Scroobal, remember what I said about the sinkie mentality of being jealous, petty, envious, kiasee, kiasu? They cannot take it that you give acknowledgment to anyone because they take it as a slight on themselves. This lends credence to what I said.
Another simple example is when someone praises your children in Singapore. You daughter is very smart. Most sinkies will reply in front of the kids..."no lah. Very lazy one. Always have to push her to study otherwise would not make it" or some kind of belittling comment to try not to come across as arrogant or conceited. Why do we have to do this?
In Canada, if people receive praise they politely say thank you. Nothing wrong with that. It acknowledges your sincere praise and accepts it graciously.
Maybe in Singapore people flatter others rather than praise. Praise is true and from the heart. Flattery is through the teeth. That's sinkie culture.