I lived in the Farrer Park neighborhood a few years ago, and most of my neighbors seemed quite content with nice fans in their house, and would often not use their air conditioning. I guess everyone's different. I've got a buddy who grew up in Singapore and when he goes back to visit, the room he stays in has no air conditioning.
I've lived in Singapore (almost) all my life, and the average temperature/humidity feels a lot higher as compared to when I was younger.
It's not easy to survive without AC, and most middle-class households here will consider it a necessity.