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:: Career News |
Living
in Singapore
By Elaine Drinkwater
Singapore is a sleek, clean, cosmopolitan, modern city and a very pleasant place to live due to the warm, tropical climate with sunshine all year round. Situated on a small island, 25 miles long and 14 miles wide, at the tip of the Malay peninsular and on the major sea-trading routes, Singapore lives up to its status as the travel hub and shopping centre of Southeast Asia.
On arriving in Singapore, the first thing a newcomer notices is the modern
infrastructure with pleasant tree-lined avenues and clean streets. This
is due to the government's continuous program of landscaping which greatly
enhances the lush appearance of much of the island.
Singapore has a population of just over four million, who have a diverse cultural heritage. The Government has succeeded in ensuring harmony between the different races by means of legislation, good public housing and education schemes. The locals, especially among the younger population see themselves first as Singaporean, and only secondly as Chinese, Malay, Indian and Eurasian.
For the expatriate, housing ranges from modest apartments to luxurious penthouses,
many with their own swimming pools and tennis courts. The educational system
is highly regarded, as are the country's international schools for foreigners.
Medical and Healthcare services are also considered to be of a world-class
standard. It must be noted, however, that housing, education and healthcare
need to be carefully considered when negotiating an expatriate package,
due to their comparative high costs.
Ownership of private vehicles is also expensive, but getting around the island is easy, since buses and taxis are cheap and plentiful. In addition, the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system is one of the best in the world for a safe and efficient service that is inexpensive to use. There is also the added comfort of knowing that Singapore has a safe and secure environment for people of all ages to walk around freely at any time of the day or night.
Singapore's claim to be the shopping capital of the world is justified principally by the sheer number of stores selling everything including the latest electronic goods and designer fashions, all within the convenience of air-conditioned shopping plazas that are open 12-hours daily.
For eating out, nowhere else in Asia will you find such a diversity of ethnic cuisines. The sheer number of restaurants and cafes is a testimony to Singaporeans national obsession with food. These range from Hawker Centres (food stalls), informal cafes and 'fastfood' outlets to the designer coffee houses and restaurants.
Weekend breaks to other destinations are also a popular pursuit of the expatriate and local alike. SingaporeÕs close proximity to neighbouring countries and the ease of access from the city to the award-winning Changi Airport, makes travel free of the usual stresses and strains.
The obvious benefits of living in Singapore are numerous, and despite the economic downturn in the region, the Government leaders continue to promote the need to attract international business executives to Singapore.
About Elaine Drinkwater
Elaine Drinkwater is a career management and development professional
and founder of Career Management Solutions. She has over 20 years experience
in career development in countries around the world, and holds an MBA in
International Business Management.
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