Singapore Dreaming

A devoted but aspirational father who clings to lotteries and newspapers cuttings as a map to a better life. His sudden wealth changes the family dynamic, yet his death abruptly ends his dream and triggers a scramble for inheritance. He embodies both traditional parental love and the risky lure of rapid social ascent.

A practical secretary juggling work, pregnancy, and a difficult marriage. She endures being sidelined in favor of Seng and faces pressure at the office, where even routine tasks become a source of stress. Her frustrations reveal gendered expectations and a resilience under strain.

The eldest son who returns from abroad seeking to prove himself. He pursues business ideas with little experience, leaks money on a credit card, and hides the truth about his job prospects. His ambitions illuminate the fragility of family support when misused.

A matriarch who maintains the household’s outward stability while wrestling with unresolved loyalties. She appears distant at crucial moments yet later reveals a willingness to share wealth with others, including her lover’s child. Her presence frames the tensions between duty and generosity.

Seng’s fiancée, a realist who is deeply disappointed by Seng’s mendacious promises. She ultimately decides to pursue her own goals abroad, reflecting a personal independence beyond the family’s orbit. Her reactions highlight themes of trust and self-determination.

Mei's husband, a former serviceman who turns to selling insurance with limited success. He resents the demands of domestic life and the heavy responsibilities around money and status. His infidelity and volatile reactions add volatility to the family’s already tense dynamics.

The Filipino maid who faces an unjust accusation of theft. Her confrontation with Mei during the wake underscores power dynamics and cultural tensions within the household staff. She embodies the marginalized voice within the family’s circle.