Singapore has recently been ranked fourth behind the United States, United Kingdom and Australia in the Hydrogen’s Global Professionals on the Move 2013 report. Housing approximately nine percent of the world’s expats, Singapore draws workers primarily because of its highly regarded technology and finance industries. As an innovative and well-educated country, expats witness vast improvements in their family finances and disposable incomes upon moving to Singapore.
In addition to the financial benefits to be had, Singapore’s culture and safety is also quite appealing to expats and their families. It is no surprise that people decide to stay in this city that has retained much of its charm from the British colonial days, for its cutting edge environment appears to be the way of the future.Singapore’s Economic and Job Growth
As home to the third highest per capita income in the world, Singapore’s economy is appealing to many groups. British expats are among those most drawn to the country’s highly westernized and high-tech trade economy. The Singaporean government is extremely supportive of all expats seeking relocation to their country because population growth is greatly needed to support this burgeoning economy. Not just expats are moving here, either. Companies like Proctor & Gamble have recently moved to take advantage of this growing economy as well.
Job growth in Singapore is attractive for American and British expats as well. Workers in the country speak English proficiently, and are among the world’s best for productivity and technical skill. With a focus on banking and finance, shipping, information technology and electronics, Singapore offers potential workers a wide range of professions to enter into. Foreign talents are a vital resource for Singapore, and the expertise possessed by expats is invaluable for employers.
High-Quality Education
Singapore considers education to be one of its best resources. This is reflected in the availability of high-quality, cheap education for all children. Education in Singapore is minded by the Ministry of Education (MoE), which has adopted measures such as the Compulsory Education Act in 2000. In many respects, the education system in Singapore has incorporated the best of each education system throughout the world and made it their own. Children are taught multiple languages, and private school is not thought to have much of an upper hand, if any, on the state system. No matter where children are sent, they are rigorously educated and prepared from the age of five for adulthood.
Healthcare Availability and Expertise
As home of the highest medical standards held in Asia, Singapore has a reputation for being the regional center of medical excellence. In consideration of Singapore’s projected growth rate from expat relocation, the government has crafted an expansion plan that will affect the country’s healthcare. In July 2013, it was reported that between now and 2020, there are plans to develop eight new hospitals. Previously, Singapore has been home to 13 private hospitals and 10 public hospitals. This means that expats will have an even wider selection of hospitals to choose from, provided that they have international medical insurance.
Lack of Culture Shock
Although the official language of Singapore is Mandarin Chinese, English is the most common language and is used for business and trade. Many expats from the United States and Britain find the people extremely friendly and helpful as well. Approximately 38% of the population is currently made up of non-natives. Therefore, many expats are able to find friendship and guidance in others like themselves to aid in any cultural adjustments taking place. The crime rate is also very low in Singapore, offering expats peace of mind when raising a family in a distant place.
In consideration of the economic growth, excellent education, outstanding healthcare and easy cultural adjustment, it is no surprise that many expats are currently seeking out Singapore as a place to relocate. The improving infrastructure of the country during this time of relocation is beneficial as well. Because of the prevalence of expats in the country, non-natives are being well catered to during these improvements. The respect for diversity in Singapore facilitates this inclusive outlook, seamlessly integrating locals with expats. In combination with its open market and improving facilities, Singapore’s appeal is likely to continue increasing, drawing expats from near and far.