EntrePass / Incorporation

[savestheday]

Ukdesigner - I think I initially read your post as to employ part-time/temp/contractual for the first 6 months of operation and then full-time staff for the remaining 6 months of year one. Which is probably what MOM expect.

After rereading I think you now meant for no staff in the first 6 months and then temp/contractual for the next 6 months. Unfortunately just don't think that will fly with MOM if not employing any full-time staff within the first year.

[jay654321]

I'm in a similar situation myself, have a separate post about this. Swedish live musician wanting to work freelance and reside in Singapore. The only way to do that as I've understood is by starting a business. I did not know about this new requirement to hire minimum 2/4 employees, which will be a problem for me. The link to that info in MOM was broken, does anyone know where to find more info about the new employee requirements?

Sorry to say, lost a lot of hope for Singapore by reading this thread. Is there another city in Asia where there would be more opportunities at the moment, and with less hassle? Hong Kong for example, which would also be an interesting move for me, seems to have even more paperwork...

[ksl]

I believe the gahman are well aware of the employment opportunities in your field of work, so i wouldn't worry too much about the employment aspect, they will be aware of the opportunities that you will be needing roadies, maybe lighting technician and other contract suppliers, this has a knock on effect on the employment figures, the more events you are doing, the more people maybe employed by other contractors.

Your work is involved in the entertainment service sector, its needed to boost the spending, so i think its a good thing and you will not have much of a problem.

One must be realistic, consultants and project managers for example have very little need to employ others, though they do require people to complete the tasks in hand! Its all relevant, though your plan must be very detailed to include the resources you need to fulfil your projects.

Documenting the use of others, to do some of your work will be required, the gahmen is flexible, no matter what the rules state. They want growth, they want to see your company involved in the growth, not just ticking over, while you have a good time.

If they notice any slacking off at all, then questions will be raised on your capability to build business sufficiently enough to contribute to Singapore needs.
Other industries are quite different, there is a 6 month entertainment pass for solo musicians, read moms website.

You can also employ part time workers under 35 hrs a week for your business needs when the time comes. Anybody throwing away 50k will be taken quite serious, its not a great deal of money, but it is to lose and its also good business for the gahmen too!

Your application will bet vetted by business consultants spring, they will be quite critical on your business plan to evaluate your business knowledge and experience, obviously talented people are not always good at business, and that's were gahman comes in with there own business consultants to advise and act as sparring partners, work with them if needed networking in Singapore is the best method to move forward, use the grants available for any updating of your business needs if you qualify, getting involved will all be in your favour!

[savestheday]

Thanks KSL, really appreciate taking the time to reply. In terms of our actual business and everything that goes with it I believe we are in a very strong position to be approved. It's just the employee rules/situatuion that is our biggest dilemma at present. In response:

I totally agree. We don't really require full-time employees, especially within the first year. I would much rather use temp/part-timers as and when needed. As well as contractual/temp employees for the events.

You wrote that the gahmen are flexible no matter what the rules state. Do you believe that if I documented we would be employing X amount of part-timers, X amount of contractual employees and X amount of temps - that this would be enough of a substitute for their 'rules' of 2 full-time employees? In truth, the number of employees we would be employing throughout the year far outweighs just having two full-time employees. We will probably be looking at taking on at least 1 or 2 full timers in the second year to expand.

I would be much happier documenting the above if I knew they were flexible to our requirements. I just don't know for sure, especially with the new entrepass rules. As at the same time I don't want to risk being denied the pass because the people we are taking on are not considered proper employees.

Any thoughts are much appreciated.

[ksl]

Trust me, there are many consultants operating here, that do not employ direct, though they contribute to the growth of Singapore with their projects.

To be a winner you have to deal with all the problems of life, even a refusal on application is not the end of the matter or end of the world, its a problem that needs solving, so be prepared, look at different angles of approach and how you will appeal if a refusal is given. Kind of like chess have a strategy before the game, not make it up as you are playing.

Has a business consultant one needs to look at the bigger picture, Spring who will monitor your progress are business development consultants, they know the business and what is required from industries....

All you need to do is be truthful and very detailed in your business plan, don't try to over exaggerate the forecast, as it will be dropped in the bin. Its about being realistic and in your business it makes sense, what you need, and they are well aware of it.

The 50k is not to be sneezed at, it whittles away the non serious business applications to some extent, and Spring are the ones that will be monitoring your performance.

Your business plan must be very convincing, so you need to sell your vision of success, with a tad of enthusiasm with realistic goals, You will be fine! Follow SE's thread on the business plan.

You can also look at it this way, I am a level headed businessman, i want business to succeed, I read your plan and its feasible and the goals are realistic, you are giving my 50k to try, so why not! I can wind you up any time i want, if you do not perform. That's what spring will be looking at for the entertainment business, its good planning networking and coordination and a lot of people employed.

Don't worry I don't see a problem Singapore needs something new!

[ksl]

OopS! Double post!

[savestheday]

thanks KSL, you have been really helpful and supportive.

can i ask if you are still based in SG? If so, what field of work you are in?

[sundaymorningstaple]

He's a Baron's tester. Really, just check his profile.

Which reminds me, ksl, it's getting about that time again!

[ksl]

He's a Baron's tester. Really, just check his profile.

Which reminds me, ksl, it's getting about that time again!

Yes I agree time to meet up, though I'm off the beer these days, 6 weeks now, due to high liver enzymes! So I'll be on the cheap stuff!

[ksl]

thanks KSL, you have been really helpful and supportive.

can i ask if you are still based in SG? If so, what field of work you are in?

I'm in an advisory capacity on export business development, product development, for our family business, I also represent and advise our Taiwan brand manufacturers on local cultures in Europe and international packaging in regards to legal requirements, we are sole agents for several brands.

I wheel and deal basically you scratch my back and i'll scratch yours, its all about growth and development a win win situation every time, not just some of the time, though its the negotiating and fine details that count, otherwise you end up with a win lose situation, if you find you are losing out, renegotiating is a must, or a change of strategy to ensure an equal playing field, always be prepared for the unexpected to remain cool headed.