Expats in Singapore - are you happy?

[metroguy]

I've just completed a decade of living in Singapore.

Below are some of the things I like and dislike about living in Singapore. But given the fact that no country is perfect, I'd say Singapore is near perfect. I guess it all depends on where one comes from.

Likes:

1. Everything works. Even if you pick up a phone on a remote part of the island, chances are, it has a dial tone. Almost every light bulb in every public park works.
2. Very convenient.
3. Very Safe
4. Very efficient. You can do almost anything in 1 day, from starting a business to clearing your taxes while leaving (I left once and came back, so I know).
5. Very tolerant and friendly people (my perception here)
6. Less pollution (compared to where I came from)
7. Affordable Food ( I dine at restaurants in the weekends and hawker centres/food courts weekdays, which would cost a fortune if I were to do it in any other developed country)
8. Very active Nightlife
9. Lovely weather ( I used to think 35-40 degrees Celsius was normal, not-so-hot, back home)
10. Strong Sing Dollar

Dislikes:

1. NS Liability for children if we were to become PRs
2. Singlish
3. Living in Apartments instead of a landed home.

As you can see, the likes outweigh dislikes, so I live here. But permanently? No. I'd like my son to grow up in a more creative, free-thinking environment with less rules and restrictions.

Hope this helps.

[nasya]

Hi guys!

BlogTV on Channel NewsAsia is looking for a Singapore PR, or a new Citizen, to be one of our guests on the show next Thursday night, 24 September. The Live show is hosted by DJ Flying Dutchman and TODAY Editor Phin Wong. Next week, we're discussing ideas to foster social integration between Singaporeans and new citizens/ pernament residents.

I'm sure you've heard of the recent announcement of the $10 million fund (called the Community Integration Fund) set up to foster interaction between locals and new immigrants. So BlogTV is looking to exchange and discuss your ideas on possible programmes/ activities/ events that you think should be organised with that million-dollar Fund, to encourage locals and new immigrants to mix with each other, become friends and understand each other better, and hopefully reduce any existing tension/ conflicts might have with each other.

If you are interested to be on the show, pls PM me soon or email me at [email protected]
Cheers!
Producer, BlogTV, Channel NewsAsia

[sundaymorningstaple]

This is worth doing. I was the guest PR a couple of weeks back on the "We want more privileges" topic. If I were back in Singapore I'd volunteer again. but I won't be returning until the 26th from the US. Some of our old regulars it would be nice to see getting involved.

Any takers?

SMS

[wcs]

As an aside, when I read about the integration proposals, there feels like there is an implied context of emigrants from other Asian nations. Perhaps I feel that way due to the comments about the level of english language skills that emigrants should be expected to have, which are usually included in the articles.

To me, it does not feel like emigrants from other developed countries are really the target of these policies. Just my thoughts.

[maneo]

Hi guys!

BlogTV on Channel NewsAsia is looking for a Singapore PR, or a new Citizen, to be one of our guests on the show next Thursday night, 24 September. The Live show is hosted by DJ Flying Dutchman and TODAY Editor Phin Wong. Next week, we're discussing ideas to foster social integration between Singaporeans and new citizens/ pernament residents.

I'm sure you've heard of the recent announcement of the $10 million fund (called the Community Integration Fund) set up to foster interaction between locals and new immigrants. So BlogTV is looking to exchange and discuss your ideas on possible programmes/ activities/ events that you think should be organised with that million-dollar Fund, to encourage locals and new immigrants to mix with each other, become friends and understand each other better, and hopefully reduce any existing tension/ conflicts might have with each other.

If you are interested to be on the show, pls PM me soon or email me at [email protected]
Cheers!
Producer, BlogTV, Channel NewsAsia

If someone has become a "new citizen," why would he/she need help with integration? He/she has already taken the first big step towards integration -- commitment to be here.

Would think the same for someone who has just become a PR, though it may be perceived as less of a commitment. I still get queries about when or whether I will take up citizenship.

Seems like such integration help should be more for those not yet a PR or citizen.

[lilium]

I have been in Singapore for 8 years and there is only one thing that worries me and makes me want to go back: social security & healthcare ... Check out the CPF system and see if you're OK with it. Other than that, Singapore must be the ideal place for a single professional to live.

[macaroonie]

Lilium why do you think it's the ideal place for singles to live?

[Hithnar]

Hi Robstar! If you are a single white male, dun worry about social life - you will have a lot of girls interested in you

For me I am definitely happy I moved to Singapore. But I moved from a really dangerous and poor country, so I appreciate living in a developed economy and society.

But as some have mentioned before.. for me its the short end of the financial stick. Most expats my age travel, party, drink and enjoy life. While I have to carefully calculate if I can make it another month without debt.

[TommyD]

Are you glad you moved there?
Yes, but thats probably because i lost my job in Dubai and this is better than being unemployed.

Do you think you will stay there permanently, or at some point you will have had enough and move back home?
Will move back home at some point. I'm from Sydney, it's the best place in the world (fully expecting everyone to argue this point)

Have you made new friends and have a good social life?
Have made some new friends, not a lot and not locals. Social life is acceptable and improving with time.

Are there some things that you can't do / can't get like you could at home and really miss them?
Yes. beaches that are clean and have surf. Cheap beer. 20% humidity. Local pubs. A car that doesn't cost as much as the mortgage.

[maneo]

I have been in Singapore for 8 years and there is only one thing that worries me and makes me want to go back: social security & healthcare ... Check out the CPF system and see if you're OK with it. Other than that, Singapore must be the ideal place for a single professional to live.

If going back means to the US, perhaps you should consider if the Social Security system will be viable and able to provide enough for you to live on when you need it.
At least some degree of financial prudence is practiced here in SG.

By the way, you may not need to "go back" to receive retirement benefits.
"If you are a citizen or national of the United States, you may receive your Social Security payments outside the United States without having to make periodic visits as long as you are eligible for them."
Check out "www.socialsecurity.gov/international/payments.html" on the web.

[SGBoyxxx]

I am a local I do agreed with some comments .

I feel singapore too bad is small.Don;t have much natural secenry here.

next most of us either stay in HDB or apartments.

land is limited here.

most important I feel the city must not be boring.

[bluesky2009]

I came to Singapore 2 years ago and I didn't regret coming over. It's a great place to live, maybe not so hustle bustle city life compared to HK, but you could quite an international flavor over here!