Riding the crest of Singapore’s information technology boom

Fresh faced and bubbly 26-year-old Czarina Jimenez, a software developer, defies the stereotype of the typical IT professional. She is young and a female in the male-dominated IT industry. Yet, this has not worked against her. A year ago, her career took a great leap forward when she accepted an offer, in Singapore, in the software development team of global investment bank Barclays Capital.

Fellow countryman Dennis Tirados, 28, also found his career horizon broadening dramatically when he moved to Singapore almost two and a half years ago. Previously, his experience was limited to one area of PeopleSoft applications. Now he is proficient in a range of applications–a highly demanded skill set that he learned on the job–and has secured a full-time position as a consultant for government business at Singapore Computer Systems. The company is a leading information and communications technology service provider in Asia.

Both promising IT professionals are among the growing number of foreign talent that are building their careers in Singapore. The IT sector accounts for almost 20 percent of job vacancies, according to recruitment firm, Hudson. Headhunters are doubling up search efforts in places like the Philippines and Australia. Czarina and Dennis were hired before they ever set foot in Singapore.

Why Singapore?

Among the top reasons cited by Filipino professionals for coming to Singapore is the salary.

Dennis says that the offer he received at his first job in Singapore was four times more than his salary in Manila. Taking into account the higher cost of living in Singapore, it was still a significant increase.

“The higher income and a low income tax rate were major factors because I am able to send money to support my siblings back home,” said Czarina. Of course, it also means that she has greater freedom to buy the things she wants. “Shoes, bags, clothes, books – there is so much more I can afford to buy with my salary in Singapore,” she quips tongue-in-cheek.

The other major factor is the huge opportunity for career advancement.

Czarina feels she is treated as an equal alongside an international team that comprises a Russian, a British, an Indian and another Filipino, not to mention another team based in London. The cross-cultural exposure and stimulating work environment have deepened her technical knowledge. At the same time, she is learning project management skills that are crucial to moving up the rungs in this industry.

For Dennis, working in a multinational environment has improved his interpersonal skills, especially his dealings with clients. He chose Singapore over other Asian capitals because the language of business is English, which meant he could fit in easily. He also noted that Singaporeans were very comfortable working with foreigners.

More importantly, Singapore is a technology hub with good infrastructure and intellectual property protection. IT professionals are exposed to the latest products and information. Regular skills upgrading is encouraged, and for Dennis, having access to the Oracle University in Singapore is an advantage.

Both say they found it easy to adapt to life in Singapore.

“Before I left the Philippines, I was concerned about adapting to the food,” said Dennis. “I heard from friends that Singapore food was very spicy.”

Happily, he has found his local favorites such as barbequed stingray and satay, a local version of meat kebab eaten with a peanut dip. Czarina, likewise, is mad about chili crabs eaten with fried Chinese buns called mantou. Of course, if they crave a particular dish from home, there are many Filipino-themed eateries to indulge at.

The availability of affordable fares, on airlines like Cebu Pacific and Tiger Airways, for the short flight back home has been a big plus.

“I can easily go back to visit my home country if I want or need to,” chuckles Dennis. “In fact, there have been a few occasions that I have gone back on weekends!”

Socially, Dennis and Czarina enjoy the camaraderie of a growing community of Filipino professionals. Dennis regularly catches up with friends and has joined a pinoy IT yahoo group. He shyly admits to a happy dating life as well.

With things going well, he is considering taking up permanent resident status. He sums up the quality of life quite simply.

“The best part is the convenience of transportation–most places can be reached by the MRT and a few minutes walk. Another is the healthier environment, there is less pollution and the food choices are healthier.”

Czarina similarly appreciates the high quality of life and is looking forward to starting a family in Singapore. Her husband has recently joined her, having also found employment in the IT industry. The couple is expecting their first child in November this year.

“Singapore is one of the most stable societies in Asia. There is low crime rate, it is clean and green, and the transportation system is efficient.” she explained.

Skills that are in demand

With the economy strong and business confidence up, companies are catching up on a backlog of IT projects that were shelved during the slump. At the same time, global companies such as Citibank and Yahoo have consolidated large IT support operations there. Under an ambitious government IT masterplan, 55,000 jobs will be created by 2015. Skills in demand are software engineers, network engineers, applications developers, solutions architects, project managers and business process consultants.

Companies are looking for skilled professionals with specialist knowledge in a particular industry combined with a good measure of cultural sensitivity.

Czarina feels that Filipinos have an advantage because they “come from a more tough environment and are eager to move to a better place. As such, they will push themselves harder.” And, she is upbeat about the opportunities in Singapore.

“Don’t be afraid to take new challenges, expand your horizon.”