Young bus drivers in Singapore on their seemingly "uncle" job

They sometimes get called "Uncle" but they're 30 years old or younger. Bus drivers as young as 21 years old tell CNA why they chose this career and how it has evolved over time. cna.asia/3VQSSHh
Subscribe to our channel here: cna.asia/youtu...
Subscribe to our news service on Telegram: cna.asia/telegram
Follow us:
CNA: cna.asia
CNA Lifestyle: www.cnalifestyl...
Facebook: / channelnewsasia
Instagram: / channelnewsasia
Twitter: / channelnewsasia
TikTok: / channelnewsasia

[@mehhhh5588]

Respect to all bus drivers regardless of age! How others chose to live their life is not a crime nor deserved to be judged jus because it's different from the mainstream.

[@zafstransportation]

As a bus enthusiast, I agree with the comment.

[@ndorobei4391]

👍👍

[@Hiswh3i89]

Naz used to be in smrt

[@jmjt3709]

Real work, honest work. I take public transport everyday, so I appreciate it. Thank you.

[@WeirdTunes]

Lots of respect to these guys! Bus driver of 26 years old myself, started at 21, in The Netherlands. A very rewarding job if you are up for the irregular hours and workdays. Pay is pretty good as well.

[@WeirdTunes]

Oh yes and the average age of drivers here is 52 years old as well haha..

[@1996fanclub]

Totally agree. I started driving buses at 20 in New Zealand, now I'm 27 and working behind the scenes of the buses to keep everything running smoothly.

[@thesunproperties9865]

Interested

[@joee2743]

Thanks for keeping SG moving. Jia You

[@haziqaminuddin2979]

Typical shallow minded people..they are passionate and they love what they are doing..what makes you think everyone wants to be a lawyer doctor etc. success is subjective

[@whatevers9055]

They sound nicer and happier than young ppl in corporate jobs, for sure

[@tansengchye6718]

职业不分老少，只要符合条件每个年轻人都可以参加工作，並且还能增加驾驶智识，何乐而不为。。。

[@i_eat_bus]

A&S keep it up Naz and your team!

[@paoloviloria1]

I find that there is a certain Zen experience when driving on nice roads with tolerable-to-very-minimal traffic, and you are fully focused on what you are doing. And SG is one of the best places in the world to be driving around in. These guys enjoy what they do, and it shows. 😊

[@baboey2020]

Just Reminders: “There is a limit for cars in the road in Singapore”

[@Teo-wb9yp]

Bus captain is alternative career to food delivery freelancing.

[@Bu5es]

It takes around 4 years to get Class 4 in order to drive these busses...If there is no passion, there would not be the dedication to give 4 years of your time just to drive a bus or truck.

[@nlpnt]

Not all that unusual in the US either. Of course most people here start driving cars at 16 (15 for a learner's permit) so they're somewhat experienced drivers by the time of starting to drive a city bus at 21.

[@vincentchua5194]

It's not only in Singapore

[@ProAd3nPlayz]

Singapore and Probably Malaysia

[@yrugeh]

Bus driver and security is seemingly an uncle job to people here.

[@1ZZFE]

It is a great job compared to many out there.

[@randomcatontheinternet2771]

I don't really mind having a person twice my age call me uncle

[@ttkoh123]

Maybe the ruling party thinks that this is something to be proud of for our locals?

[@madhatterwonderland4834]

This is so normal. Go to any country and you witness it yourself. Apparently only Singaporean now realise it's time to teach your own citizens how to be a bus driver.

[@umeshutan6959]

We need to pay them well. It is a critical job. And pls dont say the job have no future.

[@kjb1611tw]

Really Godly vedio 👍👍👍

[@TMM-N]

Living wage for them The job might be fulfilling but they need to have a piece of mind financially that they are ok

[@komyo9827]

Now know handson job

[@abenalif2147]

Kinda interesting, and if you are very fond of say travelling or just seeing the scenery you would much more enjoy it, rather than be working long hours on a small office desk not having any view

[@ProAd3nPlayz]

I Wish Heejin Was in A&S transit.He will be like yes.

[@leewn2319]

👍👍👏👏

[@Wat5163]

Naz

[@keithsy75]

A transit worker is respected in those places, unlike the US and Canada.

[@ihavedepression8627]

OMG ITS NAZ

[@yerejun]

I’m just a regular commuter but I recognise that Bus drivers are one of the most Crucial people around in Sg. Without them, none of us can can basically get around anywhere, see if you can get to work or go shopping with ease. Be kind, respectful and grateful to them for picking this job. Say hello to them next time you board a bus 😊

[@boratsagdiyev522]

Yes, public workers need more pay aswell.

[@davidnhc]

Am encouraged to see young man working and serving in this area. Is an honest living ……

[@SynaPRIMA.R.M.Y]

I’m 24 and working as a stall holder in a primary school canteen. 🙋🏻‍♀️😆 Only until early this year, I’ve always viewed it as a job for the aunties and uncles, but after helping out my aunt in her stall for a few months, I grew to enjoy the job very much. Serving adorable kids in the morning gives you so much pleasure to come to work and cook nice food for them. I quitted my job as a waitress and opened up my own stall with a friend of mine. It has been a great adventure. Though income wise we’re still struggling but we have such a great time at work every time. No more being a company slave. No more superiors telling you what to do. No more toxic working environment. Life is good like this. ☺️✨ And yes they call me aunty everyday. 😅

[@gavinlew8273]

Kids shouldn't be calling you aunty! I guess it's very uncommon for a young person to be a store helper. So the kids don't know any better ways to address you. I think primary schools need to educate kids on how to properly address other people with a simple "Hello" or "Hi" instead of name calling like "Uncle" or "Aunty".

[@speedbirdconcorde001]

@@gavinlew8273 Yea exactly, schools should be teaching them to address someone as "Sir" or "Ma'am" instead

[@blokeabouttown2490]

That sounds great that you found a role that is more personally fulfilling. It sounds interesting that individuals can open their own food stalls within primary schools in Singapore. Here in Australia the operation of school canteens is usually contracted out to a large catering corporation. What type of food items do you prepare and sell at your stall?

[@SynaPRIMA.R.M.Y]

@@blokeabouttown2490 Yes, that’s how it is in a government school in Singapore. Since we are a multiracial country, we need to cater to the dietary needs of the citizens. That is why in schools we need to have a variety of options for the different ethnic and religious backgrounds of our students. If it’s by a single catering company, it’s tough to come up with variations while also having to cater to the dietary needs of different students. So there will be Chinese stalls usually two, one selling rice and the other noodles. There are also Malay stalls that caters for the Muslims. There are Indian stalls which mostly caters for the Hindus and also Vegetarians, and most of the time they’re Halal as well. There are the drinks and snacks stall. Lastly there will be Western Cuisine stall, like mine. Depending on who the stall owner is, if they’re Muslims they’ll make their menu Halal, if not they can sell dishes with pork and use non-halal ingredients. However, most schools would prefer Halal menus for their Western stall so that it would be inclusive towards the Muslims as well. So to answer your question, that’s what I’m doing now, a Halal Western Cuisine stall.

[@SynaPRIMA.R.M.Y]

@@blokeabouttown2490 Tbh, I’m also taking this job as a stepping stone to something greater. Of course I’m not planning to stay in this line for a lifelong career. I’ve bigger dreams of opening up my own food business in the future, so this job will give me a head start to running a business. ☺️

[@musico3415]

Bus drivers or bus captains are respectable jobs in Australia and NZ where I lived for awhile. Almost all passengers greeted them while boarding the buses and thanked them while alighting the buses, except Asians foreign travellers. When I returned to sg, I had already formed the habit of greeting and thanking the bus captains. For all you know, the captains were glad, but the other passengers looked at me like I was out of my mind to do so. We need to inculcate more gratefulness even though we paid for the fares .

[@distortdude80]

That's the sad truth. What would you expect from a society that teaches their young ones to "study hard if not you will end up sweeping floors/driving buses/taxis/etc". The Asian upbringing can be very toxic at times.

[@Banom7a]

@@distortdude80 more like most of the time lol

[@danceoffAsh]

Bus drivers are considered as low class workers amongst most Asian cultures, including Singapore. Will take a long time for that to change

[@gavinlew8273]

Singapore society has a long way to go. It's a first world nation with third world people. Bus drivers are highly respected in Japan...but in Singapore, they are "despised" for whatever reason.

[@musico3415]

Maybe it can start from us, or those who feel respectful for our bus captains. I do nodded my head at them when boarding buses as a sign of acknowledging their presence. They nodded back. :)

[@MrSilverside]

Started bus driving at 22 years old and 36 years later still enjoy the job and watching this video reminds me what it was like for me many years ago,safe travels.

[@Demebeso714]

Theres nothing wrong with it!!!!! Stay true to yourselves...😊

[@alvinchong2278]

Yea nothing wrong but then people start talking about income inequality and transfer of wealth from the relatively rich to the poor

[@CalvinK300]

@@alvinchong2278 that’s why bus drivers are well paid and well taken care of. More Singaporeans should consider this career pathway.

[@NookTommy]

@@CalvinK300 bus drivers very stressful, so many ugly rude commuters assaulted them

[@JackThePro]

@@CalvinK300 They definitely are not well paid.

[@CalvinK300]

@@NookTommy can’t be all ugly and rude and whacking them all the time what! Think of the young sexy office girls and the MILFs… oolala the Hot Mamas!

[@metaforically]

Not everyone has to climb corporate ladders - live a life that suits your mental and physical wellbeing.

[@haziqaminuddin2979]

Facts

[@truthful3777]

I really saluate the Bus Drivers of Singapore!. 20 years ago I was in Singapore and I was unsure how to get to a certain building in Singapore. Upon boarding the bus, I told the driver I want to go to this particular building. He nodded his head and upon reaching the stop, he look back to my direction and signal me that this is the stop that I must get down. Upon reaching the exit door he directed me how to go to that building as I need to walk a few minutes away. Singapore is truly a bus friendly city. You no need a car to move around Singapore.

[@anglo-saxonconnor817]

It's an iron rice bowl if people want to know what are the draws in this specific profession. Knowing how to drive buses is a lifeskill and working for a public bus company is way more secure then working for an unknown sme out there in Singapore. When was the last time you heard of a major public transportation company folding up in Singapore? But you need to love this kind of job though in order to stay with it. That's the most important criteria.

[@singlah]

I remember those days... en.wikipedia.org/wiki/City_Shuttle_Service

[@kengleetan63]

Of course if this bus company fold, the gov folds too as they have taken over the running of it! But one must know whether there is a future doing such job in a very high cost of living in that country, where bus drivers are paid only at such rate!

[@anglo-saxonconnor817]

Over 3k. The starting pay of a fresh graduate. Young bones and body able to endure this job far more than the miserable old things in Singapore. And some people do have a passion for driving. For those who want a stable job yet being unable to squeeze into MNCs or fit into the toxic culture of desk bound civil servant positions there will be those who will gravitate toward such jobs. By the time they become too old to or jaded to do bus driving work they will already have enough savings and a house to consider doing something else or request for a lighter workload schedule with their company. Much better than those doing whining and earning nothing being stuck at the same life position for years. If you already know your country is screwed and the pap and rich will never listen and help you then go help yourselves instead. Doing negative posts are for those who are rich and free to hate pap not people like you all. You all still have to eat and pay bills. Go find a job instead of an excuse in life and remember to vote with the head instead of the backside when elections approaches.

[@anglo-saxonconnor817]

Future in work mean one must also be willing to take on more responsibility in life when promotions comes up. If people are those type that cannot do their work better than others and also are unwilling to take on additional responsibilities in their work they should just be content with doing something they are comfortable with instead. Any country should try to create jobs with better prospects but the essential jobs will always be around in this world and they have their own draws too. If people are not the kind to be able to grow or compete to take on the coveted jobs they cannot complain too much either. This is just my thought and opinion. You can disagree with me if you wish to. In extreme cases I am willing to take your side such as ceca treaty issues and migrant policies to replace local population away for political reasons etc. But in general life I prefer balance and looking for the goods in life instead.

[@kengleetan63]

Don't be an idiot here. You must have failed Maths very badly in school. $3k now is for retirement income, where one already have their house or even houses , fully paid and just have $3k for monthly expenditure for at most 2 persons only. $3k , 20 yrs ago might work , $3k 20yrs ago might even support a family. And how far the max pay of these bus drivers can go? $6k?😆😆😆 By the time even if their pay reach max , the min std of living required for a SINGLE person would be $5k or more! Oh I forgot to add....who did this local voted for?😆😆😆

[@hotbodtz]

Respect comes from how you perform not how much you earn.

[@kengleetan63]

Respect cannot pay your bills, put sufficient food on the table or provide enough for a family in your very high cost of living in your country if not , why would some folks insist they get paid millions of dollars to serve the public?😆😆😆

[@NookTommy]

unfortunately society doesnt agree

[@munster1404]

Both right and wrong.

[@vincecarlo]

Tell that to MOST EXPENSIVE PM On The Planet n his Bunch of Over Paid 🤡🤡

[@tonykwok9763]

@@kengleetan63 👍👍👍👍👍😇

[@KilatKilau]

ego is the enemy of human development

[@a.j.kasetyo232]

Our daily heroes. Without them, regardless of their age, our public transport infrastructure will not be what it is. Respect to you guys!

[@armchairwarrior963]

These jobs deserves respect.

[@syph365]

As a frequent bus commuter, respect to these guys

[@greatasia606]

The ruling elites should stop lying to the public. Pay Singaporeans properly and they will take up the jobs.

[@vincecarlo]

Collection of Foreign Levies more IMPORTANT Lah Up to $1,200/mth per person. MOM Prints paper n collects in Excess of 10 BILLION, NO ?

[@SynaPRIMA.R.M.Y]

Right! Sometimes you see all these jobs that people view as menial, but it’s only menial bcuz the agency or company don’t pay the staff enough and what is deserved for it. We see all these jobs taken by foreign immigrants or the older generations of Singaporeans. The way I see it, it’s not bcuz younger SG view it as a lame job, but the wage is too low to consider working in. Living in SG, we can’t settle for less or else we’ll be struggling. If the government were to pay these jobs better, I’m sure many is up for the taking.

[@ttkoh123]

Young Driver vs Old Driver - Will Singapore Bus Accident Rate Rise?

[@eckeck1996]

You guys have my respect!!! Kudos to everyone of you.

[@misterbig9025]

It's good to see someone local. I'm so tired of imported ones. Local drivers can speak English!

[@鲁焚化炉]

Interesting ..... why use imported photo for profile 🤔

[@pllin240]

I always thank the bus captain when boarding and greet them "good morning" when early in the morning. it's courtesy and appreciation 😊

[@Mgameing123]

I don't always as I have had bus captains who try and take the piss on me with prices.

[@amandacretz4689]

A job is a job if it provides you with your rice bowl and comfortable living in the current economy. Then why not? Very shallow minded to perceive it as an uncle job.

[@balanse01]

being a bus driver in my country is the equivalent of being a street cleaner. You get no respect , most buses are dirty , long hours and short breaks. It's surreal to see people willingly wanting to be bus drivers in some countries.

[@Whatis2468]

Young men, well done! Thank you. Steady la!! These young men are polite ok. 👏👏👏👏👏

[@Mgameing123]

These Steriotypes are why we have a shortage of bus drivers!

[@Tarik360]

Good news: the boomers finally retired. Bad news: the boomers finally retired.

[@traderghost]

Kudos to all bus captains! You are a vital part of Singapore's transportation network.

[@tonykwok9763]

ITS ALL ABOUT PAY.....$$$$$$.....WELL AND WELFARE....AND MEDICAL BENEFITS AND WORKING HOURS AND HOUSING AND COST OF LIVING AND WHETHER CAN HAVE SAVINGS AT THE END OF THE DAY......STAY SAFE AND HAVE A HAPPY RIDE EVERYDAY.....SEDIAHHHH...🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️ CAPTAINS DRIVE WITH A HAPPY HEART EVERY TRIP

[@shannensaito9746]

These guys are more important than influencers.

[@kealee6350]

I thought young bus captain are from Malaysian or Chinese. The local young men want to be security guard or insurance sale man. Easy jobs

[@opocot7363]

huge props to CNA and these young bus captains for taking up something they truly have passion for. May they have a safe journey on the roads!

[@CallsignMiller]

i'm also a young bus driver (23 started at 21) and i love the suprised looks when people see me getting behind the wheel and realise the older gentlemen is the tourguide and not the driver.

[@gavinlew8273]

Respect to these bus drivers. The "old / bitter" people tend to throw insults by name calling "uncle" condescendingly. They do it because they are disrespectful to the profession and as a way of "looking down" and acting superior. This never happens in Japan. If someone calls you "uncle", just ignore it - it's a harmless "insult". Don't ever take it personally. :D

[@matthew78917]

It’s nice in some places like Singapore you can live a happy life without worrying about money when being a bus driver. Really happy for those people!

[@actionong]

A fulfilling job that helps people and benefits society. Keep on keeping on!

[@Mesh_potato]

Naz and Dionte

[@ebonyloveivory]

They deserve immense respect for what they do, regardless of their ages. It is an honest and decent living.💁🏻‍♀️

[@boratsagdiyev522]

That's never gonna happen on a surface level. In America, public servant jobs are looked down upon, especially by women. The only jobs that are respected are white collared jobs.

[@TheTechCguy]

Congratulations! You guys stay safe doing That! Anything can happen on a bus, man. So do be careful!

[@yapchiengkong2647]

Wonder this reporting of Captains have completed National Service ?

[@kangst7717]

Call uncle and aunty are Singapore cultural as respect to the driver

[@MuhammadHanif-yr4jv]

That’s why singapore is one of the best public transport provider right there

[@sonnykhoo7236]

It a good job❤ it’s honest it’s legal and if you find it rewarding why not😊

[@jumpinallans]

Actually the perspective is kind of ageist. It is about the authority of the Bus Captain, not the age. They have all the passenger's lives in their hands and thus are in a position of responsibility. It is not necessarily implying people are thinking people are of advanced years.

[@liamnash3102]

Please remember that this is *essential* job

[@Rod-bp8ow]

A speck and drizzle of English and Chinese makes a perfect set of skill(s)

[@archirnobenz]

Always thought driving would be boring but never had I thought that the daily little interactions with passengers are a huge source of happiness.

[@danceoffAsh]

Playing simulation games such as Fernbus Simulator has also developed my interest to a point where I can identify bus models. VDL, MAN, BYD, Alexander Dennis, Scania Touring, Setra, Neoplan etc

[@Moshimulations]

Hello fellow TML supporter

[@buschauffoer]

I am a bus driver in Denmark. It has been 20 years. behind the wheel.

[@EasternKalogeros]

Awesome boys.... Chase your dreams .... Respect deep deep...

[@paparoti4006]

Pls tell the truth. Still hiring captains From China ?

[@johnz1986]

These young men achieved there dream. I’m happy for them. Most young people are pressured to achieve 4 year degree front there parents. These young men are happy with what they have accomplished and happy about it. More power to them.

[@mariantia926]

It is a good sign that youngster are keen in becoming bus captain.. We should strongly in monetary support for local workforce if they are interested. We should ask the bus company ceo or top mgt to reduce their salary to a more lower range to transfer all these pay to up the bus captain pay. Treat them like your own bus partner and reward thrn well.. A walk the talk leadership new era leadership dare to cut their own pay or remain the same for next 10 to 20 years to better benefit the fleet of bus operation staff.. That's is then called a human heart walk the talk leadership. Else it will remain as greedy pocket n lip service ceo n mgt of bus company simply..

[@tonykwok9763]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@lowlyatom2678]

I'm 25 and still kids and teenagers call me uncle irritates me, but a little.

[@tenga3tango]

Hormat. My hats too these young bus captains.

[@nulnoh219]

Glad that these job are paying living wages.

[@smasherplaysrb4958]

Don't worry, I'm 18 and I drive buses... In OMSI.

[@MKiurinuRigold]

Don’t worry young bus drivers it is fine to start out as a bus driver you just been to continue improving and you will make a good career out of it Everyone has to start somewhere to become successful and from someone whose close family member started out poor - uneducated to owning a business of having 150 to 200 workers It’s definitely okay to start out low I am working in a low paying job however I am comfortable in it because it bring the bacon to my table. As well as bring the dough to my account So kudos for all your hard work. Cheers 💪🏻

[@JackThePro]

Well, there's not much career progression for bus drivers unless they decide to convert to the operations side. If you define success by the salary earned or job title, there is little potential for young bus drivers to grow and excel. This is public service and the ones that have the potential for top management, are scholarship executives.

[@Unknownplsyer]

@@JackThePro success is a never ending rat race

[@JackThePro]

@@Unknownplsyer If you define success by salary or job title then yes. But everyone's definition of success is different.

[@MultiWorld2000]

This is risky job too ,many bus Captain go to jail because of accident and reckless driving!!

[@meiqichia4829]

Good, for experience and update your resume in it. When you old, u still need this job in future, u never know

[@parish4417]

bjir erikolim jadi supir sekarang

[@doraemonyoung]

It’s such a difficult job but a good bus driver/train operator can make your day. There’s currently a bus driver shortage in NZ so it can be a great opportunity for those young people to do their OE while using their skills.

[@Sangsinga682]

Removing stereotype. In the end it is passion and doing honest work.

[@kevchua67]

I've worked in Singapore for two years and have taken multiple modes of transport - taxi, bus, MRT and LRT. I've met courteous and careful bus captains. I take my hats off to young Singaporeans who dare to explore and do something different, instead of going for white collar jobs. You're a good role model to others across the Causeway. All the best to you.

[@victoriaregina8344]

Oh are these the bus lieutenants or bus cadets? Maybe bus recruits 🤣

[@rachelmeow23683]

Does this job pay well?

[@ttkoh123]

Don't Younger Singaporeans these days have desire for Prospective bright future for themselves and their families? Or Don't modern day Singaporeans Girls have definition of their prospective boyfriends to be? example aspiration for able to provide "better" Life for their family? Looking at another angle, it could also indicate diminishing good paying jobs or some serious problems with our educational system thus these younger Singaporeans have got to intrude into the "uncle" job to make a living or what you say it is, I stand to be corrected? Well, as the saying goes; Singaporeans Deserve Every Bits of it.

[@Notsurewhattoputlol]

Your points are valid, but hey, people find happiness in different things. To a certain extent, money does not buy happiness, and working what you are passionate in is important. It may not work out for them in the future, but it's better that they have tried it out rather than regret not doing so. Times have changed. The ideal Singaporean life does not apply to everyone. Not everyone wants to get married and work themselves to death anyway.

[@fauziyacob4255]

Uncle if you call me Uncle, then I have to call you Didi..😆

[@indaycharing8818]

I am a helper and I want to become a bus driver if possible I want to try something new

[@einar8019]

me who is deicing planes at 19: amateurs

[@IgnatiusIsaacWeeKaiJunyuanps]

0:04 How did no one notice this. Wheels are lagging

[@AlbertPang-s5o]

Who’s to be blamed here once again. Lee Hsien Loong himself as the 🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡Prime Minister in PAP. Us all are suffering in agony and misery.

[@Zenit_Bourg]

Transit drivers are the coolest.

[@MitsukiTheSage]

Confirm ITE students