Kiasu

Kiasu (Chinese惊 输, PEH oē - jī kia ⁿ -su ) is a word from the Hokkien that a certain behavior - the "fear of losing " - describes. The concept Kiasu refers to the desire to always be the best, always come first, and never to lose. The word is so widespread that it was incorporated into the English vocabulary. Singapore is regarded as his home country.

Effects

Kiasu has both positive and negative effects. Some say that it receive the high standard, while others claim it leads to a merciless society.

One can attribute the following behavior Kiasu:

• When people at the buffet the dishes pile up fully to get anything more out of fear.
• In Singapore Metro, when people crowd into the web before even one has left the track.
• The lane at the last moment and without having to switch to flash - and they do not let.
• Close the elevator door so that no one else comes in.
• The non- sharing of knowledge in order to retain a benefit.

Furthermore, the profit constraint motivates people to avoid risks. This is reflected in the small number of start-ups in Singapore.

Public campaign

The local government is trying the image of Singapore as a " Kiasuland " get rid of about in 1993 with: "If We Could only see ourselves sometimes " campaign.