Local firm vs Multinational

gracel7 · Post by **gracel7** » Fri, 30 May 2008 9:10 pm

I'm moving to Singapore in June with a DP but is currently already talking to prospective employers. One is a multinational company which I've worked for in the past in my home country, the other is a Singapore company. Whilst I will enjoy staying in my comfort zone if I opt for the multi, it would require me to travel overseas at least 2x a month. I'm not sure if this is a good thing considering we're brininging a 7-yr old with us.

Anyone with experience in a local company? How is the culture? Do they also promote work-life balance here? Benefits comparable to a multinational?

Post by **sundaymorningstaple** » Fri, 30 May 2008 11:47 pm

The majority of SME (Small-Medium Enterprises) and the majority of the big companies here don't even know the meaning of work-life balance let alone implementing it. Sorry to say, but it's a fact. Aside from HP I doubt if there is a handful of companies here that have flexi-work plans just for a start.

madura · Post by **madura** » Sat, 31 May 2008 5:09 pm

Erm... HP? I've heard stories claiming otherwise

awesomearpit · Post by **awesomearpit** » Sat, 31 May 2008 6:51 pm

The government agencies/stat boards have a healthy work-life balance, modeled along the lines of MNCs.

I would assume that MNCs would pay more than most local firms though...

gracel7 · Post by **gracel7** » Sat, 31 May 2008 9:08 pm

Hmmm, looks like the MNC is still a better choice... Thank you. I'll probably know more when I also see the formal offer from the local firm.

madura · Post by **madura** » Sun, 01 Jun 2008 11:00 am

awesomearpit wrote:I would assume that MNCs would pay more than most local firms though...

You're sorely mistaken.

awesomearpit · Post by **awesomearpit** » Sun, 01 Jun 2008 1:16 pm

madura wrote:
awesomearpit wrote:I would assume that MNCs would pay more than most local firms though...
You're sorely mistaken.

Really?
can you elaborate on that?

Post by **Strong Eagle** » Sun, 01 Jun 2008 2:19 pm

Why should they pay more? They can attract top talen with similar salaries because benefits might be better, management more enlightened (or at least consisting of expats), and an opportunity to be promoted in a global company. Only highly specialized jobs would pay more than the local average.

awesomearpit · Post by **awesomearpit** » Sun, 01 Jun 2008 3:16 pm

really good people have options - many times beyond Singapore.
Also, the MNCs are competing for top talent with not just with the local firms but with each other too...
eg: from what I understand MNC banks have starting pay upwards of 4k for new grads.
[ofcourse I could be wrong as this is not first hand info]

Post by **sundaymorningstaple** » Sun, 01 Jun 2008 5:27 pm

awesomearpit wrote:really good people have options - many times beyond Singapore.
Also, the MNCs are competing for top talent with not just with the local firms but with each other too...
eg: from what I understand MNC banks have starting pay upwards of 4k for new grads.
[ofcourse I could be wrong as this is not first hand info]

I think somebody is blowing smoke......

mrdodge · Post by **mrdodge** » Mon, 02 Jun 2008 9:08 am

Well i don't know about smoke blowing, but my wife who is the AP compensation manager for a large MNC bank is seeing salary packages of $50-55k for grads of less than 1 year experience, so the 4k mentioned is not unlikely for a new grad.

Post by **sundaymorningstaple** » Mon, 02 Jun 2008 9:43 am

A fresh graduate will get about 2.8~3.2K/mo. The package you just indicated would be 4kg with some experience 4K x 13mo (most banks give more than 1 month AWS though) puts it right in the middle of your range of 50-55K.

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Local firm vs Multinational

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