Tokyo vs Singapore

[aitokyo]

I am currently working as an expat for US multinational company in Tokyo.

Several years ago, I had been living for about 1 month in Singapore and REALLY LOVE the country. Since then I "envision" myself to, someday, work and live in Singapore.

Now, I am thinking to move to Singapore. Unfortunately my company does not have big office in Singapore right now (used to be..). So I need to find another job at another company.

First question: Any idea how the quality of life between Tokyo and Singapore, work and personal/family (I am married with three kids).

Second question: I checked several website such as monster, jobstreet, etc to find job. But most of the job require Singaporean PR or hold Employment Pass.
But I believe to get EP, ones need to have sponsorship from company. So, it's like "chicken and egg".
Can I get an EP without any sponsorship?

Thanks for all the helps.

[Ashin_in_SG]

Hi I'm a Korean guy working and living in Singapore at the moment. I was relocated to Singapore from Seoul ONLY two weeks ago and worked in Tokyo from 2001 to 2002.

Currenlty, I'm working as a webmaster for an online music company here. I'm not sure if I'm a qualified person to give you answers since I've been here ONLY two weeks and am a single. From my point of view, Singapore is the same as Tokyo or Seoul but Singapore is a little better than Tokyo as the city-state has reputations as clean, green and safe. I think, the quality of life depends on your values, expecations, etc. It's hard to answer.

Concerning EP, you have to get a job here first. You might find some info from http://www.singaweb.net/

[Yutenji]

Hi,

You've come to the right place (e.g. the forum). There are a number of regular contributors who clearly have good experience of both places. Personally, I've lived in Singapore for nearly 12 years, with a couple of years in the middle when I lived in Japan (my wife is Japanese). So I'll give you my opinion, which of course may or may not be the same as anyone elses ...

First question: Any idea how the quality of life between Tokyo and Singapore, work and personal/family (I am married with three kids).

Both Tokyo & Singapore offer very good quality of living, but in very different styles;
Singapore is much less intense, more relaxed (that's good -and- bad), more convenient (in terms of getting around, for example), generally much cheaper (cars being the notable exception to this), far easier for foreigners (even if you speak Japanese, in Japan you're still geijin!).
Japan has far more to offer 'in-country' in terms of entertainment, sightseeing, places for weekend breaks (though of course it's easy to go other places outside Singapore), the service quality is unparalleled, and you can get -anything- with a massive selection of choices.
Both countries are very safe, great place to live with or without family.

Regarding family, it rather depends on how you approach living here. In both countries you can raise your children as 'expat kids', but I personally think in Japan you've got a chance to have a relatively normal family life, with neighbours, community etc. For 90% of foreigner families (just guessing at the number) in Singapore, their kids will certainly gain a very wide exposure to different cultures, and that's fantastic, but I think they grow up believing they're something special and better in some way than the locals. Again, that's just my personal opinion.

I believe it can be very hard for wives (I'm assuming you're the husband) to settle in Japan, unless they speak the language. Not a problem in Singapore.

I struggle to express why I prefer Japan (which I do), because Singapore is certainly a very pleasant place to live. The best I can manage is to say that, to me, Japan is more 'real' (man, I'm gonna get flamed for THAT ).

Second question: ... Can I get an EP without any sponsorship?

I believe the answer is no.


Hope this helps. I'm sure you'll get lots of varied and informed opinions, as well as the usual bunch of rubbish.
Good luck trying to sort it out!

[jpatokal]

Having also spent a considerable amount of time in Tokyo and Singapore, I agree with absolutely everything Yutenji said.

I have to stress one point though: your money goes a lot further in Singapore than it does in Japan. With a Western salary in Japan (esp. Tokyo), you're at best middle-class; with a Western salary in Singapore, you're filthy rich, and this undeniably has its advantages. Your commute will take a maximum of 30 minutes by car, you can hop in a taxi whenever you feel like it, eating out for every meal is no problem, trips to other countries start from S$1.80, etc.

I also think Singapore's admittedly rather monotonous climate is better than having to deal with the equally horrible Tokyo winter and Tokyo summer -- although it's occasionally nice to get out to somewhere where you need to wear a coat!

I'd be hard pressed to say which one I prefer, they both have their good sides. I'm starting to think settling down in Sing with a Jp wife might indeed be a pretty good combo...

[aitokyo]

Thanks to all for your responses. :

Now, how about comparing between Hongkong vs Singapore. I heard Hongkong also a nice place for working and living. Any thoughts ?

[IntoTheBlue]

Hong Kong is nothing like Singapore, except the huge commercial districts and tax. Hong Kong is a hectic, 24 hour, cramped, crazy place, which is extremely good fun, but must be draining after time. Singapore is laid back, chilled, green with a much better standard of living. If you like space or have a family, then Sing wins, if you like energy and excitement, single, hongers tops the lot !

Good thread BTW :!:

[Guest]

struggle to express why I prefer Japan (which I do), because Singapore is certainly a very pleasant place to live. The best I can manage is to say that, to me, Japan is more 'real' (man, I'm gonna get flamed for THAT ).


Absolutely agree with you. Singapore is getting a very unreal feeling about it. Its got a comfortable plasticky feeling that everything moves except the minds of the people. They are in auto' Tell me what to do Government !" mode. Too inured to a formulaic existence, one of the few asian cities where the expected vibrancy of the masses is missing. You should just take a stroll on Orchard road after 9pm to know what I mean.
Take this from a Singaporean to boot!

[Polaris]

Hi,

Ever thought of applying for PR here?
Here is the site that you might be keen: -

www.ica.gov.sg

[haha polaris]

ROFLMAO Polaris, you're funny!

[Kimi]

..

[Guest]

I still would like to hear it from the guys' point of view what it is that makes Japanese women different compared to other Asian women?

>> Japanese AV HAHAHA power of porn 8)

[stupid haha polaris]

ROFLMAO Polaris, you're funny!

What's so funny? Have you heard about "Landed PR"?
Please check this website http://www.smcmc.com/index.html

[k1w1]

Hi there,

I have lived in Japan and Singapore and I have two pre-school aged kids. In terms of family life, Singapore wins - hands down.

As for finding work, I suggest you find companies and contact them directly. It took us quite a while to find something too - but it is well worth coming.

[Kimi]

I still would like to hear it from the guys' point of view what it is that makes Japanese women different compared to other Asian women?

>> Japanese AV HAHAHA power of porn 8)

Errr...ewwww!
That's quite sad actually...