In a commentary, SMU Senior Lecturer of Organisational Behaviour & Human Resources and Director of Undergraduate Admissions at the Lee Kong Chian School of Business Paul Lim recalled his doctoral studies in China, which exposed him to the “996” work culture of long hours driven by the belief that effort guarantees success, and also by peer pressure. With more Chinese firms entering Singapore, he noted concerns about such habits spreading, though Singapore’s history of selectively absorbing foreign work norms suggests it will adopt what works. He concluded that Singapore’s work culture will ultimately be shaped by how the country balances foreign influence with its core values of fairness, balance, and mutual respect.
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