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FAR FROM HOME FOR THE END-OF-YEAR HOLIDAYS?

Far from home during the end-of-year festivities? You miss your habits and traditions? Create new ones and participate at events organized in Singapore.

25 DEC CHRISTMAS

On the most magical day of the year, Christmas, Singapore's citizens take the opportunity to do what they like most to eat and have magical moments. You may not have snow or reindeer, but Christmas in Singapore is as big as any other celebration in the year.

Orchard Road Avenue lights up in an extraordinary way throughout December and gives a festive feeling to the streets.

Christmas Wonderland at Gardens by the Bay is an ideal place to experience Christmas-themed festivities, this event is full of light, sound and entertainment.

Above and beyond the eye-catching lights and Christmas decorations, this month-long event offers a wide range of attraction and carnival games. You will have the opportunity to shop at the Holiday Market, meet Santa Claus in Santa's largest cave in Asia and ice-skate under the stars.

31 DEC MARINA BAY COUNTDOWN

Celebrate New Year's Eve in the iconic Marina Bay district. Enjoy Singapore's bright lights and animated vibrations.

The sparkling fireworks illuminating this emblematic district is a real feast for the eyes.

The famous "Star Island Singapore" offers a celestial-themed show at The Float of Marina Bay on December 31, 2019, with a six-part, 90-minute fireworks show and captivating performances.

Holidays and family activities

The Great Circus of Europe will perform in Singapore from December 20, 2019 to January 1, 2020.

Enjoy an exciting experience under Circus Big Top with international circus acts going from contortionists to acrobats that defy gravity.

Here are the good tips if you are staying in Singapore during the holidays.

You will find many more events on this link : https://www.visitsingapore.com/festivals-events-singapore/

                                                      - MARIE J. -

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Ow... and my children?

You, as an expat, going to Singapore may have to take your entire family with you to a new environment. What if you have kids that you have to keep schooled? Well no problem because in this new blogpost I am going to keep you up to date with the education system in Singapore.

To start of you should know that the education system consists of primary, secondary and post-secondary. Six years of primary school followed by four years of secondary and ends with between one to three years of post-secondary school. In Singapore the pupils of primary school have to take two exams before they are allowed to leave primary school.

The primary school is for the most part free of charges for all the citizens in Singapore. With “the most part free of charges” we mean that there may be an expense of 13 SDG per month to help cover various costs. However, to study in Singapore does acquire a standard cost. It can vary between 2 000,00 SDG and 12 000,00 SDG for postgraduates as well as undergraduates students.

The top 3 schools in Singapore are Tanglin Trust School, Canadian International School and Singapore American School. On the picture below you can clearly see that the schools are spread over the entire country. It will probably not be that difficult to find a school nearby.

Most of the schools also provide school buses, so you should certainly check that on their website. In case you are not capable of taking them to school because of working hours.

As to be seen on the map and the examples I gave, there are many schools of different levels offered on this island. This means bringing your family with you on your new journey should not be a problem.

Siham

Links used: 

https://www.edarabia.com/map/schools/singapore/

https://www.hotcoursesabroad.com/india/find-your-course/how-to-choose-the-right-study-abroad-destinations/how-much-does-it-cost-to-study-in-singapore/

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Mind the gap?

Hi guys and girls!

hope everyone is having a great evening. first of all thanks to everyone who send us the great looking outfit pictures and feedback. today’s subject is actually chosen by you!  We received a majority of e-mails related to transport and “how can I get to work” that we decided to dedicate a post to the transport options. 

“Will I receive a car?” It is one of the first questions that hit a lot of people, unfortunately, I will have to disappoint you because cars in Singapore are very expensive and so are the insurances so the chance that your boss would offer you a car is pretty small but not impossible! 

Now you probably think” I will get a car myself!” well my dear that is not such a bright idea because as the costs are high for your boss it will be also for you and besides that, the traffic is a real hell on earth...

the solution?  Sustainable and quick is Singapore's MRT (mass rapid transit) system is probably the fastest way to zip around the city. The extensive rail network means that most of Singapore’s key attractions are within walking distance from an MRT station.  So the chance that there would be an MRT in the area of your workplace is pretty huge!

Some other options are Taxi’s or buses but since everyone wants to get on time at work I would recommend using the MRT. 

how to get one?  The Pass can be bought at the TransitLink Ticket Office at selected MRT stations listed here, or at the Concession Card Replacement Office at Somerset station. They are also available 24 hours daily at the Automated STP Kiosks at Changi Airport MRT Station (Terminal 2 and 3) near the Transitlink Ticket Office.

if you need any further information don’t hesitate to text us or to drop by one of the five Singapore Visitor Centres in ION Orchard, Orchard (next to orchardgateway@emerald), Kampong Glam, Chinatown or Funan Mall if you need help. 

written by Hania

source: https://www.straitstimes.com

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An activity a day keeps the doctors away!

When you go as an expat to Singapore, you will certainly have days off to get some rest or to have a good time. How will you fill this spare time and where can u fill it with fun activities? Well you are reading the good blogpost, because I will give you many options to have a good time on your day off.

The city Singapore offers many water activities such as Wil Wild Wet. This is Singapore’s largest water theme park. This park offers rides and attractions that are intended for adults and children. If you are a parent wanting to go with your younger children, you should take in consideration that there might be height safety requirements on some attractions. Your day of is on Sunday? Well this is the place! Wild Wild Wet is open every day of the week. From Monday to Friday it is open from one to seven pm. From Saturday to Sunday it is open from ten am to seven pm. Tickets can be bought online beforehand, 20,40 SGD for children between 3-12 and 27,20 SGD for adults. There are also other water activities such as canoeing, wind surfing and jet blading.

Are you more interested in nature? Than no worries, because of the climate in Singapore you have many beautiful gardens to visit. One of them is the National Orchid Garden where they have more than one thousand species of Orchids. They also have a cactus garden, a ginger garden and a bonsai garden. It is one of the most tourist sights. In this garden you can also find swans that you are allowed to feed with bread brought from home. This park can also be visited every day of the week. To visit this park, you have to pay 5 SGD.

Obviously, there are many more fun things to do, but to find that out you need to stay tuned for our next post.

Siham

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Are you fitting in your corporate attire yet?

One of the most stressy moments is the first day of work and there you are standing in front of your dressing not knowing which outfit you would pick. 🤔 

Everyone knows this feeling it’s nerve-wracking! But no worries we’re here to guide you and help you through the whole process. Business attire or more known as corporate attire is actually nowadays are a little more relaxed. the rules aren’t as hard and fast as they used to be. That being said there are still some general guidelines that are essential for knowledge for working women.

Alright! Are you ready? Ready dress go 👚

Rule 1: better be overdressed than underdressed If you don’t know how strict they are in the office you will be working it’s better to be well dressed than arrive underdressed in your casual clothes. Go with a conservative wardrobe for the first 2 weeks to feel how everyone dresses before adjusting accordingly.

Rule 2: classic colors Neutrals are a safe bet: black, grey, navy blue for jackets and bottoms and white and pale neutrals for shirts and blouses. a real no go you should avoid is flashy colors and prints. Also, make sure your clothes fit just in size not too baggy and not too tight. By the way, don't forget to iron them before putting them on!

golden rule 3: doubts? get your suit out of your wardrobe! you can never go wrong with a coordinated suit, it's so polished and professional that it instantly makes you feel 10x more confident!

shoes and accessories tips! Always go with a closed-toe shoe, some offices require heel so be aware of that little detail. Pointed-toe pumps are simple yet always stylish although avoid heels that are more than 3 inches high. If you are a sneaker girl we would recommend to clean your sneakers and make sure they are simplistic. Now the favorite part, bags, and jewelry!  Keep them as simple as possible besides they are just there to complete your outfit not to be the outfit!

did this help you out finding your perfect first "workday-outfit", well I can't want to see them! if you want to share your look with us use the #inspiredbyMaHaSi and maybe you will make it to your next Instagram post!

by the way, this is one of the looks I put together for you guys and girls :) 

lots of warms hugs Hania Abassi

source: https://www.cleverism.com/business-attire-dress-code-mmeans/

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Nearly perfect recipes for a nearly total integration into a new work culture

As future Singapore expats, you may have concerns about joining an unknown professional culture. Having an idea of what to expect can help you acclimatize better and be more comfortable managing your new work environment and your colleagues.

Working the Singaporean way

Singapore, a cosmopolitan mix of cultures where East meets West, has a working culture that combines a unique blend of Asian and Western cultural influences. These cultural aspects give rise to unwritten cultural rules and regulations that determine how Singaporeans act in their workplaces

In many cases, large Western multinationals based in Singapore have a strong Western work culture, while most local governments and private companies will have a stronger influence of traditional Asian culture in their working environment.

Singaporeans are essentially strict in their conception of life, characterized by clear institutions of authority and distinct social status.

Rules, Rules, Rules

Singapore's work culture requires rules that are appropriate for each situation rather than abstract universal principles. Singapore is famous for having strict rules for everything. Most local businesses do not want too many employees to have too many crazy ideas and do not want the core activities to be too fragmented in the hands of enthusiastic entrepreneurs with no specific purpose.

As a foreign employee who has just obtained a job in Singapore, keep in mind the following tips

Do not correct your     employer/superior’s mistakes in public.

Do not question your     employer/superior in public.

Do not disagree with their     employer/superior in public.

Do not     categorically refuse your employer/superior. Employees can respond     publicly to unreasonable requests with a pleasant "yes", but the     "yes" is often accompanied by signs of non-compliance

Do not engage in public display of anger     or confrontation against your employer/superiors.

The best approach is to discuss discreetly, delicately, indirectly and privately the issues of disagreement and confrontation. For example, if you want to ask for a higher salary, take the negotiation of the salary increase behind closed doors. Approach your employer with a calm tone and a friendly smile. Once he seems receptive, gently guide him towards your contributions to the company. However, be careful not to overestimate your efforts. Finally, give your employer time to think about it.

       - HAPPY WORKING ! - MARIE J. -

You will find more tips & tricks as well as advices on the following link:

https://www.guidemesingapore.com/business-guides/immigration/get-to-know-singapore/guide-to-singapore-work-culture-for-newcomers

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A STRONG DESIRE OF A  PROFESSIONAL CHANGE?

Apa kabar ! or Ni hao ! And welcome to our new Tumblr page ! First of all, who of you dreamed about quitting his actual life and move into the modern Island of Singapore?

Being an expat looking for a new job can be exhausting.

Finding a job that matches your qualifications can be long and tiring, but as a foreigner you will also be asked for a valid passport or visa, a work permit in        accordance with current legislation and many other documents.

That’s why I will share with you some items you shouldn’t forget before going to Singapore:

1.     Check if you are eligible to work in Singapore

2.     Apply for a Work Visa

3.     Analyze your job sector

4.     Prepare carefully for your dream job

5.     Procedures & habits on your future work floor

Isn’t all this enough information? You maybe need more help and advice. Don’t worry I got something else for you.

We find out an InterNations wide-reaching social network of expats in Singapore. Those expats exchange daily tips and tricks about the good places, low cost apartments, work procedures, etc. You can literally ask everything relating to your new life in Singapore! Even if you're looking for a new job or want to start a new business in this country, this community is there for you ! There are no best advisors than people who actually have been in your situation. The community is not only online but they are also regularly organising events and meetings. Don't worry guys I will put the link to this community below, so you can go and check!                                   

                                                  - MARIE  J. -

The following links will help you for more information:

https://www.internations.org/

https://www.livinginsingapore.org/7-easy-steps-to-find-work-in-singapore/

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Building a career in Singapore

The beautiful island Singapore does not only have beautiful views, delicious food and fun activities to offer. It also offers many jobs in various sectors for professionals with many years of experience. The companies also give opportunities for students or people with zero work experiences. The main industries in Singapore are electronics, oil and gas, financial services, shipping and chemicals.

In Singapore, there are over 5.76 million expats that are giving their careers a fresh boost or just a new chapter in their life on this island. A big advantage of this island is that the citizens speak multiple languages including English.  This is because the citizens are a mix of Chinese, Tamil Indian, Malay and British people.

There are many companies located on this island. Just as BNP Paribas, Singapore Airlines, Deloitte, Johnson Johnson and much more. As u can see there are certainly companies that are familiar to you. Aside from these big companies, there are also local shops and restaurants that offer job opportunities.

To help you find a job that will suite your profile u can consult the site www.Indeed.com. This site offers many jobs in various companies that are spread over different sectors. This website is a known website that will show you the available jobs in a region/city and helps you get in contact with the company.

So, do you want a new fresh start or a give your career a boost? Singapore is the place to be with over 5.76 million expats, many familiar companies and a fair chance for everyone.

If you want more tips and help to go as an expat to Singapore, stay tuned!

Siham

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let’s go house hunting!

Hi ex-pats (to be) we’re MaHaSi and we are super happy to have you here!  today’s first post and subject is about THE most essential thing... tu tu dum GETTING YOUR OWN PLACE!  A very interesting and exciting subject which may scare some of you guys, but as we said we're helping you step by step. 

A few good neighborhoods are Tiong Bahru, Katong/Joo Chiat, The East Coast. 

To start with Tiong Bahru is a really relaxing and cute area but a good cafe culture, also a lot of ex-pats live there which makes you have neighbors who know what you’re going through. Then we have Katong also an area with lots of personalities but the only thing that makes it less interesting is the fact that it is a little bit further from central. to continue with the East Coast a neighborhood with a great sea view but the downside is it’s fairly far from downtown.

be really careful with choosing your apartment since the landlords make mostly contracts for 2 years. so choose wisely!

Now we can imagine that some of you guys may not have an HR manager who takes care of this, so you guys have to look for yourselves but you don’t want to live lonely on yourself. For that specific group of ex-pats, we got condos (condominiums) which are smaller apartments that come with a range of shared facilities. The prices? Well, that depends on the neighborhood you choose. The closer to the city center the more expensive it will be.

If you’re going to settle in for quite a while you might think about getting yourself a high-rise apartment. Which means you will get the living space without anything in it. Now it is up to you what kind of living would you prefer in Singapore as an ex-pat? 

written by Hania

source: https://www.internations.org///singapore-expats/guide/29461-family-children-education/universities-in-singapore-1607