TL;DR – If you haven’t had the opportunity to travel yet, here are some key things to look out for overseas and then appreciate in Singapore.
Now that most countries are relaxing their travel restrictions and the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) is working double-time to process expired passports, it is the season of travelling. Besides shopping, feasting, and drinking, travelling also brings us new perspectives after experiencing first-hand how other countries operate.
If you haven’t had the opportunity to travel yet, here are some key things to look out for overseas and then appreciate in Singapore:
Reliable Public Transport
Objectively speaking, trains in Singapore rarely break down. Even if they do, they are often bridging services, or last just a couple of hours. In some cities, like London, commuters not only grapple with breakdowns but are also affected when transport workers go on strike – for days.
In fact, the UK recently reported its largest strike to-date. This comes as after talks between rail operators and its union failed to reach an agreement on pay and working conditions.
Fortunately, Singaporeans are unlikely to face a similar situation, thanks to the strong tripartite relationship that our trade unions have with companies and the government!
In case you don’t already know, this strong tripartism dates all the way back to 1969, where at the Modernisation Seminar, a new social compact was struck with the government of the day for the benefit of the workers and the nation’s growth.
Since then, this non-confrontational and collaborative approach among unions, employers and the Government has always been Singapore’s not-so-secret recipe, as well as the key competitive advantage for Singapore.
Weather
That’s right. It may be hard to accept but there are actually countries with worst weather conditions than in Singapore, when you actually think about it. If you think Singapore is hot, you must have forgotten how you’ve felt making your way through Chachutchak in Bangkok.
Also, don’t forget the trouble of lugging a massive wardrobe around for layering. In some cities around the world, it could be sunny this hour and then snowing the next!
Safety
Anyone who has been to Europe would tell you about how they were almost a victim of theft. Girls would think twice about travelling alone to some countries. Staying out past nightfall is almost unheard of in others, even when travelling in a group.
But in Singapore? Leaving your phone openly on the table, your bag unattended at the library or even going home alone in the middle of the night – which one have you not done without a second thought?
In fact, some overseas media have also reported about how some retailers in Singapore don’t even lock up after closing! Did you know that Singapore is ranked 3rd globally for being one of the safest cities in the world in 2021?
What else do you think Singaporeans take for granted? Let us know in the comments!