RELOCATION TO SINGAPORE FOR CONSULTANTS
Q: I have been a consultant for a search firm in Hong Kong for 7 years. I am a Hongkonger while my fiancee is Malaysian and we are planning to relocate to Singapore next year. Would you tell me if it is possible for me to find a consultant job there in Singapore? What criteria would be set for a foreign consultant? As a Hongkonger, what I should be prepared here in Hong Kong before the relocation? Should I recommend myself to a local search firm which got an office in Singapore? And what kind of difficulties I am going to face? I can speak fluent English and I'm prepared to accept a lower package rate than I am entitled to in Hong Kong. Look forward to reading your professional advice. Many thanks!"
A: Mark Ellwood, Director of Robert Walters (Singapore) replied, "With the job market in Singapore having bounced back strongly after SARS and the general economic downturn many of the search firms including Robert Walters are currently expanding due to an increase in demand from clients.
Depending on your area of expertise you should be able to secure a number of interviews as most sectors are currently looking to recruit. With your level of experience you should be able to secure an Employment Pass as the government is still keen to promote foreign talent and with many organisations focusing on mainland China your exposure to this market could prove useful to a number of the search firms. You need to do your research carefully, assess which organizations have a positive reputation in Singapore by networking with your existing clients in Hong Kong and asking their Singaporean counterparts for their opinion. Working for an agency with a regional presence is favorable as it will allow you opportunities to relocate in the future as well as being able to service your regional clients. Hong Kong and Singapore offices work closely together as they are able to share candidates as both parties speak Mandarin. As long as you have a reasonable expectation on salary taking into account what people are paid in Singapore and you are prepared to start building up your network of contacts in Singapore then you should be able to secure a number of interviews. Remember to ask about relocation costs during your interview process and most search firms will cover this but you do not want to be caught with any surprises. Your success will then depend on whether the companies that you interview with feel that you have the ability to be successful in the local Singapore market place."
A: Guy Day, Managing Director, Ambition, Hong Kong also advised, "It is certainly possible to find a job as a Consultant in Singapore. The Asian recruitment industry is still relatively young when compared to other markets like the US, Europe and Australia. To that end, there are far fewer good recruiters around and the best ones are always in demand and even more so when there is a more buoyant economy. Any recruitment firm will be looking for a Consultant to generate business and bill revenue.
You will also need to very clearly point to a track record of success in Hong Kong. You will be asked for referees so have those at the ready.
You will also need to have very strong English language skills and be a fast learner as there will be peculiarities in the Singapore market that you are not used to. If you have been successful in the Hong Kong recruitment market then there is no reason why you can't enjoy similar success in Singapore. Good luck !"
(next issue: Hong Kong).