Singapore is a great place to live and work, so it’s no surprise that there are plenty of people overseas with an interest in finding employment here. With a very diverse working culture and people from all over the world in the job market, there are lots of opportunities for expats to come here and thrive, though naturally some industries have more demand than others. If you’re one of those who is looking to make a life in Singapore, here are some of the professions that are most popular with potential expats.
#1 The Finance Sector
Singapore has carved itself out as one of the true financial hubs of the world, and most major banks, insurers and other finance companies have a presence here. This makes it possible for people who already work for a bank in their own country to find jobs with the same employer in Singapore. One example is the many British people who work for Barclays who have chosen to do this.
Finance is a good career choice in any case for those who want to move to other countries, due to its international nature. It’s also something more and more people are getting involved with on a private level, thanks to things like online commodities trading and forex; once someone develops a passion in this kind of area, a career can follow.
#2 Information Technology (IT)
Technology careers can also help expats find their place in the Singaporean job market. Many major IT brands have invested strongly in their Singapore HQ operations, so, as with finance, there are options there for the staff who work for them in other countries to transfer to Singapore if they want to live here. Companies like HP are good targets for people with existing IT skills and experience who want to live here, just as they are for graduates within Singapore who want to launch a new career.
#3 Hospitality and Tourism
A third sector where expats tend to prosper in Singapore is hospitality. This is a popular destination for both business travel and leisure, so there are plenty of opportunities for anyone skilled in things like hotel management. This is also a field where entrepreneurs can do well, by investing in new projects that help from a luxury tourism perspective. Singapore isn’t a cheap destination, so people skilled in working with high-end or business customers tend to be more successful here than those with a budget travel background.
#4 Retail
A final field that can be a good option for potential expats seeking work is retail. The shopping is world-class here, so high-end retail is tied to the tourism and hospitality industry too, and can be a good field for forging a career in. Retail management in particular is a good choice, and can be something that is in demand from the big brands in Singapore as well as being needed by smaller, more boutique shops.
There are of course plenty of other careers that expats work in in Singapore, but any of these four fields can be a good choice if you are someone currently overseas who is looking to find work here or get a transfer in your existing company. Also, don’t discount other trades that do well just about everywhere, such as healthcare. Good luck with the job hunt!
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