Work habit in Singapore

After living here for 2 months, and observing how things work here, I dare to say Singaporeans work like cows. Remembering how I used to work from 9am till 7pm, and sometimes even beyond that, I am proud to say that I was once as hardworking as a cow in Singapore. but what happens to cow eventually? They get served deliciously on our platters in dinner time.

However, you will realized this is not how things work in the world. I was reading an article earlier and it was saying how workaholic Americans are, having to work averagely 6.5 hours a day. Even in New Zealand, I see people starting work at 9 or 10, and ending at 3 or 4pm! That doesn't mean that they are low in efficiency, but rather how they work smart! There are Apples both made in America and grown in New Zealand right? And you don't see much things originating from Singapore do you?

I am not trying to be critical here, or perhaps I might be subconsciously, but the point I am trying to get at is to wok smart and fast! After 4 years in corporate world, I am not a big fan of sitting in the office after work to show I am still working, or doing things slowly so that I am seen as a workaholic! My style of working is to put my efficiency over time, and to complete all the tasks that I set for myself before my work hours end at 6! That does not mean I am a slacker, I feel this is an even better way to show that I am a workaholic with work life balance! But in Asian culture, they judge you. And therefore, most people act.

Who is there to judge? Why do Singaporean still work so long hours? Thanks to our marvelous education and peer pressure :)