you can only go so far doing just "code writing". eventually you'll reach a ceiling and to have more growth you would need to branch out to other aspects like design, architecture, etc
think of it this way, code writing are like brick layers. you could be the best brick layer there ever is but you wont be able to build a nice house if you have zero idea on architecture and design.
for 15k sgd, your fren is doing far more than just developer i.e. code writing
dont kid yourself. just writing code wont get you anywhere near that. heck, you'll be lucky to touch 7k
high salary and easy job? where to apply? i also want bro 

The salary is justified la. He knows everything about Java dude. The dude is the walking index of Java library. Literally everything. Plus it was a banking project. One project they rake in like 8~12 Mil. Make sense why they pay him so much. He was the key guy of the whole project.

exactly, his role is far more than just a developer 

Make sense r. I guess you got to be the key person of the project. Like those dude that runs the whole project by himself. I had few ex seniors who when they resign, they boss just keep counter them. They repeat every year lol. No need to have final year review, just keep resign.

They also work like shit....

Imagine every year counter offer adjustment 20-30% 

Hahaha. Shit but $$$$$.

I know right. But I think the company sure got their top number d. If exceed I don't think 20~30%. Maybe 5%. But then the guy is really the key person r. If he leave whole company can tutup d.
Japan is not worth it r bro. The people there also suicide like mad. The money u get is offset by your spending everyday. So literally you go there to be in the same boat you are in Malaysia. It's like Hong Kong. HK also pays really well. But the cost of living. Fuhhh..

Hmm. Actually the reason I like Japan because their culture. Also because I like pokemon TCG     

Hmm. Actually the reason I like Japan because their culture. Also because I like pokemon TCG      

Are you referring "their culture" as in their work culture only, or general overall?

SE with 15k per month that crazy. My friend work as SE + 5 years exp only got 3.7k per month