SINGAPORE: In an interview shared on Instagram, a former Malaysian who now works in Singapore discussed her career and life in the city-state.
The interview, posted on influencer Kerrynlee’s Instagram account, featured a conversation between Lee and Joanne, who identified herself as an auditor at a “Big Four” firm.
The Big Four refers to Deloitte, Ernst & Young (EY), Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler (KPMG), and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).
During the exchange, Lee asked Joanne whether she was Singaporean. When Lee clarified that she was looking for a Malaysian, Joanne revealed that she was originally Malaysian but has since become a Singapore citizen.
Joanne explained that while her parents remain Malaysian, she attended primary and secondary school in Singapore but pursued her university education at Sunway University in Malaysia.
When asked why she returned to Malaysia for higher studies, she cited the difficulty of securing admission to local universities.
“I couldn’t qualify for a Singapore university. It was too difficult!”
High Workload and Overtime Culture in Auditing
Joanne highlighted the demanding nature of her job, especially during peak periods when overtime is common.
She noted that many Malaysians work in Singapore’s Big Four and mid-tier firms due to a persistent labour shortage.
“There’s always a manpower shortage, not enough resources, and the overtime is crazy.”
When asked for advice for those considering an auditing career in Singapore, Joanne acknowledged the heavy workload but noted that foreigners often have a higher take-home salary than Singaporeans or PRs, as they do not contribute to CPF.
However, she cautioned that rental costs in Singapore are high.
Joanne also shared her emotions about giving up her Malaysian passport, admitting that she felt sad but still considers Malaysia her home.
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Mixed Reactions Online: ‘Sad Truth About Singapore’
The interview sparked a flurry of online reactions. Some users commented that the discussion reflected harsh realities about Singapore’s education system and job market.
Some users expressed disappointment over Singapore’s education system, noting that those unable to secure a spot in local universities often have to study overseas before returning for work.
They highlighted the financial burden faced by many Singaporeans who cannot enter NUS or NTU and must pay hefty fees for an overseas degree.
Debate Over Citizenship and National Identity
Others questioned Joanne’s decision to take up Singaporean citizenship while still considering Malaysia her home, wondering why she went through the process if her ties to Malaysia remained strong.
Concerns were also raised about how the government treats locals compared to foreigners, with some arguing that Singaporeans should be prioritised over foreign workers rather than the other way around.
However, Kerrynlee defended Joanne, emphasising that it is natural to feel connected to one’s birthplace.
She pointed out that if most of Joanne’s family remained in Malaysia, it was understandable for her to still feel attached to the country, even if she considered Singapore her home.
“The Singapore-Malaysia Lifestyle Trade-Off”
A user highlighted the contrast between work-life balance and housing options in Singapore and Malaysia, noting that many prefer to earn a living in Singapore while residing in Malaysia.
“Earn money in Singapore, live in Malaysia. To be honest, Singapore doesn’t offer much personal freedom, while Malaysia still has plenty of room for growth and development.”
Another Singaporean user echoed this sentiment, sharing plans to purchase a house in Johor Bahru and settle there while renting out their HDB flat in Singapore for passive income.
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