Expat package or local?

[ks]

Hi there, maybe someone out there can help us!, my husband works in IT - consultant, e-commerce, his project here is coming to an end and we are not looking forward to our return to the UK!, so he has been looking at new jobs, BUT it seems though most co's want to pay local salarys without the expat benefits and we can't afford that (kids schooling etc) any one have any experience in this? and can you get an expat package here by approaching companies directly in Singapore? or is it best to return to UK and find a job with a new firm that needs people expatriated?. thanks!

[Rob]

I suppose it depends just how much you want to be here. I had some friends who had the same problem a few years ago. In order to stay they moved to a smaller house, sent the kids to local schools and gave up having a car...etc etc

[Jo]

ks,

you have not stated your husband's qualifications and experience, so it's hard to evaluate salary scale.  Perhaps you can email my fiance at bluenose@pacific.net.sg  He has been giving advice about the expat/local salary thingy to many.

[Peanuts'n Monkeys]

There is strong demand for professionals with what sounds like the skill set here; ecommerce/IT etc  He may be interested in USA (where the action is on this industy) AND also where the money is.  Many US companies are seeking to expand and grow in Asia and of course pay local - IF they can and will try that first.  The only difference between local and Expat is $$$$.  So if they pay you WELL locally it does not matter right?  It depends on the amount.  Aussies are in demand because they are well trained and the AUD isn't worth a pinch of S**T... and the Aussies will work for beer and vittles... so they get lots of work.

Hang in there, as thee are many opportunities.

[Eyes OUT]

I hope you are checking the WWW:
http://www.hotjobs.com.au/htdocs/browse/job-browse-group-ind-SGP-flat.html

There are jobs but must look lah!

[HTML]

Not sure of your husband's speciality but have a look here:

http://www.talentventures.com

Or in Oz...??
http://www.hotjobs.com.au/htdocs/browse/job-browse-group-ind-AUS-flat.html

There is actually lots to chose fom

[ks]

thanks alot for all the help!, have tried some of these job sites and agencies, but local salaries prevail! and we have big financial commitments in UK so want the expat thing!. My husband has over 13 yrs experience in IT, here he was the project manager for a new web site in telecommunications sector, prior to that he was the development manager for a very big web project in the UK, prior to that development manager within finacial sector. He works for an IT consultancy and although we could stay - they want people on local packages!, so no good.
Thanks

[Understood]

KS,  Reread Peanuts'n Monkeys as I think the point made there is IF the local deal is GOOD enough then it equates to expat terms so the suggestion is to negotiate hard for the best deal (on local terms) if they don't accommodate - of course you have the right of refusal.

If he has Financial IT experience there are still opportuntites but it would be a pity to return to the UK and then come back again later, sort of a waste of time?

[London Lassie]

KS - if you want to you can email me about your husband confidentially - I work in recruitment and know a few people who specialise in this area.

<hudsons@singnet.com.sg>

[Tom Yamgong]

Check this website www.el.com.au   They are an Aussie firm that reportedly has considerable IT work in Asia.  The site has Asian jobs and could be of interest to you

FYI.
http://www.elhk.com.hk/vacancies.html?Asia=Asia

[Alison]

Some of the investment banks in Singapore are still willing to hire candidates on semi-expat terms.  This generally includes a base salary, housing allowance and car allowance depending on the person's experience and seniority.  Many companies are still looking for good quality candidates with E-Commerce experience.  

Try contacting the Head of IT/Regional Head of IT at investment banks such as Deutsche Bank, CSFB, Merrill Lynch, JP Morgan, Citibank, Chase, HSBC etc.  Get your husband to send his resume to the relevant person directly.

Your husband could also contact some of the following headhunters/recruitment consultants who specialise in IT jobs:-

* Lee Beng Khim/Nicholas Goh - Morgan & Banks.  Phone: 339 0355  

(Both of these recruiters have IT backgrounds and know the IT market very well.  They recruit for banks, MNCs, consulting firms and IT firms in Singapore).

* Alan Toh - Intellimark (A Division of Robert Walters) Phone: 423 0023