Letters | ‘Boring’ Singapore is doing quite well for itself

Readers discuss the stereotypical view of Singapore that persists in Hong Kong, and discrimination related to mainland travellers and organ donation

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People are seen along a pavement overlooking the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore on November 19, 2020. Photo: AFP

Published: 2:30pm, 29 May 2023

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It’s increasingly boring to read about Hongkongers’ stereotypes of Singapore. Last month, Ronnie Chan Chi-chung, chairman of Hang Lung Properties, spoke of how Hong Kong’s vibrant culture and “moneymaking genes” make it a more attractive city than charmless cities like Singapore.

Over a decade ago, the tycoon predicted that the island state’s venture into the casino business would fail as few high rollers would bother to gamble in a “family entertainment” (that is, boring) city.

Today, the Marina Bay Sands integrated resort is a resounding success, in the midst of a multibillion dollar expansion. It is already one of the world’s most profitable casinos, and a global architectural, lifestyle and tourism icon. Yet, this has not stopped the tycoon from doubling down on his hubris over exciting Hong Kong vis-à-vis dull Singapore.

In the past decade, Singapore has done well in terms of growth. In 2021, Singapore’s per-capita gross domestic product stood at about US$73,0000 by World Bank estimates. In sharp contrast, Hong Kong’s remained somewhat stagnant at below US$50,000.

Even more telling is the fact that in 2022, the median monthly household income in the Lion City was about S$10,000 (US$7,400), about twice what a household earned in Hong Kong, a city brimming with so-called entrepreneurial and commercially minded genes.