On the recent posts of poor prospects of engineers in SG compared to tech, I’m curious to know why is everyone so fixated on only Singapore? Singapore is not the only place in the world where engineering jobs exist.
There are plenty of engineering positions worldwide. It’s only natural with the small Singapore market, there can only be so many good high-paying jobs. If you want good pay as an engineer, go to US, Europe and Australia. If you want more exposure to emerging markets, try South America, Africa or even in the ASEAN region.
If foreign talent have the guts to come to Singapore to work, why don’t more Singaporeans just head overseas for better opportunities? While there is nothing wrong spending your entire work life in Singapore, be prepared to face a glass ceiling without international work experience.
This is speaking from an engineer who has spent 20 years in top US and European semicon firms. After my NUS bachelors, I went for a masters in engineering in Europe followed by an MBA in the US a few years later. I have worked on large scale projects that you can never do in Singapore. I picked up multiple languages in the course of my international roles compared to most Singaporeans who can only speak English professionally.
After requesting a transfer back to SG for family reasons, my international exposure and experience is highly valued so I still draw an internationally-competitive remuneration.
Let me tell you all, the world is so much bigger than Singapore. Don’t be limited to the mindset that Singapore is the only option. If you want to pursue the career you are passionate in but Singapore companies don’t pay what you think you deserve, bite the bullet and head overseas. Higher risk but higher rewards. With an NUS education, the world as your oyster.