Food For Thought

by Goh Chang Zuo & Scott Nathaniel Lim


English subtitles included! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTcxidwIcoY


  • Write a narrative of how your idea developed. (Begin by giving some response to the 1st dance and games night)

On the first dance and games night, we only had a brief introduction of everyone. We didn’t really have an opportunity to have some deep quality conversations with the foreign workers. Feeling that there was much more to uncover, behind all the smiles and laughter.

Perhaps they didn’t completely trust us at this point

The pivotal point was in the second visit where we got down and personal. Realising that sharing a meal, in unison with the migrant workers, lowered both our defenses; we decided to develop our project around food.

Food brings people together

“Hidden in The City, Yet in Clear View”. We strongly agreed to the appropriateness of this topic, because these workers trudge day and night in all sorts of conditions, with their efforts going unnoticed. Contributing so much for our country, we wanted to be an outlet and a beacon of hope, to broadcast a message to mitigate the differences and boundaries between Singaporeans and migrant workers.


  • What about our meet-ups and the conversations you had created the interest in the area you ended up researching? Use your documentation photos etc.. to explain this process.

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During the second meet up, they had samples of the catered food to show us and we were shocked.

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Many agreed with the fact that the catered food was very unappetising. It was a concern to us, as it was reported in the local news and media platform just a few months back. But still, nothing has been done to eradicate the problem.


 

  • Discuss your exchange with the foreign workers.

Through our meet ups and the subsequently, with the filming of the cooking show, we have grown very fond of them. Sharing similar goals, aspirations and objectives like taking care of our families.

We walk the same path of life

Although they come from a less privileged country, they have their own responsibilities and dreams. It is heart wrenching, knowing most of these foreign workers may never reach their goal and achieve the “Singaporean Dream.”

It is a constant struggle in entrapment

When the cameras were not recording, the whole cast and crew sat down and ate together, on set at the Seet’s residences. During this time, we saw the most authentic part of Akbar and Habibullah’s life. It was a shame that we didn’t record this. But we had no regrets as we were enjoying the delicious food cooked by our two chefs. The rich flavour and aroma resonated throughout the house and in our palates!

Best mutton curry ever

Having exposure to charity and community involvement is healthy for Singaporean families. The Seet’s for example, regularly participate in giving back to the community, however it was their first time inviting foreign workers into their home. From their encounters, we could tell that even they were really moved by stories that Akbar and Habibullah had to share.

Take a leap of faith

We also noticed that having the correct upbringing is vital for children. If we do not want our future generations to be stereotyping or ostracising these migrant workers, we have to set an example. Only then, can our community live in harmony.

Change starts with us


 

 

Further Questions: 

  1. How did you initially see the foreign workers? Did you even consider their experience before our meet-ups?

Initially, we thought that the foreign workers were unfriendly people. After the Little India riot we had an impression that they have a disregard for the law. Having too many of them in this crowded country is definitely very overwhelming for those living here. However, our perception of them drastically changed as now we see how simple and warm they truly are. To take an opportunity to understand them and experience what they go through, is a pinnacle sacrifice that we should undertake before jumping to conclusions.  


  1. Along your journey what to, and when did you change your ideas/plans in response to what you learned/experienced or observed from contact with the foreign workers?

Describe your response.

It was only after hearing the truth for their chase of the “Singaporean Dream.” In monetarily terms, they’ve taken a big risk in coming to Singapore. And not many people know this.

We really admire their courage of leaving their homes, families, loved ones, in search of opportunities here in Singapore. Being plunged into a new environment and culture is something we Singaporeans are not knowledgeable of, and it is something we can learn from these foreign workers.

The issue on food has been a hot and steamy topic. Many of these migrant workers hope that they will one day be able to have their own cooking equipment, as the catered food is poorly prepared. Therefore, we did a cooking show, to brandish some of their talents as they fight for what they deserve.


  1. What new knowledge did you gain from the interaction with the foreign workers and the actions you took in executing your project?

As some of these foreign workers love to cook their own meals, and many are forbidden to do so. Therefore, we made this short cooking film where our Bangladesh foreigners gained a chance to interact with a Singaporean family to share their experiences and love for cooking. This will also translate a personal and familiar touch that other Singaporeans can relate to.

Prior to the shoot, we had come up with a storyboard and script. Although we stuck to the storyboard, much of the script wasn’t used as we decided that it would be much more authentic for them to speak from their hearts, albeit the language barriers we could understand what they wanted to convey.


  1. What did you gain or what are the strengths/weaknesses/ differences & responses to learning that does not follow the conventional path of lecture/ tutorial and studio practice: learning by creating experiences beyond the classroom? a. how did you feel about creating a project where there was to clear path to follow–where you had to develop a unique path?

As Singaporeans, we are used to strict regimentation and guidelines in our education system. In conjunction to being engineering students, the lack of procedure and technicalities was initially unorthodox. But having utilised and embracing this freedom, we realised it was a much more enjoyable experience.

During the filming process, we were pulled away from the convention. Feeling lost at times, we recalled all our training from DA2002 and previous modules in NTU that had provided us with the necessary tools to construct and execute our film. Proper planning was crucial, as we had to structure our scenes and camera / equipment placement, but practicing flexibility was key to producing a film that portrayed emotion and meaning.

Overall, we were extremely satisfied with our work and what we achieved, and the hard work definitely paid off. The flexibility and independence that we were given, allowed us to enjoy every stage of this project, from the filming to the editing. A lesson learnt in itself.

We hope you enjoyed our video.

 


 

Thank you Prof Kelly for having been our professor and tutor for the past few months. It has been a very fun and enriching journey with you. We really appreciate all that you have provided and done for us, and we wish you all the best in your future endeavours.

Chang Zuo & Scott