Carrie Ho wrote:er... Im sorry, so does that mean I can join the new company?
You can but there is a risk the Company takes you to court, if you are working for a competitor. identical product line.
If the product line is not identical, I would say take the new job, most courts would look at these problems on a case by case scenario.
The company you are employed with are attempting to protect their own interest, like customer base and business practise. The likelihood of you causing them any loss, is probably insignificant, unless you steal all their customer details, in that case, you may have a problem.
I would just apply for the other job, if your pass allows you too. Like saint says it can be difficult to enforce, unless their is a substantial loss.
I have known it to happen here in Singapore, were employees have been trained up, in manufacturing specialty foods, with secret ingredients, only to resign and start their own manufacturing business, taking some customers with them. You can imagine the conspiracy if 3 employees resign to do their own business, with the secrets of another company.
In your case, take the job and don't worry! Your employer must prove a loss caused directly by you, not an easy task to prove.