i'm not a local but i'm not ang moh either. filipino-chinese is my background, grew up in the phil, australia and sg.
during my time in sg, i met and eventually married a local girl. she, just like everyone else, had materialistic dreams, e.g. cash, car, condo, etc. (who doesn't) i on the other hand, being a foreigner, didn't have any of those things. i was happy working, living in HDB, taking public transport, etc.
she had other suitors richer than me, had more education and ambition than me, were more physically attractive than me, but she chose me. i've often asked her why she selected me over the others and you know what she said... 'Because you make me laugh.'
i mean, heck... the others must have made her laugh too, but she said i made her really laugh and made her laugh everyday.
so there you have it, all they really want is some clown to make them laugh.