BROUGHT TO YOU BY:WORKABROAD.

PH | 2012
BROUGHT TO YOU BY: WORKABROAD.PH | 2012

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. Introduction II. Why Singapore is a Great Destination for OFWs? III. Singapore Facts and Figures IV. Are You Ready for Singapore? V. What Are the Job Opportunities In Singapore? VI. Where to look for Singapore Jobs VII. How to Work in Singapore? VIII. Living in Singapore IX. Basic Phrases You Can Use in Singapore X. OFW Directory
Disclaimer: The information contained in this e-book is for information purposes only. The publisher made sure that the information presented is accurate, reliable and up-to-date. However, the publisher cannot guarantee that all information is up-to-date and true at all times due to the fact that policies and regulations are never constant. The reader of this e-book agrees that the publisher cannot be held liable for any direct or indirect losses that may be incurred as a result of the information presented in this document.
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I: INTRODUCTION

Singapore

, a country in the heart of South East Asia can boasts of a strong economy, stable

government and modern and world-class living standards. Situated near the equator, Singapore enjoys tropical weather all year and is generally safe from natural calamities. Its crime rate is also among the lowest in the world. Furthermore, Singapore has a growing demand for foreign workers. The above traits make Singapore an ideal place for overseas employment. Though Singapore is a relatively small country with only 710 sq. km, the population is made up of people of diverse cultures. Singapore citizens are composed of Chinese, Malay, Indian and other races. The Chinese constitutes 76.8% of the population, the Malays 13%, and the Indians 7.9% while other races constitute the remaining percentage. The unique mix of races results in different languages, religions, and dishes. However, instead of creating conflict, people of different races live in harmony in Singapore. Singapore is a place where you will find mosques and temples side by side and where mixed marriages are rampant.

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II. Why Singapore is a Great Destination for OFWS?

The numerous job opportunities open to foreign workers makes Singapore one of the favorite destinations of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) today. Its proximity to the Philippines further makes it an ideal OFW destination. It is also one of the top desired destinations because employees in Singapore not only receive high salary; they also get to enjoy working and living in one of the most developed and progressive countries in Southeast Asia. Many international companies have set up their bases in Singapore, thus the need for more global workers. Majority of the thriving businesses in Singapore are in the industry of electronics, financial services, oil and gas, chemicals and shipping. In Singapore, one out of four skilled employees is a foreign worker. So deployment in Singapore means joining an international workforce that is fluent in English and highly skilled. The Singapore government and the employers are united in their goal to offer excellent opportunities and provide trainings to further improve the quality and productivity of their labor force.

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III: Singapore Facts and Figures

If you want to work in Singapore, you should have an idea about the country where you want to earn a living. Check out these basic facts about the Lion City:

Capital: Climate: Population: Ethnic Groups: Religion: Government: Currency: International Country Code: Exchange Rate (as Of Dec 2011): Language: Major Industries:

Singapore Summer and Rainy Season 5.08 Million ( as of June 2010 data) Chinese 76.8%, Malay 13%, Indian 7.9%, other races Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Christianity and Hinduism Parliamentary Republic Singapore Dollar +65 1 Singapore Dollar (SAR) = 33.72 Philippine Peso English, Malay, Mandarin and Tamil Electronics, chemicals, financial services, IT and professional services, biomedical sciences & research, oil drilling equipment, petroleum refining, processed food and beverages, ship repair, offshore platform construction, life sciences, entrepot trade.

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Singapore Holidays
HOLIDAY
New Years Day Chinese New Year Good Friday Labour Day Vesak Day National Day Hari Raya Puasa Deepavali Hari Raya Haji Christmas Day

DATE
January 1 Depends on the Chinese calendar Date not fixed May 1 May 5 August 9 August 30 October 26 November 6 December 25

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IV: Are you ready for Singapore?

Now, you are convinced that Singapore is the ideal work destination for you, but before sending out applications to various recruitment agencies, here are a few reminders to increase your chances of getting hired:

1. Check your resume. Take time to ensure that your resume is well-written and impressive. This is the first basis of an employer in assessing your qualifications so the resume you will submit should lay down what the employer wants to see. Make your resume stand out among others by highlighting your work experiences, achievements, strengths and special skills relevant to the job you are applying for. 2. Is your occupation in-demand? You will have an easier time finding a job in Singapore if your job is included in the list of in-demand jobs identified by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

Note: Some of the job openings in the Strategic Skills-in demand list are available in the latter part of this e-book.

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3. Do you have enough work experience? A relevant work experience is needed to be qualified for a job and Employment Pass (EP). Singapore employers prefer workers with at least five (5) years of relevant work experience. Nevertheless, workers with less years of work experience can still be hired if they possess other compensating factors.

4. Can you cope with the challenge of a global workplace? You will be working with people of different nationalities so you have to learn to somehow get along with them. Company rules and regulations can also be different from the Philippines as the working environment can be so hectic and demanding. Be prepared for all these possibilities. 5. Take the Self-assessment tool. The Ministry of Manpower makes it easy for an expatriate to see if his or her qualifications meet the Singapore standards. A self-assessment tool for different workers is available in the website of the Ministry of Manpower. You can check out the site and evaluate your qualifications at www.mom.gov.sg

Are you ready to work in Singapore? Take this fun Workabroad Quiz to find out!

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V: What are the Job Opportunities in Singapore?

Foreign workers with specializations in the following fields are currently in-demand in Singapore: Manufacturing, Construction, Healthcare, Information Technology, Finance, and Tourism and Retail. Examples of wanted positions are listed per job category below. They are included in the Strategic Skills in Demand list that are identified by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). The Strategic Skills in Demand is the list of jobs needed for the growth and advancement of major economic sectors of Singapore.

Manufacturing
Firmware R&D Engineer Media Process Engineer Network Storage Engineer Water Fabrication Process Engineer Chemist Electrical Engineer/Technician QA/QC Specialist Design Engineer Petroleum Engineer Project Engineer Well Engineer Nano Engineer

Construction
Civil/ Structural/ Bridge Engineer Design Engineer Geotechnical Engineer Mechanical & Electrical/Aircon/Fire/Instrumentation Engineer Quantity Surveyor Resident Technical Officer/ Engineer Testing & Commissioning Engineer Supervisor and General Foreman Crane & Hoist Operator/BC Cutter Operator/Bored Piling Operator/Drilling Operator/ M&E/ architectural)/Autocad Operator Architectural Assistant/Technician Marine Investigation Diver/Specialist Resident Technical Officer Jet-grouting Specialist

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Healthcare
Auditory Verbal Therapist Clinical Audiologist Dietician Doctor Medical Diagnostic Radiographer Medical/Laboratory Technologist Nurse Occupational Therapist Pharmacist Physiotherapist Podiatrist Radiation Therapist Respiratory Therapist Speech Therapist

Information Communication and Digital Media

Database/Network and Computer Systems Administrator Game Programmer IT Analyst Software Architect Software Engineer Systems Designer and Analyst 2D and 3D Artist Animator Computer Graphic (CG) Artist Concept Artist Software Designer Technical Artist

QUICK TIP: The global landscape is never constant. This means that list of indemand professions here and the requirements can change anytime. Always be on the lookout for the latest trends and developments in the global market to stay well-informed.

Tourism and Retail

Production Manager Set Designer Sound Designer Stage Designer

Finance
Risk Manager & Controller Compliance Officer Financial IT Engineer Accountant

Other Jobs Needed in Singapore:

Salesmen, Clerical Workers, Administrative Workers, Customer Service Assistant, Sales Designer, Technical Consultant, Site Supervisor

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VI: Where to Look for Singapore Jobs?

Overseas job-hunting is not so hard nowadays and serious jobseekers have many options. Here are some of them:

Go the traditional way and dig the classifieds. Looking for an overseas job via newspaper may be an old way, but it is an old trick that still works. So scouring for job openings at the classified ads section of the major dailies is not a waste of time. This method though is not highly recommended because newspapers can take a toll on ones budget and it would eat a lot of your time and patience. Use your social circle. Do you have friends or relatives that are currently working in Singapore? You can inform them of your desire to work there and ask for their help and guidance. They might inform you of job openings or refer you to an agency or company. Note: Getting hired for a job in Singapore thru a referral from a friend or relative makes you a namehired OFW. Even if you have not employed the services of a licensed recruitment agency in your job application, you still need to go to POEA to register and submit requirements to be included in the list of legal or documented OFWs.

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Go Online. The easiest way to get a job today is by signing up at employment job sites such as:

This method is highly recommended as job portals offer applicants a convenient and inexpensive way to search and submit job applications. You only need to register, create an online resume, search for Jobs in Singapore and submit an online application. You can also visit websites that are dedicated to OFWs such as

OFWGuide.com and OFWAbroad.com.

Attend job fairs and special recruitment activities: Many placement agencies conduct special recruitment activities and participate in job fairs nationwide. Attend these events for a chance to get hired on the spot. Watch and listen. There are radio programs and TV shows that deal about the life of OFWs and their concerns. The programs usually announce job vacancies from time to time.

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VII: How to Work in Singapore?

The Employment Pass A foreigner with a valid job offer in Singapore would only be allowed to work upon issuance of a work permit or a valid Employment Pass (EP). Singapore employers that deploy non-residents without a valid work permit may face the penalties stated under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act. To qualify for one of the EPs below, there are basic requirements to be met:
Type of Employment Pass Examples of Basic Requirements

Q1 Employment Pass

P2 Employment Pass P1 Employment Pass

Monthly salary not lower than SGD3,000 Possesses recognized qualifications At least five years of relevant work experience Monthly salary not lower than SGD4,500 Possesses recognized qualifications Monthly salary not lower than SGD8,000

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Dependant Privileges for P and Q1 Employment Pass Holders Family members of Q1 and P pass holders can go to Singapore using the passes indicated below. The application for family member can be submitted together with the Employment pass application or can be done separately. A separate application for each family member should be submitted.
Employment Pass Type Pass to Use Can Apply for

P1 and P2 Employment Pass

Dependants Pass Long Term Visit Pass

Q1 Employment Pass

Dependants Pass

Spouse Unmarried or legally adopted children under 21 years old Common-law spouse Unmarried daughters above 21 years old Handicapped children above 21 years old Step-children under 21 years old Parents Parents-in-law Spouse Unmarried or legally adopted children under 21years old

S-Pass for Professionals On July 2004, the Singapore government issued a new foreign work pass (S-Pass) that will allow entry and employment of skilled, middle level, managerial, and semi-skilled workers. This is intended for foreign workers that are not qualified for the Full Employment Pass. The Full Employment Pass is only given to skilled workers that earn SGD 3,000 or more per month. Applicant for S-pass are rated using a point system and here are the requirements:
The monthly salary must be SGD 2,000 or higher. Has a diploma or technical qualifications. Has related work experience.

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Dependant Privileges for S-Pass Holders An S-Pass holder that earns SGD2, 800 per month is entitled to Dependant privileges. They can choose to submit the application and requirements for Dependants together with their S-pass application. Children of S Pass holders need to pass the Qualifying Test (QT) or the Admissions Exercise for International Students (AEIS) to be accepted in mainstream public schools in Singapore. S-Pass holders whose income is less than SGD2, 800 are not allowed to apply for Dependant privileges.

WARNING TO APPLICANTS
Singapore is very close to the Philippines so airfare is affordable. A visa is also not required for a visit that will not exceed 30 days. For this reason, many Filipinos who want to work in Singapore opt in doing it the easy way by going there as a tourist. Though there are OFWs who succeeded by following this route, it is not advisable. It is much safer to look for an overseas job through the help of a recruitment agency and be hired while still in the Philippines. This means that when you go to Singapore, a valid job and a work permit is already waiting for you. The Singapore government is aware of the tourist visa scheme so they implied stricter rules. A Filipino going to Singapore as a tourist may be asked to present a two-way ticket and a proof that the stay would not be more than seven days. Immigration authorities may become suspicious if a tourist indicates that he or she is planning to stay for more than a week.

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FAQs About Employment Pass in Singapore

Upon submitting an application for an Employment Pass, how long do I have to wait for the result? If filed online, the result of an Employment Pass application may be available after one (1) to ten (10) days. Results for manual application may take from three (3) to five (5) weeks. Online applications give faster results because it only requires little information from the applicant and does not require any supporting documents. Online application for an Employment Pass is not advisable for people who need to present lots of supporting documents. Is there a big chance that my Employment Pass application would be successful? Different factors determine the eligibility of an individual to an Employment Pass. The chance for success depends on the credentials of the individual applicant. How can the Employment Pass be renewed? Renewal of Employment Pass should be done two months before expiry. The employer would receive the approval letter for the renewal. If you are still employed with the same company and have not violated any rules under the Employment Pass eligibility, there is no reason for the disapproval of the Employment Pass renewal. Is medical exam a requirement in application for employment pass? A medical exam may be required upon approval of the work visa. It will be stated in the approval letter that one will receive. The letter would also indicate the lists of tests that would be done. A typical medical exam would include a physical examination and some blood tests to make sure that the applicant is not afflicted with serious diseases such as tuberculosis, HIV, etc.

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Additional Info about Working in Singapore

1. The rights of employees in Singapore are specified in the Employment Act. This law covers all foreign and local employees who are under a contract of service with an employer. Seamen, domestic workers and government employees are not covered by the Employment Act. 2. The employer is required to clearly explain to a new employee the job position, job duties, salary, work hours and the employment rights such as rest days and leave privileges. 3. The monthly salary should not be less than the minimum wage set by the Ministry of Manpower. 4. Generally, an employee cannot be asked to work for more than 12 hours a day. An employee can only be asked to work beyond 12 hours under special circumstances. An employer needs to obtain a special permit to require the employees to work for more than 12 hours. 5. Vacation and sick leaves privileges vary depending on the number of years an employee is working for the company. 6. Foreign workers in Singapore are entitled to the same benefits enjoyed by the local personnel. 7. The probationary period for new employees range from 3 months up to 6 months. 8. Do not work for another employer or change jobs without the approval of MOM. 9. The worker or the employer is required to notify the MOM regarding any change in employment status (duties performed, salary revisions, change of designation, change of residential address, etc.). 10. If applicable, bring the original copy of your marriage contract and the birth certificates of your children for tax-exemption purposes.

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VIII: Living in Singapore

Singapore offers great salary but foreign workers here also have to cope with a high
standard of living. According to the Economist Intelligence Unit survey conducted on March 2009, Singapore is the third most expensive city in Asia. Nevertheless, the living conditions in Singapore are also one of the best. Even if Singapore is an expensive city, there are many ways that a foreign worker can stretch a dollar and save money.

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Sample Computation of Monthly Expenses in Singapore Accommodation: Food: Public Transportation: Clothes: Mobile Phone: Internet: Cable TV: Utilities: Leisure: Others: SGD750 (1-bedroom flat in HBD*) SGD400 SGD150 SGD60 SGD50 SGD50 SGD25 SGD100 SGD50 SGD50

Total:

SGD 1,685

*HDB stands for Housing Development Board. This is not a landed property so houses and rooms for rent are cheaper.

Quick Tip! Respect all traditions and beliefs in Singapore. Strive to obey rules and regulations at all times.

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Money Saving Tips in Singapore

1. Rent a house in HDB. The Housing Development Board (HDB) can offer comfortable rooms for rent at a cheaper cost because it is not a landed property. Another way to save on house rent is to look for room partners. Many Filipinos in Singapore are looking for roommates or bed spacers to share the rent with. You may also be lucky if you get a job where employers shoulder the accommodation of foreign workers. 2. Buy local brands. Imported brands are costly in Singapore so cut spending cost on imported brands and choose local brands to save money. 3. Minimize eating out. Dining out can be costly too so you would save a lot of money by cooking and eating at home. If you would share a flat with a fellow OFW, you can also split food expenses. 4. Send your child to a government school. For foreign workers with dependants, the public school system of Singapore offer quality education for free. However, the child may need to pass an entrance examination. 5. Pay yourself first. Follow this moneysaving scheme where one sets aside the money for savings as soon as the salary is available. Try to allot at least 10% of your earnings to savings. 6. Look for good investment opportunities. Once you have set aside enough money for savings, you can make that money grow by looking for a viable investment opportunity. You can transfer the money to an account where it will earn more interest, start a business or buy a property. The options available for you are endless so take the time to study each option and choose the one that suits your needs and interests. Be aware that swindlers are everywhere so be very careful

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IX: Basic Phrases You Can Use in Singapore

Even if English is now considered to be the official language in schools and businesses of Singapore, majority of Singaporeans are bilingual. Local citizens would use English and either Mandarin, Malay or Tamil. So Singaporeans would surely appreciate your effort to speak to them in the language they are used to. To help you in communicating with the locals, check out some useful phrases below:

Phrases

Hi How are you? What is your name? My name is _ Thank you. Youre welcome Good morning Good afternoon Good evening Excuse me Where is the restroom? Can you help me? How much is this? I am lost Pleased to meet you Yes No

Say it in Mandarin
Ni Hao Ma Ni Hao Ni Jiao Shenme Mingzi Wo xing __ Xiexie Bu Keqi Zaoshanghao Wuan Wanshanghao Qingwen Cesuo Zai Nali? Ni ken bang zhu wo ma? Zhege duoshao Gian? Wo mi lu le Hen gaoxing renshi ni Shide Bushi

Say it in Malay

Hi Apa Khabar? Apakah Nama Anda? Nama Saya __ Terima Kasih Berbanyak Sama-Sama Selamat Pagi Selamat Petang Selamat Petang Maafkan Saya Di manakah Bilik mandi Bolehkah Anda Membantu Saya? Apakah Harga Barang Ini? Saya Tersesat Gembira Mengenali Anda Ya Tidak

Say it in Tamil
Alo! Eppati irukkinga? Unga pranna? En pru __
Romba Nandri Paravaa illa

Kaalai Vanakkam Kaalai vanakkam

Maalai Vanakkam Mannikanum Marundukadai Enga? Enakku udhavi seivienkala?

Idhu evvalavu?
Enakku vazhi theriyala Ungalai santhithathil magizhchi Aama Illay

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X: OFW Directory
Philippine Embassy in Singapore
Address: 20 Nassim Road, Singapore 258395 Trunk line: +65.6737.3977, Fax: +65.6733.9544 Email: php@pacific.net.sg Open from Sunday to Thursday: 9am-12:30pm & 1:30-5:00pm Website: http://www.philippine-embassy.org.sg/

Embassy of the Republic of Singapore (Philippines) Address: No. 505, Rizal Drive, Bonifacio Global City, 1634 Taguig City, Metro Manila, Philippines Telephone: +63 (2) 856 9922 (General Lines) +63 (2) 856 9922 Ext 110 (Consular Services) +63 (2) 856 9922 Ext 113 (Visa Services) Fax: +63 (2) 856 9932 E-Mail: singemb_mnl@sgmfa.gov.sg Operational Hours: Monday to Friday: 8:30am - 5:00pm Closed on Sat and Sun, Philippine public holidays and Singapore's National Day (9 August).