Can't fathom what's great about Singapore

[sierra2469alpha]

Andy - sorry mate, what's your point regarding my post? The OP made the claim, and I was asking them to back it up. Or am I missing something?? Thanks, P

[Plavt]

Seems I havnt. Does that mean they do or they dont?

Will let you find that one out for yourself....

[hk203]

I do not care whether you are Indonesian or whatever $hit but I think you certainly needs help. I am sure you are unable to compete with other FTs in Singapore hence you critize them in that manner...if you are gentleman, you should reveal your nationality instead of hiding behind the computer and critisizing other countries. I am 100% sure you are Indonesian though. But I am sure that you are a coward in your real life.

<quote>
Just because I'm using a Indonesian bahasa nick does not mean that I am an Indonesian.

Anyone can comment on Singapore, even an Indonesian given that:
1. SQ flies more Indonesians than Singaporeans. <--- that's because Indonesian airlines is $hit.

2. Singapore Hospitals got many patients from Indonesia <--- that's because Indonesian doctors are killers.

3. Private banks in Singapore have managed to get 80% of their assets from Indonesian clients (Data from Merrill Lynch) (of course, Singapore is the place to be to laundry money for corrupt officials/politicians and businessmen hiding illicit wealth from indonesian tax authority). <--Corrupt officials?? hahaha this is f**king hillarious. Indonesia is one of the worlds most corrupted country.

4. Indonesians are the largest foreign buyers of high-end Spore apartments (Data from Singapore Housing Authority). <--- Thats because they see profit. Whats the point buying property in Indonesia to see the house depreciate in value like nobody business? Or worst being burn down by those 1diots like yourself?

5. One third of Singapore High Networth Individuals come from Indonesia (Singapore govt. lures them to become Permanent Residents). (Data from Merrill Lynch) <-- I would rather contribute to Singapore rather than to Indonesia.

One can become rich easier for being an Indonesian; as for Singaporean, at best, one can become a professional, at worst become a taxi driver. Indonesia is the land of opportunity. Even, a few wealthy Singaporeans stole (are still stealing) subsidized oil/gas and minerals from Indonesia.
- That is because Indonesian are $tupid. It depends on individual...you can't survive here doesn't mean others can't as well.

Despite that Singapore is stealing the riches of Indonesia; perhaps, due to lack of education, Indonesians don't seem to have any grudges against Singapore; on the other hand they seem to adore/worship Singaporeans so much. I guess you are one of those specimens. What a poor mentality. I wouldn't ever abandon my nationality to change into other nation just because the latter has a better system or more developed.
- LOL. I am enjoying my life here much more than Indonesia. Although I'm a Singaporean now but majority of my income are from Indonesia. BTW, I also do not want my house to be burn down and my daughter rape by those mor0ns...they do not welcome Chinese in Indonesia anyway. and why the hell I need to stay there when i'm not even regarded as one of them in Indonesia?? If you are Chinese, you are not allowed to join the army, not allowed to join the government bodies. there are too many restrictions on Chinese. If you are Indonesian Chinese...your ancestors must be damn pissed with you and you are a disgrace to your own race. I AM NOT A RACIST PERSON BUT IF ANYONE HAVE GONE THROUGH WHAT I'VE GONE THROUGH...THEN YOU WILL UNDERSTAND.

However, in Thailand where I have also been an expat; in recent years, Thai has become acquainted with the Republic of Kiasu. And many Thai now think this little nation has gotten way too greedy and trying to take many things from Thailand. I am not alone on this subject.
- how do you define expat? You are certainly not intelligent enough to be considered a Foreign Talent? LOL

As for my personal observation, Thai as a nation is way much more refined, attractive and has better personal hygiene than Singapore. Anyone can feel the difference between taking MRT/Bus in Bangkok and Singapore, despite that both cities are tropical, Singaporeans stink. Hence, my comment is in comparison to Thailand rather than Indonesia your country of origin, which you are trying to abash now. Despite that, I still have to say that Singapore people are still uglier than Indonesians.
- hahahaha...I also think that you are an 1diot to be honest.
[/quote]

[Plavt]

Anybody can bash any country including his or her own as I like Ksl will often do. One can also see another country through 'blinkered' eyes. As an example I see Singapore as an attractive country to live in due to the climate, the low crime rate, ease access to the rest of Asia but I wonder how happy I would be if I was living there subject to the normal life-style?


Would like to hear the OP's views on Thailand after six months of residence.

[Global Citizen]

Plavt, in my view, there's a difference between constructive criticism and mindless bashing. You can't expect to come on a forum and label the whole lot of S'poreans as being ugly and smelly and not go unchallenged. In fact going by his/her litany of complaints, Susah is hard pressed to find anything here that he liked. Food, people, the government, the MRT, even SQ, a world class carrier that usually exceeds most people's expectations.
Susah comes across as one sad individual with a massive chip on his Indonesian shoulders. Shades of envy here and lots of personal issues, one would suspect.

Hey this isn't utopia, nobody ever said it was and the fact that we have a government that is pretty effective 90% of the time should count for something at the end of the day. There are always going to be issues, some policies I don't care for either which I've voiced in this very forum but Hibri2 said it best, when he mentioned that it's also important to remember your position as a guest in this country. Rile too many feathers and you're going to get a response.

Also, just in case any of you who feel that this is an expat forum and locals have no business here and expats have a right to vent and voice their frustrations, let me just say this: information is global and available to anyone who cares to surf and like it or not this board is frequented by locals who reside in Singapore as well as many who reside abroad as expats like myself. At the end of the day, most of us are a well travelled and intelligent lot. We're not necessairly blinkered in our views or blindly loyal but I can and do see the forest for the trees.

[Plavt]

Hibri2 said it best, when he mentioned that it's also important to remember your position as a guest in this country. Rile too many feathers and you're going to get a response.

This has always been my own personal feeling, having friends in other countries I am often asked would I like to 'live' there? My answer is; I would like to spend time there but I am an Englishman first and nothing in this world will change that. As discussed with a friend, although some may dispute his and my feelings, one cannot really 'live' in a foreign country as he or she simply doesn't belong there. Where are you sms, sure you have something to say on that one?

[Vaucluse]

hk203 wrote:

if you are gentleman, you should reveal your nationality instead of hiding behind the computer and critisizing other countries.

What utter rubbish. This is an anonymous internet forum - the beauty of which is that we can post anonymously so that people like you can't pigeonhole someone for their nationality or race.

how do you define expat? You are certainly not intelligent enough to be considered a Foreign Talent?

Since you like critcising others for their 'lack of intelligence', perhaps you should look at your lousy English skills. People in glass houses, my friend . . .

Despite that, I still have to say that Singapore people are still uglier than Indonesians.

Bingo - your real IQ finally shows . . . definitely single-digit

and this proves it:

- hahahaha...

Anyone who laughs at their own idiocy deserves to have his lips sewn together.

(Aside from which you believe Thailand to be so far superior to Singapore . . . possibly you mean the hookers, your only area of specialisation, perhaps?

[Wind In My Hair]

Indonesia is closer to Hong Kong than Singapore is!

But I can see Indonesia from my house!

I almost fell off my chair. A stroke of genius, I must admit.

As for the rest of the thread... I have come to a point where I've decided that I don't care very much what people think about Singapore anymore. Want to stay? Stay. Want to go? Go. I have more important things to think about now, like attaining nirvana.

(But thanks all you nice people for being fair and objective - I'll leave the debate in your good hands.)

[sundaymorningstaple]

Go. I have more important things to think about now, like attaining nirvana.

Oh no! Please tell me it isn't so! You've taken up with our base 9 buddha, Shankar - who claims he has "recently" attained Nirvana!

I'm devastated!

[Wind In My Hair]

Oh no! Please tell me it isn't so! You've taken up with our base 9 buddha, Shankar - who claims he has "recently" attained Nirvana!

I'm devastated!

Tsk tsk, who are you calling base now? Be nice, darling.

As for sharing a space with our friend of the missing digit, have no fear. I am light years away from attaining nirvana. The fun is in getting there and enjoying being far less than perfect in the meantime!

So you may un-devastate yourself now.

[hk203]

hk203 wrote:

if you are gentleman, you should reveal your nationality instead of hiding behind the computer and critisizing other countries.

What utter rubbish. This is an anonymous internet forum - the beauty of which is that we can post anonymously so that people like you can't pigeonhole someone for their nationality or race.
- Means that you are a coward dude. Whats wrong revealing your nationality. Well, I did and would like to challenge you instead of hiding behind computer like a real chicken.

how do you define expat? You are certainly not intelligent enough to be considered a Foreign Talent?

Since you like critcising others for their 'lack of intelligence', perhaps you should look at your lousy English skills. People in glass houses, my friend . . .
- whats wrong with my English?? Fair enough if you claimed that my Emglish is below par but certainly good in English doesn't mean that you are an intelligent person?

Despite that, I still have to say that Singapore people are still uglier than Indonesians.

Bingo - your real IQ finally shows . . . definitely single-digit
- not sure what you on about...

and this proves it:

- hahahaha...

Anyone who laughs at their own idiocy deserves to have his lips sewn together.
- You are a complete 1diot to be honest. Please look at the message properly next time before you utter your rubbish.

(Aside from which you believe Thailand to be so far superior to Singapore . . . possibly you mean the hookers, your only area of specialisation, perhaps?

I AM SURE YOU MIXED UP SUSAH'S POST WITH MINE. WELL, NOW WHO IS THE 1DIOT?

[susah_sih]

But the essence of wealth management is to hide it somewhere outside a person's country.Singapore is ideal since it is a stepping stone. Likewise, ultra rich Singaporeans stash their money in Hong Kong.

We've (Ms. C and I) have been watching this thread with interest. Usually, I shoot my stupid mouth off before thinking (or other people shoot my mouth off for me!!!!), so Mr.P has a few comments:

a). If the essence of wealth management is to hide it somewhere outside a person's country, then I would suggest those people find a new financial advisor. We're not ultra-rich, and we have holdings in our country of birth as well as other countries. Why would we want to hide our assets? Oh, that's right, if we'd done something wrong. Sorry, we haven't!

b). Where did you get the pax numbers that mores Indonesians fly on SQ?

c). Private banks in Singapore have 80% of their assets from Indonesian Clients? Back this up with the source, please. If you have Merril info then provide the link to the publicly available information.

d). Indonesians are the largest foreign buyers of high-end SIN apartments? Public link?

Ms C:

1) You have some issue with everyone from anywhere. If you are such a Missie Goodie Two Shoes then crawl back and answer the questions asked here

2) If you just want to cause distruption and have your voiuce heard, then why don't you do that it in your home country or at least put something to the Government here?

3) I respect your position, as my husband did above, however you do need to state your sources more reliably

C.
e). One third of HNW Indiv. are from Indonesia? Again, provide a public link.

Business Times reported this awhile ago. "A Third of Spore's Richs are Indonesians: Merrill" http://commentarysingapore.blogspot.com ... thing.html

That blogspot also quotes Morgan Stanley analyst's view on Singapore as the center of money laundering for corrupt Indonesian politicians/businessmen.

Merrill Lynch/Cap Gemini's Asia Pacific Wealth Report 2006 mentions the numbers and assets of HNWs in the region.

Its 2007 version is still available on internet.
On Page 4, it says:
Looking more closely, we found that the Indonesian population residing in Singapore comprised a significant share of the local HNWI population and wealth. According to our estimates, in 2006, approximately 19,000 HNWIs of Indonesian origin resided in Singapore and held approximately US$93 billion in financial wealth.[financial wealth is not counting apartment, cars, jewelery, other fixed assets]
This is the link http://www.ml.com/media/84017.pdf

One prominent Swiss private bank in Singapore has approximately 120 private bankers serving Indonesians. Each private banker needs to collect USD50million in order to avoid from being kicked out from the bank. Many has collected USD300 to 500 millions. This is according to an expat at the Swiss bank. Further, the person is of the opinion that the data from Merrill underestimates the true situation of HNW in Indonesia. For that particular Swiss bank, Indonesia is clearly their main market for private banking in the region.

I personally collect paintings from Indonesia and Vietnam. Despite prices ranging from hundred thousands to millions USD, Indonesian-theme/origin paintings attract the largest numbers of collectors/punters among SE Asian arts. You will also notice from the catalog links below that Indonesian paintings count for 70-80% of sales for both houses on auctions of SE Asian paintings.
http://www.sothebys.com/app/live/lot/Lo ... ber=HK0275
http://www.christies.com/departments/so ... orary-art/

Perhaps another testimony to what I said about how un-inspirational Singapore is reflected in its paintings. No one in their right mind would buy paintings done by Singaporean artists; Singapore paintings are simply no good.

With regards to property, CLSA had a research on this as well.
Indonesians top Singapore's foreign property purchase

SINGAPORE (DPA): Indian nationals are buying more apartments and condominiums in Singapore, but the majority of foreign buyers still come from Indonesia and Malaysia, a property consultancy said Tuesday.

Purchasers from Indonesia emerged atop the Jones Lang LaSalle list, comprising 24 per cent of the total foreign purchases in the first nine months of this year. Those from Malaysia accounted for 22 percent.

The third-largest group of foreign buyers came from China with 9 per cent of the foreign purchases from January to September. Combined with buyers from Hong Kong, they made up 12 percent of the overseas purchases.

Indian buyers' purchases rose to 8 percent in the first nine months of the year, up from 5 percent in 2004.

"This could be attributed to their familiarity with the Singapore market and their increasing purchasing power due to high economic growth in India, supported by the outsourcing and offshoring activities from U.S. and European companies," saidFeng Zhi Wei, Jones Lang LaSalle's associate director for South Asia and Singapore.

Foreign buyers as a whole bought more in the first nine months of this year than in all of 2004. They made up about 25 percent of 8,604 caveats lodged for non-landed homes, up from 21 percent of 9,234 caveats for all of last year.

The number of foreign buyers purchasing high-end homes has risen at a faster pace than local buyers doing the same, Feng noted. (***)

[susah_sih]

I do not care whether you are Indonesian or whatever $hit but I think you certainly needs help. I am sure you are unable to compete with other FTs in Singapore hence you critize them in that manner...if you are gentleman, you should reveal your nationality instead of hiding behind the computer and critisizing other countries. I am 100% sure you are Indonesian though. But I am sure that you are a coward in your real life.

Whatever your diatribe on Indonesia. I love Indonesia (and also Thailand). I do have huge investment in Indonesian paintings which many were purchased through auction at Sotheby's and Christie's. If you know these two names and how much commission they typically charge for paintings, then you do not need to doubt my professional ability.

If it matters to you, I am Belgian. I am proud of it and will never switch my nationality into any other nations; it's utterly unthinkable. Perhaps also this is the way we are brought up, to love our country and not to switch nationality the minute we face hardship.

And if you have been to Belgium, then you will notice that we enjoy excellent cuisine/wine, take shower daily even during winter, listen to good jokes, enjoy our good life and hide our financial assets from our tax men (after all it was Belgians who initiated putting money in Swiss banks decades ago).

[durain]

susah_sih, i love singapore for every reason you mentioned.

[susah_sih]

Anybody can bash any country including his or her own as I like Ksl will often do. One can also see another country through 'blinkered' eyes. As an example I see Singapore as an attractive country to live in due to the climate, the low crime rate, ease access to the rest of Asia but I wonder how happy I would be if I was living there subject to the normal life-style?


Would like to hear the OP's views on Thailand after six months of residence.

I have been with the same company initially in Indonesia then moved on to Thailand and now in Singapore. I am recommending our HQ to close Singapore office and to convert Bkk office into regional HQ.