The number of Singaporeans living overseas increased nearly 20 per cent between 2008 and last year. There is no data available for the number of Singaporeans who have returned home from living abroad. SMU Assistant Professor of Humanities Aidan Wong commented that a burgeoning diaspora is not surprising as the Government has been emphasising the Republic's need for a globalised outlook since the 1990s. In the short term, however, Singapore may be viewed as a refuge in uncertain times, such as now, with the trade dispute between China and the United States, an unpredictable political situation in the US, Brexit and the unrest in Hong Kong, he added. SMU alumna Crunch Ranjani Rajandran, also finds it easy to work both overseas and in Singapore – having worked in countries like Costa Rica, India and Laos – while having the flexibility to come back to Singapore to fulfill her family obligations and duties.