Singapore Expats

PNGMK wrote:In the end, companies need to up their game to make sure they retain their staff and offset the impact of skills shortage. Whilst there has been a downtrend in overall expat salaries, more businesses still offer attractive remuneration packages to senior professionals in order to persuade them to make the move to the city-state. But clearly, the days when Singapore was a fully paid expat posting with full benefits are fast coming to an end for all except the most senior executives.

Isn't it just supply and demand at work...

There are far more folk now competing for all jobs at all levels.

Barnsley wrote:
Isn't it just supply and demand at work...

Maybe... but also because companies are waking up to the fact that Singapore isn't a "hardship" post like Nairobi or Lagos.

Or is it because the employment structure changed after the companies had to hire more expensive mid-level locals?

My experience in general, from when I first arrived is that in I.T. junior and mid-level positions pay far less then back home (around 2/3rds, if not a little less). But senior positions tend to pay about 1/3rd more. I chalk this up to the ready supply of talent from nearby less-developed countries (which the article alludes to as well).

I shudder thinking about if my early career as a software developer had been in Singapore and what that would have meant financially.

Once my job is gone I have no intention of looking for another in Singapore. It's a unicorn now - even though it's a localized deal it's a good salary with car allowance at about what twice they would pay a local yokel. I'll move on, I'm literally just waiting now for a redundancy package - probably 6 to 18 mths away.

You and me both. Definitely passed my sell by date here.

Any ideas where you'll head to next PNGMK?

I've no idea why the chap in that article took a pay cut from 96k to 48k and then complains that it's hard to manage. Is he serious?

I know many people who took a pay cut after a redundancy. The pressure here to just find something fast means we are not always in a strong position.

The article alludes to the fact that the "Expat package" is mostly gone and those I know who were on it were localised or sent back about 5 years ago. Also some people in some industries are finding it very hard. I know of 2 people who were denied an EP after living here over 10 years and changing jobs a few times in that period. At least rents are dropping

Agreed but he moved out here on 48k when he was earning 96k in the UK. Bad move.

duluoz1 wrote:Agreed but he moved out here on 48k when he was earning 96k in the UK. Bad move.

"Twenty-eight-year-old Kieran Hughes had high hopes when he decided to move to Singapore to be with his partner a year ago."

Sometimes the reason for relocating overrides monetary issues. It clearly did in this case.

Good point. I hope she was worth it!

duluoz1 wrote:Good point. I hope she was worth it!

That's a bit corny.