SINGAPORE: In a bold move in 2023, a 30-year-old Malaysian man uprooted his life in Kuala Lumpur, leaving behind a stable MYR 10,000-a-month job, a comfortable home, and his car for a new opportunity across the causeway in Singapore, trading it all for a salary of S$7,000.

Initially hesitant about the transition, he was concerned about the challenges of renting a room and relying on public transport in a city infamous for its soaring living costs. He grappled with apprehensions of being perceived as a ‘second-class’ citizen, often referred to by the colloquial term ‘Malayu’ designating Malaysian workers.

Fast forward to a year later, he took to r/MalaysianPF on Reddit to share his insights and experiences about life in the Lion City—a metropolis known for its fast-paced lifestyle and high living expenses.

Balancing Money and Lifestyle

Despite the apparent financial gain, he voiced that his overall wealth felt stagnant. The high costs of living in Singapore, paired with his tendency to convert everything back to Malaysian ringgit, made it difficult for him to perceive any real financial uplift.

“The thought of purchasing a home here, with prices exceeding $1 million, seems like an ever-elusive dream. Moreover, COE costs for cars are often over $100,000. Spending $100 on a meal feels like a robbery when I think about it in my currency,” he lamented.

“Do I feel wealthier? Sometimes yes, but mostly no,” he reflected, hinting at the emotional dissonance between earning more but feeling less affluent.

Interestingly, he found that the lifestyle in Singapore did not feel vastly different from Kuala Lumpur. He argued that the notion of a faster lifestyle applies mainly to those from less developed areas in Malaysia.

A Shift in Workplace Culture

In terms of workplace culture, despite having only one corporate job in Singapore, he shared meaningful observations. Contrary to popular belief that work life in Singapore is more frenetic, he found this was not true.

He discovered that Singaporeans enjoy a robust work-life balance; his hours were flexible, and his bosses were “stern yet gentle.” As long as he met his deadlines and maintained his performance, the environment was relatively relaxed, to the point where he sometimes found himself feeling a tad bored.

“The locals seem to prioritize work-life balance. Compared to my previous roles in Malaysia, where the culture often glorified overtime, this feels much more mature and performance-focused,” he shared.

While he did initially worry about being categorized as a ‘Malayu’ and facing discrimination as a foreigner, he reported little to no discrimination during his tenure. "As long as you aren’t disruptive, locals treat you equally,” he noted.

However, he highlighted the challenge of job acquisition for foreigners, with stringent local policies necessitating four local hires for every one foreign hire, making the job market highly competitive.

An Efficient Experience

Another pleasant surprise was the efficiency of governmental processes in Singapore. One particular incident stood out: needing to collect his employment pass from the immigration department, he anticipated a lengthy wait typical of Malaysian systems. Instead, he found himself in and out in just 10 minutes, a stark contrast that left a lasting impression.

He basked in the shock of arriving at his workplace by 7:30 am after what he deemed a miraculous efficiency experience—he was even allowed to leave early that day.

A Future in Singapore

Though he maintains a connection to Malaysia, following news updates and visiting Kuala Lumpur whenever possible, he concluded that settling in Singapore feels like the right move for now.

“Honestly, returning to Malaysia might feel like a step backward. My KL residence now feels like a vacation home, with the same warmth during festive returns,” he expressed.

In a world where one man's leap of faith brings forth revelations on work culture, life satisfaction, and societal dynamics, his story offers a profound look at the nuances of expatriate life in one of Asia’s most dynamic cities.