Through July 4, The Post, in conjunction with the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream, is featuring US citizens explaining what the American dream means to them in 2026 — including California novelist Kevin Kwan, author of hit books like “Crazy Rich Asians.”
My father decided in 1985 to move his entire family to the United States. He had a very comfortable life in Singapore. But I think he wanted more … In Singapore, where I was born, society was much more stratified. He was part of an establishment, [in an] upper echelon family. So there are all these rules and traditions and archaic beliefs that I think he really wanted to remove us from and bring us to a place of tabula rosa. A place where he could reinvent himself — and allow his children to do the same. It was a really precious gift.
We moved to Houston, Texas. He wanted us to really develop a sense of independence and independent thought. And he always said, “America will give you so [many] more opportunities that you don’t even realize you don’t have.”
I am tremendously grateful. I don’t think there’s anywhere else on Earth right now that allows as much social mobility as the United States. There are still so many struggles and challenges that we as Americans have, but there is a sense of acceptance in this country that you can do whatever you want and no one is going to shame you for that.
In Singapore, I don’t think I would have realized that I could pursue a creative life.The roles are much more prescribed. If you came from a certain class, you were either a doctor or a lawyer or you worked for the family company. It was not acceptable to be a photographer or a ballet dancer or an actor.
I think when you are born in America, you take a lot for granted. Your liberty is already a given for you. But when you come from a country with many more restrictions, this is what you dream of: You dream of free speech. You dream of being able to create and express with completely no fear of being censored.
The American Dream Video Project showcases real stories that illuminate pathways to opportunity. Featured at the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream (MCAAD), this series is part of the Center’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. MCAAD is Washington, DC’s newest cultural institution, offering interactive exhibits and stories about achieving the American Dream. For more information, visit mcaad.org.
