Intern Guidebook: Singapore
Looking at its small area and lack of natural resources, it is a wonder how Singapore become one of Asia’s strongest economy. Its strong growth is mainly because of its open market and high quality workforce. Singapore has been constantly ranked high in terms of economic freedom, as the number 2 in the world after Hong Kong. Because of its efficient and supportive business law, many multinational companies and startups flourish in Singapore. Combined with its capable and skillful workers, Singapore nowadays is one of the best place for doing business. With its robust economy, there are plenty of choices for an internship in Singapore.
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Visa and Accommodation
For an internship in Singapore, except for local Singaporeans, you will need a Working Holiday Visa. Application can be done online and you are required to submit some documents (http://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-holiday-programme/apply-for-a-pass). To see if you are eligible for a Singapore Work and Holiday Visa, you can check the Singapore Government Website (http://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-holiday-programme/eligibility).
Accommodation can be quite pricey in Singapore, as it has a small land area. Rental fee can be your biggest expense for living in Singapore, especially closer to the central area, like Orchard Road. As cheaper alternatives, you can consider the suburbs, like Tiong Bahru or Woodlands. There are plenty of choices for shared apartments, called the Housing and Development Board (HDB), in these areas. They might be located farther from your internship company, but as long as you find one located near the MRT stations you should be able to commute easily.
Internships Placements
The most popular field for an internship in Singapore is in Business and Finance, because of the presence of many major financial institutions in Singapore. Finance internship could be done in banking, asset and wealth management, insurance, foreign exchange and many more. Information technology (IT) is another rapidly growing field in Singapore, where you can work in a multinational companies or startups. Hospitality and Tourism is another possibility, as Singapore is one of the top tourism destinations in Asia.
Working Condition
Singaporeans working conditions is strictly regulated by the Employment Act with a very detailed employment contracts. As a result, workers’ protests and strikes are very rare in Singapore. The working condition in Singapore is also very competitive. Singaporeans are hard workers and will work well beyond office hour. They are also very punctual. You will be expected to have the same dedication.
Singapore is a melting pot of cultures, the majority of them being Chinese, India and Malay. Therefore, the working culture can be different from company to company. But as Chinese held the biggest portion of the population, most of Singaporeans’ working culture are influence by Chinese culture. High hierarchy, collectivism and even the practice of “giving face” will be experienced when you have an internship in Singapore. Networking and building relationship is very important if you want to succeed in Singapore.
Life in Singapore
This small and modern city is a convenient place to live. For one, English is the main language in Singapore and there will be no difficulties in communication. Although its version of English, called “Singlish”, will take some time to get used to. Getting around Singapore is very easy with its comprehensive public transportation. To make things even simpler, you only need to have one Ez-link card to pay for all mode of transportations, from MRT, buses to some taxi services. If you love shopping and enjoying delicious food, Singapore will be a heaven for you. Its nightlife is also very lively, with plenty choices of dining, clubbing and live music venues. Moreover, this city is very clean and orderly with a low crime rate, due to its strict laws and regulations. Pay attention to the rules and regulations in Singapore, it can be pretty easy to unknowingly break them and get heavily fined. Singapore is sometimes called “The Fine City” because of this reason.
All of this living convenience in Singapore come at a high living cost. After all, Singapore has been named the world’s most expensive city for four years in a row. Although you should be able to manage your living cost with a simple budgeting, like eating in the hawkers center and avoiding taxis.
Having an internship in Singapore will be a challenging and interesting experience. You will be able to come home with tons of new knowledge and skills, and also international connections. If you want to know more about Internship in Singapore, contact us!