Newsletter #91: Singapore Work Culture and Insights for SME Owners!

Mac
4 minutes ago
2 min read

Hi,

How are you?

Just as we enter into the 2nd half of the year, I can't help but feel the weight of 2026. I supposed it's a good kind of pressure since I am still sleeping 8 hours per day on average. Hehe..

Recently I have came across 2 news articles on Singapore work culture, and it really got me thinking. You can read about them below:

*Lawyer attrition a systemic problem driven by toxic culture, bullying, court pressures: LawSoc study

**'Not safe enough': CEO says Singaporeans stay silent at work to avoid being penalised.

While I don't feel surprised by the news, this is a critical issue that needs to be addressed if Singapore is to progress as a society and maintain it's crown as a business hub in this region. Perhaps this is a manifestation of our society and how it function fundamentally. (This is really sad..)

For many individuals, so as long as you work for people, this will be an on-going issue. For those who are sicken by such dysfunctional work culture, perhaps being your own boss (if you have the capability) is the way to go. ETA (Entrepreneurship through acquisition) offers an alternative for those who has the means of acquiring a small business. Otherwise starting your own business is perfectly fine too!

During my 15 years of full-time employment, I am lucky to have encountered a wide range of employers. I looked at it from the lens where I was a fairly unproductive and unmotivated employee (at the early stage of my career), to the point where I considered myself to be a productive contributor. (towards the mid-late stage of my career)

Generally speaking, most of the managers or leaders I met were average. In most cases, they were simply trying to keep their rice-bowl or business afloat while juggling office politics and achieve their personal agenda.

A handful of them were remarkably nauseous, a superb combination of acting skills coupled with malignant intent. Unsurprisingly, they seem to be rather unhappy with their life.

There are a rare few who inspires, kills the Monday blues and able to galvanise people around them to go above and beyond. They understand the difference between leadership and manipulation. (In this regard, I hope that I have a net positive impact on my current and past colleagues, all things being equal.)

Below are the common red flags that indicates poor leadership:

High employee turnover rate
Low productivity level
Employees disengagement
Frequent MC
Lack of support among colleagues
No one dares to voice their own opinion
Blame culture

What do you think? :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7VcP_46q0k0

11 Insights for selling a business in Singapore and Malaysia!

I created a short YouTube video for SME owners who are considering the sale of their business. It provides insights that might surprise you. Please let me know how you find this short video. Thank you!