Spotlight On Singapore Global Mobility Solutions
Contents WELCOME TO SINGAPORE 3 ALL ABOUT VISAS 4 HOUSING 5 EDUCATION IN SINGAPORE 6 CULTURE CORNER 7
Welcome to Singapore It's not surprising that Singapore is sometimes referred to as "Asia lite. Its efficient infrastructure, coupled with its easy-to-acclimate-to Eastern/Western cultural blend makes adjusting to life in the Lion City pretty simple, for most expats. Expats moving to Singapore will find themselves in a city credited with offering foreigners one of the finest lifestyles in the world. The country has an exemplary public transport system, excellent communications infrastructure, top class healthcare facilities and a multiethnic and cosmopolitan culture that promotes tolerance and a good standard of life for its citizens. It is also incredibly safe. Prudent measures by the government have ensured a stable economy, and with big names in business and trade establishing regional headquarters in the city-state, qualified expats will find plenty of professional opportunities. GLOBAL MOBILITY SOLUTIONS SPOTLIGHT ON SINGAPORE 3
Kranji NS7 Woodlands NS9 Sembawang NS11 S5 P1 S3 S2 4 one-north nt Ridge Par Villa South View BP2 Jurong East NS1 EW24 EW23 Clementi Dover EW22 Buona Vista EW21 CC24 CC25 Pasir Panjang CC23 CC26 CC22 Labrador Park ** Teck Whye BP4 CC27 Telok Blangah HarbourFront NS8 Marsiling Bukit Panjang LRT BP Ten Mile Junction BP14 Bukit Panjang BP6 BP3 BP5 Keat Phoenix Hong Holland Village CC28 Botanic Gardens Farrer Road EW20 NE1 CC21 Commonwealth EW19 Queenstown Senja BP13 CC29 6 BP7 Petir EW18 Redhill BP12 Jelapang CC20 EW17 Tiong Bahru EW16 9 Segar BP11 BP8 Pending NE3 Outram Park Caldecott CC19 NS10 Admiralty BP10 Fajar BP9 Bangkit CC17 Newton NS21 Orchard NS22 Somerset NS23 Dhoby Ghaut NS24 Chinatown NE4 NE6 EW15 Tanjong Pagar CC1 Marymount NE5 8 CC16 Braddell NS18 Toa Payoh NS19 Novena NS20 Little India Clarke Quay Farrer Park NE7 NS26 Bras Basah CC2 Lorong Chuan CC15 Boon Keng NE8 NS25 NS13 NS14 NS15 NS16 NS17 Yishun Khatib Yio Chu Kang Ang Mo Kio NE9 CE1 CC14 Potong Pasir City Hall EW14 Raffles Place Bishan EW13 Woodleigh NE11 NE10 EW12 Bugis Esplanade CC3 EW11 Bayfront Lavender Thanggam SW4 Fernvale CC4 HougangNE14 Kovan NE13 Renjong SW8 Sengkang NE16 Buangkok NE15 NE12 Aljunied EW10 Layar EW9 Kallang SW5 SW6 Tongkang SW7 CC5 CC13 CC12 CC6 Bartley CC11 CC10 CC8 CC7 Promenade Serangoon EW8 Tai Seng MacPherson Eunos Dakota Mountbatten Stadium Nicoll Highway SW3 Kupang* SW2 Farmway STC SW1 Ranggung SE5 CC9 EW7 Paya Lebar Cheng Lim* Kangkar EW6 SE4 Kembangan Bedok EW5 Cove SE1 PE1 Meridian 7 NE17 Coral Edge PE3 PTC Compassvale SE2 SE3 PE2 Rumbia Bakau Sengkang LRT Simei SK Tampines EW4 EW3 Punggol PE7 Damai PE6 Oasis PE5 Kadaloor PE4 Tanah Merah Expo CG1 Riviera Punggol LRT PG Pasir Ris 1 EW2 EW1 CG2 Changi Airport 3? did you Know Singapore s economy has been rated as one of the freest, most innovative, most competitive, and most business friendly in the world. Marina Bay NS27 CE2 10 5 All About Visas Certain nationals may enter Singapore without need of a business visa (visa-exempt nation als). All other nationals will require a Short-Term Visit Pass or an Entry visa. The basic require ments for a visa in singapore are intention of a genuine visit for business and not for paid employment, valid passport, Evidence that there are no restrictions on traveling to Singa pore, No intention to permanently reside in Singapore, a ticket for onward travel from Singapore, and Proof of funds. Basic requirements of Singapore employment authorization: The principal immigration category for temporary employment in Singapore is the Employment Pass of which there are several types. This is a category for employers to sponsor qualified skilled workers to work as intra company transferees in Singapore on a temporary basis. The estimated processing time is one to two weeks for EP Online registered companies, six to eight week for companies using the manual process. Passes are usually valid for 24 months and can be renewed for up to 36 months. This summary is intended for informational purposes only. GLOBAL MOBILITY SOLUTIONS SPOTLIGHT ON SINGAPORE 4
Expatriate Housing Accommodation in Singapore is of a high standard, and is available in a number of shapes and sizes. Prices vary considerably depending on the area in which one rents and the size of the rental. Additionally, proximity to schools and public transport can also affect costs. Expats may be surprised to find that the housing market in Singapore can be divided into public and private sectors, and the majority of locals and Asian expats opt for the public (HDB) accommodation. Public units in Singapore are actually not associa ed with lower income groups and even provide luxury options. Renting in Singapore Expats are eligible to rent HDB accommodation, but there are a limited number available and the ambience may fall below certain expectations. Many foreigners, especially high-earning Westerners, often prefer to rent a private apartment, condominium or bungalow. Thorough market research prior to and upon arrival is crucial to ensure you find the right housing solution, especially if accommodations are required for an extended period of time. The price of accommodations varies according to the amenities and level of luxury desired, as well as the area of Singapore in which you intend to live. Keep in mind that rental rates in the suburbs are considerable cheaper than in the city. Connect with GMS for in depth market information specific to Singapore. GLOBAL MOBILITY SOLUTIONS SPOTLIGHT ON SINGAPORE 5
Education in Singapore A large expat population has come to settle in Singapore, and it follows that plenty of international schools have sprung up to service the foreign community. Overall, the international schools in Singapore have a good reputation, with some generally accepted as having an elevated standard and a more difficult curriculum than others. All of the schools try their best to emphasize and explore the experience of being an international student abroad. Most international schools in Singapore follow an International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, but there are a few that uphold the system used in their country of origin. Some expats choose to enroll their kids in IB programs due to school holidays aligning with thier own. School Admissions Tuition generally ranges between SGD 20,000 and SGD 30,000 per year, but is subject to annual increase as well as a number of supplementary hidden fees. Some schools organize special field trips which parents are expected to pay for out of pocket. These trips are optional, but parents should still anticipate spending some extra money to allow students to take advantage of the experience. Expats moving their school-aged children to Singapore should bring report cards from the home country school as well as letters of recommendation; these documents can facilitate the admissions process. GLOBAL MOBILITY SOLUTIONS SPOTLIGHT ON SINGAPORE 6
Culture Corner English is the official language of Singapore, but it's not uncommon to hear several languages spoken in one day. Although culture shock in Singapore is minimal, there may be some situations that new arrivals find themselves unfamiliar with. If this is the case, don't hesitate to ask someone for advice, as most Singaporeans will be eager to help. In Singapore, it is customary to give or receive items with two hands. For example, when accepting a business card, receive it with both hands. Read it over intently and never put it away carelessly, like in a back pocket. Treat it with respect and put it somewhere safe, like inside a wallet. When giving a business card, also present it with both hands. Culture Quiz! 1.) In an effort to make a good impression at the start of the meeting, you eagerly greet the first person on the Singaporean team who walks into the room. However, once the meeting begins, you realize that something is wrong, yet can t quite identify the source of the cool reception you are getting. 2.) Your Chinese Singaporean colleague greets you by giving you his business card. You reach into your back trouser pocket for your own business cards and pass one to him with your free hand. He takes it, and does not seem pleased. Why? Answer 1: Answer 2: In the Chinese fashion, the most important member of the team must be acknowledged first when others are around, and this person is not usually the first one to walk into the room. In fact, the most senior person is usually found in the center of the group. Business cards should be handed with two hands, holding the upper right hand corners of the card, and given respectfully and humbly. It should also be held so it is read able to the person receiving it. Passing a card that is in poor condition is insulting. GLOBAL MOBILITY SOLUTIONS SPOTLIGHT ON SINGAPORE 7
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