A chat with the High Commissioner for Canada in Singapore

Canadian PAUL THOPPIL has been serving as the High Commissioner for Canada in Singapore since moving here late last year. He gives us a look into his work and life in the little red dot so far.

Where are you from originally?

I was born in Ottawa, Canada. My parents emigrated from Kerala, India, in the 1960s.

What brought you to Singapore and where had you been living previously?

I came here on a diplomatic appointment from Canada’s Prime Minister Carney. Before this posting, I was in Jakarta, Indonesia, serving as Prime Minister Trudeau’s IndoPacific Trade Representative. My family remains in Canada.

My wife Naina lives in Ottawa and works at Canada’s Foreign Ministry. Our son Joshua is at the University of Toronto, and our son Isaac is at McGill University in Montreal.

How long have you been in diplomatic roles and how did you get started in the field?

I joined Canada’s foreign ministry in 2004. Over the years, I served as Canada’s most senior diplomat responsible for its bilateral relations across Asia-Pacific, before taking on the role of Indo-Pacific Trade Representative and eventually this posting.

What inspired you to pursue a career in diplomacy?

The chance to raise Canada’s visibility overseas and deepen our connections, particularly in Asia.

Favourite aspect of your work?

Meeting people from different cultures, backgrounds and areas of expertise. I learn something new from nearly everyone I meet.

What has been your most memorable meeting or event so far?

A breakfast discussion with Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney at The Istana last October stands out.

Any surprises you’ve found living and working in Singapore?

Adjusting to the heat and humidity is always a challenge for Canadians who love snow and are used to subzero winters!

Where in Singapore do you live?

I live near Rideout Road, next to Dempsey.

What do you like to do here when you’re not working?

I like going to the gym, and also trying out Singapore’s many restaurants, which is largely why I go to the gym!

Quick questions about Singapore: what is your favourite …

• Casual restaurant? Le Bon Funk on Club Street, co-owned by a Canadian.
• Bar? Atlas Bar or Signature Reserve at the Fullerton Hotel Singapore.
• Local food? Laksa.
• Nature space? Singapore Botanic Gardens.
• Thing to do with visitors? Introduce them to Peranakan culture and food.
• Nearby holiday destination? Bali.

The High Commission of Canada in Singapore is at #11-01, One George Street.
international.gc.ca/country-pays/singapore-singapour | [email protected] 
FB @canadainsingapore | IG @canada_sg

This article first appeared in the October 2026 issue of Expat Living magazine. You can buy the latest issue or an annual subscription, or read the digital version for free now.