why I left Singapore for Canada

hey friends!
in the video that I posted about how many people are leaving canada, I also mentioned that I moved from singapore to canada in 2019, and a lot of people seem to be wondering why I decided to make the move - so this is my response to that question, where I talk about the reasons why I decided to make the move from singapore to canada :)
I hope you enjoy this video and find it useful. please give it a thumbs up and consider subscribing to follow along :) thanks for being here!
DISCLAIMER: I am not an immigration consultant, financial advisor, tax expert, or real estate agent. this video is for educational purposes only - if anything, please do your own research.
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⏳ TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 intro
00:49 topics
01:16 singapore 01
02:28 reason 1: high population density
04:28 reason 2: fast-paced living & hustle culture
06:24 reason 3:canada's natural landscape
07:28 reason 4: new perspectives & life experience
09:46 THE BIG QUESTION
10:07 my pov on aggressive comments
11:07 closing thoughts
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🎵 BGM:
marshmallow by lukrembo
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some of these links are affiliate links, which I earn a small commission from at absolutely no additional cost to you 🧚🤠
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keywords: #livingabroad #livingincanada #lifeincanada #singapore #life #lifejourney #movingabroad #immigration #movingtocanada #lifeinsingapore #singaporevscanada #selfimprovement #lifejourney

[@febbylyan]

friends! I reworked this entire video from scratch to fix the crackling sound in the previous upload 🥲 how's the audio quality?

[@Truthhurts808]

Thanks for mentioning this as I had to rub my eyes as I thought I saw this vlog and commented. I have a feeling we live in the same area…😂😂. Have a great snowy YVR!

[@Travelwithswash]

Excellent quality and nicely edited.

[@febbylyan]

@@Truthhurts808 lol yes I remember you did! the audio quality in the previous one wasn't the best and I couldn't stand it... you as well - take care & stay safe! :)

[@febbylyan]

@@Travelwithswash thanks for taking the time to share your feedback!

[@camel_102]

I’m thinking about moving to Singapore from Canada. I grew up in Hong Kong, visited SG a few times and had some SG friends. Read some books and watched some documentaries about Singapore and I really love this country. Few years ago, I left HK for Canada for the first time. I used to go hiking a lot back in HK and thought Vancouver would be a perfect option. I love some other things too, like the spacious environment and the less humid summer, etc. Though, I think I’ve overlooked some other aspects that are very important to me even though I did a lot of research before coming to Canada. After staying here for a few years, I finally realized that I like organized, clean and consistent culture/ environment. I value these things a lot so I’m currently working on myself and hopefully I can move to SG. Everyone is different tho, just wanted to share my thoughts :) good luck!

[@febbylyan]

thanks for sharing your story - I totally get where you are saying and would agree that everyone appreciates different things. SG's got a lot to offer in general, so good luck to you as well :) hopefully, you get to make the move happen soon!

[@brianjamestracey]

I miss the incredible nature and beauty of Canada, but have lived in Singapore for 26 years..please see my interview with Max Chernov ( Brian James Tracey) about the broken West (health care, judiciary,) and the seroius advantages of Singapore (ultra low taxes, no capital gains, fabulous Government, super public transport, no deranged druggies, etc) super safe Singapore..cheers!

[@Grubbygund]

Thanks a lot for sharing this video! I think it’s rare to find someone who was fm Singapore and sharing their experience for moving to Canada. I think it’s a very brave decision, especially as a single woman. I’ve also recently moved to the UK fm Hong Kong. Even though the culture is alot different, I haven’t really thought of moving back. I agree, in Western culture , it’s okay to be yourself and you don’t have to necessarily fit into a ‘box’ or way of life.

[@marykim138]

100% vote for your opinion in your decision of moving to Canada👍👍 I feel you as i also went through some of valuable experiences here. It is quite stress sometimes in Singapore. And the weather is hot all year around. However i still love Singapore very much. But hope some day i can visit Canada for a long vacation with my family. Thank you so much for your precious sharing. Wishing you all the Best ❤

[@febbylyan]

I get what you mean, and I would agree that SG is an amazing place to live after all :) thank you so much for the kind words - hope you can visit Canada with your family soon!

[@galaxyss947]

Thx for sharing experience of life in canada as an expatriate.wish u success and happiness

[@Smart_Tamaha]

A lot of Singaporeans are moving to Australia and have become Australian Permanent residents.

[@Antariksha]

We moved from Singapore to New York last year, after 14 years there! We have so many more reasons on why we left 🙈

[@192titan]

Could you tell me why you left?

[@sreeraj1980]

Febby, Thank you for sharing this video as it means alot to me. I lived in Singapore my whole life and moved to Canada 2 years as an international student. Currenting working in Calgary and my work permit is expiring in Oct 2024. I used to worry about whether I will get my PR but as a Singapore citizen, having that backup option feels great. After moving, I realised the value of SG. Of course, there are pros and cons but the biggest con in Canada is the heavy taxes and the cost of living. Public transportation sucks and you need a car in this country. Eating out is too expensive and EVERYTHING is taxed from a needle to a house. The list goes on. SG also sucks in terms of the population growth but the hustle culture but after coming to Canada, I feel Canada is still MANY years behind Singapore in terms of efficiency. It's just sad to see this because our brains are so used to SG lifestyle.

[@febbylyan]

hey! I am glad to hear this video resonates with you :) I can relate to what you said RE: life in Canada vs SG - I think we all have our own reasons and at the end of the day, it really boils down to what we value most in life and what we can tolerate, as nowhere is perfect. I hope you'll land at a decision that suits your situation the best and what you value most in life. stay warm in Calgary!

[@Livinginthephils65]

I think, Canada is not too bad. I lived in Calgary for 29 years, and I think, it's still a fairly free country. Deep down, most people from S.E. Asia dream of living in Canada, but of course, I'm a Western guy vs you people from Asia where there's quite a different way of life than pioneer Canadians. Canada still has a lot to offer. I'm only in the 15% bracket for taxes, as I only get a Canadian pension. I don't live in Canada anymore. I live in the Philippines now and it's a country for everyone for oneself and very strict employers. Return policies are strict in stores. No social benefits to speak of, and it's dirty as hell. Canada is a lot more multi-cultural now since I arrived in Canada in 1977, from Belgium. I moved to the Philippines in 2006 with my Filipina wife. She worked in Calgary, also, and always found a bit of racism towards Filipino people from the locals, like at work, but it was still better than working for meager wages in the Philippines. The only immigrants I encountered in Canada then were a few newcomers from South- America and Vietnam. Now, I see only a handful of Caucasian Canadians, if you're lucky enough, in shopping malls and mostly are immigrants from East India or the Middle East. Hardly any S.E. Asians anymore, too. I know, there are 3 different nationalities in Singapore, living together harmoniously, so, Canada is taking an example from them. But, Canada may eventually find it hard to house many of the newcomers, burden on healthcare and social assistance where the people who are still working and producing may have to chip in more to support this heavy burden. Many of the newcomers are wealthy and buy up businesses where many times, they hire their own people who can speak the Manager's language and encourage them to move to Canada, possibly for locals to lose an opportunity to find a job.

[@julianzhai6321]

Try Sydney if you’re tired of the cold. More similar to Singapore in terms of the liveliness, food and climate and the perks you mentioned about living in a western country also apply

[@KevinNgYoutube]

As someone that was born and raised in Canada (Edmonton), and has been to Singapore multiple times. I think that it one day you’ll wake up and see that Canada is not a great place as some make it out to be. Especially compared to Singapore. Canada’s: high cost of living, inefficient health care, extremely high taxes, high crime rate, terrible use of tax payers dollars (such as billions of tax payers dollars supporting other countries, and funding communities that cause harm to themselves and others [if your Canadian you know what I’m talking about]), just to name a few. It doesn’t even compare to what Singapore has to offer. Singapore provides their citizens subsidized housing, great and affordable healthcare, safe environment, fast and cheap transportation system, fair taxes, amazing food and I can go on and on. I admire Singapore and one day wish to move there. But it’s shocking to see that someone from Singapore choosing to move to Canada, while others are trying to leave. While Canada immigration is fairly easy to obtain (even criminals from developing countries get accepted into Canada), and easy to obtain refugee status ruins everyday Canadians while Singapore’s immigration policy is strict and stringent. Though I may not agree with your points, I wish you the best, and looking forward to more of your uploads regarding Singapore and Canada. #subbed 😊

[@ylw]

it's ok got direct flight between vancouver and singapore if sian can always hop over to the other side just have to tahan air canada for 16+ hours

[@febbylyan]

thanks for sharing your pov - I totally get where you are coming from. every country has its pros & cons even though arguably, some are definitely managed better than others. I think the topic around which country is 'better' is really subjective and it really depends on what we value in life and what we can tolerate. also, I appreciate your well wishes and support on the channel! :)

[@febbylyan]

@ylw lol not wrong. even though having to tahan air canada for that many hours is a bit siao 🥲 I guess there aren't many options especially with SQ terminating their vancouver-SG routes

[@tuandang2471]

Yes kudos mama for speaking up, for leaving and never returning.

[@riastalk4550]

Bravo Febby for being fearless and authentic. Terima kasih dengan pengalaman anda, sangat berharga.

[@febbylyan]

aww terima kasih banyak for your kind words! ☺️

[@abhishekghosh5550]

ei ..i like you! 🙂 like the way you said..chop chop culture..in a video. yea..also love the mountains. how about coming to darjeeling and catching a glimpse of the Kanchengungha?!

[@alik3921]

But the question remains: What is an individual’s income and how much can he/she save? Did he/she move to Canada and have a lot of money to buy an apartment ? house ? or a car? What are the person’s expectations and plans for the next five years? I have completed nearly twenty years since I moved to Canada, but sadly I do not own a house or an apartment, and every day that passes I feel better that moving outside of Canada and being close to one of my family or friends is the best way to live and save some money.. Once again, Canada does not care about what it is and remember that it is based on the money of the rich and the blood of the poor, and if you do not have enough money to feed capitalism... your life will have no meaning because you grow old and your body is consumed in exchange for money that does not benefit you.... If you lose your health.

[@febbylyan]

I think you made relevant points - it all depends on our expectations and long-term plans. I agree with you that settling down here ie. owning a house, etc might be tough in general especially in 'more developed'/popular cities, substantiated by the expensive cost of traveling when you have family & friends outside of the country. I hope you'll figure out what works best for you soon - whether it is continuing to stay in Canada or moving somewhere else :)

[@msaidely]

all thesse reasoning are good.. to me, i think it is more about finding love/yourself maybe ;)

[@alyonapetrova694]

Great audio! Great vlog!

[@febbylyan]

thank you! (as always) 💛

[@MickeySn]

I don't know who design the subway commute in Toronto but I can say he don't know anything because he drive his car to TTC office and didn't have try to take the subway for daily.

[@eddyjcreative100]

I am frommTorontom and it overpopulated Blame Trudeuas BS

[@groove9tube]

Come to New Jersey. Most diverse state in the country. My area has improved due to large number of Indian immigrants here. Central to both NYC and Phila. Property taxes high, but public schools are excellent and affordable if you have a good salary. No hidden taxes like many Southern states. Also home and auto insurance are reasonable.

[@febbylyan]

I appreciate you sharing - will probably find out more about the state!

[@groove9tube]

@@febbylyan We have lakes, rolling hills, and of course the beautiful ocean beaches. Good luck!

[@amirulevercute]

Will you be coming back to SG and work back as flight attendant?

[@febbylyan]

going back to working as a flight attendant is quite unlikely, but who knows :)

[@CanadaMath]

In 2004 I wrote a somewhat famous article called 'Top 8 reasons not to immigrate to Canada'. In short, the Canadian authorities tried to destroy my life. They made it so that I could not be employable in Canada. So I moved to the U.S. in 2005 and then some years later I moved permanently to the Philippines. I am happy that so many years later videos like yours are saying essentially the same things that I did. I was ahead of my time. I will never go back to Canada. Not to live, not to visit, not even a connecting flight. Too cold, too expensive, taxes are astronomical, no culture, no freedom, no jobs, no opportunities, only modern slavery, worst healthcare system, unbearable political correctness, crime infested/drug infested, xenophobic people, too depressing. It has become a North Korea style dictatorship in the western world. Their are many reasons why Canada has fallen apart. But the number one reason is ‘multiculturalism’. My friends, multiculturalism simply does not work. Different cultures do not come together and mix, different cultures come together and clash. The world is divided into different countries for a reason: because people hate each other and only want to be with their own kind. The number two reason for Canada’s demise is ‘socialism’. In this modern era of aging populations, it is mathematically impossible for socialism to continue. The government does not have the money to take care of old people and provide healthcare, pensions and the various other benefits, even with the astronomical taxation that burdens hard working Canucks. Well Canada, you had a good run. Time for Canucks to move to an emerging country. We welcome you here in Southeast Asia.

[@willy.alaska5647]

I love it ❤you are 🎉so interesting yes you are right ✅️ about social contacts difficultly in making friends in general but yes individually in the west is freer than Eastern culture ❤

[@senthiln2363]

I love Singapore..but it's over populated

[@user-ge7sl1kq1l]

Is hospitality is good career in canada

[@febbylyan]

if you talk about building a professional career in hospitality, I honestly don't think the field is a prominent one here in Canada in general, but Alberta, BC, and maybe Montreal might have more opportunity vs the rest

[@blazer9547]

Comparative suffering. New vocabulary added

[@user-iv7tr6hb3m]

what that means ?

[@febbylyan]

what it means is trying to make sense of our own situation/struggle by comparing it to other people's situations. it is a term that I mentioned in the video :)

[@yeoweehuathuat8926]

Be grateful dear,I remember my kampong ,ppl hv to walk on the dirt . Life need compassion to ourselves n ppl around us, u won’t learn in western culture which is loud n disrespectful

[@libelle2441]

why you don't have Singapore accent?

[@cao6496]

Singapore la

[@visittavee7773]

She too old to adept because over 18 years

[@maxtorsumitomo6249]

your england is too fluent for an ex flight attendant, yes it's a compliment. yes, i fly a lot.

[@RegularGuy239]

Where are you from actually?

[@OudPlayerHBY]

Generally conservative people who value security, order, cleanliness over liberty adore Singapore and see it as a Paradise If you are not that conservative, if you value Freedom: political and individual freedom, if you like sometimes a bit a chaos, some crazy parties, heated political debate and discussions, road trips Then you ll find Singapore boring as fuck, you will find it asepticized.

[@flyingdaworld]

I really think it's admirable that you started from scratch. Honestly i think we have very similar life experiences. I joined SQ for two years and used my savings to fund my bachelor's, and now I'm looking to start a new life in Canada or the UK by doing a master's programme first. Can i ask how old are you?

[@febbylyan]

hey! thanks for the kind words and it's nice to meet someone with similar life experiences. good luck with your next steps in life! to answer your question - I juuust turned 31 :)

[@CoffeeOn]

The UK kinda sucks. Canada is better IMO

[@LordBagdanoff]

Singapore is just too small. More should go out and experience greater in life if possible.

[@jarbyjarby9783]

Tell us, how much cost of living in there from rent until groceries. And how much we can survive with unskilled worker

[@dz4265]

Pretty lady

[@Summeramennnnn]

Chop chop culture 😮

[@jeffthomas8582]

You must be kidding that Vancouver is quiet! What about the traffic congestion in Vancouver? Frequently union strikes that affect people life! Surrey is like a second India! Healthcare system is a disaster here! Shortage of healthcare workers in Canada! You are not in Canada long enough to understand the problem and situation. What about the drug and homelessness crisis in BC!

[@BlackForesterSUV]

Of all places, Canada? OmG.. so u have fully adopted a western culture and attitude of life.

[@Funnyandfunalways]

Trust me you did a great and wise choice. Canada lifestyle is better and more peace and healthier arent like singapore work style like going for war but in canada work life balance and government benefits way better than singapore which singapore cant offer like. Example pension / free healthcare / child benefits package more than 100k which singapore run in a business way only care about business but never care about human being

[@generaluse2878]

Looks like she just needed a change of scenery from a better place to live in like Singapore.

[@Justicewarrior795]

Yonch and dundas 😬

[@generaluse2878]

And the city government is planning to spend billions of dollars to change the square name there to SuckForAss Square. More money thrown away by that government to useless things instead of helping people.

[@febbylyan]

sounds like that is not how I should be pronouncing Yonge lol what is the correct pronunciation? 'is it 'Young'?

[@Lilrascal4lyfe]

@@febbylyanyea it’s pronounced ‘young’, totally understandable to say it how you did though

[@ibrokhim13]

Wake up ⏰ Canada is not you think

[@anonamouse5917]

All I previously knew about Singapore is that they don't like it when people come from other countries and commit acts of vandalism. Now I know that the people of Singapore are busy in every sense of the word😉 If we can get a government that doesn't pledge allegiance to the WEF than maybe Canada can become a great place to live, work and play like it used to be.

[@xen0076]

If i was in your place i would never leave singapore 😂😂

[@rahulengland]

Very big mistake. You will regret badly in a few months/year.

[@marg8315]

At least she has the courage to try something different other than making the decision about her life after reading a few online comments. So props to her.

[@rahulengland]

@@marg8315 lmao this is not courage. Its not even like she is going for a hike, or travel. When making a decision about life choices one should be very careful and do a proper research. Singapore is far better than Canada on every metric of human life. And if she really wanted to explore landscape Europe would've been a much better option

[@daphnezhang3113]

Don't worry about her, she is still SG citizen I believe, she can just go back to SG one day if she wants...@@rahulengland

[@CosmopolitanCaliph]

She made the right decision. All of the reasons she mentioned makes sense.

[@jonathanlim2269]

Sg is best country in the world, any other country is just not as good