Lifestyle

A M’sian Wrote How He Changed After Working in S’pore for 3 Years

2018-07-06 , 2:20 pm

Last Updated on 2023-04-03 , 12:14 pm

Everyone knows that it’s almost difficult to differentiate between a Singaporean and Malaysian, especially when they speak English (the English dialect we speak is exactly similar). Since Singapore used to be part of Malaysia, our similar culture also makes us so same-same-but-different.

But someone who is a Malaysian and has worked in Singapore for three years certainly don’t think so.

In a Mandarin article on Goody25 (which has since been removed), he listed down the little changes he has made after living in Singapore for three years, and it’s hilarious AF simply because the changes are so subtle that we won’t have thought of, but so true.

Just a disclaimer: this is meant to be funny. If you’re offended online easily, like getting extremely angry and disturbed over a guy who posted a video of him accidently stepping an ant, you may want to click away and go to Stomp instead.

He Lost His Ability to Cross the Road

In Malaysia, he used to cross the road whenever he wants, wherever he wants, however he wants. The zebra crossing and traffic lights are just meant for show.

But in Singapore, he has “lost that ability”, and made sure he used the zebra crossing, traffic lights and the overhead bridge. Not that he dared not jaywalk due to the traffic, but he was simply following the crowd.

Now, speaking of which, I think it’s quite easy to differentiate a Singaporean and a Malaysian in Malaysia—just check out the people who are looking for a traffic light. And I’m guilty of it (Singapore-trained road user!).

He Suddenly Realised that Things in Malaysia are So Cheap

HAHAHA, my friend, that’s the reason why we’re so willing to risk the 3-hour jam just to buy a loaf of bread in JB!

With the iconic formula of 3 is to 1 (used to be 2.5 is to 1), it’s common for anyone working and living in Singapore to realize that everything in Malaysia is cheaper. But we all know it’s not true; it’s just that Singapore is expensive.

After all, when we all go to countries like Thailand, didn’t we also realize that everything is cheap cheap good good, too? The only difference is that Malaysia is a $1 ride away, while Thailand is a $100 flight away.

He Changed the Way He Speaks…Very, Very Subtly

Despite the similar culture with the similar accent, there’s that slight change in the language dialect we’ve used. He changed “lenglui” to “chiobu”, “几够力” to “jialat” and “wor” to “seh”.

But of course, it’s so subtle, you need to really nitpick to spot the differences. Because he still uses “leh”, “lah”, “loh” and most importantly, “aiyo!”

He Increased His Walking Pace

One difference he noted, the moment he came to Singapore, is how fast Singaporeans walk. Well, I’ve got to agree with that: with Singapore becoming so competitive, it’s no surprise that after 50 years of separation, we’ve increased our average walking pace…while Malaysians are still having the same walking pace 50 years ago.

Anyway, he now walks faster. But Bro, here’s an advice: when you go to Malaysia, your pace will automatically drop back to normalcy. Take it from a Singaporean who goes to Malaysia often.

He Now Buys Chewing Gum Whenever He’s in Malaysia

See lah, Bro, always laugh at us for buying boxes of chewing gum in Malaysia? Now you know how we feel. Especially 90s kids like us who used to live in an era whereby chewing gum was not banned, and suddenly disappeared from the shelves one day.

You’ve no idea how we much miss our chewing gum.

He’ll Now Get the Cai Png Hawker to 淋Curry汁 on His Rice

Ok, this is new to me. He mentioned that this isn’t a habit in Malaysia. Say what?!

I know that in several cai png stalls in Malaysia, you get to grab your own dishes and pay at the counter. But no curry汁on the cai png? Please bring that culture to Malaysia. Cai png without curry汁isn’t cai png here!

He’ll Now Complain at Everything

Image: Prostock-studio / Shutterstock.com

HAHAHA, Bro, we’re known as the Complaint King / Queen for a reason.

But nowadays, it’s more common to complain online. Because people are no longer complaining for the sake of seeking justice; they want to shame others.