The speaker expresses a deep fondness for Singapore, despite having only visited once for a brief three-day trip. This visit aims to delve deeper, exploring beyond the typical tourist spots like Marina Bay and experiencing the everyday lives of Singaporeans. The hope is to confirm suspicions that Singapore is a unique country that's making rapid progress while maintaining law, order, and conservative values.
Canada vs. Singapore: A Shift in Perspective
The speaker clarifies that while still appreciating Canada, years of global travel have revealed superior systems and ideas elsewhere. This has led to a shift in perspective, particularly regarding Singapore's government.
Soft Authoritarianism and Democratic Freedom
Singapore's government is described as "soft authoritarianism," a concept previously unappealing to the speaker. This system blends democratic freedoms with strict law enforcement, contrasting with approaches in Canada. The purpose of the trip is to understand the impacts of these political structures.
First Impressions: Little India and Beyond
The journey begins in Little India, which authentically resembles India with its temples and South Asian shops and people. The cleanliness is distinctly Singaporean. Adjacent to Little India is the Malay area, showcasing impressive street art and a mosque.
Multiculturalism and National Identity
One of the most striking aspects of Singapore is its orderly and well-behaved society. There is a clear sense of unity and national pride.
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Absence of litter and graffiti.
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Minimal unnecessary noise.
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Demographics that encompass a range of religious, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds.
While Canada encourages multiculturalism, the speaker feels that many Canadians still primarily identify with their country of origin, unlike Singaporeans, who readily embrace their Singaporean identity.
The Best in Multiculturalism?
Singapore is portrayed as excelling in balancing multiculturalism with a strong sense of national pride and patriotism. This blend makes it "the best in the world at multiculturalism."
Food Adventures: Hawker Centers and Char Kway Teow
The next stop is a bustling hawker center, filled with diverse food options. While tempted by Hainanese chicken rice and bánh mì, the speaker seeks out and finds char kway teow, a dish of fried rice noodles.
Crime and Law Enforcement: A Tale of Two Cities
The speaker shares a story about a friend in Toronto witnessing an armed robbery and the police's apparent lack of interest in pursuing the case. This anecdote contrasts with the perceived effectiveness of Singapore's approach to crime.
Harsh Punishment vs. Pragmatism
The speaker highlights the Premier of Ontario calling Toronto "a lawless city" due to rampant crime. The perceived solution in Singapore is harsh punishment for criminals, leading to a safe and orderly society. This aligns with Lee Kuan Yew's emphasis on pragmatism, where the effectiveness of an idea matters more than its political leaning.
Navigating Singapore: Metro Mishaps and HDB Insights
The first attempt to use the Singapore metro is complicated by the lack of single-fare tickets. Travelers must purchase a travel card, which is more expensive for a single trip than a Grab (ride-hailing service).
HDB: Affordable Housing and Community Building
The journey continues to explore Housing Development Board (HDB) properties, aiming to understand Singapore's high rate of home ownership. The Uber driver mentions tourists don't normally visit HDB, but the speaker is deeply impressed by Singapore's 92% home ownership rate, which is facilitated by the government allowing Singaporeans to pay 10% upfront and finance the remainder through the Central Provident Fund.
HDB Showroom: A Glimpse into Paradise?
The HDB showroom showcases modern, green communities designed for first-time home buyers.
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Affordable options promote home ownership.
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Focus on physical, social, and mental well-being.
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Amenities include jogging paths, exercise equipment, and community spaces.
The speaker expresses amazement at the concept, contrasting it with the challenges faced by low-income renters in Canada. HDB aims to give first-time buyers a strong start with quality housing and opportunities for success.
Prices and Comparisons
HDB apartments are significantly more affordable than private condominiums. A 3-bedroom HDB apartment costs around 600K, whereas a comparable 2-bedroom condo costs 1.1 million. This is mainly because the prices are government controlled.
Apartment Features: Modern Design and Unexpected Security
The smallest HDB apartment model (38 square meters) features modern design and essential amenities. Each apartment includes a "civil defense shelter," a room with reinforced locks, essentially a bulletproof room. This is unexpected in a country with low crime rates.
Questioning the Unbelievable: Is It Too Good To Be True?
The speaker finds it difficult to believe that a government could be so effective and beneficial, almost suspecting a hidden motive. Despite the obvious good that is being done, the speaker is skeptical and sees the modern custom finishings in each apartment as a potential ploy to get money if the parts break. Despite this, the speaker acknowledges that the system is very well executed and well done.
Merlion and Marina Bay: Tourist Delights and Deeper Reflections
A visit to the iconic Merlion statue, closed during the previous trip, provides photo opportunities. A walk along the boardwalk reveals impeccable cleanliness and stunning architecture. The focus shifts to discussing Singapore's exceptional leadership. However, they are drawn to the more obvious architecture and food.
Unexpected Expenses: The Cost of Hydration
Stopping for a cold drink reveals surprisingly high prices, especially for water, near the Merlion.
South Asian Cuisine: A Culinary Highlight
The chosen restaurant serves delicious South Asian cuisine, particularly the garlic and butter naan and the open butter dosai. The speaker praises the non-spicy flavor profile catered to Western palates, rating the experience five stars.
Reflections on Singapore's Model: Ideas vs. Reality
The speaker reiterates the conflict between personal beliefs (anti-authoritarianism and pro-freedom of speech) and the evident success of Singapore's system. The safe and orderly streets are a stark contrast to the issues of homelessness and drug addiction in Toronto. Despite concerns about authoritarianism, the speaker acknowledges the positive results in Singapore.
Parenting Analogy: Tough Love vs. Permissiveness
The speaker's partner draws a parallel to parenting, comparing Singapore's government to a parent who enforces healthy choices (broccoli) and the Canadian government to one who indulges every whim (Oreos).