Chams: "Singapore is a melting pot"

Why did you decide to move to Singapore?

When I went back to the Philippines after Canada I missed living in a foreign country where I could meet different people and experience different culture. I had myself think about it for few months and after careful consideration, did some research and connected with some friends who were already living in Singapore; I decided that Singapore is the best place: it's near the Philippines and it would be easy to go visit family in case I enjoy Singapore and really live here for good.

How was the moving process?

Moving process was quite swift. I knew it will be risky coz I am leaving my secured and good job in IBM Manila to go overseas where I would have to start from scratch but the whole thing went smooth. I got my EPEC approved and that was the only thing that sealed the decision. Left the company and went on a short vacation - then flew to Singapore.

What were the formalities to be able to stay and work in Singapore?

I applied for Employment Pass Eligibility Certificate - a document ICA used to give to foreigners on the basis of your education so you can look for a job or stay in Singapore for a year. Sent all my University documents, passport and other relevant papers and my application took about a week to get approved. Received the certificate by post.
When I got to Singapore, I immediately requested appointment with ICA to activate the EPEC and that's about it. I got my long term pass.

How was your job search?

The job search was a bit challenging. I remember a friend who told me that job search is a job on its own. I also got an admissions offer to study in an Australian University that has a partnership with a private learning institution here - so I took it thinking it would help me land a job.
After a week or two I was getting interview requests but the main concern companies had was if they will take me to manage a team of locals, and my experience does not show I already worked with them before, it may dampen locals' spirit and leave the company. I understood that. Good enough, I met someone who referred me to work in their company's marketing division. I gladly worked for them but since my experience in marketing from my previous job is not enough - I went searching for other opportunities till I landed a job with a French company where my prior experience was considered and utilised.

Did you face some difficulties to adapt to your host country (language, culture, do's and don'ts)?

Yes, first few days and I really had issues understanding the language. I knew it was in English but the Singaporean accent is quite tough. Culture, it was not an issue as I am also Asian, there are similarities. Do's and don't's were also not a problem.

What surprised you the most in Singapore?

What surprised me was that it's just a small country, most likely just the size of Manila where I could get from one end to the other in 2 and half hours.

Could you please share with us something you like about Singapore and something you don't like?

I like that Singapore is a melting pot and that you can meet a lot of different people here. I even call my group /my circle "United Colors of Benetton" coz we are just from different backgrounds and countries. It's fun. What I do not like? Expensive cost of living. Renting a flat is expensive and BEER is expensive. Haha

What does your typical day as an expat in Singapore look like?

Living in Singapore is tricky if you are living alone or not with family. But I must say I have a very healthy lifestyle here. I am able to go to the gym 4 times in a week. Go for a run every other day - I usually run in the morning before I go to work. I love running at Fort Canning Park. Do yoga when schedule permits. Wednesday nights I see my friends for dinner and drinks after work. My life is pretty much balanced here because I work from 9-6 and still manage to do fun activities at night and during weekends.

What do you miss the most from the Philippines, your home country?

I miss the beaches! I miss the mountains! I am a balanced beach and mountain person - depending on the season. But I really miss going to the beaches with super white and fine sands. I used to fly around and go to beaches 3 or 4 times a year when I was in the Philippines. And visit mountain cities or towns at least twice a year to relax and feel the cold weather.
I also miss Christmas in the Philippines. Christmas is big in the Philippines while it's pretty much a normal day in Singapore. And of course, my family. Anyway, there's Skype.

Would you like to share with us a cultural tradition of Singapore?

The "auntie", "uncle" terms used to call the elderly. Also the OK lah. Almost all sentences have Lah or Mah. The Singlish is quite contagious if your not conscious.

After living 3 years in the country, did you adopt any local habit?

Yeah.. eating Sambal chili! Now, I can't eat my food without Sambal Chili. Sambal chili is a condiment that's very popular in Singapore. It is made from different kinds of chili, ground chili and some varieties include garlic, fish sauce and shrimp paste. My favourite is the one that has shrimp paste. It's mainly red in color and could be very spicy.

Which advice would you give to people wishing to work in Singapore?

Be prepared mentally, emotionally, spiritually and financially. For those who are thinking of looking for a job - they have to be prepared that it may take a while and the priority is not Foreigners. For those who already found a job - Singapore is a good place to work but always maintain balance in life. The key is to find good circle of friends you can hang out with regularly and a good or healthy hobby to keep yourself fit.