colloquial language: Singlish. Singlish is an English-based language comprising vocabulary from Singapore’s four official languages: English, Malay, Tamil, and Mandarin, as well as other Chinese dialects such as Hokkien, Teochew, and Cantonese. However, the language represents a homogeneous Singaporean way of thinking, rather than a mixture of the various cultures from which the specific languages originate. The word reflects a Singaporean mindset and has become ingrained in Singapore’s national culture. Kiasu is also similar in etymology to another Singlish term: kiasi which literally translates to “fear of death”. Both terms are used to describe similar attitudes, but have almost opposite uses. Kiasu or kiasuism means taking extreme measures to achieve success, whereas kiasi or kiasiism means to take extreme, risk-avoidant measures. Academics have identified that kiasuism has two different types of tactics: “kiasu-positive” tactics and “kiasu-negative” tactics. Whether an act of kiasuism involves positive or negative tactics depends on the initial intention, the results of the act, and whether the amount of effort put into the kiasu tactic matches the intended result. Kiasu-positive tactics involve an individual using more effort to attain their goals, with the end reward justifying the means. Kiasu-negative tactics involve an individual gaining an advantage by putting others down, often harming themselves and others, with the end reward not justifying the means. Kiasu-like traits in other countries Studies conducted on residents of Australia and the United States have concluded that kiasuism exists outside of Singapore. A study conducted among Australians uncovered a lack of notable distinction between the “kiasu” behaviour in Singaporeans and Australians, meaning that kiasuism is not an exclusively Singaporean trait. The term “Par Chup Sue” from Hong Kong is a close synonym of kiasu; its literal translation is “scared to lose out”. Since kiasu is derived from a Chinese dialect, it is unsurprising that similar sentiments to kiasu are found in Chinese vocabulary and values. For instance, the Chinese phrase: “Don’t let your kids loose in the beginning,” has a similar meaning to kiasu. Internationally, terms like FOMO (fear of missing out) and hyper-competitiveness have been used in similar situations as kiasu. However, both terms are not direct synonyms. While both FOMO and kiasuism possess the compulsive want to be connected with others, FOMO lacks the competitive element of kiasuism. Hyper-competitiveness does share its competitive element with kiasu. However, hyper-competitiveness and FOMO are better defined as unintentionally “maladaptive” and hard to control while