In Singapore the People Are Not What You Expect - A Foreigner Shares His Experience!

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 ก.พ. 2025

ความคิดเห็น • 79

  • @angps9952
    @angps9952 7 วันที่ผ่านมา +66

    Generally Singaporean’s are friendly people, but don’t be fooled by the hearsay as you must understand we have 2+ million of foreigners working here from all over the world, so next time when you encountered some rude people, try to differentiate which country they’re from in order to have a fair judgement

    • @cwxgamingchannel8661
      @cwxgamingchannel8661 6 วันที่ผ่านมา +3

      I am a Singaporean. I go anywhere i help anyone. Teenagers to elderly. Helping those are not from Singapore. Can't find place. I help them with GPS sometimes even bring them there. Helping to hold the door. Helping to carry heavy stuffs for people. Life is a cycle. You judge people. You are not perfect either. So don't judge.

    • @mono9196
      @mono9196 6 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      as a singaporean, i cant help but hearing this "if it's bad , trust us, it not us. it must be someone from another country" thingy singaporeans like to spout. honestly our people also quite rude lor

    • @FlyMikey
      @FlyMikey 6 วันที่ผ่านมา

      The foreigner that come n stay in singapore ..they are mostly the one that spoil the reputation of our pure singaporean...those idiotic foreigner are not born n breed here...come n get citizenship but claim they are singaporean....DO WE REALLY NEED THEM HERE?

  • @ragsoh
    @ragsoh 7 วันที่ผ่านมา +34

    Singaporeans are very willing to help if you need it. If you strike a conversation, we will gladly respond. If you find a group of people talking loudly in the bus or trains, you can almost be certain they are NOT Singaporeans. 4 out of every 10 people here are foreigners. This is not to say that Singaporeans are all very quiet. There will always be exceptions. As a Singaporean, I value quietness and orderliness. I cannot understand people who talk or Facetime LOUDLY in public transports.

    • @explorewithkojo
      @explorewithkojo  7 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      Totally get what you mean! Based on what I've noticed, Singaporeans tend to have that calm and orderly vibe, and I think it's very cool. And the loud FaceTiming on public transport though-yep, that’s a universal pet peeve! Thanks for contributing to the discussion (:

  • @tanalvin8398
    @tanalvin8398 5 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

    Thanks for your video. We are very focused people in life. We open and willing to share whenever someone needs help or needs someone to talk to

  • @Silkstuy
    @Silkstuy 4 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    Singapore has always been that way and we love it. We can be alone in our own world in public and we can also be friendly. Not that hard to break the ice and get chatty with a random guy, and not that hard to stare out into the oblivion thinking about what to eat later.

  • @BenjaminElijah-yq2wx
    @BenjaminElijah-yq2wx 7 วันที่ผ่านมา +14

    Singaporean here.. I think I can answer why we are so reserved in talking to a total stranger.
    When someone talks to us, our first reaction is "what's the REASON he/she is talking to me?" if you're lost or you need any information, we'll gladly give you the help.
    We are not in a culture to have a casual chat.. It is weird

    • @explorewithkojo
      @explorewithkojo  7 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

      I totally get what you say. It’s not about being unfriendly but more about the “why” behind the interaction. I understand that that casual chit-chat can feel out of place in some cultures. Appreciate the insight-it’s super helpful! 😊

  • @cheriebrooks3565
    @cheriebrooks3565 6 วันที่ผ่านมา +3

    Generally, Singaporeans are polite, courteous and helpful.
    There are exceptions. During times when I have been on an empty train, occasionally I have observed some people talking loudly to one another even though they are within a one (1) metre diameter circle (it's not like it's crowded that one needs to raise one's voice to be heard. There were those who played music loudly on their smartphone (crowd or no crowd). There are young people who occupy "seats reserved for elderly folks, pregnant women, people with disabilities" pretending not to see, sleeping (?) or busy with their handphones. This is not exclusive in Singapore, it happens in other countries, too. A Chinese saying, "one type of rice feeds one hundred types of people".

  • @诚聘板主
    @诚聘板主 6 วันที่ผ่านมา +6

    Singapore's population, as of June 2023, is approximately over 5.91 million, a large portion of which are not permanent residents; of the total population of 5.91 million in 2023, the permanent population (citizens and permanent residents) accounts for 4.15 million.
    The non-resident population of foreign nationals reached 1.76 million
    Nearly one-third of Singapore's population is foreign. So you have a one-third chance of meeting a foreigner.😀

    • @explorewithkojo
      @explorewithkojo  6 วันที่ผ่านมา +3

      Wow, one-third chance of meeting a foreigner!? That explains why every interaction feels so unique. Thanks for sharing this fun fact! 😄

    • @jn8122
      @jn8122 5 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      @@explorewithkojoyes . And if
      You go beaches or even non tourist attraction most of the time you will see foreigners you may even barely see a 100 singaporean if you see group of people blasting their speaker drunk in the public most are not singaporean . Even public housing a lot are foreigners from china or malaysia . Sometimes we singaporean almost thought we are the foreigner 😂

  • @fungmeiho2976
    @fungmeiho2976 5 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

    Welcome to our little sunny island set in the sea!😊
    We're very friendly and helpful people. Used to be, I must say. Nowadays we're much guarded and reserved. This is after getting scolded from ungrateful people.😅 But once you ask for help, we're always ready!😅
    You're the first one who finds the MRT ride quiet😅
    I've just been saying nowadays it's so noisy that I hope we can learn from the Japanese to refrain from using our mobiles while riding public transport.

  • @katetham8011
    @katetham8011 6 วันที่ผ่านมา +6

    In general, singaporean doesn’t engage in small talk with strangers unless if that person need or ask for help. I don’t appreciate people talking out loudly or blasting the speaker of their handphone in the train too. This is a kind of noise disturbance to others. Some people might have a rough day and like to have a quiet time travelling home. We never know right? Singaporeans are not rude but if other thinks we are, I wouldn’t try to change their opinions too. 😊

  • @TheSingingCicada
    @TheSingingCicada 6 วันที่ผ่านมา +4

    I think you got it right. I agree most Singaporeans are generally reserved, but not cold. If we are perceived as arrogant based on that, it would be wrong. There is no perfect time to visit Singapore as the weather is almost the same, only the monsoon season. Sometimes it is almost a month, a week, just a few days or it may not happen at all, Just check the forecast before you visit.

    • @explorewithkojo
      @explorewithkojo  6 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Thanks a lot for sharing this! Really appreciate the insight. It helps me to understand Singapore a bit more. Glad you took the time to comment, means a lot!

  • @RahimRahmat
    @RahimRahmat 7 วันที่ผ่านมา +7

    Ah!! Let me put it this way - we do not like land pollution, we do not like air pollution, we do not like water pollution, and so..... we do not like noise pollution 😛
    On a (very) slightly more serious note, if you want more social interactions in Singapore, you could take part in the more social activities that are held in places like the community clubs. You will see a very typical pattern occur - nobody initially communicates with people they do not know at first but as you become a more familiar face over time, that could change really quickly. In other words, the key difference is time - we take a bit of time for us to warm up to people. It's a practical approach to survival, if you think about it.

  • @josephyeo6966
    @josephyeo6966 6 วันที่ผ่านมา +3

    Quiteness and silence is a polite and cultured way to behave in public spaces. You cannot compare these behaviours to a different country with different cultural expectations. As an ex-SG, I would say we do not like loud people with loud gadgets in public or anywhere for that matter. Being friendly is best expressed in actions, like smiling or a nod, rather than words.

    • @explorewithkojo
      @explorewithkojo  6 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      Hmmm... that's an interesting point of view. Thanks for sharing it here.

  • @summerapple7062
    @summerapple7062 7 วันที่ผ่านมา +13

    Countries like Singapore and Japan will not be an ideal place for you. In Singapore, we enjoyed our quiet ‘me’ time and do not like the ride home to be like a fish market especially after a long day of work in the office. Maybe you should try China where you can expect noise everywhere you go

  • @nybelleo
    @nybelleo 7 วันที่ผ่านมา +23

    Yes, we do not like small talk, and we love our peaceful ride in public transport. We are not unfriendly, but that is just what we are.
    But if any foreigners/ people ask for directions or questions, we gladly assist or help you.
    We love foreigners who love our country. You are always welcome here.

    • @explorewithkojo
      @explorewithkojo  7 วันที่ผ่านมา +6

      Based on my experience, I think the average Singaporean might seem reserved from afar. However, they're super friendly when you get to know them. And regarding the peaceful ride, I think I can understand the importance of that.

    • @jeremiahong248
      @jeremiahong248 7 วันที่ผ่านมา

      ​@explorewithkojo Singaporeans are Asians. We are reserved by nature. We dont engage in small talks as we respect the privacy of others and our own. But if you have a need, we will gladly help.

  • @JenHope118
    @JenHope118 7 วันที่ผ่านมา +7

    The First World countries people have similar characteristics of keeping to themselves, minding their own business, they value your privacy.. unless some one is in need of help they will not interfere. Being a world traveller, I find this behaviour to be present in almost all the first world countries...especially so with the French and the British.

    • @RuslanAbdulRashid
      @RuslanAbdulRashid 7 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      Well said!..

    • @explorewithkojo
      @explorewithkojo  6 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

      You’re right! It probably has a lot to do with the stress and constant pressure that comes with living in first-world countries-people are often so focused on their own challenges. In contrast, in many poorer parts of the world, life moves at a slower pace, and there isn’t that same level of pressure, which leaves people with more time to connect, interact, and just enjoy conversations with others.

    • @theWatchowskiBrosNowSis
      @theWatchowskiBrosNowSis 6 วันที่ผ่านมา

      @@explorewithkojoThink you’re spot on about this.

  • @cwxgamingchannel8661
    @cwxgamingchannel8661 6 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

    I am a Singaporean. I go anywhere i help anyone. Teenagers to elderly. Helping those are not from Singapore. Can't find place. I help them with GPS sometimes even bring them there. Helping to hold the door. Helping to carry heavy stuffs for people. Life is a cycle. You judge people. You are not perfect either. So don't judge

    • @explorewithkojo
      @explorewithkojo  6 วันที่ผ่านมา

      That's very nice of you. And I totally agree with what you say about trying our best not to judge anyone. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us.

  • @RaDiCSpHeRe
    @RaDiCSpHeRe 7 วันที่ผ่านมา +3

    Well, if you go to touristy places, most of the time they are foreigners.
    I would like to think us SG folks are friendly and helpful, but obviously i I can't speak for all of us.
    Personally I might not go out of the way to help you, but I would try to help you along the way if you ask. 9:30
    Most SG folks are not kaipo enough to disturb you unless they karen equivalent.
    So if you dont ask for help, they most likely you ain't getting any.

    • @explorewithkojo
      @explorewithkojo  7 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      Haha, thanks for the honest breakdown! I totally get it-Singaporeans are generally chill unless there's a reason to jump in. And yeah, asking for help seems to be the magic key! Appreciate you sharing your perspective-it’s always cool to hear it straight from someone who lives there. 😊

  • @JackiMathn
    @JackiMathn 7 วันที่ผ่านมา +3

    It may be true because we have many experts and numerous individuals who become Singaporean citizens yet continue to exhibit their original behaviours.

  • @N16Ken
    @N16Ken 7 วันที่ผ่านมา +3

    Why would you put a pic of your clip with a Singapore🇸🇬 and with a title "They're rude?" Click bait title? LOL
    I know its not a negative clip of Singapore, but one look at your clip title and any sensitive person will think its a negative video.
    "In Singapore, people are not what you expect..." what WHO expects? Just as many stereotypes thinks Africa is a country insteat of a continent. Africa is mostly a land of elephants and lions etc... If you are a black African you are most probably a bad person from Nigeria... no offense... i think Africa is one of the most misunderstood places on earth and all along western media has depicted it in negative light. We need more positive African videos on you-tube.

    • @explorewithkojo
      @explorewithkojo  7 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

      Hey @N16Ken, thanks for sharing your perspective! I get where you're coming from about the title and image-it’s definitely not meant to be negative or clickbait. I just wanted to spark curiosity and start a conversation about experiences as a foreigner in Singapore.
      And you're absolutely right-Africa is so much more than the stereotypes! It’s such a diverse and vibrant continent, and I totally agree that we need more content showcasing the positive and real stories. Appreciate your feedback! 😊

  • @___Danny___
    @___Danny___ 7 วันที่ผ่านมา +3

    We greet neighbours and friends and colleagues, not some strangers on the mrt. Just go to your neighbourhood kopitiam and look around, local normally socialise at these sort of places.

    • @explorewithkojo
      @explorewithkojo  7 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Fair point! It’s true that MRT isn’t exactly the place for making friends. I’ll definitely check out a kopitiam next time-seems like that’s where the real vibes are. Thanks for the tip! 😊

    • @___Danny___
      @___Danny___ 6 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

      @ depends on your neighbourhood , some estate like mine have alot of expats , so its not common to see some foreigners sharing table with locals over a beer or coffee , whereas elsewhere locals most will just smile or nod their head that all, small chats still have to be at least between acquaintances. Disregard of nationality, people don’t like rowdy or loud drinkers , just take note of that.

    • @___Danny___
      @___Danny___ 6 วันที่ผ่านมา

      May i suggest another location, Community Center aka CC , that where we bump into neighbours or get to know new friends , IE that will depend on your hobby’s group.

  • @tohcj4761
    @tohcj4761 5 วันที่ผ่านมา

    The people are educated and rich.jiang said quietly make big money.

  • @goabaridreamer6659
    @goabaridreamer6659 7 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

    Absolute silence on a FULL public transport is VERY BRITISH! 😂. I was on a he train last night on a FULL train and there was COMPLETE SILENCE. A blind person could possibly think the cabin was empty!!! 😂😂

    • @explorewithkojo
      @explorewithkojo  7 วันที่ผ่านมา

      That's very interesting. Where I come from, such silence on a full public transport would never exist LOL.

  • @yutakago1736
    @yutakago1736 7 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

    There is a saying "Time is money". Small talk is not cheap especially those people with high wages. Time wasted in small talk can be used more efficiently. Normally those people who engage in small talk want to sell you something so they need to break the ice.

    • @explorewithkojo
      @explorewithkojo  7 วันที่ผ่านมา

      That’s an interesting point, but it makes me wonder-if we’re always so focused on efficiency and productivity, where does that leave the little joys in life? Isn’t connecting with others, even through small talk, part of what makes life meaningful? If we can’t make time for these little moments, what’s it all really for? 🤔

  • @MightyPooPSTEAM
    @MightyPooPSTEAM 7 วันที่ผ่านมา +4

    It is not in Singaporean culture to randomly strike up conversations while on the move.

    • @explorewithkojo
      @explorewithkojo  7 วันที่ผ่านมา

      You're right. That was actually one of the first things I noticed upon coming here.

  • @MyHanck
    @MyHanck 7 วันที่ผ่านมา +4

    Though we don’t generalize, but typically when the mind is occupied, it is a sign of a deeper problem: an inability to treat life as a gift but treat life as a commodity or an advantage to be gained. That creates a whole new different way of looking at things.

    • @explorewithkojo
      @explorewithkojo  6 วันที่ผ่านมา

      You really make a strong point here. Sometimes we get so caught up in chasing goals or ticking boxes that we forget to actually live and appreciate the small, beautiful things around us. Life isn’t just about getting ahead, right? It’s also about those little moments that make it all worth it.

    • @porpoisesg
      @porpoisesg 6 วันที่ผ่านมา

      @@explorewithkojo in sg. can we afford that? thoese little moments? we have no resourses nothing but people that work hard to survive. slack a little and sg. won''t progress.

  • @mono9196
    @mono9196 6 วันที่ผ่านมา +3

    As a singaporean, if i can confess, i really love African accents. if you approached me, i think our conversation wont stop cos i'll get you to keep talking.

    • @explorewithkojo
      @explorewithkojo  6 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

      Thank you so much (: I love SG and its people too ❣️

  • @Sh0wx
    @Sh0wx 6 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    Japan public spaces are also quiet.

    • @explorewithkojo
      @explorewithkojo  6 วันที่ผ่านมา

      I really hope to visit Japan one of these days (:

  • @ganhaithong2097
    @ganhaithong2097 5 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    🤔Those people walking on streets not all are Singaporeans.😅

  • @Chocolaté-n3s
    @Chocolaté-n3s 5 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    Good report. Can you recommend a cheap hotel or furnished apartment please. I would like to come as a tourist in March for the ship fair. Thank you

    • @noorirwan686
      @noorirwan686 5 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Anywhere near Geylang Lorongs.. ($50-100) but 2stars

  • @cr6585
    @cr6585 7 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    generally singaporeans r friendly and will help you, but you might encounter some rude and selfish ppl on the streets like not in popular places, instead in the normal HDB estates or hawker centres. Or people might be from foreign countries :)

  • @tancolvis5240
    @tancolvis5240 4 วันที่ผ่านมา

    each person hv their own things so why should we open up we mine our own things unless u need help u just ask or seek help

  • @joet4436
    @joet4436 7 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    the controversy aside, your korean blind looks very nice. give me a like if you think so too.

  • @Khabib9-z8w
    @Khabib9-z8w 7 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

    They say even the Japanese are super introvert,they have a bar for 1 person sit,they wana be alone,

    • @explorewithkojo
      @explorewithkojo  7 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Haha, yeah, I've heard about those one-person bars in Japan too! It's such an interesting concept, right? I guess it's perfect for introverts or people who just want some quiet time. Every culture has its own quirks, and that's what makes traveling so fascinating! 😄

    • @Khabib9-z8w
      @Khabib9-z8w 6 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      @ they also have like young teens who just lock themself in their room for years,scary and sad,when the parents ask them to go out they become violent,very sad like they have given up, 😢 which part of Africa you from

    • @explorewithkojo
      @explorewithkojo  6 วันที่ผ่านมา

      @@Khabib9-z8w that's very, very sad to hear. I'm from Ghana, which is located in the western part of Africa.

    • @Khabib9-z8w
      @Khabib9-z8w 6 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      @@explorewithkojo cool welcome to sg 🇸🇬

    • @explorewithkojo
      @explorewithkojo  6 วันที่ผ่านมา

      @Khabib9-z8w thank you so much

  • @chankhuilau6820
    @chankhuilau6820 6 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Let me be very honest with you. We are basically very inward looking. We mind our own business and expect others to do so likewise. We do judge people base on looks. We are particularly careful with Africans or dark skin people because we heard of a lot of scams from Nigerians, and we can’t tell Africans apart. Thus, we look at what you wear and the way you speak. If you speak politely and start a conversation we will respond. But never try to sell anything, change money or borrow the phone, you would get rejected and seen to be trying to scam. All these not because Singaporean are unfriendly but because we have too much media info of scams around that make us very edgy. And don’t do anything that erk us such as in the beginning of your video, opening a wet umbrella within shopping mall, or putting a bag in the seat next to you. Do look around and discover the acceptable norms as you walk.

  • @tictochelvetica5517
    @tictochelvetica5517 4 วันที่ผ่านมา

    I miss our old singapore more vibrant. so many foreigners and many hv become sgans. No offence, mate!

  • @landebadalge2641
    @landebadalge2641 7 วันที่ผ่านมา +3

    We are generally the 'Do Not Disturb' lot.
    A result of living in tiny high-rise apartments, stress & the worry of ridiculous Rising Cost of Living.!

    • @explorewithkojo
      @explorewithkojo  6 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Life in high-rise apartments with all the stress and rising costs definitely adds a layer of pressure. It’s not hard to see how that could shape the way people prefer to keep to themselves. Sometimes, it's just about finding small ways to escape the chaos.

  • @peterang3952
    @peterang3952 5 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Ask anyone to compare between Africa n Singapore...you will know..hahaha

  • @Terry-f6n
    @Terry-f6n 7 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    Especially Permanent Residents (P.R.) have some bad attitude & some S'porean also la ok nobody is perfect LA okay 😂😂😂😂

    • @explorewithkojo
      @explorewithkojo  7 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Hmmm... very interesting observation.