URL for:
V1
V2
V3
V3a


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.

To those who like to join into the mailing list for future functions/gatherings please PM me following details

LYN username:
Real name*:
Phone*:
Email*:
MSN*:
YM*:
Skype*:
Facebook*:
Friendster*:
Work at:
Stay in:

*Privacy enabled: yes/no (yes-only me can contact you, no-others allowed to see you details)

This post has been edited by washabushi: Mar 7 2011, 01:19 PM

You can add me into the list:


40. RecruitingtheBest- Working at CityHall area, doing headhunting-specialize in recruiting for Big4s and banks.

This post has been edited by RecruitingTheBest: Dec 1 2010, 07:59 AM

yeah , add me too :

41. KL(kl87) , stay : redhill , work: redhill

u can help me amend also. i no longer staying in Sembawang, moved to JB already Still working in AMK. If anyone wanna know about the current life of working in Singapore and living in JB, can ask me

Haha.. then please share your current life!

redhill construction should either b T---N or M-------T or S-----A

My Routine is like this, Alarm put 5:30am, snooze until around 6:20am, wake up wash face and change cloths. leave my house around 6:40am. Go Taman Pelangi da pao Nasi Lemak (with luncheon meat) RM2. reach Singapore immigration around 7:10am. queue for around 30-40mins (these few days the queue is getting longer and longer, previously is around 20-30mins). enter Singapore at 7:50am. reach my office at 8:05am. Go gym and bath, 9am start work. then 6pm go home, reach JB normally around 7:10pm, then go makan and reach home around 8pm. Basically its not really that bad coz when u are on the queue, just load more drama/anime on ur iPhone, then just watch 1 episode drama and it should be your turn already. Unless its raining, then can only listen to music lo since scare iPhone will get wet if watch drama .

middle

iccc......my x-comp lol

best training ground for newbie .... pressure

dont really agree lol.......

Guys just a suggestion, plz feedback if u dont think it appropriate

I'll collect all forummers details, if any of the forummer would like to organize anything they contact me and i help him/her to spread it to the others.

For privacy reason, only i will keep forummers particulars unless he/she allows other to have it

May PM me with below details

LYN username:
Real name*:
Phone*:
Email*:
MSN*:
YM*:
Skype*:
Facebook*:
Friendster*:
Work at:
Stay in:


*Allows other to see your details: yes/no (if yes I'll post on the 1st page if no I'll keep it myself and never disclose to others)

plz comment

This post has been edited by washabushi: Dec 1 2010, 10:51 AM

LYN username: Rickysim84
Real name: Sim Ee Tze
Phone: 82389201 (won't pickup while i am working due to no HP allowed)
Email:
MSN:
YM:
Skype:
Facebook:
Friendster:

Seriously, I dont see the point of posting real name & hp no in a forum...

no problem,

real name i'm referring to how he or she should be called instead of LYN username.
i think they will feel awkward calling me washabushi. they can call my name ferdinand or fer instead.

hp for gathering purposes
if u feel insecure you may actually let me know that only me(moderator)can know. I will not let others know.

is that ur real pic ? pretty sure many ppl will start calling u now

suggestion.. TS, pls put a V4 in the thread title

Did the moderator close the O&G thread as well for being "over 2500 posts"?

Pic do lie

yeah

I now stay in Bishan n work in TPY

my email / msn / facebook is still the same : hooi15661@hotmail.com

its actually V5 instead since we got V3a previously. So Anyone wanna car pool with me from KL-SG on 2nd Jan 2011?? I will be driving, looking for some passengers to ease the travel expenses

bro.. u got typo on your WTS thread

13-inch: 2.66GHz : RMRM4700

is it true tat finding employment opportunity in sg would be difficult as the employers r looking for PR of Sg or singaporeans?

Looks like I am the only 1 working in SG but staying in JB.... haiz~~ what to do... all people here salary high high , only small potato like me got peanut salary and have to commute daily

it is.

---

Added on December 1, 2010, 9:31 pmYou boleh tahan ma... Commuting like that, most people beh tahan.


This post has been edited by seantang: Dec 1 2010, 09:31 PM

That's almost always the case in any foreign country, so your credentials have to be noticeably above average.

just updated,

there's a guy working in tuas staying in JB...

555.

Thats normal.

new boy here. just got to singapore and started working together

kian26, farrer road; choa chu kang

so lonely being here = ="

---

Added on December 1, 2010, 11:19 pmdont think so, some are looking for cheaper salary like those from philipine,china,india and etc
malaysian,pr, singaporean are more on the high side. imho, i have gotten thru all the interviews,so far so good.
i guess its depending how good you communicate wth them

This post has been edited by kian26: Dec 1 2010, 11:19 PM

Landlord just raised my rental. 1 person staying near Lakeside MRT for $500...is that considered expensive? Haven't checked rental rates in awhile.

Thinking of staying at JB too since I work in Tuas. But nowadays too many OT, finish 8.30 can't imagine what time I can reach home if stay at Gelang Patah there.

i stay at depot road paying 550 for a room..i think mine is on the high side..
but since i work in bukit merah i walk to work daily so i save on transportation.

i stay at Bukit Gombak very near to MRT rental at 380 first, then now increase to 500 (include PUB)

I think it's pretty clear. Ricky's a dude

Could you tell about lifestyle near sembawang...i will be working there soon just would liek to know abit. Since i will be working for sembawang shipyard, could you suggest area's where i could find a accomodation.

Basically Sembawang have almost all the necessary there. such as NTUC, Banks, Food and also clinics. not so sure about Shipyard because most of the time, i will be lingering around Sun Plaza and SSC.

u never know also, nickname do lie

i can be a girl and using a guy name to avoid stalkers

No worry, I am commuting daily too. Normally I will take the TS8 bus to SG, and going to JB, either JB-SG Express bus or stop at Marsiling MRT and walk to Woodlands checkpoint. Or sometime lazy, I will take Cab.

Guys, just a quick question if you're earning about 9-10K RM in Malaysia. what would be your expected salary to work in SG ?

It depend on ur working experience, working field, private company or mnc and so on

Very general rule of thumb, about 90% or S$8K-9K.

But it really depends on which industry you're working in, size & type of company and whether the job size is really the same. There are simply more regional and global job sizes in Singapore. KL is mainly local/national and maybe some regional.

This post has been edited by seantang: Dec 2 2010, 12:07 PM

wao ! if i can earn rm9k in malaysia , i will not leave malaysia !

rm9k/month is actually not much in todays standard

RM9K a month is about RM117K a year (assume 13 months salary). Tax is about 15K on 100K taxable income and EPF is 13K or 11%. So, your take home is only 89K or RM7416 each month (average over 12 months).

In contrast, S$117K in Singapore will be taxed $8.5K. CPF is $12.6K. So take home is $96K or S$7991 per month.

So, not only is your take home higher, but also a much larger portion of salary deductions goes to your pension fund rather than to the govt.

And if you save 50% of your take home, you will end up with RM45K in Malaysia after 1 year. In Singapore, it's S$48K or RM110K @2.3.

But frankly, I find that it much easier to save a higher % of my take home in Sg than Malaysia. For instance, I'm going to buy an iPad or Galaxy Tab for Xmas. In Malaysia, that would eat X% of my salary. In Singapore, the % is much smaller... X%/2.3.

This post has been edited by seantang: Dec 2 2010, 02:16 PM

I agree with you. It's easier to save in Singapore than in Malaysia. I do my groceries shopping in SG bi-weekly and in fact, I save a bit more than when I purchase it in Malaysia. Generally, surprisingly, things are cheaper than in Malaysia (some of them). In KL, I have to factor in all the Tolls and Patrol I have to pay as well.

Long time never visit here, already V5 so fast.
Wasabushi, where you stay and work now?

PS: some item in msia is still much cheaper than in singapore
Eg. Or_l B product, is almost same price but different currency.


This post has been edited by jimmy79: Dec 2 2010, 02:56 PM

Your salary is also almost same number but different currency.

And for most big ticket, imported, non-household, non-food, non-consumer items - the prices are at parity no matter which currency you spend.

It's all about earning and spending power.

Last thing is how much of your income do you spend on these items... I might buy 2 tubes of toothpaste a year for S$20 at most. But I also buy a 2 mobile devices a year for S$2000. It's much more beneficial to me that mobile devices are cheaper or same price as in Malaysia. Toothpaste can 10X more expensive in Sg than My but still have insignificant impact on me.

This post has been edited by seantang: Dec 2 2010, 03:07 PM

Yeah, for most big item. singapore still cheaper and its not worth while to carry from msia to sg also.
What I want to say is some item in msia still cheaper and since it is small, you can save some by buying from msia. We are msian and go back from time to time so just take the opportunity to save some money.

The amount might be little but when add up its still a lum sum of money, of course it might be little for ppl earning high salary. But for family especially with children, every penny is important. You can save the money for the other purpose right?

To:
6.30am (Bukit Indah Interchange) - 2nd link to BOONLAY MRT/ JURONG ISLAND.
1 way (2nd link) - RM10

From:
6.30pm BOONLAY MRT/ JURONG ISLAND - RM10

One of my friend is driving daily and if anyone interested let me know.

Starting Jan 1st 2011

toughnut - Jurong; Boon Lay (probably, yet to secure room)

working in Tanjong Pagar, staying in Fernvale, Sengkang
everyday need to travel 1 hour to work

so how bout u?
buy house liao?

I agree boring...
Add me as well
Live-Aljunied. Work - Raffles Place

Any sabahans here? i'm going back this weekend =)

cosmetic products cheaper in malaysia. while, books cheaper in singapore. you still can move some of your stuff from malaysia eg. tuna, biscuit, detergent powder..........................................you can save $$$$$

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Added on December 2, 2010, 10:13 pmme too also stay at that area. master bedroom $500 does not include PUB, PUB a month around $50

This post has been edited by tsm: Dec 2 2010, 10:13 PM

Haha but my room is just normal room in a 2+1 hdb.

$$$$$? How much tuna, biscuits, detergent powder do you eat?

normally you all go back Msia, which prepaid phone sim you all using ? I'm currently using Digi Easy Prepaid, the prefect solution for my iP4 coz data plan only rm3 per day unlimited, can make call also.

Yup, now I working in serangoon north, stay at yew tee. Almost 1 hour for travelling to work also. Already move in since March.
Aiyo, cannot ask u get cheaper samsung galaxy tab liao?

I want!!!!

SG Canteen Operator who stay in JB?

Rm0.50 can drinks sell at S$1, Rm2 Nasi Lemak sell at S$2.50...

Umm, you reckon NEA or AVA will let a licensed canteen operator do that?

It isnt a problem if your an illegal canteen operator.

I'm going back on 3rd Jan , expected heavy traffic on Plus highway and also very bad traffic jam at causeway on the 2nd.

I think 3rd Jan early part of the day will have a very heavy traffic too.

yeah, but main concern still the causeway

Yeah I think it will be crowded too. Cos some of them might work for 1/2 a day and going home back to JB in droves, SG-poreans going to JB for last minute shopping. I am also worry that day on how to get through the causeway in 2 or 3 hours! Hope that I am wrong.

i think i will be arriving at the Causeway around 1am 2nd Jan, still got jam meh?? 1am wor... those people no nid sleep?

Hopefully. Most likely I will have to do that when getting out to JB and subsequently back to KL.

from wat i heard since the 2 casinos open its jammed even during the wee hours of the morning lol

no la, in the morning around 6:40am, causeway no jam 1 la. every morning i am traveling there now. so i know. only motorcycle will be queuing to pass the causeway.

As far as the eye can see right?

Plus if its raining, all of you have to slowly push yer motors in the rain.

many canteen food are import from Malaysia, maybe not those in orchard road.

NEA and AVA only care if they prepare the food in clean and safe way. Where you buy or how much you pay for that packet of rice, sugar etc is not so easy to monitor.

its not eyes can see la, i am experiencing it everyday now. under certain reason, today the immigration is very smooth. even there is a lot of people, but i queue less than 20 mins can pass already (normally around 30-40mins). so i reach my office in 1 hour time. really nice. regarding raining, you can also see that everyone has their own rain coat la. i even put a pair of slippers in my bike for rain. It actually quite nice. when we are queuing under the rain, the queue will be shorter and also normally the road will be a bit flooded, so can play with the water a little bit while queuing .

I think intelligent illegal canteen operators will not put themselves in a position where they subject the inventory for their illegal activity to daily customs scrutiny.

not all canteen are like MNC and have to be audit. They are not so rich to avoid some risk. You are thinking too much.

You are correct. Most foodstuffs in Singapore are imported from Malaysia. But by licensed and registered importers.

There's a difference between importing commercial quantities and bringing in food for personal consumption. There's a ceiling weight & value specified for personal consumption, if I'm not mistaken.

As above. Imports of food like meat, vegetables etc are regulated. The distinction between import & personal consumption applies.

So, it's not just how food is prepared, but also what food is being prepared.

---

Added on December 3, 2010, 2:35 pmAsk your canteen operator. Do they go to JB every morning to buy a couple bakuls of veges or do they buy from the wholesale importer? Perhaps you're simplifying things too much?

Anyway... see the 2 following websites:

AVA - Bringing Food into Singapore... the key seems to be <5kg.

Importing food products into Singapore

This post has been edited by seantang: Dec 3 2010, 03:30 PM

Actually even for me who take bus, the traffic now is smoother. Used to take longer time to get across the crossway. However, the traffic jam in BKE and PIE is unbearable. I am pondering of taking the MRT to Marseling and walk to Woodlands only then take a bus. Anyone walked before? Just curious.

Any suggestion on venue to have company D&D that able to cater for about 20 people? Spacious space to play games too.

This post has been edited by Joshua_0718: Dec 3 2010, 03:25 PM

Do i need to provide any documentation when going Sg? Just passport and IC enough?

you are thinking too much and too high from the ground.

Today is friday, have a nice weekend.

---

Added on December 3, 2010, 4:15 pmBring your Original Cert if your company need to verify it.

Are you going to apply any social visit Pass(for family member) or PR? If yes then visit the ICA website to see the list of document to bring.

This post has been edited by r1v3r: Dec 3 2010, 04:15 PM

You do not need your IC to go into SG. What you need is your passport and to fill in the Singapore Custom Whitecard.

I might be. But it's usually great to rationalise until you run into someone who goes 100% by the book.

It is indeed. This weekend will be nice... shopping for a HDTV and a tablet. You have a good weekend too.

This post has been edited by seantang: Dec 3 2010, 05:07 PM

hey peeps.. enjoy your weekends!

If I were to move to SG to work as a programmer, what average monthly expense (including rent, transport) is needed to survive?

edit:
Found answer in previous thread liao, sorry for spam!

Around SGD1500 hmm also can survive meh hmm...

This post has been edited by Currylaksa: Dec 3 2010, 07:07 PM

mcdonald?

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Added on December 3, 2010, 6:58 pmI tried surviving the whole month less then 200 dollar

the 1st time i come from malaysia i didnt bring enough money

by the way, my company hiring customer service exec...
salary should be around SGD2k
my boss ask me to look around for suitable candidates
requirements u may call me...coz i'm working same role...

This post has been edited by washabushi: Dec 3 2010, 07:01 PM

Any1 here looking for a roommate?

Btw which is the best transport to commute to n fro between Msia n Sg?
Pls specify the company n price. Thanks!

I am, but not going bk there since age of 4.

cannot la...
Korean company not good...pay not much work too much

It will be the same amount of average monthly expenses to survive if u more to SG to work as a non-programmerr...hahaha gotcha..just kidding man...

can let me know the requirement and also what product are you supporting? i got 2 friend looking for job in Singapore. got around 2-3 years exp in Customer service line.

me too HDB 2+1. no cooking

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Added on December 3, 2010, 9:24 pmevery week, I eat 1 can of tuna (from malaysia), 3 eggs (bough in singapore), 3 cucumbers (in singapore), multigrain bread (singapore), zespri kiwi (singapore). Everymonth, 1.5kg of milk powder from malaysia. Every 2 months, Jocob biscuit from malaysia, uncle tobby cereal bar (singapore).

Actually, expenses in Singapore not really high except if you want to buy a house. personal expenses include rent about $1000 or less. Last time, when I stay in Australia, every month at least $1500+++ (if I cook most of my meals). additional, cannot bring things from malaysia to there.


This post has been edited by tsm: Dec 3 2010, 09:24 PM

I have to work on friday night. Just finished and about to lock the place before going home.

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Added on December 3, 2010, 10:49 pmanyone of you doing >12 hour shift work?
How do you recharge your "battery" other than drinking chicken escence?

I have OT on almost every Mon, Wed, Fri night + my full time day jobs for ~2 months. I am almost "flat" after friday night.



This post has been edited by r1v3r: Dec 3 2010, 10:49 PM

car of coz. train also ok

This post has been edited by Mackiddo: Dec 3 2010, 11:01 PM