Is your friend secretly a crazy rich Asian? Here’s how you can really identify them in Singapore
When it comes to displaying wealth in the Lion City, Singaporeans are almost pathologically obsessed with keeping it on the down low. This no-nonsense approach has probably been instilled in generations of the rich through: a) the importance of modesty in Asian cultures; b) virtue signalling from peers; or c) fear of being targets.
Singapore’s founding father Lee Kuan Yew notoriously declared (rather imperiously, we might add) in his book Hard Truths to Keep Singapore Going that the societal standards in Singapore were not set by the social elite, but rather, Singapore’s ministers, MPs and CEOs. He also opined, “I don’t think Singaporeans will want to wear loads of jewellery to display their wealth. It’s not in good taste.” (Look it up, page 288.) What this has done is to proliferate bland, practical, personality-free dressing in the upper echelons—honestly, can you name one memorable outfit worn by a minister or MP?
Is it any wonder then, that the really rich in Singapore have taken to more, shall we say, discreet indicators of their wealth? Whether it’s wearing Loro Piana sneakers or carrying unmarked luxury bags, stealth wealth is the name of the game, and only those in the know will recognise the markers of privilege. Here, we share some of the secret status symbols that you will recognise in the truly rich in Singapore.
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1. A membership to the Tanglin Club
Ever noticed a lush green decal bearing a golden shield with a “TC” monogram on your friend’s car? It’s a discreet symbol showing that your friend belongs to one of the most exclusive private clubs in the world: The Tanglin Club. With a history dating back to 1865, memberships are notoriously hard to come by, with applicants having to wait between 10 and 15 years, along with having to be proposed and seconded by two active Ordinary/Lifetime members of the club with at least three years in membership, and the average waiting time is ten to 15 years because of the long waiting list, as we’ve reported. But once you’re in, you’re really in.
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