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eSports professionals a rarity in academically-oriented Singapore

Published

5 years ago

on

by Sam Reeves / Martin Abbugao
In a country highly focused on academic achievement, Singaporean Galvin Kang Jian Wen did something almost unthinkable — he stopped studying as a teenager to spend more time playing computer games.
He defied parental and social disapproval after his high school finals to pursue his dream of becoming an eSports champion, but believes the sacrifice has paid off as he heads with his national team to Southeast Asia’s mini-Olympics.
Teenage gamers worldwide are shunning mainstream education in favour of spending hours tapping away on computers and phones, attracted by a booming eSports scene where prizes at major tournaments reach millions of dollars.
But perhaps nowhere is the prospect of swapping textbooks for joysticks more daunting than in Singapore, which tops global education rankings and where striving for academic excellence is deeply ingrained in the national psyche.
Kang — who is his national side’s coach and competes in multiplayer battle game Dota 2 under the moniker “Meracle” — said his belief in his own playing skills was so great he had the courage to do what most would not dare.
“I stopped studying and went to pursue this passion of mine,” the 23-year-old told AFP at a Southeast Asian Games boot camp in Singapore, which was organised by the tournament’s eSports partner, gaming hardware company Razer.
“Obviously (my parents) were not very happy about my decision because nobody wants their kids to stop studying.”
Education pressure
He is the exception, however, in a country known for a strict education system, a focus on getting good exam results and where a growing number of students go on to university or another form of tertiary education.
The pressure starts as early as primary school, and critics say it has contributed to the growing incidence of mental illness among the young, although the government is seeking to make things easier through steps like reducing exams.
The focus on education and a choice of well-paying jobs in the affluent country mean few are willing to pursue a career in the fledgling eSports scene — Singapore has only around 15 professional gamers.
“Singapore is very focused on study,” said the country’s eSports association president Ng Chong Geng, recalling how when he gave a talk at a university, not a single student expressed an interest in becoming a professional player.
“Now more or less everyone graduates with some sort of degree… If you try to be an eSports athlete you have to give up on a lot of other opportunities.”
Players also complain the country’s system of conscription — male citizens undergo two years of national service from the age of 18 — is a hindrance for promising gamers who need time to develop their skills.
But after retirement?
Kang is not alone among players heading to the SEA Games, taking place in the Philippines in November and December, in having chosen to focus on gaming rather than study.
“The thing that most changed me was quitting school so I can play for the whole day, play full time,” said 17-year-old Thai Dota2 gamer Nuengnara Teeramahanon, who quit school aged 16.
“I just did not want to study any more, I just feel like it’s so boring.”
However, the lack of qualifications could be a disadvantage for players when they retire, which can come at a young age in eSports. In some games, players can be finished by 23 as their reactions slow.
Players from nine countries will compete in six titles at the SEA Games — Mobile Legends, Arena of Valor, Dota 2, Starcraft II, Tekken 7, and Hearthstone.
Supporters hope the tournament could be a step towards a spot at the Olympics although that seems unlikely any time soon, with the venerable institution so far unenthusiastic about the discipline.
Players who cut short their education and made a success of eSports say their families have, for the most part, accepted their choice — although they stress they are not encouraging other gamers to follow their lead.
Kang used to be part of a team in the United States, where his accommodation was paid for and he received a salary and prize money. He currently plays for a Thailand-based team.
“Eventually they (my parents) were convinced,” he said. “I could pay for my own food, live on my own.”
– AFP

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Lifestyle

Living modestly in Singapore on $10 a day: 27-year-old Malaysian man shares insights

In Singapore, a 27-year-old Malaysian man has gained attention on TikTok for his frugal approach to life while working in the bustling city. Jonathan Lim, a civil engineer earning around S$3,700 a month, shares his strategy for spending less than S$10 a day.

He divides his week between Singapore and Malaysia, staying in a hostel and focusing on economical food choices.

Despite some concerns about the extremeness of his thriftiness, many commend his financial discipline, while others suggest a slightly more flexible approach.

Published

1 year ago

on

14 September 2023

By

SINGAPORE: A 27-year-old man from Malaysia, garnered the interest of social media users on TikTok due to his method of budgeting and practising a frugal lifestyle while employed in the bustling city of Singapore.

Many are left wondering whether it’s feasible to lead a modest life in Singapore without significant sacrifices.

Malaysian civil engineer, Jonathan Lim, has provided some insights through his TikTok documenting how he manages to spend less than S$10 a day while working in the city.

The video’s caption read: “Part 6: Is spending 10 dollars enough for a day working in Singapore?”

His TikTok content primarily revolves around detailing his expenses in Singapore, excluding the costs related to accommodation.

@jonlzx

Part 6: Is spending 10dollars enough for a day working in SINGAPORE? #sgvlog #worklife #minivlog #fypシ #simplelife

♬ 千与千寻 口琴版 – 口琴伟宝

Hybrid Work Arrangement

Lim, who earns about S$3,700 a month as a civil engineer in Singapore, follows a unique hybrid work arrangement.

He commutes from his home in Kulai, Johor, to Singapore three days a week, with the remaining days dedicated to remote work.

Lim strategically divides his time, with more than half of his week spent in his Johor home.

During the workweek, specifically on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, he opts to stay at a capsule hostel in Singapore.

This arrangement serves the purpose of reducing his expenses on permanent lodging in Singapore, although it necessitates regular commuting between Malaysia and Singapore.

His weekly schedule commences with a Monday morning journey to Singapore at 6 a.m., where he resides in the hostel for two nights.

Hostel Living and Food Choices

During his days in Singapore, Lim stays in a capsule hostel, which costs him about S$35 (approximately US$25.74) a night.

While this arrangement doesn’t include food expenses, the hostel provides free breakfast, helping him save on at least one meal each day.

Lim’s food choices are budget-friendly, focusing on cai fan (economic rice) for lunch and dinner, which costs him about S$3.60 per meal.

Occasionally, he indulges in items like bread and soya bean milk, emphasizing the affordability of such food options in Singapore.

For exercise, he opts for a cost-effective approach, eating grilled chicken drumsticks purchased from FairPrice, and running at public stadiums.

While a dinner consisting solely of protein might not seem substantial to some, Lim clarifies that the two drumsticks he purchased were exceptionally large, providing more than enough sustenance for an adult like him.

Therefore, when factoring in his daily transport costs of S$3, Lim’s daily expenses in Singapore amount to S$13.10, excluding accommodation expenses.

Balancing Thriftiness and Enjoyment

In his most recent TikTok video, Lim responded to both favorable and critical comments regarding his lifestyle of managing on S$10 or more per day in Singapore.

He expressed his belief that such frugal practices can become a standard way of life.

https://www.tiktok.com/@jonlzx/video/7276135975355485441?embed_source=121355059%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_blank&refer=embed&referer_url=mothership.sg%2F2023%2F09%2Fmalaysian-10-dollars-a-day-singapore%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1o-WKyDvXTTGxKWlXGd9u3xXdCO_4zyBOMRSF13kzzdcWs5dU2QI4E_9g&referer_video_id=7276135975355485441

Moreover, he aimed to dispel the misconception that his approach is detrimental to his well-being and happiness, emphasizing that he doesn’t sacrifice enjoyment to save a few dollars.

He acknowledges the trade-offs, such as spending time away from family and loved ones.

However, he sees this period as an opportunity for professional growth.

While Lim’s lifestyle is not his everyday routine, it highlights how one can manage expenses in an expensive city like Singapore.

He also appreciates the safety and amenities the city offers, such as safe streets for late-night jogging.

In the long run, Lim said he will need to decide whether to settle long-term in Singapore or return to Malaysia.

Supporters cheer Lim’s thrifty approach

The majority of people expressed their support for Lim’s frugal lifestyle, offering him their best wishes and advising him to disregard those who ridicule his way of life.

“Good to start saving up at a young age,” they said, while also cautioning against taking frugality to such an extreme that it becomes excessively absurd.

However, some users believe that Lim should consider a slightly higher expenditure than his current approach, asserting that life is too short to subject oneself to such deprivation.

“Can add another $2 la, don’t have to thrift like that,” one user said.

This was first published on Gutzy.Asia

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Lifestyle

Rachel Wan speaks out on father’s solitary passing in Singapore hospital due to staffing shortages

Rachel Wan of ‘Kin’ highlighted her father’s solitary passing in a Singapore hospital due to understaffing in an Instagram post. She contrasted Singapore’s overworked healthcare culture with Australia’s, emphasizing the need for a better work-life balance in the nation.

Published

1 year ago

on

29 August 2023

By

SINGAPORE: On 25 August, Rachel Wan, the 26-year-old star of ‘Kin’, took to Instagram to share a poignant account of her father’s passing, revealing that he had died alone in a Singapore hospital due to understaffing issues.

Wan’s emotional revelation sheds light on the need for a transformation in the prevailing culture of overworking in the nation.

Disparities between healthcare work in Singapore and Australia

In a candid Instagram video, Wan expressed her long-standing desire to address a topic she finds deeply meaningful.

She remarked, “I came to Australia because I felt like there was a better work-life balance here,” before unveiling a recent discovery that profoundly affected her.

The ‘Kin’ star recounted her encounter with a nurse who had previously worked in the same Singapore hospital where her father had spent his final moments.

This nurse later moved to Australia, much like Wan herself.

A stark contrast between working conditions in the two countries emerged.

Wan unveiled that in Singapore, nurses might be tasked with managing “up to 12 patients at any given time”. Conversely, in Australia, nurses are limited to caring for six patients each.

Moreover, Australian healthcare staff are afforded designated rest periods between shifts, a practice reportedly absent in Singapore.

Heartbreaking account of Wan’s father’s passing

Wan’s emotions were palpable as she recounted the circumstances leading to her father’s demise, underscoring the fact that he passed away in solitude at the hospital without any loved ones by his side.

Her poignant Instagram tribute suggested that he passed away in March 2022.

Describing the events of his passing day, she detailed how her father had been transferred from the emergency ward to the general ward as his time grew short.

However, to access him, Wan and her family had to undergo a Covid-19 test, mandatory at the time for hospital visits. Tragically, her father passed away during the testing process.

Distressingly, no one from the hospital informed them of his passing.

Wan expressed her shock, revealing that they discovered his lifeless body alone in the ward without any staff present.

When she inquired about the lack of communication, a doctor allegedly cited understaffing as the reason.

Wan stressed the importance of sharing her experience, noting that the healthcare sector is not the only one grappling with such challenges in Singapore.

She asserted that overworking should not be celebrated as an achievement and urged for a shift towards a healthier work-life balance in the nation.

Her Instagram post resonated with many, drawing a flood of comments from netizens who shared their similar experiences and nurses who opened up about the demanding work environment they face.

Amidst the discussions, Wan clarified that her father’s passing was due to oesophageal cancer, not Covid-19.

A plea for empathy and understanding

In response to differing opinions, including some who highlighted Singapore’s relative advantages compared to other countries, Wan emphasized that her intention was to raise awareness about the lack of work-life balance in Singapore.

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Influencer and doctor Zoen Tay also contributed to the discourse, acknowledging room for improvement in both countries’ healthcare systems.

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Wan extended her empathy to Singaporean nurses, finding a sense of healing in realizing that her father wasn’t neglected due to a lack of care, but rather due to the strain of their demanding workload.

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