another Singapore thread

[darrenb]

Getting fed up with the worsening weather, bleeding currency, and the latest drive to turn contractors into employees...

A few of the congregation have been on missions to Singapore lately, and found the natives willing. Got me thinking. Some questions for those who know.

Does it suffer from the endemic problems of this trade such as bloodsucking pimps, bullying management, corporate infighting...? For instance, would you ever run into this kind of situation?. If not, why not? What about all the extra taxes and fees that specialists suddenly discover after they take European contracts, does that kind of hassle apply to Singapore too?

Also what's the best way to search for a job over there, while avoiding bodyshops and third-world rates?

[Spacecadet]

Highly competitive and lots of technical people from the subcontinent.

Unless you have skills or certain key sector experience that are in short supply over there or you already have a position lined up then you'll be struggling.

If your a general development bod then forget it, there will be indians and chinese willing to work for a fraction of what you will

As for the bullying management and corporate infighting. Probably more pervasive there given the less favourable employment rights and high level of competition for jobs.
I know for a fact that long hours are the norm not the exception

www.singaporeexpats.com is probably worth a visit if you're really serious also have jobs listing on there

www.jobsdb.com.sg for jobs

Salary ranges are typically quoted per month in SG dollars

[Freelancer Financials]

Singapore

I pretty much agree with Spacecadet.

I lived in Singapore for 5 years (1995 to 2000) and loved every day. Fantastic food, friendly people, safe, low taxes and a great ex-pat community.

The Singapore International Chamber of Commerce is excellent for providing all the information you are looking for.

Unfortunately you get office politics were ever you go!

I still miss Singapore....

[Spacecadet]

Fantastic food

Thanks!

I was hungry before I read that, now i'm positively dribbling thinking of the food in SG

[Freelancer Financials]

Chilli Crabs

Singapore is famous for it's chilli crabs! These crabs are brought in from Sri-Lanka. Huge tasty crabs with pleanty of crab meat. They can be cooked in three different ways - With Chilli sauce, Peppered or just steamed.

I try and go back to Singapore at least every two years. Luckily my wife's parents live out there. The first thing my family want to do is eat chilli crabs. Actually that is all we can think about on the flight out!

Another good place to eat out is a place called Newton Circus. There are about 50 outdoor stalls with every type of South East Asian food.

Now your mouth should be watering!

John

[darrenb]

As for the bullying management and corporate infighting. Probably more pervasive there given the less favourable employment rights and high level of competition for jobs.

No anecdotal evidence of that though?

[Spacecadet]

No anecdotal evidence of that though?

I've got family ties to the country and subsequently know quite a few people who live and work there.
They've given me all the evidence I need to know that I'd need to be offered a very good position before I even considered moving.

[darrenb]

Wouldn't surprise me if they have a primitive attitude to their own workers, but wonder how they treat guests, Westerners that have been brought in specially.

[snaw]

Not actually there yet (Been twice, loved it), but so far I'm finding leads through a mixture of agencies (Robert Walters, Hudson and Talent2 are main players I believe). Contact agents direct, they seem to be more about introducing you to clients as opposed to just advertising jobs, like here.

Linked in has been great so far (Three interviews now lined up through it), and use your contacts, if you have any - got a couple of leads that way.

It probably helps that my wife is transferring and I've got a definite arrival date, so people take me seriously.

Office politics etc who knows, who cares. I think you've a great chance technically, from what I hear they value westerners more in technology (More able to act independently etc). Could be wrong in that, but I'm not finding it an issue so far.

Tax in Singapore is low compared to here I believe. And the asian girls will love you ($5).

And jobsdb is good, as well as the link through the singapore expats thing - jobsdirect or something like that.

[darrenb]

Thanks mr snaw. On jobsDB.com, I am seeing senior roles advertised at S$3500-4500 (£1500-£2000) a month. So the question I have is: are they open to real contract rates? How does that work?