From Johor Bahru to the Lion City: My First Job in Singapore
Eh, let me tell you ah, when I first cross the Causeway from JB to work in Singapore, I damn excited one. I thought wah, finally can earn in Sing dollars, can send more money home, life sure better. But once I step into the office in Raffles Place, I blur like sotong. Everything move so fast, I haven’t even finish reading one email, boss already ask for update. My mind still warm-up only, they already at third meeting of the day.
Back in Malaysia, work got different feel one. Meetings start later, people more relaxed, sometimes even can take long lunch, chit-chat with colleagues until afternoon sun go down a bit. But here in Singapore, lunch 30 minutes settle, straight go back desk, no time waste. The first week, I go home every night feel like brain overload, even MRT ride also cannot think properly.
The boss in Singapore don’t care whether you new or old, once give you deadline, must finish. First time kena scolding until face red-red because I never reply email in time. Then I realise, in Singapore, speed is everything. You reply slow, means you not capable. So every morning must switch brain to high gear, else people think you sleepwalking.
Malaysian Pace vs Singapore Efficiency: Worlds Apart
Honestly, effectiveness in Malaysia and Singapore, really got big difference lah. In Malaysia, sometimes project can drag weeks because people wait for approval, wait for other department, or even wait until boss come back from holiday. But Singapore office like Formula 1 pit stop – everything must be fast, precise, immediate.
Got one time, we had to prepare sales report. In JB, maybe two weeks can slowly compile, check, revise. But here, my manager want everything by 5pm same day. No excuse. I ask my colleague how they do it so fast, they show me shortcuts, Excel tricks, and even special macros. I realise the system here make you efficient whether you like or not.
I also see how Singaporeans very punctual. Meeting say start 10am, everyone in seat by 9:55. In Malaysia, say 10am, maybe 10:15 then can start. This punctuality make everything faster. Even submit documents, approvals, all come back faster.
Struggling to Catch Up But Learning Fast
First few months really want cry sia. Even feel like giving up, think maybe go back Malaysia better. But slowly I learn how to manage time, prioritise tasks, reply emails faster than I ever thought possible. Even start to enjoy the adrenaline rush of fast-paced work.
Now, after almost a year, I can say I become more efficient than before. But if you ask me, effectiveness between Malaysia and Singapore really levels apart. In Singapore, the system force you to improve. But in Malaysia, if you don’t push yourself, the environment also won’t push you, so can stay same pace forever.
So ya lor, coming to Singapore is a culture shock, but I grateful for the lesson. I just hope more Malaysians can come here experience, then bring back the efficiency mindset to Malaysia. Maybe then our offices back home also can level up.