Wayne Yeo: Living and Working in Vietnam

Wayne Yeo is the current Director of Recruitment at Adilstone Vietnam. Originally from Singapore, he has called Vietnam home for over eight years. Wayne's journey with Adilstone spans nearly two years. Through his experiences and challenges, he has embarked on a special journey into the world of living and working abroad. In this feature, Wayne shares advice for those considering stepping out of their comfort zones to explore the world. His story inspires and explores the cultural differences that come with living in a foreign country.

A Journey of Beginnings

Wayne's journey in Vietnam began when he was an exchange student during his college years in Singapore. Before his six-year tenure at Adilstone, Wayne had a diverse background, including teaching and leading others to help them reach their full potential. Upon discovering that Adilstone was hiring for a sourcing coordinator role, he was very excited. Wayne had always been intrigued by the recruitment field as part of human resources, and this opportunity seemed perfect for him to apply the skills he had acquired over the years in both Singapore and Vietnam.

Conquering the Language Barrier

The similarities in culture and cuisine made Wayne's initial adaptation smoother. However, language posed a significant hurdle, making him feel like an outsider in the early days.

"Language was a huge barrier," Wayne recalls. "It made me feel like an alien when I first arrived." Yet, despite the language barrier and initial discomfort, Wayne persevered. He lived in an area where only Vietnamese was spoken, forcing him to pick up the language quickly to navigate his surroundings.

Navigating Cultural Differences

One of the most striking differences Wayne encountered was the shift from Singapore's fast-paced lifestyle to Vietnam's more leisurely rhythm. "The pace was something I had to get used to," he reflects. "Coming from a faster-paced environment to a slower one was a challenge."

Wayne also noted the emphasis on hierarchy based on age in Vietnamese culture, in contrast to Singapore's more westernized approach. While respect is highly valued in Vietnam, it is primarily directed toward Vietnamese people, with younger generations striving to be respected for their capabilities rather than solely for their age.

It's important to give people respect when interacting with different professionals, while also acknowledging and understanding cultural differences.

Challenges Faced and Overcome

Adapting to a slower pace was easier for Wayne than the reverse transition. However, he encountered other unique challenges in Vietnam, such as navigating less clear-cut processes, exemplified when he had to obtain a marriage certificate during a pandemic. Wayne's resilience and ability to connect with knowledgeable individuals played a vital role in surmounting these challenges.

"It's been valuable to have people I can reach out to for advice on legal matters," Wayne emphasizes. Having a network of experts to rely on was crucial for navigating unfamiliar terrain.

Unforgettable Experience

One of Wayne’s most cherished experiences in Vietnam was living with a Vietnamese family, spanning three generations - grandparents, parents, and their lovely grandchildren. Despite the language barrier, they found ways to communicate through hand signals, bringing them closer.  He felt like a part of their family. The warmth and kindness they showed him were truly remarkable. Every meal was a shared experience, and they even went out of their way to buy him a jacket. This cultural immersion and the love he received from this family played a crucial role in his decision to stay in Vietnam for the remainder of his time there.

Cross-Cultural Learning and Career Growth

Working with colleagues from around the world broadened Wayne’s horizons and fostered an appreciation for diverse cultures and perspectives. His Belgian colleague provided French lessons, allowing him to pronounce the names of French candidates correctly and show respect for their identities. Interacting with people from various nations, including Vietnam, expanded his worldview beyond Singapore. Vietnam, in particular, offers great opportunities due to rapid development. 

Wayne believes that having cross-cultural experience is crucial for personal and professional growth. In the future, teams will likely consist of members from diverse cultures, so learning how to collaborate with people from different backgrounds is invaluable for future career opportunities.

Building Social and Professional Networks Abroad

In Wayne's connections, he genuinely gets to know people, not for personal gain. This approach has greatly helped him. He believes sincerity can be felt and caring for others is important. It not only helps him connect but also stays connected. Even when he started in recruitment a year and a half ago, he reminded himself of this value, which aligns with Adilstone's values. 

It has helped him come a long way. Even after eight months or a year, he still speaks to some people he connected with earlier. Singapore, where society is fast-paced and people often lack time to care for others. However, in Vietnam, where relationships hold more value, it provides a good environment for him to practice and prioritize building connections.

Advice for Living and Working Abroad

Wayne believes that the first experience of living and working abroad can be both challenging and intimidating. To ease the transition, he advises prospective expatriates to consider the cost of the move, gain an understanding of the destination, and embrace the local culture. It's essential not to impose one's way of life on a new place but rather focus on adapting to the local environment while maintaining personal values.

Wayne emphasizes the importance of building a supportive network in the new country, and finding a community of like-minded individuals who can provide a sense of belonging and support.

Staying Connected with Home and Culture

Despite living abroad for an extended period, Wayne remains deeply connected with his home country, Singapore. He keeps in regular contact with his family through messages and calls. Moreover, he actively engages with the Singaporean community in Vietnam, attending events organized by the Singapore Embassy to stay connected with fellow Singaporeans.

Wayne's journey exemplifies the rich and rewarding experience of living and working abroad. Challenges lead to personal growth and expanded worldviews. With the right attitude, it becomes a life-changing opportunity. Wayne's story inspires others to embrace the adventure, learn from people they meet, and grow personally and professionally. Living and working abroad offers endless possibilities and lasting experiences.