I left Singapore at the age of 28, older than the 20 year olds who are leaving the country today. I lived in Canada. Starting life in a total new country was hard in the beginning. Over time, we made friends and life become better. We go fishing in summer, cut grass, maintain the house and explore the country. We drove to Ottawa, Kingston, and other cities. In winter, we visit friends and invite them over. Except for sports, we are more or less living a Canadian life. Income tax was high at 48% and consumption tax was 15% comprising 7% gst and 8% pst or provincial sales tax. It was as Beeconomics founder describes in today's Sunday Times, living from paycheck to paycheck. But we were happy.
Tragedy strikes. My wife's younger sister died on the plane on the way to visit us in Canada. So we returned to Singapore where our families are. Singapore has many advantages. Tax is low and environment is safe. It is a good place to raise kids. School is pressure cooker which is a negative. We were mystified by the obsession with money, buying property and IPOs when we have lunch with our colleagues.
The general atmosphere is also tense as there are constant reminders from the government to work harder and strive harder, or as a country we will not survive. This makes a highly stressed society. Seeing a doctor is free in Canada but you have to pay for the drugs and the pharmacist for every drug he or she picks for you. While seeing doctor is free, you are also tied to the system. If you requires specialist, your family doctor must be convinced and refer you to the specialist. The queue to the specialist will be at least 3 months. In Singapore, you just go to the Heart Center or Cancer Center or Skin Center and pay as a private patient to shorten the queue. In Canada, there is no choice. If you want to shorten the waiting time, you have to cross the border to US.
Singapore runs well almost to the clockwork of Switzerland but not quite. Traffic conditions is far better than Highway 401 traffic in Toronto. There is wider choice than before, even gambling but no Playboy yet. The primary purpose focus is do well in school and do well at work. You can volunteer to help the less fortunate but there is no way to get out of the rat race. Life is Singapore is stable and comfortable. We are at leading edge of technology. We can afford to outsource our housekeeping chores. In Canada, we have to do all the household ourselves. We treat ourselves on alternate week with part-time help.
I loved the 4 seasons but do not miss the long winter. Singapore still get the thumbs up for weather - no need to clear snow on the driveway before going to work. Happiness levels have been increasing with more parks and park connectors. We are a food heaven! We are spoilt for choice here. In Toronto, it is Hong Kong style food or Vietnamese for Asian fare. I do love the Italian or Canadian resturants. Eating out is so affordable in Singapore compared to Western countries.
Economies in Asia are doing well and growing. Opportunities are plenty compared to Canada. Finding work or starting business is relatively easier. We are less tolerant of same sex relationships, it does not affect me or my family. Crime rate is low and it is safe to go anywhere anytime. The political climate is resticted according to some but we are not into politics, so it does not matter.
Singapore has its warts. We loved living here. It is safe, comfortable with good healthcare system. I do hope Singapore will treat the elders (seniors in Canada) with more respect and help them age gracefully instead make them eked out a living cleaning hawkers centers, toilets or collecting cans and waste cartons boxes.
Yes, life here is a rat race and we are all rats.
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