Connect with us

Uncategorized

Hope for the Singapore Identity

Published

11 years ago

on

This article is a joint project by participants of  Writing For Hope, TOC’s inaugural blogger training programme. The writers were tasked to produce an article on the theme “The Singapore Identity”, and hit the streets to conduct interviews for their material.

 

By Winston Tay, Kelvin Chua, Hoch Y. Lim, & Darren Lai

20120325_Singapore-Photowalk-2012_0024B

Image credit: Light Bandit

 

There used to be a time where it was easy to tell if someone were a Singaporean or not just by looking at him or her. That was a long time ago.

 

These days, not so much.

 

As of 2012, there are 5.31 million people on this island, with less than 3.29 million of them native Singaporeans (because statistics from the Singapore government do not differentiate the native from the naturalised). That means a much less than 62% chance that the next person who walks past you is a native Singaporean, compared to back in 2000 when 91% of our population were Singapore Citizens.

 

But is our Singaporean identity to be played out as a numbers game, or is there something more intangible that we may be missing here?

 

Given the perceived widespread concern about how our “Singaporean core” is being diluted by our country’s open-door policy on foreign immigrants, and a long-standing debate on that elusive concept that is our Singapore identity, TOC went to the ground to get a sense of what people really thought of the issue.

 

The Young Singaporean

 

The value of a Singaporean core drew mixed insights amongst the youth that we spoke to. Ng Mei Ying, 15, a student, agreed that it is important, raising the example of how local food should be food cooked by locals, and not by foreign cooks who now dominate the many food courts now. And when asked whether she feels the Singaporean Core exists, she replied, “We are losing it… (I) don’t see much (of it) now in everyday life”.

 

At the other end of the spectrum, 18-year-old Dylan, a sales assistant, is not concerned with the notion of a Singaporean core at all, saying that that he does not plan to remain in Singapore in 5 to 10 years’ time. He did, however, have an impression of what a Singaporean identity consists of – “patriotism”, saying “I love Singapore” regardless of situation, service to the country, and listening to the government.

 

As to whether such an identity exists, Dylan concurs with Ng, believing that those among his age group feel it will die out, even though he feels that older folks in their forties will still harbour an attachment to Singapore.

 

The Old Singaporean

 

53-year-old Michael Tan begs to differ. Speaking in Mandarin, the unemployed Tan maintained that it was pointless to talk about the Singaporean Core or the Singapore identity, “because the government already decided to let foreigners come. It’s becoming more difficult for a Singaporean family to survive.”

 

Tan does acknowledge the existence of a Singapore identity exists, but maintained that it held no consequence to an individual’s survival. He shares his experience of trying to apply for a bus driver job five years ago, “The HR person told me bluntly, “We won’t consider you. There are many (foreign) applicants who are younger, able to work longer hours, willing to take lower pay.”” However, when asked why he did not plead his case to the union, Tan reserved comment.

 

The Adult Singaporean

 

But perhaps it is the working adults, who feel the most strongly about the subject (and again, over both ends of the spectrum), many of whom form part of the “sandwich class” that the government is currently focusing many of its policies on.

 

Desmond Tan, 37, an optician, doesn’t sense much of the Singaporean core around him due to the overcrowding, saying, “Singapore is too small a place to take more people. Now already 5.3 million
people. Another 2 million people (will be) too many. Transport how? Triple decker (buses)? Now already not enough jobs.” Without a doubt, Desmond knows the Singapore identity exists. But if we were plunged into war, he believes everyone will run, given the opportunity. “I also won’t defend,” he says.

 

Staffing consultant Yen Tian, 28, feels differently. She cites a sense of belonging to country being a reason for underlining the importance of having a national identity. “Everyone needs an identity,” she said, adding that one “can’t have shelter without an identity.”

 

She feels that while the Singapore identity does exist, it is changing, and will continue to change.  However, her definition of the Singapore identity is decidedly more negative, using terms like “selfish”, “kiasu-kiasi-kiaboh”, and “impolite” to describe the Singaporean identity. She feels that Singaporeans share a common trait of being too self-centred and self-absorbed adding that Singaporeans tend to be closed off and cautious, although they will be helpful if you ask them for help. Yen Tian also doesn’t understand why Singaporeans aren’t accepting of foreigners, saying, “After all, we’re all foreigners actually.”

 

Kenneth Koh, 30, architect, offers the government some credit to trying to “identify what is the Singaporean identity”, but doesn’t think it possible to properly define a Singaporean. “I don’t believe we have a clear identity now, because I think Singaporeans… have a varied history – we come from different places, and it’s very difficult to say what Singapore is about.”

 

Despite the government’s efforts, Kenneth doesn’t think the government has succeeded in trying to help its people identify with this Singaporean core. When asked what his own definition was, he said, “I think we cannot escape from the fact that we are a very clean and efficient society. We’re very functional, but at the same time, I think there’s this growing sense of rebellion against what this is about, against things that are too clean and too efficient.

 

But he feels the answer to the Singapore identity may well lie in the struggle against the authorities of what Singapore should be about. “Perhaps that in itself is the identity,” he says, referring to “the fact that people are sort of resisting these kind of aspects of society – cleanliness, efficiency, the economy, things like that.” Kenneth adds, “Personally, I am not adverse to (these aspects). Of course, all of us are enjoying the benefits of a very well-organised society, but of course I think there should be more room for personal expression.”

 

Though opinions vary as to the definition of a national identity and the value of a Singaporean core, even the most jaded will not deny the existence of both. But where consensus cannot be arrived at, perhaps there is a need to rethink our approach to the debate, and view our Singapore identity as a personal right rather than a national one.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Indonesia

Miss Universe cuts ties with Indonesia chapter after harassment allegations

The Miss Universe Organization severs ties with Indonesia franchise due to harassment claims. Malaysia edition canceled.

Women allege body checks before pageant. Investigation launched. Safety prioritized.

Indonesia winner to compete in November finale. Height requirement controversy.

Published

1 year ago

on

14 August 2023

By

WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES — The Miss Universe Organization has cut ties with its Indonesia franchise, it announced days after allegations of sexual harassment, and will cancel an upcoming Malaysia edition.

In the complaint, more than a half dozen women said all 30 finalists for Miss Universe Indonesia were unexpectedly asked to strip for a supposed body check for scars and cellulite two days before the pageant’s crowning ceremony in Jakarta.

Their lawyer said Tuesday that five of the women had their pictures taken.

“In light of what we have learned took place at Miss Universe Indonesia, it has become clear that this franchise has not lived up to our brand standards, ethics, or expectations,” the US-based Miss Universe Organization posted Saturday night on social media site X, formerly known as Twitter.

It said that it had “decided to terminate the relationship with its current franchise in Indonesia, PT Capella Swastika Karya, and its National Director, Poppy Capella.”

It thanked the contestants for their bravery in coming forward and added that “providing a safe place for women” was the organization’s priority.

Jakarta police spokesman Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko said Tuesday that an investigation into the women’s complaint has been launched.

The Indonesia franchise also holds the license for Miss Universe Malaysia, where there will no longer be a competition this year, according to the New York-based parent organizer.

In a lengthy statement posted to Instagram, Indonesia franchise director Capella denied involvement in any body checks.

“I, as the National Director and as the owner of the Miss Universe Indonesia license, was not involved at all and have never known, ordered, requested or allowed anyone who played a role and participated in the process of organizing Miss Universe Indonesia 2023 to commit violence or sexual harassment through body checking,” she wrote.

She added that she is against “any form of violence or sexual harassment.”

The Jakarta competition was held from 29 July to 3 August to choose Indonesia’s representative to the 2023 Miss Universe contest, and was won by Fabienne Nicole Groeneveld.

Miss Universe said it would make arrangements for her to compete in the finale, scheduled for November in El Salvador.

This year’s Indonesia pageant also came under fire for announcing a “significant change in this (year’s) competition guidelines” with the elimination of its minimum height requirement after it had crowned a winner.

In its statement, the Miss Universe Organization said it wanted to “make it extremely clear that there are no measurements such as height, weight, or body dimensions required to join a Miss Universe pageant worldwide.”

— AFP

Continue Reading

Malaysia

A Perodua service centre in Kuantan, Malaysia went viral for its strict dress code, Perodua responds

A dress code for vehicle servicing? A Malaysian car brand’s service centre dress code signage has puzzled netizens, raising queries about the need for attire rules during a routine service.

The manufacturer responded with an official statement after a flurry of comments, seeking to clarify and apologize.

Published

1 year ago

on

10 August 2023

By

MALAYSIA: A dress code signage positioned at a service centre belonging to a prominent Malaysian car brand has sparked bewilderment among Malaysian netizens, who question the necessity of adhering to attire guidelines for a simple vehicle servicing.

The signage explicitly delineates clothing items that are deemed unsuitable, including sleeveless tops, short skirts, abbreviated pants, and distressed jeans.

The car manufacturer swiftly found itself flooded with comments from both inquisitive and irked Malaysian netizens. This surge in online activity prompted the company to issue an official statement aimed at clarifying the situation and extending an apology.

In a post that gained significant traction on the social media platform, politician Quek Tai Seong of Pahang State, Malaysia, shared an image to Facebook on Monday (7 Aug).

The image showcased a dress code sign prominently displayed at a Perodua Service Centre in Kuantan. Within the post, Quek posed the question: “Is this dress code applicable nationwide, or is it specific to this branch?”

The signage reads, “All customers dealing with Perodua Service Kuantan 1, Semambu, are requested to dress modestly and appropriately.”

Adding visual clarity to these guidelines, the sign features illustrative graphics that explicitly outline clothing items deemed unacceptable, including sleeveless tops, short skirts, short pants, and ripped jeans.

Delineating the specifics of the dress code, the signage stipulates that male visitors are expected to don shirts accompanied by neckties, opt for long pants, and wear closed shoes.

Conversely, female visitors are advised to don long-sleeved shirts, full-length skirts, and closed-toe footwear.

Perodua’s dress code sparks online uproar

Following the rapid spread of the post, Perodua’s official Facebook page found itself inundated with comments from both intrigued and frustrated Malaysian netizens, all seeking clarifications about the newly surfaced dress code policy.

Amidst the flurry of comments, numerous incensed netizens posed pointed questions such as, “What is the rationale behind the introduction of such regulations by the management? We demand an explanation.”

Another netizen expressed their dissatisfaction, arguing against the necessity of the rule and urging Perodua to take inspiration from the practices of other 4S (Sales, Service, Spare Parts, and Survey) automotive dealerships.

A concerned Facebook user chimed in, advocating for a more lenient stance, asserting that attempting to dictate customers’ clothing choices might not be in the company’s best interest.

Someone also commented in an angry tone, “Oi what is this? Going there for car service, not interview or working, right.”

As the discourse unfolded, it became evident that while some inquiries carried genuine weight, others chose to inject humor into the situation, playfully remarking, “If I wanted to buy a Myvi, I should buy or rent a formal attire first.”

“I sell economy rice at a hawker centre, I have never worn a long sleeve shirt and a tie… I guess I will not buy a Perodua car then.”

“I guess they will not serve those who wear short pants.”

Perodua addresses dress code controversy

As reported by Chinese media outlet Sin Chew Daily News, the manager of Kuantan’s Perodua Service Centre had acknowledged that the images on the dress code signage were misleading.

In response, the manager divulged that discussions had transpired with the head office, leading to the prompt removal of the signage to prevent any further misconceptions.

The manager clarifies, “We do encourage visitors to adhere to the dress etiquette, but we won’t go to the extent of restricting their choice of attire.”

He also revealed that currently, no complaints have been directly received from the public.

However, feedback from certain customers was relayed through Perodua’s agents.

Perodua also released an official statement by chief operating officer JK Rozman Jaffar on Wednesday (9 Aug) regarding the dress code on their official Facebook page.

The statement stated the dress code etiquette is not aligned with their official guidelines and they are currently conducting an official investigation on the matter followed by corrective measures to avoid the same incident from happening.

Perodua also extends its apologies for any inconvenience caused.

 

Continue Reading

Trending