Singapore vs New Zealand
Singapore is a pretty interesting place. At 707 km², the island is roughly the size of Lake Taupo (622 km²). Yet this small island nation with approximately the same population size as New Zealand (4.5m in Singapore to 4.2m in NZ) is far more progressive in many ways. According to IMF figures, Singapore is the 21st wealthiest country in the world based on the GDP / capita measure, coming in at USD35K. They are just ahead of Japan, and 5 places above New Zealand (at USD30K). Adjusted for purchasing power parity, the difference is even more dramatic. Singapore’s GDP / capita rises to USD50K (6th highest in the world) vs New Zealand’s USD26K (32nd).
It’s amazing how an island nation not blessed with natural resources and dependent on her northern neighbour for the most basic of resources (including water and sand) can achieve this level of development.
New Zealand is often compared to Australia (GDP/capita USD43K, ranked 15th). Sometimes, New Zealanders give the excuse that Australia’s superiority is simply because of their abundance of natural resources including various minerals and oil. Perhaps one thing we can learn from the Singaporeans is to stop whining about what we cannot change and focus on what we can. If a small Asian island nation can transform itself from rural backwaters to one of the wealthiest nations in the world within 40 years, perhaps there are some lessons to be learnt. I don’t think we need to look far. Strong leadership is a key factor. Unwavering resolve to achieve progress collectively is another. Do we know what it means to do whatever it takes?
Of course, it’s not all about economics. There are also reasons for Kiwis to celebrate. We just found out that Auckland is ranked the fifth best city to live in globally for the second year running, trumping Sydney (10th) and Melbourne (17th). Singapore is a distant 32nd.
Many New Zealanders would not be able to tolerate living in Singapore. Notwithstanding the heat, long working hours, and lack of nice beaches/bush, the list of things you can’t do could be longer than the list of things you can.
I was reading the Straits Times on the flight to Singapore, and came across an article about an ex-Singaporean (now US citizen) getting sued for insulting a judge.
Gopalan Nair was charged under the Miscellaneous Offences (Public Order and Nuisance) Act, which states that “it is an offence for any person who in a public or private place uses any indecent, threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour towards a public servant in the execution of his duty”. If convicted, Nair faces a fine of up to $5,000 or up to one year in jail.
I can imagine that National MP Carter wouldn’t have abused the cop if he knew he could go to jail for it.
Not a day goes by where you don’t find an article in the Herald with a story critical of the government. Criticising the government is now a national pastime. Of course, who else would you blame for high food prices, petrol prices, inflation, interest rates, NZD etc.
What would you rather have? More money / less freedom or more freedom / less money?
GDP is a poor way to judge economy, everyone knows that. It is an even poorer way to judge standard of living, especially in the light of the fact that Singapore is the 10th most expensive city in the world. The average standard of living for the average Singaporean would be considered “poverty” by the standards of the average Australian or NZealander who has their own land and 2-3 cars.
Not many Aussies or NZealanders can say that they will never be able to taste having their own piece of land, except the poor – rather like the average Singaporean.
I’d also like to say that the Mercier Quality of Living survey is also not a good test for quality of life, as it is from the perspective of corporations placing their employees. Living an ex-pat life is very different than say raising a family, as one is a temporal lifestyle with few ties, whilst the other is more permanent.
Hi im an ex-nzer living in Singapore. The cost of living here is cheaper than in NZ (excl housing) but if you want to own your own home then you are best to look elsewhere- although right now in NZ its possible yet hard. If you are skilled then it is likely you will gain a housing allowance and I am paying the rent amount that I paid 15 years ago in NZ! The standard of living is higher here in Singapore – the country is beautiful, the weather although warm also means that you can live a holiday lifestyle all year round. I am healthier here and my daughter has a great education and we do many activities that are affordable. Ok if I was an unskilled worker, solo mum or sickness beneficiary then I would rather be in NZ because the govt would look after me much better! Sorry but it’s the truth. If you are unskilled then life would be pretty rubbish here.I have also lived in the Uk and Middle East and can tell you that NZ was a great place and if you focus on natural beauty outside of the main cities then yes we are in the top 5. But looking at transport, crime, education and purchasing parity power we are falling behind. Why are so many people leaving the country? Sure numbers are growing but you gained much population growth from the surrounding islands which feed the country with its people and culture-positive and negatives there. Cars are very expensive here but the public transport is so good you do not need one. Crime is existent everywhere but in Singapore it is hidden away rather than the ‘ in the face problems’ you have in NZ. There are no attitudes here, people do their business and avoid others. Singapore is a pretty boring place if you are a young gang member looking to fill your time whilst collecting the dole as there is little culture to feed it and a large police force intent on locking you away. But if you are an old school,law abiding, hard working and skilled person then you can be very happy here. I only want to hear responses from people who have actually ‘lived’ in Singapore. If you have visited Singapore then you probably know nothing about real day to day life here. I can use the analogy of Auckland for example. When visitors arrive and check out life in the central city they see a very different viewpoint to life in the suburbs. Downtown Auckland vs Titirangi for eg. Singapore is not perfect – nowhere is , but the NZers who i run into here find it difficult to comprehend returning back home. NZers must get out of the mentality of owning the house they live in. Go somewhere else, rent and with your much higher income you can easily afford to support a property in NZ! Anyway enough of my ranting ! Love you NZ but fix the attitude and poverty problems (hmm so how many babies were run over last year..) start looking after your middle class and stop handicapping yourself by importing people who take more than they give. Get tough on crime, start looking after the bulk of your hard working people ! My 2pence
You make some very good points Mike. This is why New Zealand really has to get her act together.
Hi Mike, I am a Singaporean and good insights on your perspectives on Singapore. As much as Singapore is a beautiful and highly efficient city, I am beginning to feel the need to “over-perform” here to survive. It is a reality and yet tiresome. I am in fact quite interested to move our family to Auckland,NZ in the next 12 months. Your writing will give us some good “perspectives” what we can expect there. It is not all perfect but I believe time will iron things out… By the way, are you still living in SG now?
@Mike D
I too am a kiwi living in Singapore. In fact I’ve been living away from NZ since 99. Have lived in Australia and China, and have a good job with solid income here in Singapore. I do believe that Singapore offers a lot of things that NZ could never offer and vice versa, however it does incubate you from the realities of many things.
The reality is that most kiwis / expats etc, living here, would naturally be high achievers back in NZ. In fact, for most of us, our aspirations are such that NZ just feels too small. I know that I feel NZ is a very slow sleepy place compared to what I enjoy here in Singapore.
However, that said, I’ve met many Singaporeans who just want to get out of the rat race. You’ve been here long enough to know about the 5 Cs of Singapore, i.e. Cash, Car, Credit card, Condominium, and membership(s) of Country club. Promoted by the government, is that how you want your children to measure success of life? More and more, people are realizing that there needs to be a balance, and Singapore makes it very difficult to achieve that balance. New Zealand and even Australia, it is far easier to achieve that balance between pursuit of career, financial success with the balance and rewards of family.
Singapore has become a very important place to me, I feel a little like the early settlers to Singapore who wanted to improve their situation, experience new experience, and capitalize on new opportunities. We all naturally like to compare, and whilst it is good to pay attention to the lessons learnt by other countries, cultures, peoples, we should also accept that neither country will ever be like the other, and both are great places to live.
We should be thankful, that we can live, work in play in many countries, and can create wonderful opportunities for our families, when many people cannot. We may be the subject of much prejudice, and maybe that is an accident of birth, and nationality.
Lastly, the Singapore government has an easier job in some ways, as investment / infrastructure, etc all focused on a small island. Easier to implement and police policies etc, as where obviously NZ is more spread out, more investment required on infrastructure with lower returns. Think about the communications industry as an example….more copper / fibre per subscriber in NZ than compared to Singapore. Furthermore, the government has had an easier job of maintaining a tight reign over its people. Almost impossible in NZ due to the cultural differences and geographical constraints. Both have yielded good and bad…..
Hi all,
I am just a student here in New Zealand. Born and bred in the wonderful city of Wellington. I also have a cultural background of Samoan decent.
My experience over in Singapore was amazing! The beautiful sceneries, the friendly people, and the warm weather was all a perfect package for me in terms of having a little and relaxing holiday.
But one thing that stood out for me during my stay was the cost of living. It seemed to be alot higher in Singapore and seeing that almost everyone was living in apartment units. Im guessing there just isnt enough space in a unit for any large family.
The food there is magnificent and unique, the shopping malls are like the size of an average airport with really cheap prices for top brands, and the night life is nothing but pure peace and harmony.
I also noticed the friendliness of Singaporean people and I can almost say, I wouldnt mind living there anyday! Thats for sure. But one thing I might miss about New Zealand is how culturally diverse and tropical the land can be… Living costs here in NZ aren’t too bad. Although every house owner gets the opportunity to own their own house etc. whereas in Singapore, you hardly ever see people living in their own houses because the majority of the island is full of huge sky tower-looking apartments.
Not only that, the roads can be very overcrowded at times and can get nasty lol but eventually, everyone gets to where they want to.
Being of Samoan decent, and having being brought up in a multicultural background, after leaving Singapore I just couldnt stop thinking about the place when I had arrived back in New Zealand. It was just so cool being the only Samoan person in Singapore at the time experiencing everything that Singapore had to offer. I also remember Singaporeans being shocked to see someone like me, equipped with the traditional Samoan Sleeve Tattoo(Samoan tattoo designs all over my left arm – all covered) that they have never seen before, and also someone that had a buff build like most rugby players. It was fun and I enjoyed my time in Singapore!
I am thinking of going back over in the next couple of years either as a holiday or for good. Who knows, I might eventually become an official Singaporean Citizen… BUT…
I will always be a true Kiwi, BLOOD IN BLOOD OUT