A recent social media post by a PRC tourist has ignited a heated war of words among Singapore netizens. The controversy began when the visitor wrote that “fireworks are not the main point” of Singapore’s National Day celebrations, but instead emphasised that the nation had transformed “from nothing to great wealth” in just 60 years, adding that “Singapore did not disappoint.”
While the comment might have seemed complimentary at first glance, many locals felt it carried a condescending undertone, as if the NDP was being judged through a foreigner’s lens. Within hours, the post attracted a flood of critical replies, with some users pointing out that the National Day Parade (NDP) is meant for Singaporeans, not foreign tourists, and telling the visitor to “go home” if they were unhappy.
Translates to:
Singapore’s National Day fireworks were such a disappointment.
The most disappointing part of this trip was the Singapore National Day fireworks, which I’d been looking forward to the most. I waited from 4:00 PM to 8:20 PM, only to see them go off for a few minutes. It was over, just like that? In 30-degree weather, crammed together with people of all colors, the stench of sweat and body odor lingered in the air, and the foreplay lasted hours. I enjoyed the Singapore Air Force’s aircraft display (just a few planes), the parachuting display (two groups of ten people), and the navy’s display (several ships roughly the size of a park yacht).
It wasn’t even one-tenth as good as China’s National Day display, but I don’t mind. Singapore isn’t known for its military might, but it’s rich, so they’re sure to make the fireworks spectacular. The result was about the same as Wang Baiwan’s display from my village, who went home for the Lunar New Year. It wasn’t as good as the Chongqing Spring Festival fireworks show, or the fireworks I saw in Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour on National Day 2003, or even the fireworks at Disneyland… Singapore, despite being rich, is still so stingy [facepalm]. It’s not as good as a county in China! #SingaporeNationalDayFireworks #SingaporeTravel
Singaporeans Defend NDP And National Pride
Several commenters took pride in defending Singapore’s values and achievements. They argued that the NDP is not about extravagant displays, but about celebrating unity, stability, and a better quality of life. Many pointed out that the Singapore Government is known for using taxpayers’ money prudently, ensuring long-term benefits for citizens instead of splurging on flashy events.
Others reminded the tourist that unlike some countries, Singapore enjoys political stability, strong infrastructure, and public safety — key factors that contribute to residents’ quality of life. Some netizens also noted that the NDP fireworks, while modest compared to some nations, were accompanied by heartfelt performances and moments of national solidarity.
Cultural Tensions And Past Frictions
The incident also reopened long-standing cultural tensions between Singaporeans and certain PRC visitors. Several users recalled past episodes where PRC tourists compared Singapore unfavourably to China, or behaved rudely abroad. A few cited former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew’s warning that PRC Chinese often look down on overseas Chinese once they become wealthier.
One commenter even highlighted that Singapore had helped China’s economic rise in past decades, stressing that respect and humility should go both ways. Others bluntly advised the tourist not to return if they could not appreciate local customs, warning that such remarks only damage perceptions of Chinese visitors.
This latest exchange underscores how sensitive national pride can be — especially when comments about a symbolic event like the NDP come from outsiders. While the fireworks may fade quickly, the debate over respect, cultural understanding, and national identity is likely to linger far longer.