Singapore & Standard Of Living
Was in the car while my dad was driving to work today and the topic of discussion today was a survey that revealed that Singapore came out tops on standard of living in the ASEAN region.
Many people called in to whine about Singapore, whereas others called to say Singapore is great. Everyone agreed Singapore is expensive.
My thoughts? Okay things are a little expensive compared to our neighbours but there are so many great things about living in this city.
- You can walk around at any time and not worry about being mugged.
- Our public transportation is top class (if expensive).
- Education is awesome.
- 78% internet penetration rate.
- Excellent infrastructure for power and water.
- Multiracial, religion, belief, etc.
- Zero natural disasters
- Political stability (who cares if it comes at the cost of a lively political landscape?).
- Virtually zero corruption.
- A vibrant economy.
- Low pollution levels (except when our neighbours decide to burn some forest
I’m sure there are many more things (feel free to comment and add on), but this is the best I can do at 9:30 in the morning without coffee!
A lot of my friends think I’m the sort who would live overseas. For awhile? Sure. Forever? Probably not. As much as I love places like Bangkok, Hong Kong, Australia and New York, there’s a lot to be said for feeling safe to walk around at 2am after drinks, and not worrying if you (or in the future, your kids) will get shot randomly in school.
dude public transportation is singapore is cheap if u compare it to other cities like London and Paris. but i’m not sure that’s a fair comparison.
@jonny: actually that’s a good point. Japan and New York are excessively expensive too! Maybe we’re just to used to 65c travel.
You forget that those countries have way higher living standards than us anyhow, but is supplemented by higher paying jobs and other forms of tax benefits blah blah. Singapore has already kept food prices low simply because the import of food is so much cheaper than growing your own food in the first place.
Singapore is but going through the transition of attaining the ‘ills’ of a First World Country, namely higher inflation, higher living standards to offset the number of people who can be rich in a country. But I wholeheartedly agree with what people fail to realise.
Well, you know i wholeheartedly agree with you but i don’t think i could live in singapore long-term. i think it’s a great place to have kids and bring them up, but the false bubble that every Singaporean grows up in kinda leads them to thinking that the rest of the world is like that when it isn’t, and they start behaving terribly once they’re abroad. (which i think is absolutely sad)
Safety is an issue internationally, and Singapore undoubtedly is the safest country in the world, but i have to say that you can always find safer enclaves in foreign countries where you don’t have to risk being shot at or mugged….like Beverly Hills or Westwood…:P Cupertino where we lived in previously…haha and a few other places..but obviously there isn’t a comparison for the safety tht singapore offers.
so i’m glad i’m away from Singapore and learn tips for survival, and then i get to enjoy the best of both worlds when i come home to our little island for a grand total of 2 mths…where i can indulge in safety and cheap and convenient public transportation (there isn’t decent public transportation in LA!!)
yayy maybe i should do my own analysis when i have time to blog and no finals!!! (i should be studying for my 8am final…it’s 630am…eeks!!)
@Sean & Sam: I like the fact that the three people who have commented are ALL currently living overseas! Maybe that says something hmmm?
I think in a way the issue about Singaporeans being in this “bubble” is true, but can be negated by traveling. Of course, that’s expensive and not everyone can afford it. Westwood is a nice neighbourhood, Sam. And yes, public transportation is something that’s taken for granted. 65c for a bus ride? Trying paying US$2 for the metro in New York even if you’re taking two stops!!
And here comes another comment from someone living overseas! =P
I lived in Singapore for about 8 years. It was pretty much during my most formative and growing up years so it’s definitely impacted me greatly even though I’m technically not Singaporean. I do love the fact that it’s safe, and it’s really easy to get around with public transportation, etc. All the thing that you mentioned are pretty much why I still like Singapore and like visiting my parents in Singapore.
But I wouldn’t want to live there. Why? Because I won’t be able to afford my own apartment/condo. If I get the salary that I get currently, yes, I can. But should I decide to move back, from what I’ve researched, it will be cut almost by half. And looking at rent prices, it’s not something that I can afford. So I’ll have to rely on my parents. Yikes! After living away from them for so long, I really don’t think I can handle living under the same roof as them again. =P Also, Singapore is really small. I love to travel and not have to deal with the hassle of visas, passports and worrying about currencies. I like being able to just get in my car and drive for hours on end if I feel like it and end up in a completely different state. =)
@shadeofmelon: The trend continues! That’s a great story and a pretty good, practical reason for living overseas too. I think something that a lot of the callers mentioned on the radio show was that standard of living is high, but cost of living is sky high as well, as you’ve rightfully pointed out! I have to say I’m personally undecided about the size. On one hand there’s not much to explore, on the other there’s a lot to be said for being no further than 30 minutes from everyone!
yes, people complain too much about Singapore! I think there was this whole period where it was cool to diss the govt/the country. tsktsk.
I’m not saying they’re perfect or the country is, but yes, naff though it may sound, I am proud of singapore and its accomplishments.We’re a dot for g’sake, and we’re SURVIVING!
However, I DO agree with shadeofmelon’s point about the apartment. Prices here for housing and cars are just way too expensive! logically I know it’s because we’re land-squeezed, but argh.
anyhow, my point is that singapore is still a great place to live despite the fact that one needs to get away from it here and there to gain exposure and grow. But hey, you could say that of any country you grew up in, right?
Here are some other things to think about.
There aren’t enough woods, natural recreation places to do fun outdoorsy stuff.
The weather!
Lack of job variety.
Expensive standard of living, and high stress situations, and asian mentalities.
Censorship.
Not quite sure if I agree our education system is fantastic. I always find Singaporeans tend to be not particularly well rounded.
General lack of awareness, and apathy for international issues.
I’m a bit of analyzing all the comments about living in Singapore, since we’ve plan to work there by next year. We’ve chosen Singapore because it’s safe, and some employment opportunities were offered compared to our country. What bothers me a lot is the cost of living like apartments. Well, we’re hoping to find what’s better anyway. I like the comment’s that are posted it gives me more info’s. Thanks a lot!
@Dia Quinco: I’m glad this helped you make a better informed decision! I hope you will enjoy Singapore =)