I am a foreign student studying in Singapore, and I am graduating soon.
There is a very friendly janitor in our uni, we have lunch/tea together and chit-chat from time to time.
He knows that I am graduating and leaving Singapore soon, and he asked me to give him a red pocket to thank him for cleaning for me.
I am not sure about this red pocket culture thing, but to my understanding people give red pocket during Chinese New Year? And only married couple need to give red pocket? I am single, not married.
Can anyone explain a bit more to me? I don’t mind giving it, but it is a bit awkward to only give to the uncle who asked me for it. I would like to know who should I also give red pockets to before I leave.
he directly asked me for it. Actually it is the second time he asked me for it.
The first time was around last CNY, after shopping in fairprice, I got bunch of of red envelopes. Since I have no use of it, so I asked if that uncle wants it, otherwise I will just throw. He said he prefer an ang pao with money in it instead of an empty one. I thought he was joking last time. Anyhow, he took all the red envelopes from me.
But this time, he does not seem like joking.
Here are what netizens think:
- He straight up asked you for an ang pao? Very forward of him.
- I think he’s trying to take advantage of you because you are a foreigner and assumes that you are rich. Anyway, you are not obligated to give him anything, but if you want to be a nice person and leave SG feeling good about yourself, you can most certainly give him one. Give what you feel comfortable with, but I think him outright asking for one (multiple times) is in poor taste because that’s not what it’s supposed to be about.
- If he’s a janitor, chances are he is very poor in SG. He is probably doing is best to make ends meet. My personal take is that if the small Ang Bao / donation doesn’t mean a lot to me in terms of money, I’ll still give it… I’ll like to see it that he doesn’t have the ill intention of taking advantage, but more like he is in need of money due to his circumstances.
- It’s okay to give an ang Bao as a gift/ token and as an expression of thanks/ gratitude. It’s just something nice to do. Out of your own accord. But in this case, he asks for it? That’s a bit tasteless. I wouldn’t bother if I’m you