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How to Work and Live in Singapore

The Do’s and Don’ts

By Peaushan DevanarayanaPublished 3 years ago 3 min read
How to Work and Live in Singapore
Photo by Swapnil Bapat on Unsplash

Singapore is a modern hub with many young people arriving in the nation with the hope of making it big and settling into the uber-chic lifestyle that prevails there. A contemporary nation enjoying a high ranking on the UN Human Development Index, Singapore is a great place to look for success. Singapore’s success is partially due to the streamlined way of living adopted there; the laws are strict, yet fair. To be able to fit right in, here are some tips on living and working in Singapore.

The Rules Keep the Order and You Must Follow Them

Singapore is famous across the world as a country that enforces strict rules and laws. The country runs smoothly on these guidelines with everyone benefiting from them and enjoying the status of one of the most developed nations in the world. In order to ensure these rules and regulations are met strict penalties and even jail time is enforced on anyone deciding to break them. Quite often, workers arriving newly in Singapore do so out of ignorance. Therefore, be smart and make an effort to get updated on your new company’s policies and laws. Make an effort to be a team player and you will soon understand the benefit of living in accordance with a semblance of balance and order. It is most likely these rules make living in Singapore a success, and a nation to embrace many modern trends such as shared living; Singapore has many options when it comes to co-living with most young people benefiting from the shared spaces as cost-effective and comforting accommodation options where they get to live with similar individuals in a harmonious and supportive environment. The shared accommodation options are pretty stylish too with some like lyf one-north Singapore offering every modern privilege possible.

Do Not Litter

Singapore is famous as a nation that bans chewing gum, and if you come from a nation where you find used gum stuck in the most random and irritating places, you know this is a good rule. Singapore prides its status as one of the world's cleanest countries. Therefore, you are not allowed to throw even the smallest of wrappers anywhere other than in a trash can. Doing so may turn out to be quite a bummer when you are hit with a fine that can be as high as three hundred dollars!

Be a Groupie

No, not in a band! At work. Singapore is a very team-centric nation and companies look at their employees as one team. Personal agendas and goals are not often the norm in workplaces and will not make you very popular. Therefore, embrace being a team player and adding strength to the company you work for, and your efforts in doing will be appreciated and rewarded.

Do Not Disrespect Others

Similar to other Southeast Asian nations, Singaporeans believe in the value of saving face and frown upon public humiliation of people and bad embarrassing behaviour in general. Here is some don’ts to keep in mind when working there. Never try to override, argue, or question decisions made by your superior. Never disagree publicly with anyone ranking higher than you at the workplace. Never have angry arguments with your employer or superior publicly, and you will be considered downright rude if you do so.

Be Respectful of the Cultures

Singapore is a marvellous melting pot of cultures, and each ethnicity deserves loads of respect. Therefore, getting updated on the lifestyles and customs of each dominant ethnic group in Singapore is important. The Chinese, Malay, and Tamil (Indian) cultures all have their own unique lifestyles, and you must make an effort to get to know and honour them.

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About the Creator

Peaushan Devanarayana

Im a Sri Lankan travel enthusiast !!!

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