I am not trying to brag or flex or what, but having worked and lived all around the world in different continents over the past decade, I really need to get this off my chest. Singaporeans have absolutely no idea how good life is over here. Everyday complain about the smallest things, complain government, complain MRT delayed 5 minutes. Don’t KPKB lah, no country in this world is perfect.
Why I say Singaporeans are frogs in a well leh? Very simple. Whenever I share real, firsthand overseas experiences—especially about actual dangers, crime, or how shady the world outside really is—they either think I am making story, lying, or give the most naive, stupid reaction like “Cannot be right?”, “No way lah”, or “Why nobody call police?”
Like hello? You think whole world operates like SPF and Neighbourhood Watch Group ah?
For example, when I was living in Mexico for a year, I told my local SG friends that there are certain establishments there that operate literally like the open-secret brothels from ancient Chinese dynasty dramas. Level 1 is a normal restaurant and bar where people eat, drink, and listen to music. But level 2 is where the actual “action” happens, and aside from alcohol, there is plenty of “extra something” available on the menu if you know what I mean. This kind of setup is actually quite common and openly tolerated over there because the local system works completely differently. When I told my SG friends this, they looked at me like I was talking about a sci-fi movie and asked “Then the authorities never raid meh?”
Another example: when I was stationed in South America, I witnessed a violent armed robbery right in broad daylight along a busy street. A guy on a motorbike pulled up, flashed a revolver, took a tourist’s bag and watch within 5 seconds, and rode off into traffic. Everyone on the street just kept walking like nothing happened because if you try to be a hero, you get shot. When I told my Singaporean colleagues this, one of them legitimately asked me: “Why nobody help to tackle the rider down? Or at least run after him?” I was so speechless I almost choked on my chicken rice. Tackle a guy holding a loaded gun? You think this is NS SOC training ground is it?
Singaporeans are so protected by this clean, air-conditioned, low-crime bubble that they genuinely believe the rest of the world follows the same rules of order, law, and safety. The moment they step out, they behave so innocent and vulnerable, then when bad things happen they get completely traumatized.
Go out, travel with an open mind, and realize how lucky you are to walk around at 3 AM holding your iPhone without getting mugged. Stop living in the well. End of rant.