City with entrepreneurial spirit
Adam Hobson moved countries to start up his new company.
What inspired your move and how long have you been there?
I moved across to Singapore a couple of years ago to launch our company brand (VENA). South East Asia was the fastest growing emerging market for video advertising at the time. There is a real entrepreneurial spirit here that’s fostered at all levels, especially the start up space. I live in Chinatown near the CBD, and walk to work and meetings.
What do you do there?
I lead commercial discussions with trading partners for my company across the APAC region and oversee the development of our programmatic video platform.
What are the greatest advantages to living there?
The sheer scale; there are more than 500 million people within a 90-minute flight. Most key regional decisions for South East Asia stem from here then get rolled out regionally. There is far greater understanding of scale, efficiencies and thinking global.
Disadvantages?
There are certainly differences in cultural styles of business and negotiations. In New Zealand business challenges are often identified quickly and solutions offered efficiently. Here, the sales cycle is usually longer. New Zealand is more open to taking risks whereas in South East Asia things can seem more conservative.
How expensive is it compared to New Zealand?
Meals and alcohol come with an additional service charge and GST if you dine out. Rent is more expensive. Cars are five times more expensive! The government taxes private car owners heavily in an attempt to limit traffic congestion. The big positive is that the public transport is efficient and affordable, taxis and Ubers keep transport costs down.
Tax is significantly lower, with the average expat likely to be paying only 12-13 per cent.
How much is a beer?
At a western bar $20-$30 is the norm. A large bottle of local Tiger Beer is $5-$6.
What do you do in your spare time?
My partner and I go for swims in our local pool, and long bike rides. We enjoy refuelling at the many great places to eat and trying new dishes.
What’s the local delicacy and would you recommend eating it?
Chili crab, chicken rice, laksa, kaya toast, roti prata, rojak, hokkien prawn mee. Also bee hoon, local dim sum, mee goreng. Celebrate special occasions with a buffet offering free flow (all-you-can-drink champagne). These lazy buffets offer exceptional value as some include use of the resort pool and dining for up to three hours.
What’s the shopping like?
Extended shopping hours until 10pm every day mean there’s plenty of time to explore Orchard Rd, where you’ll find designer brands like Prada and Versace as well as H&M or Zara.
Best after-dark activity?
There are mind-blowing rooftop bars and scenic spots all over the city. 1-Altitude is the highest al fresco bar in the world, situated in Singapore’s tallest skyscraper, and is perfect for a drink with a view.
Best time of the year to visit?
The Singapore Grand Prix in September is a lot of fun. The Rugby World Sevens in April is a good time to come support the All Blacks. Women’s top 10 tennis stars arrive for the WTA in October. Another fantastic experience is to visit during the Chinese New Year, each night fireworks and parades energise the city.
What are the top three things you recommend for visitors?
I live here with my partner, who works as a teacher at an international school. We love the freedom of being able to hop on a plane on weekends. With most island destinations one-anda-half to two hours away, we have explored so much of Asia.
Besides family and friends, what do you miss most about home?
With a stable temperature of 30-34 degrees Celsius daily, I do sometimes miss cooler climates.
For Kiwis looking to move there, which industries are seeking fresh talent?
Two of every five people in Singapore are foreigners. The top five industries: banking and finance, pharmaceutical and healthcare, information technology, oil and gas and education, creative industries and retail.