Are Singaporeans Actually Nice?
VICTORIA NG
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Recently a Singaporean family living in Siglap have hit headlines for setting up a soft drink vending machine outside of their house for food deliverymen, postmen and other workers to help themselves to a free drink. This act of kindness by the Chaim family is certainly well appreciated, especially in Singapore’s insanely hot weather. While we tend to notice the not so nice aunty or annoying teenager more often than not, could Singaporeans actually be nice?
Image via Sophia Chiam
Singapore is a small island nation known for its modernity, efficiency, and diversity. But what many people may not know is that Singaporeans are also known for their kindness and hospitality. From helping strangers with directions to sharing food with their neighbors, Singaporeans are known for their generous nature. In this article, we'll explore why Singaporeans are so kind and what makes their kindness unique.
Kindness is ingrained in Singaporean culture. It is taught in schools, encouraged by the government, and celebrated in the community. The Singapore Kindness Movement (SKM) was launched in 1997 to promote kindness and graciousness among Singaporeans. Since then, SKM has been actively promoting kindness through various campaigns, events, and initiatives.
There are countless examples of Singaporeans being kind and showing their generosity in various ways. Here are a few notable instances:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Singaporeans showed their kindness by donating food and essential supplies to migrant workers who were affected by the pandemic. Many Singaporeans also volunteered their time to help with the distribution of these items.
In 2015, a group of Singaporeans came together to help a blind man who was lost and stranded in a train station. The group not only helped the man find his way but also raised funds to buy him a new phone and provided him with daily assistance.
In 2017, a Singaporean driver stopped his car on a busy highway to help a family of ducks cross the road safely. The driver was praised for his kindness and consideration for the animals.
In 2019, a group of Singaporeans organized a beach cleanup campaign to help reduce plastic waste and protect marine life. The campaign attracted hundreds of volunteers who spent their time collecting and disposing of trash on the beach.
In 2020, a Singaporean delivery driver was praised for his kindness after he returned an envelope containing S$3,000 in cash that he found on the road. The driver went out of his way to find the owner of the money and return it to him.
One of the reasons why Singaporeans are so kind is because of their multiculturalism. Singapore is a melting pot of cultures, with a diverse population that includes Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Eurasian communities. This diversity has taught Singaporeans to be accepting and tolerant of different cultures and beliefs. It has also taught them to appreciate the importance of harmony and unity.
Another reason why Singaporeans are kind is because of their sense of community. Singaporeans believe in helping each other out and building strong relationships within their neighborhoods. This is reflected in the kampung spirit, a term used to describe the sense of community and togetherness that existed in traditional Malay villages. Although Singapore is a modern city, the kampung spirit is still alive in many neighborhoods, where neighbors look out for each other and help each other out in times of need.
Singaporeans also believe in the importance of giving back to society. Volunteering is a common way for Singaporeans to show their kindness and generosity. Many organizations and charities in Singapore rely heavily on volunteers to run their programs and services. Singaporeans also donate generously to charity, with many contributing to causes such as education, healthcare, and disaster relief, such as when the Turkish Embassy had to stop accepting donations as they were flooded with enthusiastic donations.
Finally, Singaporeans are kind because it is simply part of their nature. Kindness is not just a behavior that is taught or encouraged, it is something that is ingrained in the culture and values of Singaporeans. From the way they greet each other to the way they offer a helping hand, kindness is a natural part of Singaporean society.
In conclusion, Singaporeans are known for their kindness and generosity, which is reflected in their culture, community spirit, and sense of giving back. From volunteering to donating to charity, Singaporeans are always finding ways to show their kindness and make a positive impact on society. If you are planning to visit Singapore, be prepared to experience the warmth and hospitality of the locals who are always ready to offer a helping hand.
VICTORIA NG | Contributing Writer
Victoria, a.k.a Vicky is a creative freelancer who hails from Singapore, she loves to ‘vibe’ on the internet and pretty much prefers cats over humans. She has a fondness for things that carry an air of nostalgia and enjoys cafe hopping on weekends. Her current struggle is trying to spend less time on Tiktok, she can hear the “ting ting ting dang ting” song in her ears. She hopes to own a corgi someday.
