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A recent job recruitment notice circulating online seeks to recruit Taiwanese doctors to work in Singapore. ICU physician Dr. Chen Chih-Chin commented on Facebook about the real cost of living in Singapore, urging those who may have an idealized impression of the opportunity to consider the financial realities before deciding to pursue a medical career there.
The job post, titled “Work Opportunity in Singapore: Recruitment of Taiwanese Doctors,” states that interviews are scheduled to begin in October, and interested applicants are encouraged to prepare their resumes promptly. The application requirements include:
(1) A medical degree recognized by the Singapore Medical Council (SMC), such as that from the National Taiwan University College of Medicine (applicants may check SMC’s website for a list of approved foreign qualifications), and
(2) At least three years of clinical experience in a hospital.
As for compensation and benefits, the position offers a base monthly salary starting from SGD 6,500, with adjustments based on experience. A housing allowance of SGD 1,500 is provided, along with annual bonuses and performance incentives. Relocation support is also offered, including settlement allowances for the applicant, spouse, and up to three children.
Dr. Chen noted that the total monthly income including housing allowance amounts to about SGD 8,000, which may seem attractive to medical school graduates. However, he pointed out the high cost of living in Singapore. For example, before purchasing a car, one must first obtain a Certificate of Entitlement (COE), which grants the right to own and use a car for 10 years. After this period, the COE must be renewed to continue owning the same car or to purchase a new one.
A Category B COE (for vehicles above 1600cc) currently costs SGD 116,670. Meanwhile, a Toyota Altis in Singapore sells for SGD 149,888. Given such costs, Dr. Chen questioned what kind of lifestyle the advertised salary could realistically support in Singapore.
Regarding housing, Dr. Chen highlighted that with the current rental market in Singapore, SGD 1,000 to 1,500 per month typically rents a single bedroom in a shared flat. A two-bedroom HDB flat rents for SGD 2,500 to 3,000 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment would cost SGD 4,000 to 5,000.
He argued that, with this level of income and allowances, once expenses such as food, daily necessities, and especially the costs of supporting a spouse and children (including tuition, transport, and healthcare) are factored in, it would be financially unsustainable. Furthermore, Dr. Chen reminded readers that, as of now, only the National Taiwan University’s medical degree is recognized by the SMC, and Taiwanese specialist qualifications are not directly accepted for specialist roles in Singapore.
According to general salary data for doctors in Singapore, physicians in internal medicine at public hospitals earn around SGD 15,000 to 20,000 per month, while surgeons may earn SGD 20,000 to 30,000, despite typically having only one operating day per week. When compared to such averages, the compensation offered in the job listing appears to be below market rates.
新加坡征台湾医师月领近15万 他曝真实情况打破美好想像
https://nextapple.com.sg/life/20250706/765D6665BE70DD68D87C8F9F2FBC9D27
