Work out your math before settling in S’pore

Singapore offers the best of both worlds – a diverse working culture and proximity to India, but the biggest challenge is the fact that the country is very expensive. Before deciding to settle here, work out your math, advises Kunal Thukral, director, strategy and alliances, TrustSphere, a start-up.

Thukral’s stint in Singapore began barely a year ago after he left his job with HCL Technologies. His stint as the marketing head of his previous company and numerous travels

to the APAC region on work helped him get his current job.

“It offers the best of both worlds – a multi-cultural environment and proximity to India. I can be home in just about five

hours. If you ask me, opportunities are humongous ,” he says.

For those wanting to work in Singapore, Thukral’s advice is – connect with as many people as possible, hold meetings and discuss opportunities with them. People here are extremely responsive and respond to their emails immediately.

The biggest challenge is the fact the country is very expensive. Before deciding to settle here, work out your math. Rent in a decent government housing complex by the Housing Development Board starts at S$2,000 and can go up to anything above S$20,000 but that depends entirely on your lifestyle. The city also has an effective public transport system. A major portion of the salary goes into paying the rent. One can save quite a bit if one cooks at home.