Singapore Uncensored: Brutally Honest Street Interviews!

Singapore, often described in a single sentence as a "garden city," is known for its cleanliness, honesty, and overall magnificence. It's considered safe and convenient, although expensive.

Singapore Overview

Location and Size

Singapore is located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. It is 2.7 times the size of Taipei City.

Economy and Governance

The average gross national income (GNI) is 2.1 times higher than Taiwan. Per capita GDP is the number one in Asia. The country also ranks highly (third in the world) on the Corruption Perceptions Index.

Strict Laws and Regulations

Singapore is known for its serious criminal and "special" laws, particularly its zero tolerance for drugs, which carries a death penalty. Other infractions, like smoking in prohibited areas, can result in fines of S$100 to S$200. Residents are also required to clear their trays after eating, with failure to do so potentially incurring a fine of up to S$2,000. A unique but impossible to enforce law is flushing the toilet after use.

Transformations and Pride

Singapore is often praised as the 'Switzerland of Asia' and the 'Silicon Valley of Southeast Asia'. However, just sixty years ago, it was an old, rundown fishing village with sanitation problems and limited water resources. Much of the credit for the nation's transformation is given to Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore’s founding Prime Minister, who is seen as the driving force behind its development into a first-world nation. Many admire his vision and leadership, arguing that without him, Singapore might resemble Malaysia today.

Public Housing (HDB)

Singapore's public housing system, known as HDB (Housing and Development Board), provides reasonably priced housing for its citizens, thanks to the government owning 80% of the land. The government also provides subsidies for home buyers. About 80% of Singaporeans reside in HDB flats, which can be purchased with a 99-year lease, unlike public housing in Taiwan, which is typically for rent. Buying a house is not considered difficult, with government subsidies and the use of CPF (Central Provident Fund) savings making it relatively easy for couples to afford.

Cost of Living and Salaries

While HDB flats are relatively affordable, the cost of living in Singapore is high. A main dish can cost at least 30 to 40 Singapore dollars. A 10% service charge and a 9% GST (Goods and Services Tax) add to the expense. However, salaries are also higher. The median monthly salary in 2024 was S$5,500. Young people need to earn around S$3,000 to S$5,000 per month to get by. These salaries attract workers from all over the world.

Cultural Differences and Commuting

Many Malaysians work in Singapore due to the favorable exchange rate, earning five times what they might earn in Malaysia. However, some find a lack of warmth and a more transactional environment compared to their home country. Some Malaysians commute daily from Johor Bahru to Singapore. This is because the rent in Singapore is very expensive.

Singaporean Identity and Perspectives

Ethnical Diversity

Singapore is ethnically diverse. About 70% are Chinese, with significant Malay and Indian populations. The four official languages are English, Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil.

Bilingual Policy

The government promotes a bilingual policy. English is the most important language for communication. This ensures different races can communicate.

Is Singapore Boring?

Some Singaporeans find their country boring due to its man-made environment and lack of natural beauty, leading them to frequently travel abroad for entertainment. Others, particularly older residents, find simple pleasures in walking around, relaxing at coffee shops, and observing daily life.

The Pressure to Work

There is a cultural shock for people from other countries. Elderly people in Singapore are pressured to work. This is a stark contrast to other countries where retirement is more common. Even in their 70s, many continue to work to cover expenses, highlighting the financial pressures of living in Singapore.

The "Kiasu" Culture

Singapore is known for its "kiasu" culture, a Hokkien term meaning "fear to lose out." This manifests in a competitive environment, particularly in education. This leads to students taking numerous classes and parents pushing their children to excel from a young age.

Freedom of Speech

Compared to Taiwan, some find that there are limits on freedom of speech in Singapore, particularly regarding political topics.

Pride of Being a Singaporean

Despite the pressures, many are proud to be Singaporean, citing safety, job opportunities, and a sense of security. Others express a desire to be a dog in Singapore, as they feel they will live a better life than most humans.