S01E25 Sam See, English / Singlish speaker - From Singapore 🇸🇬

Described by some as the "mother hen" of Singapore's burgeoning stand up comedy scene, Sam has just performed his solo show "Government Approved Sex" to critical acclaim at this year's Melbourne Comedy Festival.

This episode was recorded at the start of 2023 when Sam returned to the UK after a mini-tour in continental Europe (preceded by a full Edinburgh fringe run last summer).

Sam shares why his mother tongue Mandarin isn't his most proficient language - something that is not uncommon for Singaporeans. He explains how Singapore's language policy means he no longer speaks the languages of his grandparents, which his parents use to openly hide secrets from him.

Sam also provides his insightful take on the differences between audiences in Singapore, continental Europe and the UK.

Due to your host's friendship with Sam, there have been a lot of banters and swear words so apologies for the numerous beeps this episode!

---------------------------------

Follow Sam on Instagram, Twitter and his website

Follow your host Kuan-wen on Instagram and Twitter

---------------------------------

If you like the episode, please share it and leave a review. For any comments or suggestions, please contact us on Instagram or email [email protected]

----------------------------------

00:52 Intro (Bickering between the guest Sam and your host Kuan-wen)

05:24 Not fluent in his mother tongue - Mandarin

07:14 Singapore’s official language and de facto lingua franca

09:52 Why doesn’t Sam speak any southern Chinese languages?

13:12 International school v Chinese school students

15:23 Sam’s not-quite-Singlish English accent

17:50 Choosing to focus on stand up comedy in English instead of Mandarin

19:35 Sam’s role in Singapore’s stand up comedy scene/ opening for Jim Jeffery

21:40 Scottish comedians slowing down when performing in Singapore

22:43 Singapore’s complex relationship with its neighbour Malaysia

24:38 On Singapore’s founding father Lee Kuan Yew

27:43 Differences between comedy audiences in Singapore, continental Europe and the UK

29:19 Sam’s "Introductory Set"

31:41 Kuan-wen’s example of how comedy savvy the UK audience can be

32:42 Sam’s “Introductory Set” when performing abroad

36:20 Does Sam always mention he is gay on stage abroad?

38:29 Sam’s military service experience

41:04 Sam’s social media

---------------------------------

Podcast intro music by @Taigenkawabe