20 Differences Between Growing Up Malaysian vs Singaporean [VIDEO]
Apr 23, 2014 02:42
Malaysia vs Singapore has been the topic of petty debates ever since Singapore separated from Malaysia in 1965. Singapore has since grown in wealth, most recently being named the most expensive country in the world to live in.
A December 2013 Buzzfeed post that listed 27 reasons Singapore is the most delicious place on earth pissed off Malaysian netizens, as a majority of the food listed by the writer were predominantly Malaysian. But a closer look at the issue would lead you to think, well, where else would Singapore get its food-influence? Of course the food has deep Malaysian roots. Singapore as a country and people have deep Malaysian roots.
Singaporeans having Malaysian relatives is nothing new, and vice versa. In fact, the people of either nation look similar, and while the slang of each country's English (Manglish vs Singlish) may differ ever so slightly, there are Malay, Cantonese, Hokkien, Mandarin, and Indian words thrown into the mix for both Malaysians and Singaporeans. But if there's one thing that sets Malaysians and Singaporeans apart, is that growing up in each country is very different.
Here are 20 differences you'll notice about growing up in Malaysia vs growing up in Singapore.
1. Malaysian kids aren't pressured to study as hard as Singaporean students.
2. Majority of Malaysians sing Negaraku in Bahasa Malaysia and know exactly what it means, Majority of Singaporeans sing Majulah Singapura and have no idea what it means in Malay.
3. Singaporeans walk. Malaysians don't like to walk, unless it's in a mall or air-conditioned space.
4. Singaporeans are less likely to pick up smoking at a young age because of the price of cigarettes and numerous no-smoking outlets. In Malaysia, no matter how expensive cigarettes get, it's still relatively cheaper compared to Singapore.
5. No one messes with the law in Singapore.
6. Public transport in Singapore is incredibly efficient. In Malaysia, people are actually surprised if you went on a bus to get around town.
7. If you're Malaysian, your childhood home is probably a house. If you're Singaporean, it might have been a HDB flat.
8. Safety in Singapore is ace. The same can't be said about Malaysia.
9. Malaysians used to make jokes about Singapore for using recycled water but we're now going through water rationing.
10. Malaysians AND Singaporeans can count on Singapore to bring in big acts and musicals and make sure the show goes on. Malaysia has earned a brilliant reputation for cancelling gigs.
11. Cleanliness in Singapore definitely trumps Malaysia's. Hands down.
12. Being Singaporean means you probably know how to use public transport around the world more efficiently than Malaysians.
13. Malaysians enjoy driving cars from a younger age, while in Singapore, knowing how to drive doesn't mean you actually will.
14. Taxi drivers in Singapore are so nice!
15. Malaysians can chew gum wherever they like.
16. Malaysia has a larger variety of cuisines at a more affordable price.
17. The Malaysian attitude is generally more 'lepak' than Singaporeans. Not sure if that's a good or bad thing.
18. There are more fat people in Malaysia compared to Singapore. This could be due to Singapore's attention to health and fitness instilled in citizens since childhood. Remember the TAF Club? Well if you were pudgy you'd have to join it. But it no longer exists. Now they have HHF (Holistic Health Framework) which isn't as embarrassing as TAF club. Malaysians, on the other hand, have really shitty PE classes. It also helps that Singaporeans in general don't have much choice but to rely on public transport, whereas Malaysians get dropped off at the doorstep of everywhere.
19. Malaysian National Service only lasts for a 3-month duration compared to Singapore's 2-year service. Malaysian NS is like going on a lengthy school camping trip. And you get to play with guns?
20. In Malaysia, you can find food any time of the day. Literally.
