Why sporean are so "Kiasu" ?

This topic have been discuss many a times so i believe we are no longer disputing the question of yes or no but rather
thinking deeper, why are we so kiasu? Hmm maybe i quote a few scenarios to further illustrate my POV:

1) Waiting for train:
Ideal: We are supposed to wait for ppl to exit before we step in right?
Reality: Everyone dash in to cheong for seats even kids. I have no idea why they are doing that but i guess its the influence of the parents.
Rationale: Everyone paying the same price, why i cannot get a seat? common mindset (not all though).

2) Travelling on the train:
Ideal: It should be a peaceful and quiet journey and we are often taught to give up seats to the elderly/preggy.
Reality: Everyone pretend to sleep or read newspaper or ACT BLUR. I do admit at times i also nvr give up seat but most probably because i was too tired and sleep all the way.
Rationale: Same as no.1

3) Registering for primary sch:
Ideal: Most of the kids getting a place in their neighborhood schools to reduce traveling time
Reality: Parents camping overnight at the famous sch premises just to get a slot for their children.
Rationale: They think that by putting their kids at a better sch can be top student so don't waste.

4) Buying flats:
Ideal: Every couple/family getting a roof over their house within their affordable means.
Reality: The application ratio against the available flats is ridiculously unbalanced.
Rationale: Everyone wants to get the best flat even if its beyond their economic means. Even ppl who are not ready just pay $10 to try their luck. It is like try no harm mentality but if you are not ready, why apply wor?


I think the culprit is our social values. We are brought up in a world set by guidelines, rules and regulations. When we are pursuing our studies, we often have to rush to meet deadline for our assignment or projects. This culture even extend to our working life and even in our personal life. I can accept deadlines in our working life but not on our personal needs though.

When we apply flats in the past, it is first come first serve basis so thats why you can see long queue when new flats are introduced.

When we are waiting for bus/train we cheong for the door when it comes. Why? Because we hate to wait for another 10mins or more for the next trip. Why do we behave this way? Because time wasting is deem as inefficient.
Saving 10mins is better than wasting 10mins, every sec count in this world.

With our increasing standard of living, we become more calculative and tend to neglect on the human touch. I find that our passion for $$$ are increasing everyday but somehow our love for our fellow comrades seem to be diminishing.