I Am 26. I Quit My High-Paying Job In M’sia And Moved To Singapore. Here’s What I Think
‘Though It’s Stressful, I Never Regretted It.’YU ANG TAN
JUNE 17, 2023
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At the age of 25, I took a significant leap in my career by relocating to Singapore. The transition was a blend of daunting challenges and rewarding experiences. Following my graduation in China, I, a Johorian, embarked on my professional journey in Kuala Lumpur where I worked for nearly two years.
In general, I discerned that the work culture in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore is quite similar. However, the saving is more favorable and solid comparing Singapore to Malaysia due to the gradually increasing exchange rate.
Some may doubt us or even label us as unpatriotic. Nevertheless, my flame of passion towards my home country will never be burnt out no matter where I am, especially when I look at the diversity, inclusiveness and of course the food.
In my opinion, the best career opportunities could be found in Malaysia. In Malaysia, you don’t need extra effort to adapt the cultural shock and working environment without worrying your residency and any changes of the foreign labor law and regulations.
Talking about the most attractive push factor for expat to relocate to Singapore, my opinion might be different from others. If the pay is the only criteria, you might put yourself in the struggling situation and sacrifice your interest and existing expertise.
From my point of view, at the very beginning of the career, personal growth and connection are the most crucial.
If your singular motivation to relocate to Singapore is monetary, you might find the transition challenging. There’s a potential risk of ending up in a job role that neither piques your interest nor leverages your expertise.
The aspiration to work in Singapore is a common sentiment among Malaysians, primarily due to the favorable exchange rate and the higher standard of living.
According to the Malaysian Employer Federation (MEF), there are currently 900,000 Malaysians working full-time in Singapore.
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This aspiration has led many outstanding Malaysians to leave their homeland in pursuit of improved living styles and better career development.
From JB to KL, now to Singapore
Tan Jun Wei, a 26-year-old Malaysian, is one such ambitious professional who embarked on an exciting career journey leading him from his hometown to Singapore.
Jun Wei was born and bred in Kota Tinggi, a city known for its close proximity to Singapore.
His journey started after graduating from a University in Shanghai in 2020. Immediately after his graduation, he joined the Malaysian headquarters of a well-known Chinese mobile phone brand as a management trainee in Kuala Lumpur.
In 2021, Jun Wei’s career took a significant turn when he resigned and joined a multinational corporation (MNC) based in Malaysia, where he was responsible for managing social media, writing articles, coordinating with designers and managers, executing campaigns, and creating content for various channels.
“I was exposed to multiple facets of content marketing in my role at the MNC,” Jun Wei remarked. “This diverse experience contributed significantly to my growth as a professional.”
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Moved to Singapore in 2022 but laid off after six months
In August 2022, driven by the allure of international work culture and wanting to broaden horizons, Jun Wei relocated to Singapore.He began his journey in Singapore by working at a tech startup but was laid off after only six months on the job.
Despite the setback, Jun Wei said he saw it as an opportunity for personal and professional growth.
Different work permits in Singapore
He also mentioned that Singaporean companies often have restrictions on hiring foreigners, requiring a certain percentage of Singaporeans to be employed in the company.However, he highlighted that Malaysians are generally favored by some Singaporean companies due to shared culture, language, and a reputation for being hardworking.
When asked about the expenses involved in the entire transition, he mentioned that one should budget around SGD4,000 (~RM13,767) for rental deposits, basic necessities, and miscellaneous expenses that may arise during the transition phase.
He also pointed out that there are different work passes available for foreigners working in Singapore. The Employment Pass and S-Pass are two separate work passes designed for professionals with high-level qualifications and technicians with mid-level skills, respectively.
On the other hand, Work Permits are for unskilled workers in labor-intensive industries with lower-level skill sets.
Has more time with family
Currently, he is working as a marketing executive at an automative company in Singapore, contributing his expertise and making strides in his professional life.
When asked about his career transition, Jun Wei noted that the transition from Malaysia to Singapore was challenging, but he doesn’t regret his decision.
“I enjoy my career in Singapore, but I believe the best job opportunities might still be in Malaysia, especially for career start and those who have family to take care of due to fewer work permit restrictions and a wider range of job options.”
In the midst of a dynamic and fast-moving talent market, Jun Wei shows his resilience and courage when he steps out of his comfort zone and deals with obstacles. His experience serves as a beacon of inspiration to those at the junction and a reference to those that are on a similar path. He is telling everyone that “the world is your oyster”.
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