An Indian man's candid video detailing the cultural and lifestyle adjustments he experienced after moving to Singapore has ignited a widespread conversation online. The video, shared by Aman, a senior software engineer based in Singapore, resonated deeply with fellow professionals and expatriates for its honest portrayal of the transition.
From Location Change to 'Logic Change'
Aman, who frequently documents his life abroad on Instagram, framed his move not merely as a change of address but as a fundamental 'logic change'. In his viral post, captioned '4 Shocks I faced moving from India to Singapore', he introduced himself and set the stage for a relatable exploration of expat life, contrasting it with the familiar rhythms of India.
The Four Core Cultural Shocks Explained
The video outlines four primary areas where Aman experienced significant cultural adjustment, offering a window into Singaporean society through an Indian lens.
The Wealth Paradox: Aman expressed astonishment at the extremely high cost of owning a car in Singapore, primarily due to the government's Certificate of Entitlement (COE) system. This policy makes car ownership a luxury, effectively turning the efficient public transport system into a 'great equalizer'. He noted that it is common to see even millionaires routinely using the MRT and buses, a stark contrast to the status often associated with private vehicles elsewhere.
Food Economics: This point flipped a common Indian assumption on its head. In India, dining out is frequently considered a luxury or a treat. However, Aman found that in Singapore, eating out at local hawker centres is often a practical and economical necessity. He calculated that the combined cost of groceries and the valuable time spent cooking frequently exceeds the price of a readily available meal at these food centres, changing the fundamental economics of daily sustenance.
Digital Governance: Here, Aman was full of praise. He highlighted the seamless efficiency of Singapore's digital infrastructure, particularly the Singpass app. This single platform integrates critical services like banking, healthcare, and tax filings, making bureaucratic processes remarkably smooth. His humorous remark that he had 'genuinely forgotten what a Xerox machine looks like' underscored the depth of this digital transformation.
Social Privacy: Perhaps the most personal shock was the social culture. Aman observed that Singaporeans typically 'mind their own business', with neighbours rarely offering unsolicited check-ins or casual intrusions. Coming from India's more openly social and inquisitive community culture, this initially felt isolating and lonely. Over time, however, he began to appreciate and view this respect for personal space and privacy as a unique luxury.
Online Reactions and Expat Resonance
The post quickly gained traction, amassing comments from users who identified with Aman's observations. Many thanked him for his beautiful and accurate summary of life in Singapore. One user echoed his sentiments, having recently fallen in love with the country, and suggested cleanliness as a potential fifth point. Others expressed a strong desire to move and work in Singapore to experience this lifestyle firsthand. The comments section turned into a forum for shared expatriate experiences and aspirations.
The Final Verdict: Paying for a 'Bug-Free System'
Summing up his experience, Aman acknowledged the well-known high cost of living in Singapore. However, he presented a compelling analogy for the value received. He stated that the premium one pays is for a society that functions like a 'bug-free operating system'—smooth, efficient, and reliable. This comparison, coming from a software engineer, neatly encapsulated his overall view: the financial investment is met with a high standard of systemic efficiency and quality of life, justifying the initial cultural shocks for him and many viewers.
