This definitely makes sense. My dad worked in Singapore for a couple of years two decades ago, and he said back then "there just wasn't that much there" even though it was already an economic powerhouse. I had a great time there as a tourist during a one-day layover but I got the same impression, and I don't think I would have enjoyed more than a couple of days.

I'm having a hard time articulating my point but I think what I mean is that even as a megacity Singapore can feel somewhat small or shallow, compared to a city like Hong Kong for instance.