One of Asia's Largest Business & Financial Hubs Presents Diverse Educational and Work Opportunities for Americans Hit by Financial Crisis
NEW YORK, Nov. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- As discussions continue over the future of America's financial and economic stability, Singapore is stepping up efforts to provide education and work options, especially for those affected by retrenchments in the banking sector.
As the Gateway to Asia, Singapore thrives as a business and financial hub, housing more than 7,000 multinational corporations with some 60% basing their Asia Pacific regional headquarters there. The country has been ranked three times by the World Bank as the "Easiest place to do business in the world". Hong Kong-based Political & Economic Risk Consultancy recently ranked Singapore as having the least political and social risk, well-positioning the country to weather the economic slowdown. Its economic growth in 2007 was an impressive 7.7% (as compared to USA's 3.1%) and is projected to grow by approximately 3% despite the downturn.
Leveraging on these advantages and supporting Singapore's talent attraction efforts is its Global Schoolhouse, comprising of renowned local and foreign universities that have set up campuses such as University of Chicago Booth School of Business, University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) and New York University Tisch School of the Arts. In 2007, Singapore welcomed 86,000 international students.
New courses have been specifically created to cater to working professionals at crossroads in their career and keen to explore international options. The Asia campus of UNLV has created a 3-week course titled "Gateways to Cultures of Asia" specifically designed for professionals seeking business or employment opportunities in the hospitality industry in Asia. The National University of Singapore offers a 6-week program titled "Asian Perspective: Learn Mandarin and Uncover Southeast Asia" allowing students to study Mandarin and gain valuable insight into Southeast Asia.
In today's globalized marketplace, foreign languages, overseas study and international work have proven to be highly sought-after experiences, giving job-seekers an edge in the competitive job market. Cameron Frazier of San Francisco, an executive who attained an Executive MBA in Singapore with The University of Chicago Booth School of Business, built a global career foundation by pursuing international study. "Studying in Singapore was a great experience -- it gave me a new perspective of the world, made several friends, and I enjoyed the food and neighborhoods there very much. I was offered a job in the USA whilst studying in Singapore and the overseas experience did help in the job-selection process as it's something fairly unique for Americans," said Mr. Frazier.
For those keen on pursuing long-term work opportunities in Singapore, Contact Singapore is an agency that provides a one-stop online portal to connect global talent with employers in Singapore. Career @ Singapore offers a range of career opportunities in several sectors including the financial industry. For further information, visit http://contactsingapore.jobscentral.com.sg/.
It is also easy to study, live and work in Singapore. Singapore has an open visa policy for North Americans -- visit http://www.ecitizen.gov.sg/nonresidents/ for more information. The Work Holiday Program allows approved applicants to live and work in Singapore for up to 6 months -- visit http://www.contactsingapore.sg/whpsingapore/. Education programs in Singapore are also cost-effective with favorable exchange rates to the U.S. dollar.
About Singapore Education
Singapore Education is a multi-government agency initiative launched by the Singapore Government in 2003 to establish and promote Singapore as a premier education hub and help international students make an informed decision on studying in Singapore. This initiative is led by the Singapore Economic Development Board and supported by the Singapore Tourism Board, SPRING Singapore, International Enterprise Singapore and the Ministry of Education. For more information, visit www.singaporeedu.gov.sg or email STB_Education_Services@stb.gov.sg.
About Contact Singapore
Contact Singapore is an alliance of the Singapore Economic Development Board and Ministry of Manpower. It aims to attract global talent to work, invest and live in Singapore. With offices in the Asia Pacific, Europe and North America, Contact Singapore is the one-stop centre for those who wish to pursue a rewarding career in Singapore, as well as individuals and entrepreneurs who are keen to invest in or initiate new business activities here. Contact Singapore actively links Singapore-based employers with global talent and provides updates on career opportunities and industry developments in Singapore. For more information, visit www.contactsingapore.sg.
SOURCE Singapore Tourism Board
International News / Press Release source: PR Newswire
Copyright PR Newswire. All Rights Reserved.