Five Cs of Singapore

[1] It was first coined as a popular observational joke during the 1990s about the aspirations of some Singaporeans that exhibits materialistic tendencies by constantly seeking to obtain material possessions in an effort to impress others.

Financial security and affluence is a status symbol worldwide and for much of contemporary human history was the measure of personal worth and success.

[4] Although cars are an abundance in most countries and are not seen as status symbol (except only for luxury cars), high taxation on the import and ownership of motor vehicles (191% on new vehicles, an annual road tax based on engine size, and high pump prices) and a quota system requiring owners to acquire a costly Certificate of Entitlement (COE) has uniquely made car ownership a symbol of wealth in a land-constrained country such as Singapore.

In Singapore, there is a small amount of country clubs which leads to limited expensive membership.

[8] In a web conference of local newspaper Today in 2021, it has been argued that newer generations of Singaporeans are now less materialistic and do not value the original Five Cs as much, and that they have redefined what constitutes as success and priorities in life.