Where Do More than One Million Expats Live and Work in Singapore?
When you consider that just about 25% of this island city-state is comprised of foreign nationals, there must be something which Singapore has that other cities can’t compare to. As a matter of fact, the allure of Singapore is put quite simply, convenience. Singapore is said to be the most convenient city in the world from its sparkling clean streets with an amazing public transport system, to one of the safest places to live on earth, there is much to attract expats from around the world. So where do these expats live and what industries invite them to work in a city the size of Singapore with a population that must have a sufficient workforce already in place? That’s what you might think at first glance when looking at government census statistics, but in Singapore, there is always room for more.
The Latest Statistics as of 2016
According to the Department of Statistics Singapore, there were at least 5.61 million residents in Singapore. Within this population there are four main ethnic groups including:
- Chinese
- Indian
- Malaysian
- Eurasian
With a huge number of international expats added to the mix. Foreign nationals find that living in Singapore provides a gateway to all of Asia and is as safe a place to live, work and raise children of any on earth.
Industries in Singapore
As a city that is technologically advanced on a global level, the three main industries in Singapore are Information Technology (IT), marketing and finance. Of the more than 1.32 million foreign nationals working in the city, more than 600,000 are highly skilled in technology. Since technology, IT in particular, is such a huge industry in Singapore, the allure of a good paying job in their respective fields is the main attraction. However, there is also a large population of day traders within the financial sector and Forex Singapore is already a huge industry and growing stronger within the financial sector by the day.
Where Expats Are Often Employed
With a large number of global corporations having a presence in Singapore, there are many jobs to be had in all sectors. Companies of primary interest include:
- Capital Land
- American Express
- Bain & Co.
- Microsoft
- Gunvor Group
And, Singapore is also a hub in South East Asian broadcast hub inclusive of the Discovery Channel, ESPN and the BBC. Singapore is also home to the Asian Food Channel. There are also a number of oil refineries and oil companies with a presence in Singapore that include Shell Eastern Trading.
Places to Live in Singapore for Foreign Nationals
Expats find that there really are no barriers to where you can live in Singapore. If you can afford the rent you are welcome throughout all neighbourhoods because Singapore is also known as one of the most congenial and mannerly cities in the world as well. It is a place where families feel free to raise their children and the schools are of such a high quality they are second to none. Also, communication is never usually a problem because there are an amazing four national languages which include Malay, Tami, English and Mandarin.
If you look at a district map of Singapore, you will notice the business districts are in the South and East and so expats typically enjoy living in districts close to where they will almost always be working. In District 10, Holland Village is a favourite of expats and as you can see, it is quite close to the central business district with easy access and high quality schools in the area.
Schools for Children of Expats
Families moving to foreign lands often worry about whether there will be suitable schools for their children. Yes, jobs are available and it is quite easy to become assimilated into the culture in Singapore, but are there schools in which to foster growth in your children? Some of the best known schools for foreign national children include:
- The Canadian International School
- Invictus Private School
- GEMS World Academy
- Singapore American School (SAS)
- Brighton Montessori
- Stamford American International School
And these are just representative of the kinds of high quality education children can receive while parents are living and working in this amazingly beautiful and innovative South East Asian city.
So then, to say that Singapore is ‘convenient’ is putting it mildly. There is much to see and do in this city-state and that’s why there is such an attraction for expats. Visitors are always made to feel welcome and since there is such a high degree of commerce, there are many ways in which to make a living. Whether you are an entrepreneur seeking to start a business in Singapore or simply a business professional seeking employment in the world’s most convenient city, you can live and work in Singapore safely and happily with over a million expats just like yourself.
01 Mar 2017Marcus Turner Jones
Software engineer from China with 13000 base salary. 27 years old single. US bachelors degree and my school is considered as one of the tier 1 schools by the ep compass system. Started my journey in SG last July and paid 9K tax. I’m planning to apply for PR next year after i pay my 2023 tax. How .....
Posted in PR, Citizenship, Passes & Visas for Foreigners
This is something I think Singapore could be a little more transparent on. For example, it’s not difficult to spell out the minimum salary requirements by household size.
My brother went through this in the US. For example, in 2023 the US sets a minimum $24,650 for a household size of two. The .....
Posted in PR, Citizenship, Passes & Visas for Foreigners
Re: the “not whiskey” about malaysia
Hmmm, a business opportunity perhaps. I see lots of self-storage places around Singapore but no man caves to rent. And perhaps the ladies need a hen pod… oh wait, they already rule the roost, don’t they? :lol:
Posted in Leisure Chat, Jokes, Rubbish