Foreigner (Indian) seeking IT Job/Business Opportunity in Singapore

[fmjohn]

Dear friends,

I am looking forward to move to Singapore with my family.

Please help me with a good advice or reference to relevant information that would help me.

I am an IT professional with 20+ yrs of experience, working with an MNC in Bangalore, India.
During my career, I visited many countries, including Singapore.
I and my family love this country due to various reasons. We visit the country on tourist visa regularly.

Late 90's, I was there on EP for a shortwhile. Due to low salary, I returned back.

Now, I am looking forward to move (trying for 5 yrs). But, there is no luck! So far, I got only dissapointing information or there has been no responses to my job applications. There are no agencies who helps us too (many Immigration agencies are doing their services to countries like Australia, Canada etc..., but not to Singapore)

I am looking for options like through Job or Business opportunity. My husband is self employed and looking for options to start a business. We do not have huge capital. Something low to moderate investment would be possible! Also, it would be helpful if someone could enlighten with Loan possiblities (for foreigners).

I tried going through different forums in different websites and discussion threads here in this website etc....But, nothing close to what I am looking for. Hence, I am posting a specific question.

I find this website professional and active too. I am hoping to hear valuable comments/responses from you all.

Thank you very much for your time in reading this and Thanks a ton in advance if could respond.


Best Regards,
MJ

[bgd]

Join a company that will send you to Singapore, that is the easiest route. IT Vendor perhaps?

[brian_singapore]

What do you have 20 years experience doing in IT?

In general, my usual advice is you have to be physically in Singapore, with a Singapore phone number and address to look for work here.

My company (and I) bin any CV that isn't from a locally based candidate, even if they need a work permit.

[jlcemy]

hi. me too am indian that moved to SG for greener pastures.

i was doing freelance work in India while i was looking for a job in SG. but eventually moved to Malaysia instead 3+ years ago when i got the chance. early this year, i got a lucky break and was sponsored to come to SG by a client that i was working freelance for while in malaysia.

all i can say is keep trying. it's just about catching a break. just make sure your skills are relevant and if possible, start with freelancing off shore first for a singaporean company if you can. who knows, they might offer you position like me.

good lukc!

[fmjohn]

Thank you bgd. I have been searching for such companies as well. Found few of them by googling (Singapore based IT companies in Bangalore). Unfortunately, no suitable openings there (most of them are smaller companies)!
In bigger MNCs, there are no possibility of transfers (I worked in IBM, Siemens etc...), there would be too much restrictions. But, short term assignments were possible.
My current company does not have software development centre in Singapore so that I can ask for movement.
If you know of any companies, kindly let me know. That would help a lot.

@brian_singapore, Thank you for your advice. This is something new to me. I was under the impression that I can apply online by sitting here and when there is a need of personal interview, I was planning to come down there.

Probably, I will think about this option.
But, there would be visa restrictions I guess (max 30 days on tourist visa is only possible and difficult to give solid reasons for one person coming alone on tourism staying for 30 days etc.....) Do you have any suggestions or ideas to this option?

My current job is an Engineering manager or Senior Project Manager(in Product based company/department).

Please see if you could shed some light to my case.

[fmjohn]

Hi jlcemy,
Your option is good one. I never thought of this! Thank you.
I will give it a try (may be part time freelancing since I am employed full time and do not want to lose the job).
Could you please refer those Singapore based companies offering freelancing work?

[brian_singapore]

Nothing wrong with saying you are coming for a job interview. My profile was very similar to yours.

I came to Singapore for a month 3 years ago and came and went as I traveled around the region between job interviews. This extended into 2 months as I extended my stay as interviews progressed. I don't know how often you could do this with an Indian passport before it was flagged.

I tried applying remotely before coming to Singapore, more with the intent to line things up for when I arrived. Anyone who responded told me flat out they weren't interested as soon as they learnt I wasn't physically in Singapore. Most recruiters just told me to look them up when I arrived but wouldn't do anything before then.

Very long gone are the days when companies are willing to recruit globally and take a chance that someone is serious about relocating and offering expensive expatriate packages to entice people to come and stay.

[fmjohn]

Hi brian_singapore,
Good to hear that you made it! Thanks again for the tips. They are very useful to me.

I will explore options on staying there and trying.

[ecureilx]

I will give it a try (may be part time freelancing since I am employed full time and do not want to lose the job).
Could you please refer those Singapore based companies offering freelancing work?

What did I miss here ?

Freelancing in Singapore ?

[Strong Eagle]

Could you please refer those Singapore based companies offering freelancing work?

You're not going to freelance in Singapore.

[fmjohn]

Hi ecureilx, Strong Eagle

Actually, I am not planning to do freelancing in Singapore.
I was looking for companies, who offers freelancing work that can be done from here. Through them, there might be a possibility of offers (full time job) to come down there. (as mentioned by jlcemy) This is what I meant.
I am not sure whether I am missing something.
If you have some insights, please do share.
Thank you.

[jlcemy]

Yes. You can't freelance in SG. But you can do remote freelancing work. In fact, I was doing it for almost 3 yrs already. That was how I got my offer to come over

[fmjohn]

Hi again,
I haven't be able to start freelancing(due to time constraints of full time employment) or no luck in job searches yet. I am applying to lot of suitable positions (I come across many in Linkedin, JobsDB, JobStreet etc...) But, no response from anyone at all....

How is the IT job situation now in SG?

Any references to good placement agencies or Job portals would help....

Is Regionup (paid membership) good? Will there be any good chances?

[ecureilx]

Hi again,
I haven't be able to start freelancing(due to time constraints of full time employment) or no luck in job searches yet. I am applying to lot of suitable positions (I come across many in Linkedin, JobsDB, JobStreet etc...) But, no response from anyone at all....

How is the IT job situation now in SG?

Any references to good placement agencies or Job portals would help....

Is Regionup (paid membership) good? Will there be any good chances?

how ? BAD.

Did you do some search on that aspect ?

[fmjohn]

it's BAD! you mean job situation or RegionUP?

I have been trying to search for jobs through linkedin, facebook groups, references I get from Google searches etc...