From airport hangouts to the Uniqlo 'uniform': What makes us quintessentially Singaporean, Lifestyle News
While that's all well and good, perhaps there's value in pausing for a moment of introspection.
Singapore's upcoming birthday had me asking myself: "What really makes us quintessentially Singaporean?"
When more than 3 million citizens share just over 735 sq km of land, it's inevitable that we'd develop certain shared habits, experiences and peculiarities.
Just to make this exercise more interesting, I've decided to steer clear of Singaporeans' love for food.
So don't expect any chicken rice or kaya toast nostalgia here.
Instead, let's explore the idiosyncrasies, objects and lived experiences that define us as Singaporeans. First milestone: Primary school (Singapore version)
Let's do this chronologically and start at the beginning — our early school years.
A common memory many Singaporeans share is being introduced to co-curricular activities (CCA) aged nine.
With a history that predates the nation's independence, it'd be hard to find a local that doesn't have a CCA (or ECA as it was once known) anecdote or two.
Whether you dabbled in sports, clubs, uniform groups or performing arts, those initial try-outs were often our first introduction to choice and consequence.
Looking back, it can be a dizzying experience for any nine-year-old to navigate.
While some of us might have stumbled upon a new passion, others found themselves resigned to learning the recorder year after year.
Regardless, it was all part and parcel of our growing up years.
Another uniquely Singaporean experience during our primary school years? The ultimate book starter pack.
During morning assembly, or sometimes in class, there's a chance that you'd spot someone flipping through a Mr Midnight, True Singapore Ghost Stories or an Enid Blyton classic.
Or maybe this was specific to my growing up years in the early 2000s.
To complete our primary school experience, every Singaporean child's academic coming-of-age would be none other than to overcome the Primary School Leaving Exam (PSLE).
For many, the national exam marked our first real taste of stress.
But for the less fortunate among us (hi, tiger parents), that sense of dread probably kicked in well before Primary 6.
And as we grow older, each of us will take our own educational paths and soon enough, we find ourselves navigating the adult world. Second milestone: BTO
Adult life brings more routines and responsibilities and, for some, that includes gearing up for another milestone — marriage.
When it comes to Singapore, is there anything more symbolic of this life stage than the Build-To-Order (BTO) experience?
Sure, proposals do still happen in Singapore. But before the ring is out, there has to be the talk.
You know your partner is serious about the relationship when they begin asking questions such as: "Wanna BTO?"
Planning for a flat before planning for a wedding ceremony is a uniquely Singaporean experience.
From studying the many BTO site launches to balloting results and joining Telegram groups with your future neighbours — it's a long journey that's oddly bonding.
And all this happens before you even collect the keys to your first home. Only in Singapore, right? Third milestone: Navigating nosy in-laws
When committing to your life partner, it isn't just a union of two.
Whether you like it or not, extended families (in whatever capacity) will likely be part of this new chapter of life.
This small army of new relatives brings with them questions and unsolicited advice aplenty, for every festive occasion — regardless of race, language or religion.
Whether it's visiting the in-laws for Hari Raya or enjoying a hotpot during Chinese New Year, it isn't only the food that'll be grilled.
Couples who are still dating may be gaslit into thinking that time is running out for them to get married.
Newlyweds will likely deal with questions about a potential first child.
Couples with children aren't exempted either, as they may need to navigate deflect the question of: "When's the next one?"
Despite the cultural differences between these celebrations, the nosy questions experienced by Singaporean couples are uncannily similar. Quirks
Now, let's get to the funny bits that will have every local going "confirm Singaporean". Love for our airport
Ask a Singaporean where they'd go to relax or spend time with loved ones, chances are that Changi Airport might come up — and with good reason, too.
In Singapore, the experience of heading to the airport is so much more than about boarding a plane.
Sometimes we just head to the airport for everything except to catch a flight.
A trip to Jewel, or any of the four terminals for that matter, can be seen as a leisure activity for Singaporeans.
Whether its to catch a film, grab a bite or just hang out with friends, there's an almost endless list of things to do at our beloved airport. That Uniqlo T-shirt
We all know which T-shirt I'm talking about, it's a staple in almost every Singaporean guy's wardrobe.
The Uniqlo Airism oversized T-shirt has gained so much popularity that it has even been dubbed "the Singapore uniform".
While not the most exciting or trendy outfit, this simple and plain top aims to offer comfort.
Given the unforgiving heat and humidity here, perhaps we can cut our Singaporean brothers some slack when they would opt for practicality over style. Weekend trip to Johor
Ironically, one of the most Singaporean things to do doesn't even happen here.
It combines Singaporeans' love for travel with our need to escape the daily grind.
When work gets too stressful or life starts to feel a tad too mundane, this calls for a quick weekend getaway to Johor Bahru (JB).
JB holds a certain allure for many locals, especially when it comes to enjoying a range of attractions, food or a relaxing massage.
Being Singaporeans, we'll likely still grumble about the traffic jam at the Causeway. But does that stop us from making the trip? Probably not.
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amierul@asiaone.com
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