Tony,
there is a very simple explanation to this. Singapore has never been a sporting nation. Its all about the "progress" of going to Uni/Poly etc. Football is probably a relic from the colonial days.
Dun give excuse for this loser island. Your country uses taxpayers money to fund their own glory by paying $1 million to a foreign table tennis player.. The Thai people glory their own country player and gain the respect of foreigners.