RISING TIDE OF RESENTMENT AGAINST CHINA NATIONALS IN SINGAPORE

I make trips down to Singapore on a regular basis. I have family, friends and relatives who reside there. The city nation is a model of cleanliness, efficiency and age-friendliness. But it has become increasingly less so in the past years, especially since the huge influx of foreigners.

My biggest grouse is the overcrowding on the MRT. I used to enjoy leisurely smooth rides on the trains. Such rides are now distant memories. These days commuters are packed like sardines in tin cans, with barely any room to put down your shopping bags. Seats that are reserved for the elderly and the disabled are often taken up by younger commuters, mostly from mainland China. You can tell from the variety of Mandarin that they speak.

Shoulder to shoulder in the MRTs most hours of the day. Photo from Askmelah

If I, a frequent visitor to Singapore, have cause to complain, I can understand how Singaporeans must feel. Indeed, there is a rising tide of resentment against China nationals working and residing in Singapore. Unofficial estimates place their numbers at over a million, or about one in five people in Singapore. Singapore is a popular choice for these expatriates from mainland China because of its geographical proximity, cultural and ethnic similarities. So they come in droves looking for employment, business and education opportunities. Many of the women come over with the hope of marrying a local and settling down in Singapore.

Initially, Singaporeans complained about having to compete with the China nationals for employment. Their complaints have now widened to include almost every facet of life - from rising cost of living, lack of affordable accommodation, competition for places in schools and universities, overcrowding on buses and trains, dirty public toilets and eateries - the list goes on.

Lately, there has been a wave of criticisms levelled at China expatriates and PRs who flaunt their wealth. Many of them earn top dollar, live in high-end condo apartments, shop at up-market retail stores and drive state-of-the-art cars. Such open displays of expensive tastes and millionaire lifestyle do not sit well with the local citizenry who have to keep a frugal eye on their dollars and cents.

Straits Times 17 May

There is no love lost between Singaporeans and these China nationals. The recent horrific accident involving a Ferrari and a taxi could well prove to be the tipping point. It has led to the Chinese Embassy in Singapore issuing a letter to their nationals residing on the island republic to mind their conduct and observe the laws there. This is an unprecedented move, but whether it will have the desired results remains to be seen.

SINGAPORE'S CUP RUNNETH OVER

The Straits Times headline says it all. Whether one agrees with it or not is another matter. In a research study funded by National Geographic for the happiest city in each of four continents, best-selling author of "Blue Zones" Dan Buettner has identified Singapore as the happiest city in Asia. The criteria for his selections are based on data from Gallup, the World Values Survey and the World Database on Happiness.

Singapore scores high on these prerequisites for happiness: adequate food, shelter, health care, mobility, tolerance, status equality, security, trust, recreation, financial security and stability, low unemployment, high home ownership, green spaces, and clean environment. (Pic: A bird's eye view of Singapore during the F1 night race.)

As someone who spends a fair amount of time in the island nation - 7-10 days a month, I can vouch for Singapore's high scores on all these points. Sure, the country doesn't get high marks for its paternalistic and restrictive political environment. But citizens know they can trust their Government and police. These are trade-offs that most Singaporeans can live with.

For more on the happiest places on earth, click here or read Buettner's latest book "Thrive".

 

Singapore is right at the top for ease of doing business. (Source: World Bank)

Of the top 50 safest banks in the world, DBS is ranked 23, OCBC 31 and UOB 32. (Source: Global Finance)

National University of Singapore (NUS) occupies 31st spot in QS World University Rankings 2010, and 3rd among Asian universities.

How does MM Lee Kuan Yew rate his happiness on a scale of 1 to 10? Click on the image to read Buettner's 2008 interview with the man he calls Singapore's "happiness architect".

WHAT MAKES A STRONG GOVERNMENT

A lot of buzz has been generated about the next elections coming up sooner than expected. If you want change, this is the opportunity you have been waiting for. Your vote is your voice. A silent majority is powerless. But when that silent majority use their votes to speak out, their combined voices can be deafening. It can move mountains and remove governments.

If you haven't registered as a voter, find out where you can do so here. If you want to volunteer to help register new voters, or start your own registration booth, find out how here.

What sort of government do we want in Malaysia? Where can we find the right people to head the various ministries? We don't have to look far for some ideas. Singapore celebrated its 45th National Day on 9 August. For the record, Singapore opted out of Malaysia in 1965.  Since then, the island nation has been registering phenomenal growth, achieving 17.9% GDP growth in the first half of this year. Unemployment is low.

Says former Singapore PM Lee Kuan Yew at a recent National Day dinner:

'To build such a Singapore, we need an exceptionally strong Government, with the ablest, the toughest and most dedicated of leaders. We head-hunt for them, test them out in heavy responsibilities.'

Admire him or detest him, it's the results that count. Today 45 years after separation from Malaysia, Singapore boasts a vibrant economy while the Malaysian rakyat is still smarting over the hundreds of billions of  ringgit gone missing and unaccounted for from the public coffers. (Image from ChannelNewsAsia)

And what contributes to a vibrant economy? His response:

• First, leaders of high integrity who have the people's trust and confidence.
• Second, meritocracy, where everyone can get to the top as political leaders, MPs, (in) the civil service and statutory boards. People get to where they are on merit: not guanxi (connections), not nepotism, not corruption. Hence, all are capable and competent.
• Third, there is a level playing field for all, where 'no one is disadvantaged by our national policies whatever their race, language or religion.
• Fourth, the use of English as the working language has made Singapore the business and banking hub it is today. 

Singapore pays top dollar to get the best people for the government. If we pay peanuts, we will only get monkeys who are always up to mischief and hanky-panky, who have little clue how to lead, and who have no vision at all beyond the dollar signs in their eyes.

SINGAPORE LIGHTS UP EARLY FOR CHRISTMAS

Ushering in the Christmas season along Orchard Road.

Thanks to the APEC Summit that's currently being held in Singapore, the Christmas lights along Orchard Road went up much earlier this year on Nov 7. For those unable to be here for the festive season, here are some photos that I took last night.

Looking across at Takashimaya.
Night traffic outside Wisma Atria.
TANGS is all decked out in dazzling gold.
Daddy, it's Fantasyland here!
Light bulbs dangling from trees.
Futuristic exterior of ION - Singapore's newest shopping mall.
The giant Christmas 'tree' outside ION.
Looking up inside the Christmas 'tree'. Awesome view!
Lights, shutterbugs and tourists EVERYWHERE!