Put Kiasu-ism to good use...

As a matter of fact, Singaporeans are generally known to be kia-su, a nationally-accepted phrase commonly used amongst the Teochew- or Hokkien-speaking groups to refer to people who are "fearful of lagging behind" in their material pursuits.

"Kia" means being fearful or afraid of, while "su" means losing or lagging behind. It is usually used with negative connotations. Kiasuism is seldom being positively perceived or accepted.

Culturally, it refers to the typical behaviour of Singaporeans when it comes to acquiring or possessing material things. Just look out for sudden long queues in shopping malls or some public places, you can't be far too wrong to assume there must be some freebies being dished out right at the front of the queue. Once I was in a shopping mall and there was a long queue, and being curious, I went to the front of the queue to find out what was going on, and true enough, a certain organiser was giving away one free packet of peanuts. Another incident took place at Raffles Place just outside the MRT station, many from the working class were queuing up for a free bottle of washing detergent. Both these incidents happened at least two years ago when the economy was still good.

Thinking aloud, Kiasuism may not be a bad trait afterall, if we could apply it not just to material things but also to the acquiring of positive and good values or virtues. Why not Singaporeans be more kiasu and competitive when it comes to good values such as courtesy, graciousness and kindness? Why not we start having this feeling of not wanting to lag behind when it comes to practising courtesy, graciousness and kindness? We should aim to be better than our neighbours, friends, and colleagues in all these areas of values which are at the moment still pretty lacking in the society as a whole.

So, my fellow Singaporeans, it is alright to be kiasu, but let's be more balanced in the areas we apply it.