The Mental Problem of “Being Average” in Singapore.

 The Mental Problem of “Being Average” in Singapore.

Being average is normal.  However, Singaporeans want to be top achievers or at least above average, at least better than the normal people. The economic force of getting rich is so strong that it may be the cause of social ill or mental health crisis.

Singapore does not want to be average.  Indeed, we have achieved many firsts in the world.  Most expensive city, highest paid politicians and senior officials,  from cars to housing, you name them. This proves that ‘being average’ is not enough. To achieve the Singapore dream, you must not simply not “be average”.  

Recently, dorm operators face the stress of ‘raising living standards’ for foreign workers. This means they need to provide better living conditions for them.  Does it mean the living standards will rise from average to above average?  I don’t know.  One thing is sure the authority is forcing dorm operators to upgrade living conditions.        

  

What will happen if the authorities also want to force Singaporeans to upgrade our living conditions?  Without good jobs, secured jobs, and costs of living problems, how would Singaporeans cope with inflation, housing, living issues?  Dorm operators are businessmen who can add the costs into their operations.  What about Singaporeans?  You cannot run, cannot transfer costs, but face the reality of life.  No wonder there is a mental health crisis. When the economic outlook does not look good for the next few years, handling visible and invisible health crises will be a great challenge.