Malaysia vs NewZealand Citizenship for jobs in Singapore

[vinboy]

hi
I currently hold a Malaysia Passport. I'm in New Zealand and applying for New Zealand citizenship because I have been living here for more than 5 years.
However, Malaysia will cancel my Malaysia citizenship once they know I get New Zealand's.

My question is: Does having a Malaysia's citizenship allows me to easier get a job in Singapore compared to a New Zealand's citizenship?

thanks.

[joeyatsingapore]

A more genral question is: Does it even matter what the citizenship of the applicant is??!!

[vinboy]

A more genral question is: Does it even matter what the citizenship of the applicant is??!!

Maybe... Singapore currently is in a group formed by various countries such as Malaysia, China, Vietname, Indonesia etc. I'm wondering if this union affect me if I'm a citizen of one of the countries.

[briceloh]

What kind of job are you looking for? Factory workers? We got lotsa them from malaysia, so citizenship doesn't matter. Specialist? What kinda? We also have lotsa from malaysia, so citizenship doesn't matter. I believe what matters is whether you can the job better than any other person. Of course, i wouldn't say that luck don't play a part. But don't count on it. Depend on yourself is a better choice.

[lonelysin]

First of all, why would you want to come back from such a nice country like New Zealand?

Do you know the work condition in Singapore and Malaysia? I believe you know and there's no need for me to elaborate more on this.

Too bad Malaysia does not permit dual citizenship. But I do see lots of people giving up their Malaysian Citizenship for the betterment of their life, future and children.

So, my advice to you is stay in New Zealand and enjoy!

[vinboy]

Yes New Zealand is a nice country. I would come back when I get old.
But I tend to like asia and big cities, they have more opportunity.

I have a Bachelor in Software Engineering, currently completing Master in Software Engineering. Have 2 years working experience, mostly contract work. So i'm looking for IT job, preferably software development over helpdesk support etc.

[schizoide]

i'd go for the NZ citizenship if i were you. i think there's no advantage in singapore to be a malaysian citizen, it'll just be an excuse to pay you less.

[hillview2006]

schizoide,
Agree with your statement. I remember my first interview in singapore First thing the interviewer ask > how much is your current salary in Malaysia? I said Basic is RM5500 + 2 month bonus + performance bonus
will add-up to this amount RM00 P/A

When i got the offer from them guess what, they convert my RM5500 to SGD ( rate 2.00) I decided not to take the offer Coz my husband offers me a better one - a house manager!

[riversandlakes]

That's right. My first offer was a 2.3 conversion. Looks like first-time SG job hunters all get that shock

OP, you don't have to tell MY about your dual-citizenship...

[hillview2006]

My nephew had been working in Singapore for 8 years with the same company. He holds a Bachelor in aircraft engineering and currently working with this related industry. All these years I don’t know how much he earn in Singapore but recently when he got married he can’t sponsor his wife DP! I assume that his pay is below SGD2.5k or what? Never bother to ask him actually.

[lonelysin]

Not really. Going for NZ citizenship is no doubt good but you need to weigh the pro's and con's as well. You can let go your Malaysia citizenship but if you wish to re-apply again next time as a resident or Malaysia My Second Home Program (MMSH), it's gonna be hard. From what I heard, people who apply for the MMSH have difficulty in getting even though their spouse is a Malaysian Citizen. So, it is all up to you to decide.

Regarding the salary conversion wise, you can always discuss with the prospective employer. Those companies who do the conversion are discriminating and taking advantage on you guys.

Lets say a person earn RM5500/month in Malaysia. Note that the rental/food in Malaysia is cheap. I can rent a whole house for RM400-500 a month in Malaysia whereas in Singapore, I believe I can only get a room for SGD450+ or even more. So, in this case, this is not an apple to apple comparision. Tell your prospective employer this and if they refuse to give you the package you want, then DONT go.

I believe you should stay in NZ and work. The quality of life and the environment is far more better than Malaysia or Singapore. Do you know stress is not good for health? I have alot of friends working in Malaysia and Singapore. Those who work in Malaysia are okay where stress level is not that high. In Singapore, they have to work until late night up to 10pm. You call this life? Think about it. Moreoever, when you go back after work, what you do is to face the 4 corner of the wall in your HDB flat. I'm not trying to criticise Singapore but this is just my personal opinion.



LS

[Bonbon]

Think depends what you want in life, might have to consider

1. would you like to invest in M'sia, think holding your own citizenship is easier for you to buy properties, invest, set up your own company (so I heard from my M'sian friends).

2. Travel wise, are you a travelling person, NZ passport is good with a lot of European countries, but unfortunately can't say the same for M'sian passport.

3. Tax, think you might also have to consider the DTA, Double Tax Agreement between NZ - SG, and SG-Malaysia, depends on your citizenship.

4. also bare in mind with PR in NZ you can still come back to NZ for retirement should you wish.

I'm sure there are more than these three I can think of, though my brain is not working now....these are the three popping up within 5 secs...

good luck

Bonbon