Only in Singapore…
After the serious post on Singapore vs NZ from earlier this week, on a lighter note, allow me to share some interesting things about Singapore.
Because everyone’s so stressed out, but not too inclined towards anything overly strenuous (nocturnal activities aside), the number 1 national pastime is SHOPPING.
There are people everywhere…but after a while you get used to it. BUT if you come from Australia or New Zealand and value personal space, then there could be some challenges. You need to try taking the MRT at peak times, just for the heck of it.
There’s a significant concentration of malls along the famed Orchard Road. This is where most people (locals and tourists alike) go to engage in the national pastime.
There are some things that Kiwis would find strange. For example, head along to the Louis Vuitton store at Orchard on a weekend, and you find a perpetual queue of people waiting to get in.
You may be wondering: Why would people be patiently queuing to get into a store that sells two thousand dollar handbags? Welcome to Asia. This is where LV makes most of their money. People are extremely brand conscious. Whether you’re in Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Shanghai or Bangkok, this seems to be the case. Far more than in any Australian or New Zealand city.
Same thing with the Gucci store. Chocka…
The other thing about having a concentration of well-off people demanding super-niche products and services is that you can see some quaint stores serving small numbers willing to pay high prices.
Perhaps by saying you sell better toys you could justify charging $480 for teeny weeny toy boxes in which the kids could use keep those thousand-dollar gold chains and pendants mummy buys every year.
Well, if you love shopping and really want to experience what it means to be in a real rat race, consider an alternative OE in Singapore / Hong Kong / China. You know who to call if you need to learn some Chinese beforehand 
Nice writing style. Looking forward to reading more from you.
Chris Moran
Hey Ken, Don’t forget Japan for a working holiday – I had a blast and as you know didn’t leave for years. Like Singapore, the pace is full-on, but the partying, shopping, etc is full on as well, and you make good money. And you guys are still teaching Japanese right? Big recommendation to learn more than I had before you go, makes life sooooo much easier.
Sarah
Sarah: Absolutely right about Japan. Bonus is the money is good. In spite of having been mired in recession for over a decade, Japan is still the second largest economy in the world. Definitely a real option for the alternative Asian OE.
Chris: Thanks for your kind words
Hi Ken, love that photo of people queuing to get into the posh shops. You’re right, it would be puzzling to most Kiwis. Personally I think it’s nuts! Would be interested if you have any insights as to why Asia is so brand conscious. Is it the result of aggressive marketing campaigns?
Lynn, thanks for your comment. I think I’ll write another post next week on why I think Asia is so brand conscious. It has a lot to do with “face” and social psychology. More so than aggressive ad campaigns. Although I’m sure the international brands fully capitalise on the consumer psyche.
Now for Arts in Singapore, government funded stencil art classes for Singaporean high school and junior college students, a skate park with legal graffiti walls, are we talking about the same SE Asian city state with a reputation for law and order?