Expatriate salaries may not be as lucrative in relative terms as they were in the heady days of the 70's and early 80's, but a spell working in the developing world can still be a rewarding experience - and not just in terms of money. Surprisingly few people are actually willing or interested in working in what they consider an under-developed area, so if you are keen you'll probably find that your particular skills are much in demand.
Singapore was, and still is, a fascinating country to visit - let alone live in. From the ultra modem Dallas style high-rise office blocks in the south to the shanty villages in the few remaining jungles of the unspoilt north, there is a tremendous variety of technology and culture on such a small island about the size of the Isle of Wight.
From Changi Airport you make your way to the main doors through which you can see sunshine, beautifully manicured shrubbery and a very efficient looking taxi service. When the doors open, however, you get your first shock - the heat and humidity take your breath away.
Singapore is close to the equator and has a pretty constant climate of high temperature and high humidity. The biggest effect of these conditions that we noticed were the lack of seasons.
It is always hot and humid, the flowers are always in bloom and you are either too hot or too cold (because of air conditioning). My wife used to keep a pair of socks in her drawer at the office to put on her hands when she got so cold she couldn't write, or would take a walk outside to warm up!
The next thing you notice is the cleanliness of the place. Tight regulations on things as diverse as planning permission and pornography, import controls, severe sentences for many offenses, very high rates for office space, etc help to give Singapore the feel of a rather too clinically clean place. Controlled access by cars, motor-cycles, etc to the centre of Singapore is achieved by the use of permits which can be purchased in most shopping precincts. Ten years ago it cost about £5.00 per day to drive into the centre and a further £10 to park.
Last year publicity was given to the young American boy who received a beating under the local corporal punishment regulations in Singapore, highlighting the strength of feeling they have for conformity and respect. Some may say that they are too strict, while others point to the low crime rates as justification. Is, for example, the fact that the sale and chewing of gum is forbidden in Singapore such a bad thing'?
Gambling is officially banned in Singapore - although the reputation the Chinese have for their addiction to gambling (especially to Ma Jong) is supported by the many living room lights which bum well into the small hours of the morning punctuated by the occasional shriek of "Maaaaaaa. . Jong!!!".
Singapore is also a relatively safe place. Some people would go as far as to say that it is a police state. The police do carry weapons and the country is certainly more regulated than the UK, but you are free to travel anywhere and at any time (including across the Straits to Malaysia).
National Service is compulsory -which tends to give the Singaporean youth a stronger sense of identity with their country as well as some additional skills not required at school. Unemployment is very low -mainly because there is very little or no welfare safety net.
That is not to say that the Singaporean system is purely a capitalist one. One of their proudest achievements is the extensive public housing scheme run by the Housing Development Board (HDB). Nearly half of the country's population are housed under this scheme.
Singapore is used as a base by many companies conducting business in Asia, particularly the ASEAN region (Association of South East Asian Nations [Singapore. Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines]). While based in Singapore I had to travel regularly to sites in these areas. Some countries are more developed than others, as are the language skills of some of the people working there.
During a visit to a Japanese building contractor, Hazama Gumi at their site office in Kuala Lumpar, Malaysia, the planning meeting had been underway for two hours already - and quite hard work too because of the size of the group (7 Japanese and myself) and the language problems. At II .3Oam I asked whether we could have a break so that I could visit the 'rest room'. Although I had never worked with Japanese contractors before, I had spent a number of years with Koreans and knew they used the term 'rest room' rather than 'toilet'.
Hearing my announcement, the group of Japanese immediately got up en masse and donned their jackets, whereupon they ushered me into a car outside and we all drove away. I made polite conversation as we left the site, proceeded along the main road to KL and turned into a shopping precinct - although I did wonder what the reason was that they would not allow me to use the toilet facilities on site.
I got out of the car and muttered that I would be back shortly but was somewhat surprised that all seven others followed me into the precinct. Looking around, all I could see were places to eat but could not see where the 'rest rooms' were. Turning questioningly to my colleagues, the Project Manager proffered:
"Mista Foan prenty of restram in here to choose . . . Korean Restram, Japanese Restram or, if you prefer....Burger King!!!"
Face prevented me from explaining the funny side of this to my Japanese colleagues.
There are many Japanese and Korean companies involved in construction in the region. The Koreans are typically signed up for three years and work 6am-lOpm, six days a week without returning home. Fortunately people working for western companies are given more opportunities for rest, relaxation and return trips home or time for holidays in the area. Many of the project teams are truly multi-national with British quantity surveyors, American electrical contractors, Japanese main contractors, Korean civil contractors, with local labour or any other combinations you could care to think of.
On construction sites, working in confined areas of land to the ever present accompaniment of pile driving in a hot and humid climate means that conditions can often be difficult. Although glad to come home after two years to the cold of an English autumn and the beauty of the changing seasons, I would happily return and go through the experiences all over again.