SGNSpotlight 🌟Norafiqin Hairoman 🌟
A storyteller shaped by life across continents, Norafiqin Hairoman has spent nearly a decade living abroad, with chapters unfolding in Spain and now the United States. In this SGNSpotlight, she shares how building a life far from home deepened her appreciation for connection, what inspired her to join the Singapore Global Network, and how becoming a mother reignited her passion to complete her debut book, Yes To The Spanish Reboot. Through her journey, Norafiqin reflects on perseverance, creativity, and carrying a piece of Singapore wherever she goes.
Tell us a bit about yourself and what inspired you to join our community.
I'm a Singaporean author who has been living abroad since 2015, with chapters of my life unfolding in Spain and now the United States. Living overseas for nearly a decade has been both enriching and grounding, but it has also deepened my appreciation for the sense of familiarity and connection that comes from meeting fellow Singaporeans who understand what it means to build a life far from home.
I was inspired to join the Singapore Global Network to feel that sense of home again and to stay connected to a global network of Singaporeans who, like me, continue to carry Singapore with them wherever they go.
Tell us about a cause you’re passionate about, and why it holds a special place in your heart.
I am deeply passionate about my debut book, Yes To The Spanish Reboot, a project that took shape over many years and across different countries. There was a long period when I wasn’t sure I would ever finish it as life moved on, priorities shifted, and the story was quietly set aside. Becoming a mother changed that. The arrival of my daughter gave me the motivation and clarity to return to the manuscript with renewed purpose, and in many ways, she became the reason I saw it through to the end.
This book now holds a special place in my heart because it represents perseverance, growth, and the belief that meaningful creative work can evolve alongside life’s biggest changes. I hope that one day, when my daughter is older, she will be able to hold this book in her hands and feel proud. Not just of the story itself, but of the journey behind it.
What challenges have you encountered with this project?
One of the biggest challenges I faced was the long gap between wanting to write the book and having the ability to do so. In the beginning, I struggled with a lack of inspiration, and when that inspiration finally arrived, I found myself with very little time to write after my daughter was born. Progress often came in small, fragmented moments. I wrote during her naps and after she fell asleep, learning to work within limited time and energy. While challenging, this process ultimately reshaped how I approached the project and taught me that persistence, rather than perfect conditions, was what allowed the book to be completed.
What activities do you enjoy in your free time?
I love being outdoors in nature and going for a dance class!
What do you miss about Singapore, and how do you stay connected?
Living abroad, I miss the food most... the flavors and comfort of dishes I grew up with. I often cook these meals myself, and when possible, I seek out Asian restaurants in the area that offer a familiar taste of home. I also miss my family and friends deeply. Staying connected happens through regular text messages, video calls, and social media, which allow us to remain part of each other’s everyday lives despite the distance.
Connect with me here or on Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/noraqinwrites) if you're keen to chat about books, food or exchange stories about life abroad as a Singaporean.
Thank you to Norafiqin for sharing her journey of resilience, creativity, and staying rooted in home while living abroad. If her story resonates with you, or if you’d love to connect over writing, motherhood, life overseas, or navigating creative projects alongside busy seasons of life, feel free to reach out — she’d be happy to connect with fellow Singaporeans around the world.
Stay tuned for more SGNSpotlight features, where we celebrate the incredible individuals who make our community thrive. If you have a story or passion you’d like to share, drop us a message or fill out our SGNSpotlight form here, and we’ll be in touch!