SEASON 2018
COMPETITION
Competition arises naturally between living organisms. Co-
existing in the same surrounding, one needs to compete for
food, mates, prestige, economies as well as territory, and
importantly for a position within a group or social setting. Such
a competitive attitude has been colloquially termed as being
‘Kiasu’ 怕输 or ‘Afraid to lose’ in our Singaporean context.
For most, it is fashionable to have that ‘Kiasu’ drive – whether
as a form of self-evaluation or in comparison with others.
This competitive behavior can serve one on multiple levels
depending on individual preferences and situational relevance.
At the same time, for some being ‘Kiasu’ seems to encourage
an endless rat race. How useful are these statements when
observing expressions of living? How can we find meaning
behind these competitive motivations and behaviors?