eric pm me about he no more working in Sg and he will not host the v4. i think it's time to start a new one. please continue the discussion here...

v4 has been change to v3a...as 4 ....not really a good digit ..pantang a bit

this is the url to back to v3 here

FAQs

Employments:
Job opportunities are still good. Those with higher education level/experience stand a better chance and command a higher starting pay. Good command of English in resume writing or interview is a huge benefit. The following are the list of available online job sites:
1. Jobstreet
2. Contact Singapore
3. Jobs Central
4. JobsDB

The most effective but expensive method is to do it the old fashion way. Come over to Singapore, and then extend your visa to long term. During your stay in SG, flip through the recruitment newspaper and apply for your job through the company itself. This way, you're almost guaranteed to be in front of the queue from those who applied through Jobstreet. You can also attend their interviews without any delays while you're here in SG.

Various employment passes are available to enable you to work in Singapore depending on your skills and pay. Employers will help you in the application of passes. Your job is however pending on the approval of the pass. Information of types of passes are available through MOM's website. Do not worry of what passes you get. Eventually all will allow you to work in SG. Some do fuss about it due to "status" and extra benefits (i.e: credit card and contract phone applications). Just be hardworking and move up the passes or apply directly for PR few years down the road.

All you need to know about PR application and requirements are available here: http://www.ica.gov.sg/page.aspx?pageid=151&secid=150

Please take note that ex Singaporean PRs who renounced their status without serving the National Service will have their job and employment pass applications greatly degraded.

<Need more information on salary bracket and range in different industries to expand. Contributions greatly appreciated>

CPF and Taxes:
Malaysians working under employment/work passes are exempted from paying CPF. Singapore PRs have to contribute to CPF according to the rates found here: http://mycpf.cpf.gov.sg/Members/Gen-Info/C...es/ContriRa.htm

As for the complicated tax returns, i'll just provide the website so everyone can search under their own categories. http://www.iras.gov.sg/irasHome/page01.aspx?id=88

Accomodations:
HDBs everywhere! Prime and new areas should cost around SGD450-600 per room (with or without utilities). You can still find sub SGD400 per room in remote or rundown areas. If you can afford the luxury, apartments and condos are the way to go. SGD800-1200 per room is the current market price. Normally comes with swimming pool and gym facilities.

Below are some useful sites:
http://www.flatsdb.com/
http://www.hdbflat.blogspot.com/
http://singapore.roomsdb.net/
http://easyroommate.com.sg/ (looks more like a dating site )
http://www.sg-house.com/

Transportation:
No need to describe any further. Been compared and discussed too many times between SG and MY. In SG, you can be anywhere in the island just by using public transport. The all too convenient EZ link card can be used in both MRT and bus (even McD yeah!). For places out of reach, taxi is the answer. Don't worry, you won't get touted with expensive fares. They are a bunch of professionals with accurate meters. First entry onto cab is SGD2.80 or SGD3.00. The rest runs on meter plus any surcharges from tolls, airport surcharge or stopping period. If you are travelling in group of 4, taxi is the cheaper option on certain routes compared to others.

SBS bus maps: http://www.sbstransit.com.sg/iris3/nextbus.aspx
MRT maps: http://www.smrt.com.sg/trains/images/tn_networkmap_big.jpg

Malaysians can drive in cars/bikes to work in SG. For SG PRs, you have to drive singapore registered vehicles. More info here: http://www.lta.gov.sg/motoring_matters/ind...oring_guide.htm

Expenses:
This is very subjective depending on the spending power of different individuals. But here are the basic breakdowns on rough estimates:
1. Accoms SGD600 (varies)
2. Food SGD500 (varies)
3. Transport SGD60
4. Entertainment SGD300 (strip it off if wanna save)
5. Shopping $$$

Forummers in SG:



Please PM me if you wish me to add you to the list above
Feel free to contribute and amend any inaccuracies. THX! Let's roll.

This post has been edited by dokidoki: Sep 27 2010, 01:31 PM

1st to report.. !!!

Welcome all Malaysians in Singapore.

Plus, TS.. put a hyperlink to link to V3 leh.

This post has been edited by WyjSwmW: May 11 2010, 10:47 AM

haha, at last somebody is willing to start a V4 for this thread. add me in the list, work in Yio Chu Kang, staying in Sembawang

v3 linked

added you in 22.

Wow, nivcoo former workplace is way far from his residence.

me also stay at sembawang and work in yio chu kang ... hehe

Hihi, working at Marina area and staying in Jurong West:) thanks yea!!

wah~ dun tell me u work in the same company i am working in

added both of u to 1st post.

I somehow or another still like it to be named it as V4 instead of V3a.

vote vote..i follow majority

haha ... may be ...
but may be not also, since there is alot of company at yio chu kang...

First Formal Question in This Thread

Is there any prejudice against Malaysian Chinese in Singapore?

This post has been edited by CognitionCycle: May 11 2010, 12:12 PM

---

Added on May 11, 2010, 12:13 pmSingapore population approx 85% is Chinese.. What do you think?
Malaysia on the other hand 60% is Malay... What do you think?

Having said that, SG will treat all race equally.

This post has been edited by WyjSwmW: May 11 2010, 12:13 PM

technically they will treat all race equally, but in fact, of course chinese would love to get around with chinese instead of ppl from other race.
but what i can see it that the Singaporean chinese is less patriotic compare to Malaysian Chinese. We will call our self Malaysian Chinese but they will still use those terms like I am from Guang Dong, Hokkien, teo chiew that sort of stuff. and the other day Me and My aunty proudly say we are Malaysian and my uncle and cousin is Singaporean, then my uncle become rage. He said what Malaysian Singaporean, we all are Chinese and we are from the same country. no difference 1. i was that he got rage because of that.

What is wrong to think 1Chinese? It signifies how close the Chinese are around the world. The other races have nothing to lose, unless one is a racist who constantly think about zero sum game.

another PR or FT who came to grab jobs and jack up HDB resale price?

Like they say, to each their own. Like china i dont really agree with their politics, then again malaysias own government policy is equally absurd.

---

Added on May 11, 2010, 12:43 pmNo prob since its an open system.

This post has been edited by crapp0: May 11 2010, 12:43 PM

Add me to the list, working in bedok staying at ang mo kio

added you....sg really dun have mamak stall?

Their mamak stall is located at malls with aircond of course..

Been here for about 6 months now. Working at Boon Lay Way, staying at Clementi. Rent $$$ 0_o

contract or long term?

Employment pass.

I wonder those from KL.. how long will you go back once?

I am looking for FT job.

If I were to get an HDB, I need to have a Singaporean GF first, right? If that's true, then it seems things have to come as a package, a girlfriend and an HDB. Sounds unpleasant but GF seems to be an asset already. It's not easy to jack up the HDB price you know?

BTW, I'm interested to buy an HDB, anyone please advise:

Downpayment: SG$20,000
Monthly Payment: SG$3,500
Duration of Payment: 20 years

Hope to buy a SG$650,000 HDB. But then, problem is I'll be tied down in Singapore with this property... sigh... anyone feel the same?

I don't mind if anyone could introduce me a capable GF to help me pay some living expenses

This post has been edited by CognitionCycle: May 11 2010, 02:43 PM

I tend to go back every 3 weeks or so. Need to see the family, gf, drive my car.

Rent @ Clementi Ave 3 is kinda high though. 5 room unit (3 bedrooms) is S$2700.

Why don't u rent a room? SG$500 nia

Yeah I'm sharing the whole unit with my 2 friends, of course not the whole unit myself haha.

What is HDP????

Clementi so old the place... wow... that's expensive! Somemore your place too close to MRT, very noisy right?

going back once every 3 months i guess. been to singapore in Nov. back for CNY and next weekend going back for the 2nd time.

HDB sorry

It's the block area next to the swimming complex, quite new blocks actually, recently renovated. So it's new and not noisy. But yes, it is expensive. Didn't have much choice at the time my friends and I came down haha.

gus and gals,

my house master room need female tenant,share with another gals.

location : AMK blk 343,just next to AMK HUB and AMK MRT.

i am still looking for room but i am a guy

sorry guy room full ady...

Wah.. .so laku one AMK... may get more chances to meet LKY and son

I guess its a shared room. Just say your gay.

Not sure if there any FT jobs that come with a SG gf as a package. Let us know if you really get one.

HDB is for PR or Singaporean. If you can pay $3500/month for housing installment then you may consider condo or private appartment. If you want to buy HDB with a SG gf, you need to show them your married cert within 3 months from the date you sign the contract. So ask for a SG wife as part of the package or just rent a room for yourself.

If I am FT with no CPF contribution, I will not buy a HDB. One of the incentive to buy a HDB is you can pay installment with your monthy CPF contribution.

Resale HDB downpayment is usually 20%. Some seller even ask you for a sum of CASH (10'sK) pay to them directly as part of the deal.

You can sell your HDB anytime when you want to leave SG, there are always buyer waiting.

Find a GF to help you pay your living expenses? don't forget the cost of "ownership"

Condo or private apartment are normally far from MRT and facilities, so car is normally a necessity. Wow... then, up to $SG5,000 of my monthly salary gone leh... just for home and car. How to live May have to consider another part time job, and must get a capable wife I already got an adjunct lecturer position now, don't think I could find another job also.

I just got to realise from you that I don't need a GF or Singaporean wife to buy private condo and apartment. That's good. I may consider that

This post has been edited by CognitionCycle: May 11 2010, 05:32 PM

First off, you can't purchase through a Singaporean "girlfriend" - both of you need to be legally married. Alternatively, you and your spouse need to be Singaporean PRs in order to purchase a HDB resale flat.

Also, your housing loan downpayment of SGD20K is far below the minimum required amount to secure a purchase of a SGD650K flat.

Banks require a MINIMUM of 20% of the VALUED price of the flat which in this case would be SGD130K. Moreover, valuers will always value flats at a price level which is below what the sellers demand, for example a seller might demand SGD650K for his resale flat but the valuer puts it a value of SGD600K. The difference is called a Cash-over-value (COV) in local jargon and must be paid in cold, hard cash (it will not be financed by any banks). This would mean a total cash outlay of SGD130K (downpayment) + SGD50K (COV) = SGD180K.

I haven't included the legal fees, stamp duty and the inevitable renovation costs.

Thanks for the advice.

Wow... that's not easy man. SG$180k as down payment for a decent HDB! I said decent because anything less than SG$500k I consider very small and old, correct me if I'm wrong. I have seen before a unit in Dover at SG$500,000, it is very small four-room flat (3 rooms), I presume about 90m^2.

Anyone please advise how to survive in Singapore leh?!

90 sq metres is considered an average sized unit in Singapore. 5-room units which are 30 years old and barely 100 sq metres (and also needs renovation of at least SGD20-30K) in better locations like Queenstown, Redhill and Tao Payoh are selling for SGD700-800K!

Decent-sized condos (100 sq metres and above) at these locations are going above SGD1 million.

Unlike Malaysia where the property market is relatively quiet and stagnant, Singapore has a runaway property market with locals and foreigners (particularly Chinese nationals) continually buying and selling properties in an ever-increasing spiral where prices of condos can rise 20-30% in a mere 12 months!

can't compare HDB with your malaysia house. Many people are living in 3-room, 4-room flat. IMO, an extra "room" does not make you feel much better. It is still a flat! But the price different for that extra "room" can buy you a double storey house in malaysia.

can't just judge a unit by its price tag.

SG is not that big. There are many condo near MRT, sure have near by bus stop. Bus system here is good enough.

$500k for a decent HDB? I can't imagine I will buy at that price.

k, if you still wanna buy. Remember! buy those with lift at your level and "upgraded" with a utilities room. Don't buy relatively new flat that have potential to get "upgraded" in a few years time.

version 3a? good job TS.. dunt work there but go there for business trips few times a year, office at raffles place.

Hello, me working in Singapore reporting in V3a.

working at ibp j.east... staying at cck/bishan

haha..nobody want maintain..nvmz la..i got spare time for the time being i create lo

Jurlique, alaskanbunny..updated both of u at 1st post.

wah boss u came over to the dark side also hahaa

welcome bro




v3a so next one v3b?

@Lester - reply to feedback on http://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopi...post&p=33630959
Thanks for debit card suggestion. Yeah I have another option to consider now
Anyway, just curious which debit card has the best rebate in terms of higher $ rebate /or/ more options to get rebate?

@tyj82 - reply to http://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopi...post&p=33634308
Pardon me, Nets = payment via ATM card?

@Mackiddo - reply to http://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopi...post&p=33643108
Considering we earn SGD, is it cheaper to buy groceries in Msia and bring back to SG?
What are the cost differences if we include & excludes travelling expenses from SG to JB? Overall, which option is cheaper?

@kockroach - reply to http://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopi...post&p=33651679
Thanks for your feedback

Shit... any advice how to finance property in Singapore? Seems to me monthly salary SG$5,000 also not enough. But then average household income is less than that. So, how does the middle income group survive in Singapore?

If i not mistaken the median household income around 5k. Alot of singaporeans who dont earn that much can survive, that means no eating out very often, no splurging of luxury goods, no holiday etc etc. But they still have a roof over their heads and food on the table, but for some people, that isnt surviving.



This post has been edited by crapp0: May 12 2010, 08:17 AM

any planned gathering?

Why not planned for world cup. All go hang out at coffee shop and buy a couple rounds of tiger.

there is no guarantee you will make money from private property but you will definitely make from hdb flat. that's the main reason i went for the 5-room resale flat. my loan payment 75% cover by cpf and the 25% i'm paying is much lower than the amount you pay for renting a master room ..so buying hdb flat is better than buying shares

---

Added on May 12, 2010, 9:13 amyou can scout for area like bukit panjang. think thats the cheapest location for a hdb flat. 5 room flat cost around SGD$350k ? so 20% will be SGD$70k + COV around SGD$15k + legal and agent fees SGD$10k ? = SGD$95k, excluding renovations

This post has been edited by Mackiddo: May 12 2010, 09:13 AM

Add me to the list, should be starting new job in Jurong East, staying in Chinese Garden area temporarily.

AMK is LKY son's constituency leh. LKY stays in 6th Avenue.

Singaporeans can purchase new flats at much lower prices (SGD200-300K) which is off-limits to the PRs and foreigners. Also, they can obtain subsidy grants on home purchases.

And there is no necessity for a car so they can get on pretty well - in fact, the average Singaporean enjoys a much better lifestyle compared to the average Malaysian.

---

Added on May 12, 2010, 10:12 amDefinitely. In fact, it works out much better for PRs than for Singapore citizens provided the PRs who have purchased resale flats intend to retire back in their home countries in the future when they can monetize their flats and earn a bundle. A conservative guesstimation would be a rise in value of at least 60% more than what you paid for your entire loan package (purchase price + home loan interests + conservancy charges + maintenance works) to the time you dispose of it 20 years down the road when you retire.

This post has been edited by SPS: May 12 2010, 10:16 AM

v3a is to replace the '4' next version will be 5

erm...suggestion...i will only be around in sg june

hehe..coffee shop open till what time?

added you to 1st page.

anyone mind to explain the EP procedure?..after my hr submitted the application...she say i have to go MON to get the EP...is it there will be another round of interview at MOM? mean when i move to SG i will have to use the white card 1st?...then later have to go back to custom after 1month..?

well depend on ur in principal required medical check up or not
if not then just need to go online book the time and submit the required documents eg photos which u can take at EPSC
then wait 1 week, go back to EPSC collect ur EP.

gathering place should be convenient for the rest rite.
McD open 24hrs better la

if let say the 1st day i enter sg with the white card...the stay duration only valid 30days mah..

after i get the EP..do i need to go back to custom to re-enter sg with EP?

I highly doubt that LKY stays at avenue 6 since there doesnt seem to be a private reisdence area over there.

Coffee sure open late for the football fans so no prob, that should also go for bars.

The problem is will there stil be bus or train services after the matches? lol

I'l be joining the workforce in Sg in July, then can join u guys for gathering la for the finals~

stay amk ;work funan-city hall

updated..the forumer working in sg list has been covered with spoiler to prevent the page over stretch..

Add me to the list, i am working in NCS, Bedok and stay in Pasir Ris.

Hi,

After you've got your EP, you dont need to exit SG and re-enter as the MOM will require you to pass them your white card. Anyway, please add me to the list as I'm working in Singapore General Hospital and staying in Bishan.

This post has been edited by SPRINTA: May 12 2010, 12:12 PM

Yea, I checked my name already, its inside the list (spoiler) of forummers Thanks for prompt action TS!!

added
oic, thx for the clarification

u r welcome

hey~ u work in Funan?? which shop? buy from you got discount?

regarding the SG HDB resale price, please check their HDB website @ http://www.hdb.gov.sg/fi10/fi10321p.nsf/w/...es?OpenDocument or http://services2.hdb.gov.sg/webapp/BB33RTI...3PReslTrans.jsp

and dun forget to pay the COV, and stat is here: http://www.hdb.gov.sg/fi10/fi10321p.nsf/w/...OV?OpenDocument

This post has been edited by siberfriend: May 12 2010, 01:26 PM

hey bro... u also work at NCS, me too work at NCS, but in main hub.

all FT....keng...

what is FT mean ?

FT = Foreign Talent

oo...., u work in the company next door hows the culture and environment there? good?

FT = Full Time?!

To disgruntled locals: FT = "Foreign Trash"
Oh well...

There are plenty of mamak stall out there, no? Or you don't know?

for me, FT = foreign toil ...

next door ... apple ar?

well ... for my team ... mostly "ah char", been here for 2 month ++, still eat lunch alone, sianz ... (may be is my problem) haha

hi everyone... i have a question.. i obtained my PR status on 2007 and i have since come back to Malaysia right after i obtain my PR. My PR status is still valid however i was told if i do not work in Singaore for more than 5 years my PR status will be revoked and i wont be able to reapply for PR in the future? is this true? So if i go back to Singapore to work for say 1 year and extend my PR before returning to Malaysia will they revoke my PR?

actually my team is scheduled to move back to hub in end of march 2010 but it was delayed to mid of june 2010 because the network sparepart store still in bedok office. Which department you are working in?

---

Added on May 12, 2010, 3:20 pmwhat is ah char?

my team are quite globalized...got ppl from Thai, Plilipine, India, Malaysia and Singapore..

This post has been edited by f.e.a.r: May 12 2010, 03:20 PM

That means the bangla worker cleaning the void deck is more keng then his local equivalent.

I think ah char refers to Mixed, like rojak.

doubel post.

---

Added on May 12, 2010, 3:32 pmFrom what i gather, you can do the later whereby you get a job on short term basis just to renew your PR.

This post has been edited by crapp0: May 12 2010, 03:32 PM

"ah char" = indian

i work in telco team, as developer, mostly developer is indian.

I just got an offer from NCS amd I will be working in NCS Hub ... i still can't decide whether to stay in spore or commute everyday from JB .. anyone can advice ...

yup, what is "ah char"? indian?

ah char = ah oh.
super good in "roti canai/apo balik"

Indian nationals usually dont eat much meat.

Their meals consist of a bucket load of curry gravy and rice to match with it. They also have the equivalent of soup together with their rice and "sambal" which is mixed veges, not the malay sambal. Their mostly vegetarians.

depend on how you travel.

i try for the 1st week, ride my brother bike from sri orkid to woodland, he work at 7 something, he drop me at some where in woodland, then i took mrt/bus same also after work...

that experience is a nightmare .... dxmn tired...

I'll be working in Spore soon, most probably early June..work at Tanjong Pagar, staying temporarily at Clementi

Pls add me to d list~ Thx