Some people are perfectly happy with living in the same town, seeing the same sights and faces every day. For others, however, being trapped in one place for too long can feel like a nightmare. The desire to emigrate can be strong, provided that you’re not satisfied with your surroundings, or feel that your needs can be better met elsewhere.
If you’re looking for a change of scenery – or want to open up your career opportunities – then Singapore could be among the contenders of potential places in which to relocate.
What are some of the more attractive characteristics Singapore has to offer expats? Below, we’ll take a look.
Great Career Potential
The location that Singapore inhabits, and its business-friendly regulatory environment makes it a central hub for commerce in Southeast Asia. Many of the world’s largest corporations operate out of Singapore, including some of the biggest names in technology - oil refining and banking. There’s a lot going on in Singapore, and companies are willing to pay for well-qualified and hard-working employees to manage it all.
The application process to obtain a work permit is relatively simple and straight forward, due to the need for a talented and educated workforce that doesn’t natively exist. Singapore jobs for foreigners are plentiful, and recruiters and head hunters are working non-stop to fill vacant positions.
Weather and Climate
If you’re sick of the weather at home and crave sunny skies and warm temperatures, know that Singapore offers year-round sunshine and warmth. The island sits on the global equator, meaning that temperatures are fairly stable all year long. Lows rarely ever go below comfortable room temperature, and highs are generally around 30°C. You’ll never see a snowflake again if you decide to uproot and move to Singapore, but there is plenty of rain.
However, the Malaysian monsoon patterns engulf the area with bucket-loads of rain – sometimes every day for months on end. Humidity levels are of course very high with so much rainfall, rarely dipping below 60% and reaching 100% during downpours. The wet and heavy air can make it difficult to work or enjoy the outdoors for those sensitive to damp and muggy conditions.
High Standard of Living
Singapore has a very high GDP – among the top 10 in the entire world – lending to the high standard of living residents enjoy. Almost half of expats surveyed reported that their wages exceeded S$250,000, and that they had more money to spend on luxuries. A low tax on personal income, only going up to 20% at the top of the scale, is another reason many workers may find more money in their pocket after necessities have been handled.
Due to the concentrated wealth Singapore possesses, modern conveniences and amenities are available for those with the money to enjoy them. Luxury apartments, boutiques, and shopping centres are littered throughout the nation.
Low Crime Rates
Due to extremely harsh punishments for crimes that would warrant little more than a slap on the wrist in many developed nations, Singapore enjoys a very low rate of criminal activity. Death penalties are still mandatory for drug possession over a certain amount – even for cannabis – while smaller amounts will still land you in jail for up to 10 years. Though arguably barbaric and cruel, caning is still very much in effect, with almost 1,000 sentences carried out in 2016 alone.
You can be punished for something as minor as not flushing the toilet after use or chewing gum in public. Regulatory bodies attribute the low rate of crime and cleanliness of the city to strict rules they have put in place. If you’re the type who enjoys an extremely rigid set of rules by which to live that are backed up by harsh penalties for rule breaking, then you will fit right into the culture of Singapore.
The English Language is Well Adopted
Although older natives commonly speak Mandarin or Malay, most (especially anyone under 40) will be more than capable of communicating in English. Signs and public services always offer information in English. An expat shouldn’t have any issue navigating their way around or living a normal life, even if they aren’t bilingual.
The government of Singapore has gone to great lengths to push literacy rates up by mandating schools to teach in English, along with public campaigns to reinforce learning into adulthood. As English is the top language spoken in global industry, Singapore thought to adopt the language early to ensure their economic success.
Well-Funded Education System
Singapore places a lot of importance on their education system, spending around 20% of the federal budget each year on it. Expats will be glad to hear that classes are taught primarily in English – as mandated by the government – eliminating any language barriers that may be present in other Asian nations. A lot of emphasis is placed on metrics and test scores, which will ultimately determine how pupils will proceed and the institutions in which they’re allowed to work. International schoolsoffer options for those who desire a different trajectory for their child’s education.
Singapore can be a great place to live and work for those who value convenience over everything else. Those with substantial income can enjoy all that this city-state and the surrounding area have to offer, and it is a prime expat destination for this very reason.
