Must-Know Tips and Facts for Malaysians Working in Singapore
Although initially it was instability that led to Singapore’s independence, Singapore and Malaysia have enjoyed close ties in the decades since. Malaysian labor contributed greatly to Singapore’s economic growth and infrastructure, and Singapore provides opportunity for migrants who seek better work and wages. Malaysians working in Singapore have contributed to its economy and helped foster a state of interdependence between both countries.
In this article we’ll discuss employment trends as well as cultural differences and other considerations for working in Singapore as a Malaysian expat.
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Singapore's Diverse Labor Market
Singapore’s labour market is made up of diverse industries, each contributing uniquely to the country’s growth and success. Singapore is a major financial hub in Asia. Financial services, along with trade and manufacturing, make up a large portion of the local economy. Singapore is a popular tourist destination, and many working in Singapore are in hospitality and services. Other industries like healthcare and construction are stable contributors to the Singapore economy.
Careers in technology are booming globally and Singapore is no exception. According to Workforce Singapore, there are 2,500 to 3,500 new jobs in financial technology each year. Specialists in AI, data science, robotics, and cybersecurity, among others, are emerging roles in Singapore.
How are the economic structures in Malaysia and Singapore different?
Both countries have low unemployment rates. Singapore has a much higher GDP per capita than Malaysia, despite having a fifth of its workforce. Both economies rely heavily on exports and services. In Singapore, the government is working to end its dependence on foreign labor, while in Malaysia, the government seeks to diversify its economy and rely less on exports.
More opportunity and global exposure are just a few reasons that draw Malaysians to work in Singapore. For Malaysians working in Singapore, salary is another major consideration. The country has a demand for foreign labor in many different industries like tech, finance, and hospitality. Jobs for Malaysians in Singapore are also advantageous because of the country’s close proximity, and its cultural similarities.
📚Further reading: The 10 Highest Paying Jobs in Singapore You Need to Know in 2024
Singapore’s Employment Trends and Patterns
Many people wonder how many Malaysians are working in Singapore. According to the UN, there are over 1 million Malaysians living in Singapore, and more than 300,000 Malaysians cross the bridge into Singapore daily, many of them for work.
As the biggest group of Malaysian migrants, Malaysians working in Singapore are drawn to jobs in some of the following high-demand industries.
Information Technology (IT) and Digital Services
Singapore’s tech sector is expanding, and even retail stores are looking for professionals to help them with digitization. Potential jobs for Malaysians in Singapore include software development, AI, cybersecurity, and fintech.
Finance and Banking
As a major financial centre in Asia, there are many opportunities for Malaysians working in Singapore. Careers in banking, insurance, wealth management, and regulations are abundant but competitive.
Healthcare and Biomedical Sciences
There are jobs in patient care, in research, with pharmaceutical companies, and medical technology. Singapore is also a growing destination for medical tourism.
Engineering and Manufacturing
Skilled Malaysians working in Singapore land opportunities in engineering and production, including electronics and even aerospace.
Education
Singapore has a reputation in academia, with quality schools and diverse jobs in education. Malaysians working in Singapore can also find roles in administration and student services.
Malaysian labor is sought after in Singapore, and Malaysian workers have an advantage over other southeast Asian groups for a few reasons.
- Bilingual language proficiency: According to EF, the Malaysian population has some of the highest English proficiency in Asia, and most ethnic Chinese Malaysians, a significant proportion of the population, also speak and understand Mandarin.
- Technical Competence: A high proportion of Malaysian workers have some competence in information technology, a desirable skill set in Singapore.
- Cross-Cultural Adaptability: Singapore is home to many Malaysians and the close cultural ties between the two communities makes it easy for Malaysian workers to assimilate.
Cultural Differences Between Malaysia and Singapore
Although Malaysians working in Singapore might not experience much culture shock, there are nonetheless some important social and work culture differences between the two nations.
Communication Styles
Malaysians working in Singapore will have to adjust to a more direct way of communicating, as the Malaysian culture tends to favor nonverbal communication. This could lead to misunderstandings and tension.
Hierarchical Structures
While hierarchy is important in Malaysia, there is still some flexibility even in the workplace. Working in Singapore as a Malaysian involves contending with more rigid division between management and employees. Interacting with team members will also be more formal.
Customs and Social Etiquette
Workplace norms and professional interaction may be slightly different in Singapore. Malaysians might find that Singaporean locals conduct business more formally.
Religion and Holidays
Singapore enjoys fewer public holidays than Malaysia. While Malaysian holidays vary by state and can sometimes happen after surprise events like sports and elections, Singapore tends to be less flexible.
📚Further reading: A Complete Guide to Singaporean Work Culture
Other Considerations for Malaysians Working in Singapore
Malaysians who wish to work in Singapore will have to consider some of the following details before applying for their dream job.
Housing and Cost of Living
Singapore is one of the most expensive places to live, and Malaysians working in Singapore may struggle to find affordable housing. Rent in Singapore is 800% more than in Malaysia, while groceries are close to 100% more expensive.
Healthcare and Insurance
Healthcare in Malaysia and Singapore are relatively similar in terms of wait times, competency, and convenience. While healthcare in Malaysia is heavily subsidized, only citizens and PRs qualify for universal healthcare in Singapore. For some Malaysians working in Singapore, their employer must provide insurance, while others are responsible for their own coverage or out-of-pocket costs.
Education for Expatriate Families
Malaysians working in Singapore will have to consider the cost of education for their children, in one of Singapore’s international or local schools. Children can attend local schools only if their expat parents hold a particular employment pass, while international schools can be competitive and expensive.
How to Land Your Dream Job in Singapore
If you’re still wondering how to find a job in Singapore for Malaysians, here are a few tips to maximize your chances at success.
Research and Understand the Singaporean Job Market
Your first step is to do adequate research in the local job market. This includes narrowing down the industries that have a high demand for the skills you possess. Once you have an idea on the industry you want to work in, research companies that interest you and get to know their particular hiring process.
Study Singapore’s Visa and Work Permit Requirements
There are many different types of visas and work permits in Singapore, and it’s important to research which types you qualify for before applying to jobs. Get familiar with the immigration regulations in Singapore, for example, whether you need a health check or whether you can immigrate with dependents.
📚Further reading: Gateway to the Lion City: Your Comprehensive Singapore Visa Handbook
Update Your Resume/CV
Before applying to jobs, focus on tailoring your resume to match the unique expectations of employers in Singapore. This could be components like language proficiency or specific skills. On your resume, make sure you highlight the skills and experience that are relevant to the positions you are applying for.
For more resume and CV help, try Cake’s articles or use our resume builder to help you accentuate your relevant experience.
Utilize Job Search Portals
If you’re interested in working in Singapore, your next step is to register on popular and highly visible job portals, like JobStreet and LinkedIn. Cake is another popular job search portal in Asia, with daily postings located in Singapore.
If you’d rather not use a portal to find jobs in Singapore, another option is to apply directly on a company website, if you’ve found an organization you’re interested in. Check out some local recruitment agencies for expats working in Singapore.
💡Pro tip: On job portals and even some company sites, you can establish job alerts so you’ll be one of the first to know about a new vacancy.
Stay Persistent and Positive
If you’re applying to jobs in Singapore, make sure you follow up on job applications and express your continued interest to the hiring manager.
Job searching can be tough, and it’s important to be patient and to stay positive if you’re interested in working in Singapore. Don’t give up! Your persistence can lead you to the right position.
Key Takeaways
There are many Malaysians working in Singapore, in a variety of different industries. Both countries share some cultural similarities that make working in Singapore desirable, in addition to its benefits, like higher wages. It’s important to be prepared for some of the challenges of living in Singapore, like visas and living costs. If you’re looking for work in Singapore, try popular job portals like Cake, and make sure your CV is relevant and up to date.
Cake is a free resume maker and portfolio builder that provides hundreds of resume templates (free download) and various job resume examples to help showcase the best you. Landing your dream job will be a piece of cake!
--- Originally Written by Tiffany Quinn ---
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