Business and Lifestyle in Singapore

Singapore has a reputation for being a leading business hub in the world, as well as providing a high quality of life to expats and residents. Singapore has managed to leave a couple of years of negative growth, due to the global financial crisis, to create a prosperous country which offers many opportunities for expats in healthcare, finance, trade and technology.

The World Bank has ranked the city-state in the first position for ease of doing business. Ernst & Young found the state country to be the third of the most globalised economies among 60 of the world's largest economies according to a report by Ernst & Young (2011). There currently are more than 7,000 companies operating in Singapore, and over 100,000 expatriates working there.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Singapore is the mix of solid traditional values and modern business techniques. Let's take a look at some hints and tips for professional expats living or looking to relocate to Singapore.

Business tips

• Singaporeans are an eclectic mix of ethnics. Companies approach to business may, therefore, differ.
• Respect and hierarchy, as it happens in other Asian cultures, is widespread in business. For instance, junior employees do not deal with senior business partners. 
• Decisions are always made at the top.
• Any debates over disagreement about any decision made are held in private, never in the open.
• It is important to maintain good personal relationships. Make sure you attend any business dinners you are invited to.
• Harmony is sought in business meetings.
• Check out the Ministry of Manpower for more information on business skills that may be in demand.
  

Lifestyle

• When greeting people, a nod and a hand shake are the usual custom. 
• Women need to bear in mind that a big proportion of the population comes from an Islamic background. So, fashion may be a bit more conservative than in Western countries.
• Gift-giving is not as widespread as in other Asian cultures. Gifts are usually modest and not too personal.
• Enjoy chili crab and their carrot cake (not the Western version at all!)
• Singapore can be an expensive country. For example, their excellent healthcare comes with a high price tag.
• Haji Lane is fashionista's paradise! 

Got any other tips? Please let us know!

Thank you for reading this blog.
The Medibroker Team

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Living and Working in Japan

Living and working in the Land of the Rising Sun can be both a unique and daunting experience for expats. This beautiful country, which combines an ancient culture with Western influences, is still attracting business despite the economic crisis.

Japan's location and the fact that it is an island nation have deeply marked the country's development. Around 98% of the population are ethnically Japanese, although Japan has one of the largest expat communities in the world. Around three million expats live in Japan, which makes roughly 1.9% of a total population of 128 million people.

Expatriates contribute to the third largest economy in the world by nominal GDP. The impact of the earthquake in 2011 was small and limited to certain sectors, such as agricultural produce. However, the crisis is still present, although Japan is still attracting expats who may want to do business there.

Many skilled expats work in specialist positions in the automotive sector, construction, medical or environmental technology or industrial translators. Other sectors are IT or electronics. Many other expats hold positions in the diplomatic service, foreign correspondents or have been transferred to within their own companies.

The local customs and the overwhelming bureaucracy can be barriers to both living and working in Japan, together with the fact that everything often works according to different, unwritten rules. Fear not! There are ways to get round these difficulties. Let's take a look at some hints and tips to help you make your stay in Japan a profitable and stress-free experience.

Working in Japan

• Learn Japanese. It will ease your transition;
• A heightened sense of formality is present in the business world;
• Be aware of hierarchy in the workplace;
• Team work, harmony, compromise and self-discipline are stressed;
• Decisions are rarely made in a meeting;
• Do not underestimate the importance of building relationships with both senior and junior colleagues;
• Building contacts in the local business community is key;
• Silence is considered a virtue. At a business meeting, silence may be used to reflect on what has been mentioned.
  

Living in Japan

• Japanese use fresh vegetables and ingredients in their cuisine;
• A typical Japanese meal is usually made up of various smaller dishes;
• Many kinds of Western cuisine are also popular;
• Gift-giving is encouraged in Japanese culture and used to build up relationships both in business and in life.
• Expats can enjoy public healthcare, but the high price tag and other aspects make it easier for expats to take out an international medical insurance policy before going to Japan.
• Explore Japan's country side and temples.
• Check out the ice sculpture festival in Sapporo. 
• Visit the ancient former capital of Nara.
• Check Naoshima's contemporary art museums.

Have you got any other tips? Please let us know!

Thank you for reading this blog post.
The Medibroker Team


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Living in Russia as an Expat

Expats living in Russia can experience a unique blend of traditional culture and Western influences. The Russian Federation, as it was called after 1991 when the Soviet Union ceased to exist, is the largest country in the world. It spans nine time zones and two continents.

The energy sector has traditionally been a magnet for expats who wanted to gain further working experience or doing business there. Russia is the second largest producer and exporter of natural gas in the world and the largest producer of oil, surpassing Saudi Arabia. The country also has deposits of coal, timber and various other minerals. Other strong sectors are finance and construction.

Russia has made significant progress during the past decade in modernising its economy, which is reflected in the number of Western businesses which are now headquartered in Russia, mostly in cities such as Moscow and St Petersburg. While many junior or mid positions are now starting to be filled with locals, many senior and specialist roles are still held by the expat workforce. 

There are many stereotypes about the country which can be seen as a barrier to living and working in Russia. However, business people based there tend to downplay those ideas. Nowadays, Russia is shifting towards capitalism and many believe that cities such as Moscow are a far cry from the 1990s. The concept of innovation is welcome in Russia and they tend to be open to new ideas in business.

Here are some hints and tips which you might find useful if you're an expat living and working in Russia or are looking to relocate there. Have you got any others? What's your experience?

In business

• Russians tend to work long hours;
• Learning Russian will be useful in business and would ease your transition;
• Russians may have knowledge of a foreign language and a good idea about the West. But, don't assume that their level of fluency in English or that their idea of Western culture is good;
• Networking and finding partners is key to do business in Russia;
• A business meeting is a serious occasion and should not be treated lightly. Body language in business meetings is minimal.
• It is important to dress smartly and to try to appear as a decision-maker, so that Russians don't lose any interest;
• Allow time for Russians to answer. Expect some silence before you get a reply to your question;
• Russians tend to be more direct than we are in the West.

In life

• It is illegal to film on the metro;
• Russians can be very hospitable, and it's customary to bring flowers or wine if you're invited for dinner;
• Don't forget to bring your international health insurance with you to avoid any issues that you might have;
• Smiling is not as usual a habit as it is in the West;
• Explore! You might find fascinating their varied landscape, rich traditions, art and architecture;
• Visit Lake Baikal;
• Try their pelmeni, beet soup and other delicious recipes from their traditional cuisine.

Thanks for reading this blog post.

The Medibroker Team

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Doing Business in Argentina - Hints and Tips

Argentina offers one of the best places to live in Latin America. This may be a bold statement, but expats living in Buenos Aires or other major cities enjoy a high-quality lifestyle which is relatively cheap and safe, compared to other cities in neighbouring countries like Brazil or Uruguay.

Therere were nearly two million foreign-born people living in Argentina out of a population of over 40 million, according to the 2010 census.

These may be some of the reasons why Argentina is increasing attracting big number of expats who may want to do business, as well as experiencing life there.

Here are some hints and tips. Have you got any? Feel free to add your tips!

• Argentina is a unique market, different to other markets in Latin America;
• Learning Spanish will open many doors in business, as well easing your integration;
• Personal relationships play a big role in business;
• Latin Americans tend to be sensitive to the way non-Latin Americans do business in their countries.
• Experience the great outdoors. Argentina has a spectacular and varied landscape, such as the Patagonia (pictured).
• Slow down! Time keeping in business may be a bit different in Argentina, which means that it may take more time there to do the same things. This doesn't necessarily mean it's bad for your business.
• Healthcare is good across the board, but access to adequate facilities and to a high standard level of care may be too pricey for uninsured expats.
• Try and experience the many cultural activities. Buenos Aires is well-known for its thriving night life.
• Argentinians enjoy their food, ie, barbecued beef, meat or cheese empanadas, alfajores, etc. Their cuisine has been influenced by the diverse cultures that have made up the country over time, eg, Spanish, Italian, French, other Latin American countries, etc.

Thank you for reading this post.

The Medibroker Team

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Expat Life in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia holds a quarter of the world's oil reserves,. The wealth that comes along with oil has unsurprisingly attracted numerous multinational companies and expatriates in recent years.

Nearly 80% of the over 26 million residents concentrate in cities, being the Kingdom dominated by desert! There are roughly 5.5 million expats living in the Kingdom, most of whom are manual labourers from South East Asia. The number of Europeans and North Americans living in the country is estimated at 300,000.

Oil accounts for around 45% of the country's GDP (90% of their export gains). This is partly the reason why Saudi Arabia is one of the few high-income countries with a strong industrial sector. The tertiary sector is the second most important economy sector in the country. Power generation, telecoms and the petrochemical industry have been given particular attention in the last few years.

There are many job opportunities if expats have specific expertise and a high level of experience. Many expats work in the engineering, healthcare, IT and finance sectors. It is rare to go to Saudi Arabia without a job offer. In fact, a job offer is a pre-requisite to be given a work permit, and can only be requested by the company that sponsors expat workers. At the same time, sponsors are responsible for expats, their well-being and good behaviour.

Expat Life in Saudi Arabia

• Islam impacts every single aspect of life and has moulded one of the most traditional societies in the world. This means that expats need to be willing to accept a new set of values, which include gender segregation in most public places and the need to dress appropriately.
• Music and dance are important aspects of cultural life. There is a lack of cinemas and theatres in accordance to Islam, but there are festivals, such as the Al Janadryah.
• There are opportunities to socialise with other expats.
• There are not many religious sites in Saudi Arabia, as the form of Islam that is practised there is salafism.

Is there anything else that we haven't covered? Then, please let us know!

Thanks for reading our blog.
The Medibroker Team

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Living and Working in Mexico as an Expat

André Breton called Mexico the surrealist country par excellence, given the modern art and culture which coexists with the Aztec pyramids and magnificent scenery. This is the contradicting impression that the growing number of expatriates in Mexico usually get when travelling from the lively cities to the peaceful countryside.

There certainly is more to Mexico than holiday areas. They country's GDP is estimated to grow by 3.5% in 2013, having grown by 3.8% last year. A high percentage of Mexico's trade falls under free trade agreements, such as NAFTA.

Despite this growth, the country still faces many challenges. There is a need for big improvements in areas such as the energy sector, healthcare and infrastructure. This may be one of the reasons why expats with specialist skills are welcome. Some of the main industries in Mexico are: oil and gas, chemicals and pharma, consumer durables, electronics and mining.

Hints and tips

Here are some hints and tips for professionals who wish to live and work in Mexico.

1. Try and learn Spanish. It will ease your experience there.
2. Most companies will be highly hierarchical in structure and instructions to subordinates are given in a direct manner.
3. Personal relationships are at the heart of business dealings.
4. Junior employees are not expected to deal with senior managers.
5. Agendas may not always be followed at business meetings when produced.
6. Family names are often used in business circles, as well as formal titles.
7. It is important to dress smart both in business and social situations.

Mayan ruins of Tulum

What else to do

Mexicans like to enjoy life after working hard.

• Festivals happen all year round, many of them being related to religion.
• The breath taking nature is highly protected.
• Check the pyramids, not all of them are the same.
• Mexican music is not only mariachis!

Is there anything that you would add? Please let us know!

Thanks for reading our blog.
The Medibroker Team


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The Oil and Gas Industry in East Africa and Expats

The offshore gas and oil discoveries in East Africa could be a major boom for the economy in this area and can potentially attract a sizeable number of professional expats to work there.

Data from the African Development Bank show that East African countries could grow by 5.8 in 2014, which is above the 4.8 average for Africa. This is partly due to the energy resources available. Casey Research estimates that the oil production in the area could be several times bigger than in the North Sea. It is important to remember here that Africa's natural resources still remain largely under-exploited or unexploited.

Given the situation, there is little wonder as to why the region has emerged as a hot spot, and has gained the attention of the world's largest energy companies. The Here are five things you should know about the gas and oil discoveries in that area.

1. The discoveries are mostly offshore, located on Ghana, Mozambique, Uganda and Tanzania, with great interest in Kenya and Madagascar too. 
2. Lake Tanganyka is also being prospected.
3. Financial prosperity is not yet assured. African countries have a track record of not being able to convert their oil resources into financial gains.
4. Their proximity to Asian markets may be of great importance, as it is easier for these countries to export to Asia than it is to other areas.
5. There are opportunities for other industries, such as transport and services. Workers will expect to have facilities such as accommodation, access to adequate healthcare, shops, etc.

Are you thinking about relocating to this East Africa? If so, you need to make sure that you are covered, in case of any health issue. The quality of appropriate healthcare conditions in East African countries may not be what most expats may be used to find in their home countries.

Thanks for reading.

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Pre-Existing Conditions - Diabetes. Facts and Tips

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), about 347 million people in the world suffer from diabetes. This is already a big figure, but studies seem to indicate that the number of sufferers is currently increasing. As a result, the healthcare systems of many countries worldwide will be badly affected soon. Since we receive many enquiries in relation to this pre-existing condition, we thought we would look at some facts, as well as tips for expats to prevent it when settling down in another country.

WHO says that 80% of sufferers live in low and middle income countries, some of which also happen to be popular expat destinations, such as China. In other areas around the world, diabetes is also growing quickly. Research company YouGov surveyed residents in the UAE in March this year to better understand how diabetes rates have impacted the Emirates. 58% of the Emirati surveyed reported that it ran in the family, as compared to 41% of Westerners and 54% of Asians. The WHO predicts that there will be 685,000 cases in the Emirates by 2030.

Just to give a bit of context, there are three types of diabetes. The two major types are type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes is characterised by a lack of insulin production, whereas type 2 diabetes sufferers are unable to make effective use of insulin. Insulin is the hormone that regulates the amount of glucose in the blood. A third type of diabetes is characterised by raised blood sugar levels, and which has been recognised or first appeared during pregnancy. 

Lifestyle changes can lead to type 2 diabetes, which is the only type that can actually be prevented, and yet it accounts for around 90% of all diabetes worldwide. How does this affect expatriates? When expats move to a new country, it is very easy to become less active than they might have been prior to moving to a new country, as a result of their adaptation process. 

It is also very easy to indulge in the variety of new and exotic foods available while leading a less active lifestyle. The temptation of tasty comfort food is often too much to resist. However, many of the respondents in the survey above cited weight and poor diet as the main perceived causes of diabetes in adults. 

So, let's look at some hints and tips for expats to lead a healthier lifestyle.

• Keeping an eye on your diet becomes essential.
  Eating dark and green orange veggies can help. For example, spinach, broccoli, carrots and winter squash.
• Eat good carbs, eg, whole grain cereals.
• Regular moderate exercise will be helpful. Just an hour's walk every day will help.
• Act early! Check your blood sugar levels, because high blood sugar levels can be corrected before lasting damage sets in.

While expatriates who suffer from this pre-existing condition would still be advised to check how diabetes can affect their policy, it is a good idea to take the necessary steps to prevent it.

Thanks for reading. 

Expats around the World in Numbers

We have written that the numbers of professional expats going abroad might increase during 2013, with over 70% of employers expecting to increase overseas business assignments this year. So, we thought we'd look at the number of expats around the world for this week's blog entry.

According to the infographic below, expatriates now make 3.1% of global population. There currently is 230 million expats worldwide, as opposed to 73 million expatriates back in 1960. This would make up the fifth most populous country in the world, if all of expats were to form a new country.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the countries that attract the biggest share of expats in total population are oil countries, ie, Qatar, Kuwait, and UAE. As we have mentioned in previous posts, these countries tend to use professional expat labour to cover for a skillset gap in their national workforce. These countries and some others are now introducing new changes in their healthcare regulation, which can affect expats in a negative way. Expats are advised to discuss this matter with a health specialist broker.

Some more numbers, there are 6.32 millions of Americans and 4.7 millions of British people living and working abroad. Women make 49% of the expat population around the world.

We hope that you find the infographic useful. Thanks for reading, and hope your visit soon!

Source Feedbacq.com blog.