Today's post is about my honest thoughts about Singapore, where I am currently living in. Yes, I mean currently living. I have the urge to migrate to another country in the future. Go ahead and say that I am not loyal to my country, but I am somehow immune to that phrase by now. Anyway, you will learn my reasons as you read this post. As many know, everything has its own pros and cons. I can frankly say that this balance has been broken and tilted to the wrong end for Singapore.
Do remember that what I am about to say are my honest opinions and I truly apologize if I have wronged anything about Singapore. I welcome constructive advice for improvements to this post.
Singapore in the World Atlas.
References: It's a Fun, Fun World Atlas by Kohwai & Young Publications (Malaysia)
Firstly, I cannot stand the fact that Singapore claims that it is a clean and green country when there is clear evidence that this statement is false. For example, you have the filthy and stinky lavatories scattered around the island. I have always been wondering, is it because of the poor morale of the citizens or is it the poor job the janitors have done in cleaning the toilets. I have come to a conclusion that it is a combination of both, although the fault is more of the former. I am one that believes that human nature is evil, pure evil. A typical Singaporean is an excellent example to support this. A big majority of our irresponsible citizens only do things that will convenient themselves without sparing a thought for other patrons. I simply do not understand why we are so lazy and lack of values. How much time does it take to flush the toilet? Five seconds. How much effort does it take to walk to a trash bin and throw a used tissue paper into it? Very little, as little as the energy required to flick a hand. It is not as tiring as having to run a ten mile marathon so why do we not bother? As for the janitors, at least for most of them, I find them greedy. They are only working for their salary so they feel that as long as they do their job and get paid, they do not care about putting their wholehearted effort to clean the lavatory. To summarize this entire paragraph, most Singaporeans simply cannot be bothered.
This brings me to my next point: clearing the dishes. I am a world traveler; I have been to quite a number of countries in my short 14 years of life. I remember visiting an ordinary (not five-star) restaurant in Tokyo, Japan. On the tables, there were obviously the utensils but additionally, I saw a table cloth and some kind of 'table sanitizer'. My family wondered what its purpose was. I looked around and observed a table adjacent to ours. A Japanese customer, who had just finished his food, brought his utensils back to the counter where the staff had thanked him for returning them. Gracious enough? If you thought so, you are badly mistaken. He went back to his table, squeezed some 'table sanitizer' onto the table cloth and wiped the table, returned the table cloth and replaced it with a clean one, placed it back onto the table before leaving. My family was speechless. That is how morally upright the Japanese and many others, such as Americans, are. When I was in Florida, America, I was in a MacDonald's restaurant and saw the locals clearing the food remains on their trays into the trash bin and returning the trays. This is another good example of how considerate many people around the world are.
Most Singaporeans, on the contrary, are exactly the opposite. Just go to any hawker center or food court and you will see people leaving behind their utensils, expecting them to be cleared. Many of us will give a very lame excuse that the table-cleaners will be jobless if we were to clear the utensils. That belief is simply outrageous to me. I mean, the table-cleaners will have other alternatives for jobs, even if they are not educated. Perhaps they could be shop assistants or waiters? There will never be no job left in this world for uneducated people to find. As before, the problem about Singaporeans is their attitude. Even though our schools have forced us to clear our utensils in the canteen, hoping that we will do so in the public, their efforts are futile. I suppose the government has to use its last resort: penalties and punishments. I reckon a heavy fine such as $200 to be incurred for any offenses of leaving utensils not cleared. It may seem unreasonable, but that is the only way to deal with these irresponsible commoners. This is why I make it a point to clear my trays in fast-food restaurants and place them above the trash bins and I will also place my utensils onto the cleaner's trolleys in hawker centers and food courts. I will also ask my family members to do likewise. Although the cleaning process is not as complete as the Japanese, it is better than leaving food remains and utensils on the tables.
Finally, there is a problem about the language we use. I simply do not see why many Singaporeans are using this local slang (also known as 'Singlish'). To me, and many English teachers, it is simply an insult to the English language. Just because it is more convenient and accessible, it should not be abused. Unfortunately, reality is unkind to us and my previous statement is basically 'nonsense' to a typical Singaporean. Up to this point, you may find that all my claims are too far-fetched and they may be distortions of the truth (propaganda) as that is not how a Singaporean will normally behave but what I am saying is completely true and honest, trust me. Back to the main point, here is evidence. I hate to use Short Messaging Service (SMS). I would rather call or use voice mail for communication of the hand phone. Anyway, when I am forced to use it, I will always type out every word as a whole. My parents have read my long messages and reprimanded me for wasting money, space and time. However, I will never heed their advice of using the 'broken contractions'. This how resilient I am (in a good way, I hope). Honestly, I do not understand most of the 'SMS Language' widely used. The current trend of 'Singlish' is getting from bad to worse. The most common word I am hearing right now is 'Boomz'. Well, I heard that a judge from Singapore Idol said that weird word. On a special note, I do not watch Singapore Idol for I feel that it is an inferior version of American Idol, which I am a huge fan of. Anyway, what does 'Boomz' even mean? I have heard of the word 'Boom' but why adding a 'z' behind it. Perhaps, the judge's intention is to make it more fashionable and cool but I simply do not see the point of that as long as I am unable to find it in my dictionary! That sums up some of the disadvantages of living in Singapore. I do not wish to be influenced by these 'local illnesses'.
I have many more to say, but that will be a little too long-winded and negative. Now, I will briefly talk about the advantages of living in Singapore. Singapore, despite its young age, is without a doubt, the most prosperous nation in South-East Asia. There are many great attractions that will make both locals and tourists to love this place. An example is the upcoming Integrated Resort in both Sentosa and Marina Bay. I can honestly say that I am looking forward to the Universal Studios amusement park. Secondly, I will miss my family and friends. Without them, how am I supposed to lead a happy life even if I own a quarter of the world's riches? Kinship and friendship makes the world go round, not money! I know, I have nothing much to say for this part, for this is a short summary of the advantages.
Despite some the advantages of living in Singapore, I am still adamant about migrating to another country in the future unless Singaporeans are willing to change. The chances however, are near zero. Remember Singapore, change is good.
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