Kiasu Daddy and Son

Last Saturday, I read from the newspaper that Giant is offering Mamy Poko Medium size 66 pieces for RM43 something. Ryan is still on disposable diapers at night because he can sleep longer. We have tried Drypers Wee Wee Dry but it was not as good, especially for overnight use. In fact, Ryan developed nappy rashes as a result. We have since changed to Huggies Ultra and recently, we have also tried out Mamy Poko. Both were fine but we find Mamy Poko offering Ryan more comfort due to its design.

Hence, when I read about the offer, I quickly got my younger sister to drive Ryan and me to Giant at Sunway Pyramid to grab some. Mommy was away for the PC fair in Ipoh and Penang for the weekend. Despite being there at 11am, there were only 2 packets left although one could buy 3 per transaction. Well, without any hesitation, I just grabbed the last two and headed for the counter.

See, parenthood have really made an `auntie’ out of me. I am becoming more Kiasu now. You wouldn’t see me at Tesco, Giant, Carrefour or Jusco sale before. I detested the crowd and the queue. But with the current economic downturn and the necessities for Ryan, a dollar saved is a dollar earned. If you see an uncle lugging packets and packets of Mamy Poko in front of you at the cashier counter in the future, smile to that uncle. It could be ME!!!

Definition of Kiasu according to Wikipedia:-

Kiasu (Traditional Chinese: 驚輸; POJ: kiaⁿ-su) is a Hokkien (a Chinese spoken variant) word that literally means 'fear of losing' (Mandarin Chinese: 怕輸). However its actual usage would imply a meaning more approaching that of "dog in a manger", and yet not quite. Examples of kiasu behaviour includes accumulating too much food on one's plate during a buffet lunch in case there is no more later, or joining a queue many days in advance just to ensure that one successfully gets hold of the limited free tickets to events, promotions and shows such as Singapore's annual National Day Parade.

This word is so widely used by Singaporeans and Malaysians that it is incorporated into their English vocabulary (in the form of Singlish). It is often used in describing the social attitudes of people, especially about South East Asian society and its values. Its widespread use is often because these attitudes are common—to not lose out in a highly competitive society (e.g. by above-cited examples), or to the extent of parents imposing heavy study labour on their children in their wish to make them at the very top of all other students. Growing up with this attitude, these students often become ambitious businesspeople, with the desire to be on top in wealth and prestige regardless of whether the most prestigious careers are aligned with their true capabilities.

It is often perceived as part of Ah Beng culture.