Could be because some of the locals with Chinese ancestry still look to the motherland as "home." Singapore, for the sake of nation building should divert her citizens from this trend. For example, people of French ancestry born in the United States see themselves as Amercans instead of French, same story for other who might be for Greek, Russian, Chinese, Philippino, Italian or any other national ancestry. They might retain some of their cultural practices, but their loyalty is Yankee.
Maybe some with Chinese ancestry should try to join the Singapore soccer team, that might help.
Cheers!
"Will Chinese Singaporeans please stop calling yourself Chinese.
You are not Chinese, you are Singaporeans.
Singaporeans are Nanyang people, belong to a lower class group."
Are Chinese people ashamed of Chinese Singaporeans?