Work in Singapore

Economy

Despite having a small domestic market, no natural resources and a small land area, Singapore has a highly developed and successful free-market economy based on its global competitiveness.

Singapore’s nearly US$298 billion gross domestic product (GDP) was ranked thirty-sixth in the world by the World Bank (2013). The Legatum Institute ranked Singapore’s economy second out of 142 countries on its Economy Sub-Index (2014).

The economy depends heavily on exports, particularly in consumer electronics, information technology and pharmaceuticals. Exports in 2013 were valued at US$414 billion and imports US$311 billion. The financial services sector is a strong growth area for the country. Singapore’s strong business orientation and political stability has attracted many multinational banking and investment firms. Singapore also has a large ship building industry. The country is the busiest port in the world and is a major transshipment center for global products.

Singapore has attracted major investments in pharmaceuticals and medical technology production and also will continue its efforts to establish itself as Southeast Asia’s financial and information technology center.

Singapore’s GDP growth rate for 2015 is forecast to be in a range between 2 and 4 percent. The country’s unemployment rate in 2015 is forecast to remain below 3 percent and inflation is forecast to be around 2.5 percent.

Finding a Job

The unemployment rate in Singapore is below 3 percent, the language of business is English and the Singapore government has adopted a policy of encouraging skilled and well-qualified foreigners who can contribute to the country’s economy to join the workforce in Singapore.

Job search strategies in Singapore are similar to the U.S. Industry associations are an excellent way to find out about international opportunities in your field. Check the job listings in local newspapers as well as craigslist. Be sure to send unsolicited applications to targeted employers and contact temporary work or staffing agencies online or onsite. Most importantly, check out local online forums and bulletin boards in the area you have chosen. Locals can be a great source of opportunities.

To get you started, here is a list of websites that may help you in your job search:

craigslist

Singapore Part Time Jobs

Singapore Government Careers

Singapore Recruit

Singapore Classifieds

JobsCentral

JobsDB