Benz Hui, the 73-year-old TVB veteran actor, has recently shared his candid views on Singaporean customer behavior, particularly their tendency to complain. In an interview with Lianhe Zaobao on April 12, Benz spoke openly about his observations, which have been shaped by his time spent in his daughter’s cafe in Singapore.
The actor, known for his outspoken nature, remarked that while “everyone loves to complain,” he believes Singaporeans in particular have “a more serious problem.” He explained that while it’s common to complain, many Singaporeans tend to blow small issues out of proportion. “It’s fine to complain, but sometimes they’re the only ones who think that it’s a problem, but it’s not really a big issue in reality. That’s not very good,” he noted, hoping that this habit would change.
Benz also drew a comparison between Singaporeans and Hong Kongers, suggesting that people in Hong Kong are generally “more reasonable” in their complaints, as they don’t enjoy as much welfare and aren’t as “spoiled.” “Singaporeans are too fortunate,” he said, attributing their tendency to complain to the country’s strong social safety net.
Adding another layer to his critique, Benz speculated that Singaporeans’ higher level of knowledge may contribute to their penchant for questioning authority. He recalled a conversation with a doctor friend in Hong Kong, who confessed to being “very scared” to treat Singaporean patients, who often challenged their doctor’s decisions and asked detailed questions about prescribed medications.
Benz expressed that while it’s good to be knowledgeable, it’s important to respect professional expertise. “If you’re teaching the doctor how to be a doctor, why do you even need to see one?” he quipped, acknowledging that his comments might not sit well with Singaporeans but standing by his observations.
Despite the potential for controversy, Benz’s reflections offer an insightful take on the cultural differences between Hong Kong and Singapore, touching on the effects of social welfare and public education on behavior.