What do YOU think? [debates, discussions]
May. 04, 2009
'Singaporeans are unique.' What do you think?
If you cannot leave without getting THESE off your heart:
> What do Singaporeans think make us one-of-a-kind, the differences and similarities in our way of living;
> Why we truly love (or hate) Singapore;
> Qualities (or complaints) about Singaporeans,
then leave a message right now!
We are unique, both in good and not so good ways, and to be unique in a not so good way does not add marks for us in terms of uniqueness.
In hawker centres we 'chope' seats and create works of 'art' with our leftovers(+tissue paper =X); in MRT trains and buses we 'chope' seats too so that we can enjoy more space at the expense of other commuters, and our quality of service is criticised even by ourselves.
We have fines, courtesy campaigns, quality service awards and more. To what extent have they worked? Or is it just us Singaporeans who are not working harder to improve ourselves?
Indeed we have so much more to work on to make us truely unique Singaporeans, but that also means we have lots of space for us to become better! =D
Apr. 09, 2009
Besides our Singlish and 'kiasu-ness' etc., the edge that Singaporeans have over others is our ability to embrace many different types of culture, due to the cosmopolitan environment that we lived in since young. And we enjoy knowing that we can speak many native and international languages (albeit only a few words for some), and having friends of at least 3 different races.
Our education system has moulded us into creative, innovative individuals (according to an international survey (and our own imagination) =D). To cite some less serious examples, our chefs mix different cuisines to get refreshing new recipes. We mix languages, coining new words for our unique Singlish dictionary. Our fashion designers add elements of different cultures to their creations, and so on.
We aspire to be the best in every field of work that we do. Kiasu (afraid of losing out)? I think we are just doing our best and are most willing to learn.
Apr. 09, 2009
May. 04, 2009
To mix or not to mix?
Singapore is a multi-racial society. As we embrace cultures and value systems from different countries, how should we preserve our own culture, while at the same time integrating it with the unique Singaporean culture on the whole?
Apr. 09, 2009
Foreigners in Singapore
"Foreigners have impacted our lives in some way or another." How far is this true for you?
Food for thought:
> Do you see them as competitors, a threat, a motivating force, or friends?
> What have you done to make them feel welcomed?
> Their contributions to S'pore's socio-economic growth
Yes, definitely.
Materially, there are those who work here, make our lives easier, who invest their money in our companies and help our economy grow. And so on.
I don't think they're a threat to us. Singapore is a meritocratic society after all, and it's up to us to prove our worth. I think they'll be of more worth to us as friends and people to learn from.
They also enrich our lives by helping us learn about other cultures. It's good to learn from them because they often provide unique perspectives.
I think in view of globalisation, it is rather impossible to say that foreigners have not had an impact on our lives. The whole world is intimately and intricately connected after all.
May. 04, 2009
My parent's opinion: Foreigners have impacted the lives of the working class Singaporeans: they compete for jobs. They have made job-seeking tougher -- foreigners (generally) are willing to take on any occupation, as long as the job scope is within their means. They are also willing to go for a much lower pay. As for locals, we tend to be more picky about the type of job we want, and likewise, the pay.
The competitive environment these foreigners bring in can be seen in a better light though, pushing locals to continue to learn, upgrade their skills, such that they will be better equipped for working in today's fast-paced society.
May. 03, 2009
Apr. 09, 2009
Hectic yet fulfilling
Singaporeans' lives are busy, crammed with work, social gatherings and much more - it gets really hectic at times, but is it fulfilling?
Survey by market research company Synovate: S'pore youths are among the busiest in Asia. In 24 hours, we cram in 42 hours' worth of activities by multi-tasking.
Positions:
Yes (Why?) (3)
No (Why?) (2)
- Yes (Why?)
The thing to define here is "fulfilling". It depends on your priorities. Enjoyment? Reaching your goals?
I think our lives can be fulfilling if we enjoy the activities we cram our lives with, if they are meaningful and entertaining. But of course, sometimes, it's good to take a breather, to just relax.
To put a cultural slant on things, when I lived in London, the pace of life there was much slower. (Granted I was only 9 at the time but yeah) School was easier, there was no homework, but then again, I had no computer or TV. I spent my time in the backyard reading or jumping about with my brothers. Yes, I enjoyed the time spent there, but somehow, I think the "hectic" life suits me more. I guess it's all a matter of personal taste when you come down to it.
May. 04, 2009
No (Why?)The working scene here is too competitive. In order to keep one's 'rice bowl',one must work doubly hard to keep afloat, and not lose out to the rest (especially in this economic crisis).
Hence, working adults cannot spend quality time with their family. Even with the implementation of the 5-day work week, the heavy workload requires some to head back to the office even on weekdays, or, work at home.
Hence, the working adult would be too stressed out and tired to spend time on other recreational activities, nor spend quality time with their families.
May. 03, 2009
May. 03, 2009
Singaporeans' lifestyle/ the local scene
Hope you now understand more about Singaporeans' lives after browsing the website. Feel free to voice out any queries, and we will provide you with first-hand information of anything you want to know about the life of Singaporeans in Singapore. Too good a bargain to miss, post your questions now!
- Question:
What is one thing a tourist must do before leaving Singapore?
May. 04, 2009
- Answer:
Head down to Sims Avenue to taste the 'King and Queen of fruits', namely durians and mangosteens well-loved by Singaporeans. Especially recommended for visitors to Singapore during the seasonal harvests. Observe how Singaporeans sit around the fruit stall polishing off the succulent durian fruit. They're literally finger-licking good. Durian eating gatherings are also popular among Singaporean families, where durians are usually opened and shared in a heartwarming family gathering at a relative's house.
May. 04, 2009