Gene

I recall Mr Kamal's "extra-extra" lesson with the DHS HC team that hard work is in the DNA of Singaporeans. 

Founding

Our forefathers are not from this land. They migrated from all over Asia to Singapore in search of wealth and a spur to start earn livelihood. The Chinese, for example, came from the Southern parts of China, considered the "short Chinese" back in their homeland. While conditions at home were atrocious, the conditions of their journey to Singapore was no better, so as were their early days in Singapore. And so they worked as coolies, Samsui women and such. Some learnt their trades very well to become successful merchants, with the dividends to contribute to their homeland and local community. 

Singapore was never meant to be called home by these peoples. Singapore was merely a place to bag cash and send home, where they belong. However, only time understands love, hence, people become attached to this island. They gave birth to a new generation. 

Occupation

The Japanese Occupation purged the community of anti-Japanese sentiments. This is the period of time where we hear of anecdotes of how families and friends of different origins cooperate harmoniously to resist, or at least, to survive torment. Clearly, to live through severe rule requires strength and courage. In other word, survival of the fittest. 

Merdeka

Singapore was created with little resources given to capitalise on. Here, hard work occurs across all levels of society. As the individual, one had to be sure to be hardworking in order to raise their children, accompanied by sufficient faith to the government to lead them. At the government level, the government had to be adamant to do what others won't and fear in order to serve the people's interest, including allowing the entrance of MNCs. 

21st Century

For new citizens or even PRs, this kind of hereditary characteristic is even more prevalent. In spite of the challenges of living in an expensive city, the fact that one can still procreate and educate them well is very telling of their effort. 

Think about it.