Known for efficiency and order, Singapore has earned a reputation for its meticulous, rule-abiding culture.
But even with their straight-laced image, Singaporeans have some unusual everyday quirks that make their Batam and Johor Bahru neighbours scratch their heads.
1. The Unending Love for Queues
The Unending Love for Queues. Photo: Wordpress
Singaporeans seem to make queues into an art form, lining up for anything from the latest iPhone releases, concerts tickets launches, bubble tea craze to limited-edition collectibles. It’s like an everyday amusement park ride!
2. Kiasu, the National Sport
Kiasu, the National Sport. Photo: Pictr.com
The word ‘kiasu‘ (afraid to lose) is not just a term; it’s a way of life. From kids rushing to board the bus, to aunties running to grab a great bargain at the supermarket: Singaporeans have masterfully demonstrate the art of being ‘kiasu‘ in amazing speed and style.
3. Speaking “Singlish“
Speaking “Singlish“. Photo: aws.amazon.com
Combining English with Chinese, Malay and Tamil phrases in one sentence is the hallmark of uniquely Singaporean English. We find this relentless use of colloquial speech even at work situations with foreigners rather bizarre, especially when you guys are supposedly an international city.
4. Good Morning, Sir! Time for Reservist
Good Morning, Sir! Time for Reservist. Photo: The Straits Times
No matter the hour or day, you’ll find plenty of out of shape, old Singaporean men suited up in camouflage and military gear in public trains, buses or kopitiams for their national reservist duties, causing Batam and Johor Bahru friends to question whether it’s a 24/7 standby for war. Quite scary.
5. Chewing Gum Conundrum
Chewing Gum Conundrum. Photo: Wordpress
Singapore’s strict laws against chewing gum leave their neighbours bemused. They’ve got ‘Gum Control’ while Batam and Johor Bahru folks happily chew away.
6. Drinking Bubble Tea
Drinking Bubble Tea. Photo: Wordpress
While locals enjoy traditional Kopi, Singaporeans are obsessed with creative bubble tea flavours. Their sugar-loaded tea additions like pearls seem peculiar, especially when you also spend millions to fight diabetes nationwide with propaganda.
7. The MRT Rush
The MRT Rush. Photo: mothership.sg
Singaporeans navigate the MRT like a well-choreographed dance routine. To their neighbours, it’s a breathtaking spectacle of precision and coordination. One wrong step by us, foreign blur sotongs will be met with a loud, sharp and assertive “Tsk”, combined with a deadly ice cold stare.
8. Reserving Public Spaces
Reserving Public Spaces. Photo: Jolly Good Times
From tissue packets to water bottles, security access passes, and some even their electronic gadgets, Singaporeans “chope” (reserve) spaces everywhere. And we think you want to give away tissues to help us deal with the heat!
Singapore’s daily quirks are as fascinating as they are bewildering, leaving their neighbours in Batam and Johor Bahru amused and occasionally scratching their heads.
These endearing habits are a testament to Singapore’s unique culture and way of life. And as the world keeps turning, one thing is for sure – our Singaporean friends will continue to keep us entertained with their everyday antics.
