A city, island, and country all in one, Singapore is one of only three city-states in the world and a powerful presence on the global stage. Often referred to as “Asia’s Lion City,” it blends efficiency and innovation with multicultural vibrancy. More than a quarter of its workforce hails from abroad, making this Southeast Asian hub one of the world’s most cosmopolitan destinations.
Despite its compact footprint, Singapore is rich in green spaces. Residents and visitors can escape the urban rush in places like the UNESCO-listed Singapore Botanic Gardens, the lakes and floating wetlands of Jurong Lake Gardens, or the canopy walkways of the Southern Ridges. Throughout the city, colorful public art installations add visual delight to otherwise sleek urban architecture. One of the most intriguing sites is Haw Par Villa, an outdoor gallery featuring more than 1,000 statues and 150 dioramas that blend Chinese folklore with Confucian teachings—a unique reflection of Singapore’s cultural complexity.
Doing Business
Singapore’s major industries of engineering and manufacturing account for 20%-25% of the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP). Other top sectors like energy, chemicals, and green innovation reflect the country’s ongoing commitment to sustainability. Singapore is positioned as a leader in adopting green practices across sectors.
Singaporean business culture is grounded in courtesy and relationship-building. Personal connections matter, and while professionalism is key, taking time to understand colleagues on a more personal level is essential to growing your network. Punctuality and preparedness are highly valued; arriving late or unprepared is seen as disrespectful and can damage credibility.
Hierarchy plays a strong role in business settings, so formal titles such as Mr., Ms., or professional designations are expected, especially in initial interactions. Attire can vary by company. Startups may lean more casual, while traditional corporations or government-related entities expect a conservative approach. Until company norms are clear, it’s best to opt for dark or neutral business attire and avoid overly flashy accessories or colors.
Although English is the primary language of business and education, Mandarin and Malay are also widely spoken. For expats seeking deeper integration, language schools offer courses in all three.
Family and Living
Singapore frequently ranks among the top destinations for expats, thanks to its safety and infrastructure. In 2024, it was ranked the fifth safest country in the world by the Global Peace Index. Due to its popularity as an expat destination, living in Singapore comes with a higher price tag than other popular hubs. Rent typically ranges between S$3,000 and S$5,000 per month for apartments, with additional costs for utilities. Western-style groceries and imported goods can also be expensive, though local markets provide fresh produce at more accessible prices.
Dining out is a way of life in Singapore, where restaurants and street food stalls serve everything from Malay and Indian fare to Chinese and Peranakan cuisine. This culinary diversity reflects the city’s multicultural population and makes it easy for newcomers to feel at home through food.
Families relocating to Singapore will find a wide variety of schooling options, as well as strong international rankings. The city-state offers numerous international schools with British, American, and International Baccalaureate curricula. National curriculum schools that follow the education systems of countries like France, Germany, or Japan are also available. Public schools also operate to a high academic standard; however, top-tier public school enrollment is highly competitive.
Health care in Singapore is well-regarded, with public and private options available. While expats often opt for private health insurance to access a wider network of specialists and shorter wait times, public services are also accessible and high quality.
Immigration and Permits
Moving to Singapore requires securing the appropriate visa or work pass. Citizens of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries enjoy simplified entry requirements but must still apply for a work pass to stay and work legally. For non-ASEAN nationals, several visa types are available depending on the individual’s professional and personal circumstances.
Most expats enter the country through the Employment Pass or S Pass, which are typically valid for one to two years and renewable with updated employer documentation. The process is employer-driven and involves submitting documents to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), including a valid passport, employment contract, and proof of academic qualifications.
Those who plan to make Singapore their long-term home may apply for permanent residency (PR) after several years of living and working in the country. PR status offers greater flexibility for employment, access to subsidized health care, and the option for family reunification.
Unexpected Singapore
While Singapore is often recognized for its skyline and business prowess, it also offers everyday magic in small, unexpected moments. Whether it’s watching otters playing along the Marina Bay waterfront or catching a public light show at Gardens by the Bay, the city is full of family-friendly and inspiring experiences. World-class museums, oasis-like urban parks, and high-speed connections to neighboring countries like Malaysia and Indonesia make weekend getaways easy and affordable.
Modern and rooted, global and green, Singapore is a rare blend of opportunity and quality of life—an ideal destination for professionals looking to live and work with purpose.
Experience the Beauty of Singapore in Person at WERC APAC 25
WERC APAC 25 will take place at the Raffles City Convention Centre in Singapore, 27-28 May 2025.
Attendees will enjoy two days of localized education and networking with talent mobility industry professionals. The program features conversations about talent mobility challenges and opportunities specific to the Asia-Pacific region, as well as a review of the labor market, broad economic implications, and immigration trends.
Learn more and register for WERC APAC 25.