and met a neighbour. The neighbour was asking her why she got out from the police car😂 she then realised she was taking a police car home! I really appreciated the kind hearted police who had done a good deed ! ❤
Thanks for sharing your mom’s experience ❤❤😊
Such a lovely story!
Our SPF #1
unlikely it will happen today
Many years ago, I was watching _Grease 2_ at a cinema theatre somewhere in SG (not in the swanky Orchard Road area, but somewhere less posh in SG, I cannot remember where) and came out of the complex once the movie had finished. As I was waiting for a taxi, the Hainanese chicken rice with chilly that I'd eaten before the movie was playing havoc with my stomach. I wanted to pang sai so badly that I ran back to the cinema complex but I was too late. I pang sai in my trousers. And there were no clothes shops nearby that I could but new clothes from to replace the shit-covered trousers. I went back to the roadside to hail a taxi. One stopped, and I got in. After a few seconds, the Chinese taxi driver started sniffing and I saw his facial expression on the rearview mirror. He saw me looking at his rearview mirror and quickly looked away, and kept driving. He did not say anything, and did not sniff anymore, even though the smell of the pang sai in the airconditioned taxi with windows would up was UNBELIEVABLE. I reached my destination (an international school) and paid the driver and got out. Not once did he say anything, not once did he scold me for getting into his taxi when I had already soiled my trousers. I knew then (way back in '82) that SG is the most civilised and most compassionate society on Earth. Charlie Munger and Jim Rogers understand this very well.
Holy shit man. That amount of energy and passion still at 67. Inspirational. Very cool guy. Good interview.
at least by renounce US citizen he will not to get tax by US government.
Max deserves an award from the Singapore government for adding value to the conversation between expats and locals in the country. Now, expats have more voice, thanks to his channel.
Thanks so much for your kind words! 🙏
Yes indeed Max, for your great positive contributions.. to know there actually good and wonderful ppl become SPR Thank you Max
That guy, who is an interviewee, is not an expat. He is Singaporean.
Everything takes time. It'll show that some western, central, eastern expats can contribute even more so than others. Initial wave of immigrants are mainly asians. The next few generations will be even more diversified. Well done Max. When the tide turns and if money don't flow as much we will have some that stick together here 🙏🏼
@totalndeath You've to be fair. Good work is good work and nothing more
l migrated from Hong Kong to Singapore 30+years and l travel a lot to different countries. l feel my choice is right, Singaporeans are kind and hardworking people. Singapore is a safe place to raise children. The government is really taking care of their people.
As an ex-American who took Singapore citizenship in mid 2000's, I can totally empathise with your very interesting guest. Nice interview👍
So what made you give up the US passport? Is the SG dream more attractive than the American dream?
@@kitsura American dream?🤣
@@Mark-el8sb I don't know you tell me.
commiserations bro.
I’m a Singaporean who lived in the US. I think you were brainwashed good in SG, which happens.
Mr Kaufman was my instructor for a course many many years ago. He was a very nice guy and his training was very motivating. So good to see him doing well in his career and life. Thank you for choosing Singapore.
me too, i hear his speech n video too. I knew him n his family during 1999.
He is a very engaging and entertaining trainer.
Yes, those were the years...He trained me too,😍🙏
Same!! One of the best training I've ever had.
Ya.. I attended one of his training seminars in my first job for "Service Quality" too... learnt that everyone we came into contact with is our customer and also what value can we add to them... concepts that I still remember until now... was very useful to me as I applied the concept in my career which has stood me in good shape... I believe I still have the "Certificate of Good Taste" that I received after attending the course... Thank you, Ron!
We need more of these positive guys in Singapore 🇸🇬. Thank you very much.
Mr Kaufman, u r a gem. Happy that u r one of us. 😊
I like that he put in effort to learn Singlish. I'm normally skeptical about how SG govt hands out citizenship but if he's been here for over 3 decades I'd say he has earned it.
I don’t think Singlish can be “learned” per se, and I think it’s a misconception that immigrants need to speak it in order to blend in.
It’s one thing to understand Singlish, but it will always sound unnatural and foreign when spoken without a Singaporean/Malaysian accent.
It’s never easy for an American to denounce his citizenship. He is very motivated. Salute
@@lukeotics nooo, the Singapore Passport is much stronger, is in the top 3 and US is like 7th or 8th..
Many of them have done that because not living there but still have to pay tax back.
The US citizenship is a liability to the rich because the United States is the only country that taxes it’s people even when they are living overseas.
*renounce. But yes I think it's never easy for anyone to renounce their citizenship since it can be associated with memories. It also depends on the person too. I know someone who lived his whole life in Singapore, so giving up his American citizenship meant very little to him.
@@AndorranStairwayI agree with you. Despite I like the weather and natural reserves in America, never have I crossed my mind to get the green card or citizenship there.
Singapore is lucky to have Ron - whom I’ve had the privilege of meeting;) Ron - I love your mindset of contribution and value!
this was the best interview ever !!! maybe because I relate to Ron in an incredible way ( I have been in Singapore 30 yrs and loved the place and never left but wasn't able to get citizenship even though married to a Singaporean .... apparently Singaporean women don't get the same rights as men ) ) and maybe because I have lived in the US 11 years before I came to Singapore and therefore, I can relate to his background even more. Loved the part when you describe your meeting with Lee Kwan Yew ...it was always my dream to be able to meet him ..but never happened ..I cried when he passed away ...just as much as I cried when my father passed away....on the contrary with my father in the case of Lee Kwan Yew .I was never able to say "thank you" .
Max you need to interview Mr @mariostellino 😊
Who is he? 🤔
@@MaxChernov lol I don't know. His comments intrigue me to prompt you 😂
Not true about Singaporean women do not get the same privilege. I was married to a foreigner n he succeeded in getting citizenship in less than 5 years of our marriage
Yes, never going to happen with American corrupt aholes in government
We need more of him in Singapore. Positive outlook and vibe. Singaporeans can get abit too negative and judgmental.
It is our privilege to have this gentleman contribute and become a citizen. Wonderful attitude and such positivity. Congratulations for another great interview
One if the best interviews and guest speakers. I love how humble this chap is and living oversea is about being open to another culture and it's people.
Wonderful to see Mr Kaufman has become a Singaporean.. many SQ flight crew have benefitted from his Up Your Service training.. me included.. thank you!
He’s such a good talker n vibrant wise man
Attended one of his course or service. Incredible speaker. Didn't know he became a citizen. Being able to go out and chill and feel safe is value which is hard to come by.
The most interesting RUclips film I have ever watched. Respect this ex-American man who became one of us (Singaporean), so glad to have you in our country. Thank you.
I find Ron pretty animated and the love he has for Singapore's immense! I'm so happy to have a fellowman like him. 💗
His energy really amazing and authentic personality
I attended one of his seminar some years back. A very engaging and influential speaker. He's not a big guy but he has this presence about him. When he speaks, he brings you along the journey and his intelligence really shines through.
Very interesting guest and thank you for choosing Spore as your home. You have indeed add value to our country and i hope you will continue to train our people to provide good services in more sectors.
Ron reminds me of the Brit Mark who’s also curious and respect about cultures, and self reflecting and learning.
Max, your guests are very interesting and I also learn about SG from their perspectives. Thank you for that.
No, the police was/is not changing. There was once I saw a teenage Malay girl (the eldest sister) was bringing 4 younger siblings crossing the junction when the pedestrian traffic light was still 'red'. Two of the youngest were scared and cried in the middle of the road (and most of the cars were still moving though some stopped to let them cross). Immediately I instructed my men to stop our police car by the road side, stopped all the traffic, escorted the children back to the roadside. And I told the eldest sister it was very dangerous crossing the road that way and asking her not to do that again. I didn't learn that in police academy. Just felt this was what I need to do as a national service senior police officer. Just took initiative that's all
You did the right thing, Mr Chang. So proud of you. Respect 🫡🫡🫡. God bless you 🙏🏻✝️
Really enjoyed this interview with Mr Kaufman, thanks Max. I have spent a lot of time in Singapore and married to a Singaporian. I also have the utmost respect for LKY and have read his books which help you to understand the huge problems he had to overcome to create the success story that is Singapore. Congratulations to Ron on his citezenship. We could really do with Ron and a Mr Lee in the UK to sort out the mess we are in now. Regards David
Oh my god, I still remember Ron Kaufman when he gave a keynote talk more than 20 years ago at my first work place. He was truly inspirational.
Probably the best interview you have done!
I think this is the best show I have seen. Singapore is lucky to have him.
No
He's the only one whom I heard picked up the difference between the 5cs the older gen is chasing vs the younger gen. I worked in a university, talked to the students and yes, it seems that other than chasing material wants, the younger generation is also very conscious about doing good and not doing harm. Talk to the young generation and sometimes what they think can wow us.
Your observations are right, our younger singaporeans (age 30s and 20s) hv be brought up by a generation of educated parents. These youngsters are not only more well educated, they also embrace values of being worthy n doing good for the community.😊
Or maybe a strawberry generation?
Agree with Ron about Singapore's emphasis on being relevant to the world despite being a tiny nation. That is why Singapore is consistently invited to G7 meeting as a non-G7 member. Singapore also host the Xi-Ma meeting & Trump-Kim summit.
I am proud of LKY.
Interesting interview. thank you Mr Kaufman for your years of contribution to Spore. I wish more expats would be more like you & your family - open minded, respectful, willing to learn, to integrate & contribute to this tiny nation. A warm welcome to you for choosing Spore as your nation!😊
boom! I am educated about Singapore as someone staying here. It is strange but I am very grateful to learn the perspective from the interviewee. Thank you Max, really appreciate what you do here and all the best ❤
Our pleasure!
Thanks for sharing an "expatriate" (who become Singaporean) opinions on Singapore. There are many lessons we can learn by according mutual respect for everyone around us. 👍
Saw his training videos during my early days of work. Didn't know he became a Singaporean. Singapore is really lucky to have him. His training material is good and touches a lot of realistic key points.
I love this guy Ron Kaufman 😂👍❤️ glad he’s one of us ..I would like to see him sing Majulah Singapura 🤣
I am very glad that he becomes one of us. Positive vibes!
Thanks and happy you're one of us!
Wow! Ron Kaufman is a nice guy. I attended one of his classes back in the early 2000. I still remember he told us he liked giving away little “thank you” cards to people serving him and that would make their day, consequently providing you better service. 😊
What a great anecdote to start off with! Fully enjoyed this interview: Mr Kaufman's animated and positive disposition naturally draws people in, not to mention the nuggets of wisdom in what he has shared that are equally applicable to how we live our lives: "Curiosity" and "mutual respect". Thanks!
He has very strong eq and common sense and great humanity. Very relatable and non judgemental, introspective, circumspect, respectful yet commanding attention when he speaks. Much to learn from him.
Mr Kaufman thank you so much for choosing to become a Singaporean and teaching us how to raise the standard of customer service and service quality.
I want to hear that whole keynote speech in Singlish! 😂 Seriously, so much resonates - almost 4 years in 🇸🇬 for me, not aiming for it to be forever but enjoying everything I'm learning and all the sharing.
Thanks Ron for your contribution to Singapore!
Attended his course and read his book ‘Up Your Service’. Amazing and professional speaker. Am very happy to chance upon this video. At 67, so much energy and agility! I want to be like this at this age! Thank you for your contribution! Thank you for staying!
Much appreciated for the video. Ron shows great understanding of the vulnerability of Singapore size, and compromises we had to have. While also shows appreciation of our cultural diversity and security.. I don’t worry when my wife and daughter stay out late by themselves .. my sons come back in the wee mornings and I don’t have to worry except the cost of their GRAB 😂
Max great job, you chose well in your question to Ron. You are uniquely positioned to hear and learn from the diverse interviews...
Mr Kaufman is such an authentic , adorable and intelligent gentleman. He has such a warm n open heart that is ready to adapt, to give and receive. Thank you sir, for all your valuable contributions to Singapore. And thank you for choosing Singapore. We welcome you and your family with open arms. Wishing you n your loved ones, all the blessings of good health, peace, joy and success in life. ❤❤❤🙏🏻😃
Much to learn from this incredible man! Thank you for interviewing him. Singapore has benefitted much from him! Blessed!
"SERVICE IS ACTION TAKEN TO CREATE VALUE FOR SOMEONE ELSE"❤. Life lesson.
Welcome to Singapore, Mr Kaufman! Thank you for your contribution to our country all these years 🙏
Thanks for choosing our country.
Welcome, Ron. Thanks for your contributions to SG. Thanks, Max, for the interview.
Belated welcome on becoming a Singaporean. Blessings to you and your family. May you continue successfully in your endeavors. Good luck. 😊
Thank you for loving and appreciating Singapore 😊 What a great guy you are!
Interesting interview, Singapore certainly needs his expertise. It is indeed difficult to make a decision on nationality as it is your identity.
Oh I just liked this gentlemen ! & delighted that he is one of us ! Respect ！！！ 😍
wise person who understands the social mechanisms and vulnerabilities in the country
I personally attended and enjoyed Ron's service quality talks which were filled with interesting observations and anecdotes. He is as inspirational as ever with each passing year with more stories to tell! He stands tall as a Singaporean!
My ideal singaporean vision and role model. Sorry I didn't get to know Mr Kaufman earlier, but hope this is not too late. Welcome to the family, Mr Kaufman & family. People like you always reinforces my desire that Singapore must always stay diverse and global. Kind of like a global capital of the world, where citizens have a global mindset, and always curious to learn from the rest of the world, and never be complacent. Thank you very much. I hope that's how singapore will evolve in the coming 50 years. Diverse and with connections (friends and family) from all over the world.
I am subscribed to Ron kaufman emails years after my course with him. Pearls of wisdom.
What I learned from watching this video: RESPECT!
Not sure how it's possible, but each interview is better than the one before.
🙏😍
When you first mentioned his name Ron Kaufman it sounded very familiar to me. Then, I remember I was trained by his "Up your service" program
I loved the way this guy narrate stories.
Wow. Such a heartwarming and interesting interview. Ron is so full of zeal. I am so glad that Singapore has roped him in.
Thanks for bringing yet another unique person, bridging expats and local , and among the world.
I recall hearing about him in my secondary school and contribution. Thanks for the nostalgia 😅
Wow!
Welcome to Singapore
Interesting videos and one of the best!
So lucky to have the opportunity to meet LKY...
❤️🌷
You are so right about that. A "chance meeting" that I will always cherish.
@@RonKaufman Not everyone got the opportunity to meet LKY face to face, even though I am a Singaporean Citizen.
Mr. Kaufman is Singapore's most expensive trash picker... He actually goes around the neighborhood picking out trash on his own accord! I've met him in person at a local eatery and he's an amazing gentleman...
OK, that is true. Every morning when in town I walk in the Opera Estate neighborhood, wearing a weighted vest, listening to an audiobook, and cleaning up whatever trash I see lying around with my trusty "track pick up stick". Enjoy a good coffee halfway through (that vital reward!) and walk back home. Takes about 90 minutes and racks up my 10,000 steps :-)
@@RonKaufmanProductivity, civic consciousness, healthy living and mind training rolled into one! Keep it up, Ron!
And there he says it and to the point, it’s all about respect and not being judgemental to close that gap! Great video!
such a positive dude , need more good attitude people like him
Best & most intelligent interview so far …. I throughly enjoyed Ron’s experiences & passion in telling, and is a valued Singaporean.
Well done Max. Thoroughly enjoyed this interview with Ron.
Best interview so far!!
One of the better interviews. He really understands and appreciate Singapore. He idolises LKY like I do 😂 as a foreigner.
i can see why he is a citizen now, he may not be born here, but i dare he say he knows and understands singapore and where we stand in the world much better than many of us local born and bred singaporeans
Mutual respect & curiosity - Mr Kaufman is so spot on! Had the privilege to attend one of his seminars in the 2000s.
I recognize this man. I have his book Up Your Service. I also attended his talks more than a decade ago
I love singapore to live👌💖safe and can walk without worries in mind.❤
I've never met anyone who loves Singapore more than this guy
@totalndeath Yes he is... LKY welcomed him into the country and he has since been naturalized. Who are we to question the wisdom of the founding father?
When I was the student ,one night I was waitting the bus at ABC beer factory bus-stop ,Mr.LEE walked pass in front of me . I so happy to see him at the movment , he smiled to me.
what an incredible and humble person he is
Really love your perspective, gives clarity on our values as singaporean. And welcome to singapore from a singapore borned.
Amazing interview. I love Mr Kaufman's energy, thoughtful reflections about Singapore, and respect for our society. Glad he decided to settle here and contribute to our community!
I have heard of Ron Kauffman but never knew that he is such an impressive speaker and communicator. incredible energy at 67 too. Wow !
Max thks for the interview. Your channel always pops up but I never listened until this wonderful interview. All the very best to you and your family. Much appreciated.
An excellent interview of great interaction and content.
"service taking action to create value", indeed, well said, Mr. Kaufman.
A tiny city state like ours needs great minds, passion and compassion to flourish and live peaceably among diverse cultures and beliefs.
I like how Ron talks about diversity. The importance of it and how it made him a better person. Good thing to learn from him
Truly enjoy this interview!
Thank you, Max and Ron. 🥰
What a wonderful guest! Thank you for hosting this ep!
this was a really enjoyable interview to listen to, thank you both!
Great interview with very thought provoking questions. Thank you.
Welcome to be part of us as singaporean. And Thank you for your contributions to Singapore too. Great to watch and know another great person thru this channel
It's so pleasant seeing the guest speaker talk. Love the way he answers with such high confidence and flow.
Thank you buddy…❤ That was a nice interview and well said about Singapore…
Sir Stamford Raffles founded Singapore, he is not an Asian. British ran Singapore then where many many of them worked and lived here. Singapore has many races Chinese Malay, Indian, Eurasian, Indonesian, Filipinoans of course Caucasian. There is always a little adjustment here and there within our community this is natural. I think Singapore has the most races/ethnics of people living in a country. So anyone who imhas becomes a Singaporean, I am so happy for you to join us in this ret dot. From then on, please do not see yourself as a foreigner but a Singaporean, we will build our future stand together forever!
And your content provide us loads of good value insights as well ! 😊
Brilliant man. Grateful. Hope he is providing lessons we can attend
Very impressive & spontaneous action by a fantastic security personnel !
I am extremely happy Ron is a Singaporean ❤