I had a few conversations with people from mainland China recently. Something came up more than once. They find Malaysian Chinese easier to deal with than Singaporeans. More approachable, more respectful, and easier to engage with on equal terms.
I work with Singaporean partners and clients and have very good relationships with many of them. This is just an observation.
I told one of them that many Singaporean Chinese, or their parents and grandparents have roots in Malaysia. Their families moved south for better opportunities. Our histories are closely connected.
The two communities have developed different attitudes. Some Singaporeans can come across as proud and conscious of status and not always comfortable dealing with others as equals. Malaysian Chinese seem to have kept a stronger connection with their roots. I certainly have. I’m proud of my roots in China and I never forget them.
I was belittled once as a secondary school student. A Singaporean told me the education standard in Singapore was very high especially English. Not everyone could make it including me. I just smiled. His Singlish was not as impressive as he thought.
Why the difference ah? Singapore is a competitive society, focused on individual achievement and material success. It has done well but that shapes people. Malaysian Chinese kept more of their traditional Chinese identity.
There is also the stress. Singapore is a pressure cooker. People are so busy chasing success that they forget to enjoy the simple things in life. Yeah, more of us should meditate, Singaporeans included. The markets will still be there. So will the bills. We do not get extra years for having a bigger bank account.
This is not only a Singapore thing. Every country has people who think they are a little more important than the person sitting across the table.
We may not agree with what outsiders say about us. Sometimes they see what we do not.