URL for:
V1
V2
V3
V3a
V5


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.

Coach: http://www.journeymalaysia.com/ptasingapore.htm

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:




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This post has been edited by darkages: May 6 2011, 02:30 PM

I like how you took a potshot at the whole hoo-haa about the army boys being pansies XD

visit mrbrown blog for more info. There are few edited photo make me lmao. troop of army with troop of maid on the battle field..

yeah...
hit this link below
SAF

Yo! Subscribed to this thread! Good job fellas!

Nice shot at the SAF.

You could also say "Behind the success of every SAF personnel, there is a maid"

Nah I mean I'm joining the Singapore LYN 'club' hehe. Got a verbal confirmation from the new company, finance line, 80k/year. But don't wanna count my chickens before they hatch, will wait for HR to give offer letter first.

Nothing is confirmed until its in black and white, talk is cheap.

any places to go out from Singapore
JB?
Batam? where else?

for 2 days 1 night.

you don't need 2 days 1 night for JB, 1 day trip its enough. Batam not so sure. 2 days 1 night u can try Melaka or KL, better.

For relaxing, you can try Bintan.

Subscribed to this thread! Good job fellas!

That's great!
What's the position if you dont mind?

Hello friends,

I'll be joining you all working in this little plot of land.

I'm not looking forward to it. Worked in Japan, Taiwan, China and now finally the place i dread to be in Singapoor.

Singapore maybe rich in money but seriously they are poor; theres no land and I feel its so cramped here.

i am dreaming to work in SG....my cousin ,fresh grad,went to work there and enjoying 50k SGD/yr nw...but i think im gonna go study my degree first den go work there...

You don't feel cramped in Japan but you do in Singapore?

Its even more worse in Japan but its not hot all year round, but then again if U asked me to choose between Singapore and Japan I would really think about it.

Japan was 2005, so its a long time ago. Right now, Japan is off limits, I dont want to have special kids; no not that special like X-men special. I'm talking about the bad special.

---

Added on April 8, 2011, 8:41 pmThe softer they are better are the chances of the strong Malaysians to come over and get a good job.



This post has been edited by perkinsonline: Apr 8 2011, 08:41 PM

agreed. so until i see the offer letter with my own eyes i haven't even made a single arrangement to relocate, haha.


In stanchart, but the technology side, handling projects for their wholesale banking. but like crapp0 said - no black and white, for all i know they'll come up with some reason why i should only be getting 48k p.a. on the letter

when i was in china, even if it was in black and white it was no of no use. Contracts were only a formality.

some1 pls help me... i got a quick question... can an ep pass holder with no sg driving license but having msia driving license drive a sg registered car?

no... i dont think so...

yes

r u sure?? any link to proof?? if yes den y pple convert their license??

Answer is no. Only if you have a valid converted Malaysia to Singapore driving license. You can't drive Singapore registered car using Malaysia driving license.

ok better listen to them
hehe

Please do not provide information if you are unsure or you don't know.

if i not mistaken u can only drive malaysia registered car using ur my license... if u wan to drive sg registered u needa convert to sg license...

but my cousin did it....

he drive my registered car??

There's even a story on yahoo sg about a man wearing an army skirt.....seriously....they got nothing else better to blog about.

Oh btw, please add me. Staying in Boon Lay.

Legally or illegally?
I have been in SG for 2 years. Personally, I don't see a single road block so far.
Probably just at night after midnight near club area, which I don't see any too.

This post has been edited by Joshua_0718: Apr 9 2011, 12:51 AM

It has to be illegal. I'm pretty sure you need a sg license to drive a sg car

They just love to generalize all SG army like a sissy la. They are way better than our MY army and NS-men

depends how you look at it, we definitely have more quantity but do u think we have the quality too?

For me, their male are at least fit and prepare to react when there is a war. All the male has to go back to in camp for once a year for a duration of 13 years after their NS?

I see my friend's bf, the way he jog is like running and that he got silver for in-camp test

i am so dead... company gave me a sg registered car to drive a client around for shopping 2molo n sunday... now it is downstairs... arghh!! how, 2molo take car n bring him around? zzz...

btw, where to buy those hiking bag ar? best place... like deuter, northface, karrimor... etc etc

u should have told company u got no sg license....iits rare ppl get stopped in sg; well, unless u driving like a nut u should be safe.

cont from previous V... increment n bonus list 2010

---

Added on April 9, 2011, 1:09 amthis morning i was driving my boss' car... but it was having a msia no. plate... so he must have thought ok... zzzz, 2molo die la...

my eyes short sighted, i dont have specs... cannot see when to bright or dark... driving not so good cause dont know road and have not been driving for a long time.... waaa, so much risk

This post has been edited by alaskanbunny: Apr 9 2011, 01:09 AM

U better tell boss the situation and give him/her other options like taxi etc.

Dont risk it in Sg.

But have u ever seen ppl getting stopped in Sg by police?
I have never.

There is 1 shop at Shaw Tower, ground floor. I used to buy my bag cover from there for my KK mount trip. They do carry vertikal and deuter and other brand as well.

---

Added on April 9, 2011, 1:15 amStop by police yes.
Pass by a road block, nope.

This post has been edited by Joshua_0718: Apr 9 2011, 01:15 AM

Traffic police website stated if the intention to stay in Singapore is less than 1 year then can drive Singapore registered car with foreign driving license. If work more than a year dy, then I think cannot.

i check d 1 year rule for ep ... but it states there msia reg car... zzz

If you reside in Singapore (ie. your residential address is in SG), you need a SG licence to drive any car. The only exception are foreigners who reside in Singapore (ie. non-citizens / non-PRs. All pass & permit holders are foreigners) have 12 months grace.


Which country the car is registered in has nothing to do with what licence the driver must possess. The registration of the car, along with your status as either a visitor/tourist or work pass holder, determines how long the car can remain in or how often it must leave Singapore.



This post has been edited by seantang: Apr 9 2011, 02:14 AM

Thats the spirit of "malaysia boleh". Singapores own motto is "you can do whatever you want, as long as you dont get caught!"

Although it is raining, today is freaking hot. Missing the wet and chilling December.

I would suggest camelbak since it integrates a fluid hydration system into the a normal backpack package since if you like hiking, its very important to keep yourself hydrated at all times.

I have one when i go for work since its a pain to bring a water botol when my backpack can serve as a storage medium for both my equipment as well as a quick to reach water bottle system. I got mine while i was in the states but most hiking and certain bike shops should sell these range since its rather popular.

---

Added on April 9, 2011, 7:08 pmIts not so bad now that its raining, this afternoon was terrible.

This post has been edited by crapp0: Apr 9 2011, 07:12 PM

Just submit my PR application at ICA yesterday.
Very very less ppl there at 5th floor for PR application.
Wonder wat is the approval rate currently?

couldnt see while driving... luckily it was like only 10 minutes

today woke up 7am went to mandarin orchard, then eat breakfast there then to simlim, after that queensway mall then novena square then leasure park kallang then yew tee then boay quay then clarke quay then mandarin then back to yew tee... wanna die already, so damn tired

no police catch... heheheh, 2molo going water skiing at east coast... then return car

got infected by my boss' guess flu... so much for a day

he got 2 deuter 50L, cost 600+ lol nvm la... rich kid... but tatonka so exxp... although design looks so old
lesser and lesser... mine got rejected

What matters for hikers is how the product performs and is it rugged enough that it will last you instead of wearing out prematurely. Worse scenario is your lost and you found out that theres a hole in your backpack and all of your essential survival equipment is lost.

This post has been edited by crapp0: Apr 10 2011, 11:15 AM

Hi all, for bringing back less than $2000 back to Malaysia, which is the cheapest method?

1. physically bring in cash into Msia via money change exchange
2. remittance (is this more suitable for huge amount?

By the way, I heard its cheaper to exchange SGD->RM in SG coz exchange rate higher, is this true? And money changer in City Hall provides best exchange rate?

If you want to do it online, CIMB Sg to CIMB My is free. MBB Sg to MBB My is $15. If you use your CIMB Sg or MBB Sg ATM card to withdraw money in My, it's free. But the e/rate is a bank rate, which is generally not as good as money changer. There are exceptions though like CNY this year when MBB's rate was a full 2 sen per S$ better than money changer.

$2K is small money, Just withdraw from ATM and bring it back to a money changer in Sg or My.

hi guys,
not sure who posted it before...
which saving account(standard chartered) do no required any fee to open, no minimum deposit required and come with ATM card.

I've asked those promoter at stand chart they said they only have 2 saving account
1. passbook saving - minimum fee/deposit sgd 2k
2.e-saving - no ATM

any1 know which product please let me know

Thanks in advance

normally those no minimum fee required account is corporate account la. My company can open Citibank and Stan Chart without paying a single cent, they will give free debit card, cheque book to us. alsoif u get another colleague to open account with them, they will give $10 referral fees.

bro, you mean if you recommend new customer, they will give you $10-00 credit?

errr... but i mean among those top brands... i am sure deuter will do as well as tatonka right? n tatonka looks very outdated, they dont have those like extra pocket, rain cover... etc etc... i dunno much ler, just brought him to buy... i am a fat kid who only work n sleeps on bed.. ntg else
if u got time, then physically bring it back lor... change in msia or in sg... sg i know the one at lot1 cck have very good rates...
although free but does CIMB offer competitive rates?
it is called e-savers acc.

Unless you enquire at every bank on the same day, you'll never know for sure. My experience is that banks will converge on the daily inter bank rate. Possibly a bit better for CIMB and MBB as they might reduce or even eliminate their margin spread as it's intercompany. My feel is that CIMB is out to gain business as they are a new player in Sg, so they will not make themselves less competitive vs other banks. Otherwise their Starsaver savings account will not pay interest more than double that of MBB's iSavvy and SC's eSaver.

Any how many percent does the government take for taxes and cpf per month?

Easily found at IRAS and CPF's websites.

Given two offer options, A, B and C which which is more eye catching to you?

Option A
Salary: RM6000 pm + 13th month salary+ Performance Bonus
Company: MNC

Option B
Salary: S$ 4500 pm + 3 months fixed bonus
Company: MNC

Option C
Salary: GBP 2,000 pm
Company: Local

This post has been edited by mea05key: Apr 10 2011, 09:36 PM

option B, very obvious...

For some reason I thought I saw 13 months bonus but then it would be a no-brainer so I read again. lol

it depend, how far the location A from home town...

B maybe C
If C work in KL

A is for those who get homesick easily, like to live with their parents and go mamak. Basically status quo. But guess what, unless you're significantly above average, your salary's not going to get much more than tht.

B is the choice for those who have a maximum net savings objective. Lower tax and better exchange rate than Malaysia. Same cost of living (S$ for RM if you can see the logic of HDB flat = terrace house in MY, as the mainstream middle-class accommodation). I would also venture that the MNC in SG is a regional operation while it's a country operation in MY. So the opportunities for promotion would be higher in SG.

C is for those who die-die must live with their former colonial masters. The GBP has lost much of its former strength. With the taxes and living costs in UK, this is probably the most "living like a Bangla" option of the 3.

This post has been edited by seantang: Apr 10 2011, 10:55 PM

Thank you for your reply. That is a very interesting insight from you.

A or B is fine but definitely no C. The UK economy is S*it now. Friend who came back from UK told me the government laid of 20k public servants.

If u had a choice to go China. When I was in China I was having the time of my life!!

I wish I can go back there......

option b

Any good recommendation where to find a place to stay if work near Suntec Tower? Any kang tau?

This post has been edited by weihong: Apr 11 2011, 12:24 AM

Yeah, the economy in UK and Europe is doing very poorly now and with the current exchange rate, it seems there is more reason to work in Singapore. The salary range is comparable. I don't know about China. haha, I have a friend who worked in China after graduated. He went back to Malaysia after less than 2 years. He told us about his food poisoning experience.

Can anyone briefly share with me regarding EP application? The HR personal informed me that she has sent the IPA to my home address and I should be getting it soon. I have this idea that I can work using the IPA then collect the EP when I am in Singapore. Am I right thinking this way?

I am confused because from previous replies in the forum, I note that some people actually have gotten their EP pass before starting their work in Singapore. Can anyone please help me to clarify? Thank you in advance.

---

Added on April 11, 2011, 2:26 amI searched for my accomodation using FlatsDB website. There a lot of rooms for rent listed on the site. I think the only drawback is the rooms are advertised by agents which means agent fee is unavoidable.



This post has been edited by mea05key: Apr 11 2011, 02:26 AM

hi guys, i got 4 tics for sale @ http://www.ski360degree.com/

it is valid for anyday including weekends and its for 2 hours ^^

only sgd 15/pax, normal price sgd 64

location is at east coast park...

Top tip if your serious on your hiking equipment, see what the guy from man vs wild uses during the show. I am not familiar with tatonka.

I do know for rugged luggage, the best option is pelican cases.

Any expiry? Can take only 2 or 3 tickets?

beside looking at the salary, u also have to consider the political stability, inflation rate, increment, 'safety', career and promotion.
I will prefer option (B).... political stability (stable), inflation rate (4~6%), increment (4~12%), 'safety' (low criminal rate), career (most of the mnc r regional hq/brighter future) and promotion (oh ya, u have work double hard as u r earning double currency + other competitors from china, india, and phillipines).

If u love to travel a lot, option (B) is a good-to-go and you wouldn't feel pain when u travel to Aus/Japan/US/Euro/etc...^^

Would like to check it out but unable to right now due to company filter.

Hi there,

Jz rcv my appointment letter.
Nid to read it thoroughly b4 i sign to avoid bein conned! Lolx!
Can anyone xplain da following?

- In line with company flexible wage framework, 15% of ur salary will classified as MVC (Monthly Variable Component)
Wow!Wat do i hvta pay?I tot v foreigner r gettin da salary in nett wiv no CPF involves.

- You will be responsible for income tax on your remuneration.
Hw do i run da tax in dis case?

Thnx in advance for ur response!

Option A. i'll never leave malaysia....again....ever.....nuff said..

MVC 15% means if your company not doing well, they have the right to lower your salary by max 15%

"MVC is a “standby” component to be used by employers to bring down wage costs in sudden
and severe business downturns to survive and save jobs. Monthly Variable Component ((MVC) forms part of monthly basic salary. It is to be included in computing overtime payment and CPF contribution."

This post has been edited by giorgene: Apr 11 2011, 12:44 PM

Some company that implements this eventhough its abit of a boom session in singapore. Or more accurately last year but im still seeing the effects of last years unprecedented growth rate.

Looks like someone screwed up managing the company or their just really stingy.

Hi Georgene n Crappo,

Thnx for ur response.
So means they can lower my salary anytime without my consent? Whenever they r not doin wel. OMG!
Is dis MVC practice common in Sg?
N oso,wud like to knw hw do i run tax?

Not sure about the "without your consent" but most business would at least inform you about any deductions to your salary if the financial situation is going down the toilet. I suggest you clarify with either HR or management in the event that MVC kicks in, would they cut your salary without your consent and on what factors would influence the company to implement MVC.

You calculate your taxes very similar to the MY style.....

Here's the tax rates table taken from IRAS singapore
Income Tax Rates

You will never leave Malaysia or you will never be able to survive out of Malaysia?

got anyone interested to share a common room in bugis?
5 minute walk to mrt.

im not sure about all these common rooms, what do you mean by common rooms? can have some pictures?
I will be working in singapore starting june, but not sure about details living in singapore,

Common room means a bedroom in an apartment (usually a govt type which we called HDB flats) without attached toilet.

common room at least could stay 3 people in a room.

The real issue when it comes to question working in Malaysia or Singapore, is standard of living vs quality of life. Of course this does not apply to expatriates.

I think its good to venture away from ones comfort zone especially at young age to gain more working and life experience. A good pay can be a good motivating factor to work harder and ignore some of the miseries of being away from home. But I doubt I will be staying in Singapore for good in my life - looking at somewhere less stressful , for that case Malaysia is wonderful.

You and every other malaysian has the idea of working overseas to earn big bucks and retire back since the cost of living isnt that high.

Does the landlord know about this?

I gave up on Malaysia. Maybe Aussie, NZ.

Depends.....if the landlord is staying in the same HDB unit...they'll normally specify if that room is for single/couple sharing or more...but to me..i will get 1 to room for myself...because i would like to have some privacy....work/outside no privacy....