Singapore planning minimum wage hike

Singapore’s decision to increase wages for professionals by at least 900 ringgit (Bt7,760) from next year could entice more Malaysian professionals to seek work there.
Several local professionals said they were considering the move because of the higher pay and drop in the value of the ringgit.
Accountant Amir Abdullah, 30, said he was seriously thinking of working in Singapore after receiving an offer from a company there.
“It is a good opportunity for me as I will be earning a lot more than here,’’ he said.
His salary now was 5,000 ringgit a month. But he wants to take a good look at the economic situation in this country currently before making a decision.
An oil and gas engineer, who wanted to be identified only as Tan, 32, has been employed in Singapore for the past five years.
He said the lower value of the ringgit to the Singapore dollar was a major reason why many Malaysians preferred jobs in the island republic.
But he believed that not many would be able to work there unless they were degree or diploma holders from a recognised university.
They would also have to qualify for a Singapore employment pass, said Tan.
Most of those holding passes are bankers, accountants, engineers, doctors and lawyers.
From January, those professionals will take home a minimum of $3,600 Singapore dollars compared to the present S$3,300.
Johor South Small and Medium Enterprises adviser Teh Kee Sin urged Malaysian professionals to come back and contribute to the Iskandar Malaysia development project instead.
While earning Singapore dollars meant more spending power in Malaysia after converting the pay into ringgit, the professionals should consider the shortcomings of taking jobs across the causeway.