An Expat Talks about Living in Singapore, Singapore

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Singapore

How long have you lived there?

2 years

What activities, clubs and organizations would you recommend to newcomers to help them meet others?

Singapore Hash House Harriers, Any of the rugby clubs (Singapore Cricket Club, Bucks, etc).

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In terms of religious, racial, economic and cultural diversity, are the people of this city or town diverse? Are they accepting of differences? Describe.

The locals are fairly accepting of diversity although there is some underlying racism between some of the different racial groups that all locals will deny exists. The Chinese think the Malays are lazy and the Indians and Bangladeshies are theives. The Malays think the Chinese are tight and very non-generous. The Indians tend to keep to themselves and do not mix much with any other races. These are of course generalisations but the locals will all deny any of this exists. Overall all races are very accepting of expats, especially Australians, Kiwis and Brits.

What are the main industries in this city? What types of career opportunities commonly exist? How do most people find new jobs?

High tech manufacturing, shipping and banking. Services industries are growing slowly. Manufacturing is struggling at present. Banking firms have recently sent a lot of expats home. Shipping is struggling to maintain business with stiff competition from Malaysia. Times are tough in Singapore but things will improve. Do not expect to arrive and look for a job though, you will need to have something lined up before you get here.

In general, what are peoples' priorities in this city? For example, do lives revolve around work, family, socializing, sports, etc.?

Local's lives revolve around family, expats mix family and socialising. Sports are not very high on anyone's list here due to the weather and unless you like soccer you won't find great variety on cable.

If a friend of yours was thinking of moving to this city or town from far away, what other advice would you give them.

Enjoy! Singapore may have a reputation of being very stiff but I have had a great time here and would do it again in a heart beat. Make sure you negotiate any contracts so that you are on local taxes as they are amongst the lowest in the world.