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Blessed Christmas.

Hi, Jonty. Merry Christmas to you, Millie, Aspen and Milo🎄

I mean assuming that people celebrate Christmas over there, why would you want to spent a holiday synonymous with winter in a hot and humid place? Kinda seems like it would kill the vibe.

The children are off school. The family can take a break and visit another country with different culture, food and experience winter. Blessed Christmas & Joyous New Year to your family.

I find expats are quite rude and unfriendly especially the white Aussie and American men. The older the worse they are. There's a lot of push pram white women who stick together too (their wives). That's what you get when have a country completely dependent on expats. It attracts shi**y money-hungry people who will return home to tell everyone they lived abroad but never actually lived abroad because they lived in a bubble. They're sometimes the same people who want immigrants out of their own country. Oh the irony!

Over the decades and years, it becomes a must to be out of the country at least once a year, otherwise that passport is not going to be of much use. I'd say majority of Singaporeans hold a passport and is one of the most "powerful passports" if not The Most powerful. So why not use it more often since so many countries are available to us visa free? It helps that most Singaporeans can afford to travel esp with budget airlines and neighbouring countries are still "cheap" for the not so financially well off considering the exchange rate. Also it's a time when most corp activities are wound down and to do something exciting that's non local before another long year begins.

majority of sinkies are sheeps they just follow the herd

I think there's a fear of missing out as well. One of the first things that people talk about in the office and at school, is where they went during the Dec holidays!

the rising cost here in SG and ever increasing SGD strength has compelled us to spend our holidays overseas where it’s cheaper. Fun fact: British 🇬🇧 Pound was 1.0:3.1 SGD back in 2007, now it’s just 1.7. I’ll not be surprised if SGD becomes 1:1 with GBP in the next decade

My ex-boss once described me as an "optimistic simplifier" - a bit like Pooh Bear, so I won't use the word "divide" to describe the different social sets between locals and expats. I prefer to think of both sets as "different circles" rather than "divide". The more we get those circles to intersect (like a Venn Diagram), the better it would be for the constituents in both sets and for Singapore as a whole. Remember that Singapore's raison d'être from time immemorial and our continuous economic comparative advantage stems from being a node in the global hub where everyone feels at home, feels comfortable investing in Singapore and therefore everyone has a stake in our survival.

As a local born & bred Singaporean who grew up in the 80s-90s, overseas travel to exotic lands (especially those with 4 seasons) was aspirational. For many of us who travel out of SG in the year end season, this is simply a fulfilment of that aspiration. Also, many of us are sick of the constant heat and humidity of SG all year round, and many of us just want to run around like crazy in the snow in Korea, the Japanese Alps, Europe etc. That's my personal take anyway.

good point to ask why not local destinations... controversial topics are more welcomed...

I can’t speak for most Singaporean but in my opinion, we already explored all corners of Singapore growing up, we are so cooped up, stressed out, weather is hot and most of us here are trapped in a routine here almost felt too mundane. Travelling felt like the temporary medicine to most problems above with so much to explore, big land, new cultures, cool weather and also much at ease from all the stress. 😊

It is I guess lifestyle thing. Partly also peers pressure really.

For me, it’s the school holidays and I dislike the humid and hot Singapore weather…

Hello Jonty !!! It’s lucky that Singaporeans get to travel so often, we are near enough to Japan and Korea, and have Travel Fairs where there are amazing packages for the family. Being a small country, trends explode very quickly through social media, TV serials, programmes on travel are popular which all contribute to travel mania. Families with kids in school only have December and June to travel, and it’s easier to when the kids are young-ish (cheaper too) rather than later when they need to prep for the O or A levels. For those in their 50s or older, travel previously was expensive as there were no Budget airlines with low fares and so now, having enough cash from CPF payouts, they are going on trips overseas more. Aida

Hi Jonty. I think only or most Sporeans know why we feel the law in here is not too strict. Each country have our own uniqueness. Im proud to say this is our uniqueness. Most foreigners always think our cctvs are monitoring people. I think that's a misconception. Im sure you know these cctvs is to deter crime and it helps or it comes into play when there's a crime committed so the police can look at the cctvs. This is the reason why the culprit is apprehended within hours. How would you feel if for example you or you love ones got harmed or robber ans the police were unable to apprehend the culprit. Or even worse someone got murdered. With the cctvs these culprit will never get away. Foreigners should be know who on earth would want to sit in front of the monitor and monitor individuals. Give me a big salary also i wont be doing this boring n tiring job for our eyes. But i have to say after Covid the law tend to be a bit relaxed now. You can hardly see any traffic police cars and road blocks on the roads now. One reason why accidents are accuring more frequently. People are drinking alcohol after 10.30pm and making lots of noise at HDB areas. As a person who studied overseas in the 90s i have seen racism and getting shouted at to go back to your country. As a student and young back then of course i felt scared. There were crimes committed to the old and elderly living alone in remote area. Petrol stations getting robbed those days as there wasnt any cctvs during that time in that country. I've seen some vlogs on China and they are lots of cctv too and its safe too in China just like Spore. So i guess the cctvs does help alot. Having children especially daufgters im sure you dont want to worry about them when they go out at night. In Spore you hardly have to worry. Sporeans hardly commit crime as these cctvs deter us. We know we will get caught eventually if we commit a crime. Sorry im taking this opportunity to educate non Sporeans about our cctvs. Its not intruding in our privacies but protecting us and our country.

Hi Jonty. Would love to share with my 2 cents worth. Definitely lots of reasons why Sporeans leave during December. Just some points ok... 1. December is the month of the longest school break and after the exams so it's a better choice to travel with the family and kids during December. 2. Maybe the best reason would be it's because it's the yearly bonus month. Deeper pockets to travel😆 3. As we've been living here all our life we've been to almost every places in Spore or we can just do it on weekends. 4. Business tend to slow down during December as most. As I was in sales before, we tend to do less sales or visit less companies as most of the customers are away during December. 5. Bosses are on leave most of the December month. So when the mouse is away the rats come out to play. So most will also take leave since the boss is not around. 6. December is winter time in Europe and some Sporeans love the cold and want to experience winter. December is normally a rainy season in Spore so it's quite depressing not been able to go outdoors. Alright enough of the 2 cents worth as the list will go on. But I guess the first 2 reasons are the main reason. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your family🎉🎉🎉

Our initial trip to Singapore was when our son was at NUS, and we only were there for a few days before going to Malaysia, and then back to Singapore for a few days on our return to NZ. Subsequent trips we have spent much more time there, two weeks when he graduated, and we have now had 4 decent spells there. We found her Wonderlust channel before our last two trips and have followed your suggestions, Coney Island on our last trip, as well as the Raffles Lighthouse, for example. We have met locals who haven't been to places that we have. One could argue that it is the same everywhere - a number of New Zealanders have travelled overseas before seeing NZ in great depth. We find the transport system amazing, even when the MRT is down, it is so easy to get around. Coming from post-earthquake Christchurch, which is still in recovery mode, 14 years later, and no buildings over 7 stories are allowed, we also relish in the busy city, with such amazing architecture.

Great thought-provoking video. I don't think the issue is narrowed down to locals vs expats. Societies and cities are like a Photoshop picture file. While we think we are looking at a beautiful and colorful photo, it is actually composed of a number of non-related layers: separate color channels, a sharpening layer, and many other different filter layers. None of these layers interact with each other beyond contributing to the beauty of the final composite photo. In truth, most people rarely venture out of their ethnic, class, religious, cultural etc. identities even though they live and interact with other people for decades. And that is fine and natural as long as there is a culture of mutual respect, tolerance and appreciation of differences, etc. We've all heard of IQ, and corporate types talk frequently of EQ (Emotional quotient) in an organization but I think a society's collective CQ (Cultural Quotient) is what makes a place a great place for all to live in. Singapore is not too bad on the CQ but certainly there is lots of room for improvement. But great suggestion for visitors: explore local places and have fun!

Strict = Secure =Safe= Singapore! Too Strict? It's all relavtive. For an individual who abides by the law, civic minded and well behaved, has no worry about the law or even feeling the slightest pressure that Singapore is too strict! For individual who does not behave, or up to mischief that hurt others, infringes others safety or cause social disorders, with the heavy penalty and the definite execution by law authority, they will feel Singapore is stricter than elsewhere. I am sure 99.99999999% Singaporeans would agree, do not feel, or the 😂 least feeling that Singapore laws are too strict!! Be the rich or poor. Be the young or old. Be the man or woman.....we all love to have stricter laws! Why??? The rich or poor, they do not need to feel unsafe that they could be kidnapped anytime...like some of our neighboring countries. The man and woman...can walk home safely at night. The young and old....do not have to worry that they would be robbed even by themselves. There have been rampant cases of scams, moeny laundering, organized home robberies by those from china in recent years.....etc...i.would even advocate for stricter laws and penalties to protect Singaporeans. Protrct this land!! We want stricter laws! We want a safer place to live in. Up to mischief? U can do it at home... where nobody sees what u do....haha ha.......u wanna indulge in excessive drinking.....can! Why not? Drink excessively in a restaurant.... but Don't Drive. Drink Excessively....but please go home safely. Drink excessively?! Why not. But don't create social havoc....these r perfectly fine in Singapore. After drinking excessively... that u lose your mind and up to mischief that harm others....no no no no....not in Singapore or even in any other countries who love peace, law and order!

Just ask yourself, will you going late night jogging in UK, etc.

No worries! You are always welcome back home here Singapore…

Hello Jonty ! Perhaps many Singapore families with young children spend all their time in Malls because of the convenience, take Jewel or Vivo for example. Many cite it’s too troublesome to lug stuff to beaches, the parks, it’s hot, mozzies, that the scenic Mountains and deep Canyons, the Winter season is always better. But is it boring ? No, it’s not !! There’s so much to do, see, explore. I know of people in their 20s and 30s who have never been to the Zoo, or the Islands, or stepped into one of our Museums, or explored the other neighbourhoods. It’s strange when you consider Singapore is small, the transport system efficient, it’s easy to plan on a visit anywhere …. Aida

Expat? Don't flatter yourself.

There is a divide. Although we are citizens, my kids grew up in the international school system in Shanghai….my 2 oldest have never been in the local schools here. In fact they have been in UK boarding schools since year 9 so that’s all they know….their friends are British, teachers are British etc….they stand out because when they, their accents give them away…they get puzzled looks because ppl assume that they should sound like them because we are ethnic chinese. Expats also assume this. Ironically, when we are in the uk, there is no divide and we are treated the same as everyone else…..does this make the Uk more multicultural than Singapore? My son has to do his National Service soon and I worry how he sounds will make him stand out and that he will be picked on….he isn’t even familiar”singlish” words! Anyway, your vlog certainly strikes a cord, please do more of this topic.

I’m a British white guy in my mid-20s who has been living and working in Singapore for the last couple of years. By and large, most of what you've said is true. I’ve met other white foreigners (who mostly seem to be Americans?) who don’t have any interest at all in engaging with the locals or local culture. They’re here for work and will return to the US once their exchange programme is done or their American company moves them to another country. I’m not perfect, but I’ve made a very conscious effort to really immerse myself in Singapore’s local culture. Around 75% of my friends here are local Singaporeans, and I make an effort to do community work, charity work, and get involved in local projects to meet people. There’s definitely a bit of a stereotype that all white foreigners want to stick to themselves, but I’d say that’s only half true. I’ve befriended a couple of other white foreigners who, like me, are very much interested in embracing the local culture. Will I stay in Singapore forever? I’m not sure. However, I’m really enjoying my time here and meeting locals. I’ve never had any negative interactions with Singaporeans, and I think that’s mostly down to how I approach people-treat others how you want to be treated. I’ve never looked down on anyone, and unfortunately, I think the stereotype is that all white foreigners do. Are there some who behave that way? Most certainly. I remember during my first month here, I overheard an older, drunk South African guy speaking horribly about locals. Unfortunately, racists exist everywhere. My main point is: we’re not all like that. :)

Most of the time, when people feel that Singapore is strict and does not have freedom, it is because their version of freedom infringes on the freedom of others. I literally have heard people saying that they feel that they do not have freedom in Singapore because they cannot litter. They do not come from countries where they were taught to care about the environment or the place they stay in. Most people that think that Singapore places pressure on them is because the freedom that they want is the kind that infringes on other people. But they don't get that concept, they only think about themselves and what they want to do.

hi jonty , great topic you bring up hear and i really appreciate you pushing tourist so visit the local area where is not the typical "MBS or best airport glamor" really interesting take on that. my take on the local and expat divide issues don't really lies on the stereotypical "oh they are expats and the earn higher than us" kind of problems but rather taking their bad habits from their motherland to introduced or trying to change the local lifestyles. be it you're from UK , US or even china there is always a limit to how much cultural influence you can carry to another country , yes we pledge ourselves as a multiracial country but some habits or behaviour isn't accepted here. also from my experience working with an expat (new to Singapore unlike PRs or have been here for more than 5 years) they like to look down on locals for whatever reasons be it like you mention they earn higher pay and can afford to rent a condo or the company giving them a vehicle for transportation , showing off is a frown upon behaviour in singapore. also the environmental behaviour also changes how the local look at them ( you being born in a certain way in your country and now going into another you genuinely carries that behavior with you) it's not easy to change your behaviour in another country yes but do not behave as you are back then and expect the locals to accept it. overall it's still okay to work in singapore as long as you are willing to learn and understand how locals work and what are their iks on foreigners. if i say there is no racism in singapore i'd be lying to you but in surface we're all okay with expats and we understand they come here to help the nation and to have a better rice bowls compare back but just an advice. do not ever think you're better than locals or do no behave in such the locals are not worth your time to understand.

Also they are quite materialistic nowadays.

Hi Jonty, this is a really interesting topic. I am a local here in Singapore and honestly I don't mind that expats prefer to stay within their community and not learning about local culture. On the flip side, I also feel that the majority of locals have an established network of family and friends and don't really go out to befriend expats as well.

I look forward to seeing you guys in church. 😊

Hello Jonty, I always feel intrigued by your amazing videos, I hope you & your family have a magical & beautiful Christmas, would there be a Christmas event at your church? 😊

Hi Jonty, your video came up on my feed. BBC here! Came to SG over 20 years ago but did not embrace the expat lifestyle back then, as we felt they were in their own bubble. My partner and I decided if we were going to experience SG, we would need to interact and be part of the community here. Fast forward to 2024, things are better, and we do feel that a lot more expats are making the effort to be part of the SG community, learn the various national languages (including Singlish) and culture etc. Some people do say, oh well, expats are only here for a couple of years, but I do know a few who have been here longer than me, so ......😆

Another problem is that they overstrive on discipline much to the point that sometimes it doesn't even make sense and they love to point out faults or mistakes that someone might be doing. They are also racist like the UAE which is equally rude is not more. This year when I went to SG, I felt that the locals have become more arrogant than even like 5-10 years ago.

As Singaporean as around Garden Street Kway Zhap.

Hi Jonty, congratulations on over 1K ! There are lovely expats and nasty, limited minded ones, and Singaporeans too. We lived in Hong Kong for such a long time and coming home to Singapore was a bit of a shock to the system having to be “local” again LOL. What helps is, with all personal interactions, suspend judgement, listen, wait and decide. People are basically a sum of their upbringing and life experiences, everyone has an attitude and perspective to which they are entitled to have. So, once we’ve gotten the chance to know them better, the simple question is : do we like the person to trust them with friendship ? It doesn’t matter who they are. Expats anywhere in the world are generally a transient lot, with a goal to earn and save enough money before heading back home when kids need to go to school, or to another job and country after a promotion …. and living amongst expats gives them a quick entry into some social life without having to explain who they are, where they are from. Familiarity feels secure and saves time, especially for families with kids to settle into routines and school. As a Singaporean working in retail in the Joo Chiat belt, yes I do observe this divide, but when I engage expats in conversation, differences often disappear when we find a common topic (food or good coffee !!!). For the Expats who refuse to explore or find local spaces they might enjoy, who feel trying to understand or connect with locals is just too hard, hey, it’s their loss. Aida

I worked in an American organisation for 7 years, and a British-owned one for nearly 3 years. Yes, there is a divide. It's sad. I wish there wasn't. Despite living in Singapore for so many years, they hardly wander around out of their comfort zone (yes, the Quays + Holland Village), and do not go to hawker centres. They don't have many local friends either, and many of them talk down to us locals. Some don't even want to learn more about our Muslim's friends religious practices and conveniently forget about ordering halal food for office parties. Conversely, I have a few non-local friends who are so easy to get along with, because they are open minded, and are willing to just simply be friends. Things got less fractious (after years of racist microagressions) when I decided to work with very localised companies in the last 5 years. Hopefully, things are better now with a younger, more open, more adventurous generation coming over to live and work here.

Hiya Jonty. I think it is fine. It is just the way the world works. People identify with others something important to them that they have in common with and form a group. This happens everywhere and at all levels. Singaporeans and other nationalities do the same overseas; paeticularly for long term stays. As long as they don't disparage the locals and their culture or insist on their culture being dominant, everyone can mind their own business and live their own lives.

Do not be affected by other, stay happy .

how do you maintain the british accent despite living here for some time? is it to create some kind of branding?

❤❤❤

Singaporeans rude? I hear a hongkonger laughing at the corner

The divide is very subtle, almost like Japan where the differentiations are done at the back and not forwardly. It’s a plus point to learn the Singlish lingo but you will have to find a community of open minded people. This applies everywhere. I’m a Thai born in Singapore reporting here.

I used to work in a European bank when i was young 30 years ago. With the same degree and competence, the foreign bankers were earning more than the locals and got better treatment. I always thought that was unfair. Discrimination? Hopefully, it is no longer the case now .

There are divides everywhere. I think we should embrace it and be appreciative of our differences.

Probably the pace of life is much faster. It really depends on the location that you are at.

Singaporean here I think our law gives you a different kind of freedom. The restrictions here are for the better of the majority.

Congrats for hitting 1k

Im a local. You know Jonty, the foreigner who spoke in a derogatory manner to locals probably haven't encounter someone like me (a random guy in public) who will put him in his place, or just simply respond to him for what he deserves. In such situations, most locals will assume that the person has special needs/mental illness that requires empathy and space OR he's just another "Siao ki na" (crazy nut) which we try to avoid escalating the situation and let the police handle him. That's the norm here. We are kind and conflict avoidant. Of course, im not insinuating that the expats are the opposite of that. The divide between locals and expats is just inevitable due to cultural and attitudinal differences. More importantly, how do we manage this divide and what outcome can we expect? Off my mind, one way of managing the divide is by making sure that companies, schools and housing estates have diversity in its people to force interaction between the locals and expats. I believe you can only reduce the emotional and mental divide when there's better understanding of each other. And sometimes understanding only comes after a good old bickering/ quarrel. In Chinese, we call it "不打不相识”. That's a divide in itself as we work out differences in opinions and beliefs. And there must be framework and structures (laws, rules etc) around which to work things out.