I like how this channel features both people who love singapore over their home country and singaporeans who love their new country they live in now over Singapore
great guyss.........i study back in singapore for 6 years in 2006 to 2012.........now 2024 it had change a lot....... i always come back every years searching and looking at the old place hâhhha...............
he is so talktive but all conversions are so insightful for sure, a truly novel angle to hear about his perceptions of sg as he looks more like an outsider and is on a very nuanced position since he have left this land for so long. Love this ep!
I'm a Malaysian who thinks Singapore is so much better than us Where crimes, gun violence, homelessness, poverty, racism, white supremacism prevail. Singapore is so much more safer, cleaner, efficient etc etc. Can't even tolerate this banana's accent and views
I find that driven, expressive people who have a strong sense of self control, a love of freedom (at it's most basic form) and a strong streak of independence tend to not like living in Singapore. I have several friends who find the lifestyle here stifling. They moved overseas to places that we would tend to regard as "unsafe" and they love it there. Most of us see freedom as the ability to walk alone, un-harassed after midnight. We can abide by strict laws, policing, keeping our mouths shut, not violating OB markers (Out of Bounds Markers- Singapore's way of saying not suitable for public discussion). Some are just not comfortable with that convention and we see that a lot in our entrepreneurs, artistes who have managed to thrive overseas. After all, it's different strokes for different folks.
@@pinatapinata7642 yah i was thinking this guy sounds abit Kuku .. stay in a " village " far far away ....i mean ok thats fine , mayb u like the peace and tranquility ...but live with only dog and alone ? walau ...machiam where the family ? wife ? kid ? ....sad siah ...
This is another example of the misconception of Singaporeans living overseas. Does accent matter if one can convey the messages eloquently like he did? He definitely looked a lot more comfortable than most Singaporeans in front of camera.
I enjoyed this interview. having a diversity of experiences is almost never a negative. Have had a number of Singaporean colleagues who do stints in other countries, and they seem to always do their best to appreciate the best of all worlds, and then positively cross-pollinate.
In fact, the US doesn't treat a lot of their war veterans well. A lot of them have PTSD and are even homeless, sleeping in the streets. The American Govt isn't honouring them like what he said.
US government treats their veterans better than NS guys unfortunately. You don’t know the kind of benefits they get as a vet. Vets have priorities when it comes to employment in private sector unlike in Singapore where your boss is finding a reason to fire you because of your reservist responsibilities and MOM doesn’t give 2 hoots because “its between you and your employer”. Some of the vets are having it tough because of drugs and poor choices like divorce etc.
Lol, the US government at least TRIES to help veterans, Singapore gives you nothing after you leave the Army, has no social security for the poorest of families and treats you like crap if you're an NSF. When I was serving, I had a bunkmate who had to support their sick mom by working two or three jobs before enlistment, when he tried to work another job while serving, he was threatened with DB for moonlighting for TRYING to support their broken family during his free time. Not only that, he was paid like 900 a month for full time work in the army, NS basically added a financial liability to his family and killed off their only income. You can say whatever you want about NS and how it's a necessary evil, but NSF meagle pay is downright evil. If you're going to force your citizens to set 2 years of their life aside to be a deterrent so rich people can feel sure their Sentosa property is safe, the least you can do is pay them a living wage.
his Singapore accent is still strong after 35y. That's true that Americans have freedom to say things without afraid of being arrested by government. Also Singapore just so tiny I would get bored after a few weeks, nowhere else to go, I like Mountains, rivers, unlimited open spaces that sometimes we take it for granted.
Frank Chua sounds like a fantastic person to talk about anything under the sun! I hope he keeps his US citizenship, so that I could visit him in the States soon! 😁
Very balanced, nuanced insights from a man who has lived in both countries. I too have the same background and agree with what he says. I live in the Bay Area (Silicon Valley) which is pretty populated suburbia but don't need to lock my car doors or even sometimes side doors in the house. Neighbors know each other and watch out for each other. So I too have never felt the violence (knock on wood) that is pervasively reported in the news. Guns and drugs I agree are the scourge of this society and lack of universal healthcare is truly backwards for a developed country. The US is BIG and honestly each state could be its own country. California's economy (GDP) is the 6th largest in the world, larger than the UK. In terms of culture and politics etc, States vary so much as well and State governments also have a lot of autonomy in governing themselves. Hence the weird abortion laws in some States now. The kind of government and changes that can be affected in Singapore could not scale to a country as massive and diverse as the US so one cannot compare apples to apples here. Given all that, I too prefer life in the US (freedom of speech, space, opportunity, diversity) to Singapore but Singapore is a like a gem which I love to visit often and just admire how beautifully curated the whole country is. And of course the food! Who can beat that.
If you look at the news, major cities in the U.S. aren't safe anymore. Having lived in the U.S. for over 10+ years, Singaporeans still have a higher living standard. Just that America is a land of opportunities, higher chance to be more successful as an entrepreneur. Grass isn't greener on either side, just what are your priorities.
True. Police defunded, crime soars, businesses close because criminals walk away unpunished, increase in drug addled and homeless populace, education is no longer about learning to read, math, etc, mental illness is celebrated and upheld as a role model, children's potential futures are threaten, women's privacy and rights are invaded and trampled, female students hard work and hopes are trampled and destroyed, small farmers like the Amish are suddenly raided and sued for selling products that are said to cause illness when they have been selling their natural organic produce for over 17 years without problems and the list goes on.
In every country, there are crimes. I have a choice in live in SG and the US. You can do both. I think SG TV overemphasizes heavily in crime. Praise your own and condemn others. I have found many places to live very comfortably in the US. I love my backyard garden every day. Yes- the pasture is greener is the US. I can play basketball on my driveway. I can hit golf ball, swim and hike in my neighborhood. I don't lock my door. I can have several cars and enjoy my car hobby.
Thanks again Max for another good interview. As an American expat I found Frank's responses and opinions to be balanced and honest. Who could ask for more? Nothing "controversial" about what Frank said, if you actually listened. *note to Max: We all learn in school that America is a republic, based on democratic principles and values of individual freedom. I recommend doing a search of "The Pledge of Allegiance";) Kudos to Frank for making an incredibly long and expensive journey to connect face to face with old friends and loved ones. Wishing Frank all the best with the rest of his Singapore visit and a safe journey home.
I feel this guy is just trying to have the best of both worlds by still holding on to his Singapore passport after 35 years of living in the US. That's kiasu-ism at its best. Deep down inside, he's still a true blue Singaporean! 😂
As someone who does admire Singapore in general , I noticed that too, and it does strike me as some petty sour grapes. Pity. We call that “crab mentality” where I am from
From my one year of experience studying with Singaporeans, I found that they have a "kiasu" behaviour, which unfortunately reflects poorly on their self-esteem. Unfortunately, it's difficult for me to establish a proper healthy friendship with individuals who display such a toxic trait.
Good. Read the news this morning that many expats in Singapore are going home. Now, if more Singaporeans follow the lead of this gentleman here and migrate out, Singapore would be a less crowded and more livable place. This is the ideal situation I pray for
@@kimtan95 Good for you stay put in your country. At least right here we are safe without weapons Souless better than no soul left. "More than 7,000 killed in the Philippines in six months, as president encourages murder" 2020 "Philippine Journalist Shot Dead Live on Air" 2023
Singapore is so expensive especially housing food, medical and stressful work life. Maybe a good option for Singapore local born and are STEM professionals it's time to migrate to the US for lesser stressful life and have more babies there.
I like the interviewee. Give an insight of what life is in US. Nowhere is completely safe. It is what it is. i want to have his life i will not have 2nd thoughts on it
Wow, thanks for the reminder dear Frank, about the Chicken Soup series. I grew up in the 90s, and we weren't none the wiser about them. Wonderful insight, your partner probably picked out what some of us overseas Singaporeans seek when we return. Thanks Max for sharing this conversation!
What do u mean this? I dont fully understand. From the vid, It sounds like SG moved too fast that he felt he lost the sense of connection to his home country
Most overseas Singaporeans went home though, to save from paying enormous tax and get higher salary due to overseas experience, Frank is one of the rare ones. To leave completely u have to be decisive and get the new country's citizenship.
Singapore would do well to consider duel citizens. Just have rules around certain positions they’re not allowed to serve, like Australia’s parliament requires members to renounce any foreign citizenships. In this age, families are not confined to one country, let alone one city.
Nice clip and great to know other's point of view instead from reading from the internet medias. I do agree on the Gov's stance on citizenship. Dual citizenship is more beneficial to the person than to the country, in SG context. You get all the benefits from both countries but contributing only to one. For a small country with limited resources like SG, you can't have your cake and eat it, get all the benefits while expecting other people to shoulder your burden.
My tenant told me he prefer not to live in Singapore because of A; B; C; D and E. I told him; he is leaving becasue of R..... rental have double and they are too proud to tell you the truth.
what is wrong with that? i am planning to leave too, by choice, because property prices, rental became ridiculous. I prefer to live with ample passive income in another country like malaysia than pay interest to bank for a good 30 years and then lose the property becz lease is up.
The wrong part is that they are not genuine. The majority of singaporeans understand the high costs of living, and we accept it because it's the truth. You can't deny when we locals also feels the heat. Just be upfront and don't use other excuses to cover it up. It's gonna gave a country a bad name for something it doesn't deserved
@@UOniLiveOnce I agree with you. However, you can see the sarcasm and grin in the statement made above. With such attitude, why would they want to admit? Why can't the one who made that statement be empathetic instead of looking down on others who can't afford? He wants to feel proud that he can afford. But he should know those leaving will have a better house, better standard of living and less stress in life and he will be the one that would be laughed at the end. That is why I made my statement.
playing with fire..theres a risk I guess. I wouldn't do it. I keep my SG passport, take US PR, the only problem Im having is I have to queue up at DMV to update my driver's license every few years. That queue is similar to HDB queue..imagine that! They don't allow non US citizen to update online.
His answer about what Americans know about Singapore confirms one thing: Americans by and large, no matter what age group, remain very ignorant about Singapore and, I suspect, any other country not named the US. It's a sad state, and not likely to change in the near future.
huh not knowing about singapore as a US citizen is sad? Why would Americans care about Singapore? They are a superpower. If i am a citizen there i wouldn't care either, unless my career exposes me to it.
Thanks Max for interviewing such an articulate and informative guest. I can concur that the U.S. has a drug and health problem throughout the society. I'm an ABC (american born chinese) who now lives in Singapore, I would add that the U.S. has a declining education system and political dysfunction as well. Singapore's future is brighter in my opinion.
I do notice that the way the ending for most of Max's videos are pretty awkward. It's like suddenly it just got cutoff. Pretty weird way to end interviews 😊
Max, if I'm not wrong, I think one of the ways the US manages the multiple citizenship issue, is to get their nationals to pay US taxes even if they have not resided or even if they make 100% of their income outside of the US, and already pay taxes in the other country. They still get taxed US taxes. Those who are in favor of dual/multiple citizenship are thinking only of their individual needs, and the flexibility to move to another locale. So having dual citizenship with one of them being US citizenship, is not such a big perk as you are paying 2x taxes. Also, imo, the citizenship issue is linked to how can a country attract AND retain talent. esp when the country is originally made of immigrants, esp when you hv to plan n develop people for 18 years before they start working.... When you hv to anticipate world patterns 5-10-20 years ahead, invest in that talent and watch the talent flow away Of course new talent also flows in too. The qn is when do you stop being a 'pit stop' and start being a 'home'. Looking at this, then I can understand why citizenship is a 'perk'. It's individual needs vs planning for the larger society
You don't necessarily need to pay taxes twice especially if your country/ies have tax treaties with each other which were designed mainly to avoid double taxation. The only requirement that the US requires is that you file your income tax returns even if you're overseas. And depending on certain factors like family dependents etc. you may even get a refund instead. There are also folks who don't even need to file since they don't even meet the income threshold or their source of income is not taxable.
Having dual passport is nice, but if every Singaporean has dual passport, what will be our identity? What makes us true Singaporean? What makes us unique? Many countries don't approve of dual citizenship, and as a Singaporean, it's good that our authorities don't recognize dual citizenship.
not true to say loud people are 'more secure' - one could just as easily say they are less considerate, or less socially aware? when im on public transport i don't particularly want to be hearing you on the phone from 3 carriages away talking about nothing important at all.
@@marktn9851not true. I was raised loud and need to learn to appreciate not to be loud because it inconsiderate. It has nothing to be confident or what
@@khanht5 Maybe u were raised loud by inconsiderate parent? That’s a diff context from confidence, I agreed. There’s many angles n views to a point. You should learn to not disagree first.
In terms of reciprocal, bilateral relations, how many Americans have been issued permanent residency in Singapore during the time that he and other Singaporeans received either a green card or U.S. citizenship?
HI! Max, I’m genuinely trying to reach out to the person as im currently in the midst of moving over there for business reasons. Thus trying to reach out to anyone i can contact to understand this transition better. If you could help me link up with the person, this would be greatly appreciated. Thank you! 😊
People in the world perceive Asian countries such as Japan and Singapore as almost paradises especially compared with the US. However local people are far more divided about their counties. A small but significant number of people find country like US, Canada or Australia are far more liberating to live in despite all the problems those countries face. Countries like Singapore and Japan can be very suffocating to those liberal minded people who treasure freedom above else.
Don't compare Japan with Singapore. Singapore isn't even fit to be Japan's toilet lol. It's just a hub of trade with almost no high tech exports like Japan. Even compared to South Korea, Singapore is not an advanced country. Japan is consistently ranked the Top most livable countries next to other European peers. And it has the most powerful passport for a long time. Public toilets in Singapore kopitiams are dirty as hell similiar to it's neigbour Malaysia.
That’s my impression too meeting young Singaporean couples visiting Stockholm, 🇸🇪. Ok, it was the summertime, but they liked the idea of easy access to nature and a lifestyle and corporate culture adapted to young families.
Oh wow, he remembered Goh Chok Tong pushing the idea of Chicken Soup for the Soul during one of the party's/parliament speech or something. I remembered it cos at that time i felt it was so much wayang, very cringe lol. Think i was probably in sec school then.
The only reason he can say US is safe is because he stays in a small rural town. When there is less humans, there is just less of everything, including crimes. Hence the hit song, Try That in a Small Town by Jason Aldean.
I bet, he will be the few Singaporeans that saw and went up the Big Apple World Trade Center. I stood on top South Tower??? and took a picture of Brooklyn Bridge before Y2k.
look at comment section lot of kiasu singaporean, cant accept someone opinian, this is what he talking about when he said people here cant express their own thoughts
It’s all about money, normal Americans with some savings usually go to Mexico or Costa Rica for retirement, the cost of living in Singapore is like NY, do any Americans live and work in rest of states but retire in NY?
He has a fair view in general. Why is sgp so insecure about dual citizenship? Why must sgp take away a birthright bcoz this guy is working n living elsewhere while having another citizenship can benefit him in taxes, etc… sour grapes?
@@salbenrosli707 I am talking about those truly made-in-sgp ones. U leave later in life doesn’t mean u hate sgp. U can come back anytime and spend whatever u made elsewhere as a contribution too. Kinda sad to be forced to give up a birthright… simply
@@marktn9851So while you are contributing for the country you are staying in and at the same time enjoying all the Sg incentives/ benefits at the expense of the locals contribution? Sg has no resource except human labour. You think Singapore like Europe countries, able to manufacture cars? Everything including sands, and water needs to depend on others.. So, when they raise up the costs, you are happily enjoying your life oversea while the locals have to tighten their belt? And have you lost touch on Singapore ground not realising that your so called some of your Sg made ones intends to retire next door. Hence some of them got their pocket burnt with the undeveloped residential after the Chinese developer went bankrupt..
It is encouraging to hear from different perspective. I would be a waste to dismiss him straight away given that he finished his service in Singapore. I think it would be great to have a secondary identity (a sub passport) for him to enjoy Singapore identity at a heavier cost or simply less perks
That’s where u r wrong,, being a citizen of another country n still maintains Sg citizenship, he/she is still getting the Sg government’s perk given to Singaporean as long as he/she has a mailing address n bank account in Sg…@MaxChernov should hav asked him that….
@@david888a I believe u had misinterpreted me. There are relevant concerns related to dual citizenship but this does not equate to not recognizing him and appreciating him for his contribution to Singapore. Hence, I suggest a sub-par identity such that he could not abuse Singapore privilege but he is still a friend
@@alexzzz163 from that video, I believed he did mention that he didn’t contribute much except his NS service hence he is entitled to hold on to his Sg passport. At this point I think he is holding on to an expired Sg passport for ICA will not renew once they found out he has dual citizenship…😂
Sorry to burst anyone’s bubble or rain on anyone’s parade, but he absolutely, 100% CAN keep both of his passports as a dual citizen. I worked for the government in my state at the State level The department I worked for involved working with many foreign nationals as well as naturalized citizens and people with dual citizenship. And most importantly, I read the information on Travel.State.Gov-U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE - BUREAU of CONSULAR AFFAIRS. As a dual citizen, with one of those citizenship’s being of the U.S., if you leave the United States on vacation, for example, you would have to leave the United States using your U.S. passport and re-enter the United States using your U.S. passport. You can use either one of your two passports while traveling from one country to another while abroad. This can make travel between countries easier, as it eliminates the need for long-stay visas and customs questions about the purpose of the trip. However, dual citizens may be required to use the passport of their foreign nationality to enter and leave that country. But, just as the two men mentioned, passports expire every ten years, and he would have to renew his Singaporean passport in Singapore IF Singapore recognizes dual citizenship. If they don’t, he simply returns to the U.S. with his U.S. passport. I got the impression that his Singaporean passport was expired, based on their discussion, but if Singapore recognizes dual citizenship with the United States, then he will still hold dual citizenship and it’s up to him whether or not he wants to renew his Singaporean passport. (Confused yet? Read on). In Frank’s current situation, that would mean he may have to use his U.S. passport as he is now legally a citizen of two countries but being a U.S. citizen (as well as a Singaporean citizen) his U.S. citizenship may make him a foreigner. It all depends on the Singapore government. More than sixty countries, including the U.S., allow citizens to simultaneously hold citizenship of another country. However, some countries, including China (keep in mind, China and Singapore are not one in the same), India, Austria, and Japan, do not allow dual citizenship with the U.S.. To obtain citizenship of these countries, you need to renounce your American passport, which costs $2,350. In summary: Frank’s NOT breaking any international laws.☺️
I’m so jealous of Frank, it’s my dream to move to the US since I was a kid and I was so close to it but had to backout because it’s too expensive living there
Moved here 9 years ago from Singapore, love it. Zero regret. It is expensive compared to SG but then your pay is 3 or 4 times higher then it balances out, with a much better work life balance. Working is SG is unappreciated, unregulated.
@@SoYappy I know but I was gonna go to school there but rent is insane so ended backed out and tried going to Canada instead but at this point might have to end up in australia not a place I like but it’s more affordable
@@psgistheworstclubineurope there’s nothing about Singapore worth staying for, everything’s expensive, hot humid strict and ‘owning a car’ is basically a 8 times more expensive 10 year lease whereas other countries u own it for life even in small places like Hong king
@@ShaunChee1998 Uh huh, and now you're planning to go AMDK land aka Australia which ten time as hellish as USA. Im assuming you didnt read the article on Singaporean migrating to AMDK land for "low cost of living" and "slower pace of life", end up the AUS currency is less and less powerful, somemore want to whine about Car when there is public transport. I know you cant help resist the urge to drink drive but go to USA is a bit too far for a car
FUNNY HOR? live in America for 35 years , and his accent hardly changed ... meanwhile some gen-z watch like 3 months of netflix and suddenly speak like with an american valley accent and start giving themselves excuses for "code switching"
I believe he came to the US after 12-21 years of age. Linguistics states that accents are hard to lose post the age of 12 but possibly up to the age of 21. Many US Americans have lived in Mexico for 2+ years and can barely hold a simply in conversation.
Wwll the problem with learning another lanugage in the USA other then spanish you will hardly ever use it unless your family speak it. However English is the official business lanugage of the world so business that deal with world trade or a place with a lot of tourist learn it. But how often are you going to use German in the USA. Also these day every foreign language apps on your phone if traveling. But 90% of American never leave the country either. The other problem is high school is way to late to learn another language for a lot of people if they will pick it up fluently.
Spanish is everywhere in the US. Everywhere, just like English. Very useful language like English. Yet, the majority of non Hispanics in the US don't speak it. Many jobs in the US require an applicant to be bilingual (Eng/Spa). Still, the majority of non US Hispanics don't know it. There are many places in the US that many people speak Spanish only. I agree with this guy. It is a bit ignorant not to know at least 2 languages. Life is more than business and tourism. So excuses not to learn another language, especially Spanish in the US, is leaving monolinguals with fewer options.
I like how this channel features both people who love singapore over their home country and singaporeans who love their new country they live in now over Singapore
great guyss.........i study back in singapore for 6 years in 2006 to 2012.........now 2024 it had change a lot....... i always come back every years searching and looking at the old place hâhhha...............
he is so talktive but all conversions are so insightful for sure, a truly novel angle to hear about his perceptions of sg as he looks more like an outsider and is on a very nuanced position since he have left this land for so long. Love this ep!
He is a natural speaker who articulates very well, as if he lives in a free world with no one to tell him to speak less or be quiet.
I'm a Malaysian who thinks Singapore is so much better than us
Where crimes, gun violence, homelessness, poverty, racism, white supremacism prevail. Singapore is so much more safer, cleaner, efficient etc etc. Can't even tolerate this banana's accent and views
I find that driven, expressive people who have a strong sense of self control, a love of freedom (at it's most basic form) and a strong streak of independence tend to not like living in Singapore. I have several friends who find the lifestyle here stifling. They moved overseas to places that we would tend to regard as "unsafe" and they love it there.
Most of us see freedom as the ability to walk alone, un-harassed after midnight. We can abide by strict laws, policing, keeping our mouths shut, not violating OB markers (Out of Bounds Markers- Singapore's way of saying not suitable for public discussion).
Some are just not comfortable with that convention and we see that a lot in our entrepreneurs, artistes who have managed to thrive overseas. After all, it's different strokes for different folks.
What a great man, so positive and with great energy! I loved this interview.
Really???
@@pinatapinata7642 yah i was thinking this guy sounds abit Kuku .. stay in a " village " far far away ....i mean ok thats fine , mayb u like the peace and tranquility ...but live with only dog and alone ? walau ...machiam where the family ? wife ? kid ? ....sad siah ...
Is it because he still has the slave's mentality 😂
❤❤❤
He sounds like those in CNA, eveready to serve their White masters.
For someone who has lived in the US for such a long time, he certainly has not dropped his Singaporean way of speaking.
Haha…I thought it too…
Agree. .
And then there are those who visit for two weeks and come back with an accent😂
Same for me too.. living in US for 30+ yrs as well..... it is hard once you learn after your early 20s... my kids do not have any accent
This is another example of the misconception of Singaporeans living overseas. Does accent matter if one can convey the messages eloquently like he did? He definitely looked a lot more comfortable than most Singaporeans in front of camera.
He is one of the enlighten well spoken and making sense Singaporean I had seen that don't echo propaganda but highlight pro.and con of both nation
Glad to see positive comments even when people do not prefer Singapore. This shows how educated people from Singapore are.
Great guest.
A very interesting interview. Frank was spontaneous and genuine. The part he said he search for his youth when he was back ... nostalgic
I enjoyed this interview.
having a diversity of experiences is almost never a negative.
Have had a number of Singaporean colleagues who do stints in other countries, and they seem to always do their best to appreciate the best of all worlds, and then positively cross-pollinate.
In fact, the US doesn't treat a lot of their war veterans well. A lot of them have PTSD and are even homeless, sleeping in the streets. The American Govt isn't honouring them like what he said.
US government treats their veterans better than NS guys unfortunately. You don’t know the kind of benefits they get as a vet. Vets have priorities when it comes to employment in private sector unlike in Singapore where your boss is finding a reason to fire you because of your reservist responsibilities and MOM doesn’t give 2 hoots because “its between you and your employer”. Some of the vets are having it tough because of drugs and poor choices like divorce etc.
Some guys will even say shits in US smells good, especially the Indians.
Lol same goes to NS who much you get paid one day ? Dollar or 2
Lol, the US government at least TRIES to help veterans, Singapore gives you nothing after you leave the Army, has no social security for the poorest of families and treats you like crap if you're an NSF. When I was serving, I had a bunkmate who had to support their sick mom by working two or three jobs before enlistment, when he tried to work another job while serving, he was threatened with DB for moonlighting for TRYING to support their broken family during his free time. Not only that, he was paid like 900 a month for full time work in the army, NS basically added a financial liability to his family and killed off their only income.
You can say whatever you want about NS and how it's a necessary evil, but NSF meagle pay is downright evil. If you're going to force your citizens to set 2 years of their life aside to be a deterrent so rich people can feel sure their Sentosa property is safe, the least you can do is pay them a living wage.
@@riptyurass302 savage but facts
Great guest. Very eloquent and expressive
Great guy. So articulate and has such well thought out opinions.
An ex teacher, he was and still is a teacher a good teacher..
Fantastic interview, Max. Fascinating man, with subtle perspectives on both countries. This is one of your best, I think!
Chicken Soup for the Singapore Soul - someone needs to work on this collection 😊 Great idea!!
his Singapore accent is still strong after 35y. That's true that Americans have freedom to say things without afraid of being arrested by government. Also Singapore just so tiny I would get bored after a few weeks, nowhere else to go, I like Mountains, rivers, unlimited open spaces that sometimes we take it for granted.
This guy has served 8yrs reservist he's an ex commando. Where you find him? Can consider moving to his town. Really like this interview.
Mansfield, Pennsylvania
I love the interview with Frank, because i can connect to so many things he is saying. Thank you for this video!
Frank Chua sounds like a fantastic person to talk about anything under the sun! I hope he keeps his US citizenship, so that I could visit him in the States soon! 😁
Me too.
Re: feelings upon returning ... this is what I feel after 30 years in the US when I come to visit Indonesia. Always searching for something: my youth.
Very balanced, nuanced insights from a man who has lived in both countries. I too have the same background and agree with what he says. I live in the Bay Area (Silicon Valley) which is pretty populated suburbia but don't need to lock my car doors or even sometimes side doors in the house. Neighbors know each other and watch out for each other. So I too have never felt the violence (knock on wood) that is pervasively reported in the news. Guns and drugs I agree are the scourge of this society and lack of universal healthcare is truly backwards for a developed country. The US is BIG and honestly each state could be its own country. California's economy (GDP) is the 6th largest in the world, larger than the UK. In terms of culture and politics etc, States vary so much as well and State governments also have a lot of autonomy in governing themselves. Hence the weird abortion laws in some States now. The kind of government and changes that can be affected in Singapore could not scale to a country as massive and diverse as the US so one cannot compare apples to apples here. Given all that, I too prefer life in the US (freedom of speech, space, opportunity, diversity) to Singapore but Singapore is a like a gem which I love to visit often and just admire how beautifully curated the whole country is. And of course the food! Who can beat that.
As one who have experience living in both Singapore and North America countries, I agree with his views.
Max, greatly appreciate it that you have done this interview. 🎉
If you look at the news, major cities in the U.S. aren't safe anymore. Having lived in the U.S. for over 10+ years, Singaporeans still have a higher living standard. Just that America is a land of opportunities, higher chance to be more successful as an entrepreneur. Grass isn't greener on either side, just what are your priorities.
True. Police defunded, crime soars, businesses close because criminals walk away unpunished, increase in drug addled and homeless populace, education is no longer about learning to read, math, etc, mental illness is celebrated and upheld as a role model, children's potential futures are threaten, women's privacy and rights are invaded and trampled, female students hard work and hopes are trampled and destroyed, small farmers like the Amish are suddenly raided and sued for selling products that are said to cause illness when they have been selling their natural organic produce for over 17 years without problems and the list goes on.
In every country, there are crimes. I have a choice in live in SG and the US. You can do both. I think SG TV overemphasizes heavily in crime. Praise your own and condemn others. I have found many places to live very comfortably in the US. I love my backyard garden every day. Yes- the pasture is greener is the US. I can play basketball on my driveway. I can hit golf ball, swim and hike in my neighborhood. I don't lock my door. I can have several cars and enjoy my car hobby.
@@fomoyolope3573You can do all that backyard thing in Canada, which is ten times better. Only downside is the french people whom I dont understand.
@@fomoyolope3573not to mention, Singapore is very small so crime rate tends to be much lower..
Make your money in the US, retire in Singapore after
Thanks again Max for another good interview. As an American expat I found Frank's responses and opinions to be balanced and honest. Who could ask for more? Nothing "controversial" about what Frank said, if you actually listened. *note to Max: We all learn in school that America is a republic, based on democratic principles and values of individual freedom. I recommend doing a search of "The Pledge of Allegiance";) Kudos to Frank for making an incredibly long and expensive journey to connect face to face with old friends and loved ones. Wishing Frank all the best with the rest of his Singapore visit and a safe journey home.
I think you mean America is a communist republic 😮
Great interview. Mr. Chua reminds me of an uncle who lives in Singapore, but spent several years in California, where I live, before moving back.
This is my favorites interview so far.
Great interview
He is going to lose his Singapore passport …
Totally agree.......sod-off.
Outed himself... lol...
ICA gonna call him soon
He doesn’t care about losing Singapore passport at all
at this point I don't think it bothers him
Mr. Frank is a real class act and he is very intelligent
Im a Singaporean. He 100% deserved his rights to retain his citizenship of Singapore! Im very glad that he got his USA citizenship too.
Y?
I feel this guy is just trying to have the best of both worlds by still holding on to his Singapore passport after 35 years of living in the US. That's kiasu-ism at its best. Deep down inside, he's still a true blue Singaporean! 😂
Loved this conversation! I think his points were well thought out and balanced. He most definitely wasn’t criticising any country
Singapore is lucky to have LKY. He's truly one of a kind and there wont be many politicians & statesmen like him....
Most of the comments reminded me of one thing ~ a majority of Singaporeans has that Kia sue mentality. It’s a form of insecurity 😂
As someone who does admire Singapore in general , I noticed that too, and it does strike me as some petty sour grapes. Pity.
We call that “crab mentality” where I am from
From my one year of experience studying with Singaporeans, I found that they have a "kiasu" behaviour, which unfortunately reflects poorly on their self-esteem. Unfortunately, it's difficult for me to establish a proper healthy friendship with individuals who display such a toxic trait.
We prepare for the worse!
@@pushslicewhat make them have a crab mentality
this is an awesome interview! hope he can have 2 passport all the way!
wow.. this is different perspective..
i can listen to frank talk all day. he's so engaging!
Gosh. He is damn honest n REAL😅.
Good. Read the news this morning that many expats in Singapore are going home. Now, if more Singaporeans follow the lead of this gentleman here and migrate out, Singapore would be a less crowded and more livable place. This is the ideal situation I pray for
😂 great strategy!
It should not result in brain drain.
Also Singapore: Bring more China foreigner to cope with low birth rate.
No matter how far i go nothing like SINGAPORE i am proud to be Singaporean
Singapore better than Switzerland, Sweden?
@@sara.cbc92 Yes of course
@@sara.cbc92 no, it's not. Not by a long shot.
singapore souless
@@kimtan95 Good for you stay put in your country. At least right here we are safe without weapons Souless better than no soul left.
"More than 7,000 killed in the Philippines in six months, as president encourages murder" 2020
"Philippine Journalist Shot Dead Live on Air" 2023
This fellow is so much more honest and BRAVE compared to typical Singaporeans.
I had those books, Chicken Soup for the Soul. Bought a couple of it from the series in my twenties... 😁
Singapore is so expensive especially housing food, medical and stressful work life. Maybe a good option for Singapore local born and are STEM professionals it's time to migrate to the US for lesser stressful life and have more babies there.
Good interview. Eye-opener.
I like the interviewee. Give an insight of what life is in US. Nowhere is completely safe. It is what it is. i want to have his life i will not have 2nd thoughts on it
Wow, thanks for the reminder dear Frank, about the Chicken Soup series. I grew up in the 90s, and we weren't none the wiser about them. Wonderful insight, your partner probably picked out what some of us overseas Singaporeans seek when we return. Thanks Max for sharing this conversation!
Anyone who heard n read chicken soup is past 50 today..
@@rachellai815 😂
I enjoy small talk with strangers in US - it comes very naturally
16:31 Only overseas Singaporeans understand this. The impossibility of going home just like how it's impossible to step into the same river twice.
What do u mean this? I dont fully understand. From the vid, It sounds like SG moved too fast that he felt he lost the sense of connection to his home country
Most overseas Singaporeans went home though, to save from paying enormous tax and get higher salary due to overseas experience, Frank is one of the rare ones. To leave completely u have to be decisive and get the new country's citizenship.
35 years and speaks like that is great
Singapore would do well to consider duel citizens. Just have rules around certain positions they’re not allowed to serve, like Australia’s parliament requires members to renounce any foreign citizenships. In this age, families are not confined to one country, let alone one city.
Nice clip and great to know other's point of view instead from reading from the internet medias. I do agree on the Gov's stance on citizenship. Dual citizenship is more beneficial to the person than to the country, in SG context. You get all the benefits from both countries but contributing only to one. For a small country with limited resources like SG, you can't have your cake and eat it, get all the benefits while expecting other people to shoulder your burden.
My tenant told me he prefer not to live in Singapore because of A; B; C; D and E. I told him; he is leaving becasue of R..... rental have double and they are too proud to tell you the truth.
what is wrong with that? i am planning to leave too, by choice, because property prices, rental became ridiculous. I prefer to live with ample passive income in another country like malaysia than pay interest to bank for a good 30 years and then lose the property becz lease is up.
The wrong part is that they are not genuine. The majority of singaporeans understand the high costs of living, and we accept it because it's the truth. You can't deny when we locals also feels the heat. Just be upfront and don't use other excuses to cover it up.
It's gonna gave a country a bad name for something it doesn't deserved
@@UOniLiveOnce I agree with you. However, you can see the sarcasm and grin in the statement made above. With such attitude, why would they want to admit? Why can't the one who made that statement be empathetic instead of looking down on others who can't afford? He wants to feel proud that he can afford. But he should know those leaving will have a better house, better standard of living and less stress in life and he will be the one that would be laughed at the end. That is why I made my statement.
How can he holds two passports at the same time. Singapore does not have dual citizenship policy.
playing with fire..theres a risk I guess. I wouldn't do it. I keep my SG passport, take US PR, the only problem Im having is I have to queue up at DMV to update my driver's license every few years. That queue is similar to HDB queue..imagine that! They don't allow non US citizen to update online.
His answer about what Americans know about Singapore confirms one thing: Americans by and large, no matter what age group, remain very ignorant about Singapore and, I suspect, any other country not named the US. It's a sad state, and not likely to change in the near future.
Not surprising because 2/3 of Americans don’t have a passport so they have never seen the rest of the world.
huh not knowing about singapore as a US citizen is sad? Why would Americans care about Singapore? They are a superpower. If i am a citizen there i wouldn't care either, unless my career exposes me to it.
@@transfertransfer986 it may have helped when the American government mistreated Singaporean Shou Chew and his nationality.
Thanks Max for interviewing such an articulate and informative guest. I can concur that the U.S. has a drug and health problem throughout the society. I'm an ABC (american born chinese) who now lives in Singapore, I would add that the U.S. has a declining education system and political dysfunction as well. Singapore's future is brighter in my opinion.
I do notice that the way the ending for most of Max's videos are pretty awkward. It's like suddenly it just got cutoff. Pretty weird way to end interviews 😊
Max, love your content especially this one.. how our fellow Singaporean adapt and share their views on other countries.. soo interesting. Thank you😊
Max, if I'm not wrong, I think one of the ways the US manages the multiple citizenship issue, is to get their nationals to pay US taxes even if they have not resided or even if they make 100% of their income outside of the US, and already pay taxes in the other country. They still get taxed US taxes. Those who are in favor of dual/multiple citizenship are thinking only of their individual needs, and the flexibility to move to another locale. So having dual citizenship with one of them being US citizenship, is not such a big perk as you are paying 2x taxes. Also, imo, the citizenship issue is linked to how can a country attract AND retain talent. esp when the country is originally made of immigrants, esp when you hv to plan n develop people for 18 years before they start working.... When you hv to anticipate world patterns 5-10-20 years ahead, invest in that talent and watch the talent flow away
Of course new talent also flows in too. The qn is when do you stop being a 'pit stop' and start being a 'home'. Looking at this, then I can understand why citizenship is a 'perk'. It's individual needs vs planning for the larger society
You don't necessarily need to pay taxes twice especially if your country/ies have tax treaties with each other which were designed mainly to avoid double taxation. The only requirement that the US requires is that you file your income tax returns even if you're overseas. And depending on certain factors like family dependents etc. you may even get a refund instead. There are also folks who don't even need to file since they don't even meet the income threshold or their source of income is not taxable.
Social media has indeed played a significant role in educating the Amercians about countries in Asia.
Having dual passport is nice, but if every Singaporean has dual passport, what will be our identity? What makes us true Singaporean? What makes us unique? Many countries don't approve of dual citizenship, and as a Singaporean, it's good that our authorities don't recognize dual citizenship.
Cancellation......this dude citizenship. 💯 embargoes..him.
It's backwards to not recognize dual citizenship, and Singapore will lose talent because of it
If you need a piece of paper to tell you who you are, you have some serious soul searching to do.
Dont worry will not happened. @@RedgeNumber1
?? So don't need a paper to prove your identity? Which country you want to pay tax to? @@qw0048002
I still have quite a few "Chicken Soup" books from the 1990s :D
Very interesting interview. An original point of view.
Hi Frank... Good to see u again... Say hi to Irene...
wow really impressed by Frank! where is the ending of the interview though
Thanks for this interview . Thumbs up 👍🏽
I remember the book about the chicken soup for the soul.
Great guy great interview lots of truth in his message but insufficient insight into singapore and american democracy
Actually US allows dual nationality
Smart singaporeans will eventually leave the country. We lost our identity, very sad
Nice interview.
not true to say loud people are 'more secure' - one could just as easily say they are less considerate, or less socially aware? when im on public transport i don't particularly want to be hearing you on the phone from 3 carriages away talking about nothing important at all.
That’s bcoz u are brought up this way, u don’t comprehend what he is saying. He is brought up the same too, he understand the virtues from both sides.
@@marktn9851not true. I was raised loud and need to learn to appreciate not to be loud because it inconsiderate.
It has nothing to be confident or what
@@khanht5 Maybe u were raised loud by inconsiderate parent? That’s a diff context from confidence, I agreed. There’s many angles n views to a point. You should learn to not disagree first.
@@marktn9851 no, it's the culture.
@@marktn9851 you said that I should learn not to disagree?
Why can't we respectfully disagree with other people's point of view?
Excellent content. !
In terms of reciprocal, bilateral relations, how many Americans have been issued permanent residency in Singapore during the time that he and other Singaporeans received either a green card or U.S. citizenship?
HI! Max, I’m genuinely trying to reach out to the person as im currently in the midst of moving over there for business reasons. Thus trying to reach out to anyone i can contact to understand this transition better. If you could help me link up with the person, this would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
😊
People in the world perceive Asian countries such as Japan and Singapore as almost paradises especially compared with the US. However local people are far more divided about their counties. A small but significant number of people find country like US, Canada or Australia are far more liberating to live in despite all the problems those countries face. Countries like Singapore and Japan can be very suffocating to those liberal minded people who treasure freedom above else.
Don't compare Japan with Singapore. Singapore isn't even fit to be Japan's toilet lol. It's just a hub of trade with almost no high tech exports like Japan. Even compared to South Korea, Singapore is not an advanced country. Japan is consistently ranked the Top most livable countries next to other European peers. And it has the most powerful passport for a long time. Public toilets in Singapore kopitiams are dirty as hell similiar to it's neigbour Malaysia.
What does liberal minded mean
@@sara.cbc92are h japanese
That’s my impression too meeting young Singaporean couples visiting Stockholm, 🇸🇪. Ok, it was the summertime, but they liked the idea of easy access to nature and a lifestyle and corporate culture adapted to young families.
In Singapore you could also be loud and criticize the government. But be prepared to be sued if your made defamatory remarks.
Very true about American cultural differences in comparison to Asian culture
Oh wow, he remembered Goh Chok Tong pushing the idea of Chicken Soup for the Soul during one of the party's/parliament speech or something. I remembered it cos at that time i felt it was so much wayang, very cringe lol. Think i was probably in sec school then.
Is true. Singapore has pro and cons.
I dislike the high COE and the huge population. But Singapore is very safe
Another good video from Max :)
The only reason he can say US is safe is because he stays in a small rural town. When there is less humans, there is just less of everything, including crimes. Hence the hit song, Try That in a Small Town by Jason Aldean.
I bet, he will be the few Singaporeans that saw and went up the Big Apple World Trade Center. I stood on top South Tower??? and took a picture of Brooklyn Bridge before Y2k.
it would have been better if the background noise is removed.
look at comment section lot of kiasu singaporean, cant accept someone opinian, this is what he talking about when he said people here cant express their own thoughts
Frank, you speak my mind. I moved to Sydney Australia in 1987. I have never looked back or missed Singapore since.
No matter what, home is certainly where your heart is. Your opinion is deeply appreciated.
Where was this interview filmed?
This is an excellent interview. Regarding his right to citizenship. unfortunately, one can't have the best of everything. It is still free will.
My fav episode.
To live as real human you need to move out of Singapore and live in the US (or some good Western country).
It’s all about money, normal Americans with some savings usually go to Mexico or Costa Rica for retirement, the cost of living in Singapore is like NY, do any Americans live and work in rest of states but retire in NY?
I do. I was born in SG. Worked in many countries and raised my kids in California. I also live in NY.
*SG Gov should allow dual citizenship but it must be declared. Any criminal should not be allowed it.*
He has a fair view in general. Why is sgp so insecure about dual citizenship? Why must sgp take away a birthright bcoz this guy is working n living elsewhere while having another citizenship can benefit him in taxes, etc… sour grapes?
It will open up another can of worms. Imagine people from other countries wanting the Singapore passport.
America does not recognize dual citizenship either but they just not enforce that law
@@TheJorrry Precisely. Same as many nations, juz conveniences for employment or lifestyles in more than one country.
@@salbenrosli707 I am talking about those truly made-in-sgp ones. U leave later in life doesn’t mean u hate sgp. U can come back anytime and spend whatever u made elsewhere as a contribution too. Kinda sad to be forced to give up a birthright… simply
@@marktn9851So while you are contributing for the country you are staying in and at the same time enjoying all the Sg incentives/ benefits at the expense of the locals contribution?
Sg has no resource except human labour. You think Singapore like Europe countries, able to manufacture cars? Everything including sands, and water needs to depend on others..
So, when they raise up the costs, you are happily enjoying your life oversea while the locals have to tighten their belt?
And have you lost touch on Singapore ground not realising that your so called some of your Sg made ones intends to retire next door. Hence some of them got their pocket burnt with the undeveloped residential after the Chinese developer went bankrupt..
It is encouraging to hear from different perspective.
I would be a waste to dismiss him straight away given that he finished his service in Singapore.
I think it would be great to have a secondary identity (a sub passport) for him to enjoy Singapore identity at a heavier cost or simply less perks
That’s where u r wrong,, being a citizen of another country n still maintains Sg citizenship, he/she is still getting the Sg government’s perk given to Singaporean as long as he/she has a mailing address n bank account in Sg…@MaxChernov should hav asked him that….
@@david888a I believe u had misinterpreted me. There are relevant concerns related to dual citizenship but this does not equate to not recognizing him and appreciating him for his contribution to Singapore. Hence, I suggest a sub-par identity such that he could not abuse Singapore privilege but he is still a friend
@@david888a I recognized that his sg passport would be confiscated soon
Don't he think they treat him....as still a yellow asia??
@@alexzzz163 from that video, I believed he did mention that he didn’t contribute much except his NS service hence he is entitled to hold on to his Sg passport. At this point I think he is holding on to an expired Sg passport for ICA will not renew once they found out he has dual citizenship…😂
Sorry to burst anyone’s bubble or rain on anyone’s parade, but he absolutely, 100% CAN keep both of his passports as a dual citizen.
I worked for the government in my state at the State level The department I worked for involved working with many foreign nationals as well as naturalized citizens and people with dual citizenship. And most importantly, I read the information on Travel.State.Gov-U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE - BUREAU of CONSULAR AFFAIRS.
As a dual citizen, with one of those citizenship’s being of the U.S., if you leave the United States on vacation, for example, you would have to leave the United States using your U.S. passport and re-enter the United States using your U.S. passport. You can use either one of your two passports while traveling from one country to another while abroad. This can make travel between countries easier, as it eliminates the need for long-stay visas and customs questions about the purpose of the trip. However, dual citizens may be required to use the passport of their foreign nationality to enter and leave that country.
But, just as the two men mentioned, passports expire every ten years, and he would have to renew his Singaporean passport in Singapore IF Singapore recognizes dual citizenship. If they don’t, he simply returns to the U.S. with his U.S. passport.
I got the impression that his Singaporean passport was expired, based on their discussion, but if Singapore recognizes dual citizenship with the United States, then he will still hold dual citizenship and it’s up to him whether or not he wants to renew his Singaporean passport.
(Confused yet? Read on).
In Frank’s current situation, that would mean he may have to use his U.S. passport as he is now legally a citizen of two countries but being a U.S. citizen (as well as a Singaporean citizen) his U.S. citizenship may make him a foreigner. It all depends on the Singapore government.
More than sixty countries, including the U.S., allow citizens to simultaneously hold citizenship of another country.
However, some countries, including China (keep in mind, China and Singapore are not one in the same), India, Austria, and Japan, do not allow dual citizenship with the U.S.. To obtain citizenship of these countries, you need to renounce your American passport, which costs $2,350.
In summary: Frank’s NOT breaking any international laws.☺️
I’m so jealous of Frank, it’s my dream to move to the US since I was a kid and I was so close to it but had to backout because it’s too expensive living there
What a joke 😂😂😂 God saved you and you didnt realize it
Moved here 9 years ago from Singapore, love it. Zero regret. It is expensive compared to SG but then your pay is 3 or 4 times higher then it balances out, with a much better work life balance. Working is SG is unappreciated, unregulated.
@@SoYappy I know but I was gonna go to school there but rent is insane so ended backed out and tried going to Canada instead but at this point might have to end up in australia not a place I like but it’s more affordable
@@psgistheworstclubineurope there’s nothing about Singapore worth staying for, everything’s expensive, hot humid strict and ‘owning a car’ is basically a 8 times more expensive 10 year lease whereas other countries u own it for life even in small places like Hong king
@@ShaunChee1998 Uh huh, and now you're planning to go AMDK land aka Australia which ten time as hellish as USA. Im assuming you didnt read the article on Singaporean migrating to AMDK land for "low cost of living" and "slower pace of life", end up the AUS currency is less and less powerful, somemore want to whine about Car when there is public transport. I know you cant help resist the urge to drink drive but go to USA is a bit too far for a car
FUNNY HOR? live in America for 35 years , and his accent hardly changed ... meanwhile some gen-z watch like 3 months of netflix and suddenly speak like with an american valley accent and start giving themselves excuses for "code switching"
Yup, he sounds completely Singaporean except for certain words like “half” and “fast” pronounced the American way.
alot of us are like that leh...when we talk to Singaporeans or in Singapore I dont know why, I just switched LOL! Like automated system!
@@avengerdarkness8402 I can guess why ... Cultural Inferiority complex
I think you underestimate the impact of Western media brainwashing on Singaporean youths. It starts at childhood.
I believe he came to the US after 12-21 years of age.
Linguistics states that accents are hard to lose post the age of 12 but possibly up to the age of 21.
Many US Americans have lived in Mexico for 2+ years and can barely hold a simply in conversation.
I was wrong. I thought he would say obesity was the biggest problem. The pole from yesterday. I liked this video I found it interesting
Wwll the problem with learning another lanugage in the USA other then spanish you will hardly ever use it unless your family speak it. However English is the official business lanugage of the world so business that deal with world trade or a place with a lot of tourist learn it. But how often are you going to use German in the USA. Also these day every foreign language apps on your phone if traveling. But 90% of American never leave the country either. The other problem is high school is way to late to learn another language for a lot of people if they will pick it up fluently.
Spanish is everywhere in the US. Everywhere, just like English. Very useful language like English. Yet, the majority of non Hispanics in the US don't speak it.
Many jobs in the US require an applicant to be bilingual (Eng/Spa). Still, the majority of non US Hispanics don't know it.
There are many places in the US that many people speak Spanish only. I agree with this guy. It is a bit ignorant not to know at least 2 languages.
Life is more than business and tourism. So excuses not to learn another language, especially Spanish in the US, is leaving monolinguals with fewer options.
right lol... i had YEARS of french ... luckily i still recall what bonjour means xD