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S'poreans are Asia's happiest people online: survey

Singaporeans have been named Asia's happiest people online in a new study that monitors and tracks social media sentiments.

The Republic tops the study coming in an index scored of 518. A distant second is Malaysia at 245, with Philippines third at 90.

India at 29 and Indonesia at 11 round up the top 5.

The new Asian Happiness Index, which was released on Wednesday -- which happens to be the International Day of Happiness -- is by Eden Strategy Institute, a consulting firm that provides thought leadership and investment advice on social innovation.

It says on its website that the Index is backed by "scientifically-reviewed principles of true happiness" and is powered by an online intelligence tracking engine that covers over 200 million social media accounts in its initial set of five countries.

The full survey results can be found here.

Here are some of its observations of how different countries perceive happiness:

SINGAPORE

Despite recent complaints, the majority of Singaporeans continue to build on the Singaporean dream of self-actualisation, meritocracy, safety, and efficiency in society. The youth is particularly vocal during festive periods and special occasions, express their encouragement, and share pictures as a means of connecting with each other.

MALAYSIA
Malaysians enjoy a unique community approach to most of their favourite activities, which range from politics and shopping , to soccer and supper. They are careful to make sure they do not overstress, although the current political dynamics are creating some negative sentiment.

PHILIPPINES
In the Philippines, happiness comes from a sense of large, extended families. Being a mostly Catholic country, many Filipinos have a predisposition to look for the best in everyone. They are taught from young to support the underdog, find joy in hard work, and smile at hardships.

INDIA
In India, the institution of large, traditional families living together creates strong social support. Families make joint decisions on most matters, and play the main role in the many festive occasions that India enjoys. There is also a strong sense of patriotism, but some general concerns over violence, crime, infrastructure, the lack space, and public health.

INDONESIA
Indonesia espouses a helpful communal spirit of “gotong royong”. Many Indonesians have learnt to appreciate the small things in life. The local cuisine continually comes up as a source of pride and a reason to get together, a reminder of the richness of the land. The predominantly Muslim ethos focuses on moderation and contentment.


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