Working In Singapore
A Profile On What To Expect When Working In Singapore
The following information may be of help in deciding whether you would be interested in a quantity surveying, engineering or project management job based in Singapore.
Currency
The currency used in Singapore is the Singapore Dollar, one of the most traded currencies in the world.
Political / Religious Standpoint
Singapore has a very diverse population with the main practices religions being Buddhism and Christianity.
A Westminster parliamentary Government runs Singapore, with constituencies in a democracy, headed by members of parliament and a President. Singapore is consistently rated one of the least corrupt countries in the world, although the law is loosely based on English Common law, Singapore has its own set of laws which have harsh penalties. Making it one of the safest countries in the world, although some of the laws may seem very dated, it’s worth noting that Homosexuality is still considered illegal.
Economy
Singapore is home to one of the fifth biggest ports in the world and has the fourth biggest financial centre. It also has huge export, refinery and manufacturing sectors including some of the worlds largest companies. Singapore has one of the top three oil refineries and is the largest oil rig producer in the world. It is also a major hub for ship repairs.
Culture and Leisure
Singapore is exceptionally safe and is also extremely clean, although during the summer months can suffer from pollution and smog from surrounding countries. Singapore has a very diverse population, 75% of the population are Chinese and although English is the national language, spoken languages include Malay, Mandarin and Tamil.
Singapore is very accessible with a great MRT service that is relatively cheap, in contrast to this it can be pricey to own and use a car, but leasing options are available.
As Singapore is situated on the equatorial line its weather tends to remain the same throughout the year. It’s hot, humid and experiences patches of moderate to heavy rainfall. This weather provides the city with stunning expanses of greenery.
Singapore has a huge social network with a wide variety of restaurants, bars and clubs. Sports and the arts are both hugely popular, as is food. You can find a great selection of different cuisines, with English, Thai and Chinese available in both traditional and hybrid forms.
Singapore has a high cost of living as everything is imported, this is reflected in everything from groceries to eating out and is very apparent in the prices of alcohol. But balancing this out Singapore has one of the lowest income taxes in the world, and you will see promotions such as ‘happy hour’ and ‘one for one’ – which is essentially buy one get one free.
Singapore has high life expectancy and a low infant mortality rate, the standard of healthcare in Singapore is very good, although it is also very expensive, taking out an insurance policy with good coverage can combat this.
Accommodation and Education
There are a huge number of different educational establishments available including both private schools and international schools, although the prices can differ hugely depending on location and facilities. The main taught language is English however there is also a test in, “Mother Tongue” although this can be dropped at a later stage.
Accommodation in Singapore is expensive but tends to be within a well-maintained apartment block containing a pool and gym. Further away from the main city centre tends to be cheaper, but is likely to be just a 15 – 20 MRT ride away. Very expensive areas are those that have a high number of expats currently residing there for example, Orchard Road and River Valley are both higher rent areas.
Visa Requirements
To visit Singapore as a British Citizen for 30 days or less you don’t need a visa, however if you are planning a longer trip, or are looking to work or set-up a business within Singapore you will need a visa before arrival.