Watch next: ruclips.net/video/CKXDMNzrb-A/видео.html The story of an American who moved to Singapore 17 years ago. We discuss soaring prices in Singapore, the importance of speaking Mandarin at local Hawker centers, and why some foreigners can't wait to leave the city-state. Enjoy!
Born and raised in Singapore, the best decision I made for myself was leaving the country as soon as I finished my national service requirement. Been happily living in the U.S. since 1992 and don’t regret a minute of it. The opportunities I have received in the U.S. and the life I’ve built for myself would never have been possible back in Singapore…reasons are too many to list here. The other best decision I made: renouncing my Singapore citizenship at the first opportunity. The only thing I miss about Singapore: The food! Oh, the food!
I live in Doha, Qatar and have done business with Bill and Hat of Cain over the last couple of years. From my experience, he is a gentleman and a pleasure to do business with. Nothing is too much trouble for him. This is a great video - thanks for posting
I’m from Abu Dhabi, and have never owned a hat before, let alone a Panamanian one. After watching this, and stumbling upon your comment. I’ll make sure to get me one.
Worked for a Mega Multi National in the 70's , Asia Pacific had Corporate office in Singapore -worked 10 days a month , staying at the Mandarin, took my wife there for 1st time in the 80's and she keeps going back for 3 weeks at a time each year, just love the place, your interview was brilliant , I am 10 years older than Bill but his knowledge and experience is worth listening to. Especially for the younger ones of today.
Those were the days. I met some young people that their dads got the expat package and had it all. That’s a dream now. The expat packages of before are all gone. Now they put you in a cheap hotel that can’t be more than 50 dollars per night.
I have never heard of such saying, that dumb sentence definitely from malaysia. Malaysia is a place to live in?😂Then why malaysia longevity rate not as high as Singapore??🤣🤣Clearly s'pore much better, cleaner & safer place to live esp for LONG TERM, its fantastic place to work & live in, malaysia can't even hold a torch to Singapore & will always be behind Singapore.❤
This resonated with me. In my late 20s I got headhunted for a 6-figure USD salary working for a large Asian conglomerate. As much as I enjoyed the salary and status after two years I was so fed up working for someone else who literally had a price to my time. I remember my CTO pulling me aside one day and told me: "Alex, you'll need to give at least 5 years to the company before you can get any of your own ideas through". The next month I quit my job. I stayed in Asia because of the opportunities, people and culture, but I started my own venture. I was terrified of that decision, but I was free. Money is important, but peace of mind is priceless.
There is no future in the corporate world. It's a soul sucking black hole. Every one of my college friends who went the corporate route in the 90s didn't last more than three years. They all went into business for themselves, some of them together. They all tell me their only regret was not doing it sooner.
It really depends on the corporate culture of the place you’re at. I’ve worked at several companies. I stayed because I was paid well. But I really only enjoyed working at a couple of them because it was almost like family.
But companies never did care nor were they meant to “care” otherwise those companies would go bankrupt and then where would it’s workers be. Stop making these nonsensical statements. It’s like saying “war sucks because it’s not nice anymore”.
@@mensrea1251 true but when u start your career as a new graduate and u r a young person of 22 you think companies “do” care… then reality hits you in the face 30 years later age is too late… So the sooner u know the truth the better for you. So my statement is not non-sensical as you put it. You just can’t read between the lines …
The gentleman is so calm and wise and the interviewer asked some great questions. I love Singapore and have visited more than a dozen times in the past 20 years. Enjoyed watching, thank you!
Great to see Bill on FB and I was a satisfied customer of his Panama hats!. I am a Singaporean that is educated overseas and currently residing in US with my family. What Bill said is quite an accurate description of Singapore. I too was in the corporate for a while and many expats I know understand how deep xenophobia and nepotism runs in Singapore but will not openly share their experience for fear of repercussions from the State. I am surprised that Bill is not able get Singapore PR as average PRC nationals can get theirs in about 5-10 years of residency in Singapore. As a parting shot, just remember that not all that glitters is gold. Makes you wonder why so many Singaporeans migrated overseas and many young Singaporeans see that migration is one of their long term options.
Most Singaporeans flee ASAP after they get that degree. It makes total sense. And they don't come back cuz once you get a taste of real prosperity, justice and freedom, you won't think of returning to the Authoritarian Dynasty of Lee.
@surinamesurname It would appear that you don't need to leave Singapore to die a violent death en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_military_training_deaths_in_Singapore
don't expect honesty, respect for human rights honesty from the Lee Dynasty of Crooks. If he'd chosen Hong Kong over Singapore he'd had his PR after 7 years. HK offers infinitely more than SG anyways.
@@kingbolo4579 no they're not. Singapore is not an easy country to immigrate to. You need a job before you can even go there and rent an apartment. do you want to try again?
@@BlazingShackles Why try again when I'm right first time - New York Times 19/02/2023 - Entrepreneurs Flee China’s Heavy Hand: ‘You Don’t Have to Stay There’ CNBC 27/05/2022 - Thousands of people are leaving Hong Kong - and now it’s clear where they’re going Nikkei Asia 17/08/2022 - Global companies moving top posts out of Hong Kong: survey; Key positions shifted to Singapore, other cities could stay overseas Financial Review 23/09/2022 - ‘All my neighbours are moving to Singapore’: Expats flee Hong Kong South China Morning Post 04/02/2023 - Hong Kong’s talent exodus to Singapore Radio Free Asia 23/04/2023 - Wealthy desert Hong Kong for Singapore, elsewhere amid political uncertainty
Fun Fact: Popularized by Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt upon noticing the quality of the hats worn by the workers and them gaining his fancy, "Panama" hats actually originated in Ecuador. It's quality in protecting from the sun was noted among the workers and imported by an Ecuadorian worker, where its popularity spread to even the US president, at the time watching foreign workers construct the Panama Canal under the brutal sun.
I took a six-week trip to Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines. Some people fall in love with Asia, but I’ll stick to Latin America and Europe. One thing that sticks out is that by the time I got back to Singapore no one seemed to smile, no one really seemed happy compared to the Philippines. I’m told that the smiling, happy culture in the PI is a coping mechanism from realizing that nothing is ever going to get better there materially, so smile and be happy with how it is. However, it did seem odd that in a country as prosperous as Singapore, where the people seem to lack nothing, everyone seems so dour. Well, I’ve seen su1c1de prevention billboards in Switzerland, too, so being happy is not just about living in a perfect place.
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People just like to complain. Have a look at Scandinavians, too.
Same. I notice no one is smiling except for children whenever I'm in Singapore or Hong Kong. I suppose that's the cost of their countries' wealth. You go to their less wealthy neighbors like Indonesia, The Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam, the people there always seem to be smiling.
The smiling thing is a huge thing in Thailand, aka "the land of smiles". For them, if it isnt fun it isnt worth doing. So smile while your doing whatever, and enjoy or dont do it. Be positive, promote positivity, its all a Buddhism thing really. Wonderful people.
Comparing the happiness and generosity of Pinos is hard tho, just like Vietnamese or Colombians. It always seems that the ones that had it the worst are the most happy and resilient. Amazing people.
Why do the citizens of the most successful countries in thevl world seems unhappy? If they were happy and content they wouldn't keep working to improve their situation, their environment and their country and make successful.
😊😊😊 yea, we are so blessed, no natural disasters, good weather, good food, etc . Amazingly interesting topic. Hope you get your PR soon . Wishing you all the best!🙏👍💪👏
This is timely. I’ll be traveling to Singapore and Bali this summer for a wedding. I’ll be sure to stop by to meet Bill and shop for a new hat at Hat of Cain.
A huge irony of this interview is that the subject, "Bill," seems to have grown wealthy primarily not through his buisness but through real estate speculation. His main advice is: "buy property." Yet the success of his adopted home Singapore is largely based on its Georgist approach to land and housing, making real estate speculation virtually impossible, increasing revenue, and making possible the low taxes that Bill mentions.
Did you listen to the interview? He worked in corporate structure for 30 years! And as a good specialist he could have a good salary which let him buy some property. Where did you see the "easy life"?
@andreiloginov9807 exactly. He said he worked in the corporate world for a long time, and he worked hard. And he invested in property, presumably outside of Singapore since the stamp duty for foreigners is punitive. That's the way to build wealth.
@@andreiloginov9807 He is a 1) Baby Boomer who 2) moved to Singapore before it really blew up. He was basically just super lucky - right place at the right time.
Interesting perspective on life in Singapore from someone from North America. We've lately be talking of leaving the US for somewhere with an easier lifestyle so this was informative. I know Bill seems to rail against corporate culture but I have a sneaking feeling all those "we have a property there..." were financed by what was most likely substantial income from his years as a corporate cog...!
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Singapore is definitely a more civilized place than the US. We even drive on the more proper side of the road here.
Singapore's economic growth cannot be repeated by anyone, including Singapore itself. Because it was the world's largest transshipment point for drug trafficking.
key takeaways: 1. Worked too hard for someone who doesn`t really care at the end of the day. 2. don't believe in private bank financial advisors, they're all crooks.
All Max videos are nice. So relevant for expats moving or considering moving to SG. I’m here for 7 years and find so many jewels on those videos which make me reflext and explore even more.
"There's not a lot to do in Singapore except shop and eat..." Yes, the first few visits to Singapore are enlivening but then repetition becomes boredom.
The folks who were having problems getting their PR approve should contact Ana from the earlier video. If the person have been working or running a business in Singapore for such a long time, contributing to Singapore with their life work, it is really strange that they cannot even get PR approval.
Also, economic contribution (personal and his own company; especially through cpf) to the country. The gentleman needs to demonstrate he's a long term stayer, have investments in the banks here, and not just property ownership (China PRCs buy property here and elsewhere to flip them).
I wish the interview dove into that aspect more. He loves Singapore but how will he able to stay as he gets older (including retirement)? I’m surprised he doesn’t hold more resentment that he’s committed so much to the country only to be treated in such a way.
I live in Joo Chiat since day when I arrived 17 years ago - still love it for great “village” feeling, excellent location between centre,/changi/ecpark, food places, choice of shops and just walking around streets and old houses.
I think I can learn more from this wise man , and am sure he got of story and experience to share , and also his financial advice , but too fast too short
Thanks Max, it’s so helpful and inspiring for this interview. So I think I made the right choice to quit my corporate job and star my own business in Singapore. Doing business here, it’s straightforward. Oh by the way, I m Thai 😊
I used to live in marine parade, heavy rain made my high heel shoes heelless cs they were deep in soil -- it shows how fragile the man made "land" is!!...
It was amazing to think that he's been there 40 years (!) and is at retirement age and has never been able to get Singapore PR. What is his plan for retirement when he wants to close the shop? This is one of the aspects of the expat life that scares me. You lay down roots in a place for years, but unless you get PR or citizenship, you run the risk of being exiled back to wherever you're a citizen, even if you haven't lived there for many many years. Losing those social and lifestyle habits you've grown over decades would be devastating.
For a foreigner who has stayed in SG 🇸🇬 since 1989, I believe he didn't try hard enough seriously to get PR. Bill's background which is above average makes it difficult to believe.
Very interesting video and of course Singapore is a truly great place to live. With respect to work and business… I came to Vietnam in 1994 from NYC to work for a British conglomerate. Eventually they did not need me anymore but while working for a big company has its risks there is usually a generous compensation package together with weekends off, reasonable vacation time etc. I worked long enough with them to buy a few properties, save some money and retire in reasonable comfort here in Vietnam where I remain. I have witnessed some incredible individually owned business successes here but more failures than successes usually tied to not having sufficient experience in the business. I really do enjoy being in this part of the world!
This the best interview you can get from a wise man … lots of tips he told within a very short sentences. he is like warren buffet + Sigmund Freud + wise man
@@choonhockong8215 as a Singaporean I honestly feel the govt just give pr or citizen as they like and not based on merit or how much these ppl can integrate in sg society. Not fair
ما اجمل ان تساعد شخصا ليقف على رجليه في الحياة لوجه الله ..وجد ابني صعوبة في العمل في قطر لكن ما زلتُ اشجًعه على الكفاح في الحياة و المستقبل بيد الله عزّ و جلّ فلا جزع ابدا ..اراح الله باله و يسّر امره ..🤲🏼
Thank you very much for this insightful interview🙏🏽🙇🏻♀️❤ It is true while buying property before setting up business but i wonder whether can properties still be affordable because in today market, even developing countries such as Indonesia, property is longer affordable except public housing like flats with not much chances can get one too. I completely agree about stop chasing corporate dream especially more fierce competition.
Bill is correct. S'pore has limited land for housing. Thus, property market is increasing even for the public housing. He is also Spot-On on mentioning there's nothing much to do here. Once again good video Max. 👍👍
Cool interview! Really liked the entrepreneurial and life perspectives Just intrigued how there were many soundbites that really summarised how this gentleman felt, to use for the headlines in the thumbnail. Gotta hand it to you for choosing ‘I regret it’.
Interesting, though I feel that summing up Canada as “cold, high taxes and there just isn’t many people” is perhaps selling it just a little short. It would be like summing up Singapore as “very hot, a tax haven and a one-party system with more limited rights and freedoms than in the West”.
Singapore is a fantastic place to live , very envious . When I retire I’d love to spend 3 months a year there as a UK citizen . The public 50m outdoor swimming pools are amazing and the climate is perfect for outdoor exercise . Wonderful place . Thanks , liked and subbed
I always enjoy visiting Singapore. I was there again for a week last September. I've been many, many times over the past 35 years. Each time I stay in a different area and discover something new. It's an ever changing city. It is 'Asia Lite' and very expensive compared to the rest of SE Asia, but it's fun, extremely easy to get around, has awesome food, lots of beautiful gardens ( the National Orchid Gardens being my favourite planned garden in the world) and is very safe.
I was fortunate to live in Singapore from 2000 til 2021. Had to return to my home country for family reasons, but honestly can say after travelling and sown fairly lengthy stays in usa, Japan, Taiwan, China, Korea, Ireland, Singapore is the best country, period. Safe, realistic tax rates, stable gov not just in traditional sense but in it’s the same group since founding in power. I never once felt unsafe, police don’t muck about and deal with issues immediately and criminals get caught, why is urban hard elsewhere. I miss it terribly.
You can’t compare living and being a tourist with other countries. Maybe you work in SG but a tourist in the other countries you stated. So it’s not a valid point.
I was 18yrs old when I moved to Singapore, attending the College of Singapore. From 1990-1992 I also played basketball, representing Singapore in the Merlion Cup and playing in their pro league the SBA (Singapore Basketball Association) I can truly say I love Singapore, the different cultures, foods, people etc..
@@cpcxgsr The challenge is Singapore's laws are known to be some of the strictest in the world especially when it comes to giving up civil liberties. I am not saying it is right or wrong. It's just different.
@@ptg01 I see nothing wrong with that. If you’re a law abiding citizen, why should you worry? Singapore has one of the best quality of life in the world. Why would you give that up?
@@ptg01 I'm from the US. Living in NYC. All US citizens can brag about how great the US is. Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.... That is in our national anthem. But I can also say, US right now is a disaster. Politics is crap. Criminals and felons are released back on the streets within 24hrs of committing a criminal offense. homelessness us abundant. drug use is off the charts. Business owners are closing up shop, because police won't do their jobs. crackheads would pee and shit right in front of you... And you ask, why not live in Singapore and give up some civil rights? I'll do it in a heartbeat
As a foreigner, there is no disadvantage holding an Employment Pass (EP) as compared to a PR. ONLY makes a difference if you are planning to buy a property.
For someone who has been here since 19-89, who can enjoy alots of incentives like paying local medical bills & getting preferential treatment for buying local flats as a PR, wouldn't if U were Bill want to apply for PR trying your Best?
What an interesting gentleman. While this video is short, there's so much wisdom you could learn from him that i wished you had made it a bit longer. Great interview regardless!
total respect for this man. Great advice and very well spoken. To leave Canada at 21 took guts. People tend to get bogged down by comfort and family when young. Its a big mistake. I left Canada a bit later at 26, made my fortune overseas and came back to Canada 20 years later to educate my kids. ill leave Canada as soon as the youngest is out of the house and settle somewhere warmer. Point is, dont be afraid to leave the nest young. Its very easy to learn a new language.
I'd say don't be afraid to leave a place older. In my younger years I'd just pick a country and go settle there. I accepted inconvenience and suffering for awhile as part of the process. Now I'm approaching my late thirties, settled in well in this country but I hate it here and I am desperate to move on but the comfort of having stable work and a home and having mastered the language has got a choke hold on me. The thought of starting again fills me with dread but I know I cannot make a meaningful life here. I am currently in search of a place to call home. My feet are itching for a new adventure, my heart is longing for it but my mind is telling me to shut up and accept this mediocrity and so far it's winning.
@@kaiserchief9319 you're getting older and traveling is harder. The heart is there but the body is not fully engaged. Father use to say if you want to travel, do it when you're younger because you're not going to want to do it when you're older. Found that to be more and more true the older I get..I feel the way you do but also feel stuck and ossified.
Many folk think they’ll earn a bit of cash and travel later in life with a bit of comfort, but that’s not optimal. Meeting people gets harder as you get older. And half the fun of travel is meeting people!
Watch next: ruclips.net/video/CKXDMNzrb-A/видео.html
The story of an American who moved to Singapore 17 years ago. We discuss soaring prices in Singapore, the importance of speaking Mandarin at local Hawker centers, and why some foreigners can't wait to leave the city-state. Enjoy!
You ask great questions !!! Best interview I've listened to in ages !
Born and raised in Singapore, the best decision I made for myself was leaving the country as soon as I finished my national service requirement. Been happily living in the U.S. since 1992 and don’t regret a minute of it. The opportunities I have received in the U.S. and the life I’ve built for myself would never have been possible back in Singapore…reasons are too many to list here. The other best decision I made: renouncing my Singapore citizenship at the first opportunity. The only thing I miss about Singapore: The food! Oh, the food!
i quit my job and moved to Africa :)
ngl range rover is my dad's favourite car lol but its very expensive here in malaysia lol
I live in Doha, Qatar and have done business with Bill and Hat of Cain over the last couple of years. From my experience, he is a gentleman and a pleasure to do business with. Nothing is too much trouble for him. This is a great video - thanks for posting
I’m from Abu Dhabi, and have never owned a hat before, let alone a Panamanian one. After watching this, and stumbling upon your comment. I’ll make sure to get me one.
Pretty cool exchange here gents!
Much obliged, Lieutenant Archibald "Archie" Hicox 🫡
How’s it knowing that GCC countries will practically never offer citizenship to foreigners?
Worked for a Mega Multi National in the 70's , Asia Pacific had Corporate office in Singapore -worked 10 days a month , staying at the Mandarin, took my wife there for 1st time in the 80's and she keeps going back for 3 weeks at a time each year, just love the place, your interview was brilliant , I am 10 years older than Bill but his knowledge and experience is worth listening to. Especially for the younger ones of today.
🙏
Those were the days. I met some young people that their dads got the expat package and had it all. That’s a dream now. The expat packages of before are all gone. Now they put you in a cheap hotel that can’t be more than 50 dollars per night.
I have to say this s an EXCEPTIONAL interview. The sheer knowledge and life experience this gentleman shares is truly invaluable.
He is so down to earth, intelligent about life (i.e., 'everyone is entirely dispensable') and straightforward. Great video!
huh?
His statements are true in the limit, but looking at life like that isn't inspiring.
there is a saying that "work in Singapore, enjoy in Thailand, live in Malaysia"
The oldman's advice is setting up a business and being your own boss rather than working hard for someone in the corporate world.
They have to fix the causeway first then it will be ideal 😂
I have never heard of such saying, that dumb sentence definitely from malaysia. Malaysia is a place to live in?😂Then why malaysia longevity rate not as high as Singapore??🤣🤣Clearly s'pore much better, cleaner & safer place to live esp for LONG TERM, its fantastic place to work & live in, malaysia can't even hold a torch to Singapore & will always be behind Singapore.❤
@@missglamourous116 Relax girl, who hurt you??
Or just have your company in Singapore, live phuket.
This resonated with me. In my late 20s I got headhunted for a 6-figure USD salary working for a large Asian conglomerate. As much as I enjoyed the salary and status after two years I was so fed up working for someone else who literally had a price to my time. I remember my CTO pulling me aside one day and told me: "Alex, you'll need to give at least 5 years to the company before you can get any of your own ideas through". The next month I quit my job. I stayed in Asia because of the opportunities, people and culture, but I started my own venture. I was terrified of that decision, but I was free. Money is important, but peace of mind is priceless.
good advice
I love the way you think! Best of luck to you too.....
There is no future in the corporate world. It's a soul sucking black hole. Every one of my college friends who went the corporate route in the 90s didn't last more than three years. They all went into business for themselves, some of them together. They all tell me their only regret was not doing it sooner.
It really depends on the corporate culture of the place you’re at. I’ve worked at several companies. I stayed because I was paid well. But I really only enjoyed working at a couple of them because it was almost like family.
Wow what a lousy thing, Ideas doesn't need delay period
Absolute gem of a gentleman! Appreciate this episode, it has life advice, financial advice, past, present and future. 10/10.
His financial advice is basically Ryan Long’s boomer real estate tutorial
5:17 work too hard for somebody who doesn’t care.
These words are pure gold. In this time and age you are fully dispensable and companies don’t care.
Totally agree!!!!!!
Very true. If a CEO says he cares about his staff, he is lying. All he care about is his bonus.
Words from the deep of the heart. He knows many immigrants loose their lives here. I've been living in SG 3 years and well understand what he means.
But companies never did care nor were they meant to “care” otherwise those companies would go bankrupt and then where would it’s workers be. Stop making these nonsensical statements. It’s like saying “war sucks because it’s not nice anymore”.
@@mensrea1251 true but when u start your career as a new graduate and u r a young person of 22 you think companies “do” care… then reality hits you in the face 30 years later age is too late…
So the sooner u know the truth the better for you.
So my statement is not non-sensical as you put it. You just can’t read between the lines …
Plain, truthful, simple, and wise.
Just based on how he best describes Singapore, he deserves a PR! He is so real and subtle.
The gentleman is so calm and wise and the interviewer asked some great questions. I love Singapore and have visited more than a dozen times in the past 20 years. Enjoyed watching, thank you!
🙏
Yes me too, about 20 times in 35 years. It's by far my favourite long haul multi day stopover.
Now, there's a man who knows his own heart. Bitter experience is a valuable fruit that will not go stale and, apparently, can be turned into hats.
So many good points about business, money, life in such a short video. Thank you and Bill.
He was so candid. Loved the interview. Real one.
Bill is an interesting character, a true man of the world. Great wisdom. I loved this interview.
straight talkers are always charismatic and worth listening to.
no nonsense. no bullshit. no smoke. i like this guy.
Outstanding interview. I am the same age as Bill. This video helped me reflect on my own life. Thanks for posting!!
wise man lovely to hear his views and advice
Bill gave the best advice at the end of the video 😝👍
I like the way he talks so fluidly, with experience and pure honesty. He's a refreshing guy to listen to 😎👍
I wish this interview was longer. Would have loved to hear more from him. 😢
Lies again? Private Jet Changi Airport
Great to see Bill on FB and I was a satisfied customer of his Panama hats!. I am a Singaporean that is educated overseas and currently residing in US with my family. What Bill said is quite an accurate description of Singapore. I too was in the corporate for a while and many expats I know understand how deep xenophobia and nepotism runs in Singapore but will not openly share their experience for fear of repercussions from the State. I am surprised that Bill is not able get Singapore PR as average PRC nationals can get theirs in about 5-10 years of residency in Singapore. As a parting shot, just remember that not all that glitters is gold. Makes you wonder why so many Singaporeans migrated overseas and many young Singaporeans see that migration is one of their long term options.
No person can take a job from a singaporian, unless its a special one.. know the laws..
Young Singaporean think their life will be better abroad? Wow, I thought they would know better.
@@JaggedMercenary There are plenty of young and older Singaporeans overseas. They know there's more to life than shopping and eating.
Most Singaporeans flee ASAP after they get that degree. It makes total sense. And they don't come back cuz once you get a taste of real prosperity, justice and freedom, you won't think of returning to the Authoritarian Dynasty of Lee.
@surinamesurname It would appear that you don't need to leave Singapore to die a violent death
en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_military_training_deaths_in_Singapore
This sort of entrepreneur content is awesome - and great to hear someone who obviously knows what he’s talking about!
Very good advice. Thank you for having this good man on the show
Thank you. Those are pure gold. Hope he's doing fine and enjoy his life.
As a sSngaporean…. How i wish my government grant you the PR you applied for. Can feel the love you have for Singapore.
don't expect honesty, respect for human rights honesty from the Lee Dynasty of Crooks. If he'd chosen Hong Kong over Singapore he'd had his PR after 7 years. HK offers infinitely more than SG anyways.
@@BlazingShackles People are fleeing Hong Kong in droves for Singapore right now.
@@kingbolo4579 no they're not. Singapore is not an easy country to immigrate to. You need a job before you can even go there and rent an apartment. do you want to try again?
@@BlazingShackles Why try again when I'm right first time -
New York Times 19/02/2023 - Entrepreneurs Flee China’s Heavy Hand: ‘You Don’t Have to Stay There’
CNBC 27/05/2022 - Thousands of people are leaving Hong Kong - and now it’s clear where they’re going
Nikkei Asia 17/08/2022 - Global companies moving top posts out of Hong Kong: survey; Key positions shifted to Singapore, other cities could stay overseas
Financial Review 23/09/2022 - ‘All my neighbours are moving to Singapore’: Expats flee Hong Kong
South China Morning Post 04/02/2023 - Hong Kong’s talent exodus to Singapore
Radio Free Asia 23/04/2023 - Wealthy desert Hong Kong for Singapore, elsewhere amid political uncertainty
Bill saved my head with his hats. Had a great time going through the process in chosing the right hat from Hats of Cain. Thanks Bill.
Fun Fact: Popularized by Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt upon noticing the quality of the hats worn by the workers and them gaining his fancy, "Panama" hats actually originated in Ecuador. It's quality in protecting from the sun was noted among the workers and imported by an Ecuadorian worker, where its popularity spread to even the US president, at the time watching foreign workers construct the Panama Canal under the brutal sun.
The best interview i have seen on your channel. He is so eloquent.
I took a six-week trip to Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines. Some people fall in love with Asia, but I’ll stick to Latin America and Europe. One thing that sticks out is that by the time I got back to Singapore no one seemed to smile, no one really seemed happy compared to the Philippines. I’m told that the smiling, happy culture in the PI is a coping mechanism from realizing that nothing is ever going to get better there materially, so smile and be happy with how it is. However, it did seem odd that in a country as prosperous as Singapore, where the people seem to lack nothing, everyone seems so dour. Well, I’ve seen su1c1de prevention billboards in Switzerland, too, so being happy is not just about living in a perfect place.
People just like to complain. Have a look at Scandinavians, too.
Same. I notice no one is smiling except for children whenever I'm in Singapore or Hong Kong. I suppose that's the cost of their countries' wealth. You go to their less wealthy neighbors like Indonesia, The Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam, the people there always seem to be smiling.
The smiling thing is a huge thing in Thailand, aka "the land of smiles". For them, if it isnt fun it isnt worth doing. So smile while your doing whatever, and enjoy or dont do it. Be positive, promote positivity, its all a Buddhism thing really. Wonderful people.
Comparing the happiness and generosity of Pinos is hard tho, just like Vietnamese or Colombians. It always seems that the ones that had it the worst are the most happy and resilient. Amazing people.
Why do the citizens of the most successful countries in thevl world seems unhappy?
If they were happy and content they wouldn't keep working to improve their situation, their environment and their country and make successful.
Nice chatting with this gentleman upon visiting his shop, easy going, and down to earth, appreciate his realness about Singapore and investing
😊😊😊 yea, we are so blessed, no natural disasters, good weather, good food, etc .
Amazingly interesting topic.
Hope you get your PR soon .
Wishing you all the best!🙏👍💪👏
This is timely. I’ll be traveling to Singapore and Bali this summer for a wedding. I’ll be sure to stop by to meet Bill and shop for a new hat at Hat of Cain.
A huge irony of this interview is that the subject, "Bill," seems to have grown wealthy primarily not through his buisness but through real estate speculation. His main advice is: "buy property." Yet the success of his adopted home Singapore is largely based on its Georgist approach to land and housing, making real estate speculation virtually impossible, increasing revenue, and making possible the low taxes that Bill mentions.
Exactly 💯
@@travelinkevin5130 He left Canada when he was 21. He's lived in SG since 1989. 34 years ago.
Did you listen to the interview? He worked in corporate structure for 30 years! And as a good specialist he could have a good salary which let him buy some property. Where did you see the "easy life"?
@andreiloginov9807 exactly. He said he worked in the corporate world for a long time, and he worked hard. And he invested in property, presumably outside of Singapore since the stamp duty for foreigners is punitive.
That's the way to build wealth.
@@andreiloginov9807 He is a 1) Baby Boomer who 2) moved to Singapore before it really blew up.
He was basically just super lucky - right place at the right time.
Had the pleasure of meeting Bill last month during a sartorial event. Learned few things about panama hats.
Love it! Straight to the point and good advices.
Interesting perspective on life in Singapore from someone from North America. We've lately be talking of leaving the US for somewhere with an easier lifestyle so this was informative. I know Bill seems to rail against corporate culture but I have a sneaking feeling all those "we have a property there..." were financed by what was most likely substantial income from his years as a corporate cog...!
Singapore is definitely a more civilized place than the US. We even drive on the more proper side of the road here.
If you want to lock 3rd World labour into your servitude, Singapore's the police state for you.
If you like living under a dictatorship.
I don't think so. My guess is the wife has $$$ and this hat business is just for that they can stay legally in Singapore.
@@NorceCodine You're probably right.
"But everything else is a scam. Private financers and all that stuff is - Is garbage"....haaa..agree
Wow. Thanks for introducing Cempedak island and Nikoi island, both off Bintan. Did not know about them. They are out of my budget. Like for tycoons.
When he said starts as low as 165, I gave out a cry ...
Max cried too...
Singapore's economic growth cannot be repeated by anyone, including Singapore itself. Because it was the world's largest transshipment point for drug trafficking.
I want more than 10 minutes conversation
Sorry 😬
I like how to the point he is, no waffling. Very well done interview.
key takeaways:
1. Worked too hard for someone who doesn`t really care at the end of the day.
2. don't believe in private bank financial advisors, they're all crooks.
All Max videos are nice. So relevant for expats moving or considering moving to SG. I’m here for 7 years and find so many jewels on those videos which make me reflext and explore even more.
🙏
"There's not a lot to do in Singapore except shop and eat..." Yes, the first few visits to Singapore are enlivening but then repetition becomes boredom.
Couldn't be more true!
This guy has way more he can teach...genuine and battle tested he seems.
The folks who were having problems getting their PR approve should contact Ana from the earlier video. If the person have been working or running a business in Singapore for such a long time, contributing to Singapore with their life work, it is really strange that they cannot even get PR approval.
Coz he's not a Chinese, harder to get PR
Need to balance the delicate CMIO (Chinese-Malays-Indians-Others) ethnicity ratio. Non-CMI falls under O, which is a lot.
Maybe no integration/bonding with local but only around expat community.Maybe?
Also, economic contribution (personal and his own company; especially through cpf) to the country. The gentleman needs to demonstrate he's a long term stayer, have investments in the banks here, and not just property ownership (China PRCs buy property here and elsewhere to flip them).
I wish the interview dove into that aspect more. He loves Singapore but how will he able to stay as he gets older (including retirement)? I’m surprised he doesn’t hold more resentment that he’s committed so much to the country only to be treated in such a way.
wow great to see Bill is doing great... we used to work in same company years back
Great episode 😊 absolutely strike the point on never chase the corporate dream
I live in Joo Chiat since day when I arrived 17 years ago - still love it for great “village” feeling, excellent location between centre,/changi/ecpark, food places, choice of shops and just walking around streets and old houses.
I have had a lot of fun in Singapore and was never bored with the place nor did I ever feel unsafe...
Where did you move from? America?
Yes, lots of great whore houses where girls get tested 2xs a week, i agree..Disagree on boredom..After hong kong singapore is a waste..
you should have stayed 2 weeks instead of 3 days.
Bill sounds like been there done that, he truly lives his life.
A fine and distinguished gentleman indeed.
I love his honest especially towards the end of the interview
I think I can learn more from this wise man , and am sure he got of story and experience to share , and also his financial advice , but too fast too short
Subcribed because of this interaction. Wonderfully done.
And bill is a gem.
Thanks Max, it’s so helpful and inspiring for this interview. So I think I made the right choice to quit my corporate job and star my own business in Singapore. Doing business here, it’s straightforward. Oh by the way, I m Thai 😊
Good for you! ♥️
What’s your business
@@jameshill8493 art 🖼
Great video...Mr Bill, living his dream what could be better? Nothing. Wishing you continued success, Bill.
"they don't make any more land"
except here in Singapore, they do make their own land, like the entire Marine Bay area, Changi, etc :)
Good video.
Haha! And the prices still skyrocketing😉
I used to live in marine parade, heavy rain made my high heel shoes heelless cs they were deep in soil -- it shows how fragile the man made "land" is!!...
Amazing interiew! I wanted this interview to last longer!
It was amazing to think that he's been there 40 years (!) and is at retirement age and has never been able to get Singapore PR. What is his plan for retirement when he wants to close the shop? This is one of the aspects of the expat life that scares me. You lay down roots in a place for years, but unless you get PR or citizenship, you run the risk of being exiled back to wherever you're a citizen, even if you haven't lived there for many many years. Losing those social and lifestyle habits you've grown over decades would be devastating.
I'm a little confused. 🤔Can you please tell me what "PR" stands for?
@@M139NG Permanent Residency. The right to live indefinitely in a country you're not a citizen of. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Permanent_residency
For a foreigner who has stayed in SG 🇸🇬 since 1989, I believe he didn't try hard enough seriously to get PR. Bill's background which is above average makes it difficult to believe.
Very interesting video and of course Singapore is a truly great place to live. With respect to work and business… I came to Vietnam in 1994 from NYC to work for a British conglomerate. Eventually they did not need me anymore but while working for a big company has its risks there is usually a generous compensation package together with weekends off, reasonable vacation time etc. I worked long enough with them to buy a few properties, save some money and retire in reasonable comfort here in Vietnam where I remain. I have witnessed some incredible individually owned business successes here but more failures than successes usually tied to not having sufficient experience in the business. I really do enjoy being in this part of the world!
This the best interview you can get from a wise man … lots of tips he told within a very short sentences.
he is like warren buffet + Sigmund Freud + wise man
I have watched a few of your other similar videos, and I find the duration of this video to be the best. Keep going, you are doing great.
Love your interviews Max! Thank You so much
🙏
Bill like your style and like your insight well done mate - you just landed a few gems of wisdom effortlessly - you earn a gentleman's respect
Such a shame, this guy has a great following and did a lot to promote Singapore. He should get a PR
Yes he is sincere to make SG as his home. ICA, give him a PR
@@choonhockong8215 as a Singaporean I honestly feel the govt just give pr or citizen as they like and not based on merit or how much these ppl can integrate in sg society. Not fair
True. Singapore is a very bad country
@@choonhockong8215 He is probably too old and has no university degree.
@@crystal8537just because the government gave more PR people to the types you don't like, doesn't mean it is not based on merit.
ما اجمل ان تساعد شخصا ليقف على رجليه في الحياة لوجه الله ..وجد ابني صعوبة في العمل في قطر لكن ما زلتُ اشجًعه على الكفاح في الحياة و المستقبل بيد الله عزّ و جلّ فلا جزع ابدا ..اراح الله باله و يسّر امره ..🤲🏼
Thank you very much for this insightful interview🙏🏽🙇🏻♀️❤ It is true while buying property before setting up business but i wonder whether can properties still be affordable because in today market, even developing countries such as Indonesia, property is longer affordable except public housing like flats with not much chances can get one too.
I completely agree about stop chasing corporate dream especially more fierce competition.
This Guy is so cool and so sharp, his advice is on point!
Bill is correct. S'pore has limited land for housing. Thus, property market is increasing even for the public housing. He is also Spot-On on mentioning there's nothing much to do here. Once again good video Max. 👍👍
Cool interview! Really liked the entrepreneurial and life perspectives
Just intrigued how there were many soundbites that really summarised how this gentleman felt, to use for the headlines in the thumbnail.
Gotta hand it to you for choosing ‘I regret it’.
Interesting, though I feel that summing up Canada as “cold, high taxes and there just isn’t many people” is perhaps selling it just a little short. It would be like summing up Singapore as “very hot, a tax haven and a one-party system with more limited rights and freedoms than in the West”.
Possibly, ofc this guys viewpoint is that he left for those reasons and didn't really stay lol.
more "limited" rights and freedoms, kinda contradicting himself. and he has no idea about freedom and rights being there.
He still kept his Canadian passport
Singapore is a fantastic place to live , very envious . When I retire I’d love to spend 3 months a year there as a UK citizen . The public 50m outdoor swimming pools are amazing and the climate is perfect for outdoor exercise . Wonderful place . Thanks , liked and subbed
Singapore government needs to give him a PR.
He can easily buy a Golden Visa but give up Canadian Residency
A great video and a superb summary of Singapore - I lived in Singapore for 5 years in Joo Chiat neighbourhood - I loved it....
This guy is extremely based, tells it exactly how it is without filters. I love what I've seen of Singapore, would love to visit one day.
I always enjoy visiting Singapore. I was there again for a week last September. I've been many, many times over the past 35 years. Each time I stay in a different area and discover something new. It's an ever changing city. It is 'Asia Lite' and very expensive compared to the rest of SE Asia, but it's fun, extremely easy to get around, has awesome food, lots of beautiful gardens ( the National Orchid Gardens being my favourite planned garden in the world) and is very safe.
Right there is always another side . One must see for themselves
he left out a lot
@@triarb5790 Well said! Sometimes things are exactly as they appear without much room for nuance.
And thats EXACTLY WHY he will never get PR.
Thank you for this post. I learnt a lot! Especially that part on Private Financiers!
Thanks Max for the awesome videos... please create more of such videos. Content to be steered towards life experience and advice. ❤
Will do!
You have a great interviewing style and there is some great insight here by Bill.
I was fortunate to live in Singapore from 2000 til 2021. Had to return to my home country for family reasons, but honestly can say after travelling and sown fairly lengthy stays in usa, Japan, Taiwan, China, Korea, Ireland, Singapore is the best country, period. Safe, realistic tax rates, stable gov not just in traditional sense but in it’s the same group since founding in power. I never once felt unsafe, police don’t muck about and deal with issues immediately and criminals get caught, why is urban hard elsewhere. I miss it terribly.
You can’t compare living and being a tourist with other countries. Maybe you work in SG but a tourist in the other countries you stated. So it’s not a valid point.
@@LordBagdanoff if you lived in Singapore you would understand the point.
@@NakaNakaDerkaDerka Japan is much safer 😂
@@LordBagdanoff jp is not so welcoming of foreigners and English is not the main language
@@LordBagdanoff Both countries are completely safe. You can't be safer than completely safe, so it's wrong to say that Japan is much safer.
Thank you for the great interview. Bill was very interesting and insightful, he should definitely write a book :) 😃😍😃
I was 18yrs old when I moved to Singapore, attending the College of Singapore. From 1990-1992 I also played basketball, representing Singapore in the Merlion Cup and playing in their pro league the SBA (Singapore Basketball Association) I can truly say I love Singapore, the different cultures, foods, people etc..
Did you swallow too?
Inspirational to watch as I am contemplating starting an export company soon. Thanks.
I LOVE Panama Hats !!! Singapore is definitely on my bucket list to visit.. A bit worried about her seemingly draconian laws but it works for her.
well, don't break any laws while you're there. I'm sure when you're visiting, you have no ill intentions. Then you'll be fine. Simply that.
@@cpcxgsr The challenge is Singapore's laws are known to be some of the strictest in the world especially when it comes to giving up civil liberties. I am not saying it is right or wrong. It's just different.
@@ptg01 I see nothing wrong with that. If you’re a law abiding citizen, why should you worry? Singapore has one of the best quality of life in the world. Why would you give that up?
@@ptg01 I'm from the US. Living in NYC. All US citizens can brag about how great the US is. Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.... That is in our national anthem. But I can also say, US right now is a disaster. Politics is crap. Criminals and felons are released back on the streets within 24hrs of committing a criminal offense.
homelessness us abundant. drug use is off the charts. Business owners are closing up shop, because police won't do their jobs.
crackheads would pee and shit right in front of you... And you ask, why not live in Singapore and give up some civil rights? I'll do it in a heartbeat
@@cpcxgsr And suckers paying 5000 US per month rent for 1 BR to live in NYC to be around all that.
Bro this dude has solid life advice. Really a cool person. Thats how you live a life.
As a foreigner, there is no disadvantage holding an Employment Pass (EP) as compared to a PR. ONLY makes a difference if you are planning to buy a property.
Makes a difference if you’re intending to go to local schools/hospitals.
@@behindthatmaskalso if you want to live there and not work and so that when you are working you will receive the benefit of cpf.
And as many found out during the pandemic, it matters whether you have a PR in times of crisis.
For someone who has been here since 19-89, who can enjoy alots of incentives like paying local medical bills & getting preferential treatment for buying local flats as a PR, wouldn't if U were Bill want to apply for PR trying your Best?
This man is cool 😊 thanks for the interview ❤
The interview is too short, Max. :) But it's a great one. Keep going!
haha next time longer!
I lived at the Phoenix Hotel for a couple of months in 1985, those were some great times.
What an interesting gentleman. While this video is short, there's so much wisdom you could learn from him that i wished you had made it a bit longer. Great interview regardless!
Just bought my first Panama hat from him…..amazing quality
7:20 financial advice
7:31 investment advice
7:49 career to avoid
This was a fantastic interview. Great interview and great interviewee.
total respect for this man. Great advice and very well spoken. To leave Canada at 21 took guts. People tend to get bogged down by comfort and family when young. Its a big mistake. I left Canada a bit later at 26, made my fortune overseas and came back to Canada 20 years later to educate my kids. ill leave Canada as soon as the youngest is out of the house and settle somewhere warmer. Point is, dont be afraid to leave the nest young. Its very easy to learn a new language.
Nice. What business did you get involved in?
I'd say don't be afraid to leave a place older.
In my younger years I'd just pick a country and go settle there. I accepted inconvenience and suffering for awhile as part of the process. Now I'm approaching my late thirties, settled in well in this country but I hate it here and I am desperate to move on but the comfort of having stable work and a home and having mastered the language has got a choke hold on me.
The thought of starting again fills me with dread but I know I cannot make a meaningful life here. I am currently in search of a place to call home. My feet are itching for a new adventure, my heart is longing for it but my mind is telling me to shut up and accept this mediocrity and so far it's winning.
If he's 65 in 2023, he was 31 in 1989.
@@kaiserchief9319 you're getting older and traveling is harder. The heart is there but the body is not fully engaged. Father use to say if you want to travel, do it when you're younger because you're not going to want to do it when you're older. Found that to be more and more true the older I get..I feel the way you do but also feel stuck and ossified.
Many folk think they’ll earn a bit of cash and travel later in life with a bit of comfort, but that’s not optimal. Meeting people gets harder as you get older. And half the fun of travel is meeting people!
Great guy, easy to talk to and just chat. Have several of his hats👍
07:21 Bank financial advisors, they're all crooks😄😄 remind me in 2008 event
Very true...they approach you for commissions rather than helping you out financially, which they don't really care..
Great video. Bill is intelligent and seems as if he has this life figured out on a few levels.