Singapore stands at the heart of Asia as one of the most influential business hubs in the East. Particularly, it draws commercial attention from every corner of the world. Moreover, the city provides a positive business climate with low corporate tax rates and a user-friendly bureaucracy. In particular, it works as a gateway to the APAC area, making the start-up process relatively hassle-free. In addition, the environment is also supportive of the growth of jobs in Singapore for foreigners that soars over time.
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Since so many foreign organizations have set up premises or headquarters in Singapore, it is obvious that the city also attracts large numbers of expat employees. With a number of opportunities and experiences lying in wait, you shouldn’t hesitate to decide to move and work in the country. Yes, in the heart of Southeast Asia, Singapore is a cosmopolitan city. Yet, global people will feel right at home with over 7,000 multinational firms working here.
Before deciding which jobs in Singapore for foreigners are right for you, read the reasons why working in Singapore will be good for your career development below.
Why Work in Singapore
There are many reasons why you ought to consider working in Singapore.
First, it’s due to the country’s economic prosperity. In 2015, the Global Competitiveness Report ranked Singapore as the second-most successful economy in the world. In 2016, Singapore’s economy grew a better-than-expected 1.8 percent-even in challenging financial times. As expected, it’s because of the city’s enduring economic resilience. Hence, it means a number of exciting career opportunities for expats.
Secondly, Singapore provides nearly everything to support the growth of one’s personal wealth. In fact, talent competition ensures that workers in Singapore have some of the highest salaries in the developing world. With an average monthly salary of around SGD 3,500 for software engineers and SGD 6,000 for physicians, skilled jobs can be extremely lucrative in the region. In reality, in 2017, the median wage in Singapore grew by 4.7 percent.
Lastly, it’s mainly because of the career opportunities that are widely available to everyone. Actually, the changing professional landscape of Singapore is fertile ground for employment prospects and work searching. Thus, Singapore’s diversity of industries means jobs for millions of workers across a wide range of sectors and seniority levels.
While there are actually many other reasons to convince you to work in Singapore, those are the top three reasons that will attract anyone to come as soon as possible. Then, what jobs in Singapore for foreigners are available for newcomers? Keep reading to find out.
List of Jobs in Singapore for Foreigners
Finance, insurance, and real estate sectors
The banking, insurance, and real estate sector is a work sector that this year is projected to have a favorable hiring climate. These three types of employment are commonly referred to in this sector: money management, accounting, investment and credit (finance), loss compensation in return for premiums (insurance), and land and property sales (real estate). Plus, the digital transformation of the financial sector leads to a change in positions. Thus, growing employment opportunities within financial institutions and financial services firms are apparent. Below are some of the available jobs in Singapore for foreigners in the finance, insurance, and real estate sector:
- Finance manager: 8,590 SGD – 24,600 SGD per month
- Financial analyst: 4,790 SGD – 16,100 SGD per month
- Horticulturist: 2,140 SGD – 12,600 SGD per month
- Senior facilities executive: 5,270 SGD – 15,100 SGD per month
Mining and construction sector
Centered on its position at the crossroads of the Asia Pacific supply of metals and minerals, Singapore is a prospective mining center. Singapore companies also provide a variety of services vital to mining companies, such as project funding, distribution, and marketing of resources such as coal and gold. Thus, it is no wonder that employers expect the mining and construction industry to have a +12 percent Net Employment Outlook. Interestingly, recruiting plans in this employment market have increased by 2 and 6 percentage points. Plus, there is also rising interest among mining companies to list in the local market. Below are some of the available jobs in Singapore for foreigners in the mining and construction sector:
- Building and construction professional: 2,140 SGD – 14,500 SGD per month
- Construction project manager: 6,050 SGD – 20,900 SGD per month
- Mechanics: 1,460 SGD – 4,780 SGD per month
- Mining engineer: 3,710 SGD – 10,400 SGD per month
- Project manager: 4,710 SGD – 14,600 SGD per month
- Construction technical officer: 1,690 SGD – 4,710 SGD per month
Public administration & education sector
Previously, a Net Employment Outlook of +22 percent projected to improve in the public administration and education sector. In particular, public administration relates to the development and analysis of government policies that are implemented. For civil servants who wish to join the public service, it is a preparatory step. Public officials, at all levels of government, apply to staff serving in public agencies and organizations.
On the other hand, education positions can involve roles that span curriculum development or organizing initiatives. Also, it involves managing ad-hoc activities within schools and training centers that include career, placement, and education support. Below are some of the available jobs in Singapore for foreigners in the public administration & education sector:
- Administrative assistant: 2,270 SGD – 6,340 SGD per month
- Assistant operations manager: 4,960 SGD – 17,200 SGD per month
- Education officer: 4,300 SGD – 16,300 SGD per month
- Teacher: 4,300 SGD – 16,300 SGD per month
- Principal: 4,300 SGD – 16,300 SGD per month
Transportation & utility sector
In 2 years, the transportation and utilities industry is projected to have the fastest hiring rate. For that reason, possible explanations include the award of a huge S$3.14 billion development project for the 21.5 km long North-South Corridor between Admiralty Road West and East Coast Parkway. With the first of the five stages of the Thomson-East Coast Line opening earlier this year, more jobs may also occur.
On the other hand, since the carbon tax was implemented, developments in key energy innovations for the utility industry are expected. In particular, this happened as businesses are facing tighter regulations in our commitment to meet energy sustainability requirements. Thus, the introduction of technology to streamline business processes and increase job efficiency and productivity can contribute to a renewed demand in the utility sector for hiring. Below are some of the available jobs in Singapore for foreigners in these sectors:
- Facilities engineer: 5,270 SGD – 15,100 SGD per month
- Logistics manager: 4,260 SGD – 14,300 SGD per month
- Technical officer: 1,690 SGD – 4,710 SGD per month
- Utilities technician: 2,340 SGD – 7,070 SGD per month
Applying for Jobs in Singapore for Foreigners
First, make sure that you study the job field you hope to work in before applying for jobs in Singapore. In fact, there are plenty of websites that allow you to search for work and apply online. Hence, you don’t need to be in the country to apply for jobs. For example, the government-maintained Communication Singapore has its own work board as well as a substantial A-Z of other vacancy-posting sites. Regardless, you have to regularly check the business websites. Sometimes, the methods of application can vary from submitting a CV and cover letter to completing an online application form.
On the other hand, another good way to uncover vacancies in Singapore is to register with recruitment agencies. If you’re not in the country, initial interviews can be performed via phone or video. Yet, bear in mind that large multinational corporations may require you to attend an examination center. Also, English is the main business language, so all applications and interviews will be conducted in English. In order to get a work permit, you need to obtain work first.
See? It is not as difficult as you might think to apply for jobs in Singapore for foreigners, is it? However, don’t hesitate to check out these highest paying jobs in the Philippines if you want to work in another amazing country aside from Singapore.