Common misconceptions about making a living in Singapore debunked
Who wouldn't want to work and live in a first world country like Singapore?
Dubbed as the garden city of Asia at the southeastern tip of the Malay peninsula, Singapore attracts many individuals across the continent to find employment in the city state, which boasts abundant lush greenery and a clean environment.
What's more, the promise of finding employment, which pays extremely well--compared to the wages being offered in your home country--is more than enough reason to relocate there.
As of December 2019, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) of Singapore reported that the total foreign workforce working in the country is over 1.4 million, which includes foreign domestic workers (FDW).
Meanwhile, the Philippine embassy noted an estimated 200,000 Filipinos, of which 60% are professional and skilled workers, contribute to the economic development of the country.
Eventhough it is a dream for many to work in Singapore, there are some misconceptions about the country that make Filipinos hesitant to make that big leap and find employment there.
To help ease your concern, we talked to two Filipino expatriates currently residing in Singapore to debunk some pf these misconceptions.
Working for a foreign boss can be a nightmare
Working in another country is already unnerving. How much more if your boss is a foreigner?
In GMA Network.com's exclusive chat with Fritz Hernandez, a sales account manager for a multinational company, she mentioned that having a foreigner boss in Singapore is not as scary as you might think.
Fritz has been working in the country for more than a year and she observed Singaporean bosses are strict, but they also do care for their employees.
She explained, “'Yung iba iniisip, 'Naku, foreigner boss, iba sa Filipino boss, ganyan. Matapang, sobrang strict, ganyan.'
“Oo, may certain level of strictness, but strict with care. It's more of them being fair to you in terms of feedback, good and negative, mga ganyan.
“Pagdating ko dito, I found out marami sa Singaporean bosses or even 'yung ibang nationality bosses, very fair!
“Kahit ganoon na strict sila ay sometimes they do care. May consideration sa people, sobra! That one I appreciate.”
Working in Singapore was a good bet for Filipino expatriate Fritz Hernandez / Photo from Fritz Hernandez
High cost of living
Another common misconception about living in Singapore is that it is too expensive. Fritz elaborated that it is partially true that living expenses in the city state can be challenging, ou will be able to figure out eventually that there are a lot of money-saving options out there.
For example, Fritz advised Filipinos to ask for advice from their kababayans who have been living a lot longer in Singapore on where they can score cheaper items whenever they do their groceries.
She said, “'Pag sinasabi nila na sobrang taas ng cost of living, mahirap mag-adjust, mahirap mag-ipon, yes and no.
“Yes, mataas ang cost of living pero 'pag nandito ka na, ang dami palang options, ang dami palang alternatives. Siguro, first time foreigner na pupunta siyempre 'yung mga alam niya na lugar or bilihan, 'yun 'yung mga usual.
“Pero after some time, makaka-discover ka din sa mga kapwa mo OFW, mga kapwa mo nakakatrabaho na expat, na may mga ganitong options, na okay 'yung price,”
Fast-paced lifestyle
Singapore looks like a fast-paced metropolis for a newcomer, but Singaporeans also know how to have a bit of fun.
According to Fritz, the people in the country know the importance of work-life balance. So don't worry, because you will not be overworked if you find a job there.
Fritz said, “Parang ang feeling ko dati ang strict ng mga Singaporeans, pero noong nandito na ako, fun din sila at the same time. They have the balance.”
Former Down to Mars member Nasser Amparna has been living in Singapore since 2014. / Screenshot taken from Nasser's IG account
Accepting of other nationalities
In our exclusive chat via video conference with singer-composer Nasser Amparna, who works as lab specialist in a government-run school, he shared one of the misconceptions that was debunked when he came to the country six years ago.
Nasser realized that they are very welcoming of other people whatever their nationalities or background may be.
Nasser declared, “Kahit na parliamentary 'yung government dito, open pa rin sila sa different kinds of people and they accept everyone wholeheartedly.
“Mayrun lang notion before na 'pag Singapore is like Chinese type community, but no. Noong nagpunta na ako dito sa Singapore, nagbago lahat ng perception ko about Singapore.”
There you have it, Pinoy job seekers!
We hope that looking for a job in Singapore will be less daunting and more of an enriching experience with the information we shared about the garden city state.
Things to consider when planning to find a career in Singapore
How Singapore flattened the curve through the eyes of overseas Filipino workers