Introduction

SINGAPORE: In a bold move in 2023, a 30-year-old Malaysian man decided to leave his established life in Kuala Lumpur for a new role in Singapore, swapping his steady monthly income of MYR 10,000 (approx. S$3,100) for a fresh opportunity with a salary of S$7,000.

At first glance, the pay increase seemed promising. However, he faced immediate concerns about adjusting to Singapore's high cost of living, which included challenges like finding affordable housing and navigating public transport. He was also acutely aware of the potential stigma associated with Malaysian workers, often referred to derogatorily as ‘Malayu’ in some circles.

A year into his new life, he opened up about his experiences on the popular Reddit community r/MalaysianPF, teaching readers valuable lessons about life in the Lion City, known for its soaring rents and fast-paced lifestyle.

A Shift in Lifestyle and Wealth Perception

In his candid post, he mused that even with a higher salary, his perceived wealth had not improved as he had envisioned. The steep cost of living implicating daily expenses was stark—his attempts to mentally convert prices back to Malaysian ringgit led to constant second-guessing of his spending decisions. Major costs like housing, with average prices exceeding S$1 million, felt completely out of reach.

“Spending S$100 on a meal felt like a robbery,” he remarked, reinforcing the mental and emotional strain of adjusting to a new economic reality. “Honestly, while I sometimes feel wealthier, I predominantly do not.”

Despite the perceived complexities of life in Singapore, he found that the pace was not as daunting as many had suggested. He remarked, “If you already navigate life in a bustling city like Kuala Lumpur, adapting here is not as challenging as it seems.”

Workplace Culture: A New Perspective

His commentary on workplace culture highlighted a crucial departure from his previous experiences in Malaysia. While many assume that work in Singapore is far more intense, he observed a striking emphasis on work-life balance within his corporate role. He appreciated the flexibility of his working hours and noted that management practices were firm yet understanding, providing a nurturing environment that promoted productivity rather than punitive pressure.

“Work-life balance is a priority here,” he said. “The workplace in Singapore feels way more mature and performance-driven compared to my former jobs at major MNCs in Malaysia, where overworking was celebrated rather than questioned.”

He also addressed lingering fears about being viewed as a ‘second-class’ employee, stating that he encountered minimal discrimination based on nationality. His conclusion was clear: “As long as you're contributing positively, locals here really don’t care where you come from.”

That said, securing employment as a foreigner in Singapore can be challenging due to strict local hiring policies, which mandate a ratio of four local hires for every foreign worker. “This isn’t discrimination per se, but it can certainly make the job-hunting process daunting,” he explained.

A Revelation of Efficiency

One aspect that astonished him about Singapore was its legendary efficiency. He recounted an experience when collecting his employment pass. Accustomed to Malaysia's slower bureaucratic pace, he allowed four hours for the task. To his surprise, he completed it in just ten minutes—processing his thumbprints, photo, and digital authentication seamlessly in one go.

Arriving at his office early that day, he marveled at the stark contrast and was even granted an early leave.

Looking Ahead: Embracing Change

In reflection, while he maintains ties with Malaysia—keeping abreast of news and visiting when possible—he has resolved to remain in Singapore for the foreseeable future, perceiving returning to Kuala Lumpur as regressive.

"My time in KL now feels like visiting a vacation home—a cherished retreat during celebrations,” he concluded, encapsulating his bittersweet farewell to his former life while embracing the challenges and opportunities of his new beginning in Singapore.

*Could this be the start of a trend for young professionals seeking job opportunities abroad? Only time will tell!*