Spotlight On Global Mobility Solutions Contents

WELCOME TO SINGAPORE 3 ALL ABOUT VISAS 4 HOUSING 5 EDUCATION IN SINGAPORE 6 CULTURE CORNER 7 Welcome to Singapore

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.

GLOBAL MOBILITY SOLUTIONS SPOTLIGHT ON SINGAPORE | 3 Woodlands NS7 NS9 NS11

NS8 NS10 Admiralty NS13 7 NS5 LRT BP Thanggam SW4 SW3 Kupang* NE17 PTC Ten Mile Fernvale SW5 SW2 Farmway Junction Senja Segar PE7 Damai NS14 Khatib SW1 Cheng Lim* South Teck BP14 BP13 BP11 Bukit Layar SW6 PE6 Oasis View Whye Panjang PE5 Kadaloor BP2 BP4 BP6 BP12 BP10 Fajar Tongkang SW7 BP1 Jelapang Cove PE1 BP9 NS15 Renjong SW8 BP3 BP5 Bangkit Meridian PE2 Keat Phoenix SengkangNE16 STC PE4 Riviera PE3 Hong BP7 BP8 Coral Edge Petir Pending Punggol LRT PG NE15 SE1 NS16 SE2 Rumbia NS3 Marymount HougangNE14 Ranggung SE5 CC16 CC14 did SE3 Bakau NE13 Kangkar SE4 Caldecott CC17 NS17 CC15 Kovan Bishan LRT SK you NS2 Braddell NS18 Botanic Gardens CC19 NE12 CC13 Woodleigh Know NS19 NE11 CC12 Bartley East EW1 1 ?Singapore’s economy NS1 EW24 Farrer Road CC20 Novena NS20 NE10 CC11 Tai Seng EW2 has been rated as one NS21 Newton NE9 Chinese 4 CC10 of the freest, most Holland CC21 MacPherson EW3 Garden EW23 Village Orchard NS22 Eunos Clementi NE8 innovative, most EW9 EW7 EW5 Dover EW22 Little India competitive, and most NE7 EW8 CC9 EW6 EW4 Tanah Merah EW21 CC22 Somerset NS23 Kembangan business friendly in the 8 EW10 Expo one-north CC23 CC8 Dakota CG1 world. EW20 Bras NS24 NE6 CC1 EW11 3 CC24 CC7 Commonwealth Basah Mountbatten CG2 CC2 Lavender EW19 Queenstown Chinatown NE5 EW12 CC6 Stadium Bugis Airport CC25 EW18 NE4 Clarke Redhill Quay CC5 EW17 Esplanade CC26 CC3 EW16 NE3 CC4 Promenade Labrador Park CC27 Outram Park NS25 EW13 City Hall CC28 EW15 NS26 EW14 Tanjong Ra es Place HarbourFront NE1 CC29 Pagar ** 6 9 CE1 Bayfront

Marina Bay NS27 CE2 10 5

All About Visas

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.

GLOBAL MOBILITY SOLUTIONS SPOTLIGHT ON SINGAPORE | 4 Expatriate Housing

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.

Renting in Singapore

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 , 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.

GLOBAL MOBILITY SOLUTIONS SPOTLIGHT ON SINGAPORE | 5 Education 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.

School Admissions

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.

GLOBAL MOBILITY SOLUTIONS SPOTLIGHT ON SINGAPORE | 6 Culture Corner

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 Quiz!

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?

Answer 1: Answer 2:

In the Chinese fashion, the most important Business cards should be handed with two member of the team must be acknowledged hands, holding the upper right hand corners rst when others are around, and this person of the card, and given respectfully and is not usually the rst one to walk into the humbly. It should also be held so it is read room. In fact, the most senior person is able to the person receiving it. Passing a usually found in the center of the group. card that is in poor condition is insulting.

GLOBAL MOBILITY SOLUTIONS SPOTLIGHT ON SINGAPORE | 7 Connect with GMS: www.gmsmobility.com +1.800.617.1904

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