Doesn’t it make you feel proud to be in Singapore? To be a part of this vibrant city that boost of its success and achievements? We are indeed a competitive bunch of people ready to prove ourselves anytime, anywhere. Individualism is the way to go! (more commonly known to many, as 'kiasu-ism') It’s a culture so unique to Singaporeans that we always give ourselves away on our holiday trips by our behavior. It makes me wonder whether those stallholders really like us that much to initial a discount even before we ask, or has he already mark up the price to ease his loss looming nearby.

"Oh, you from Singapore right? Because you from Singapore, I give you good discount! Cheap, cheap!"

Nevertheless, our bargaining skills never fail to kick in no matter how discounted the product is. We always seek to negotiate a win-win situation, but if all else fails, we make sure we are on the winning side. Right from the moment we step out of our homes, we grab hold of every opportunity to perfect this skill. Be it squeezing our way into the bus, queuing up early for the limited edition of the Hello Kitty toy, or even stocking up on our tissue packs to reserve seats at a food court. These are what truly define us. How can those gimmicks deployed by Singapore Tourism Board, such as the ‘Uniquely Singapore’ series promoting the ‘puking’ Merlion and Metallic Durian (the Esplanade), compare to our unique culture? I am sure this is something that our foreign friends have never experienced before.

So much for expensive education packages offered around the world, we can offer them the best skills that one can possess. Skills necessary at work and even after office hours (*hint: remember your tissue pack). All they need to do is come to Singapore and experience our daily lives. We train them to be the toughest, strongest and most determined, because in our society, only the toughest survives.

Yes, we work hard, but we play hard too. Singapore is a hub for everything! We have the best variety of food here, the best entertainment facilities, and not to forget the best range of retail therapy too! We must always be grateful to our government for constantly striving to be the first, if not, best in everything. Without this competitive spirit, our present-day Singapore would not be such a pleasant country to live in. It is also this spirit that unites us and spurs us on to keep this unique culture alive. Long live Kias..opps. I meant Long Live Singapore!