American Association of Singapore
...serving the community since 1917
American Association of Singapore10 Claymore Hill |
Publications: Living in Singapore, A Reference Guide
Living in Singapore Reference Guide, Eleventh Edition
Project Editor - Jenn Wing Wood
Managing Editor - Joanne Miller
Editorial Director - Brett Alison Gold
Design - Brett Alison Gold
 Moving to Singapore?
The book, Living in Singapore Reference Guide, Eleventh Edition, is an invaluable reference tool for both expat newcomers and long-term residents alike to find information on goods, services, activities, and culture while living in Singapore. Written by expats for expats, the scope of the Eleventh Edition of Living in Singapore Reference Guide was broadened in order to appeal to the resident English-speaking community in Singapore. It also includes critical information useful for individuals interested in setting up small businesses and for those moving to Singapore without the support of large corporate human resource departments. Living in Singapore Reference Guide, Eleventh Edition helps individuals successfully meet the challenges of establishing one’s professional and personal life.
The book can purchased at the AAS office, online or at your favorite local Singapore bookstore.
Prices
If you are a member of the American Association of Singapore: S$24.00*
* includes GST
Click Here to order Living in Singapore Reference Guide, Eleventh Edition
online.
Meet the international expat writers who contributed to book. Click here for the international expat writers bios.
Sneak peek at the Living in Singapore Reference Guide, Eleventh Edition
Chapter 1
The Big Move
Being an island state located at the tip of the Malay Peninsula and a former British colony, Singapore has the strategic advantage as the ‘crossroads of Asia.’ The equatorial climate with monsoons (seasonal winds) attracted traders from China, India and beyond which was how the small, free port started to develop into today’s international financial and services hub. Without a doubt, kudos must be afforded to influential first Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew for leading Singapore into stabilized independence in 1965 and for transforming the island into today’s economic ‘Asian tiger’ with its vibrant multicultural tapestry.
Chapter 2
Settling In
Welcome to Singapore! From the moment you breeze through Customs at Changi Airport and cruise down a highway lined with trees and flowers into the city, you’ll appreciate Singapore for its beauty and efficiency. This tiny island offers tropical weather, world-class local and international cuisine, excellent medical care, affordable domestic help and plenty of places to party the night away.
Before Singapore can feel like home, however, you’ll need to get settled in. The resources in this chapter will help you find a place to live by offering advice for working with real estate agents, evaluating different types of accommodations and describing some of the many areas to live in Singapore. This chapter also covers getting involved with the community through volunteering, joining an organization or finding a job, as well as providing helpful and practical information on aspects such as setting up your utilities and mobile phone contracts.
Chapter 3
Education
Singapore is fast evolving into an international education hub with students and professors from all over the world choosing to learn, interact and pursue their careers on this very small island. With a reputation for providing quality education, Singapore continues to attract prestigious international educational institutions focused on providing exceptional curriculums and support to their students.
Singapore is focused on lifelong learning, with an all encompassing approach to frameworks, education providers, study programs and financial schemes to enrich educational experiences. Singapore’s education system draws from the latest and the best in global knowledge, blending unique features of the east and the west.
Chapter 4
Family
Relocated singles may quickly exhaust Singapore’s relatively limited offerings and spend weekends jetting to Bali and beyond, but for those of us armed with families, it’s pleasantly surprising to discover Singapore has most, if not all, of the amenities of ‘home’ (wherever that may be!). It’s easy and reassuring to settle in knowing world-class medical facilities await you. Singapore is also safe enough that young teens can ride in taxis alone without their parents wishing they had
Singapore’s many ‘attractions’ include more trees per capita than most cities; exceptional and varied food available in all price ranges; and a large population of previously professional women who now find themselves stay-at-home moms who network and socialize to ward off isolation and depression. Many of us can also afford to send our children to amazing international schools, with little resemblance to the schools of our youth. What’s more, Singapore’s otherwise draconian laws do protect our kids from rampant drug use.
Chapter 5
Health & Wellness
Singapore has established itself as Asia’s leading medical hub, providing internationally accredited hospitals and specialty centers, with highly qualified and well-respected doctors. With a global reputation as a medical convention and training center and a fast-growing basic and clinical research hub, it is no surprise that Singapore is the destination of choice among medical travelers from around the world.
More than 400,000 international patients visit Singapore for various healthcare services, ranging from basic screening and cosmetic surgery to high-end surgical procedures and complex specialist care administered by sought- after medical professionals.
The Ministry of Health (or MOH) administers Singapore’s public healthcare system, regulating all hospitals, clinics, laboratories and nursing homes to ensure quality, affordable healthcare for all. You’ll find almost any type of specialty at a reasonable price. For those originating from the U.S., Singapore’s healthcare will seem extremely inexpensive, and for those originating from other countries with subsidized healthcare, your medical bill may come as a bit of a shock!
Visit MOH’s website at www.moh.gov.sgfor further information.
Chapter 6
Motoring & Transportation
Singapore’s public transport system is clean and very efficient. Given the island’s diminutive size and the small distances covered, many expatriates are happy enough to rely on plentiful and inexpensive taxis, as well as the expanding rail network and buses for all their transport needs. (Refer to the Public Transportsection later in this chapter.)
Some expats consider personal transport a necessity and those wishing to purchase a private vehicle should be prepared to pay for the privilege. Regulations stipulate the number of cars that can be sold in Singapore in one year to manage traffic chaos. There are alternatives. You can explore cheap, efficient and environmentally-friendly pedal-power, but if life without personal motorized transport is too horrible to imagine, then read on.
Chapter 7
Business & Money
The world economic forum ranked Singapore as the third most competitive economy from 2009 to 2010. Singapore is an excellent regional hub and gateway to Asia Pacific with numerous multinational companies having a presence here. Singapore also offers plentiful career opportunities for foreign talent.
Although Singapore does not have any natural resources, a key factor in its development is its strategic location, in the heart of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Other factors that contribute to Singapore’s favorable business environment are its highly skilled workforce, political stability and sound economic policies. Low corporate tax rates, ease of business establishment and innovative work visa schemes are other advantages.
Singapore is a preferred location as a regional base and is home to over 7,500 multinational companies. It is corruption-free with high international standards, providing a suitable environment for trading and business. Singapore’s infrastructure has benefited from its government’s long-term strategic planning and vision, and its airport, seaport, road transport, industrial estates, telecommunications network, and convention facilities are some of the best in the world.
Chapter 8
Lifestyles
Beyond the categories of family, food and regional travel, there’s a lot more to life. This chapter is intended to briefly cover all of the ‘other activity,’ from environmentalism to gambling; all the varied and wonderful aspects of life with a Singapore flavor, of course.
Read about Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), discover places to meet people and learn where to buy free-range chickens! The Lifestyles chapter is an introduction to Singapore, from its attitudes towards social activism to its thriving gay scene. Just as lifestyles vary, so too do the experiences of every individual as they discover their own Singapore. Make the most of opportunities to participate in activities you never knew about; attempt what you thought you could or would never do; or tackle a project or goal you’ve always meant to accomplish but never quite had the chance to, for whatever reason.
Chapter 9
Food & Dining
So you’re moving to Singapore? Lucky you! Or perhaps you’ve already arrived? Even better! Either way, the topic of food and dining has no doubt crossed your mind. Singapore is, after all, one of the premier food nations, where food is not just regarded as a diversion to be enjoyed on occasion, but rather a way of life. An intense passion for freshness, variety and robust flavors seems to be wound within the genes of every Singaporean. People here know good food – they demand and live for good food.
Access to great food here is easy, safe and in most cases, very inexpensive. Whether you’re looking for haute cuisine, relaxed family dining in casual restaurants, high quality fast food or local hawker center classics, you’ll find remarkable food for the picking across the island. And if you’re willing to stretch your gastronomic wings, you’ll quickly discover that you’ve arrived in food Valhalla.
But wait, you can’t just run out into the street, arms spread, head back, mouth wide open, and embrace the wonders of this nation’s food (well, actually you can). Before you do, it’s not a bad idea to be informed. That’s because choosing your dish de jour from all of the options spread before you can be somewhat difficult. You may wear a circular trail in the floor as you chant repetitively the two big questions: “What should I eat? Where should I eat it?” Until you learn a little about the food offerings available, where they are, and if they suit your palate, it’s hard to know which way to run in this gastronomic field of daisies. But do not fear – help has arrived and soon you’ll see that the easy answer to those pressing questions is simply “It depends.”
Chapter 10
Arts & Culture
Singapore became an independent republic in 1965. Less than 50 years later, with economic nation-building a success, the focus has shifted to quickening the nation’s cultural and artistic pulse.
The last decade saw stellar improvements to Singapore’s arts and cultural scene, but it doesn’t end there. There are numerous exciting plans for the Teenies, including the new National Art Gallery in the old Supreme Court and City Hall buildings, slated for completion in 2013. French architectural firm Studio Milou won the right to design the new museum via a competition. The gallery promises to be an innovative combination of old and new, with 11,000 square meters of exhibition space that’ll utilize energy from the sun, and hopefully serve as inspiration to other architects and developers to take advantage of Singapore’s sun-drenched days.
Chapter 11
Leisure Activities
The Singaporean work ethic is well-known around the world. ‘kiasu,’ or fear of failure, has been part of the social
Singapore is also looking to the tourist industry to be a major contributor to its
The best place to start your research into Singapore’s leisure pursuits is the newly redesigned website managed by the Singapore Tourism Board (
Chapter 12
Nightlife
Singapore is a night owl’s treasure trove. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beer or a big night out, there is something for everyone’s tastes and budgets. ‘Nightlife’ has been organized according to popular interests and obvious demand. Singapore’s diminutive size renders it relatively hassle-free to discover and navigate, especially with its cheap and efficient transport – be it bus, train, taxi or even your own two feet. Bottom’s up!
Chapter 13
Shopping
Forsome, shopping is a pleasant pastime. For others, it’s more like a professional sport, with the single-minded purpose of acquiring the unique find or the great bargain. There are also those who consider shopping a necessary evil – how do I find what I need as quickly and easily as possible? Whichever your point of view, when living in Singapore, you’ll have reason to take advantage of the many shopping opportunities that exist here. While not an exhaustive review of all Singapore has to offer, this chapter will provide you with information to make your shopping experience whatever you want it to be!
From its earliest days, Singapore has been a trading hub so it’s no surprise that it’s still known for being a great shopping destination. Across the island, you’ll find copious shopping malls and retail centers to choose from, offering everything from luxury brands to the most basic of household items. With so many options, how do you find what you’re looking for in sizes and specs that work for you and your family?
Chapter 14
Regional Travel
Yeah, baby! This is where the status comes from - regional travel. Cars rust, jewelry goes out of style, fancy meals are digested, clothes wear out, but stories of your world travels just get better with time. You know you’ve gotta do it – step up to travel and do it your way. Hit all the top tier sites for an extra helping of world-traveler swagger, or stick to the beach vacations and work on your tan – no place has better travel options than our ‘little red dot.’
Chapter 15
Heritage & Traditions
Singapore is a window to the rest of Asia – it’s a vibrant island with diverse culture making daily life unique. As you begin to settle in and understand the world around you, various traditions, cultural norms, quaint festivals and simply different ways of living might intrigue and interest you.
Understanding the multifarious fabric of the society, as well as a little of the history of the place, will provide you with added meaning to your experience as a resident, as well as adding more depth to the new friendships you form.
Singapore is a young nation and with careful planning, the government juxtaposes the nation’s history and Asian culture with gleaming, modern edifices and cosmopolitan living. Such ‘nation-building’ began approximately four decades ago and is now reflected at the core of its society.
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