Viral TikTok sparks debate as Singapore employers favour Malaysians and Filipinos over locals for efficiency and work ethic.
A TikTok by Singaporean public speaking coach Melvin Soh (@thegreatmelvinsoh) has gone viral, sending a blunt message to Singaporean job seekers: many entrepreneurs in Singapore are choosing not to hire locals.
According to Soh, he’s repeatedly heard Singaporean employers say:
“We don’t want to hire Singaporeans. In fact, we let go of our entire full-time team here and we rather hire Malaysians or Filipinos.
“Filipinos and Malaysians folks, they do things quicker and better. They’re more effective than the Singaporean folks.
“(Singaporeans) They take MC, they’re slow, they can’t get things done, they complain a lot, and they’re entitled,” he said.
Netizens online had mixed reactions. Some agreed that foreigners are more driven and hardworking, while others noted that Singaporeans simply expect better pay and work-life balance — something many Malaysians in Singapore might relate to, given the competitive job market across the Causeway.
One comment agreed with Soh’s statement:
“Foreigners are more driven and hardworking. Local employees are less hardworking and not as driven. Their work quality is lacking, yet they still don’t want to improve or learn from others.”
One local even joked:
“I want work-life balance, mental wellness, work-from-home, a short commute. I jump around jobs because it makes the most financial sense.”
Another one said:
“Singapore is a ticking time bomb. The middle and lower class will get wiped out financially and become a playground for the super wealthy. Well at least you guys get to visit Japan 3 times a year.”
Soh said Singaporeans need to wake up to their work attitudes. With AI and technology levelling the playing field, employers now hire for results and value, not nationality.
“I’m not shooting this video because I’m anti-Singaporean. I’m shooting this video because I’m very concerned.”
“If even entrepreneurs in Singapore do not want to hire Singaporeans, then where do we go? What do you think is the future of our Singapore employees? I don’t have a solution. I’m just very concerned,” he added.
