Non-obvious Things You Should Know About Singapore

[@Hyoiza]

As a Singaporean basically raised by my domestic helper in terms of character, I wholeheartedly agree with that last segment. My helper, who I call my Aunty, played a massive role in my upbringing to the point I consider her my second mother. My mother was rarely home being the breadwinner and I had a deadbeat father. My Aunty made sure I spoke proper English from a young age and instilled values in me. If not for her, I'd certainly turn out for the worse. Ever since hearing stories about her life in Indonesia as a kid, I've had huge respect for domestic helpers.

[@NewmaticKe]

And whois paying auntys salary again?

[@yeolblt]

I'm so glad your Aunty looked after you so well.

[@share_accidental]

hehe, i have a similar life to you.

[@tienloo1966]

Her speech show how much in depth she knows about life and living in Singapore. Generally, not to take good things for granted in life...There is no perfect country in the world...we are striving to making it better for everyone to live here in a continual manner.

[@muggz73]

Pappies spotted 😅

[@bobbyjames235]

I fired my Spanish translator at my business and replaced her with a Large Language Model

[@tainaphua1901]

This is a great interview. Supremely obvious to all, Ana is a digniified person, Singapore makes the right decision to accept her as a PR for she has much to offer. Firstly with her life and attitude. I enjoy this episode tremendously.

[@MaxChernov]

Thanks so much for your kind words! ☺️

[@hc1326]

Many thanks Ana for your honest views & thoughts on Singapore and Singaporeans. I especially like the part on domestic helpers. You are obviously an intelligent, well-read & well-travelled person who is able to embrace different culture & ways of governing. Happy to hear you are enjoying your stay here. And many thanks to Max for another superb conversation. I really love your videos. Keep it up

[@MaxChernov]

Thanks so much!

[@azabujuban-hito8085]

Incredible !! It took me 3 years of living in Singapore to get a Permanent Residency. I came from Zurich, Switzerland. My late paternal grandfather is a Singaporean Chinese ( grandma is a white Dutch ) so I always feel that Singapore is my root.

[@tsunshinegal9102]

That’s an interesting heritage . Most would have stayed in Switzerland 🇨🇭 instead of living in “humid” Singapore. 😮

[@Black_Sun_Dark_Star]

I really like this lady. As a Singaporean, I'm proud to have you as one of us. And thank you for giving dignity and pride to the domestic workers.

[@sohsaraaa]

Ana is so coherent and opinionated in a well balanced manner, it’s so amazing listening to her. Spot on on all the points, coming from a Singaporean myself :)

[@6975allow]

Yes, I totally agree with this lady regarding to domestic helpers. They are working a job just like anyone of we working at our workplace. I would usually chat with my late parents' domestic helpers when I have the time. In fact, my late mother sometimes would said the helper was like her another daughter, in fact, both my mother and the domestic helper cried when she had to return to take care of her own mother. People with genuine hearts will bond like family rather than just employer-employee relationship.

[@journalaway4753]

I recruit for hospitals and a number of my friends work there as well. the verification of particulars is to make sure that meds are dispensed correctly. didnt realise it until Ana brought it up, to us locals we are just used to it LOL. in the wards the nurse in charge of dispensing meds wear a bright coloured vest (sometimes red or yellow) and it will say something like do not disturb, nurse on dispensing duty something like that. they take patient safety very seriously so i dont mind that they double, triple check ;p really enjoyed this interview as I think Ana brought up interesting views. hope you enjoy your time in singapore, we welcome you!

[@anapleite8112]

Dear Rachel, thank you so much for your comment. I totally understand where the triple checking comes from and how it's totally justified. It is just funny for a foreigner. Also, nurses in Singapore (as in many other countries) are amongst the nicest of the nicest of the nicest (of the nicest). Thank you so much for all your work!

[@shurinhaha]

I cracked up at the "then you have so much time to complain about things you don't like!" :D

[@passerby5]

I was born and raised here in Singapore and I'm not proud to admit that I was one of those monsters on the road more than 10 years ago. Then I went to Brisbane, Australia to study and living among the Brisbanites taught me what a terrible driver I was.

[@jeems2066]

You've admitted it and that takes maturity buddy, you're growing into a better person.

[@letmein8807]

This is such a great video and its always interesting to know how foreigners view singaporeans. It really helps us reflect upon ourselves and how we can do better. Ana says stuff objectively without putting us on the defense. She's a great addition to our country :)

[@letmein8807]

on the contrary. too many foreigners love to criticize Singapore and some without even stepping a foot in. As a Singaporean, I know truths and lies about Singapore when I hear them. Haters also lie about negative stuff regarding Singapore too. Would you take the trouble to comment on them as you have done on this lady?

[@debrama4791]

Great video! Ana spoke beautifully. Well done :-) from a native singaporean ❤

[@MaxChernov]

thanks so much :)

[@fulhamwestbrom222]

Just to come back to this video to say as a local Singaporean, I tk PR youtuber like u for producing non gaslighting informative videos. There are many divisive videos around and urs is like a breath of fresh air.

[@MaxChernov]

Thanks so much 🙏

[@wengkiong]

I think this is your best interview so far! Ana is such a kind, intelligent and gracious person and obviously Singapore has made the right decision to grant her family PR, I believe, not only on the basis of the obvious contribution of her talent and capital to Singapore, but more importantly, she is very international in mindset, respects different cultures and assimilates very easily into Singapore's culture. Two quick comments in response to her remarks: 1) Singaporeans turn into monsters once behind the wheels because of the ridiculously high COE prices, and cars become the extension of a mobile version of a big chunk of their life assets. 2) Doctors and nurses ask 'gazillion' times if you are who you are, because Singapore takes healthcare very seriously, one wrong dosage, one wrong surgery on the wrong part of one's body, will break the strong trust we have in the healthcare system. Hope this helps :)

[@MaxChernov]

Thank so much for your kind words! I’ll pass them to Ana as well :)

[@Anon-cv7ru]

The asking of FIN or even NRIC for locals I think is just to confirm they are talking to the right person, it is the same for locals as well. Which I think is a good thing, you cannot be more certain especially when coming to dealing with diagnosing and prescribing medicine for patients.

[@alvinkuo]

This is really a great interview. Her personality is interesting, entertaining and animated too. Her qualifications and experience definitely is the kind of PR we should attract and retain.

[@impopquiz]

As a SGrean who had lived and worked in a couple of countries in the region, I totally get what Ana said as an expat and she said it so well.

[@tanjoseph8922]

One of the best interviews on your channel. Ana’s insights are most insightful and balanced.

[@MaxChernov]

thank you! Appreciate it!

[@ktc128]

Hola Ana, u r superb ! This interview has got so much depth. Really enjoyed watching. Thanks Max 👍

[@eduardoking8402]

This is a very interesting vid. Where I live in Ontario, the hospital in my locality checks and rechecks my identity and what I'm there for, at each station that I need to go to before a medical procedure gets done, kind of similar to what Ana described about Sg. I used to get annoyed with the repetition, but later realized that was important to avoid mistakes , like carrying out the procedure on the wrong person, or doing a wrong procedure, as had happened in the past. Servers in well established restaurants here very often do repeat an order back to confirm they have not taken it wrongly.....and for me, I like that. I have not seen the 'not giving way' on the roads behaviour in Sg that Ana talked about in my last visit to Sg. In fact, I find that drivers in Sg are very polite, compared to the aggressive and 'not giving way' road behaviour in Ontario. Will pay more attention when I'm in Sg again this mid-April, but I really don't think Sg has any bad road behaviour compared to Ontario. I've seen really bad road behaviour in Taiwan and Vietnam, as they really stood out.

[@NazriB]

Lies again? PSG Receipt

[@NEAAFFAIRS]

I only met a handful of cars not giving way to pedestrians. The law is such that th fce drivers are at fault in any accident with pedestrians. But against other drivers , many don't give way

[@jeneuweenlaf948]

I was just saying what u said exactly abt reason for repetition during hospital visits. While I know that is SG hospital SOP, I also wondered if that was universal. U answered my qn!

[@oneworldsteve8433]

When Ana says "there's a price to pay for that comfort", she is, to me, showing her true colours. Truth is that she is not paying for her comfort. Rather it is others who are not being adequately paid for providing her with that comfort.

[@MaxChernov]

What do you think so?

[@derlau]

Great interview. Thank you for speaking up for domestic helpers.

[@MaxChernov]

Thanks for listening

[@AndorranStairway]

Ana is clearly a very intelligent individual and it seems her experience in the UN has given her the skills to be very diplomatic with how she talks about Singapore. I am sure she knows full well politics is a touchy subject here, and especially if you're a foreigner speaking about it. I did wish she would specify what Singaporean policies she didn't agree with, but I understand if she didn't want her comments to be made public. Her lighthearted joke about "playing with fire" talking about chewing gum definitely has truth to it. A few points I'd like to highlight: 1. I don't know if Singaporean drivers simply ignore traffic rules, but it makes sense that Singaporean drivers aren't the most pleasant. Remember, car ownership is a very costly thing in the country; not many people have access to them. And well, with wealth comes certain egos and bad attitudes. 2. Medical staff constantly asking for your FIN number is a pain, and yes it must be really annoying if you don't remember it by heart. But as Ana has said, Singapore is a rule-based country, and medical staff have to keep verifying your identity in order to reduce liability and likelihood of medical mishaps. 3. The part about "rules make you free" is something that people from Western liberal democracies will rarely ever understand about East Asia. While individual liberties are of the utmost importance in the West, East Asian countries generally prioritise community over individuality. This is why you didn't see mass protests about wearing masks in China, SKorea, Japan, or Singapore, because people here understand that it's better for everyone. Or using China as an example, mass surveillance isn't so much an invasion of privacy, but rather a contributor to security. 4. I have mixed feelings about calling domestic helpers "modern day slavery". Why? Because I've had jobs that paid lesser than domestic helpers, and I never felt that I was a slave because I got paid! Most full-Time national servicemen in Singapore also get paid lesser salary than domestic workers, and many of them have to stay in their camps with weekend duties. At the end of the day, a salary in Singapore is directly correlated to the availability of job candidates. There are countless young girls and women from less affluent neighbouring countries who would seize on any opportunity to come work in Singapore, because the reality is, opportunities in Singapore are by and large better than what they have in their home countries. I'm not saying I agree with their low salaries, but that's kind of the unfortunate nature of a free market economy. Overall, this was a really good interview. I agreed with pretty much everything Ana said, and she also offered me new insights into the country.

[@MaxChernov]

wow thanks so much for such a detailed review! Re 4: It's more about the bad attitude of some families towards domestic helpers rather than the amount of salary

[@AndorranStairway]

@@MaxChernov I agree. Singapore’s unusual status as a very wealthy nation in a relatively poor region contributes to this. Singaporeans are proud of their wealth, and because of that, they tend to look down on the people from the poorer neighbouring countries. This superiority complex then manifests in the worst of ways when it comes to the treatment of foreign domestic workers. And remember, the ones that have domestic workers also come from upper-middle to upper income families. I won’t go as far to call the lives of the vast majority of domestic workers modern day slavery (as there is actual slavery in other countries), but there is definitely a lot of room for improvement in the attitudes of Singaporeans towards domestic workers;

[@Cysecsg]

Sorry to say owning car in Singapore doesn’t make us/them feel above others. It’s the “can’t lose” spirit and taking shortcut type of drivers that makes majority of drivers acting that way. “Why can’t you queue to exit instead of trying to cut into others? Everyone is queuing, so why are you special?” This kind of mentality. I been on the road for over 10 years to experience many of these situations.

[@Jack-hy2ki]

I disagree with u that wealth comes certain egos and bad attitudes. I agreed with what Steve Harvey said (a well-known host in the US) "Money amplifies a person. Money makes an A.hole more A.hole and vice versa money makes a good person even better person." Your statement r u saying Singaporean mostly r A.hole? I also disagree with u that NSF pay is lower than domestic helper. They r getting minimum near to 700 and to 1200 above. In near year 2000 1 of my corporal who is an A level grad got 1k monthly.

[@davidhoo9093]

Hey, I liked your video interview with the lady from Spain who has gained her PR here... She is wonderful, has alot of insights, very intelligent too and I learn from her as well.. Good job

[@MaxChernov]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@kwpf]

Great interview with Ana. Looking forward to the next incredible story. Thanks for the effort!

[@MaxChernov]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@leonboyd1973]

Really enjoyed this interview. Makes me love my Singapore even more. Keep them coming.

[@ayumist]

Probably one of the best interview videos so far. Very insightful even for a Singaporean like myself.

[@MaxChernov]

🙏

[@StarrySunnie]

Thank you very much for this video, Sir 🙏🏽🙇🏻‍♀️ It is awesome to listen to this interview, i absolutely agree with Ms. Ana about gender equality of these women who come to Singapore to work is in the responsibility of employers who provide dignity to them. Singapore is one of the kindest country in SouthEast Asia. As a foreigner from neighbouring country becomes local citizen sometimes still find hard to be in a circle. However, it is a blessing to be able to live here while not much choice for me. May she and her family enjoy living in Singapore 🙏🏽🙇🏻‍♀️🌹❤️

[@pinkymoon5039]

Another awesome video. You're working so hard Max. You deserve more views and subscribers and all the success!!! Keep at it and I'm sure it won't be too long before your channel blows up( in a good way ofcourse). 😊 On the issue of PR, your KZbin channel may come handy in giving you an advantage. Your confent is introducing as well as educating many people all around the world about Singapore. I being one of them.

[@MaxChernov]

Thanks so much! Last month was actually breakthrough growth on this channel!

[@pinkymoon5039]

@@MaxChernov congratulations

[@tongfattho6913]

She can really empathise with domestic helper in terms of their plight.

[@silverchairsg]

As a local Singaporean, I love bread too. In fact maybe 30-40% of the time I'd rather have bread than rice. I wish our local neighbourhood bakeries sold bread that is more like the not-so-sweet European kind, but I guess that's too much to ask for their typical price point.

[@jklmnoqr]

This was a great interview with Ana, a charming guest. By the way, I have found that filing taxes in Spain is also very efficient and has been painless. They have a well-organized system here, too. Ana made some very important points about domestic workers, dignity and fairness. I hope people really take her comments to heart. Anyway, Thank you again!!! Please keep up the good work!😊

[@angelboysnoopythomas6169]

Wow this interview is so balanced & unbias loved her perspective on life❤

[@MaxChernov]

🙏

[@TravelnotOver]

In Singapore, housing is extremely expensive. Something like a proper 2 story house in America is not possible in Singapore, unless you have 1 million dollars and above. I hate how little space there is in Singapore's housing.

[@pf6638]

My first here and subscribed because of this interview. As a US expat I had lived for 2 years before the pandemic and have always loved my experience of living there. I am looking forward to move there again with my work relocation request is in progress. I agree with a lot of her opinions as the rules that seemed prohibitive for Westerners, but I’ve never felt more safe and secure than living there. I’m looking forward for more episodes about your experience there. Thank you.

[@rahimresad7045]

Anna, if you reading this, the best bakery in Singapore is at Crown Plaza. The bakery is call Crown Bakery...

[@etchvee]

Nice interview - she has made a number of observations in a short duration

[@skyla2258]

I am a born and bred Singaporean and I agree with all that she had mentioned in this interview. Totally agree on the part about domestic helpers. Thanks for doing this :)

[@spoton383]

Exactly. Efficiency is why I love Singapore.

[@balisaani]

This lady is amazingly articulate, lucid, fair, and compassionate. What a great interview, what beautiful advocacy for Singapore's (mostly) pros, and perspective for its rare cons.

[@lecherhao86]

Really like the part when Ana talked about domestic helper. There's definitely quite a number of employers who do not treat the helpers with dignity and respect.

[@sherwinh1661]

I am singaporean and was raised by a domestic helper . when i was young my best friend would be my helper. i would say 80% of singaporeans treat their helpers well and fairly and there are manpower hotlines/agencies and feedback to protect these helpers. the helper could make a complaint with evidence and get the owners into trouble

[@shobhitmittal02]

I wad in Singapore. From 2019 to 2021. I feel Singapore is a Golden cage for foreign citizens.

[@MaxChernov]

Watch next 👉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/n4vYmq2Ll7iba6s The story of a foreign woman who obtained Singaporean citizenship. Will she ever truly belong in Singapore? 🤔

[@firstlast-pt5pp]

Singapore also wants to diversify its new PR intakes. Note she said she didn't meet many Spanish people in Singapore. It's much harder for people from China and the UK to get PR status in Singapore (chance wise).

[@nickolasmallcott4399]

Singapore is a great place as a soft landing in asia for western foreigners with first experiences.....people very polite and organised in a nice environment. Knowing how Singapore has changed from poverty and hard work to today over the years. My personaĺ experience of living in China many years, Indonesia and recently in Thailand and caught up in Myanmar Civil War gives a contrast where you exchange adventure for a relaxed lifestyle.....and appreciate it for short or long periods.

[@MaxChernov]

Nice!

[@tenman76]

Ana- your words on are point, wise and expressed with sensitivity and great compassion. You are a credit to Singapore and we need more like you. And by golly, you are right- Singapore drivers can be very rude and not generous with the road. Every time I'm home and driving in SG I'm pretty amazed by the unique driving mentality.

[@ivanology1]

Ana is incredible! 👍🏻

[@MaxChernov]

100%!

[@SubZero-qi9hk]

Incredible Hulk 👊

[@NinJa-qr1sp]

Well done Ana. I especially like that you appreciate the roles and responsibilities as an employer of domestic help. Many in SG unfortunately only see domestic help as buying a service and that dramatically changes the working dynamics.

[@user-gx2ey9ql3j]

Ya domestic helper also take advatage n cheat the emploer

[@tanchaiyong8630]

Singapore is an upgrade version of Switzerland. ❤ thank you

[@empedward8]

Singapore should allow domestic helper whom have been here for 5 years and above with the same employer to be permanent resident automatically.

[@by6726]

Thank you for your visit today!😃

[@MaxChernov]

Hahaha thanks for having me!

[@vieworama8188]

Shes really good in speaking and pleasant person to have around

[@SuccessforLifester]

It is rare to see you seated in an interview. This is one of the more comfortable interviews you had

[@MaxChernov]

I was more comfortable, sitting myself as well haha

[@ylw]

@@MaxChernov The glass balcony looked a little scary though!

[@caffeineted]

Singaporeans are busy and can be in a hurry, but we are always willing to help those in need. We Singaporeans don't make deep connections with foreigners partly because many foreigners are not here for the long haul. They come for work or study and leave after a few years.

[@charmainewong6087]

Singapore, like other countries in this region, is a densely populated city. Regarding use of roads, we expect everyone drivers and pedestrians (and especially to you bicyclists) to follow the rules so that traffic s smooth and efficient.

[@muhd7144]

18:50 What the lady says about domestic helpers is spot on...

[@rickyh695]

The bread part is kind of true, i current traveling in the u.s. Bread, potato chip had a different textures after leaving to open air in several hours. The humidity in s.e.a is wet , crunchy stuff become soggy/chewy. I experience this with chips here in u.s , bought a pack and could not finish in a go (giant size pack) then i try it the next day, surprisingly it is still good. Im from malaysia, if i leave an unfinished potato chip pack for several hours it become chewy if you know what i mean. Since im from malaysia, i tend to love soft bread, the caucasian people love toasted bread and french bread textured like (hard as steel).

[@karenbondechek]

I'm in Germany now and i can attest for that. I did not know bread my whole life in sg 😅

[@thaitanic8409]

Permanent Resident priority will be given to * High net worth individual By Investments ( 100% approved ) * Foreigner married to a Singaporean ( high approval rate , can be rejected and offered a guarantee yearly renewable long term multiple entries pass to the spouse. ) * Foreign Couples With young Kids ( high approval rate, Young Kids is the key 🔑) * Males below the age of 18 who have been in Singapore for at least 2 years with education visa. ( higher approval rate if you are a male, because you will be enlisted for national service ) The older you are the lower of chances of getting approved. Once you got your PR, selected individuals may get a invitation to apply for Singapore Citizenship by mail after couple of years.

[@bell-xk5dd]

Also Singapore accepts all kinds of medical workers, especially qualified nurses and doctors. Registered nurses and doctors get instant PR and then citizenship within 1 year...

[@zaireesallai7266]

Hi Max, loved your interviews with Expats in Singapore so far. Somehow, I noticed most of your interviewees are either live in private apartments or condominiums Just wondering have you done any interview with Expats staying/renting in a HDB flat/unit before? Will be good to find out or share about their experiences if they have an opportunity to stay in one. Keep up the good interviews going.. 👍👍👍

[@MaxChernov]

Doing the ones this week:) will be on the channel within couple of weeks

[@ThinkTalkListen]

Its easy to make friends in Sg if you go to the heartlands but choose wisely cos yours hands are full. You will also learn the Singapore culture and good/bad habits to understand better for long term hassle-free living. Good luck!

[@superfish6794]

Yes because Sinkies are some of the most 'sociable' bunch of people you can come across.... probably the local chinese sgporean is the most anti social group of people you can set your eyes on...

[@KangZiJing]

Honestly, I watched this video expecting to be enraged (from the caption on the thumbnails) as usually I find that foreigners (outside of Asia) typically have two polar views on Singapore, but found myself enjoying the interview thoroughly. I find that Ana's thoughts were very close to mine, especially the part on domestic workers, where she put my thoughts on that topic ever so eloquently in words easy to follow. Regarding road users, I'm on the fence -- I feel like within the region (including greater Asia, not just SEA), Singaporeans should be one of the better ones. Although I have to admit that coming back here after a year of digital nomad in 2022, it feels like the average road user's courtesy has greatly deteriorated especially compared to when I was young. I do remember being able to cross the road eyes closed as a child/teenager, but nowadays I find that I need to visually confirm that the vehicle has stopped/slowed down before I would cross the road. Regarding "breaking into" locals' social circles, this are my thoughts as someone who has lived in Switzerland (Rapperswil-Jona) for 6 months for an internship back in 2018, backpacked to a lot of cities/countries, and did a digital nomad stint for close to a year where I changed city/country every few weeks -- I think it's a mix of being totally open to not just embrace, but accept a local culture, as well as a bit of luck (because I found and joined a basketball club in my area). While I was in Switzerland, I heard that the people were more reserved, but I managed to make a group of great friends, one whom visited me in SG in 2020, and a few whom still hung out with me the 2 days I was in Zurich last year. I think the key to a culture is 3 things: food, linguistics, and history (what they take pride in, what is taboo, what are the country's flaws and whatnot), and if a foreigner shows that he is willingly assimilating into the local culture, the locals would surely accept him. After weeks of "grüezi", "Chuchichäschtli", "En Guete", complaining when trains are late, complaining about prices, complaining/sharing about mandatory military stories and (jokingly) laughing when Germans didn't understand Swiss German (I didn't understand Swiss German too), we became really close friends. And it's not one-off; I got invited by a Portuguese friend to Portugal for Christmas/New Year's last year and formed pretty close bonds with his friends and family because I was willing to (try to) pick up the language, learn the customs and history, etc. And I also did the same in arguably my favorite country, Romania. Easier said than done, I know, especially because I love languages and I'm an introvert that observes, picks up social cues and kinda "mimics" them back when interacting socially. I think knowing the pain points, especially, is a good way to get to be fast friends with a local. Listen, and understand from their perspectives. You can empathize, and maaaybe give *constructive* criticism, but never be dismissive, especially if your reason is that "it never happens in my own country". Like Ana said, it's not your place to really comment -- you have not lived your life there, you do not understand the history, the system and the implications of it all. Take for example the law about selling chewing gum in Singapore -- the way Ana talked about it was great -- really respectful, coming from a place of understanding, and it was a very constructive comment to perhaps review the law and revoke it now that Singaporeans are "more civil-minded about public cleanliness" (not sure I agree 100% but it makes sense and comes from understanding why the law was implemented in the first place). Contrast it to some people who say "Singapore is a dictatorship just because it is illegal to consume chewing gum" (which is not even true). P.S. one sign that shows Ana is very localized is because she calls the supermarket "NTUC" (union that owns the franchise) instead of "FairPrice" (name of supermarket). And regarding the point where foreigners are seen as assets, etc -- not really related to the video per se, but more because there wasn't an elaboration of why this is so, and also because there are some comments here from foreigners who are kind of disgruntled with these policies. My PoV as a Singaporean is this: Singapore is extremely small (smaller than Madeira, a Portuguese island off the mainland). We are heavily resource-limited. Even for our daily necessity of water, we depend heavily on Malaysia. For food, we mostly import. What we have is a strategic maritime position, and human capital. And then, understand our history. You may think this is some sort of indoctrination, but as schoolchildren, every year there would be a day where we learn the national education message of "No one owes Singapore a living". The males serve 2 years+ of military conscription. When the Japanese invaded, the British colonial masters left Singapore to its own devices to fend against many atrocities (look up Sook Ching massacre). In the 60s, there were a lot of racial riots. There was also the terrorist attack of MacDonald House bombing in 1965, and the hijacking of an SQ flight in 1991. Our demographic makeup makes us stand out within SEA and even Asia, making us prone to foreign sabotages. Our defence policy is literally deterrence and diplomacy. All this combined, to me, makes the policy of having PR status reviewed every 5 years make perfect sense. We want, and need, someone who will stay in Singapore when the need arises, which is why we also do not allow dual citizenship, by the way. How else better can we make sure that the non-Singapore born residents here stay true to the country's integrity and sovereignty when we also have a few locals who were spies for other countries or became religiously radicalized?

[@MaxChernov]

Wow thanks so much for sharing! And sorry for a lit bit of a clickbait on the thumbnail ☺️ it’s our KZbin things :)

[@scottloar]

Dear Kang Zi Jing, I suggest you educate yourself to recent history before declaring "When the Japanese invaded, the British colonial masters left Singapore to its own devices to fend against many atrocities..." Singapore in British military terminology of the time was styled a "fortress", a bulwark against invasion, reinforced by Indian and Australian troops quickly sent in defense of that "fortress" and the dispatch of the most modern battleship HMS Prince of Wales and battlecruiser HMS Repulse. The Japanese soon sunk the pair with all hands, raced down the Malaysian peninsula (General Yamashita's strategy of the "driving charge") to force the British surrender of Singapore and more than 130,000 troops. The atrocity you reference as others were subsequent to the surrender, and were typical of Japanese military conduct. So, walk back your silliness and blame the Japanese in control, not the British in prison camps under horrific conditions.

[@KangZiJing]

@@scottloar I suggest you do not cherry-pick and take things out of context in a bid to get outraged. In my original paragraph, I was providing context for why the national message says "No one owes Singapore a living". It was not a statement to attribute blame to the British for the atrocities that Japanese committed. The entire point of the national education message is to instil in locals a spirit of self-reliance and to educate them about the need for ourselves to protect our own homeland. The evaluation of the British defence of Singapore is altogether a separate issue but the fact is that Singapore relied heavily on the British, and we fell to the Japanese. That is history, and is a learning lesson for our future generations to learn from, and to see the point to not be reliant on anyone except ourselves for the defence and sovereignty of our homeland, and to be vigilant about national security (i.e. see the point of National Service/conscription). Again, I am not discrediting that there were British/Australian/NZ/European soldiers defending us -- and I thank those who fought and died in the battle for us. However, sure -- Singapore was considered a "fortress", but the fact was that the fall of Singapore was the "worst disaster in British military history" according to Churchill. "Britain had been under threat from Germany since war broke out in 1939 and its resources were concentrated on its own preservation. The fleet of aircraft carriers and battleships that had been promised for the defence of the Empire’s eastern possessions was reduced to a single squadron centred around one battleship, HMS Prince of Wales, and one battlecruiser, HMS Repulse." -- National Museum of Australia Again, I'm not saying the British was not justified in doing this, because logically and objectively, they should focus on self-preservation, but to the eyes of colonized Singapore, obviously it becomes a painful lesson that we should not rely on any others because when things go south, we should not and cannot afford to depend on anyone else except ourselves. And to add on to the point, there was a clear racially based hierarchy in British Singapore where the Europeans were clearly at the top -- which for Singaporeans begs the question -- why depend on someone else? So yes, if you want, I can walk back my original statement and rephrase it to be more factual as such: "When the Japanese invaded, the British military campaign for the defence of Singapore failed and Singapore soon fell, despite being purportedly being a fortress, to the Japanese subsequently conducted many atrocities against Singaporeans." Is that better? Again, I just want to bring across that my original point was not to blame the British for the atrocities done by the Japanese during the Japanese Occupation -- that makes no sense. I was merely trying to provide context for why Singapore has such a huge emphasis on our national education (which probably is similar for other imperial colonies in the world, ex-British or otherwise).

[@scottloar]

@@KangZiJing Now that you explained yourself and revised the statement there is no quarrel. By the way, I am your neighbor, your very near neighbor.

[@KangZiJing]

@@scottloar Malaysia or Indonesia? Or further away but still kinda near, like Australia?

[@xikk]

Lovely interview. Great questions and great thoughtful responses.

[@MaxChernov]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@josephyeo6966]

The rules and the law will set you free. As an ex-Singaporean, I now live in a country where the system does not always uphold the rules/law the way as strictly as in Singapore. This impacts on freedom from worries, freedom from unpleasant events which is more valuable than just freedom of speech.

[@yeolblt]

You live in the west?

[@josephyeo6966]

@@yeolblt A "Western" country in the East.

[@aftaabmd8844]

Very expressive and has depth of character. Cool guest. Thanks for this video.

[@BK7364]

The repeating of the identification number for medical visits is really a systematic way to ensure the medicines are prescribed to the right person and that there are no drug allergies. Better repeat yourself a few more times than to take a wrong drug and suffer potential ill effects

[@angrenee-vh8lc]

Exactly. Singapore is efficient. Everything works. Thanks for appreciating and acknowledging it.😊

[@MaxChernov]

Absolutely!

[@letsbehonest768]

As a Singaporean staying 20 years in Germany and drive in both countries, sadly to say, in Germany the drivers respect pedestrians and cyclists much much better than in Singapore. They are much patiently gracious and ever ready to give way to car need to over take or merging from side streets. It’s sure a pleasant to drive in Germany. I alway show my SG visitors about the driving etiquette in Germany. I humbly hoping one day my motherland will improve in the driving etiquette. MAJULAH SINGAPURA!🇸🇬

[@shakifur]

Very objective and relatable conversation. PR is just an extended EP these days with no guarantees to permanency. I really liked her comment about being treated as Assets rather than People. And just like assets when your value to Singapore depreciates over time or "better" Assets are available to Singapore they won't hesitate to replace you. Enjoy SG for what it is then move on. That's what the mindset should be.

[@laylaminrir]

Bro.. they not gonna take your pr status and give it to someone else. That's not how it works. PR status is very different from EP. PR has more rights and grants or support. Do you even have PR?

[@shakifur]

@@laylaminrir hi, you are correct in theory but that's not really what I am saying though. PR does not guarantee a passage to settling down in Singapore as a citizen and if you stay outside of SG for a while, your PR will likely not be renewed. In most other countries PRs get citizenships after a stipulated number of years. That's not the case in SG. Also if you don't think the government shuffles PRs around then explain why the population has not grown much over the last few years in SG. EP these days is valid for 3 years and PR is for five. And the amount of CPF that PRs contribute is exactly the same as citizens but the benefits are far lesser in comparison. I have lived here for 15 years to know how the system is in theory and how it is in practice.

[@alanc457]

It’s never been anything else. Be useful or get out

[@laylaminrir]

​@@shakifur have you ever thought that singapore is a small country with a lot of people trying to get in so they can't just hand everyone a citizen after spending a few years here compared to almost every other country because they are much bigger in size. Careful selection and screening is why this country is so safe with law abiding people. If you mean taking away PR and giving it to someone else because you were "spending the entire time overseas" then that's very fair? Why are you taking PR when you don't even want to be in singapore? PR and citizens don't get the same benefits because citizens only have singapore while PR have their home country and perhaps other assets there. Its a no brainer who most resources should go to. Singapore is a small place with limited resources so you have to prove yourself and earn your place here. There's not much to complain about this process... it took a decade before my family got citizenship here and I still think its fair.

[@shakifur]

@@laylaminrir hi again, thanks for agreeing with everything that I just said above and admitting that the process takes a long time and they look at maximizing the value of each slot they allocate to PRs etc. I never said anything about whether the process is fair or unfair, I am stating how it is in practice. No need to take this personally. I am glad you guys managed to settle down in SG, but if I ask you what was the criteria that was used to assess your application can you give an exact breakdown of what ICA uses. Don't make the mistake of thinking what made your family's application successful at that time would have worked now as well. The criteria is kept vague intentionally so that ICA can always maximize the slots that they have. Just a few more videos on this channel and I am sure you will see there are many qualified people in SG who don't get PRs and they don't know why.

[@MaheshRam]

Awesome. From every video of yours I learn something new about people s life style, interaction and culture. Thank you

[@amyg1073]

Such great conversation. As a local, we emphathized with our foreign expats. Locals are too preoccupied with their life, career n family. Besides work, we have to look after our children n parents too. It’s Asian value of filial piety. There is hardly any more time n energy left to socialise outside the family circle. Whenever there is a long holiday, locals will travel to the neighbouring countries with their family. This is the fact of life here.

[@Jack-hy2ki]

Do not agree. If time is planned well there will be time for everything. I with 2 kids and work 7 days a week and I still got time to socialize.

[@huaiwei]

Not true for me either, partly because I do not follow the "usual" expectations of marrying and having a family. The fact of life is too many people here follow "social expectations" blindly, and then complain about the outcomes, when they are living the life choices they made themselves.

[@peeveymd]

I really enjoyed listening to this very compelling lady's commentary and observations on life in Singapore. She made some excellent points (I loved the one about there being two seasons, and particularly her humane comments about employing domestic helpers). My only complaint: too short Lah!

[@katchinked]

Ana is so woke, and what she shared is so well-articulated! Respect for the both of you :)

[@PhiloSurfer]

I won't use the word "woke" on her. She is just a considerate and kind soul. Nothing woke about it. And no virtue signalling as well.

[@anneashdown5539]

Great video! Thank you Max ... your interviewee was very interesting ... great to hear a different perspective 😉

[@WWK186]

Agree that there is room for improvement in terms of driving etiquette in Singapore.

[@renakwong2335]

Really interesting interview. Thank u Max & Ana❤

[@MaxChernov]

🙏

[@BambinoAmericano]

Excellent witness! I love the rules in Singapore and I was never a rules freak before, and that is because the rules in Singapore all make sense. But sorry to be frank: when you no longer contribute, you will be kicked out. Singapore is not Europe. And I certainly don’t blame the Singaporean government for that policy. In Europe, there are sometimes more people in the public transport in the daytime than during the peak hours, and that always reminds me how well Singapore is managed (everybody is at work). I love Singapore and will visit again my numerous Singaporean friends in a couple of weeks, which I do at least once/year. The way she explains the “repeat your order/FIN number phenomenon” is hilarious 😅.

[@MaxChernov]

Definitely not Europe haha

[@limbenglee]

In SG we just help one another along the street or at public transport. Make it convenient for everyone.

[@bleb207]

Everyone is an asset in singapore, foreigners and locals. 😊

[@Aphrodisiac80]

When u heard someone said NTUC instead of Fairprice,u know they been here for some time~~

[@linzixuan29]

For chewing gum it is not bc ppl throw it on the ground . Ppl put it on the mrt trains doors sensors . That’s the problem

[@MaxChernov]

Oh interesting

[@jpbweb2023]

Excellent interview, and indeed brilliant conversation. Ana is a very articulate and balanced person, and a joy to listen to her views. I lived and worked in Singapore for 5 years, and enjoyed it very much. I concur with much of what Ana mentioned. One thing I find puzzling in all the interviews I watched from Max though, is that apparent obsession around the PR status. I get it that PR is an attractive thing to get, to a point, and it is definitely part of the expat experience in Singapore, but there is an important element that is always overlooked: it is actually not permanent. In most developed countries, once you acquire the equivalent of PR status, it is for life, unless you do something horrible. But not in Singapore. As Ana rightly pointed out in her interview, one has to apply for renewal every 5 years, and not only can you be turned down for renewal for any undisclosed reason, there is the near-certainty that PR will not be granted/renewed once you get to a certain age. Obviously, most foreigners do not really intend to stay in Singapore in retirement, for obvious financial reasons, for others, PR is the gateway to citizenship, and there are other categories of long-term stay that may be available, so that it is probably less of an issue than it could be, but still… Calling it Permanent Residence is somewhat of a misnomer.

[@MaxChernov]

interesting points! "the near-certainty that PR will not be granted/renewed once you get to a certain age" - do you know cases on that?

[@jpbweb2023]

@@MaxChernov No, I don't. The PR renewal process is as opaque as the initial grant, and people who might have been denied renewal do not brag about it. However, several current PR in their late 50s voiced the concern to me (ie of being turned down at the their next renewal). Moreover, I do not know any elderly PR, but this might be because Singapore is simply too expensive as a place to retire, or that PRs have gained citizenship.

[@MaxChernov]

I see yeh

[@jeneuweenlaf948]

It's part of SOP in hospitals to keep asking for your name and ic #, and what are u visiting the doctor for, even if its in the records for them to read, even when u move from triage to attending doc to admissions, every handover stage, they need to ask u so that 1) check your alertness and orientation (if thats a prob when u came in) and 2) they dont get a pass-the-message watered down version of your condition from the last person who got it from the last person, and so on; they need to hear it from your very own lips. I don't know if that's a universal hospital SOP. And repeating at restaurants is bc they dont want the order wrong and risk getting food sent back. Margins are so thin with so many eating places competing in a small area.

[@leongyet9896]

I agree when she mentioned Singaporeans driver is a different breed when they gets into the car lol

[@roochiepoo]

In Singapore when dispensing medicine, particularly controlled drugs, the person is REQUIRED to ask for the identification of the recipient to ensure that the right thing goes to the right patient.

[@jiranma]

"It just like it empties your brain...all of a sudden you have all that extra space to complain about all the things you don't like." Best part ever!

[@KindTWA]

I love my foreigner friends and like to share the local culture and Singlish with them. Foreign talent may be treated like assets in SG (sgporean as well), but probably they also treated SG as a stepping stone as part of the Asia stage or to enjoy the political stability, strong currency and vibrant city (or else they would not chose to be here). However, we always forget how tough it is to leave our families & friends to live in another country. Let's embrace our foreigner friends, and foreigner friends, please do appreciate our country. p.s I don't think people will be ran down anytime in SG :) In my recent trip to Switzerland, 50% of cars do no give way to me when I am at the zebra crossway ;p

[@MaxChernov]

Thanks for your kind words!

[@larru-uy9ei]

Brilliant video. Ana is so kind and awesome

[@MaxChernov]

I agree :)

[@bungaraya19082013]

Ni yg perlu dicontohi kerajaan Malaysia. Permudah cara utk beri PR kpd Expert & Professional foreigner to get their skilled and their prosperity.

[@arieladelinechoo9845]

I can't drive do I took public transport - taxi and bus and MRT. I have been to Barcelona and the Coast around Spain and the people there are very warm and friendly. Singaporean value family life and working quite hard so it has very little time to explore or build new friendship on top and above the social circle they already have.

[@hatchegg80]

as a singapaorean who lived in europe for 15+ years before coming back, let me say this on ... bread. white bread is always kinda soggy, the trick is to go full wholemeal. so there ...

[@ajisenramen888]

I love that Singaporeans are mostly genuinely kind and that the city is super efficient. It would be great to raise a family there. The support system seems very suited for families ❤

[@babekate6751]

Kind? Genuine ? 🤣 See how they treat non European

[@joebloggs4191]

As an immigrant in Spain a lot of what she says in this video such as social life, traffic etc applies equally to Spain.

[@MaxChernov]

Interesting! Where are you originally from?

[@joebloggs4191]

@@MaxChernov UK.

[@corrinelim4343]

I am a driver myself and I do give way to pedestrians. But many pedestrians need to understand you are not allow to cross the street anyway without obeying the LTA regulation.

[@chephrenchua2744]

ha ha she is very funny! But speaks from her heart. Great to hear these views. Singaporean driving badly usually is because they are calculating the exact time of arrival and trying not to be late, then they have to drive like that to make sure they reach on time. Also, the cars are the most expensive in the world to buy, so those who can afford the bigger ones thinks that they bought the road they drive on as well. 😂😂

[@MaySim]

This was such a great conversation - I wished more in the West could understand that Singapore is not the oppressed dictatorship they imagine us to be. It's true it's strict and some freedoms are not what they are elsewhere, but the people easily accept these rules because life IS better than elsewhere. We don't need to protest, demonstrate, bribe, cheat... because things get done without having to resort to all of that.

[@into.thetunes]

I always tell my students "rules are there to give you freedom. You gain freedom because of the rules. When there are no rules, you become more restricted than you feel free." What i meant by "free" is "peace of mind".

[@deshwitat_2]

i felt like this woman share how daria telling stories..open-minded-carefully-choosing-word type describing a person/condition that comes with it..its a good sharing video nonetheless max...thanks for making this vid..

[@MaxChernov]

Thanks for sharing!

[@joyfulristro]

Keep up with these great interviews Max! See you at 100k subs soon!

[@MaxChernov]

That's the plan! By the end of the year for sure:)