Commentary: Singaporeans are happily unhappy to be the happiest in Asia
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Sad Singaporeans could be a minimal happier with some standpoint
The response of Singaporeans to the new Entire world Happiness Report 2024 position the state as the happiest position in Asia was completely predictable, as they uttered a collective: “Absolutely sure not?”
Released on 20 March, the annual report put Singapore best in Asia for the 2nd 12 months working. The top a few happiest destinations in the globe have been all from Scandinavia: Finland, Denmark and Iceland.
All round, Singapore was rated 30th in the environment, ahead of the likes of Taiwan (31st), which faces a perennial existential risk from China, and South Korea (52nd), which has one particular of the highest suicide costs in the earth.
It is also telling that “the top rated countries no extended include any of the largest countries” this kind of as the United States or the United Kingdom, according to the authors of the report.
So I guess we ought to be rather pleased then. While you wouldn’t be equipped to tell from our reaction.
Source: Kat Egoshina on Unsplash
How correct is this report?
Besides six vital components these as gross domestic merchandise (GDP) per capita, healthier existence expectancy and social aid, there ended up up to 3,000 respondents in each individual place who ended up questioned to rank how delighted they ended up from a single to 8.
Responses from the earlier a few a long time are utilized to deliver an “up-to-day and sturdy estimate” of existence evaluation, mentioned the authors. “A sample dimension of 2,000 to 3,000 is big adequate to give a reasonably fantastic estimate at the national stage.”
But netizens below had their doubts, to say the the very least.
“How???” mentioned 1, adopted by a sequence of laughing emojis.
Another reported: “Happy for the rich and wealthy I suppose.”
“The only moments Singaporeans (are) content is when they arrive to Malaysia,” stated yet another dryly.
Currently being disappointed is what can make us, us
It all reminded me of a dialogue I experienced with my sister-in-legislation when she turned a citizen years ago, the place I instructed her: now that you are a Singaporean, you need to understand how to complain.
At chance of sounding like a Governing administration spokesman, the previous cliche still rings real — we basically don’t know how superior we have it.
In gentle of the recent political and corruption scandals listed here, a South Asian colleague explained to me: “You Singaporeans really don’t know what corruption is — just wait around until you occur to my region.”
Don’t get me erroneous: I am not suggesting that we sit down and shut up. We need to communicate up about problems and triggers in Singapore. We should really all be inquiring a lot more of our Govt and our politicians, and additional importantly, executing our part to make society far better.
Resource: Within just Studios by The Majurity Believe in on Unsplash
And there are authentic and pressing problems to be addressed — inflation, widening inequality, just one of the least expensive start premiums in the planet and establishments that are extremely dominated by the ruling party, to identify just a couple.
But we will need to recognise that Singapore is an outlier in that things — transportation, Governing administration forms and more — mainly get the job done in an effective method. Couple international locations, even highly developed and prosperous ones, can say this. Singaporeans, who are so nicely-travelled, will know this by now.
Just test choking in the smog of Hanoi — briefly ranked the most polluted city in the earth final month — or fighting the visitors jams of Jakarta. How about having by on US$204 a month, the minimum wage in Cambodia?
Ever been stranded in the middle of nowhere by a community transportation worker strike? Or how about going through down a Governing administration formal who wishes a bribe?
Resource: Mark Stoop on Unsplash
The grass is constantly greener
Maybe getting clean streets, Taylor Swift concerts, mostly inexpensive healthcare and the best airport in the planet have manufactured us all — and below comes the Government’s favourite word — complacent. Perhaps even a minimal spoilt.
Occasionally, it takes an outsider to see things otherwise. A Pinay good friend and Swiftie summed it all up: “It’s so liberating to just love a concert, dance your heart out, and not fret irrespective of whether there is a pickpocket or how you’re going to get dwelling.”
By all signifies, complain when the complaint is warranted. But maybe Singaporeans could all be a bit happier with just a minimal viewpoint.
In the meantime, I’m heading to come across something to complain about so I can post it on social media.
Nicholas Yong is a veteran journalist who has labored at media outlets this sort of as BBC News and Yahoo Information Singapore about the past 17 a long time.
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