Ouu the lights!

Globally acknowledged as one of the easiest places to do business, Singapore boasts an impressive collection of rankings including the most competitive economy in Asia according to a Global Competitiveness Report.  As one of the best- connected countries in the world, and with English as the common language for administration, business and technology, it is little wonder that Singapore attracts a consistent flow of expatriates from the UK and around the world. 

Considered to be the second most attractive environment for highly-skilled foreigners - according to Mercer Quality of Living global city rankings 2009 – Singapore is consistently regarded as a global business hub, largely thanks to its sophisticated infrastructure, transparent business policies and political stability.  According to Mercer’s rankings, it’s not just the English who are enchanted by the prospects of the Singapore sunshine, even fellow Asians have ranked the Southeast Asian island as the best location to live.

When it comes to emigrating with the wife/husband/kids/pets, Singapore is widely regarded to offer a higher level of education than we Brits might be used to (globally ranked in 3rd position).  Expatriates are quick to remark on the country’s high quality of transport and health facilities, low crime rates and affordability of day to day essentials in relation to wages (though 2008 saw Mercer list Singapore as the world’s 13th most expensive country).  And although you will encounter government enforced media restrictions, and spend far more on keeping up to date with British magazines and newspapers, you will be pleasantly compensated by an impressive choice for those interested in sport, entertainment and travel as well as Singapore’s rather dazzling tax rate varying between 0% and 15% depending on the duration of your residency.

For example, if you earn 6000 SGD (Singapore dollars) per month, 72,000SGD per annum and you lived in Singapore for more than 6 months of the year, you would be taxed at 4%. Giving you a take home pay of 69,104SGD which (as at Dec 2009) is equivalent to £29,847 (or a salary of £40,000 pre tax in the UK).  For Singaporean tax calculations see: http://www.salary.sg/2009/calculate-income-tax-2009/ and to compare to your take home pay in the UK see: http://www.thesalarycalculator.co.uk/salary.php. All in all it is no surprise that Singapore is considered to be the number one Asian country of choice to raise a family of expats.

Often regarded as a ‘professional launch pad’, the country has accommodated the young international professional with a modern approach to its multi-ethnic tapestry.  Conventional standards of Asian tolerance have been extended and interracial partnerships are more frequent in Singapore than in any other Asian country.  Finally if you are a multinational company toying with the idea of opening up an office in Singapore, bite the proverbial bullet and do it.  Join the 700,000 or so MNC’s and 100,000 SME’s who have established their base in Singapore.  Universally acknowledged as an ideal host for a growing business and an even better location in which to invest, Singapore is a spring board to the rest of Asia and any company wanting to leave an imprint on Asian commerce should not let the opportunities of this vibrant and exciting country pass them by.
Tempted by Singapore’s generous looking packages, embraced by the ease of the move, expats seem to fall under her spell within weeks of landing on the republic soil.  Whether you are ascending the first few steps of your career ladder or are looking to advance your MNC in to the new world, then Singapore holds true potential.