LOOKING around my office, I found nearly everyone wrapped in layers of clothing, or at least a long-sleeved shirt or blouse.

It may be 32 degrees outside, but everyone feels cold when they are indoors. It is now even colder, no thanks to the recent rainy days.

Sometimes, I wonder if it's a case of low indoor temperatures forcing people to pile on the jackets and cardigans, or that people are wearing so much to begin with that indoor temperatures have to be lowered to keep everyone comfortable.

It could be a case of both.

A friend who has a corporate job told me that he has to wear a suit to work, that is, at least two layers of clothing, because it shows respect for his clients.

Since everyone wears a suit, the office temperature has to be kept low to keep everyone cool.

As a result, many buildings in tropical Singapore have become 'ice houses'.

Although looking formal is important in the corporate world, I would say that it is ridiculous to judge a person's capability and work attitude based purely on his or her dressing.

Once, I overheard some foreigners joke that Singaporeans are so rich that we can afford to experience man-made winter.

Singapore burns oil, rather than coal which is cheaper, to generate electricity.

Tariffs for utilities were raised last year, as global oil prices kept climbing and hitting all-time highs. But we still keep our air-conditioners on full power. Instead of moaning about inflation and rising costs, we should do something to our habits.

Three years ago, Shanghai, China's economic centre, launched a campaign that encouraged people to wear short-sleeved shirts for summer, so that indoor temperatures can be kept at a comfortable 26 degrees Celsius. It was a gesture to save energy and the Earth.

For us, even if we are not so concerned about saving the Earth, keeping indoor temperatures at a comfortable - not freezing - level would at least save us money in terms of a smaller utility bill.

If we encourage everyone to wear a short-sleeved shirt, instead of a suit (except at important occasions which call for it), then nobody would feel under-dressed for work. Besides, the companies can save on electricity bills and the workers won't have to spend money on expensive suits.

If you want to experience winter, book a tour package to enjoy a real one overseas.