Are Singaporeans less hard working and hard driving?

Here is an interview given by Mr. Lee Kuan Yew to the National Geographic magazine:
http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2010/01/singapore/jacobson-text/3

Quote:
Over time, the MM says, Singaporeans have become "less hard-driving and hard-striving." This is why it is a good thing, the MM says, that the nation has welcomed so many Chinese immigrants (25 percent of the population is now foreign-born). He is aware that many Singaporeans are unhappy with the influx of immigrants, especially those educated newcomers prepared to fight for higher paying jobs. But taking a typically Darwinian stance, the MM describes the country's new subjects as "hungry," with parents who "pushed the children very hard." If native Singaporeans are falling behind because "the spurs are not stuck into the hide," that is their problem.
Unquote:

I find this remark to be quite unfair to Singaporeans. Already, they have to study very hard in schools, such that many children do not have time to play and enjoy their childhood. The male citizens have also to serve National Service. I read that many immigrants are not willing to become Singapoore citizens if they are required to serve National Service.

In spite of these efforts, Mr. Lee said that the Singaporeans have become "less hard-driving and hard-striving".