Malaysia vs. Singapore

Malaysia and Singapore are so close to each other, and yet so far if comparisons being made.

Before I depart to Singapore, I went to a money changer to prepare myself some Singapore Dollar. I knew the exchange rate is going to be at around 2.2-2.3,  but I still caught by surprise when the money changer handover me S$86 in the exchange of MYR200.

Compared to Singapore Dollar, the Malaysia Ringgit is just too weak. In short, to be a millionaire in Singapore, one need to be a multi millionaire in Malaysia.

The public transport systems of Singapore is known to be one of the best among the world. Malaysia government can give a lame excuse that Singapore territory is so small and bla bla bla. Let's not compare the routes and coverage, just zoom in to compare the terminals of MRT of Singapore and LRT of Malaysia, you will find that the terminal of MRT is so clean and comfortable, even non MRT passengers are hanging around to do shopping or enjoy the air condition. What is the scenario in Malaysia? It is not a place that you would consider to stay for an extra second. The exhaust gases, cigarettes and dirty surroundings  are the only impressions I have.

The quality and conveniences offers at the Budget Terminal of Singapore is not far away as compared to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). If is just too ugly to Malaysia if we were to compare our LCCT and Subang Airport with the Singapore Budget Terminal.

As per my counterparts in Singapore, most of them left the office on time. The scenario is totally different in Malaysia. More than 50% of the staffs are still working at their cubicles at 7pm. But in term of national progress and development, Singapore is far ahead of Malaysia while the gap is getting wider over period. Malaysia is still not able to catch-up with Singapore even though  Malaysians putting 1-2 hours extra per day in their daily works.

Something should have gone very wrong. In my view, this reason could be Malaysian is not giving high priority on efficiency and time management. Malaysian is still weighing success with hard work and time effort instead of work smart and human asset management (talent retention).

What do you think?

(Marco is writing this post at Singapore Budget Terminal.)


Related Posts:
1. Singapore Dollar (SGD) vs. Malaysia Dollar (MYR)
2. Singapore vs. Malaysia 2