http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/forum/story/0,4386,197070-1056837540,00.html?
Straits Times Forum, June 28 2003
Are Singaporeans a cold lot?
YES
I WAS not surprised to read in The Sunday Times ('Singapore,
unfriendly?'; June 22) that in a survey of 23 countries Singapore
rated third from the bottom when it came to helping others in the
street.
What disturbed me a little was the attempt to counter this by
giving the views of two foreigners who made comparisons with cities
like New York and gave Singapore the thumbs up.
As an Australian who has lived here for over six years, when asked
what I miss most about home, without hesitation the answer that
always comes to mind is 'the friendliness of the people'.
I don't agree with the views of the two interviewees who espoused
the friendliness of Singaporeans. Yes, there are some very good
people here and I have some great Singaporean friends and
colleagues but, as a populace, general civility is sadly
lacking.
So why am I still here? Sure, Singapore has a lot to offer and is a
challenging city in which to work. Yes, it's clean, safe, the
income tax is low and so on, but what really makes a country is its
people, and Singaporeans need to wake up to the fact that basic
courtesy is easy to practise and makes for a far happier
society.
What frustrates and saddens me on a daily basis is that when I take
an escalator, nine times out of 10, Singaporeans will stand side by
side, denying me of my option to walk rather than stand.
When shopping or dining out, I can expect poor service as the norm;
when alighting from a train, Singaporeans will try to push their
way in before I can get out; when I hold a door open, a Singaporean
will walk through but will rarely say thank you and will leave the
door to slam in the face of the next person.
At a taxi stand, when I am about to get into a cab, the alighting
passenger will slam the door for me to reopen.
I have had to call the police to settle a dispute with a neighbour
who continued to create noise disturbance every night despite my
polite pleas for his consideration of others' need for sleep.
When driving and I indicate my desire to change lanes, a
Singaporean driver will speed up to ensure I don't get in front of
him.
When I withdraw money at an ATM, a Singaporean behind me will peer
over my shoulder.
When selecting my lunch at the local hawker centre, a Singaporean
will start to bark his order to the vendor.
Many foreigners I know have cut short their contracts and returned
home because they can no longer stomach the ungracious
Singaporean.
Come on, Singapore, it isn't so difficult to be courteous. The
world will thank and respect you for it.
ERNIE BENSON
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HAVING lived in Singapore for 1 1/2 years now, I was surprised to
learn the Lion City ranks third among the world's least friendly
cities. It should have ranked No. 1. When it comes to common
courtesy, manners and graciousness, Singapore takes home the booby
prize.
Take my ride on the MRT from Buona Vista to Tanjong Pagar on
Tuesday morning. My pregnant state, coupled with the lurches of the
train, threw me off balance not once but twice.
Four weeks from delivering a baby and nobody offered me his seat -
not the teenager who pretended to be engrossed in an SMS session,
nor the businessman who quickly looked away from my imploring
eyes.
It was not an isolated incident. I ride the MRTto and from work
every day and am constantlyamazed at Singaporeans' lack of
compassion towards pregnant women, women carrying children or the
elderly.
GENEVIEVE PRIEST (MRS)
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NO
AT ABOUT 10.30 last Friday morning, I took a taxi from my
condominium on Upper Thomson Road to Mount Elizabeth Medical
Centre, and inadvertently left a briefcase in it. I had a medical
appointment and was able to report the loss only after returning
home at about 12.30.
When I telephoned the Lakeview Radio Taxi Service, the despatcher
knew immediately what I was talking about. She told me the driver
had already turned in the brief case, which contained a book I had
on loan - the loss of which would have been most embarrassing - as
well as several important medical prescriptions.
We arranged that the driver would take the case to my home, and he
arrived within half an hour. He had come some distance, but refused
to be paid for the trip, saying he had not put down his meter (I
had to insist on showing my appreciation).
I would like to thank the Lakeview Radio Taxi Service and the
driver of cab SHB 1410 M for their very friendly, helpful and
efficient cooperation. I shan't forget it in a hurry.
It was typical of the best side of Singaporeans, and explains why
it is a pleasure for a foreigner to live here. The survey published
recently in The Straits Times that put Singapore almost bottom of
the list of countries ranked according to the friendliness of their
citizens was, of course, so much bunkum.
DENNIS BLOODWORTH
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I ARRIVED in Singapore eight years ago with a dream, a borrowed
laptop and two suitcases.
I survived a currency crisis, Sept 11, the Internet bubble and the
severe acute respiratory syndrome. The business conditions and
living environment here have enabled me to concentrate on building
my public relations consultancy, which now serves clients like
Datacraft Asia, Philips and NortelNetworks. I don't know if I could
have done this anywhere else in Asia.
Over eight long and sometimes-lucky years, Singapore has been a
safe harbour from which to build a business and a wonderful social
life. I want to say 'Xie Xie' to all the friends, staff, suppliers
and clients who have made Singapore my home.
JIM JAMES
