Moving from uk to Singapore IT professionals

[Feelohootie]

Hi all,

My husband and I are looking to move to Singapore. We both hold British passports and also have MSCs in our respective field. I work as a system safety engineer and he as a penetration tester (network security).

I have been researching online but as yet not clear if there is a good Market out there for what we do and most importantly the pay is not advertised.

If anyone works in our fields, please we would really appreciate advice on potential salaries, companies who actually do this kind of work and if it's realistic to hope for a move by next year.

We both hold 3 years if experience.

Many thanks in advance.

[Strong Eagle]

You should be aware of a few realities. "IT professionals" are like ants and mold... they are everywhere here... well qualified persons coming from India, Vietnam, Philippines... willing to work for next to nothing to make the jump to a better life. Unless you can demonstrate talents/work experience that separate you from the heard, all you'll be is an overly expensive talent that can be acquired elsewhere for less.

Second, an expat going to work for a local company can be a difficult thing. It's about culture... it's about local customs... it's about race... why hire the expat when the local guy with the connections can relate more? Not saying that it doesn't happen, and not saying the a lot of large local companies, like Starhub, Singtel, etc, don't hire expats... just be prepared for a negative experience and local salaries.

Which brings us to the multi-nationals. Great, except that things like security and safety are global programs... the decisions are made in headquarters in UK, EU, US... the program leaders reside there also. While there may be opportunities here, you need to be aware that the new IT model is centralization of demand management, and design, with build and run being done in the cheapest countries... why have a "penetration tester" (I love that title) in Singapore, when the same role can be fulfilled in India for one fifth the cost.

Not trying to be negative... and I am trying to say that you need a differentiator to be successful.

I really do think I'd like to be a penetration tester, the more I think about it.

[Feelohootie]

Many thanks for your reply. You are right, of course, hence my post in this to find put how realistic our goals are.

We were mainly hoping as these two are fairly specialised that we may get lucky (of course it can go the opposite direction). the move is mainly because we are both after a better quality of life. We don't even mind getting a lower salary as long as we are able to afford an average lifestyle, so although aware that it may not be overly positive, we are still hoping to give it a go.

Penetration testing (I agreem crazy title!) it's actually ethical hacking...

But thanks again,

Much appreciated

[zzm9980]

It depends on the kind of experience your husband has. Does he actually know his shit? Or was he a normal IT guy who read a few books and took the CEH and/or CISSP and now does penetration testing? (don't take offense to this, but it's a valid question that will be asked in soe many words during an interview) If he has real hands-on experience, he should get $10-12k/month at least from many MNCs.

And if he's looking in 3-5 months, send me a PM I might have a headcount open

[zzm9980]

why have a "penetration tester" (I love that title) in Singapore, when the same role can be fulfilled in India for one fifth the cost.

Because most companies have found it can't be fulfilled in India. The skill-set (more like the mindset required) doesn't exist there, almost at all. It's extremely difficult to fill anywhere, really, but that's another discussion.
The positions do exist in Singapore for MNCs, but it's usually a few peripheral spots focussing on regional activities, or you're working for a bank (which is extremely dry, and something infosec people with the right mindset tend to hate).

If he wants to work for a security firm, Coseinc is the only game in town. It's a good game, but again the only one. No idea how they pay.

[Feelohootie]

Many thanks! Will PM you....

Any help on System Safety Engineering anyone? I have been working fro two global companies in the UK, one of which is recognised globally for their systems safety work. My main domain is Aviation but I've also worked in defense. Targeting oil and gas but its difficult tos ee what the pay is on the internet.

Any help would be great!

Thank you

[Feelohootie]

Please do not post CV's in the forum. - moderator

[Feelohootie]

Hi (moderator)

I didnt post a cv, but was answering a question of the general skill set my husband holds as replying as a private message is restricted to me!

[sterling_archer]

hey could you send me a pm with your email address
id like to have a private discussion with your other half about his cv etc