Working in Singapore

OK, I'm biased, I have been in Singapore for 3 years now having been in Dubai for 6 years prior to that.  Singapore is a great place to work.  Firstly, the MAS regulates business in an efficient and fair manner.  Provided you have achieved an employment pass in Singapore, there are three exams to take and then you can apply to become a Financial Representative under your firms Financial Adviser license.  Regulation creates a level playing field and protects firms, clients and advisers.  So all good there.

Secondly there is the location, South East Asia is a wonderful place.  Singapore itself is fine but can get a little "samey" after a while, being an Island and a City State in one, so trips to Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam make interesting short breaks.  Further afield Japan, Australia, and India are all 5 - 8 hours away.

Then there is the taxation.  Unlike back in my home of the UK taxes are very reasonable, you can expect to pay around 12 - 15% of your income in tax, and that's it.  No extras like National Insurance, Council Tax and so on.  VAT is 7%.

Being a small city it's easy to get around.  In Dubai I would sometimes struggle to meet even 2 people in a day with traffic problems and distances between parts of the city.  In Singapore 9 times out of 10 I walk to my meetings and easily meet 3 - 5 people every day.

The weather can be great or a challenge, depending on your perspective.  My perspective usually changes depending on whether I am sat by the pool or walking to an appointment in my suit.  It's a relatively constant 32 degrees all year round and it's either hot, or hot and wet.

Sure there are lots of drawbacks, for me being a petrol head cars and the ability to drive are a downside, but I make up for it with long drives into Malaysia from time to time. 

Moving to Singapore right now, in my opinion, is one of the best moves anyone could make if they are looking to progress a career and seriously enhance their lifestyle.  Feel free to email me at markpaine@meyado.com if you want to discuss opportunities here.