Crazy Rich Asians: What the Movie Got Right (and Wrong) About Singapore's Wealthy

When the movie Crazy Rich Asians burst onto the global scene, it painted a dazzling picture of Singapore. We saw glittering parties, lavish mansions, and private jets that made our little red dot seem like the playground of the ultra-rich. The question on everyone's mind—especially those living here—was, "Is this for real?"

The short answer is yes and no. The movie’s depiction of extreme wealth is based in reality, but it’s a reality that exists for a tiny, exclusive fraction of the population. For the average Singaporean, life is less about designer handbags and more about paying for that HDB flat. I've lived here my whole life, and while I have friends who are doing very well, none of them are landing helicopters on their rooftops. So, let’s peel back the layers and see what the film got right, and where it stretched the truth.

(Use our interactive comparison table to see what kind of lifestyle different Singaporean of different income will lead.)

What the Movie Got Right: The Existence of Extreme Wealth

Singapore is, without a doubt, one of the wealthiest cities in the world. It’s a global financial hub and a magnet for high-net-worth individuals. The movie's core premise—that there are families in Singapore with incomprehensible fortunes—is absolutely true.

The Young family’s old-money status and their multi-generational wealth are also a real phenomenon. Many of Singapore's wealthiest families built their fortunes from industries like shipping, real estate, and banking decades ago. You see this reflected in the movie with Eleanor Young's family estate, which feels like a place that has been in the family for generations.

The film also nailed the visual opulence. From the Supertree Grove at Gardens by the Bay to the rooftop infinity pool at Marina Bay Sands, the movie showcased our most iconic landmarks in a way that truly highlighted their grandeur. The over-the-top wedding scene? While maybe not an everyday occurrence, such extravagant celebrations are a reality for Singapore's most elite circles.

I remember watching the movie with my family and hearing them chuckle at some of the subtle, yet accurate, details. The obsession with food, for instance. That scene at Newton Food Centre, while a bit sterilised for Hollywood, captured the essence of Singaporean hawker culture—a place where people from all walks of life can enjoy incredible food together. It’s a national pastime.

What the Movie Got Wrong: The "Crazy Rich" Norm

Here's where the fantasy truly diverges from the reality for most Singaporeans. The film presents a Singapore where a majority of people seem to be living in the lap of luxury. This couldn't be further from the truth.

According to government statistics, the median monthly household income in Singapore is around S$11,297. While that's a respectable figure, it's a far cry from the multi-million dollar fortunes of the characters in the movie. The average Singaporean works hard, saves diligently, and plans for the future. The cost of living is high, and things like housing, cars, and education require careful financial planning—not just a swipe of an unlimited credit card.

The "Crazy Rich" narrative also glossed over Singapore's multicultural tapestry. The film's primary focus was on the Chinese-Singaporean elite, but the country is a vibrant mix of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and other ethnicities. We live and work side-by-side, sharing in our unique blend of cultures. The movie's limited portrayal of this diversity was one of its most common criticisms among locals.

Ultimately, Crazy Rich Asians was a fairytale, a Cinderella story set against a magnificent backdrop. It gave the world a glimpse of Singapore's glamorous side, and for that, we can be proud. But it’s important to remember that our city's true story isn't in the mansions or the high-society gossip. It's in the daily hustle, the shared love for food at a hawker centre, and the quiet determination of a population building a life—one responsible decision at a time. We may not all be "Crazy Rich," but we're definitely rich in our own way.

Let's Discuss

What did you think of the movie's portrayal of Singapore? Did it change your perception of the country? Share your thoughts!