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Singapore Siu Dai: The SG Conversation In A Cup
Life in Singapore is good, sometimes even — dare we say it? — absurd. In
Singapore Siu Dai
, Felix Cheong, with a little help from illustrator PMan, finds humour in the everyday. From our kiasu behaviour to weird geographical boundaries called GRCs and OB markers, no quirk is left unturned.
These 50 short stories, praised by Singapore’s top humorists for their brew of wit and snappy storytelling, will raise the so-called SG Conversation to a new, satirical pitch. So
laugh along as we look forward to Singapore’s 50th birthday!
These 50 short stories, praised by Singapore’s top humorists for their brew of wit and snappy storytelling, will raise the so-called SG Conversation to a new, satirical pitch. So
laugh along as we look forward to Singapore’s 50th birthday!
- GenresShort StoriesFiction
132 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
4 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 18, 2014
I really want to enjoy this book but the satire is predictable, the targets are obvious and there's a old-school 70s/80s feeling to the whole text/cartoon. You can see the punchline miles away and the cynicism isn't quite as biting.
If the author wanted to evoke that era, he succeeded in doing so but it makes one wonder - what is the point of writing this book? Is it an astute observation of Singapore culture now? Is it a critique? It feels half-baked and not really thought through.
And it certainly doesn't help when the blurb seems to aim for the book squarely at celebrating Singapore's 50th (more than 1 year away)
You can't have your Coffee Sui Dai and drink it.
If the author wanted to evoke that era, he succeeded in doing so but it makes one wonder - what is the point of writing this book? Is it an astute observation of Singapore culture now? Is it a critique? It feels half-baked and not really thought through.
And it certainly doesn't help when the blurb seems to aim for the book squarely at celebrating Singapore's 50th (more than 1 year away)
You can't have your Coffee Sui Dai and drink it.
December 29, 2020
For a book that was recommended by NLB, it fell flatter than prata for me. The writing was atrocious; I constantly felt like I was reading fanfic written by a secondary school kid. The plotlines and the humour was so predictable I think it probably ripped off some Noose punchlines at some point. Satire should be subtle and cutting, and the humour/analogies in the book was neither. Truly an awful example of Singlit. Go read Ministry of Moral Panic if you want good writing infused with local culture.
March 18, 2016
This is going to be an extremely valuable text in shaping the Singapore Collective. Felix successfully mixes language and humour to produce just the effect needed to highlight those Singapore Dreams.
August 26, 2017
Curiosity level: Laugh-out-loud funny! (finally some SG lovin')
•
"No one ever found out what the OB in his name stood for. Some said 'obiang'; others claimed it was short for 'obey'." - p.34
•
If you wonder why tissues are golden tickets for seatings in hawker centres, or why parents take "school balloting" so seriously, look no further!
•
I know I say "so singaporean" a lot in my feed but this book really takes the char kway teow for being 100% singaporean. You'll find yourself laughing and agreeing with plenty of the stuff that makes singapore so regimentally weird and professionally kiasu. This is my first Felix Cheong book, and I'm definitely gonna check out more of his books
•
A few of my favourites pieces inside this Kopi siew dai (black coffee, less sugar aka no sugar coating ):
1. A picky but oblivious young man orders yuan yang Kopi tests the patience of the coffee uncle with his endless list of requirements
2. The President of singapore goes shopping during the GSS, aka the Great Satan Sale... find out what he buys!
3. Match-making in Singapore
4. When stacks of school exam revision paper are treated like housing property...
•
Suitable for: All Singaporeans (seriously) and for international readers who would like a literary glimpse into our little red dot world
•
"No one ever found out what the OB in his name stood for. Some said 'obiang'; others claimed it was short for 'obey'." - p.34
•
If you wonder why tissues are golden tickets for seatings in hawker centres, or why parents take "school balloting" so seriously, look no further!
•
I know I say "so singaporean" a lot in my feed but this book really takes the char kway teow for being 100% singaporean. You'll find yourself laughing and agreeing with plenty of the stuff that makes singapore so regimentally weird and professionally kiasu. This is my first Felix Cheong book, and I'm definitely gonna check out more of his books
•
A few of my favourites pieces inside this Kopi siew dai (black coffee, less sugar aka no sugar coating ):
1. A picky but oblivious young man orders yuan yang Kopi tests the patience of the coffee uncle with his endless list of requirements
2. The President of singapore goes shopping during the GSS, aka the Great Satan Sale... find out what he buys!
3. Match-making in Singapore
4. When stacks of school exam revision paper are treated like housing property...
•
Suitable for: All Singaporeans (seriously) and for international readers who would like a literary glimpse into our little red dot world
October 25, 2024
Favourite quotes:
🎈For the rest of the day, Boo Lee wore a mark on his forehead. He could not touch the mark or wash it off till the end of the day. In our new regime, we want students to understand what they’ve done wrong and think for themselves how they should be punished. We want to give them a choice. “You want to give them a choice of punishment!” Mr OB barked as the walls shivered. “That is right. And lower your voice!” Mrs Hong said. “We are a First World country. Talk like First World people.” Mr OB had no idea what she meant, though he nodded. When the bell rang half an hour later and released Mr OB into the real world, he heaved a sigh of relief. He knew the well-oiled drill of listening to your superior, only to do exact opposite when you were out of earshot. If instructions were not interpreted as they slid like a slope to the bottom, no one would know what to do. Of course, he would let students decide their own punishment. A choice of the OB mark on their forehead of cheek.
🎈For the rest of the day, Boo Lee wore a mark on his forehead. He could not touch the mark or wash it off till the end of the day. In our new regime, we want students to understand what they’ve done wrong and think for themselves how they should be punished. We want to give them a choice. “You want to give them a choice of punishment!” Mr OB barked as the walls shivered. “That is right. And lower your voice!” Mrs Hong said. “We are a First World country. Talk like First World people.” Mr OB had no idea what she meant, though he nodded. When the bell rang half an hour later and released Mr OB into the real world, he heaved a sigh of relief. He knew the well-oiled drill of listening to your superior, only to do exact opposite when you were out of earshot. If instructions were not interpreted as they slid like a slope to the bottom, no one would know what to do. Of course, he would let students decide their own punishment. A choice of the OB mark on their forehead of cheek.
November 24, 2020
Siu Dai is a term that is typically used while ordering Coffee or Tea in a local coffee shop in Singapore. It is meant to convey less sweet. Like the term, Felix Cheong presents a marvellous collection of very short stories that gives readers a glimpse of everyday life and the people , values and lives of Singapore and life in Singapore. Subtle humor laced with doses of sarcasm, each of the story is barely a page long, but convey deep and thought provoking glimpse of things that one encounters while living in singapore while leaving a smile on your face. Highly recommended for those who live in singapore or those you have lived or have an idea of singapore, given that most issues are local, its a great read for a good laugh and some thought provoking look at life.
December 21, 2024
Funny book.
Each short story is brief. The targets are predictable (no offence, but the literary scene in Singapore typically complains about the PAP government, so this fits in as a variation on that theme. You almost never see anything “satirical” or “edge-y” aimed at anything else).
Anyway my tastes are boring so it was entertaining to read another Singapore-centred jab at the government, full of injokes about Singapore. I liked the use of Singlish. (To be fair, it’s not 100% aimed at the government, there are some parts that are less political.)
Probably won’t reread, but there are some cute stories - I liked “Allo Allo”, which is a glimpse into a future with no mobile phones and people start talking to their neighbours again.
Each short story is brief. The targets are predictable (no offence, but the literary scene in Singapore typically complains about the PAP government, so this fits in as a variation on that theme. You almost never see anything “satirical” or “edge-y” aimed at anything else).
Anyway my tastes are boring so it was entertaining to read another Singapore-centred jab at the government, full of injokes about Singapore. I liked the use of Singlish. (To be fair, it’s not 100% aimed at the government, there are some parts that are less political.)
Probably won’t reread, but there are some cute stories - I liked “Allo Allo”, which is a glimpse into a future with no mobile phones and people start talking to their neighbours again.
March 1, 2021
Only true blue Singaporeans will understand the stories with humours planted here and there. An easy read which can encourage young readers to pick up the book, at the same time, exposing them to the political scenes, though not sure if a school teacher is allowed to promote such controversial book...
July 5, 2022
Full of allegorism and metaphors, it seems the author has something to say but never quite delivers. The characters seems to be loosely tied chapter from chapter but they just come across as flat and one dimensional. If you are looking for satire and humor, you will struggle to find it here. Mostly uninspiring and crude in it's execution, save some time and skip this.
January 24, 2021
Got the e-book from the library - quite funny, but most of the nuances would be lost on non-locals. Even locals (especially the younger generation) would find it hard to relate to it though. Good to sync this with the Noose TV show.
January 19, 2024
Brilliant and funny but subtly so. If you didn't grow up in Singapore or if you didn't live there over the decades you might not catch many of the social and political references. I can't wait to read the next 2 books in the series.
December 28, 2017
Satire SingLit is like a good cup of kopi. The "kick" of chuckles gives you enough absurdist humour to shoulder onward to face the even more ridiculous reality of Singapore's Wonderland.
January 2, 2018
Had a few LOL moments
August 30, 2019
A collection of localised anecdotes adorned with political satire and laugh-out-loud hilarity. Full of puns and incisive humour, this is a book that will make you struggle in stifling your laughter.
December 26, 2020
Some funny nicknames
Dipped in local short stories
And then like that lor
Dipped in local short stories
And then like that lor
May 19, 2021
Dang, it's an interesting book especially when you know the slangs and acronyms according to Singapore's b/g.
February 25, 2024
Light, comical read.
December 9, 2020
IThis book was published in 2014. I'm not sure why it still resorted to lazy stereotypes about (Chinese) Singaporeans to Make a Point Thru Humour. Nor why using stock Hokkien names for Ah Beng stereotypes ('Pai Kia', anyone? How about "Twa Tao"??) is still even publishable. Nor the unimaginative potshots at unimaginative civil servants.
I get that the intention here is apparently humour. But nothing about the characters nor their presentation here is particularly funny, nor insightful, or illuminating. This book reads like it was written in the era of Catherine Lim, when stock Singaporean characters were probably more needed in an unpopulated local literary landscape.
But...to still be uncritically whining about Ah Bengs, or cookie-cut govt types? In 2014? Or entitled upperclass kiasu Singaporeans sending their children to Chinese tuition? Future archaeologists discovering Singaporeans queueing for hellokitty happy meals cos ThEy r s0 kiAsU?
Walao eh, think of new "jokes" la. The chicken stock from ntuc would taste better than the stale stock characters in this short work.
Despite the choice of subject matter, this collection is not "incisive", nor "observant" nor "social critique", whatever other gatekeepers of mediocrity might say about this text.
Rather, the demeaning, condescending caricatures here betray a glaring lack of empathy, imagination and compassion for the lives and logics of ordinary Singaporeans.
Finally, the persistent, consistent focus on predominantly Chinese characters, Chinese priorities, Chinese anxieties and Chinese perspectives make the titling of this book deeply problematic.
If we are to take the title "Singapore Less Sweet" at face value, then the grimier Singapore is apparently all about whiny Singaporeans looking to be matchmade, or trying to get scholarships, or trying to hang pig heads and collect debt in Humorous Ways. There's something disquietingly myopic about the framing of these Funny Jokes.
Maybe "Singapore Latte" would be a reflective title for this text. Snide, shoddy caricatures about Chinese-educated Ah Bengs written from an upper middle class angle for uppermiddle class audiences to snigger at do not make this text any more endearing to me.
Chill la, I can imagine some people saying, its just written as a joke. Why so serious. Because what we laugh at reflects the values and worldviews we hold. And so this writer may benefit from learning better jokes. Maybe ones that don't profit from shoddy characterisations of ordinary Singaporeans.
It's sad that trees died for this.
I get that the intention here is apparently humour. But nothing about the characters nor their presentation here is particularly funny, nor insightful, or illuminating. This book reads like it was written in the era of Catherine Lim, when stock Singaporean characters were probably more needed in an unpopulated local literary landscape.
But...to still be uncritically whining about Ah Bengs, or cookie-cut govt types? In 2014? Or entitled upperclass kiasu Singaporeans sending their children to Chinese tuition? Future archaeologists discovering Singaporeans queueing for hellokitty happy meals cos ThEy r s0 kiAsU?
Walao eh, think of new "jokes" la. The chicken stock from ntuc would taste better than the stale stock characters in this short work.
Despite the choice of subject matter, this collection is not "incisive", nor "observant" nor "social critique", whatever other gatekeepers of mediocrity might say about this text.
Rather, the demeaning, condescending caricatures here betray a glaring lack of empathy, imagination and compassion for the lives and logics of ordinary Singaporeans.
Finally, the persistent, consistent focus on predominantly Chinese characters, Chinese priorities, Chinese anxieties and Chinese perspectives make the titling of this book deeply problematic.
If we are to take the title "Singapore Less Sweet" at face value, then the grimier Singapore is apparently all about whiny Singaporeans looking to be matchmade, or trying to get scholarships, or trying to hang pig heads and collect debt in Humorous Ways. There's something disquietingly myopic about the framing of these Funny Jokes.
Maybe "Singapore Latte" would be a reflective title for this text. Snide, shoddy caricatures about Chinese-educated Ah Bengs written from an upper middle class angle for uppermiddle class audiences to snigger at do not make this text any more endearing to me.
Chill la, I can imagine some people saying, its just written as a joke. Why so serious. Because what we laugh at reflects the values and worldviews we hold. And so this writer may benefit from learning better jokes. Maybe ones that don't profit from shoddy characterisations of ordinary Singaporeans.
It's sad that trees died for this.
December 18, 2015
So I randomly picked up Singapore Siu Dai from Times' counter because I couldn't find the book that I actually intend to buy.
Basically, the book is a collection of 50 short stories of life in Singapore. Some will got you to giggle to yourself and some might got you to think "Singaporeans actually do that?" in a good/funny way.
Not being a Singaporean, I wasn't familiar with some of the Singaporean Lingos that were used in this piece but thankfully, the author also inserted a glossary of words at the back of the book. I must say, I enjoyed this book. Not only that, I was also given a free SG50 book to go along with!
Basically, the book is a collection of 50 short stories of life in Singapore. Some will got you to giggle to yourself and some might got you to think "Singaporeans actually do that?" in a good/funny way.
Not being a Singaporean, I wasn't familiar with some of the Singaporean Lingos that were used in this piece but thankfully, the author also inserted a glossary of words at the back of the book. I must say, I enjoyed this book. Not only that, I was also given a free SG50 book to go along with!
September 28, 2014
While the title and the first few pages had sufficient 'local humour' for me to buy the book, the rest of the book somehow didn't resonate enough for me to go 'YES OMG THIS IS SO SINGAPORE'. Nonetheless, a good book on-the-go for some light reading.
April 20, 2014
Had a hearty laugh!
September 20, 2014
Short read. Humourous enough to keep me going.
August 24, 2019
Not bad. Some interesting moments of fresh insight and familiar recognition that made me smile. An ideal cloakroom book. ;-)
April 11, 2015
i absolutely loved it. absolutely relatable and lovable. Definitely will read book 2! (:
December 28, 2015
The book was insightful, and had its intended effect of "Are we really like that?" at times. But halfway into the book, it became quite predictable.
December 7, 2015
A witty and funny book.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews