Working In Singapore

Legal

Mon, 09 Jul 2007 07:44:02 GMT

Industry Snapshot:

The legal sector employs about 8,800 people and the number of lawyers with practicing certificates stands at about 3,500.
Legal firms are increasing their headcount by up to 25% this year to cope with the additional workload.

Singapore is growing in importance as a legal services hub for the region and beyond. The growing demand for lawyers extends beyond the legal profession and includes in-house counsels in local and foreign firms as well as multinational corporations too.

Some areas of growth are commercial litigation, corporate work (banking and finance, mergers and acquisitions, and equity capital market) and intellectual property. The booming property market and the upcoming Integrated Resorts (IR) will boost construction practices such as advisory and drafting work, and advice on claims and litigation if disputes arise.

Another growth area is competition law as Singapore’s Competition Act was only passed in October 2004 and is being implemented in phases. More arbitration work is also expected as Singapore is becoming a venue of choice for resolving commercial and industrial disputes.

Singapore law firms are growing in staff strength as they keep pace with the rising demand for legal services. Singapore's Big Four firms (Allen & Gledhill, WongPartnership, Rajah & Tann, Drew & Napier) have about 200 to 285 lawyers each.

The employment outlook for 2008 is positive with a high demand for lawyers. Major law firms are bullish about the year ahead and growth is expected in various major areas of practice, including corporate work, commercial litigation, real estate and intellectual property work. Some local law firms expect to continue to grow their regional practices and hire more foreign lawyers in 2008.

Other information
International Bar Association Conference
The International Bar Association (IBA), established in 1947 and has a membership of 30,000 individual lawyers and more than 195 bar associations and law societies spanning all continents.

The International Bar Association’s Annual Conference will be held in Singapore from 14-19 October 2007. For more details, please refer to the website: http://www.ibanet.org/Conferences/singapore2007/

Some Major Employers	Other Websites:
Allen & Gledhill Drew & Napier Rajah & Tann Wong Partnership Baker & McKenzie	Ministry of Law Law Society Singapore Academy of Law

Cost of Living

Tue, 03 Jul 2007 06:45:55 GMT

Esitmated Living Costs - A Snapshot

Mercer's cost of Living Survey 2006 lists the following as the 5 most costly cities to live in.

They are as follows: Moscow, Seoul, Tokyo, Hong Kong and London.

Other Asian cities costlier than Singapore include Osaka and Beijing. Singapore was placed 17th.

Item/Cost (SGD)

Accomodation
Rental varies based on location, size, facilities, market demand etc

Public Housing flats/apartments: $800 - $1,500 per month
Private Housing (Condominium/house): $2,000 - $6,000 per month

Utilities
Varies based on personal or family's usage: $80 - $300 per month

Public Transport

Buses/MRT Trains: $0.65 - $3.00 per trip
Taxis: $2.50 flag-down fare, $8 - $24 per trip

Indicative fare: from residential areas to CDB during peak hours.
Fare varies based on distance covered and other surcharges.

Communication
Monthly price plans varies based on promotional rates and bundled services offered by service provider. Excludes installation, hardware and other applicable service fees.

Mobile Phone Plans: $19.95 - $200 per month
Residential Fixed Line Telephone: From $150 per annum
Broad Band Internet Price Plans: $19.95 - $208 per month

Meals

Hawker centres, coffeeshops and foodcourts: $2.50 - $6
Mid-range dining: $6 - $30 (cuisine, family restaurants, fast food chains)

Entertainment

Cable TV: Starting at $30 per month
DVD Rentals: $7.50 - $9.50 depending on day of week
Clubbing and Drinks: Approx $35 onwards

I am a foreign student studying in Singapore looking for opportunities.

Mon, 02 Jul 2007 10:53:50 GMT

Foreign students currently living and studying in Singapore and considering starting a career in Singapore's exciting working environment will need take note a few important steps.

The following steps listed below will assist you on how to get started.

If you are keen to be updated keep updated on employment trends, career opportunities, events and more, please sign up for our mailing list.

Employment Pass
- To work in Singapore, you need an Employment Pass. A local sponsor, your employer in most cases, is required to apply for the Pass. For more information about the four categories of employment passes (P1 Pass, P2 Pass, Q1 Pass and the S Pass), please visit the Ministry of Manpower website.
- To check if you qualify for an Employment Pass, please take the Employment/S Pass Self-Assessment Test.
Growth Industries
Finding a Job in Singapore
Employment Pass Eligibility Certificate (EPEC)
- To spend some time in Singapore to look for a job, you can apply for the Employment Pass Eligibility Certificate (EPEC). EPEC grants the holder a Social Visit Pass valid for up to one year. The EPEC is issued on a one-time basis and is strictly non-renewable.
- You may apply for EPEC if you hold any of the selected university qualifications or if you are a current or former holder of selected skilled migrant visas. You should apply for an EPEC only when you are ready to come to Singapore. You will still require the relevant visa to enter Singapore (if a visa is required) even if you hold a valid EPEC.
- With effect from 2 May 07, all EPEC applications must be submitted online.
Documents you need to prepare:
- Passport
- Birth Certificate
- Educational certificates & transcripts
- Proof of professional membership (if applicable)
- Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
- Children's Birth Certificates (if applicable)
- Passport-sized colour photos

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I want to experience working in Singapore

Mon, 02 Jul 2007 10:43:41 GMT

There are two main options on how students can experience working and living in Singapore.

Through the Work Holiday Programme and Internships, students will get the opportunity to experience a challenging working environment in Singapore.

Students will be exposed to real-world work situations that can be the foundation for their future career. Some companies see internships as a way of assessing the suitability of candidates for full-time employment. Compensation and benefits during internship varies among companies.

Work Holiday Programme
- MOM will introduce a Work Holiday Programme (WHP) from 1 December 2007 to allow undergraduates and graduates from overseas to experience living and working in Singapore for a short period. There is a growing trend of well-qualified young people travelling abroad to gain exposure and experience foreign cultures. A positive experience of living and working in Singapore under the programme could encourage some of them to work here when they graduate, or at a later stage in their careers. This programme will help enhance Singapore's reputation as a talent destination, valued for its working and living experiences.
- Click here for full details on the Work Holiday Programme
- Download brochure
- Download magazine
Internships
- You must be currently enrolled as a full-time student in a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD degree program. In most cases, you must have completed at least the freshman year. Applicants are encouraged to provide evidence of academic excellence and leadership potential and should have established personal goals leading toward a career in the profession.
- For internship opportunities, here are some links to start you off:
- Important Note:
  These internship opportunities are arranged individually and directly with participating companies. Information and application may be obtained by contacting the appropriate internship co-ordinator via the above web links. Contact Singapore does not guarantee internship acceptance by companies, allowances, benefits or insurance, nor does it facilitate entry into Singapore.

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I am a graduating student studying overseas looking for a job in Singapore

Mon, 02 Jul 2007 10:25:54 GMT

Singapore offers a wide variety of opportunities for overseas graduates to start their careers.

Here are some important information and links that will assist you to getting started on your career in Singapore.

If you are keen to be updated keep updated on employment trends, career opportunities, events and more, please sign up for our mailing list.

Employment Pass
- To work in Singapore, you need an Employment Pass. A local sponsor, your employer in most cases, is required to apply for the Pass. For more information about the four categories of employment passes (P1 Pass, P2 Pass, Q1 Pass and the S Pass), please visit the Ministry of Manpower website.
- To check if you qualify for an Employment Pass, please take the Employment/S Pass Self-Assessment Test.
Growth Industries
Finding a Job in Singapore
Employment Pass Eligibility Certificate (EPEC)
- If you are not a Singapore citizen and wish to work in Singapore, you have to first secure a job offer here. To spend some time in Singapore to look for a job, you can apply for the Employment Pass Eligibility Certificate (EPEC). EPEC grants the holder a Social Visit Pass valid for up to one year. The EPEC is issued on a one-time basis and is strictly non-renewable.
- You may apply for EPEC if you hold any of the selected universities qualifications or if you are a current or former holder of selected skilled migrant visas. You should apply for an EPEC only when you are ready to come to Singapore. You will still require the relevant visa to enter Singapore (if a visa is required) even if you hold a valid EPEC.
- With effect from 2 May 07, all EPEC applications must be submitted online.
Documents you need to prepare:
- Passport
- Birth Certificate
- Educational certificates & transcripts
- Proof of professional membership (if applicable)
- Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
- Children's Birth Certificates (if applicable)
- Passport-sized colour photos
Join our mailing list to get updates on opportunities, events and much more!

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I am a foreigner working in Singapore looking for new opportunities.

Mon, 02 Jul 2007 09:34:38 GMT

If you are a professional currently working in Singapore and looking at exploring other opportunities here these are some important information that you would need to know to help you.

If you are keen to be updated keep updated on employment trends, career opportunities, events and more, please sign up for our mailing list.

Things to note before taking the next step:

Employment Pass
- Please note that any change in employers will require a fresh application of the Employment Pass.
Employment Pass Eligibility Certificate (EPEC)
- If you are not a Singapore citizen and wish to work in Singapore, you have to first secure a job offer here. To spend some time in Singapore to look for a job, you can apply for the Employment Pass Eligibility Certificate (EPEC). EPEC grants the holder a Social Visit Pass valid for up to one year. The EPEC is issued on a one-time basis and is strictly non-renewable.
- You may apply for EPEC if you hold any of the selected university qualifications or if you are a current or former holder of selected skilled migrant visas. You should apply for an EPEC only when you are ready to come to Singapore. You will still require the relevant visa to enter Singapore (if a visa is required) even if you hold a valid EPEC.
- With effect from 2 May 07, all EPEC applications must be submitted online.
Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)
- The Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) is a new scheme to facilitate the contributions of global talent to Singapore.
- Currently, the issue of an Employment Pass (EP) is tied to a specific employer. Any change of employer requires a fresh application. If an EP holder leaves the company, his EP is cancelled and he must leave Singapore unless he finds employment with a new company. In contrast, the new PEP is not tied to any employer and will be granted on the strength of an EP holder's individual merits. A PEP holder is able to remain in Singapore for up to six months in between jobs to evaluate new employment opportunities.
- Click here for more information on PEP.

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I am overseas and have secured a job in Singapore, what’s next?

Mon, 02 Jul 2007 09:10:45 GMT

If you are a professional currently overseas and have already secured a job in Singapore, here are some important information that you would need to know that will help you get ready for work in Singapore.

If you are keen to be updated keep updated on employment trends, career opportunities, events and more, please sign up for our mailing list.

Please ensure you have the details of the following ready for your working stint in Singapore:

Employment Pass:
- To work in Singapore, you need an Employment Pass. A local sponsor, your employer in most cases, is required to apply for the Pass. For more information about the four categories of employment passes (P1 Pass, P2 Pass, Q1 Pass and the S Pass), please visit the Ministry of Manpower website.
- To check if you qualify for an Employment Pass, please take the Employment/S Pass Self-Assessment Test.
Documents you need to prepare:
- Passport
- Birth Certificate
- Educational certificates & transcripts
- Proof of professional membership (if applicable)
- Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
- Children's Birth Certificates (if applicable)
- Passport-sized colour photos

< Back to For Professionals

I am overseas and looking for a job in Singapore

Mon, 02 Jul 2007 08:41:38 GMT

If you are a professional currently living overseas and looking for opportunities to work in Singapore, here are some important information that you would need to know to help you get started.

If you are keen to be updated keep updated on employment trends, career opportunities, events and more, please sign up for our mailing list.

Employment Pass
- To work in Singapore, you need an Employment Pass. A local sponsor, your employer in most cases, is required to apply for the Pass. For more information about the four categories of employment passes (P1 Pass, P2 Pass, Q1 Pass and the S Pass), please visit the Ministry of Manpower website.
- To check if you qualify for an Employment Pass, please take the Employment/S Pass Self-Assessment Test.
Growth Industries
Finding a Job in Singapore
Employment Pass Eligibility Certificate (EPEC)
- If you are not a Singapore citizen and wish to work in Singapore, you have to first secure a job offer here. To spend some time in Singapore to look for a job, you can apply for the Employment Pass Eligibility Certificate (EPEC). EPEC grants the holder a Social Visit Pass valid for up to one year. The EPEC is issued on a one-time basis and is strictly non-renewable.
- You may apply for EPEC if you hold any of the selected university qualifications or if you are a current or former holder of selected skilled migrant visas You should apply for an EPEC only when you are ready to come to Singapore. You will still require the relevant visa to enter Singapore (if a visa is required) even if you hold a valid EPEC.
- With effect from 2 May 07, all EPEC applications must be submitted online.

< Back to For Professionals

Maritime Services

Thu, 21 Jun 2007 03:12:01 GMT

Industry Snapshot:

Singapore is one of the world's busiest ports in terms of shipping tonnage for the last 2 decades.
The maritime industry contributes about 7% to Singapore’s GDP.
The sector is projected to have a promising growth rate of 7-9% in the medium term.
The industry currently provides jobs for over 100,000 employees.
Read related industry news.

Singapore is strategically located at the confluence of the world's key shipping and trading routes. As a gateway to Asia, Singapore offers abundant advantages to the global maritime industry. Today, we are a world-class port hub and a premier international maritime centre. Singapore is also evolving into a centre for maritime arbitration for the region, home to over 40% of the world’s shipping tonnage.

Being one of the world's busiest ports in terms of shipping tonnage for the last two decades, we have built reputable container operators, attracted significant international shipping and ship management firms, thriving offshore marine engineering and petrochemicals companies, as well as an exciting offer of maritime ancillary services.

The sector currently provides jobs for over 100,000 employees. Upward career mobility abounds in this rapidly expanding industry coupled with diverse career opportunities. Singapore is poised to become a leading International Maritime Centre in the regional and global arenas.

Beyond the sea-faring career, you can work onshore as professionals in shipping, port operations, ship broking, maritime insurance, maritime finance and risk management as well as in maritime legal services. Alternatively, you may want to explore careers in offshore marine engineering or naval architecture in ship/offshore platform/rig building, construction and conversion.

Strategic Skills List:

Designer Engineer
Geologist
Geophysicist
Geoscientist
Marine Engineer
Naval Architect
Petroleum Engineer
Process Engineer
Project Manager
Reservoir Engineer
Well Engineer

Major Employers:

Shipping:

Offshore & Marine Engineering:

Maritime Legal Services:

Shipping Finance & Insurance:

Other Websites:

More employers can be found here.

For Students

Wed, 20 Jun 2007 06:59:01 GMT

If you are a student and looking for opportunities in Singapore, be it full time employment, work holiday programmes or internships, click on the links below on how to get started.

Who are you?

If you are a Singaporean citizen studying overseas, please sign up for our mailing list to keep get updated on employment trends, career opportunities, events and more.

For Professionals

Wed, 20 Jun 2007 06:59:00 GMT

If you are a professional and looking for opportunities in Singapore, from full time employment, to how to get started, click on the links below for more info.

Who are you?

If you are a Singaporean citizen working overseas, please sign up for our mailing list to keep updated on employment trends, career opportunities, events and more.

Tourism

Mon, 18 Jun 2007 05:13:53 GMT

Industry Snapshot:

Singapore has big plans to grow tourism into a key economic engine – tripling tourism receipts to S$30 billion, doubling visitors arrivals to 17 million, and creating an additional 100,000 jobs in the services sector by 2015.
These targets will drive future initiatives and catapult growth in the tourism industry over the next decade, catalysed by a S$2 billion Tourism Development Fund.
Read news on the tourism industry.

The tourism sector is an important pillar of Singapore’s economy, accounting for 4% of GDP, 150,000 jobs and S$10.8 billion in tourism receipts.

Singapore has big plans to grow tourism into a key economic engine – tripling tourism receipts to S$30 billion, doubling visitors arrivals to 17 million, and creating an additional 100,000 jobs in the services sector by 2015. These targets will drive future initiatives and catapult growth in the tourism industry over the next decade, catalysed by a S$2 billion Tourism Development Fund.

Singapore posted an estimated S$13.8 billion in tourism receipts from January to December 2007, representing an 11.3% increase over January to December 2006. This set a new record for tourism receipts. In the same year, Singapore also welcomed 10.3 million visitors, registering a growth of 5.4% over 2006. This is the highest annual visitor arrivals recorded for the Singapore tourism sector.

Benefiting from the record visitor arrivals, the hotel industry saw both the Average Room Rate and Average Occupancy Rate setting new highs. Total room revenue was estimated to reach an all-time high of S$1.8 billion, an increase of 22.8% over 2006. The Average Room Rate for the full year of 2007 was estimated at S$202, an increase of 23.1% over 2006. The Average Occupancy Rate for hotels was estimated to have reached 87%, a 1.7 percentage point increase over the previous year.

The upcoming Integrated Resorts (IR) have generated tremendous buzz. They are envisaged to be large-scale iconic developments with a compelling mix of convention and exhibition facilities, themed attractions, entertainment and performances venues, recreation facilities, hotel, retail uses, encompassing a small gaming component, offering a multi-faceted experience. The IRs are expected to boost Singapore's attractiveness as a destination and enhance our tourism appeal and reputation. Marina Bay Sands incorporates significant MICE facilities to cater to businesses and MICE visitors, while Resorts World Sentosa will be a world-class tropical resort that offers the whole family a fun and memorable experience. The two projects combined with add more than $10 billion in investments to Singapore.

In addition to the Integrated Resorts, there are other exciting developments, including:

The Singapore Flyer, the world's largest Giant Observation Wheel with a stunning view from 178m above sea-level. It has begun operations on 1 Mar 2008.
Preparations for the inaugural 2008 FORMULA 1 Singtel Singapore Grand Prix night race is in earnest. The race will be held from 26th Sep to 28th Sep 2008.
The 2nd Singapore Biennale will also be held from 11 Sept to 16 Nov. Exihibitions and performances will be held at various venues eg City Hall, Esplanade Waterfront, Singapore Flyer, Southbeach development, Fullerton Properties etc.

Also, in the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report 2008 announced at the World Ecnomic Forum at Davos in 2008, Singapore scored an overall rank of 16 out of 130 countries profiled. Singapore scored first in the following categories: Policy rules and regulations, Ground transport infrastructure, and Human resources overall, including the availability of qualified labour.

Some Major Employers:

Major employers in the Tourism cluster include Hotels, Food & Beverage establishments and the attractions etc.

For more information, please refer to the Singapore Tourism Board website.

Related websites include Singapore Hotel Association and Restaurant Association of Singapore.

Taxation

Wed, 16 May 2007 07:11:07 GMT

Singapore has one of the lowest tax rates in the world.

The amount of personal income tax payable depends on whether you hold tax resident or non-resident status, and the income you earn.

Click on the links for details:

Defination of a Tax Resident
Definition of a Non-Resident

Definition of a Tax Resident

You are considered a tax resident if you:

Have been in Singapore for at least 183 days in a calendar year.
Have been physically present or working in Singapore for three consecutive years, even though the number of days you have spent in Singapore is less than 183 days in the first and third year.

What this means for a tax resident is that:

All income earned in Singapore and any overseas income that is brought into Singapore will be taxed.
After deducting personal relief, income will be taxed at graduated rates from 0% to 20% (See IRAS website for more on tax relief).
·Types of relief you are entitled to, subject to conditions, include support of dependants, course fees paid for attending academic and professional courses, and premiums paid on life insurance policies.

Click here to view income tax rates for residents

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Definition of a Non-Resident

You are considered a non-resident if you have been in Singapore for less than 183 days in a calendar year.
You will be exempted from paying income tax if you have been employed for 60 days or less in a calendar year. However, this rule does not apply if you are a director, public entertainer or exercising a profession in Singapore.
Non-residents will be:

Taxed only on income earned in Singapore.
Unable to claim for personal relief.
Taxed on their employment income at a flat rate of 15% or the resident rates, depending on which gives rise to higher tax (For director's fees and income other than employment, they will be taxed at a flat rate of 20% from Year of Assessment 2005.)
Exempted from tax on remittances made to Singapore.

Click here to view income tax rates for non-residents.

For further information, please visit www.iras.gov.sg.

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