Pros & Cons of Living in Singapore as a Foreigner
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- Опубліковано 3 жов 2024
- What are some of the pros and cos of living in Singapore as a foreigner and expat? I am Ghib Ojisan and I have been living in Singapore for the past 2 years. In this video, I shared some of my opinions and experiences. I love this country and I call it my home but I do acknowledge that it’s not for everyone.
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You can really understand how much more stressful living in Japan is after watching a Japanese talk about how living in Singapore is considered stress-free
if you haven't work in a japanese company, don't even try it if you have the option. Work culture is terrible compared to american, some eu, or local company
Work life:
Less stress --- if you are from Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, etc.
More stress --- if you are from Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, etc.
So, it is actually relative comparison.
less stress in japan and south korea compared to Singapore or Malaysia? are you sure? have you heard of “Karojish" or the salaryman in Japan? Their suicide rates due to overwork are alarmingly high/.
@@GoddessOfWhine less stress in singapore compared to Japan. That's what I meant. Read again.
Working in Singapore or living in Singapore will make you depressed.
correct, it's relative.
Indonesian and I’ve been in SG since secondary school basically I’ve been here 12 years already and half of my life is in here lol ..
And I still find it rushed
But since I am here since early teens then maybe it’s not really pressure ahaha
But it’s really rush
But if I were to go to japan I cnanot I feel I’ll go suicide ahaha
Precisely because there is nothing much to do in Singapore, we pack our bags and visit our neighbouring countries for a quick getaway for a change. Of course, now we cannot. We are waiting for the pandemic to be over.
Where do you usually go?
There is actually a lot of things to do, just that we don't know where to go
@@engorgioarmani3381 just hop across the strait to Malaysia. Cheap food, cheap stuff, less tense atmosphere. Some of us also have family staying there
Of course downside is must always be alert of your stuff. Malaysia law enforcement is usually near nonexistent
Singapore is good for introverts who likes to stay at home, like me. I also don't like SEA countries, I prefer well maintained, beautiful and clean countries like Scandinavian countries.
No lah.. in Sg a lot of things to do and see. Only need money.
2 seasons here : rainy season and durian season.
4 seasons here. Hot season followed by Haze followed by Monsoon and ofcourse the most welcome Durian season.
I often joke with my foreign friends that our version of a natural disaster is when it rains 2 days in a row and the laundry doesn't dry in time. What a disaster!
Lol thats true
Yup, like what just happened over new year and last 3 weeks!
No wonder, there is always a crowd in Uniqlo
omg! hooorrible!
The grass is always greener on the other side, or so we think until we are at the other side. This is fact of life. Home is where your heart is.
As a Canadian, the idea of only summer is a massive pro. the idea that people can go the full year without being cold seems too good to be true
I lived and worked in Singapore for 2 years last 2018, my contract wasn't able to be renewed because of projects etc etc etc, was able to went back home befoe the lockdown, and SG was one of the highlights of my life! Definite agree with your entire list, there may be pros and cons, from the transportation, food to your HDB rent, Geez, missing Singapore right now! My advice would be just find your circle and you'll be fine, thank goodness, there's so many Filipinos in SG, so it was an awesome experience, I love meeting different people on a travel meet up on Clark Quay, attending roof top parties, getting your belly full at the hawkers and just enjoying what SG has to offer, there still so much to explore honestly for a small country, hopefully I can drop by of these days and just hang out with some good old friends, Awesome video bro! Sending love from the Philippines!
it's not about customer service; people who yell at service staff don't deserve human rights, let alone being treated like a god.
Omg yea true.... Singapore is perfect, its just some dumbass people who are here making a mess around.......
Sadly from my experience working in Singapore, Singaporeans treat people who work in the service industry like shit. As a Singaporean myself, it really is quite disappointing. In fact, most of the customers that treated me well were foreigners.
@@fuwafuwa5581 yep what u said was true..... I might love singapore but not most of the people here...... I have to be honest here....
Alot SG people treat services staff like shit is due to their self entitlement mindset... Tink too big of themselves...
@@gregorychong9301 agree!! Working here as a server staff😊
I love everything in Singapore. I used to work there for 4 years and now back to Ph. Miss you SG
Thank you for being objective and appreciating Singapore :)
I like how he always says something positive, even about the cons
You're a my favourite Singaporean UA-camr. Hahaha. Much love from Malaysia. My wife and I love your work. And my wife's Japanese so she can relate to some of your stories 🤟
Thanks for the support vertigo!
Very interesting and well done. I loved your energy, the way you described things and your choices of pros and cons. The hot, hotter, hottest weather will keep me away but I am proud of how well this country is doing.
Actually, although a lot of Singapore employees go home on time, they continue working at home.
you're right
Ee
Right on
You are generally quite accurate in your comments. Thank you for sharing.
on a day-to-day basis, there's basically just 2 generic climates: 1)Air-con 2)No Air-con. lol.
You can chew gum here. It is legal. Only cannot sell chewing gum. Chewing gum can only be bought in pharmacy for medical reason.
Thanks for pointing that out!
Alot of foreigners misinterpreted the chewing gum law. Hong Kongers n Taiwanese till now still think that you will be caned if you consumed chewing gum in Singapore.
Now only have nicotine gum. The licence for importing dental gum lapsed and wasn't renewed. Probably as it's not profitable.
when c-gum ban law started, it's usual that friends & colleagues would ask you to buy some gums back whenever you're going away on short trip. That's because you're allowed to bring into the country a small amount (like 1 or2 tube) of c-gum for personal consumption.
Honestly the cons don’t sound too much of an issue depending on personal preferences like Ghib said in the video. I personally think SG is a beautiful country and is definitely somewhere I’d consider relocating with my family!
Yes, it really depends on your value and what you don't mind sacrificing. A lot of the Japanese are concerned about safety so that's why a lot of us choose to live here!
@@GhibOjisan Really? Isn't Japan extremely safe as well?...or are you referring to natural disasters?
@@g00nther overall, natural disaster can be seen as a risk and Japan has quite a fair bit of this...earthquakes, typhoons and tropical storms, snow storms and also there’s few volcanoes as well. Other than natural disasters, some areas of Japan can be pretty dodgy and I actually agree to Ghib that SG is a lot safer overall, compared to Japan.
Actually, the real climate joke for Singapore, is that there is only 3 climates, hot, hotter, and hottest.. LOLOLOL
Haha, I guess this time of the year is considered "hot"?
@@GhibOjisan yeah, Dec, Jan, early Feb is usually the hot (our rainy "cooling" season). June is usually the hottest time of the year. But with the recent decades of climate change, the season has been a little unpredictable. But it's been raining heavily last few days, so it's nice.
if we're lucky there be almost 1 in a lifetime cold, windy and wet weather
Singapore got winter is just so hot snow melt to rain alrdy haha
I was informed that it was "Hot", "Hot and wet", and "Hotter and wetter". :-)
There is a saying about the weather here.
四季为夏, 一雨成秋. (Translate: Four seasons are summer, a rain turns it autumn)
...一叶知秋
Always enjoy your videos because they are authentic. I agree with your pros and cons, it's the same reason I have as a local, so you are not alone :)
Hi Ghib-san, I've watched a number of your videos and I'm impressed by how well you understand Singapore and how Singaporeans think (and speak as well - I love your singlish). It shows that you've really made the effort to understand the people and the country that you're currently living in. Most of the things you say are pretty accurate and I also appreciate how you provide a balanced view (both pros and cons - cos there isn't any place on Earth that is perfect). Listening to you comment about my country from your point of view has made me more appreciative of this place that I've grown up in. Thank you very much for your videos ! (:
Yay! Another vid!
I love the efficiency of Singapore. No unspoken rules. I love the weather and run away from four seasons. Winter is so aging for the skin! Singapore is the best place to live in. It’s just gets more costly as you have a family and grow older. It’s really important to get health insurance while you are young with no problems so you’re covered for everything.
I like the way Ghib talked about the pros. Hope he do a video on hiking up bukit timah hill and gombak quarry. And most locals do not wear slippers and shorts to CBD or town areas.🙂
Another good thing in Singapore you can find rubbish bin easily.. I remember when i went to Tokyo is so difficult to find one and have to hold on the rubbish till i find one..
Your bag is your bin 🙃
So true!
And yet Japan is so clean !!!
Guess Who. A search on Aum Shinrikyo will explain the present day shortage of public trash receptacles in Japan.
It’s that terrorist accident that caused that if I’m not wrong, look it up
Your honest opinion is much appreciated. I came here years ago, I thought I make a wrong choice but I am glad I came and I never look back. 👍👍👍
I do have to point out one thing about the standard of services. From my understanding as a Singaporean myself, having worked in retails for a while, in Japan the people working in the service industries are treated way better by the customers as compared to Singapore.
Another awesome video, with good understanding and perspective. Bravo Ojisan!
Mate I really enjoy your banter style of commentary. TBH most of the 'cons' sound like Pros to me. It's why I think I would visit Singapore before Malaysia. Although I'm sure it's also good. I have to say that I enjoy you flipping from Japanese to English. That was fun!
As a Filipino, when I compare the Philippines to Singapore, Singapore definitely seems more rigid and stressful. In the Philippines, people are generally more open-minded and tolerable. People there also tend be be more extroverted and talkative so don't be surprised to see strangers having conversations with each other.
In Singapore, however, people here tend to keep to themselves and mind their own business. If someone dresses loudly, the most people will do is glance for a second but ignore you afterwards. But that doesn't mean they're not judging you. It's still better to dress more quietly. The classic, T-shirt, shorts and slippers for men and the T-shirt, pants and tote bag for women is the norm lol As for stress, I feel like there is pressure to always act perfectly, to stay in line, to stick to the status quo. People prioritise reputation over innovation. People fear making mistakes in fear of being less than others so they tend to be less creative. Even advertisements are boring and uncreative. Especially since Singapore has the reputation of having word class education and that people are all smart here. That sets up an expectation that you must excel in what you do because you're in Singapore.
Nonethless, living in Singapore is almost like a paradise, especially after coming from a third-world country. The air is clean, the streets are clean and I feel safe walking by myself at night. I just wish that Singaporeans would act more appreciative of their blessings instead of demanding more from their government.
Also, just a reminder if it wasn't clear, These are GENERALISATIONS. These are my opinions. They do not apply to everyone so take this with a grain of salt 😊
ありがとうGhibさん, Taiwanese, been thinking of moving to Sg myself after I am done with my graduate studies in Canada, very helpful thx so much
after living here for 6 years, I totally agree with all you said. And I like here. 😁
one common pro that many foreigners say is Singapore is very clean and green despite having a lot of buildings
maybe because Japan is cleaner so it didnt really stand out to him
@@ninaisme99x that's true!
I'm moving to Singapore in a few months. The offer is really good. But deep down, I dont want to move because I love my family back home and am so sad not to see them
Thanks for making this video
I’m amazed on how fast you blended-in with Singapore..
You just been here for 2 years but you got a little singlish accent, loves hawker food, and even got hdb liao :)
Me here since 2003 still haven't bought HDB.. rental open market is a big killer expense..
been living here for 12 yrs as PR, my son completed JC now on his 2nd yr NS, love living here..
Singapore Is a beautiful country with lots to offer, so safe, so peaceful and great food! How would a large family of 7 go moving there? Really loved this useful video.
and the good thing for us singapore ppl is that we get to watch foreign movies a bit earlier or around the same date as in usa and all over asia..
Yup it really depends on the individuals but I can’t help but to say as a half Japanese/Singaporean who have lived in 4 countries (including sg and jp), sg is the best country to live in in terms of Public safty, Social welfare etc..Can’t complain!
Love how you explain it! really interesting and fun 😄
You speaks really good English! Welcome to Singapore 🙂
1:23 that is so true😂 we even ask among colleagues.. 'are you ready to go...?'🤭
グルメMAP買いました！
これで年末年始シンガポールに旅した気分になるんだぁ〜♬
ありがとうございます〜！！
Singapore looks like a dream
Missed these kinds of videos!
Convenience and accessibility Singapore is the first country that comes to my mind.
Thank you for the video! It's very helpful!
I love Singapore. The strict law of course. Air is clean, roads are nice no potholes, cars, estates all are clean. The night is serene, and best of us the government really take care of us❤️
Looking forward to going to Singapore again someday! Loved it! Nice video
Customer service is one thing Singaporeans could improve on. Thanks for the video😊
Honestly speaking I think Singaporeans' attitude towards people who work in the service industry should improve too.
We get the kind of customer service we deserve. If the industry is treated with more respect in the first place, I am sure they will be able to find better people to work in that line.
No Singaporeans must improve their altitude. Doesn't matter if it's customer service or not
Staffs are under so many pressure and stressed.
That is the main reason, they cannot provide good customer’s services.
Thank you for your video, so helpful and interesting
Hi Ojisan, I agree on most on those you've introduced in this video. Thanks for sharing!
There's only two seasons in Singapore.
Indoor. and Outdoor
I always ate local food when i was in Singapore Chili Crab, Chicken Rice, Satay, sugar cane juice and so many others. Can't wait to go back
シンガポールの嫌なところは、
いつ行っても雨が降ってる！
ずっと振り続けているわけではありませんが、ビーサン＆半ズボンは合理的。
雨が降らなかったらスチームサウナほど蒸し暑くなる。外国に逃げる道のない今はそれだけ勘弁してほしい。
@@fba90130 どこもかしこもエアコン付けまくりで余計屋外が暑くなる罠（笑）。でも、あれだけ雨が降っても洪水にならないのは流石です。私の住んでいるインドネシアでは雨季の膝上以上の路上冠水や床上浸水は日常茶飯事ですから。
@@tomoxiraixi 「膝上以上の路上冠水」ってすごいな。。。半ズボンどころかもうはや水着の領域じゃないか（笑）。まあ、たまにそういうのもあるけどシンガポールのあっちこっちで。
www.straitstimes.com/singapore/heavy-rain-leads-to-flash-floods-around-singapore
When I saw you throwing away the paper cup after finishing your orange juice, it reminds me that in Japan, dustbins are not always available as the Japanese are very mindful about recycling.
If u want to hike or camp, can visit off shore islands. If u want to enjoy farm life, can visit Mandai or Kranji. During this pandemic have given Singaporean a chance to really explore and rediscover places in SG. When u have free time, u can just relax and sleep to rejuvenate as times are precious. As other countries are currently experiencing second or third wave of Covid cases, don't expect to travel anytime soon till 2022. If our government don't impose strict rules and regulations, do u think SG as a small nation will be a peaceful and safe country? Grateful that our government have very good foresight, firm and decisive in leading SG to be recognised by the world. Those who treasure the past would appreciate the present. ❤
Thank you for liking Singapore 😊
日本の高校1年生です。
家族旅行でシンガポールには5回行ったことがあります。自分もあのおっとりした感じというかのんびりしたというかシンガポールが大好きです。将来の夢がまだ見つかっていなくて、海外に住んで働くのもいいな〜って思ってます！
わかりやすい説明ありがとうございます！
やほ～！
シンガポールの高校三年生です！！！🥳
シンガポール人として、あなたがシンガポールへの旅行を楽しんだと聞いてうれしいです!
ありがとうー😆
The lack of rules in Japan is a con for me ironically.
It's a lot of societal pressure which I hate. If i was in sg, if it's not in black and white, people just ignore it. but here it's like 'please refrain from speaking on the trains' but most frown when you do, altho some of their people do it too... I'd rather things be clear cut so i don't feel guilty for eating famichiki on the train (even tho i know its not illegal to consume food on the trains here, people still frown unless you're eating odourless food like onigiri... wot)
I miss my freedom in sg 😭 just dont play play with the law you'll be fine. Here is like everyone has a different definition of what is 'right' and what is not. 😞
Hey Shiharu! That is a very good point. It's ironic that Singapore has more strict rules and laws but we feel like there is more freedom here than in Japan.
@@GhibOjisan In Singapore, rules are written and you have to obey them. In Japan, rules are not written but you are supposed to know and follow (from someone who have lived and worked in Japan).
@@GhibOjisan Law, Rules and Regulation are meant to protect the majority from inconvenience, harm or danger. One cannot carry a sumarai sword and walk around in the public. It will cause panic.
In Singapore persuasion does not work. Everything must be by law. During this pandemic constant announcement on train n bus telling passengers not to talk to each other are ignored. The failure of Civic education in our schools is obvious.
I fully agree with the 2 main CONS of one hot season and lack of space. But that's exactly something we can't change. Too bad, adjust or just workaround.
It is good in a way, if the govt is strict things get done. Look at a country that are too lenient, people won't listen.... and see what happens to Covid problems around the world.
Nonsense- here in Europe, many governments are not strict, and there are many places which are safe, clean, democratic, and prosperous. We have even more initiative than you Singaporeans- who wait for the govt to solve their problems....
@@Ccb88888 Good For you... Best of luck. stay there. Don't come to SG.
Singapore there's no freedom of speed .Is not because of strict is pro communist governing you got not option just obey
@@peacenowar6920 freedom of Speed.... Cannot drive to fast... 😭🤣😂😭🤣😂😭🤣😂
@@peacenowar6920 Pro communist better than Racist US...
Every thing is good. Except extreme stressful living here.
I love Singapore! My second home.
I visited Singapore, from Ireland and I thought it was a very interesting place. I really like Sentosa and Gardens by the Bay. Hope to go back sometime.
70年代から80年代後半にかけて高校(IB)までシンガポール在住で大学在学中はアメリカからシンガポールに帰省してました😂暑いけど不思議と慣れていつしか汗もかかなくなるんだよね…今は3-5年に1度くらいで同窓会や友達に会いに行くけど毎回街並みが変わっていく‼︎ 昔の何も無いシンガポールが懐かしい…進化/変化を実体験出来た自分は幸運でしたね。今年は久しぶりにニェンガオでも作ろうかな…また故郷のシンガポールに住みたいです。羨ましい‼︎
Great video! I like the way you speak both languages in the same video! :)
Congrats on your winning!
thank you for existing information!
Pros:
-Very convenient, fast & efficient: delivers the highest standards of infrastructure, utilities, services
-Safe & clean
-Good prospect for career and exposure
-Wide variety of cuisine with high quality
-One of the best (albeit expensive for non-citizens) healthcare in the region
Cons [not applicable to everyone, but significant enough] :
-Rigid way of doing work/ thoughts. First priority is not to make mistakes even if it means being a hindrance; priority to not make mistake overrules the desire to be innovative/ to experiment
-[Not everyone] Less forgiving and less compassion towards others
-Entitled - thinks the government owe it to them/ expects servers to serve them well, easily offended by the smallest matters, low threshold towards tolerating even the smallest mistake
-Kiasu - Not happy when lose out even an insignificant thing, will go all lengths to make sure to "win" back
biggest pros of singapore is :
ASIA market is the largest in the world. and singapore is the best choice to invest for europe and america. Cuz sg can speak chinese, english and they are open minded to foreign company to come and give them tax benefit which is other asian cannot dare to give
I recently got offered a foreign job posting at an American company, one in Tokyo and the other in Singapore! So difficult to choose between the two...! But the language barrier makes me lean to Singapore
Another quirky thing I notice about SG. Arguably second only to Japan on the ubiquitously of the vending machine! The number of varieties of goods you can squeeze into the machine is mindblowing too.
Maybe the Koreans are slightly ahead on that score? In any case even if we are second, we are a distant second.
Japan's 7-11 and Family mart food choices too
We actually also have 4 seasons - hot and dry, hot and wet, cold and wet and Shopping Season all year round! 😂
I love the shopping season! Hahaha, SG is always on Sale! 😂👌🏽
クロアチアやベルギーでギターを弾いていた方、それが数年後の今日見たこの動画と同じ方だったことに今気がつき驚いています。
SG、ちょっと前までは1,2泊で出かけるくらい気軽に行けていたのに。。懐かしいやら残念やらで観ていました。
人生一度だしSGで働いてみたいなという気持ちはあるのですが、それを実現しているGhibOjisanはすごいなと思います。
Pros: can go to nearby island like pulau ubin, batam, a villa (Bintan beach resort), and tanjung pinang(my hometown)
Of course there are natural disasters in Singapore! Here are some of them:
1) Battery on phone down to ONE BAR!
2) NO SIGNAL!
3) No umbrella and it's raining!
4) Rain is falling SIDEWAYS! (Umbrella useless!)
5) "Ponding!"
:-)
Great vid!
I think your analysis is correct except the part we leave from work on the dot :) Many of us work long hours and if you look at the statistics, Singaporeans are the most sleep deprived in the world.
I’m glad you mentioned that. I do business in Singapore and know many Singaporeans in local companies that work very hard. I live and work in Japan and I’ll ge the first to state that a lot of our overtime is wasteful and unproductive. But younger people leave earlier. In Singapore the pace of work is much faster than Japan.
Don’t agree that the government is super strict
It depends on situation.
In the end the rules are implemented for everybody’s well being.
You know Singapore so well! 👍
I'm immune to the cons, I'm Singaporean lol! Yes foreigners actually made a huge part of our population be it for study, work or family. It's a norm to see, meet and make friends with foreigners in this small island.
you will also get hay fever in singapore in June. we call it haze. remember to thank Indonesia for 11 months of fresh air though....
It hasn't been close to 2013 (touch wood) levels in recent years. Hopefully never again.
@@bliz85 indonesia has been stepping up enforcement
@@mllcg that's great news. The people that suffer the most are those who live near the fires.
@@bliz85 don't jinx it.
Only two climate, raining day and non raining days 😁😁😁
The comments here are gold.
Very interesting. I like Singapore. My brother lived there and various friends lived there. I love the greenery.
I like the rules. I love Pulao Ubin for cycling.
In Singapore, if you have worked for Japanese MNCs your work day will also be from 9am~10pm, generally speaking
Same-same in Thailand 😵
Welcome to Singapore, my Friend!
Alot of British and American expats retire to Thailand and relax. Health and dental care there is excellent and affordable. if they retire to Singapore, what do they do? How do they occupy their time? The weather in Singapore is great and food and people also fine imo. The country is super safe also. I could get used to flip-flops every day.
I may not entirely agree with the point on foreigner judgment: You won't be judged as a foreigner if you come from middle class onwards/ developed countries; on the contrary foreign laborers or domestic helpers or people of perceived lower social stature are often snorted/ given the look, many may not show it but at the back of mind, you can tell from the subtle actions like keeping a distance when sitting in MRT seats.
While it may not apply to all, the negative ones tend to have this subtle social caste preference towards foreigners from top to bottom:
1) Westerners/ Japanese/ Koreans - top, well respected, more tolerance towards mistakes
2) Malaysians - must be blue collar workers, may be resentful towards Malaysians who take middle-top white collar jobs for taking away local's rice bowl
3) China Chinese - Subtly tease their less western ways / perceive them to be more coarse
4) Philippines
5) Bangladesh/ Pakistani, developing countries foreign workers
Well sharing!!
I'd say that level of stress mostly measured by person's income and kind of occupation, work conditions. No matter from which country you coming.
Hi Ghib!! I saw you eating at Beach Road prawn mee stall last week but I wasn’t sure if it was you. I was too shy to approach so I’m regretting it now haha! Just wanna say cheers and I’m so glad you’re here in Singapore 😊😊
Hi, have you been hiking at the Bukit Timah Nature Hill? You should try go hiking and climb to the top! Good luck and Merry Christmas and Happy 2021...
What makes me think about Singapore is its gigantic garden. I could say Singapore is the city in the park.
Indeed. SG has so many places to go but the usual complains by locals are that there are not many. To each his own but I love exploring SG too!
hahaha! In general, almost all the points you mentioned are pros for me ^^