Foreign workers came under the spotlight last week when residents of Serangoon Gardens kicked up a ruckus over the possibility of a former school there being turned into a dormitory for workers.

They said the workers would pose a security problem for their estate, increase traffic congestion and hurt the value of their properties. Residents were also worried that they would litter, get drunk and befriend their foreign maids.

Nur Dianah Suhaimi and Gracia Chiang visited a shipyard and a cluster of dormitories in a Jurong industrial estate last Friday. The dormitories house some 20,000 workers. They spoke to five workers from different countries for their take on how they are seen by Singaporeans - and how they see Singaporeans.

'Some think we talk too loudly' (Chinese)

Where from: Many come from Jilin province in the north-east and Shandong province in the east.

Likely to see them: At shipyards, construction sites, and Chinatown on weekends.

Living in: Dormitories in Lim Chu Kang, Jurong West and Woodlands.

'People here are good to us' (Thai)

Where from: The majority are from Udon Thani and Nong Khai in north-eastern Thailand, and Korat in central Thailand.

Likely to see them: At construction sites and Golden Mile Complex.

Living in: Dormitories in Jurong, Tuas and Kaki Bukit, and makeshift dormitories at construction sites.

'I hope the locals can accept us over time' (Indian)

Where from: The majority are from the South Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.

Likely to see them: At shipyards and construction sites. On their days off, they head to Little India and Mustafa Centre.

Living in: Dormitories in Jurong West and Kaki Bukit.

'I'm disappointed that they don't trust us' (Myanmar national)

Where from: Many come from the central and western areas of Myanmar.

Likely to see them: At construction sites and Peninsula Plaza.

Living in: Dormitories in Jurong West, Toh Guan off Bukit Batok, and Kaki Bukit.

'I feel lucky to be working in a nice country' (Bangladeshi)

Where from: The majority are from Dhaka in central Bangladesh, Monshigonj in the south and Kaulna in the north.

Likely to see them: At shipyards and construction sites, or at Mustafa Centre in Little India.

Living in: Dormitories in Jurong, Tuas and Kaki Bukit.

For more The Straits Times stories, click here.

Is this article useful to you?