In a recent viral video on TikTok, Ms Caitanya Tan shared her love for Singapore, taking viewers on a nearly six-minute journey highlighting the various reasons she feels fortunate to be Singaporean.
Ms Tan’s video started with a lighthearted comment, drawing attention to the potential dramatic nature of her content. However, as the video unfolded, it became clear that her intentions were far from negative.
She embarked on an enumeration of the benefits of being a Singaporean, offering viewers a chance to gain a new global perspective on their own country.
Cost of living
One of the key points Ms Tan touched upon was the cost of living in Singapore, a topic that had recently sparked debates in the Parliament.
Unlike the general sentiment of concern, Ms Tan, with her frequent travels, provided a refreshing viewpoint. She shared how conversations with people from other countries often made her own grievances seem trivial, emphasizing Singapore’s high ranking in terms of quality of living, political stability, low crime rates, and efficient public services.
Low crime rates
Singapore’s global reputation for quality of living and political stability was a recurring theme in Ms Tan’s discourse. Through her lens, viewers were encouraged to appreciate the stable political environment and the high standards of living that Singapore consistently upholds.
Intriguingly, Ms Tan delved into the low crime rates and the efficiency of public services in Singapore. Her firsthand experiences abroad made her realize the significance of these factors, adding depth to her appreciation for her home country.
Low income tax
A standout point in Ms Tan’s video was her comparison of Singapore’s low-income tax rates with other countries.
Drawing a parallel with Japan, she highlighted how Singaporeans earning the median monthly income pay significantly less in taxes, further illustrating the advantages of being part of the Lion City.
Singaporeans earn an average income of $5,888 and pay 3.8% of it per year. In comparison, countries like Japan charge income taxes at 15%.
Ms Tan also spotlighted Singapore’s impressive homeownership rate, attributing it to the government’s emphasis on saving through the Central Provident Fund (CPF).
No one is perfect
Despite her admiration for Singapore, Ms Tan acknowledged that no state is perfect. This nuanced approach added credibility to her perspective, striking a balance between appreciation and realism.
Transitioning to a more critical aspect, Ms Tan discussed the expensiveness of owning a car in Singapore. However, she swiftly shifted the focus to the high quality and affordability of public transport, making a compelling case for the overall benefits of the country’s transportation system.
COE prices
Explaining the high prices of the Certificate of Entitlement (COE) required for driving in Singapore, Ms Tan provided context to the seemingly exorbitant costs. Her explanation centered on the country’s small size, making the emphasis on public transport and controlled car ownership a pragmatic choice.
Govt support
Ms Tan expanded her discourse to include various government benefits, such as CDC vouchers, and proudly highlighted Singapore’s position as having one of the strongest passports globally. These factors, she argued, contributed significantly to the overall well-being and security of Singaporeans.
Healthcare
The TikToker also touched upon safety and healthcare, underlining Singapore’s strong points in these areas. Her personal experiences and observations added authenticity to her claims, inviting viewers to consider the broader context of their own country’s advantages.
In her concluding remarks, Ms Tan encapsulated the essence of her video. She emphasized that while there might be places better suited for certain preferences, the unique blend of qualities in Singapore makes its residents exceptionally fortunate. The video served as a gentle reminder to appreciate the luck of being born Singaporean.
@caitofalltraits This is why I love Singapore #majulahsingapura #singapore #costofliving ♬ original sound – Caitanya Tan