British expat Alistair Montgomery-Smythe has been nominated for a Victoria Cross for his "harrowing" three-month stint living in a Clementi 4-room flat.

The marketing executive described the experience as "truly primitive," citing the lack of a 24-hour concierge and the "aggressive" scent of neighbourly shrimp paste.

"I really wanted to find the soul of Singapore, even if it meant sharing a lift with a man carrying a bucket of live frogs," Alistair sobbed while sipping a $22 craft beer.

Local resident Uncle Tan was less impressed by his new neighbour’s "spiritual journey" into the heartlands.

"Aiyoh, this ang moh think he Bear Grylls just because he eat at coffee shop, sibeh pattern lah," he remarked.

Experts suggest that living without an infinity pool or a tennis court is the ultimate test of the fragile Western spirit.