 ‘Understanding increases the possibility of peace. Ignorance increases the potential for division’, wrote Sir Tony Blair in the Straits Times in 2009, about a reconciliation between different faiths. The statement is equally applicable to relations between an employer and a Domestic Helper in Singapore.
The importance of understanding has been confirmed in several university studies, in testimonials of helpers confronted with failure, and in stories of happy and unhappy expatriate employers.
The gap between Western and Filipino, Indonesian, Indian, Thai, Sri Lankan, and Burmese** cultures is tremendous, often disconcerting, and always far beyond all expectations, even with a long history of excellent relationships.
Uncovering, exploring, understanding, and analyzing cultural gaps are milestones in building of a blossoming relationship.
**The Philippines, Indonesia, India, Thailand, Sri Lanka and Myanmar are the only six countries whose female citizen can apply for a Foreign Domestic Workers’ work permit in Singapore
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