Malaysians who work in Singapore 'walk more, go diving, start travelling', says TikToker

After working in Singapore for almost two years, Charice Cheong has noticed something about her fellow Malaysians who work in the Lion City. 

In a TikTok video on April 23, she pointed out that Malaysians working here are picking up activities that Singaporeans enjoy, with one example being walking. 

The 25-year-old explained that in Malaysia, most locals drive or use ride-hailing options such as Grab, even for short distances. 

"In Singapore, we walk so much more, almost 10,000 [steps] in a day," she said. 

@chariceckx

 

♬ original sound - chariceckx

 Another thing Malaysians seem to be doing more often is eating hawker food. 

"I know it's common to have kopitiams in Malaysia, but for me, I don't visit hawker [centres] as often as I do in Singapore," Charice shared. 

"In Singapore, I go to hawkers far more often than when I am in Malaysia." 

An activity that Charice doesn't partake in, but her Malaysian friends do, is diving.

She noticed that they would book three- or four-day trips to Pulau Tioman to take diving courses. 

Her more adventurous friends would hike Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia's highest peak.

Charice also pointed out that they are travelling more and tend to book destinations that Singaporeans frequent, such as Japan and South Korea. 

"[It's] a very Singaporean trait," she commented about its citizens' love for travel.

"Tell me if I'm wrong, because this is what I observe about Malaysians working in Singapore," she said, adding that these are just her opinions and the patterns she has noticed among her friends. 

Speaking to AsiaOne, Charice shared that her friends who engage in such activities are between the ages of 20 and 30, and hold executive roles ranging from chemists to engineers.

“I think Malaysians are picking up these hobbies because, frankly, there isn’t much to do in Singapore,” she said.

“We find ways to destress, either through socialising or exercising.”

She added that in Malaysia, it is common for locals to invite friends over to hang out at home.

However, as many Malaysians are renting in Singapore, there is often a “no visitors” rule, leaving them with limited places to spend quality time with friends.

Charice shared that activities she has personally picked up since moving to Singapore include going to the gym, attending Pilates classes, and walking more.

“I realised that I became more disciplined and productive in Singapore,” she said.

Apart from being more active in her lifestyle, Charice said she has also been travelling more frequently.

“I realise I travel more often due to the stronger currency in Singapore. Back in Malaysia, we had to save longer for a trip, usually taking just one long holiday a year,” she revealed.

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melissateo@asiaone.com