SINGAPORE LOWYAT GATHERING

Venue: HardRock Cafe Orchard
Date: 26 Oct 2013
Time: 7.30 -10pm

URL for Previous Thread (v14): http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/2823978
Chat Thread is Here: http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/2220419
Gathering Thread is here: http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/2991845

FAQs

Employments:
Job opportunities are always available for those with higher education level & in-demand work experience. The following are the list of available online job sites:
1. Jobstreet
2. Contact Singapore
3. Jobs Central
4. JobsDB
5. eFinancialCareers.sg

MOM Pass Category as for 1/7/2013

Work Permit Less Than S$2200

S Pass More Than S$2200 ,less than S$3000

E Pass (Q1) More than S$3000

E Pass (P2) More than S$4500

E Pass (P1) More than S$8000

Q/A:

1. Is there any difference between all these passes above?
YES and NO

YES: You may only apply credit card in Singapore with S pass above for most financial institution in Singapore
YES: If you bring to bring in your spouse and unmarried or legally adopted children below 21 year into Singapore with Dependant Pass, you pass must be E Pass (Q1) above and earn more than S$4000
YES: For E Pass, you may use the Autogate in Changi Airport , no need to go through ICA checkpoint.

NO: You can work in Singapore with either of these passes.



The List above will change every half year as per planned by MOM. Please note that your salary will not directly correspond to the pass directly due to quota reason etc.

The most effective but expensive method is to do it the old fashion way. Come over to Singapore, 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. Do note that you can only stay 30 days at a time, and a total of only 60 days out of every 90.

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.

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/Employers/Gen-Info...ri/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 SGD600 and above per room (with or without utilities). You can still find small & cramped sub-SGD400 per room in remote or rundown areas. If you can afford the luxury, apartments and condos are the way to go. SGD1000 onwards 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/
http://www.sg-house.com/
http://www.propertyguru.com.sg/

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
Directions: http://gothere.sg/maps or http://maps.google.com.sg/

Malaysians can drive in their Malaysian registered cars/bikes to work in SG but you must pay the S$20 VEP fee for Car and S$4 for motorcycle per day and also toll charges applicable depending on vehicle type and point of arrival/departure (Tuas/Woodlands Checkpoint).ERP charges apply if you are entering city area at certain period. More info here:http://www.lta.gov.sg/content/ltaweb/en/ro...oll-charge.html



For SG PRs, you must drive Singapore registered vehicles. More info here: http://www.lta.gov.sg/content/ltaweb/en/ro...-a-vehicle.html

Further Information about Converting your MY license to SG license:



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 $$$

TO CHECK FOR YOUR PR APPLICATION STATUS, KINDLY VISIT THIS LINK
https://ienquiry.ica.gov.sg/index.do

TO CHECK EP APPLICATION STATUS, VISIT THIS LINK
https://eponline.mom.gov.sg/epol/PEPOLENQM0...isplayAction.do

This post has been edited by jasonkwk: Oct 23 2013, 07:08 PM

Previous thread post count list

Poster Posts
xtylish 163
jitshiong 157
Mackiddo 148
yhoong12 148
seantang 113
JohnJon82 111
deodorant 108
megadisc 100
alaskanbunny 98
Fiona Chin 90
crazy25kid 60

1st.....congrats in new thread.

employment trending news
slowpoked


http://www.stjobs.sg/career-resources/hr-u...ompany/a/119819

the video : http://youtu.be/m8xt30pENQA

http://www.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/...522-424471.html


Typo? I also want $500 increment every month

Hi All,

Need some verification regarding my starhub account

1 year ago I signed for their post paid plan (no contract)....I was holding S pass back then which requires me to deposit $200 for opening an account with them

However, now that I have been upgraded to E-Pass and actually E pass does not require any deposit....

I called them trying to ask ways on getting back the deposit, the lady told me that unless I terminate my account, there is no way I can get my deposit back!

Has anyone been through the same process? Can verify?
Cos sometimes call centre information is just NOT ACCURATE!

yes, the lady is correct. u cannot get back the money until your contract is terminated.

there isn't any contract to begins with.

what if you tell them you wanna sign a contract but with existing account ?

So I made a trip down Starhub at Plaza Singapore and they told me they will be issuing me a cheque.

But it will take 4 WEEKS! wow...fast on collecting money slow on returning them...the usual stuffs

Anyway....I would say what the call center person told me is not right...The receptionist at Starhub told me right away I can get my deposit back...in fact a lot of people did that before

MYTH BUSTED!

WHAT!!!!. i kena conned

just started working here in sg

I have question regarding PR Application.

ICA website stated that Eligibility to apply for one of the option :

c) P, Q or S work pass holders


But it did not mentioned the validity of the Work Pass require.

Anyone know if there is any requirement of validity for the Work Pass? Because I booked an appointment in Aug and my pass expired the same month >"<

better if u contact ICA most likely they would allow u to apply, but if approved and u dont have valid work pass/not approved for extension.. the whole process is void

Eh I heard if apply in 6 months more likely to fail I'm thinking whether to take a risk and apply now, or wait till 1 year and then apply...

Nice new tread..

Thought you are acca member and some world medalist? Should be no problem for professional and world top. Know one case approved after 1 month working here.

since feb many Q renewal got rejected but offered S if applicant still want to continue employment. many S flooded the pr booking system immediately hoping not to go thru renewal process again after two years. mom may do off with S then .

i also intend to apply for pr...but heard its not gonna be favorable for any applicant towards year end due to quota..

Currently, I don't think even 1 year would stand much chance of getting approved, let alone 6 months. You should have a look at the Singapore Expat forum to get an idea of the current situation, I reckon they have a fairly good discussion forum on PR-related matter.

So sour eh? Let it go laaaa

are u earning >sgd 12k/month?



nvr try nvr know.. and it is free

that's a women la..

Guys,

I'm looking for budget hostel for backpacker around west area. I know alot around central area....but west area hardly any...

If anyone knows please let me know thanks!

why worry??....my wife works in malaysia n not stay in singapore, applied PR last year also get approved within 3 months.....so, take your chance...

congrats

and

welcome

abord

Malaysian Chinese typically got shorter wait times and higher chances of approval for PR approval I think.

those were the good ol days

not sure bout now though ...

She apply on her own account or you sponsor her under spouse PR scheme?

They r expecting u guys to contribute to nation building.. Need more consripts for SAF

Cna meh? Not even working or investing wor..

Own account? Like LPR?

Normally have to work how long to be safe in applying the PR? Abit scared cause I saw my colleague from Pakistan got his EP rejected... He worked in my company for 2 years ady, with a engineering degree + MBA...

Your wife is prolly under the spouse sponsored scheme, which is pretty much a different category.

The general trend seems to be so, but gone are the days where people can get their PR within the first year of staying here, even for Msian Chinese I feel. Preferred yes, but not everyone who applies will get it. I have seen friends who got rejected because they applied too soon. I got mine previously after my first EP renewal, which was after a 2 years stay.

And the above, is simply assuming that everyone here is Msian Chinese.

Butthurt much? No generalizations were made, I simply stated a fairly known unwritten fact about SG PR approval chances. If you're chinese then you can take heart a bit, if you're not chinese then what I said doesn't apply lor.

so srory to hear that

Butthurt? Not me, why would I be, are you? I was replying to someone's specific question, you put that statement in reply to me, so I assume you are replying to that person as well? And by saying that, you are assuming the person I was referring to is MC.

If you think no generalizations were made, then so it be lor.

Chill guys yo. chillax
Hehe.

Anyway, I'll probably try my luck sometime next year then. Not gonna risk it.
On forex, MYR is strengthening against SGD. Personally I suspect MYR will continue to strengthen against the back of post-election spending for the short term, so I'm thinking of holding back on sending cash back to KL.. But anyone here thinks I should still send cash back anyway?

Next question is.. anyone knows a good cheap massage (the clean and proper kind)? My muscles are sore all over from camping in front of my laptop all day

Not souring you la. Just saying some cases I know of. Member of professional bodies has some weightage. The form has some area to fill in your professional body and achievement right? If no use they won't put inside the form. If really desperate you can put from primary school to date.

See, his wife not in SG no job here also approved...

for massage matters, can pm reign226 or deodorant. they would know where to recommend you, proper or otherwise

This post has been edited by Mackiddo: May 28 2013, 03:36 PM

come jb lah ...

In general 1 year.. Cause's from paki.. Potential terorrist I guess or his qualification not recognized? Or his income too low?

Risk what? Ntg to lose but all to gain..

Do u hv obligations u hv to meet? If not, then spread out ur remittance.. Dis is called averaging.. Unless u get big disc for sending a lot ler..

Try those prc massage centres at bugis..

potential terrorist I do not know la.. haha.. but his income definitely not low.. hahaha.. oil and gas engineer.. hehe..

I don't think any application is rejected because the application was "too soon". It's always on a case by case basis. The stronger your educational/professional profile; the more your age/gender/family status/nationality/race/religion fits or complements the "Singaporean Core", and the lower the political pressure at that time... - the more likely your application will be approved, notwithstanding whether you applied "too soon" or not.

This post has been edited by seantang: May 28 2013, 08:44 PM

His profile definitely doesn't fit the Singaporean Core. And probably not considered a good complement to the Indian, Hindu part of the core as well. Might even be looked at as a negative or destabilising/antagonistic long term presence.

Recently I got an offer from a consultant eng firm with a starting salary of SGD2800. Initially I though it was okay and I assume that most company will have a standard pay for new hire... so I don't really bother to negotiate...

but... people told me that the salary is way below market rate for Singapore standard... and the rent there is freaking expensive
Now I feel kinda stupid and feel that I'm being taken advantage of...

My academic qualification is fairly above average and I am currently attached with a MNC in Malaysia... but after 6 months I fell like I'm not really learning anything and I was bored... that's when I decided to explore my options else where...

but now I'm having second thoughts about the offer but I feel obliged honor my agreement with the SG company...

Any advice for some one who is just starting out like me

This post has been edited by rawrkun: May 28 2013, 09:10 PM

you dad? i dont know.. please elaborate

miao.. lets keep comments towards sg issues shall we? not like d guy above..

10 most in-demand jobs in Singapore revealed

Office support, supervisors topped 2013 survey.

Manpower Singapore has released the results of 8th Talent Shortage Survey, which found that as the global talent shortage continues to intensify, 47% of employers in Singapore are experiencing difficulty finding staff with the right skills.

Global results of ManpowerGroup’s Talent Shortage Survey reveal 35% of employers worldwide are reporting shortages, the highest level since prior to the global economic crisis. Employers in Singapore are having the most difficulty filling jobs in Office support, Supervisors and Labourers this year in comparison to 2012’s jobs in Production Operations, Accounting & Finance and Engineers.

Here are the jobs most in demand in 2013 in Singapore:

Secretaries, Pas, Administrative Assistants & Office Support
Supervisors
Labourers <<--- didnt know my position is in demand... should ask for pay raise
Drivers
Sales Representatives
Engineers
IT Staff
Skilled Trades
Accounting & Finance
Teachers

"Over time as the education and skill profile of the local workforce improve. HRs will need to consider a successful workforce strategy that will identify and solve current talent acquisition challenges, anticipate future challenges and put in place solutions to address them effectively," said Manpower.

"54% of Singaporean employers surveyed have indicated they will relook into their work models while 41% will increase their focus on improving their talent pipeline such as building a succession management approach," it added.

Manpower said that a closer look at the global survey results reveals the talent shortage is endemic across the world – but most acute in Japan (85 percent of employers), Brazil (68 percent) India (61 percent), Turkey (58 percent) and Hong Kong (58 percent). Employers in Ireland (three percent), Spain (three percent), South Africa (six percent), the Netherlands (nine percent) and Czech Republic (nine percent) are the least likely to face shortages.

The research shows that globally the roles most difficult to fill are Skilled Trades Workers, Engineers and Sales Representatives – unchanged from last year.

"Employers are reporting Accounting and Finance and Management/Executive positions are also increasingly hard to fill. Despite acknowledging the impact talent shortages have on their business, a staggering 22 percent of employers are not changing course to identify new ways to address these shortages." said Manpower.

http://sbr.com.sg/economy/in-focus/10-most...gapore-revealed

Which field? Company name too if you don't mind hehe. Consultant engineer low starting pay is quite common, I saw resume with asking salary much lower than yours with 2 years exp. My new colleague a bit higher than yours, but she local postgrad.

How much is her salary? I've no money to study in SG, only can afford free education in a third rate Malaysian uni I'm in civil btw...

that's already quite high post leh

EP holder roughly more than 3k, should be around there. Which company ah?

wow ...that's a lot leh ...

2molo got interview at eunos

wish me luvs

A year and a half ago http://www.mom.gov.sg/Documents/statistics...rsd_2011ROW.pdf

Civil Engineer Age 25-29
Median 2,800

Civil engineer - All
25 percentile 3,300
Median 4,100
75 percentile 5,308

With 5 years exp in financial industry, how much can I expect in Singapore? I'm looking into investment analyst vacancies. I tried to search for the salary survey report in those recruitment firm, but the range quoted quite big...

So if I put the amount I get here in Malaysia and change the sign to SGD, is it fair?

yup, not sure when to move down to singapore as renting a whole flat is expensive and buying one will have sell away all the malaysia properties.....hard decision.....

Only applies if you buy HDB, not private. There's still a lot of doubt how they will check that you don't have or sold your property overseas. No sovereign govt will release govt information on its citizens to a foreign govt (ie. information from Land Office). Especially if it's not criminal in nature.

The only possibility is if someone tips off HDB that you own a particular property in Malaysia, and HDB gets a Malaysian lawyer to do a title search for that particular property and the results show that you own the property. Using that info, HDB could then instruct you to dispose of that property and present proof.

http://www.pemudah.gov.my/documents/10124/...in+Malaysia.pdf

This post has been edited by seantang: May 28 2013, 11:36 PM

geotech consultant... can't reveal anything more than that coz its a very small field...


Thank you so much for the info

So a year and a half ago I will fall under the median category

Damn... should have nego properly before accepting the offer

Not sure whether I should just stick to my current job in MY or go for SG and try to negotiate after the probation period....



This post has been edited by rawrkun: May 28 2013, 11:42 PM

at lteast u have an idea liao

My BF only 1.8k when he started working in engineering field. So worry about my future that time

How to buy house to get married with that kind of salary? How to make more babies for government? Should tell my future daughter no engineering BF please.

I think the figures on the low side. Last time I see the pay is not like that.

$4k-15k, yes, it is fair..

Well, ur bf u gotta make do with him.. Probably when u guys hv kids, he stay at home and you be the bread winner lor

Waa, not all engineers make so low.. Only in sg because there's hardly any big projects.. Mostly those in the oil n gas make big $$$..

Make babies get $$$ so should make more.. A lot of singaporean engineers run into banking or civil service.. There they are look upon more highly..

negotiate after probation might not work because they will tell you that you sign the offer letter and agree to that salary.everything is still negotiable before you sign.

maybe you should ask if there is any increment after probation?

If you are fresh, i'd say that salary is fairly decent. (1 year or less consider fresh for this argument ok?)
Consultants usually start low, so 2.8k is considered high for fresh consultants as the mentor will need to actually hold ur hand and guide u on how to do the design works.
when u have enuff experience, u will have the leverage to request for more.

one thing u can do, provided u r really good....
ask for X amount (what u think u deserve), then take 2.8k for probation period
tell ur boss if u perform to expectation, after probation u r expecting X.

but u have to lay it out 1st what is expected of u...
a bit hard for freshie...since it's hard to set KPI then

yea... that's what my boss suspects too.. haha..

yep it's fair.. or maybe more.. hehe.. I'm getting more than what i'm earning in malaysia 1 to 1 comparison..

Hi guys,

I just have this thought came to my mind.
Let's say I buy a car in SG right now.
When the 10 years COE nearly expired, I drive this car back to Malaysia and never return to SG.

Possible?

Like tat, we do not need to scrap the car. No need to renew road tax in SG and MY (as the MY police will not know this is a COE expired car or must have thought this car already purchased roadtax in SG)

Need washabushi MacKiddo or Fiona Chin to confirm since they are the only Malaysians I know who own cars in SG, but ...

... what happens if you get into an accident? I imagine you wouldn't have any insurance cover at all.

After 10 years = your car value = $0.00

So even if accidents happen or do not happen, your car still worthless... So who cares insurance cover or not?

What if you hit a car which isn't worthless? You pay from your own pocket?

are you planing to leave SG for good (assume you dont have CPF) and drive that car in Malaysia without renewing your road tax and insurance?

how much can an old car cost in MY? Worth breaking SG law?

scarp the car you might get some body value and PARF for your next car or just transfer your PARF to me , I belanja you makan

This post has been edited by r1v3r: May 29 2013, 11:26 AM

You're not the first one to think of it.

Firstly of course it's possible. AS LONG AS you don't get involved or caught up in anything where driving an UNREGISTERED and UNINSURED car becomes an issue.

It's no different from letting the road tax and insurance on your Malaysian car expire but you just keep on driving it (well,.. there is a difference... your Malaysian car is still registered with a valid licence plate while your SG car will not be). Same with driving without a driving licence. They do it in kampungs and new villages all the time.

So, it's of course possible. As long as you don't get caught.

This post has been edited by seantang: May 29 2013, 12:07 PM

He don't want switch. Stubborn guy. Job diversification, if financial tsunami one of us still have job to feed (maggi to) the other one.

Not necessary must scrap the car. Can keep at your home as decoration, just can not drive on the streets. The car still belong to you. You can export it back to Malaysia, do some paper work and become a registered Malaysian car. Driving an illegal car then good luck when you bang other people on the road.

My car COE expired 1-2 years ago, can renew the COE with lower rate call prevailing quota something PQP, no need to bid for new one. If want new car then have to bid, old car got few options depend on what you want. The car agent will do all these for you just pay money can already.

This post has been edited by Fiona Chin: May 29 2013, 01:29 PM

Been planning to go to SG for few years now... but still in Msia working lol
so sad... maybe i'm in my comfort zone now.. but at times still thinking of going sg for a change

That's actually a pretty good option... just that the process is a little bit opaque.

I have a friend who worked overseas and when he retired early back to Malaysia, he brought his Merc back. As a professional returning to Malaysia, he was entitled to an AP to bring back a car. He just had to pay the import duty, excise duty etc... but since it's calculated on the value of a used car (if you bring back a used car) plus he had some discounts under the scheme where he's entitled to the AP, he didn't pay that much.

hmm, just like going to thailand n buying a car then drive down to msia n drive it forever...

i think d authorities will call u/d owner up.. if u decide not to return then probably it is fine.. or sg authorities will look at d record (car crossing border) and report it to pdrm?

kekeke, doesnt have to be in finance mer, there're other branches of engineering that pays well..

well, if u r driving a classic/antic/super car then it is worth it.. if it is just toyota, nah...

I think it would be wise to actually get an interview and offer first before you even talk about salary.
Chances are, even interviews are hard to come by judging from the bleak economic outlook in SG and the world.
Financial Institutions are scalling back lending and executing massive employee lay-offs which have a significant impact on the investment sector as credit are tightened.
As a result, many investment companies are freezing headcount and some are even scalling back their operations, waiting for the economic storm to pass.

This post has been edited by robertchoo: May 29 2013, 08:12 PM

Now too late to renegotiate the offer liao... since my S Pass is already approved. Later will give a very bad impression to the employer...
Already asked HR about increment, but the personnel just said that it depends on my performance... but usually this is the HR way of saying that there's none...

Hope I'll get a good mentor, then at least it will be worthwhile and I am learning something.

Will use this pay as a motivation to work harder. Hopefully everything will turn out okay...

agree wif u so much

I face the same situation with you before, mine even worse where they mentioned that there are increment after probation yet i did not get (before sign offer letter), i even asked my manager and he helped he ask HR, the reply is that is not company culture,

if that's the case, then u will just have to bear with it
learn as much as u can, knowledge is power....
with enough knowledge, money will come to you eventually...

that's y all these things, said verbally must request to put them in black n white somewhere.
then u will have some proof to demand when the time comes.
else, that's the response you are gonna get

i face the same situation before, so i got them to confirm the increment stuff via email although it's not written in the offer letter
it is also stated that it's not a company policy, but they will review
fair enough, my company kept to their side of the bargain and gave me the requested increment

if you feel that the company has short changed you, it's best to leave early
if they can go back on their word on things like this, what makes you think they won't do anything worse?

yeah ...lure u in their trap ..

damn sad

what a headache..i plan to buy hdb resale but i cant do so cos i am not allowed to hold any foreign property....this strict rule is killing a lot of people..in the event if hdb found out, ur hdb may risk of being repossessed.

Sell off everything in Malaysia, or just risk it lor. Same thing as how PR's are not allowed to rent out whole HDB, or Singaporeans can't rent out whole unit before MOP, but so many people do that "lock one room" wayang anyway.

all the thing i do it in black and white only the non company policy, but when come to the not company policy issue, they can easily say after review and feel that no necessary increment needed. so far, only the initial increment issue bugged me, the rest still ok.

One can always transfer the name to a family member.
I know my friends do it that way.

if they say so, then it's your choice to stay or to leave
you have the option too

Ya, you are right, but i choose to stay then i shall live with my choice and move on.

That's an option... but not 100% foolproof.

If your family member happens to be not very wise with their financial management, gambler etc... then you might one day find that there's nothing left of your house except for an apology.

It may also be not so drama... but let say you transfer to your sibling, and he/she unfortunately passes without leaving a will, then that property goes to his/her spouse... who may or may not be as straightforward as your sibling. Attitude of in-laws notwithstanding, without a will, the property will be stuck for quite a while the courts work out the details. Worse is your in-law also passes (car accident etc), then the property will be shared amongst the parents and siblings of both your sibling and your in-law. Then good luck trying to get it back.

If it were me... I'd set up a Sdn Bhd, sell the property to the company, and issue the shares back to me. Then I technically own a property company, not a property. If you want to be ultra safe... (maybe HDB's lawyer in Malaysia is conscientious enough to do both a title search AND a company search), then issue the shares to your parents or siblings and amend the M&A and AA that upon the death of a shareholder, the shares will be automatically distributed to the remaining shareholders.

ok...that nvr came into my mind at all.