Singapore may be just a tiny little red dot on the world map, but it is one of the best first-world cities and one of the most desirable city to live in.

We are so lucky to be Singaporeans, to hold the red passport that the world covets, and to have stability like no other – easy access to water and electricity, crime-free streets, great education systems, lots of good food…

As our nation is celebrating her birthday soon, here’s Why You Should Feel Proud To Be A Singaporean.

WE ARE SINGAPORE

Everyone can sing this national song, and its lyrics speak of how we are a strong nation with resilience and perseverance.

“There was a time when people said that Singapore wouldn’t make it, but we did. There was a time when troubles seemed too much for us to take, but we did. We build a nation, strong and free, reaching out together for peace and harmony.

Singapore, our homeland; it’s here that we belong. All of us united, one people marching on. We’ve come so far together, our common destiny. Singapore forever, a nation strong and free.”

WE ARE IN A SAFE ENVIRONMENT

Our geographical location puts us in a spot where we are protected from natural disasters.

And, we are not at war, nor are we on the verge of it. This may sound complacent to most, but we ought to thank the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew, as well as Prime MInister Mr Lee Hsien Loong and his team for managing diplomatic relations well enough.

When you consider our situation, we are considered really lucky to be able to do the things we do. Have you ever felt thankful that you can roam around at night on our crime-free streets? Unlike many cities around the world, the sheer fact that we can walk around at night without feeling threatened speaks volumes. And many countries and cities really do not enjoy such safety.

GOOD PUBLIC TRANSPORT SYSTEM

To most, our size puts us at a disadvantage. But when you stop to think about it, we get to travel to almost any part of the country without taking more than an hour and a half. Our public transportation system is efficient, and taxis are ever available.

Singaporeans often complain about Singapore’s public transportation system. But as compared to first world cities such as New York, London and Paris, ours is world-class. Do you know how dirty and stinky trains in New York are? And do you know how often the tubes in London break down, or the drivers go on strike?

Sure, we have breakdowns from time to time. Sometimes, we wait longer than we should for a train. But it is only normal for technical glitches, and Singapore’s system is considerably well-maintained with minimised errors.

The cherry on top? Taking public transport in Singapore is among the most affordable we have experienced. We never understood the complaints and rants about “increasing transportation costs”, because if you would feel the pinch of a £2 tube ride (for just one stop, mind you!) when in London or a A$3 tram ride in Melbourne (for one stop, too)…

OUR LITTLE RED PASSPORT ALLOWS US TO TRAVEL VISA-FREE TO 170 COUNTRIES AROUND THE WORLD

Singapore’s passport is ranked fifth in the World, and we can easily travel to 170 countries around the globe without needing to apply for a visa.

This huge privilege has facilitated smooth international travels and the Singapore passport has unsurprisingly been ranked globally as fifth best with regards to ease of travel, with exception of just a few countries, of course.

While we do not need a visa to travel most of the time, you might want to know of the list of countries that Singaporeans would need a visa to travel to anyway.

GOURMET’S PARADISE

An American friend once told us, “Your country is amazing! I haven’t found any cuisine that is not available here in Singapore yet.”

Indeed, Singapore is a melting pot to different cuisines. We are brought up in an environment where we are exposed to all kinds of foods, and we count our blessings for having accessibility to some of the world’s finest restaurants and famous trends right here in our humble Singapore.

CHEAP FOOD

The cost of living in Singapore may be arguably high in some aspects, but all in all, dining out in Singapore is relatively cheap and we do not need to break a bank for a good meal.

Hawker centres and coffee shops are aplenty, and an average dish costs S$3.50. We may be expensive when compared to our neighbours, but on a world index, the cost of an average meal is actually pretty low.

CLEAN AND GREEN

Sometimes we take for granted that we’ve got trees and shrubs lining the streets and highways, but we only notice the difference when we travel to other countries – where the landscape is filled with skyscrapers and dusty buildings, or roads filled with cars leaving trails of smoke behind.

Our Garden City will always stand in trend. So many decades ago, even before becoming green was fashionable, Mr Lee Kuan Yew already had the vision to turn Singapore into a clean and green country. And we cannot be more thankful for his farsightedness, because look what we are today! Few countries and cities in the world can match up, really.

WORLD-CLASS EDUCATION SYSTEM

We have the ability to read, write and discern for ourselves what is wrong and right.

If the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew had not persevered on and instilled such strict rules about minimum schooling; if he had not made education so much more accessible regardless of race, language or religion; if we did not have efficient education systems; we would not be the flourishing nation we are today.

In fact, our education system is so remarkable that we see an increasing number of foreigners relocating and making Singapore their base – just to study.

SO MANY PLACES TO SEE, SO MANY THINGS TO DO

While it is true that Singapore can get pretty boring (how many times can you visit the Zoo or the Singapore Botanic Gardens), we have also learned to adapt.

Which other citizen in the world say they get to hang out at their award-winning airport often, have easy access to so many nature walks, or visit museums one after another?

Penniless or on a budget? Sure, Singapore can still be fun with these free activities.

STRONG AND STABLE CURRENCY

When the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew became our Prime Minister, our GDP was US$428. And we have grew 30-fold to US$12,766 by 1990, the year he left the PM office.

Singapore prospered under his exemplary leadership, and our currency has also strengthened against many. Today, our currency is stable and we are almost on par with USD, and this gives us an edge in so many ways to even speak of.

A TRAVEL HUB

Because of our geographical location once again, we have become the travel hub we are today. With great accessibility to so many countries and cities, complete with an award-winning world-class airport, Singapore is a destination for many travellers – both to stopover and to transit.

This brings enormous revenue to our country, and on a micro level, it also means we get to travel more freely and economically.

COLOURFUL ETHNIC CULTURES

To be multiracial is a beautiful thing. Regardless of our skin colour, we co-exist with equal rights. We receive the same education, we grow with the nation, and we stand equal chances when seeking a job. No prejudices, no discrimination.

And this equality is stronger than you think. Onward, Singapore!

STABLE GOVERNMENT

We definitely do not want to suffer under and bear the brunt of a corrupted government.

There is no need to cite examples, but as Singaporeans, in spite of the numerous opposition parties, our government remains stable and corrupt-free. We still share strong bilateral ties, and the friendships that the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew had spent his life forging from all over the world will continue to bless Singapore with many more opportunities.

WHERE THE RIVER ALWAYS FLOWS

This is home, truly.

As the song goes, “There’s a place that will stay within me, wherever I may choose to go.”

“So we’ll build our dreams together,just like we’ve done before. Just like the river which brings us life; there’ll always be Singapore.”

Being in a food haven like Singapore allows us countless opportunities to encounter new dishes and experiment with local flavours while meeting new people. Being Singaporeans, we are bound to possess certain dining traits that make us truly Singaporean.

Take a look around you and you might just see these interesting habits in those closest to you. Ever been asked by foreign friends about how Singaporeans are like? Here’s a sneak peek into some of the dining etiquettes that most Singaporean diners possess!

Here are the 10 Types Of Singaporean Diners You Will Meet Once In Your Life.

#1 THE CALCULATIVE ONES

These people are usually the ones who would provide us with the exact sum to pay at the end of the meal. Trust them to whip out their handy calculators to divide the bill down to the last cent – GST and service charge included! They are also usually the ones who will know of exclusive dining discounts and privileges, so do check with them often!

#2 THE SHARERS

The Sharers are the ones who will never fail to offer their bowl of Laksa or a piece of their gorgeously executed steak to their friends or loved ones. They are always the first ones to share, and the last to ask for anything in return. It is usually through these kind souls that we get to try the rest of the other items on the menu!

#3 THE DIVA

When it comes to The Diva, cafes and restaurants should brace themselves for some serious nitpicking! Extra gravy smudge? Plate with a chipped corner? Water not being topped up regularly? The Divas will be the ones to kick up a fuss over the smallest details and seem to have a liking for meet-and-greet sessions with restaurant managers.

#4 THE MOMS

As the name suggests, these people are, well, very motherly. They will be the first ones who would fill your plates to the brim, and are always going around to check if you’ve had enough to eat. Everyone loves going for BBQ or steamboat sessions with them as they would be the ones to cook and feed everyone with an endless supply of food! We do wish for our other halves to be like this, since the key to the heart, as they say, is through the stomach!

#5 PHONE ADDICTS

When we dine with the Phone Addicts, they are often seen having their heads burrowed in their phones, scrolling through social media platforms or chatting with someone else instead of engaging in a conversation with us. We know that you cannot get enough of your friends or cannot stop checking your Instagram, but many times, we wish that you would shower us with more attention because, well, we asked you out for a reason, right?

Read: 10 Signs You Are An Instagram Addict – And What You Should Do About It.

#6 FUSSY EATERS

These are the people whom you would hear saying, “I want to eat Char Kway Teow but I do not like it when they do not pluck the tip of my bean sprouts”. Or, “I am craving for a good cuppa, but I am also yearning for something cold and more refreshing”.

Yes, ’nuff said.

#7 THE INDECISIVE

One way to combat these people: look up the cafe or restaurant menu online and send it to them before you meet. That way, they will have ample time to decide what they want to order before the meal. Sometimes, it really kills the mood to dine with the indecisive ones especially when you are on an empty stomach or are already one step away from fainting.

#8 THE FOMOS

The FOMOs, or also known as Fear Of Missing Out. Those who have had buffets, you will know what we mean. These are the ones who would arrive right before the buffet commences and would start by piling food on their plates, even if it looks impossible to finish, just so that they do not miss out on anything.

#9 THE INSTAGRAMMERS

Alas, the ones that can be spotted almost everywhere! Friends dining with the Instagrammers, please be warned to not touch anything until they are done with snapping a hundred and one pictures.

And do not be alarmed if they stand up and start rearranging everything on the table! These people have attained a certain level of courage and are often oblivious to the stares and glares of fellow diners while they are trying to get that perfect shot in whichever way possible.

Just when you think they are done – oh, wait! Here comes SnapChat!

#10 THE ALCOHOLIC

But of course, we have the ones who cannot do without some booze. Wherever you are dining at and whatever cuisine you are eating, they need their alcohol. Period. Sake with sushi? Sure. Wine with steak? Anytime. Tiger Beer with Chicken Rice? Bring it on. Alcohol all day, every day.

Here are 10 ways to spot a Singaporean overseas (so you can pretend you didn’t see them).

About the writer:
Cassandra is a staff writer for ladyironchef. During her free time, she fuels her passion for fashion through shopping and indulges in all things food. She loves anything egg related and is always ready for a cafe-hopping adventure.

Yes, we are quite unique – as identified by our tourism board once. Our physical beings and special habits stand out wherever we are. Here are 10 ways to spot a Singaporean overseas (so you can pretend you didn’t see them).

#1 THE ACCENT

Even though it goes without saying, I’m going to say it. This is the 100% guarantee plus chop, irrevocably unmistakeable indicator that you are in the presence of another Singaporean. Don’t paiseh lah, say hi!

#2 THEY ARE IN A CASUAL TOP, DENIM SHORTS/BERMS AND SLIPPERS

Regardless of the season or how fashion-savvy a city is, our staple outfits do not change. Even if it’s winter, you’ll likely see the girls in a denim-shorts-with-warm-leggings (most probably a Heattech piece from Uniqlo) combo – with boots. Because we don’t get to wear boots back home. And in summery weather, unless we are going hiking, the footwear of choice is good ol’ flip flops – they’re comfortable, airy and easy to slip in and out of. Singaporeans value practicality.

#3 COMPARING EVERYTHING TO BACK HOME

“Eh this one Singapore cheaper, don’t buy here.”
“Eh, this one Singapore don’t have, buy more.”
“Wah, here so hot, even hotter than Singapore.”
“Wah, here the weather so chilly, if only Singapore was like that.”

You get the drift.

#4 TAKING PICTURES TO POST ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM BEFORE THEY EAT

I heard a funny anecdote from an editor I used to work with. Her sister was in transit in an airport in America and was sitting in a cafe with her food in front of her. Like the responsible Singaporean she is, she took out her phone and snapped a picture. A gentleman next to her asked if she was from Singapore. Surprised, she asked, “How did you know?” And he laughed, “Only a Singaporean would take pictures of their food before they eat.”

Thanks, we’ll take it as a compliment – good things must share!

#5 THEY ARE BUYING BUBBLE TEA

It doesn’t matter if the bubble tea is way more expensive than in Singapore (though we will complain about it – see point 2), or if the chain already exists in our country. We love bubble tea and we need our fix.

#6 THEY ARE WONDERING ABOUT THE LACK OF CHILLI SAUCE

The sweet-salty zing of chilli sauce is so commonplace in our cuisine that the lack of it perplexes a Singaporean abroad. “Oh, they got no chilli sauce? So funny.” And if you see someone whip a bottle out from their bag, it’s almost a guarantee that they’re from the little red dot.

#7 THEY ARE ASKING FOR THE WI-FI PASSWORD

If you go into a restaurant, or a cafe, and you see a bunch of travellers on their phones – it’s likely that the place has free Wi-Fi. If you ever need the password, and can’t get the attention of the service staff, just ask the Singaporean – he or she would have already gotten it.

#8 THEY ARE IN A QUEUE FOR FOOD

We will apply the same logic we use for food vendors back home, to the cafes, restaurants and street food stalls we see when we travel: If there’s a long line – it must be good. Thankfully we’ve got lots of practice from back home so the extended wait for a reward at the end, is no big deal. We’ll just play with our phones meanwhile.

#9 THEY ARE DEEP IN THE MIDST OF A SALE

If there’s a big sale, the odds are there’s a bunch of Singaporeans rummaging in there. We cannot resist a good deal – whether at home or abroad. Long line for the cashier? No problem, someone will queue first while the rest keep shopping.

#10 THEY ARE EITHER SOLO, A COUPLE, OR A BIG GROUP OF MORE THAN 5 PEOPLE

There’s no in-between. I guess we’re really sociable people and when we plan a trip with our friends, we endeavour to make sure everyone can make it. If you find a trio or quartet, observe them – it’s likely that they’ll rejoin a bigger group at a later time.

Do you know of more ways you can identify a fellow citizen overseas? Share it in the comments!

About the writer:
Ruby Tan used to write for Her World, and is now a freelance writer with a dream to travel the world. She believes that the some of best things in life don’t have to be bought.