LIKE many Singaporeans, Mr Neo Phiri, 24, loves Katong laksa, is ambivalent about durians and hates taking the MRT during rush hour.

This National Day, he will be on stage - the floating platform at Marina Bay - playing percussion for 'the most Singaporean of celebrations'.

It is not even his first time as a National Day Parade performer. He was in the show in 2006 too.

One thing though: Mr Phiri is not a Singaporean.

The South African arrived four years ago, when his mother was transferred to the embassy here.

He enrolled in the Singapore Institute of Management (SIM), where he recently graduated with a business degree.

And although he will be leaving in September, he will do so knowing exactly what shiok means and how to use it.

He credits his localisation to his friends in church and at SIM.

He said: 'During the first week of school, I had to get a new computer. One of my classmates took me to Sim Lim Square, bargained for the parts and helped me build the thing.'

Even after four years, he is amazed at the friendliness of some Singaporeans, including those at his church. He joined City Harvest Church soon after his arrival, and has never looked back since.

A recruitment notice on the communal board spurred him to join the church band, Strikeforce. He jams with a few of the other members at least once a week.

'We rent a studio, jam for a few hours and then we go makan,' he said.

He thinks his warm reception came courtesy of Singapore's familiarity with foreigners.

He recalled: 'Some time ago, 30 Nigerians showed up on Sunday, occupying all the front pews. Nobody even blinked. I have seen them every week since then, mixing around and chatting with people.'

It is this kind of acceptance that he hopes to repay with a sizzling performance at the parade.

He said: 'I have even got wedding invitations from friends - and not just church ones.

'Everyone should be so lucky to get accepted so easily.'

FENG ZENGKUN