global mobility solutions · tuition generally ranges between sgd˚20,000 ˚and˚sgd˚30,000 ˚per...

Spotlight On SingaporeGlobal Mobility Solutions

WELCOME TO SINGAPORE 3

ALL ABOUT VISAS 4

HOUSING 5

EDUCATION IN SINGAPORE 6

CULTURE CORNER 7

Contents

GLOBAL MOBILITY SOLUTIONS SPOTLIGHT ON SINGAPORE 3 |

It's not surprising that Singapore is sometimes referred to as "Asia lite”. Its ef�cient infrastructure,

coupled with its easy-to-acclimate-to Eastern/Western cultural blend makes adjusting to life in the

Lion City pretty simple, for most expats. Expats moving to Singapore will �nd themselves in a city

credited with offering foreigners one of the �nest lifestyles in the world. The country has an

exemplary public transport system, excellent communications infrastructure, top class healthcare

facilities and a multiethnic and cosmopolitan culture that promotes tolerance and a good standard

of life for its citizens. It is also incredibly safe.

Prudent measures by the government have ensured a stable economy, and with big names in

business and trade establishing regional headquarters in the city-state, quali�ed expats will �nd

plenty of professional opportunities.

Welcome to Singapore

SPOTLIGHT ON SINGAPORE 4 | GLOBAL MOBILITY SOLUTIONS

CC15

CC29

9

CC13

CC22

one-north

Kent Ridge

CC23

CC24

Lorong ChuanCC14

Tai Seng

Bartley

MacPherson

CC12

CC11

CC10

Mountbatten

Dakota

CC7

CC8

Stadium

Nicoll Highway

CC6

CC5

Promenade

Bayfront

CC4

CE1

CE2

EsplanadeCC3

BrasBasah

CC2

8Dhoby Ghaut

CC1

Labrador Park

Pasir Panjang

Haw Par Villa

Telok Blangah

CC26

CC25

CC28

CC27

MarymountCC16

Farrer Road

HollandVillage

Botanic Gardens

Caldecott

CC20

CC21

CC19

CC17

NE3

HarbourFront NE1

6

10

ClarkeQuay

Chinatown NE5NE4

Little India

Farrer Park

Boon KengNE9

NE8

NE7

Potong PasirNE10

SerangoonNE12

HougangNE14

Kovan NE13

Buangkok NE15

7NE17 PunggolPTC

STCSengkangNE16

NE6

NE11

Woodleigh

Bukit Gombak NS3

NS2

Yew Tee NS5

BP1

KranjiNS9

Woodlands SembawangNS11NS7

AdmiraltyMarsilingNS8 NS10

Ang Mo KioNS16

Yio Chu KangNS15

KhatibNS14

YishunNS13

Braddell NS18

Toa Payoh NS19

Novena NS20

Somerset NS23

Newton NS21

NS22Orchard

City Hall

Ra�es Place

NS25

NS26

Marina Bay NS27

5

BishanNS17

4

NS1

Dover EW22

NS24

EW13

EW14

ChineseGarden

Jurong East

ClementiEW23

EW24

Commonwealth

Queenstown

Redhill

Tiong BahruEW17

EW18

EW19

EW20

Outram ParkEW16

Aljunied

Bugis

Kallang

Lavender

EW12

EW11

EW10

EW9

Buona Vista EW21

TanjongPagar

EW15

PetirBP7

BP13SegarSenjaBP11

BP8Pending

JelapangBP12

PhoenixBP3 BP5

KeatHong

SouthViewBP2

TeckWhyeBP4

BP14

Ten MileJunction

Bukit Panjang LRT BP

BukitPanjang

BP6

BangkitBP9

FajarBP10

Cheng Lim*

Kupang*Farmway

SW3

SW2

SW1

Thanggam SW4

SW5Fernvale

Layar

Tongkang

Renjong

SW6

SW7

SW8

Rumbia

CompassvaleSE1

SE2

Sengkang LRT SK

Ranggung

Kangkar BakauSE4 SE3

SE5

OasisKadaloor

PE7

PE6

PE5

RivieraPE4

Punggol LRT PG

Cove

Meridian

Coral Edge PE3

PE1

PE2

Damai

**

CC9

Paya Lebar

Eunos

Kembangan

BedokSimei

Tampines

Pasir Ris 1

EW8 EW6

EW7 EW5

EW1

ChangiAirport

CG2

Tanah Merah

Expo

EW4

EW3

EW2

3CG1

Certain nationals may enter Singapore without need of a business visa (visa-exempt nation

als). All other nationals will require a Short-Term Visit Pass or an Entry visa. The basic require

ments for a visa in singapore are intention of a genuine visit for business and not for paid

employment, valid passport, Evidence that there are no restrictions on traveling to Singa

pore, No intention to permanently reside in Singapore, a ticket for onward travel from

Singapore, and Proof of funds.

Basic requirements of Singapore employment authorization: The principal immigration

category for temporary employment in Singapore is the Employment Pass – of which there

are several types. This is a category for employers to sponsor quali�ed skilled workers to

work as intra company transferees in Singapore on a temporary basis. The estimated

processing time is one to two weeks for EP Online registered companies, six to eight week

for companies using the manual process. Passes are usually valid for 24 months and can be

renewed for up to 36 months. This summary is intended for informational purposes only.

?didyou

KnowSingapore’s economyhas been rated as oneof the freest, most innovative, most competitive, and mostbusiness friendly in the world.

All About Visas


Accommodation in Singapore is of a high

standard, and is available in a number of

shapes and sizes. Prices vary considerably

depending on the area in which one rents

and the size of the rental. Additionally,

proximity to schools and public transport

can also affect costs.

Expats may be surprised to �nd that the

housing market in Singapore can be divided

into public and private sectors, and the

majority of locals and Asian expats opt for

the public (HDB) accommodation. Public

units in Singapore are actually not associa

ed with lower income groups and even

provide luxury options.

Expats are eligible to rent HDB accommodation, but there are a limited number available and

the ambience may fall below certain expectations. Many foreigners, especially high-earning

Westerners, often prefer to rent a private apartment, condominium or bungalow.

Thorough market research prior to and upon arrival is crucial to ensure you �nd the right

housing solution, especially if accommodations are required for an extended period of time.

The price of accommodations varies according to the amenities and level of luxury desired, as

well as the area of Singapore in which you intend to live. Keep in mind that rental rates in the

suburbs are considerable cheaper than in the city. Connect with GMS for in depth market

information speci�c to Singapore.

Expatriate Housing

Renting in Singapore


A large expat population has come to settle in Singapore, and it follows that plenty of international

schools have sprung up to service the foreign community. Overall, the international schools in

Singapore have a good reputation, with some generally accepted as having an elevated standard and

a more dif�cult curriculum than others. All of the schools try their best to emphasize and explore the

experience of being an international student abroad.

Most international schools in Singapore follow an International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, but

there are a few that uphold the system used in their country of origin. Some expats choose to enroll

their kids in IB programs due to school holidays aligning with thier own.

Education in Singapore

Tuition generally ranges between SGD 20,000 and SGD 30,000 per year, but is subject to annual

increase as well as a number of supplementary hidden fees. Some schools organize special �eld

trips which parents are expected to pay for out of pocket. These trips are optional, but parents

should still anticipate spending some extra money to allow students to take advantage of the

experience.

Expats moving their school-aged children to Singapore should bring report cards from the home

country school as well as letters of recommendation; these documents can facilitate the

admissions process.

School Admissions


1.) In an effort to make a good impression at the start of the meeting, you eagerly greet the �rst

person on the Singaporean team who walks into the room. However, once the meeting begins,

you realize that something is wrong, yet can’t quite identify the source of the cool reception you

are getting.

2.) Your Chinese Singaporean colleague greets you by giving you his business card. You reach

into your back trouser pocket for your own business cards and pass one to him with your free

hand. He takes it, and does not seem pleased. Why?

English is the of�cial language of Singapore,

but it's not uncommon to hear several

languages spoken in one day. Although

culture shock in Singapore is minimal, there

may be some situations that new arrivals �nd

themselves unfamiliar with. If this is the case,

don't hesitate to ask someone for advice, as

most Singaporeans will be eager to help.

In Singapore, it is customary to give or

receive items with two hands. For example,

when accepting a business card, receive it

with both hands. Read it over intently and

never put it away carelessly, like in a back

pocket. Treat it with respect and put it

somewhere safe, like inside a wallet. When

giving a business card, also present it with

both hands.

Culture Corner

In the Chinese fashion, the most important

member of the team must be acknowledged

�rst when others are around, and this person

is not usually the �rst one to walk into the

room. In fact, the most senior person is

usually found in the center of the group.

Business cards should be handed with two

hands, holding the upper right hand corners

of the card, and given respectfully and

humbly. It should also be held so it is read

able to the person receiving it. Passing a

card that is in poor condition is insulting.

Answer 2: Answer 1:

Culture Quiz!

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