getting a job in singapore

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Oxo1

getting a job in singapore

Post by Oxo1 » 20th Oct, '10, 20:38

hello everybody. i was redirected here from the BE forums (http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthre ... ost8930568) for some advice as apparently we have some experts here that can help [smilie=yahoo.gif].

original post:
i went on holiday and would now like to live in singapore. i need to know some things, what money should i be asking for, what is the lower limit of the amount i need to earn? will be renting an apartment, shopping...that sort of think.

i'm a qualified chemical eng. (4yr degree) with three years of experience in fine chemicals. i'm also a qualified labtech (3yr diploma).

thank you very much in advance to anyone who helps.
in response to my expectations:
i just want to make sure i can live a decent quality of life really. afford apartment, maybe some teabags and digestives in the cupboard.
in response to my work:
i've not really researched anything about visas so will do that tomorrow. i'll start thinking about specialisations but its difficult to think of anything right at the moment. both nothing and everything i do are specialisations in a way but my profession is usually in some demand luckily =0.0=.

i'm single but would prefer to live on my own if possible. can be a shoebox as i tend to work all hours so im not home much except for sleep. thanks heaps guys!

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Re: getting a job in singapore

Post by Fat Bob » 20th Oct, '10, 20:55

Qualified chem engineer? Labtech? Plenty of opportunities in Singapore, there's quite a few major pharma companies with manufacturing sites out here. If you have particular specialties, then that will increase your pay packet. Some of them have specific websites for Singapore recruitment, though this may only have some of the lower grade jobs.

Or are you more petro-chem, there are big refineries in Singapore and some of the surrounding islands. I know less about them.

Singapore also has also got various research institutes like the Institutes for Chemical and Engineering Sciences: they do take on lab techs but you may not get as many opportunities there as you would in a company.

Visas tend to be quite easy if you have the right skills for the right job: most of these big companies have good links with the Ministry of Manpower, who issue the Employment Pass. The company must apply for you. You can also apply for a Personal Employment Pass: this gives you the ability to live in Singapore for 6 months without a job and for 5 years with a job.

How much to live? Well, depends where you live, who you live with, and as you put it, just how big a shoebox you actually need. Working here and not enjoying what Singapore and surrounding area has to offer...well, why bother? Can find government housing cheaply out of the central areas, in the central areas is a lot more expensive. Condos are even more expensive, a big house down the road from the British High Commissioners residence is quite a bit more expensive. Try out the various property websites list on the various pages around.
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Re: getting a job in singapore

Post by BoD » 20th Oct, '10, 21:08

we are allowed to advertise here :) www.propertyguru.com.sg

I guess a 1 bed or studio flat in a condo is going to cost you $S2500 a month if you dont want to be in the middle of nowhere (in small island terms) and have a bathroom/kitchen from hell. Though as FB said, you can go for govt (HDB) housing which is cheaper (and not that bad when compared to the UK equiv)

As for cost of living. Electricity is probably more exp - and you will prob use aircon all year - public transport is way cheaper, local food is cheap. However, Singapore is a very sociable place, and a single guy you can quite easily find yourself going out every night of the week. This can can expensive, and even more so if you are going out with the intention of not remaining asingle. Going Dutch is not a concept that always applies in the local 'market'
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Re: getting a job in singapore

Post by Oxo1 » 20th Oct, '10, 22:32

you chaps are prompt, how much am i being invoiced for this service?
Fat Bob wrote:Qualified chem engineer? Labtech? Plenty of opportunities in Singapore, there's quite a few major pharma companies with manufacturing sites out here. If you have particular specialties, then that will increase your pay packet.
most of the work i’ve been doing (briefly because i don’t want to develop a market for caffeine pills and starbucks) has revolved around aniline based compounds (though broadly i’d be happy doing almost anything in organic/petrochemical type work if that helps).
Fat Bob wrote:How much to live? Well, depends where you live, who you live with, and as you put it, just how big a shoebox you actually need. Working here and not enjoying what Singapore and surrounding area has to offer...well, why bother?
i know this sounds like a bizarre concept but i actually enjoy working (just because i’m weird like that). honestly when i say shoebox i mean enough space for a double bed and places to keep cloths (+bathroom/washing machine of course), home is just a place to sleep. i currently use my oven/cupboards/fridge as storage to keep my shoes/seasonal cloths box in, i’ve never even turned my oven on so the whole ikea functional living space concept is rather lost on me.

not too fussy about eating (except avocados, wretched pseudo edible abominations) and will happily take whatever is available locally.
BoD wrote:Singapore is a very sociable place, and a single guy you can quite easily find yourself going out every night of the week.
i enjoyed the clean, organised, safe, friendliness of the city. i even find the climate agreeable (though god knows how you lot do any exercise outside!).

now i’ve heard cars are expensive and being a bit of a petrol head what do you all do when you want a spirited drive? kart? what about two wheeled transportation, equally as expensive?

basically i just want to make sure if i take a job i’ll know what break even is on expenses and what i’m worth in that market? i’m on about $65k here in ‘stralia

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Re: getting a job in singapore

Post by Kooky » 21st Oct, '10, 07:12

Oxo1 wrote:you chaps are prompt, how much am i being invoiced for this service?
I hope I get commission for directing you here :D I knew Bob would sort you out re. pharma, now we just need sundaymorningstaple to help out re petrochem. If he doesn't pop up soon, I'll drop him a note.

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Re: getting a job in singapore

Post by BoD » 21st Oct, '10, 09:11

A$65k is about s$83k so 7k a month. You'll only pay about $400 a month in tax

Yes cars are v expensive, bikes less so as the tax (google COE) is a lot lower on bikes. Plently of people I know end up with big bikes instead of cars and try to kill themselves by riding up to KL
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Re: getting a job in singapore

Post by T2K » 21st Oct, '10, 10:43

Google "Jurong Island" and "SCIC Singapore" (Singapore Chemical Industry Confederation). Singapore is probably one of the top 5 petrochemical hubs in the world.

The main thing is: get a job offer. Then your employer applies for the employment pass, which you should be able to get pretty easily. Everything else is easy.

However, the REAL question is: what the hell is your problem with Avocados?!
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Re: getting a job in singapore

Post by Kooky » 21st Oct, '10, 10:46

'ave an avo today! Adverts thrust upon us almost every bleedin' commercial break when they're in season.

I love them, and they're good for you, but it does get a bit much.

Oxo1

Re: getting a job in singapore

Post by Oxo1 » 21st Oct, '10, 13:50

BoD wrote:A$65k is about s$83k so 7k a month. You'll only pay about $400 a month in tax
i think you've left out a zero on that last figure but in case you are serious how the hell do they run a country on a shoe string? i watched a documentary the other day about the history of Singapore and they interviewed former prime minister lee kuan yew (clever guy actually!) and he said his government paid civil servants well (because you had to to get the best people, which is true!).
BoD wrote:Yes cars are v expensive, bikes less so as the tax (google COE) is a lot lower on bikes. Plently of people I know end up with big bikes instead of cars and try to kill themselves by riding up to KL
will research. do you usually hire a storage shed for parking or are there dedicated areas available?
T2K wrote:Google "Jurong Island" and "SCIC Singapore" (Singapore Chemical Industry Confederation). Singapore is probably one of the top 5 petrochemical hubs in the world. The main thing is: get a job offer. Then your employer applies for the employment pass, which you should be able to get pretty easily. Everything else is easy.
will do, sounds promising.
T2K wrote:However, the REAL question is: what the hell is your problem with Avocados?!
for: colour and smell.
against: rancid taste, pre chewed texture, packaging, colossal seed.
Kooky wrote:I hope I get commission for directing you here :D
let me see what I can offer you from my desk...

...you can choose between a packet of polo mints or a bic biro*.
Postage and packaging not included, winner collects.

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Re: getting a job in singapore

Post by Kooky » 21st Oct, '10, 14:09

I've just done a 7-day detox so afraid sugary sweets are banned. Woo, a biro for me :)

He's serious on the income tax. It's not Australia; it's not even the UK. What kind of fool would leave Singapore for Australia, I wonder? Oh. :geek:

http://www.iras.gov.sg is what you need to check that out.

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Re: getting a job in singapore

Post by T2K » 21st Oct, '10, 14:33

Direct income taxes are indeed very low. But, there are lots of other taxes which are indirect. Also, they have no dole so that saves a lot of money.

Want to go to the pub and have a beer? S$12 each (on avg)
Want to smoke? I don't know what they cost because I don't smoke, but I think they are more expensive here.
Want to own a car? About 2x what you would pay in Australia.
Want to enter the CBD? S$1-1.50/trip whether in your own vehicle or a cab

The gov't here is completely flush with cash.
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Oxo1

Re: getting a job in singapore

Post by Oxo1 » 21st Oct, '10, 14:46

Kooky wrote: Woo, a biro for me :)
remind me of:

Oxo1

Re: getting a job in singapore

Post by Oxo1 » 21st Oct, '10, 16:31

T2K wrote:Direct income taxes are indeed very low. But, there are lots of other taxes which are indirect. Also, they have no dole so that saves a lot of money. Want to go to the pub and have a beer? S$12 each (on avg) The gov't here is completely flush with cash.
at $12 a beer I’ll make my own!

so a lot of taxation is levied on luxury items? seems fine to me as a non-smoker who won’t need a car

o yes and talk to me about healthcare. does health insurance cost much for a healthy young man?
Last edited by Oxo1 on 21st Oct, '10, 18:07, edited 1 time in total.

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Re: getting a job in singapore

Post by Fat Bob » 21st Oct, '10, 18:56

Depends how comprehensive you want to get.

Typically with your company, you will get some basic cover. This may cover you for visits to your GP and a limited amount of specialist care, and may cover you for limited amounts of hospitalisation expenses. However, it won't cover you for much.

Yo get better hospitalisation care, NTUC, Axa, America Home Assurance, Great Eastern and probably a couple more all offer affordable policies. As an Employment Pass holder, the government hospitals will cost you more for the basic rooms, and the insurance coverage will also be a bit more, but once you go for air-con, private room then the costs for Singaporeans, PRs and EP holders are the same. For a policy plus rider coverage (i.e. pays the excess) for a private hospital, at 40 next birthday, I'm paying about $500 per year all in I think. Check out the companies above for more relevant prices for yourself and what the various cover offers.

And $12 for a beer is only normal if you don't join a sports club. Most sports clubs have a deal with a bar or even a chain of bars and you then get beers for $5 and 10-30% discounts on other stuff. I know rugby, dragon boat, hockey and AFL teams that get that, though that list is not comprehensive.

Cars, fags, housing, can be expensive. There are inexpensive ways for some of them, it depends on what compromises you make on your lifestyle.
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Oxo1

Re: getting a job in singapore

Post by Oxo1 » 21st Oct, '10, 19:58

Fat Bob wrote:Cars, fags, housing, can be expensive. There are inexpensive ways for some of them, it depends on what compromises you make on your lifestyle.
so what you register your car in malaysia and have a malaysian friend do a border crossing once a month to keep it legit? rotate drivers or cars as needed? :mrgreen: the busses and trains where good anyway to be honest.

i suppose you could do the playboy thing and buy a yacht to live on but i'm thinking it's going to be tedious. perhaps live in malaysia and commute in by powerboat? again turning up at work with a lifejacket on and smelling like a wet dog could raise some questions :lol:.

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Re: getting a job in singapore

Post by baloo » 21st Oct, '10, 20:16

Not if you're English it won't.
So…if you wish to wish a wish, you may swish for fish with my Ish wish dish.

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Re: getting a job in singapore

Post by Possum » 21st Oct, '10, 21:41

How young and do you come with a bag? :)
Children aren't colouring books. You don't get to fill them with your favorite colours.

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Re: getting a job in singapore

Post by Oxo1 » 21st Oct, '10, 22:08

baloo wrote:Not if you're English it won't.
That’s just what Boris Johnson looks like I’m afraid. He is a bicyclist (almost as eccentric as boat people but without the sense of adventure because their range is more limited). He is sort of half Old English Sheep Dog looks, part of his charm.
Possum wrote:How young and do you come with a bag? :)
Do you always greet people with obvious but implicit references to body bags? Image Niche fetish market that one.

Thanks again for all you help so far folks.

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Re: getting a job in singapore

Post by Lichtgestalt » 21st Oct, '10, 22:25

Oxo1 wrote:
Possum wrote:How young and do you come with a bag? :)
Do you always greet people with obvious but implicit references to body bags? Image Niche fetish market that one.

Thanks again for all you help so far folks.
She just wants to shag you ;) but that might not be less frightening [smilie=tease.gif]

Oxo1

Re: getting a job in singapore

Post by Oxo1 » 21st Oct, '10, 22:51

Lichtgestalt wrote:
Oxo1 wrote: Do you always greet people with obvious but implicit references to body bags? Image Niche fetish market that one.

Thanks again for all you help so far folks.
She just wants to shag you ;) but that might not be less frightening [smilie=tease.gif]
Oh...I see...

I’m not into girls possum, but then I’m not into boys either if you see what I mean. I chose other pursuits that I find are more rewarding and fulfilling* (I should add a disqualifier here however: This is all in my view of course. Some people utterly obsess about love, marriage, Jane Austen and such things so I definitely can’t speak for them).

*Definitely self obsessed :D.

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Re: getting a job in singapore

Post by Kooky » 22nd Oct, '10, 04:57

Lichty - I brought us a new friend to play with, don't scare him. You should come with a warning: "German, lacks the 'subtle' gene". :P

(He's German, Oxo1. That's all you need to know.)

(We love each other really.)

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Re: getting a job in singapore

Post by T2K » 22nd Oct, '10, 09:39

Oxo1 wrote: at $12 a beer I’ll make my own!

so a lot of taxation is levied on luxury items? seems fine to me as a non-smoker who won’t need a car
You can make your own beer - but the malt and stuff you need to do that is, of course, all imported and subject to the same high import duty rate levied on alcohol. They've got you in checkmate on this one dude. You drink = you pay. A can of beer in a store is more like S$3 each, so drinking at home is cheaper. I find that there aren't so many new (to me) single women hanging around in my kitchen as there are at bars though.
Last edited by Jedi on 22nd Oct, '10, 10:31, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: getting a job in singapore

Post by Oxo1 » 22nd Oct, '10, 11:17

Kooky wrote:Lichty - I brought us a new friend to play with, don't scare him. You should come with a warning: "German, lacks the 'subtle' gene". :P (He's German, Oxo1. That's all you need to know.) (We love each other really.)
I like Germans actually, quite no nonsense people really (except for their strange and irrational obsession with the dreaded draft?). My fathers second marriage was a German lady who was fondly remembered for reciting the line “In Germany we take humour very seriously” with an utterly straight face and couldn’t understand why we were crying with laughter.

Oxo1

Re: getting a job in singapore

Post by Oxo1 » 22nd Oct, '10, 11:24

T2K wrote:They've got you in checkmate on this one dude.
Let us console ourselves with vodka shots Comrade T2K (unless they tax potatoes as well? ;)).

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Re: getting a job in singapore

Post by Kooky » 22nd Oct, '10, 11:42

What you spend on beer, you save on the taxi home. We realised this as we experienced the opposite, our first week in Sydney.

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