Working In Singapore

Industry Factsheets

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 10:28:49 GMT

Legal Services

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 2008 lists the following as the 5 most costly cities to live in.

They are as follows: Moscow, Tokyo, London, Oslo, Seoul.

Other Asian cities costlier than Singapore include Hong Kong and Osaka. Singapore was placed 13th.

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: $0.71 - $3.00 per trip
Taxis: $2.80 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

< Back to For Students

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.

< Back to For Students

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!

< Back to For Students

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.

< Back to For Professionals

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 industry currently provides jobs for over 100,000 employees. (information accurate as of 1st Mar 09)
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, Singapore is 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 Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore's (MPA) efforts to develop Singapore as a premier global hub port and an international maritime centre continued to yield good results. The port of Singapore has retained its global lead in vessel arrival tonnage, containers handled, and bunkers lifted, while the Singapore registry of ships is currently the fourth largest in the world.

Singapore is also home to more than 100 international shipping groups. The maritime cluster as a whole employs more than 100,000 people and contributes some 7% to Singapore's GDP. (Information accurate as of 1 Mar 09).

Vessel arrivals in terms of shipping tonnage reached 1.6 billion gross tons (GT) in 2008, an increase of some 11.1 per cent from the 1.5 billion GT record set in 2007. Container traffic in 2008 hit 29.9 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs). The Singapore Registry of Ships also achieved growth, with the total tonnage of ships under the Singapore flag growing by some 10.4 per cent over 2007 to reach 43.7 million GT as of end December 2008.

Job opportunities in the Singapore maritime sector can be found in three main areas: Shore-based Maritime Services, Offshore and marine engineering, and sea faring. Other areas include Pot operations, Classification Societies, training and research institutions etc.

Careers in Shore-based Maritime Services include: Ship Broker, Ship Banker, Marine Insurer, Ship Charterer, Ship Planner and Maritime Lawyer/Arbitrator.

Careers in Offshore and Marine Engineering include: Naval Architect, Marine Engineer, Marine Surveyor.

Seafaring careers include Ship Captain and Chief Engineer.

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:

More employers can be found at the Singapore Maritime Portal.

Other Websites:

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$14.8 billion in tourism receipts in 2008, representing an 4.8% increase over 2007. This set a new record for tourism receipts. In 2008, Singapore welcomed 10.1 million visitors. Visitor days were estimated to reach 41.3 million days, setting another record and posting an increase of 8.7% in comparison with 2007.

The hotel sector was estimated to achieve an all-time record of $2.1 billion in room revenue in 2008, posting a growth of 12.1% over 2007. Average Occupancy Rate (AOR) was estimated to reach 81%. In spite of the downturn in the latter half of the year, the hotel sector remained robust with both the Average Room Rate (ARR) and Revenue Per Available Room (Revpar) setting new highs. The ARR was estimated to reach S$246 for 2008, an increase of 21.9% over 2007, while Revpar grew by 13.5% to reach S$199.

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. Marina Bay Sands will open at the end of 2009, while Resorts World Sentosa will be open in 2010.

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.
The inaugural 2008 FORMULA 1 Singtel Singapore Grand Prix night race was held with great success and international attention from 26th Sep to 28th Sep 2008. It will be held again from 25th -27th Sep 2009.

Singapore has also deepened the suite of entertainment, retail and dining options with many new establishments being launched. In the Country Brand Index 2008, a report compiled by FutureBrand and Weber Shandwick, Singapore was ranked globally as the third-best destination for shopping and fourth in fine dining.

On the business front, Singapore has consolidated its position as a premier business city. Just last year, Singapore was ranked the easiest place in the world to do business for the third year in a row, in the "Doing Business 2008" ranking by the World Bank and International Finance Corporation. Singapore was also ranked, for the first time ever, “Top International Meeting City” in the Union of International Associations (UIA) 2007 Global Rankings announced last year.

Singapore is also establishing a strong position as a healthcare and education destination.

Some Major Employers:

Major employers in the Tourism cluster include the Hotels and Accommodation sectors, the Attractions, the MICE sector (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions), Tour and Travel sectors, Food & Beverage as well as Retail establishments.

For more information, please refer to the Singapore Tourism Board website and Tourism Careers@Sg 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:

Definition 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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Salaries by Profession

Wed, 16 May 2007 07:10:49 GMT

Salaries in Singapore are among the most competitive in Asia.

An indicative set of compensation offered by companies in Singapore is provided below.

The information is taken from the Singapore Yearbook of Manpower Statistics, 2006, published by the Manpower Research and Statistics Department, Ministry of Manpower.

Refer to the attached table for the details of salaries by profession.

Compensation Packages

Wed, 16 May 2007 07:10:17 GMT

Singapore’s compensation packages are globally competitive and among the highest in the Asia Pacific region. Most companies that employ global talent provide local-term packages that are supplemented with housing, cost of living allowances and other benefits.

In industries such as infocomm technology and financial services, it’s not unusual to find about 20% or more of the employee base comprising global talent.

Companies in Singapore pay fixed bonuses that range from one to two months. Variable bonuses depend on company and individual performance and typically range from one to six months. The National Wage Council also provides annual compensation guidelines based on the performance of the Singapore economy.

Employee Benefits

About 50% of companies extend medical coverage to the dependents of employees. Insurance programmes are typically provided by companies to cover life, personal accidents and hospitalisation.

Other strategic rewards include job-related training and recreational facilities. For jobs that require travelling and entertainment, many companies also provide additional benefits such as transportation and entertainment allowances. The quantum typically ranges from S$600 to S$2,400.

Other benefits in non-work related areas for those on expatriate compensation packages include housing, childcare and payment of school fees.

Long-term incentives also play an important part in compensation packages. Close to 50% of companies in Singapore have in place some form of stock-based plans to reward and retain key employees, especially those at the management level. The most popular form of stock compensation that companies offer to employees is stock options. Stock option plans are particularly favoured by pharmaceutical, high-tech and electronics manufacturing companies.

Working Hours

Most companies operate a workweek with Saturday being a half-day and Sunday a rest day. Five-day workweeks are also becoming increasingly popular. This gives ample time for leisure activities on weekends.

Eight-hour workdays with an hour lunch break in between are common. The maximum work hours per week are capped at 44. As travel distance between office and home is very short in Singapore, there is always enough time to enjoy Singapore’s buzzing nightlife.

Monthly Gross Wage

In Singapore, the monthly gross wage includes overtime pay, commissions, allowances and other regular cash payments. However, it excludes bonuses, productivity or incentive bonuses, other lump sum payments and payments-in-kind.

Quality of Life

Wed, 16 May 2007 01:57:54 GMT

Singapore is amongst one of the best places to live in. Mercer ranked Singapore 1st for its quality of life in Asia (Mercer Quality of Living global city rankings 2009), as well as world 1st for city infrastructure in the same survey.

Singapore is one of the most stable societies in Asia. The city fuses modernity with tradition while both are celebrated in equal parts. Its society is multi-racial, multi-religion and multi-lingual.

This is reflected through the ethnic mix of Chinese, Malays, Indians, Eurasians and smaller minority groups who make up its population of 4.84 million.

The relatively low crime rate offers foreign professionals a unique opportunity to live in ease alongside the local community without having to pay a premium for security.

A choice of housing exists for professionals in Singapore to suit individual lifestyles and budgets. Rental apartments can be found in public housing developments, equipped conveniently with its own shopping and entertainment hub, education and healthcare facilities. Private properties, available for rent or purchase, varies from condominiums, to houses and bungalows across various locations on the island.

Living conditions in Singapore are among the best in Asia, with state-of-the-art facilities for education, shopping, sports and recreation. The Global Country Brand Index ranked Singapore as the world’s 2nd for its shopping, nightlife and dining.

International Hub

Wed, 16 May 2007 01:56:30 GMT

Singapore is one of the best-connected countries in the world, with excellent sea, air and telecommunication links.

Ranked as one of the world’s 20 busiest airports by passenger traffic (Airports Council International, 2007), Singapore Changi Airport serves over 70 million travellers annually. Its air network serves 80 airlines operating flights to over 180 cities in more than 50 countries. The airport has won countless international awards over the years.

At the crossroads of major trade and shipping routes, Singapore is an International Maritime Centre (IMC) with one of the busiest ports in the world, serving an average of 140,000 vessel calls annually.

Its port facilities and services remain unparalleled in terms of quality, efficiency, competitiveness and reliability. As the world's fourth most network-ready country (Global Information Technology Report 2008/09, World Economic Forum), Singapore is a "plug-and-play" nation where online banking & mobile lifestyle have become the norm.

Close to 99% of the population, or almost every home, school and business has access to broadband internet. The government has launched an extensive wireless initiative island-wide where users can enjoy free indoor and outdoor seamless wireless broadband access at most public places.

Visit IDA’s website to find out more about the Wireless@SG Programme.

Global Talent

Wed, 16 May 2007 01:55:41 GMT

Singapore is ranked 1st for having the best labour force (BERI Labour Force Ranking 2005-2007) and 2nd for the most attractive environment for highly-skilled foreigners (IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 2008). Foreigners form 30.9% of the city-state’s total employment pool as of December 2006.

The expatriate community has always been as visible network, contributing to Singapore’s industries as well as enriching the city’s cultural and culinary offerings.

Foreign professionals seeking employment consistently rates Singapore attractive due to the open recruitment policies, low personal taxation and a quality standard of living.

For more details on tax rates for resident individuals, please refer to the IRAS website.

Singapore was ranked as the most globalised nation by A.T. Kearney/Foreign Policy Magazine Globalisation Index consecutively for three years in 2005, 2006 and 2007.

Growth sectors offering career opportunities are as widely varied as chemicals, biomedical sciences, electronics, banking and financial services, infocomm, interactive digital media, healthcare, legal, maritime and tourism.

Business Environment

Wed, 16 May 2007 01:55:20 GMT

Singapore is ranked 1st for its ease of doing business in Asia by both The World Bank Group (Economy Rankings: Doing Business, The World Bank Group 2009) and PricewaterhouseCoopers (Cities of opportunity: Business-readiness indicators for the 21st century, PricewaterhouseCoopers 2007). Singapore was also ranked first for being the most cost-competitive place for business by KPMG (KPMG Competitive Alternatives Study 2006).

Singapore’s dynamic economy is fueled by a genuinely open policy towards businesses, making it one of the most business-friendly countries today. It consistently ranks high on global and regional rankings for its attractive corporate tax rates, ease of hiring and well-developed infrastructure.

The country’s stable political landscape presents an attractive low risk assessment to many international business operations. In fact, Singapore attracts both MNCs and start-ups alike. These businesses have benefited from the highly-skilled workforce, low tax regimes and test bedding opportunities.

For entrepreneurs, the business friendly policies, simple application procedures and even government funding, makes it really easy to register and start a business here.