This article summarizes an interview with Chris Reed, a UK native who moved to Singapore 20 years ago and became a citizen 15 years later. Chris shares his experiences and insights on various aspects of Singaporean life, from common misconceptions to the entrepreneurial environment.
Misconceptions About Singapore
Chris frequently encounters misconceptions about Singapore, particularly from those unfamiliar with the country.
Addressing Claims of Authoritarianism
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A prevalent misconception is that Singapore is a controlled and authoritarian state where people cannot freely express their opinions.
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Chris strongly refutes this, stating that Singapore is a democracy where he votes and freely voices his opinions on LinkedIn.
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He acknowledges that Singapore has strict laws against spreading lies, fake news, and defamation, but emphasizes that truth and fact-checking are not restricted.
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He highlights that voting is compulsory in Singapore, unlike countries where governments are elected with a small percentage of the population participating.
The Chewing Gum Ban
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Another common misconception is the chewing gum ban.
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Chris clarifies that while you cannot buy chewing gum in Singapore, you can import it for personal use.
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The ban exists to prevent the littering problems seen in other cities, where discarded gum creates unsightly marks and is costly to remove.
Life as a Singaporean
Chris discusses what it means to be a Singaporean and the journey he took to become one.
From Expat to Citizen
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He initially came to Singapore on a tourist pass and subsequently obtained an Employment Pass (EP) and then a Personalised Employment Pass (PEP).
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Realizing that Permanent Residency (PR) wasn't truly permanent and could be revoked, he decided to become a Singaporean citizen.
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He felt that citizenship was necessary to establish a long-term commitment to the country.
Benefits of Citizenship
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Chris believes citizenship brings more respect and credibility.
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He found that Singaporeans took him more seriously as a citizen compared to when he was an expat or PR, leading to more business opportunities.
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Citizenship also allows him to speak about Singaporean news and topics with greater authority.
The Passport Moment
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Receiving his Singaporean passport was a moment of "absolute joy."
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He posted about it on LinkedIn and received a million views, though the reaction was polarized.
Why Singapore?
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Chris states that becoming Singaporean was the best decision he ever made, especially after Brexit.
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He feels that the UK no longer represented his values as an entrepreneur.
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Singapore encourages businesses to expand beyond its borders, offering support and resources for international ventures.
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He praises Singapore's world-class airport and airline, making travel for business convenient.
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He argues that Singapore actively promotes itself and encourages citizens to spread the word, creating a "win-win situation."
Meaning of Being Singaporean
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For Chris, being Singaporean means living a comfortable life in a tropical climate.
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He enjoys Asian cuisine and feels a sense of belonging in Singapore's multicultural environment.
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He expresses pride in Singapore's cleanliness, order, and manicured landscapes.
Unpleasant Truths about Singapore
Chris highlights some of the less appealing aspects of Singapore that are often overlooked.
Road Safety and Driver Behavior
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He criticizes the behavior of some drivers who disregard the safety of cyclists and pedestrians.
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He attributes this to a sense of entitlement due to the high cost of car ownership.
Treatment of Domestic Helpers and Construction Workers
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Chris expresses concern for the treatment of domestic helpers, who are often made to work seven days a week despite labor laws.
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He also highlights the unsafe transportation of construction workers in lorries, leading to preventable injuries and fatalities.
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He believes Singapore should prioritize worker safety and follow the example of other countries like Malaysia and Dubai.
The Entrepreneurial Hub
Chris champions Singapore as an excellent place for entrepreneurs.
Ease of Doing Business
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He emphasizes the ease of doing business in Singapore due to its fast Wi-Fi and accessible networking opportunities.
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The government actively encourages entrepreneurial expats and immigrants to start businesses and contribute to the economy.
Risk and Opportunity
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He acknowledges that while Singapore is comfortable and may not inspire risk-taking in local Gen Z entrepreneurs, it provides a supportive ecosystem with grants, mentors, and investors.
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He believes that the comfort and safety net offered in Singapore can encourage entrepreneurship by reducing the fear of failure.
Dating Scene in Singapore
Chris, now married to a Singaporean, recalls the dating scene before he settled down.
Expat Advantages
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He describes the dating scene as "very easy" for Western men.
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However, he notes that relationships with younger women may not be long-term due to cultural factors.
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He mentions that dating preferences often fall into two groups: those who only date locals and those who only date expats.
British vs. Singaporean
Chris discusses which aspects of his identity remain British and which have become Singaporean.
Lingering British Traits
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He maintains his love for British drama and European TV shows.
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He also retains his passion for heavy metal music, often traveling to Europe, America, and Australia to attend concerts.
Embracing Singaporean Culture
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He considers the rest of his life to be very Singaporeanized.
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He states that Singapore will be his home for the rest of his life.
LinkedIn Insights
As a LinkedIn marketing expert, Chris shares some insights.
Common LinkedIn Mistakes
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Poor Banner Design: Not having a banner or having one that is poorly designed or doesn't display correctly on mobile.
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Inactive Features: Not activating the featured and services sections.
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Lack of Posting: Not posting regularly to build visibility and engagement.
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Underutilization of Sales Functions: Not using Sales Navigator and Smart Links for lead generation.
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Incomplete Profile: Not having a fully optimized profile.
Posting Frequency
- Chris recommends posting every day to maintain visibility and relevance, treating LinkedIn like a personal newspaper.
Networking Strategies
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Post engaging content to attract people to your profile.
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Reach out to those who view your profile and fit your client base.
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Qualify leads using Smart Links.
Chris's Principles
Embrace Every Day
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Live life to the fullest and seize opportunities.
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Don't be afraid of failure; learn from it.
Maintain a Positive Mindset
- As an entrepreneur, adopt a positive mindset and believe in your ability to succeed.
The Meaning of Life
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For Chris, the meaning of life is metal concerts and the joy of experiencing live music.
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He emphasizes the unique and irreplaceable nature of live performances.
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Above all, his wife remains the most important thing in his life.
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