Understanding 'Kiasu': How it Defines Singapore's Work Culture

Singapore, a global economic hub, offers an exciting environment for expats and newcomers. At the crux of its success lies an inimitable cultural phenomenon: Kiasu, a term derived from the Chinese dialect Hokkien that translates to “fear of losing out.”

A survival instinct born out of Singapore’s dominant Chinese culture, the kiasu mentality must be ingrained in newcomers to navigate the work culture effortlessly.

Hint: You are a kiasu If you stand in line for hours just because of a tangible surprise at the end.

Decoding the Kiasu Mentality

Kiasuism stems from the deep-rooted desire to avoid missing opportunities, and lagging in accomplishing your goals that may result in losing credibility and self-esteem. Individuals with this mentality adopt a highly competitive yet cautious approach to go that extra mile. In the workplace, it translates into employees who are:

• Extremely Diligent – Ensuring they meet and exceed goals.

• Over-prepared – Having backup plans and contingency measures chalked out well in advance.

• Highly competitive – Always one step ahead of their colleagues, with a strong focus on career growth.

• Calculated risk-taker – Avoiding actions that could tarnish their reputation.

• Hardworking – Working after-hours to demonstrate commitment.

Kiasuism involves an archetypal workplace culture with excess pressure, intensity, and high stress. Newcomers must be mindful of the pitfalls and tread carefully to survive in an immensely competitive work environment.

How Kiasuism Influences Workplace Behaviours

1. Long Working Hours and Overtime Culture

The expectation of working long hours is one of the visible effects of Kiasuism. Often seen as a mark of dedication, some employees voluntarily stretch back their working hours even when it isn’t required. For newcomers, this indicates an element of surprise especially if they come from a work culture that promotes and prioritizes work-life balance.

2. Highly Competitive Work Environment

In a kiasuism-bred work environment, competition is high-octane. Employees are constantly on the lookout to outsmart their peers at work. This may be achieved through acquiring additional certifications, volunteering for high-exposure projects, or proactive networking to build contacts. However, it makes business sense, typically in a highly competitive work environment, for newcomers to continuously upskill and network aggressively to stay relevant to their jobs.

3. Risk Aversion and Cautious Decision-making

Singaporean professionals, influenced by Kiasuism, are often averse to risks and take decisions only after in-depth scrutiny of the situation. This process involved meticulous planning, heavy reliance on data, and constantly seeking stakeholder approval before taking requisite action. While this may prevent future anomalies, the process becomes time-consuming leaving little scope for innovation. Following this cautious decision-making approach may seem frustrating for expatriates or newcomers from an agile work regime.

4. Weightage on Academic and Professional Credentials

Education and qualification are an integral part of Singaporean employee's work life. To stay relevant in today's fiercely competitive job market, employees new and old need to continuously upskill themselves. Having additional, relevant certifications can certainly boost career prospects, more so, for newcomers.

5. Robust Hierarchical Structures

Newcomers need to be cautious of the organization's hierarchy structure. Superiors or authoritative figures should be dealt with diplomatically. Communication needs to be crisp and respectful.

6. Team-oriented Work Ethic

Despite Kiasuism’s competitive nature, teamwork and collaborative efforts cannot be negated. Team spirit and loyalty to the company are highly valued. To accomplish organizational goals, employees need to work collectively as a team. One needs to strike the right balance while aligning individual and team goals.

Practical Tips for Newcomers on Kiasuism

For professionals who are new to Kiasuism, here are some strategies that can help maneuver this workplace mentality smoothly: 

1. Be Prepared and Proactive

As the saying goes─well begun is half done─one needs to be systematic, proactive, and diligent to prepare well.  Newcomers must stay ahead of deadlines, prepare well for incoming obstacles, and meticulously plan their work to build their reputation within the organization.

2. Manage Work-Life Boundaries Tactfully

Working long hours has become a norm in Singapore. However, a correct balance must be maintained between professional and personal commitments to avoid employee burnout. If an employee is overloaded with work, the same should be brought to the supervisor’s notice. Productivity and efficiency should be a priority but not at the cost of poor employee well-being.

3. Embrace Continual Learning

Constant learning and personal development are highly valued in Singapore. Participating in career enhancement programs, attending training courses, and gaining certifications enhances skills and helps one work in tandem with the organizational ethos of employee self-improvement.

4. Network Smartly

Building fruitful professional relationships within the organization is the key to working smart. In today's competitive business world, networking strategically helps build contacts, enhances expertise, and helps gain valuable business insights within Singapore’s corporate ecosystem.

5. Be Receptive to Constructive Criticism

Singaporean workplaces can be direct with their feedback. Being a global business hub where competition is rife, expectations are often high. Treating criticism as a scope for learning and opportunities, not a mere personal attack, is the correct approach to professional growth.   

6. Adapt to Hierarchical Norms

In Singapore, respect for seniority is inherent in its work culture. Using polite and respectful language while addressing superiors and following well-defined communication protocols will ensure smooth conversations and better relations.

Singapore’s Kiasu work mentality is a double-edged sword—driving excellence and efficiency while creating a stressful work environment. For newcomers, thriving in this highly competitive work culture commands a mindset shift and a strong ability to adapt to changing work conditions. By being diligent, open to continual learning, and aggressively networking, professionals can carve a path clear of stress, disheartenment, and potential burnout.

Psst! This blog was created after a lot of thought by a real person. #NoGenerativeAI